Facing and Defeating The Giants

I was very blessed by God's wonderful message last Sunday. It uplifted my soul and encouraged me to continue moving forward. David and Goliath's story is very familiar, to some it is so usual. But last Sunday, it has a different impact. God has taught me to look at the story on a different angle and showed me how to defeat the giant, in God's way:

1. Have a right mindset.

2. Ignore offenses.

3. See things in a positive way.

4. Focus on the big God, not on the problem.

5. Trust in the power of the living God, who supplies everything.

We are not an ordinary armies, we are "God's armies"

"David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the LORD be with thee." I Samuel 17:37

The Best Friend You'll Ever Have

Have you ever been in a situation where in you felt you're in the lowest part of your life and there's no one to turn to? You are looking for somebody who can understand you but failed to find one? Then at one point, you find yourself in a room, all alone, your eyes bursting with tears and murmuring your pains. Then, you realized you are talking to Jesus.

Proverbs 18:24 says, "Some friendships do not last, but some friends are more loyal than brothers". His communication line is always open. His ears are always ready to listen. And whenever we are in the pit of discouragement, loneliness and fear, He will surely not abandon us ("I will never leave you nor forsake you" - Heb 13:5).

Make Jesus your best friend. Say it all to Him and after that fine conversation with Him, your strength will be restored and you will suddenly feel the joy, calmness and comfort, brought by the touch of His loving hands.

Never Lose Hope, Never Give Up

Last year was a challenge-full year for me. A year of survival, a year of financial battle. But that year made me a better, wiser and stronger person. And that year has proven how good my God is. God has showed me that in times of trouble and trials, He will never, ever leave me. I am always touched by the song "Foot Prints in the Sand". He says that, "In times of trouble, I walked with you all the way. In time you only see a set of footprints, it was then that I carry you." So, never lose hope, never give-up, don't quit, God is there to help... all the way!

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." 1 Peter 5:6-7

Life in the Midst of Financial Crisis 2

One of the solutions to cut the family expenses is to transfer our son, Jarrel, in a public elementary school. We have saved P24K in tuition fee; P3,600 in books and P2K in uniforms. Yesterday was his first day in his new school, my husband and I dropped him off. In an hour of staying in the school, we observed its needs and the adjustments that our son needs to cope-up.

Jarrel belongs to Grade I. The class is composed of 50 students. The desk which can accommodate two students is being shared by three. There is only one electric fan, not enough to provide proper ventilation to all students. This situation is far different from 1980's elementary school where I was in. Our class was not crowded, there were only 30 students per classroom. Now, my son needs to adjust with the environment of big crowd and crowded classroom.

I have watched documentaries that enumerated public schools' needs several times. And seeing those in reality moved me to think and ask (once again) what can I do to help. I told my husband to ask if the teacher will allow us to bring a chair for our son. I would also want to talk with my fellow parents if we can contribute/share to buy electric fans. I know our little ways will reduce the burdens that the school are facing. This is an opportunity to show our concern and camaraderie. I just hope people in our government will prioritize the improvement of the educational system in our country.

When my mind speaks, it encourages...

Prayer

When your life is gloomy
And there are so much worry,
Don’t let yourself go weary
Kneel and ask God’s mercy.

When nobody seems to care
When the shadow of death stares,
Don’t let your faith be tear
Kneel and ask God’s strength.

Prayer is a weapon
That can ease up any tension,
So my friend even a few seconds
Kneel and feel God’s passion.

This poem was written on April 10, 1998 at Getshemani Prayer Mountain.