Seriously Happy

Many of us can falsify happiness with many diversions to control our sorrow. We tend to keep the real condition of our hearts perhaps due to being afraid of embarrassment or because we are too proud to deal with our grief. Others also think that being sad is just for the weak and they keep themselves busy or some people resolves to be more talkative to cover up their burden. The most upsetting cover up I can think of is being angry and worst is to declare that it is an acceptable kind of anger.

Many years back, I remember covering all up my burdens and it became normal for me to deal with my sorrow instantly with anger. I thought being angry can get everything I want accordingly. Well, there are some things we really can not learn in school but has to be learned in life. (Click here to read the rest of the story at RJC Website).

On Being Generous

The Self Introduction

So here we go. I think it’s been a long time since I contributed for an organisation. This reminds me of myself in a college paper and a local church newsletter only that this will be published online. I am the wife of Pastor Teddy, a mum to Vianca and a friend to many. I work as an Administrative and Communications Officer. Writing for me is like a passage of my thoughts, and occasionally, my way to reflect on God’s love in the mundane of life. I hope my contribution will certainly edify and will not create any whirlpool of gossips or whatsoever. Yes, I write candidly but honestly from the bottom of my heart. You might find yourself laughing and crying a little surprisingly by a simple soul. Also, I aspire to edify the Church in obtaining the Fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Please feel free to leave your comments. Any expression of gratitude is welcomed but a violent feedback may take some weeks for me to reply. To the leadership and staff of RJC Church, thank you for this opportunity.

A Generous Church

I’d like to share something obvious to where the direction of our church is heading. (Click here for the rest of the story at RJC Website).

The Church meets Social Media

No one was prepared before it all became too accessible to everyone. I remember, having an internet at home was a social symbol and renting a computer with a dial-up costed a fortune way back then. We used nicknames to keep our identities safe and one professor advised us to at least give one little lie in our information to keep our identities safe and so no one will determine that it is really us. It does make sense before because now we give every accurate information. We honestly even tell how we feel and what we ate. Now the battle is not to give too much information.

The Church inevitably are using these social media since it is becoming too accessible, too inexpensive, and nowadays, it is frequently used by the 20th century generation. We use the social media effectively for our organisation, businesses and some just use it primarily to stay connected with their family and friends. (I would like to say that the aforementioned are my purposes.)

Now on the other side, some use it inappropriately and simply to vent out. So immature.

Here are some thoughts I gathered from the humble people who studied Communications and have been in the Communication Field, including myself, for quite some time:



(This image is taken from here.)

1) Communication is a Process. The elements includes the Source, the Receiver, the Message, the Channel and the Feedback. So you are the Source and you use the Social Media as the Channel to send Messages and information to your Receivers which are your friends. Your Receivers decodes your message. This is why most of us Communication experts believe that what you tweet or post is who you are. Yes. We judge you by your tweets and posts. Yes. Investigators and Detectives use your social media contents to prove a crime. Yes. There are numerous studies about behaviours based on what you tweet and post.

2) The Social Media provided ways for us to communicate privately by using the Direct or Personal Messaging. Please use it more often to communicate both your gratitude and your anger. Yes. It helps you to be away from the spotlight and intrigue.

3) Back to the Communication Process, Feedback is also an element. So whether you like the feedback or not, it is a feedback. Swallow it down to your immature thought. You can not control it. Those who keep quoting, "Do not judge or you too will be judged" are most of the time are the guilty ones. They are too afraid to be judged so they quote that verse right away to be free from judging. Funny because the book was 'read' that's why it was judged.

4) No Feedback means no Communication. Not all messages gets a feedback. It is either good or bad but it is safe. Actually, there is wisdom in not sending a feedback straight away. The Bible talks about Self-Control and Taming the Tongue. However, positive and well-thought delayed feedback is better than no feedback at all because like I said, in order to complete a Process, all elements must be intact.

5) Imagine yourself on a stage or in television whenever you use a Social Media. Well, if you have 50 to 5000 friends or followers, that's a crowd. So that's why some people use the Social Media for important announcements- you got engaged, married, pregnant, baptised, etc.

BOOM!

Look, I am not saying as a church we are not allowed to be 'real' and pretend to be happy all the time. There are just some instances that we can vent out our hurts, frustrations, disappointments and disgust in a private way. (I am hoping we all know how to cope up because that can be another topic.)

