Writing Gems

I was chatting with a friend. He just received his much-awaited green card visa and has been blessed abundantly. While sharing he said, "just tithe, don't forget to give 10% to God, and he will give you so much more!". He quoted Malachai 3:8-10 "Give your 10% increase to the Lord because that belongs to Him,, If you do that I will open the doors of Heaven to pour all the blessings and fill up your barns more than you expect- declares the LORD." I couldn't say that I've been practicing  it 100% because of financial constraints but I am also a believer of giving back.  But while browsing about the topic, I've come across this website: Let God Be True! discussing a post about tithing. It's kinda straight forward and is quoting biblical verses as it answers the questions.  A tithe is basically 10% of your income, given to your church, or whoever helps your spiritual life. The question of should it be computed via gross income or net income, indi...

credit I drive my kids and a friend's daughter to school.  As soon as I start the car, we'd pray. It has become a habit already. I'd start the prayer and then they would one by one, say their prayers too. My youngest would always say, "God bless the trees, God bless the houses, God bless the sun, the moon, the cars..." My eldest would say, "God help us do good in school, bless the sick people in the hospitals so they would get well.." A friend's daughter would pray differently every time, she'd pray about China, the floods, bad people... and then we'd all say AMEN. It is a good morning habit. It also prompts the kids to be grateful and constantly be aware of God's goodness in our lives.  It is a joy to be with kids and hear them speak their minds. It is a pleasure to listen to them praising God and thanking God for all the beautiful things that He has done for us. In our own little ways, let us continue to spread God's love throug...

I was a member of Christ Youth in Action in college days; Lingkod ng Panginoon after college days ; and Ang Familya ng Panginoon after getting married. I honestly miss those days! I miss my friends in the community! I miss attending prayer meetings; sharing and listening to personal testimonies and especially fellowships! Maybe, we'll be a part of that community again. I hope someday soon. For the mean time, here's sharing with you one of my favorites. AS THE DEER As the deer panteth for the water So my soul longeth after Thee. You alone are my heart's desire and I long to worship Thee. You alone are my strength, my shield To you alone may my spirit yield. You alone are my heart's desire And I long to worship Thee. You may download the song here. NAMASTE. -day 133 Artist: DAN GARDNER

  I am you... And you are me... And we are happy family. I can be All that I want to be And it'll be perfect all the way! God is love And love is great And God is great And we are great and life's so great! Think about this And you will see That life is perfect as it can be Thank you Lord Thank you so much and thank you, thank you, thank you very much! -day 123 Poem written during the 8th intensive seminar with OCCI Global

God : This is GOD. I heard your prayers. So I  thought I will chat.   Me : Tell me, why has life become complicated now? God : Stop analyzing life. Just live it. Analysis is what makes it complicated.   Me : Frankly in the midst of so many problems, we don't know where we are heading.... God : If you look outside you will not know where you are heading. Look inside.  Looking outside, you dream. Looking inside, you awaken. Eyes provide sight. Heart provides insight. Me : In tough times, how do you stay motivated? God : Always look at how far you have come rather than how far you have to go.  Always count your   blessing, not what you are missing.   Me : Sometimes I ask, who am I, why am I here? I can't get the answer. God : Seek not to find who you are, but to determine who you want to be.  Stop looking for a purpose as to why you are here. Create it. Life is not a   process of discovery but a process of creation. Me : How ca...

“Yes I am with you always, until the very end of time” - Jesus Christ faithtalkministries.com I remember years of going home late from school after teaching evening classes, I would always end up walking from the gate of the subdivision where we live to our house!  It was a long walk, dark, and I was always on my own! What kept me safe, sound and secured the whole time was Jesus! As soon as I stepped down from the jeepney (popular means of transportation in the Philippines), I would say my prayer! It was really more like a-friend-talking-to-a-friend-kind-of-communication.  In my mind, I would say, "Jesus... here I am again! please hold my hand and let's walk together!" and I know he would do just that! It was a good 10 minute walk and I felt his hands wrapped around my hands the whole time! Thank you Jesus for every time I call your Name, You are there! Thank you for the many times you have held my hand, while we were walking ...

"Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do."  Gospel of Luke 23:34        "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise." Gospel of Luke 23:43  "Jesus said to his mother: "Woman, this is your son". Then he said to the disciple: "This is your mother." Gospel of John 19:26-27  "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" Matthew 27:46 and Mark 15:34   "I thirst" Gospel of John 19:28   When Jesus had received the wine, he said, "It is finished"; and he bowed his head and handed over the spirit. Gospel of John 19:30     Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Father, into your hands I commend my spirit": Gospel of Luke 23:46    Christ Jesus died on the Cross to redeem mankind, to save us from our sins,  because HE LOVES US.  Jesus, we thank you for everything! -day 112 Photos Farmington, New Mexico, USA

Silence my heart Lord, let me be reminded that You are here. Silence my heart Lord, let me stay in Your love. Silence my heart Lord, and embrace me with Your amazing power. Silence my heart Lord, as You create a clean heart for me. Silence my heart Lord, as You strengthen my inner will. Silence my heart Lord, as You heal me. Silence my heart Lord, as I listen to You.   Silence my heart Lord, as I follow You.           Only You can heal my life Praise, honor and glory Be to Your Name. AMEN.  -day 107 Photo Arizona, USA

Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.  As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.  Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant, they too have their story.     Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.   If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.  Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.  Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery.  But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism.  Be yourself.   Especially, do not feign affection. Neither ...

Father God, we praise, honor and glorify Your name. We adore You, we worship You and w e thank You. AMEN. atop El Morro National Park, New Mexico, USA -day 67-

Will you please join me in prayer today? Father God, we praise, honor and glorify Your name. We adore You and we worship You. We thank You. We thank You for all your blessings; for giving us good health; for keeping us safe; for the food in the table; for our jobs; for our families and relatives who always support us; for good friends who stand by us; for helping us make the right decisions; and for making our dreams come true. In Jesus' Name. Amen. -day 60-

Will you please join me in prayer today? Father God, we praise, honor and glorify Your name.  We adore You and we worship You.   We thank You Lord for keeping us safe.  Let us always be reminded that we are always  guided, blessed and in good hands with You. Let us trust with all our heart and soul,  that no matter what happens, You are with us. Keep our motherland, Philippines,  safe from all harm, danger and calamities. Protect us, with Your mighty hands,  shield us with Your white light of protection,  embrace us with Your love. In Jesus' Name. Amen. -day 53-

Will you please join me in prayer today?   Father God, we praise, honor and glorify Your name.  We adore You and we worship You.  We just want to let You know how grateful we are for everything that You have done and still are doing for us, for our family, for our loved ones and for our future. We may be questioning Your ways at times, forgive us.  May we be content with Your promise of life, love and happiness with You.  May we not forget that You are in control.  We allow You to drive our lives, to whatever and wherever You want to lead us.  We thank You, now and forever. In Jesus’ Name. AMEN. -day 46-

Will you please join me in prayer today? Father God, we praise, thank and glorify Your name.  We honor You and we worship You. Nobody knows our future but You, You are our only assurance. We know we are destined for greatness, because we are created in Your image and likeness. We know we are designed for good, because You are our God. We know we have a lot more to learn, unlearn and relearn in new ways, through people, events and circumstances to allow us to grow. As we take responsibility for choosing and defining our own lives, guide us. As we take an active role in preparing our future, lead us to the right path. As we take life’s challenges, trials and tribulations, show us the way. Help us learn from our past and celebrate today! Help us choose life every day, with its joy, despair, hope and pain! Help us continue to be willing to risk, embrace change, and love again.     At the same time, help us make peace with death, because it tells us we don’t have forever an...