Count it on "I AM"

God said to Moses, "I am who I am"..... - Exodus 3:14

Opportunities come our way in different forms, times, and even moods. Oftentimes, we choose to grab all these opportunities and make the most out of it. For all we know, we've been missing what they say, "half of our lives" :)

This may be true but I guess seizing opportunities has more profound perspective than just going through it and boom! can create frustrations and the usual: "sana hindi ko nalang ginawa". Which, on the other hand supposed to give a new and greater experience. Right? Ooooooh. I hate to regret on things but hey! inevitable talaga! :)

The Point

I have been thinking of opportunities for a long time now because of the job I'm in at present. *no need to say the particulars* but all I know is that it comes with the following:

• I get to help my parents with some of the school expenses of my sisters.  
• I am able to practice my expertise which I studied for 4 years.
• I'm meeting different personalities.
• I get the chance to meet significant persons which others took a long time to experience 
• I experience professional treatment in excellence and flaws.
• Many more.

Let me tell this as if I'm in a question and answer portion of a beauty pageant. Ehem.....

Opportunities, I believe are God's expression of Grace and Blessing in that it all serve as ways to glorify Him alone. ALONE. ALONE.

Will you count the answer to give me the crown title? No, no.. just kidding! I'm just taking the opportunity to be a beauty pageant contestant even through this. Joke uli! :)

So, all these "I's" I'm experiencing are still out of the abundance of God, out of His provisions, out of His love and mercy. ALONE. ALONE.

So if we are experiencing blessings out of all these opportunities, we receive the reward of our obedience. And part of our faithful stewardship is to take good care of the opportunities God is giving us primarily because we can use it all to glorify His name.

"so whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the Glory of God."

-1 Corinthians 10:31 (NIV)

"not by might nor by power but by My Spirit, says the Lord Almighty." Zechariah 4:6 (NIV)

image from Google

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I'm not sounding like I'm perfect in this area of my life, cause there are still times when I fall short of His glory when I forget to acknowledge that all these things and circumstances (out of Truth) that come my way are not from myself or anyone but from God.

Dear Lord,

Most of the time, I fail to recognize that opportunities that come my way can be of greater purpose than what I think is-- that is to glorify Your name alone. Help me be a faithful steward of all that You've entrusted me. Thank You that I can rest on Your grace as I learn to struggle well in my weaknesses until I'm free from it.

Because of Your grace alone, I'm standing. :)

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To You Alone.

Busy schedule and other personal circumstances make it hard for me to update. This, I'm very sad of. But as the common saying goes, "better late than never". This post is my update to this.

Since I've asked for prayers for the event. I would love to update you with all that took place in the Youth Leadership Summit we had last June 8-10, & 12. But first, forgive me on the quality of the pictures. I've only used my blackberry. (Di ko pa kasi afford ang DSLR; Hehe. But I'm sure, God will just provide in His right time.-Ecclesiastes 3:11)

So... let the pictures give a glimpse of the happenings! (again, sorry for the quality)

Pastora Betty talks about Genuine Leadership.

Some of the youth participants

The first night started with a fellowship and leadership talk. It's so ironic that all the participants still enjoy each other's company despite the fact that they see each other often and if they want to.

BTW, the Leadership Summit was titled "Builders' Side: Activate!" We've also enjoyed the theme song (ACTIVATE by Stellar Kart) which was played by SOP Band. Call me bias but their version is one of a kind. haha!

Let me continue.

There were so much to tell but let me just give you highlights of the day.

I. Encounter with a Campus Full Time Missionary. We are very much blessed that Kuya Cip never hesitated to respond to our request to be one of the speakers specifically on the topic of servant leadership. He is a full time missionary of Philippine Campus Crusade for Christ and is committed in helping fulfill the Great Commission of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Kuya Cip maximizing his time with the guy leaders

while group discussions are on-going.....

II. Encounter with Surprising Creativity. One of the activities utilized on the second day is to describe personal leadership traits through group drawings. Criteria for judging favors explanation more than the drawing. I was surprised how each and everyone became creative in explaining. Can you guess who won? haha!

Best in haggard face na ako.

III. Encounter with the Community. Then here's the favorite part of the participants (i hope so)..Community Cleaning! We decided to partner with the Barangay where God Has The Answer Church is located. Thank you Barangay Bitano, Legazpi City for giving us the privilege to use our strength to help clean  the area. We pray for a consistent relationship. And honestly, everyone is excited to do community cleaning monthly. 

Nothing beats preparation through a prayer

And ang walang kamatayang truck ni Kuya Angelo!

Kuya Joash, our Young Professionals Group Head

when excitement strikes...

Totoo ito, okay?

After the community cleaning, groups are tasked to re-enact what they have learned and experienced during the community cleaning.

One of the groups on their presentation

I soooooo love this candid shot! Mas maganda talaga pag hindi vain ano? I love them!