The Split

Speaking from a third generation of Christian in the family, I have witnessed several Church Splits (and Church Merging) already. Can you imagine coping up from a young mind's perspective? Suddenly, you don't see a family you used to see once or twice a week. The Aunty you used to like because of her superb Italian and Japanese cooking suddenly disappears and much worst, said several bad things about you and your family simply because of church politics.

I specially love how Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 6:3-10 to the church in Corinth,

"We put no stumbling block in anyone’s path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything."

The views of the people have their own credits but then the result in every commotion determines if they pleased God or merely themselves. We can say they don't want discipline, they want to be treated right, they want to shine more or be better than any other in the organization and so they bid their goodbyes. People can say whatever they want to say and even to the point of lying just to avoid being in the wrong. Just like Paul said, who cares as long as they do not put a stumbling block in anyone's path. However, if a person caused disunity, then it's a sin. Not that I judge them, only maybe when I see them face to face, they might probably feel I am no longer fascinated with them. Since we all have different paths to take, my perception is to remain in God's calling and mission. Whether they are still walking in the light of God's guidance or not, it won't be my business. After all, after a ministry split, we can determine who are faithful to the call and are not. The most important is and no matter how other people sees our ministry, like Paul, we commend ourselves in every way.

Unity Takes Effort

In Hebrews 12:14, it says to "Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord."

In my opinion, I can easily determine which side is less likely sinful - the one who gives effort to live in peace. It cringes me when a leader keeps bashing hurtful words. I make a background check like his family, his work, his friends, life style, etc. Not that I am planning a plot to put him or her on a spot, I only move away from them and forgive.

Paul added the following verses to the Corinth church, "We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians, and opened wide our hearts to you. We are not withholding our affection from you, but you are withholding yours from us. As a fair exchange—I speak as to my children—open wide your hearts also."

So to those who left and was left behind, please and I beg you, stop the drama. Open wide your hearts. Amen.

Humility Check

Two things can happen after you've started shining:

1. PRIDEFUL - You became a self-absorbed shining star consumed by your own flares. You keep posting or bragging about your accomplishments and if there are anything new about yourself which is almost everything. For example, your new looks, new guitar, new nail polish or even your new pen or toothbrush . The intervals of your posts are only 30 minutes or less. You flood the news feed like crazy. If anyone gives you a negative comment, you pretend you didn't hear (or read) them. You ignore corrections. You always think you are right. You always find a way to put your name and accomplishments in every topic.

2. HUMBLE - You acknowledge other people's gifts and talents. You brag your friends' accomplishments and never use that to lift you on a higher position. You mention who gave your new gadgets and stuff. You basically give others a chance to shine in the news feed. You share your own knowledge to pass on what you have learned. You accept comments and check yourself if it is true. In the process of checking, even if it was said in a bad or nice way, you try to change. You are willing to learn and improve from those corrections. You ask other people's opinion and that includes the other team's side. Most importantly, you know that winning isn’t everything and you don’t have to win.

There is a thin line between Humility and False Humility. One author said, "False humility is pride in disguise. I know because I’m a prideful jerk who sometimes likes to pretend he’s humble. Humility is an interesting thing. We are to be striving for it, yet, the only time we can be sure we’ve attained it, is when we stop looking at ourselves…when we don’t know that we’ve attained it. As soon as you realize(start to think) you are humble, you stop being humble."

In Hebrews 12:1-2, it says, "Let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Therefore, focusing on Jesus, instead of ourselves, is true Humility. No one does like Jesus Christ. No one shines brighter than what He did, is doing or will do. Jesus Christ is the only reason why we shine like stars. All glory and praises about us belongs to the reflection of a Christ-centered life.

Try to look at yourself and see if Jesus Christ is alive in you. That is the true test of a humble heart.

Facing Your Giants

Now what if you are ready to shine, ready to get out from your comfy shell and be the better version of you then suddenly a Bully Giant is blocking your way to greatness?

Giants appear in different types.

MR.CRANKY NEGATIVE

Like King Saul in 1 Samuel 17:33, he said to David, “You are not able to go out against this Philistine and fight him; you are only a young man, and he has been a warrior from his youth.”

