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.

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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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