I cannot thank God enough for giving us the opportunity to have an intimate encounter with him together through this event. All these activities are nothing of purpose if not for the Glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

Indeed, there is joy in being physically tired. It was all worth it!

Grateful!

MnemoniqueJourney

To my Gracious God,
 Let me join David in his prayer....

It is good to praise the Lord,
and make music to Your name, O Most high,
proclaiming Your love in the morning,
and Your faithfulness at night,
-Psalm 92:1-2
 For You make me glad by Your deeds, Lord;
I sing for joy at what Your hands have done.
How great are Your works, Lord,
how profound Your thoughts!
-Psalm 92:4-5
But You, Lord are forever exalted.
-Psalm 92:8

And! Thank you for your prayers! :) 

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Getting Ready

Today (by 5pm) will be the start of the Youth Leadership in our church in which I'm one of the facilitators. I'm honestly in anticipation as to how the delegates will present themselves as excited participants. I've even composed text messages for event countdown via sms and in every text brigade message, "Are you ready?" question will never be out of it.

ARE YOU READY?

To be one of the organizers of a camp is an opportunity. It is not just about planning the whole thing, , hitting the target number of audience, coming up with well established objectives and a good menu for meals, and many more. But it is an opportunity to stay on track despite the triggering busy disposition, misunderstandings, clash of ideas, cost-cutting, change of schedules, and many more stuffs for remedy. All these "triggering" factors become threats in the part of the organizers in that it can produce that "obligation thing" in every person....only IF one is not ready. And to be ready is to know that all things (including technicalities) are all in the hands of God believing that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)

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As I glance through my phone just this day, I reviewed all the text messages I've sent. Surprisingly, the "are you ready"-usual-question personally touched something in me.

One thing I've learned from organizing an event is the need to make myself ready before the execution of plan and its technicalities. And when I say to get ready is to have atleast a moment with God, talking things with him about this specific mission and staying in His presence the whole time.This prevents me from being tired emotionally (being physically tired is inevitable) and taking things like just a sort of obligation. To be in no moment with God (even in general) robs the joy that God has bestowed in me at the first place. And being spiritually prepared is not just about preventing myself from haggard and tired face (haha) but it's more of centering my perspective that this is all about Glorifying our Lord and not myself.

1 Corinthians 10:31 says:

³¹ So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.  

Please pray for our Youth Leadership Summit which will be held at God Has The Answer Church Legazpi, Inc. on June 8, 9, 10 (Service in the morning) and 12.  Help us pray for the following:

• Provision for the 150php registration fee of each participant
• Smooth flow of programs
• Wisdom for invited speakers
• Praise and Worship Team 
• Safe venue
• Favorable weather 

• lasting effect of messages, workshops, and plenaries on participants and even facilitators
• MOST OF ALL, that the event will GLORIFY THE LORD JESUS. 
  

¹³ And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 

John 14:13

Just the front page of the event's manual :)

 Thank you so much!

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Overflowing Cup

It's just so sweet to receive gifts out of creative efforts and quality time. It only shows how one serves as of greater value to a person.

I've received this gift from our church youth leaders. Actually we, the young professionals have one each. They said it was an appreciation token to acknowledge our efforts in leading them and at the same time as we work with the need to drink coffee (hehe). That was so thoughtful! The gift actually didn't matter to me if not for the thought and the hearts who made it.

Thank you very much.

MnemoniqueJourney

It's a mug, ("a" because the other one in the picture is not mine) yet it reminds me of the "overflowing cup" we experience in the presence of God. That as we fully surrender our lives to Christ, confessing our sins, and genuine repentance, our cup continually overflows.

Mine is on the right side :)

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. -Psalm 23:5

And the gift will always remind me of the OVERFLOWING CUP. :)

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Our Choice.

When situations push us to react on things, good or bad, it all count on us. A monstrous treatment of someone would entail rage. A caring approach would mean the same approach from us too. In inevitable circumstance like the hot weather, it would mean pleasure to those who are going to the beach to tan themselves, for some it would be a hindrance because they have to take the risk of surviving in the "hard-core" heat of the sun. Different responses come from different people with different.......ATTITUDE. It is said that our attitude would make or break us. And that it could change bad vibes that started our day and make it more productive as ever!

PERSONALITY VS. ATTITUDE

There are some people who would say, "I will never ever like that person, because he will never change". TRUE! Technically, that "something" in the person which we think will not change is his personality. Yes, because that is the identity that we have. But I guess what we always refer to as something that we dislike about a person is his attitude. Personality is a gift given to us-- whether we are adventurous, keen, suave, or meticulous type. At certain points, we can't change that unless we are having identity crisis. (And this would take another story.)