He only sees your weaknesses and your flaws. He thinks you cannot contribute something awesome and great out of your weaknesses. Remember that this type of giant is mostly logical and a realist. Sometimes, he might be thinking about your welfare but then again, if you're not as pragmatic as them, remind him that there is nothing bad in trying. Thank him for his concern and later give him updates how are you doing outside the fence. You might encourage him someday to at least take a peek outside.

MR. SENIORITY

Read 1 Samuel 17:28 "When Eliab, David’s oldest brother, heard him speaking with the men, he burned with anger at him and asked, 'Why have you come down here? And with whom did you leave those few sheep in the wilderness? I know how conceited you are and how wicked your heart is; you came down only to watch the battle."

He seems to be your guru in different ways because probably he is older than you or joined the group earlier than you. He believes seniority rules and all new comers are subject to his leadership. You might probably need to ask yourself if submitting to all of his suggestions will benefit you or simply him. You have to reinstate why you have become friends. Most relatives and family members cling to this ideology since they all became part of your life first. Pro-actively solicit their feedback. Talk to them individually because the Mr. (or Mrs.) Seniority might bully his way in a group. Now, if there are only few Mr. & Mrs. Seniority that seem to be against your path to improvement, prepare your way out to fly like an eagle.

LITTLE MISS JEALOUS

This, I believe, is the most notorious among the giants. She can be your trusted friend or your beloved sister. You might not see this coming as you shine brighter and better than her. She manipulates you and may even spread lies and do whatever it takes to bring you down. She might have had her prime season but you have to tell her that each person has her or his own time to step up. If she lost her track, there are several reasons and you should not be part of her dying flame. The best thing you can do is to apologize for what happened to her (if there are any), remind her that she can still do other and better things and you are not her competitor.

Personally, I recoil whenever a friend confessed that she is jealous of me. I had to know more about the reason behind the jealously and if she would never want to resolve that, our friendship is over. They say that competition is healthy but if the other ends up being choked by fame and selfishness, then the competition has to end. We can still be friends but if I smell competition, I go to another direction and perhaps pave another way to be awesome for the Lord.

Dealing with enviousness can be another topic for me to write about. For now if you think someone in your circle of friends is acting up like Little Miss or Mr. Jealous or perhaps you are the Little Miss Jealous, I found a link from Bible.org which gives the most Biblical appoach to deal with envy or jealousy. Click here.

Single, Busy and Proud!

Below is the list of things you can do while waiting for your Princess or Prince Charming. This might give you an idea why some people are staying single for a long time or literally made a personal decision to stay single or be a blessed single forever. I can't blame them. I honestly thought I would be a blessed single myself.

Here is the check list:

1.) Improve Thy Self

I am talking about your personality and perception in life. Search for the 'Better You' instead of searching Mr. Right. There are tons of Christian Self-Help book you may read such as "Become a Better You" By Joel Osteen and "Battlefield of the Mind" by Aunt Joyce Meyer and "A Woman and Her God" by Aunt Elizabeth Moore. I know some of you would prefer reading romantic chick flick novels like "Twilight" and "Hunger Games" but honestly, these books can not really make you a better person but are only teaching you to be someone that does not really exist. Come to think of it, these books are only in the Fiction section. Get it?

2.) Sharpen Thy Skills

If talent runs in your blood then why won't you take extra lessons to hone your skills? Don't be content by merely imitating someone. Be the one who rocks. If you have a niche in singing, acting, drawing, cooking, baking, dancing, playing musical instruments, writing, photography, beat-boxing or surfing then start somewhere. Join interest clubs, organizations or community groups to help you improve. You are never too young (or old) to start something.

3.) Spread the Love

I am not convincing you to be an extrovert but at least get out from your nutshell and let other people know that you are alive, existing and let them know that you love them. Enough with the 'emo style'. Put down your headphones and communicate with another human being. Ask your friends how are they doing. Surprise a friend (not your crush!) with a message, a tweet or maybe a post card. If it doesn't hurt you much, make new friends. Hug your mom, dad, uncles and aunty. Make coffee for everyone at home. Give your dog a walk and play with him/her in the park. Invite your sibling(s) to hang out. Just get out from your 'cave'.