The point I'm only taking is that personality is our unique traits and I guess it would be fair if we are not to hate a person based from the innate quality that he has or maybe to hate a circumstance if it's inevitable. If we can't change things, then maybe.. we can always change our attitude about it. It would be very hard but it would be a great accomplishment as we, by grace would be committed in practicing the art of overcoming our windy feelings and choosing to decide to act the way that is pleasing to our Maker, who is the creator of everything including our personalities. Our attitude (actually) is only distorted by external influences and even our own deceitful hearts. But we can always choose to decide to realign our attitude to what God has instore for His children. So this would mean a regular meditation of His Word as well as reliance on Him through prayer.

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Literally and figuratively, I woke up today feeling dry and empty. My hands (but I only have a picture of my left hand) are dry maybe because of the weather and my night laundry stuff.

My hand is literally dry

Also, I feel alone because I've been staying alone in my apartment for 2 months now . I am really alone in my room on previous years but this summer, I have no one to talk to at night or to visit in their rooms to watch tv with. These bring dryness even in my emotional dealings.

However, I realized that if I would let these feelings conquer me, maybe I'll not be able to go to work and would be unproductive the whole day. But I have to warn you that it's hard to fight our feelings for it usually give us the idea that it is the right thing to do. But if we choose to fight our feelings as we find it pleasing to the Lord accompanied by His wisdom, we'll be on the right track and we'll experience just the right satisfaction we need.

Philippians 4:8

⁸ Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

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Level Up!

Yesterday was another step of faith for our church leadership. It was a step of faith because we finally selected new set of youth leaders who pronounced their commitment to servant leadership not only on the day they were appointed but forever. This is because, we.. the young professionals in the church decided to step to another journey by creating a new ministry which is the "YPs" or young professionals--not because we are having identity crisis as to where we belong (haha!), but because we are surely called to trust the Lord for more! Though we know it will be a big transition in out part as previous youth leaders, we are trusting the Lord that He is the same God to accomplish greater works in these new leaders--more than what we did! After all, leadership is not really about having a position but having a heart of service being clothed with humility. 

Philippians 2:3
3Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves

Maybe you can help us pray for our new youth leaders? Pray for servant hearts, maturity in different areas of their lives, (as well as the YPs), intimate walk with God, wisdom coming from God as they plan for more of church witnessing and building activities--that it may produce fruits and not merely activities. Consider looking at their pictures as you pray for them. Thank You very much!

                   (L-R) Mabel, Grace, Jed, Jemima

(L-R) Rhoan, Jael, Aiah, Tope, and Shie

1 Timothy 2:1

2 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people

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The most important thing I've learned about leadership is not putting myself above anyone just because I have a position. Truly, spiritual leadership is leading like the way Jesus did, "who being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage." -Philippians 2:6

Humbling experiences

BTW, Our church is located at Bitano, Legazpi, Albay. God Has The Answer Church, Legazpi. Inc. Let's pray for each other!  

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A "way-back" Present.

My 18th Birthday back then was filled with surprises. And can I just say how blessed I am to have met people who are not living for the sole purpose of merely surviving in this earth? At that time, this "life's purpose" was still weird to me. Now...the rest that happened is a long story. 

In every birthday, we surely receive presents from loved ones and they bring us to different memories through these gifts. And there are some which really equates real joy and happiness. 

And my 18th birthday back in 2008 ended with a gift from a very special person, (a special friend that time, haha!) It's an original composition written and.... named after me. *Insert long hair here*

it was in a cd then... :)

Here's the lyrics. 

Wind, please carry my voice
To the one I'm in love
And break the distance
That keeps us apart

And hope this melody of mine
Will rhyme up with what
Her heart beats
And feels for me

Let emotions be filled
In a box
And wait until
The right time comes

Father You know what I feel
Let my heart kneel before You
Who knows the right time to say..

Can I steal a moment of your time
Just to hear what this song implies
That I've waited long, And I've prayed enough
To let you know your my soul's other half

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One thing I'm thankful about the song is that it was written by a man who loves Jesus more than anyone and anything else. And for the longest time I've known him, he never fails to reflect Jesus' character especially in the area of loving unloveable people.

More than that, I am much honored to hear the person say that the song's title will not be changed FOREVER. I'm happy not because I want to flatter my name but because it shows that there's someone admiring you out of the overflow of His love from the Lord.

Maybe you want to hear the song? Click here..

The song is turning 4 years old in a few months. And I never grow tired listening to it. 

Whoever does not love, does not know God, because God is love. -1 John 4:8

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The Sling and The Stone

Who would not remember the story of David and Goliath? Surely, there wasn’t a time when your “school life” textbook(s) didn’t include the story. But if you still want to read it, go and open the Bible and find the story in 1 Samuel 17. Or just click here. 

image taken from google

Until now, I’m still struck by such victory. You know… reigning over a giant and making your God gigantic than anybody else with just, a sling and a stone. Yes. A SLING. A STONE.