4) Be a Volunteer

Be part of a community organization to help out the less fortunate. Start in your own school and/or church. You really don't have to be a super hero to help. Just lend your time and hands. Don't wait until you get a job and become rich. Ironically, you won't have the time and resources by then (Laugh out loud). You are already blessed so simply ignite the fire in you. It's time to shine!

The Classic LCM

He walks in the room and you don't know if you need to fix your hair or your breath still smells like peperoni and onion. He says 'hi' to everyone he meets in the room and even it's too crowded, he managed to go beside you while you pretend he's not there and staying busy. You smell a familiar cologne and the idea that he is looking at you and he fixes your hair to see your eyes is making you smile up to your ears.

Is that Love? Does normal friends do that? You keep asking yourself but the answer does not matter for now. You love that he's there beside you and not with other girls. You stop pretending to be busy and quickly you say 'hi' and say 'how long have you've been here?' though you've been looking at your watch and checking your phone if he texted or made a call.

Can love really wait? How long should you wait? How can you wait?

Maybe you have met someone in that scenario. You guys are friends but you feel that something special is happening between you two -- and you guys are young. What are you going to do?

To give you an idea, LCM stands for Love, Courtship and Marriage. Some have already added the letter F which means Friendship. There are heaps of Christian books about this topic and I agree with them that you stay virgin and pure for your one and only. Also, I hope you can consider some points. Plainly speaking:

1) You guys can wait and stay friends but that does not mean you stop talking to each other and have fellowship. Stay connected but not clingy. Try to meet some other people and avoid making him the center of your universe;

2) While in waiting, try to make some research. Conduct a survey by asking your parents, married siblings, cousins and people close to you on how they met and fell in love;

3) And while waiting and getting busy with school and other priorities in life, you might end up discovering that you guys are perfectly together as friends. Never ever speak ill about her/him if in case she/he drifted away. You guys are just friends and it's good you stayed that way then let go.

4) Avoid bashing bitterness on Facebook, Twitter, etc. It might be hard to some but I hope you can try your best and cry it all to God who loves you more than ever. If it helps, share this to someone you trust and pray for you.

I hope you'll appreciate being good friends and treating each other with high respect as brothers and sisters. Most of us have regrets doing things our own way and got tired of waiting at some point. Keep close to God and never abandon your relationship with Jesus. You'll never know if you'll be meeting your Princess or Prince Charming soon.

And lastly, Enjoy waiting! There are so many things you can do while single! Xxoo

Let's Talk About Your Crush

So who is your crush?

I hope I made you smile or perhaps a little bit blushing while opening this site. Having a crush is all normal. Who doesn't have one? Well unless that person has a total crush with himself or herself and that is, in all aspect, very disturbing.

The problem lies how do you have a crush on someone. It's alright if you have a crush on a TV or Music personality but to be obsess with him or her is a different story. The range of being a fan and obsession are not similar.

Here are the differences:

THE FAN LEVEL

You buy and listen to his or her music most of the time.
You scream when you see him or her on the TV screen.
You downloaded his or her pictures and made it your computer or mobile background.
You save up to see him or her in person to watch his or her concerts.


I believe these are normal and acceptable things we do as an avid fan. You are simply enthusiastic and supports your crush's career.

THE OBSESSED LEVEL

You have internalized all the lyrics of his or her songs and became your life verses and believed in your heart that all the songs are about you.
You hate it when other people has a crush on your crush.
You edit his or her picture and paste a picture of yourself beside him or her. Worst is you positioned yourself as if you guys are affectionate towards each other in the picture.
You can die of hunger and never used your money for it's true purpose. You even used your mom's credit card to download in iTunes.


I believe obsession is a serious deficiency and I hope parents could determine the differences of being a fan from being a delusional fan. Some girls or boys having these kind of behaviour may have troubles having a crush with his or her friends in the future. Some never graduated the fanatic stage and thought the same applies in building up proper friendship with the opposite gender that can lead to mature love.

I have encountered a teenager asking for a prayer request because she could not sleep for days because her crush has stopped texting her. I want to blame the media and all the crappy young love dramas that have influenced teenagers. I, myself, have been a victim of these stuff and I found myself having mood swings over my early teenage life. I guess being disciplined by my mom is something I am truly thankful for.

My prayer is that you nourish Self-Control and be busy with other things to improve your being and future with God. I will definitely write about having a wonderful and meaningful friendship with the opposite gender in the next few days.

Knowing Your Ultimate Vocation

We had a very interesting topic with our connect on one meeting. I think about three people asked how can a person know what he/she should do to know their ultimate calling. They generalized it by saying they are all in a crossroad and feel like they want to do something else.

I think me and my husband are one of those few people who know that we love God and His church at a very young age. He wanted to be a Pastor while in College and he said his mother told him several times that he is going to be a Pastor. Me, on the other hand, spent most of my free time in church and shared to friends that I wanted to be a wife of a pastor no matter that kind job I might end up with. Hence, I spent the first four years after college trying to figure out what I really want to do. To my delight, I gained a huge number of friends and acquittance that led me to finally meet my husband.

It sounds easy for us in the ministry because most of us knew our calling right away at a young age. Some kind of the same way how Samuel or David was called.

But how would you know if you are joining the work force as a doctor, as an accountant, as an engineer, as a dentist, as a teacher, as a journalist, as a fashion designer, as a pastor, a singer-composer, as a social worker, as a nurse or as a TV personality for goodness sake? The options are too many.

Here are my suggestions:

KNOW YOUR STRENGTHS

Most Christian and Career Counsellors give questionnaires for a person to find their 'calling' or vocation. It's a personality and skills test to know your strengths and your weaknesses. Talk to them first to help you assess your strengths and skills. Most likely they have this type of questionnaires that you can answer on your own phase and not on a box or school setting.

MAKE A SURVEY

For some, they trust their families, their parents and siblings to help them decide if they really have to make a career change or where they should go. I put much weight on family's feedback since I believe the financial and emotional support also depends on them. You are blessed if you have very generous parents or siblings. For some people, they have to earn and find a mean-time job to support the decision.

SPEND TIME ALONE WITH GOD

Above the first two suggestions, seek God's guidance. There are times that your own family and friends do not make sense and are too busy with themselves or perhaps lost in the labyrinth like you. I know some of my friends enjoyed a year of rest after they've finished a degree and some took a certificate course before really entering a university. Spend time nurturing your soul with God's word and devote a lot of talking time with God. If, for instance, you don't have the luxury to be jobless due to financial situation, God can still meet you in your mean-time job like Moses and David as shepherds in the field.

Pray that God will direct your path and lead you where you will be more fruitful not only financially but also in your personal and spiritual growth. I love what Jesus said in John Chapter 15:

"V.5 If you remain in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing. V6 If you do not remain in Me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. V7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. V8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be My disciples."

Your 9-month-old: Week 3

How your baby's growing:

The torrent of words your baby has been hearing since birth is beginning to work its magic, although his understanding of words far outpaces his ability to use them. His babbling has turned to jabber and is probably starting to sound a little like real words, phrases, and sentences. Your baby thinks he's saying something, so respond as if he really is!

Your baby still comprehends more from your tone than from your actual words. He can understand when you're pleased. The more you talk to your baby — either directly or while doing other things, such as preparing dinner, driving, or getting dressed — the more he learns about communication.

• Learn more fascinating facts about your 9-month-old's development.
Your life: Housekeeping woes

When you get to the point that the mess in your home is causing you stress, remember these three powerful words: Lower your standards. It's hard to keep up with the cleaning, laundry, and organization the way you did pre-baby, especially once your little one is able to move about and scatter toys all day long.

To clear up some of the clutter and make yourself feel better, consider focusing on specific, attainable goals. Take care of necessities first and then move on to more complex tasks. Organize your home in ways that will make your daily life easier — perhaps by keeping your baby's diapering supplies or toys in one place. If possible, splurge on some help from a housekeeping service for a one-time overhaul to get back on track. Then make a plan of action — with your partner — to keep future messes to a minimum.

It also helps to talk about your frustrations with other parents. They're likely to sympathize and may be able to share helpful hints. (The perfect spot to do this: our bulletin board on keeping your house in order.)
3 questions about: Strep throat

Should I worry about my baby catching strep throat?
Don't worry too much. Babies rarely get strep throat even though it's contagious. Still, if you or people you know (such as your baby's older sibling) have it, do keep an eye out for symptoms.