Just to quote,

⁵⁰ So David triumphed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him. -1 Samuel 17:50

 I find this symbolic in that I know that each one of us has his own sling and stone yet we aren’t just sure how and when to use it.

Literally, sling (could be the modern type: tirador) and stone go hand in hand to hit something far from you. Well yes, even if it’s near. One of its purposes is to defend ourselves from harm through this not-so-big-armor yet very effective in hitting. With this purpose, we may ask… To whom do we want to use it? Can our enemies be categorized? And just like David, who is our Goliath?

TO WHOM DO WE WANT TO USE IT?

Conflicts are inevitable. We are surrounded by thousands and thousands of various personalities which we ought to deal with. Surely, no one can say they didn’t develop his enemy at certain point of their lives. Facts would say we all did! And maybe along the way, we’ll still do. In this world full of anger and bitterness, we often live in the principle of “eye for an eye and tooth for a tooth” wherein in all things; we always want to get even with people who have wronged us taking to account those they did which brought physical, emotional, mental, and even spiritual damages. It feels good to get even, right? We sometimes feel like we won! But what did God say in dealing with our enemies?

 Matthew 5:38-39 says:

³⁸ “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ ³⁹ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.

image taken from google

What a shocking truth! Who, in this world would have think of turning his other cheek after being slapped on the right. Maybe none. Aside from it’s painful, it would have put our pride deeper than the ground. It’s indeed in our nature to maintain our pride to its highest level but to be rebuked by His Word would bring us in our knees asking for forgiveness and learning humility.

Ephesians 4:31-32 says:

³¹ Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you

We often misrepresent our sling and stone with violence, hatred, bitterness, and the like which results to getting even in the most painful way. We thought of hurting other people to get even would give us just the right satisfaction we need. What we didn’t know is that we can use our sling and stone to love other people more. This is by hitting them with the Word of God in their hearts, making sure the move is done with our fervent prayers. This is our real sling and stone. It would not always mean pain ALONE.

Proverbs 29:11 says:

¹¹ Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.

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I grew up in school being such a bully and yes..an avenger (at its negative point). I love hurting people who hurt me too. Maybe because this is my way to stay on top. When I met Jesus in my college years and received Him as my Lord and Saviour, he let me understand that vengeance in not mine. He said in Romans 12:19:

 ¹⁹ Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.

Our sling and stone would make or break us. But we always have the choice to use it the same way our Lord showed His love to us by sending His only Son, Jesus to die on the cross for our sins. (John 3:16, Romans 5:8) Yes! He did this for UNDESERVING people like you and me. And so who are we now to hurt our enemies with violence, anger, and bitterness?

image taken from google

¹⁹ My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, ²⁰ because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. –James 1:19-20

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HERE WE GO.

FINALLY!

Hi everyone! First, I want to thank you for taking time to read this. This is my first ever blog post in this site. (thanks to blogspot) and I admit I’ve been wanting this for a long time. Thank God!

BEHIND THE BLOG NAME

Well… as far as I can remember, I’ve read several blogs (of course with different genres) which really captivate me until now. One factor is their blog names. Maybe because it mirrors the blogger’s personality and even style of writing. Not all the time but at least MOST of the time. So the pressure is on as to how I will make the most creative blog name! I don’t know if having read lots of blogs is a disadvantage. Maybe at a certain point.

UNIQUE vs. ALL THE WORDS

Hahaha! As the pressure exercises my mind’s capacity to think, I just thought of something near to my name. Obviously, I found my name MONIQUE, nearest to UNIQUE. Unique, of course means the state of being different. It is! I am! And we will always have our unique qualities. However, the idea of relating the word to my name (w/c will eventually be my blogname) is not unique to me anymore as far as the figurative meaning of it is concerned. So.. I tried to make things complicated by spending 3 days thinking. And at last! Tantananan! I found the word MNEMONIC.

Mnemonic

I first learned the word when I was in Grade 3. (I’m not sure if this is too late to learn) This is when our teacher wanted us to recite how we review our lessons especially when we are about to take exams. And she mentioned “mnemonic devices” which one can use to easily understand and remember what he is up to review. And if I’m not mistaken, she said that one can devise his own MD. From that time on, I didn’t forget the word. So here it is, brought into my memory by the wind and I have a blog name! mneMonique, which I wish to define as my journey to remember.

My “REMEMBERING JOURNEY”

This is simply saying there are so many things to remember that I want it to be documented and shared to people around me; not to impress but to express. Most importantly, to Glorify our Lord Jesus.

I always thought blogging is for people who have “enough” resources. (Mga teki, ika nga!) I guess, if I did not change that perspective, hindi pa rin ako  nakapagsulat hanggang ngayon. Though gadgets really are big help, I'm sure it will just follow. Why not start now if you have the passion? So I did. And I’m looking forward for more.

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