How can I tell if my baby has strep throat?
Look for swollen, bright red tonsils flecked with white. Other symptoms include a sore throat that lasts more than a few days, a temperature over 101 degrees Fahrenheit (taken rectally), chills, and swollen or sore lymph glands under your baby's jaw.

What should I do if I think my baby has strep throat?
Call your baby's doctor if you observe any of the symptoms described above or if your baby has trouble swallowing, breathing, or opening his mouth wide. If your baby tests positive for strep, your doctor will treat it with antibiotics. Make sure you give your baby the full course of antibiotics, even if he seems better before all the medicine is gone. Not doing so may cause more severe complications.

To help your baby handle the discomfort, give him lots of loving attention and try offering cool water to drink. Consult with your doctor before giving any medications for pain relief.

Thiry-two Things that Change when You have a Baby

by Rebecca Woolf

What changes when you have a baby? A better question may be: What doesn't change? Here, writer and mom Rebecca Woolf lists her most notable post-baby observations. Then scroll down to read our favorite comments from readers about how their babies changed their lives.

1. You finally stop to smell the roses, because your baby is in your arms.

2. Where you once believed you were fearless, you now find yourself afraid.

3. The sacrifices you thought you made to have a child no longer seem like sacrifices.

4. You respect your body ... finally.

5. You respect your parents and love them in a new way.

6. You find that your baby's pain feels much worse than your own.

7. You believe once again in the things you believed in as a child.

8. You lose touch with the people in your life whom you should have banished years ago.

9. Your heart breaks much more easily.

10. You think of someone else 234,836,178,976 times a day.

11. Every day is a surprise.

12. Bodily functions are no longer repulsive. In fact, they please you. (Hooray for poop!)

13. You look at your baby in the mirror instead of yourself.

14. You become a morning person.

15. Your love becomes limitless, a superhuman power.

And from our readers...

1. "You discover how much there is to say about one tooth." — Ashley's mom

2. "You finally realize that true joy doesn't come from material wealth." — Anonymous

3. "You now know where the sun comes from." — Charlotte

4. "You'd rather buy a plastic tricycle than those shoes that you've been dying to have." — Sophie's mom

5. "You realize that although sticky, lollipops have magical powers." — Roxanne

6. "You don't mind going to bed at 9 p.m. on Friday night." — Kellye

7. "Silence? What's that?" — Anonymous

8. "You realize that the 15 pounds you can't seem to get rid of are totally worth having." — Brenda

9. "You discover an inner strength you never thought you had." — Ronin and Brookie's mom

10. "You no longer rely on a clock — your baby now sets your schedule." — Thomas' mom

11. "You give parents with a screaming child an 'I-know-the-feeling' look instead of a 'Can't-they-shut-him-up?' one." — Jaidyn's mom

12. "Your dog — who used to be your 'baby' — becomes just a dog." — Kara

13. "You take the time for one more hug and kiss even if it means you'll be late." — Tracey

14. "You learn that taking a shower is a luxury." — Jayden's mom

15. "You realize that you can love a complete stranger." — Dezarae's mom

16. You find yourself wanting to make this world a better place. — Arizona

17. If you didn’t believe in love at first sight before, now you do! — Ciara

You Are Pleasing to God!

For those people who wants TRUE PEACE, this is for all of you! God bless! Shalom!

You Are Pleasing to God!

Today's Scripture

"Before you were ever formed in your mother's womb, God saw you and He approved you." (Jeremiah 1:5)

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

You are approved by Almighty God! You are created in His image and you're the apple of His eye. You did not choose God, but He chose you and He is pleased with you–His most precious creation.

Notice that verse doesn't say that God approves you as long as you don't have any faults, or as long as you don't make any mistakes. No, God approves you unconditionally. No matter how many weaknesses you may think you have today, no matter how many times you fall in your walk with the Lord, you've got to get right back up again and hold your head up high. Don't allow the enemy to bring strife into your life by deceiving you into thinking that you are not "good enough" for the plan of God. Stand strong in your thoughts about yourself knowing that not only have you been chosen, but you are approved by Almighty God.

A Prayer for Today

God, remind me that no matter how many times I fail or fall short of Your expectations, You have already given me Your eternal "stamp of approval." I was made in Your image. Help me to have a healthy, positive self image so I can face the world with confidence. In Jesus' name – Amen.

James Parmis Ministries - www.JamesParmis.com

Goodbye Lola Yoda

Thoughts: New things come after Old things. An old-long life has ended. I now hope that a new life will start. It is painful to have someone leave this world even if we knew it was her time. Now I wonder how much joy can we gain when someone new will be born..
Music: Amazing Grace by Leanne Rimes (I sang this song for her last night in Knox United Methodist Church, Sta. Cruz, Manila)



Moja's Blog:
Our Lola Yoda, real name Lola Emiliana, died last Wednesday January 16. She had reached 92 years and should be 93 on July 20. She died because of her old age. She was still singing hymns on her bed. She could still recognize some visitors. She didn't feel too much pain. She died happily. We thank God for his faithfulness to our grandmother. God has promised abundant blessings for us all because of her. She hoped hard. She prayed hard. We love her so much.

Lola Yoda, you told me I am your Princess. You love me and my name Lea because it was taken from the bible - your only granddaughter with a biblical name. You are always proud of me when I sing, your Princess Lea. But Lola, I always sing because I know my grandma will be so happy to hear me sing for her and her God.

I promise to pass on the richness of God's grace and mercy in our family. I'll do my best to hope in the Lord always. We will never waste what you have started. You are my inspiration. We will preserve and gain more of God's blessings. We will reach more souls as what you've accomplished even to your death. In Jesus'name. Amen.

It takes more than a Carrot and a Stick

Practical Ways for Getting Along with People You Can't Avoid at Work

by Wess Roberts

Long title huh? I bought this book from NBS at Katips. I was actually contemplating over with a bridal magazie since I'm getting married next year. But then, I felt that I need to read this book first. You know, how to deal with different kinds of people. People are not the same. Even if we belong to the same religion or nationality, a person still has his or her own kind of insanity... i mean personality. Hehe. And I believe it is applicable not only for secular work relationships but also in the ministry.

Since I feel lazy yet compelled to write about this book, I copy-pasted a comment about it.

Coworker relationships influence quality of life, both on and off the job. Wess Roberts shows how workplace colleagues can get along, whether their natural personalities mesh like gears or clash like cats and dogs. It Takes More Than a Carrot and a Stick provides practical tips and surefire tactics for working with anyone. The book addresses how to get along with the 15 self-limited character types commonly encountered at work, from "Imperious Jerks" to "Perpetual Victims." Roberts walks the reader through each character type, giving concrete advice on how to thrive with others.

While reading, I remember some people I've met. Hehe. Have you ever read then all of a sudden this person's face pops out? Hehe. I laughed at them and understood these personalities. Roberts wrote the book in a very easy-to-read manner. No hifaluting words. I cried laughingly to their description and nodded to tips how to deal with them.

Quest for Character

by Charles R. Swindoll

When you are fully convinced, a new dimension of your character will take shape. And as that occurs, two things will happen: (1) Your strings will be cut, (2) You'll be free, indeed! And surpirse! You'll find that lonely hitchhiker you left miles back sitting in the passenger seat right beside you.. smiling every mile of the way.

I fully recommend this book. I got this from our shelves in school where I teach Languages. My prayer is that you will see only Jesus Chirst as mentor of your character not other people, including me. I suggest that you should understand the meaning of your ministry as God's advocate to disciple others and NOT to flaunt your explicit knowledge of Christianity. There are many differences. No camps and leadership trainings that offer the Most Holy and Righteous Servanthood but through Jesus alone. May you be enlighted and find peace in Jesus. May you be filled of the Holy Spirit and be cleansed from any SINS and be healed from any PAIN that others have caused you, including me.

Counselling from other people is helpful but to really release your pain to God, you will be completely healed and be made whole again. I pray God will empower your ministry whether in campuses, at church or at the market place. Remember that a minister CAN NOT give what she/he is lacking. Your cup should be full first before ministering. You CAN NOT disciple if you are not fully armed yourself.

Above all, Mercy and Grace are available at the seat of God. Be beautiful both outside and inside. Forget about your diet, your colored contact lens and your outfit if it goes with your short hair. If you haven't changed your perception about life which God gave you and other people around you, maybe including me, your faith is as dull as dry hair.