Missionary: Danita Estrella

I love missionaries. I love to see how they give up their lives for the Lord. I love to see how God uses them for His glory. I love to see how God provides abundantly for His work. It is so inspiring. Because I know I have a calling to be one day, a full-time missionary. As for now, I focus on Him. I allow Him to take me every step of the way. As for now, I fall more and more in love with Jesus. He is my only focus and He is every breath I take. Wherever He takes me, I will follow.

I want to share of the missionaries that truly inspired me. Her name is Danita Estrella. I met her last year in Colorado during the Set Apart Girl Conference. She was speaking about Poured Out Life. That was my favorite session. All throughout, I was crying while listening to her. She shared about her story, how God brought her to where she is now. She gave up so much, including her romantic relationships. I can relate to her story and I praise God! She shared about being in the season on preparation. "When you see God working in your life, don't fight it. Let Him." God will take one to a season of preparation, a season of Solitude and building the foundation in Jesus Christ. We can't go out just on our own. We go according to God's call and plan for our lives. We go as we are called, not because of our own dreams and desires, but of the desire He has put in our hearts. The wonderful about the Lord is, when He started a good work in you, He will carry it to completion until Jesus Christ comes. (Philippians 1:6) and when He calls you, He will also provide for everything that you need. I thought about that last night and I see things falling into place. I am amazed.
In our church, they have started a course on going for a mission. It is a 3-week course (one class a week) about preparing to go for a mission. I am very excited about that. In the next 2 weeks, I will be meeting persecuted Christians, for free, in a conference from Voice of the Martyrs. That is very exciting! Then there will be one opportunity to pour out to the Homeless in September. Most of all, each day God reveals something new about Him. I am amazed.

"He is before all things. In Him, all things hold together." Colossians 1:17
Here is one of her videos:

Her website is http://www.danitaschildren.org/

Isaiah 61

 

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me,
  for the Lord has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor.
He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted
   and to proclaim that captives will be released
and prisoners will be freed.
He has sent me to tell those who mourn
that the time of the Lord’s favor has come,

and with it, the day of God’s anger against their enemies.

To all who mourn in Israel,
he will give a crown of beauty for ashes,
a joyous blessing instead of mourning,
festive praise instead of despair.
In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks
that the Lord has planted for his own glory.

They will rebuild the ancient ruins,
    repairing cities destroyed long ago.
They will revive them,
though they have been deserted for many generations.

Foreigners will be your servants.
They will feed your flocks
and plow your fields
      and tend your vineyards.
 You will be called priests of the Lord,
ministers of our God.
You will feed on the treasures of the nations
and boast in their riches.
 Instead of shame and dishonor,
you will enjoy a double share of honor.
You will possess a double portion of prosperity in your land,
and everlasting joy will be yours.

“For I, the Lord, love justice.
    I hate robbery and wrongdoing.
I will faithfully reward my people for their suffering
and make an everlasting covenant with them.

Their descendants will be recognized
and honored among the nations.
Everyone will realize that they are a people
the Lord has blessed.”

I am overwhelmed with joy in the Lord my God!
For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation
and draped me in a robe of righteousness.
 I am like a bridegroom in his wedding suit
or a bride with her jewels.
 The Sovereign Lord will show his justice to the nations of the world.
Everyone will praise him!
His righteousness will be like a garden in early spring,
with plants springing up everywhere.

Praise Sunday

I am very happy that I can write today - a Sunday. Usually I am so busy that I can't have a time to sit in front of a computer and write in here. So I praise God for this time that I can glorify Him.

It is a Praise Sunday! I have sooo many things to praise God for!!! Would you join me?

First of all, tears fell from my eyes out of joy when my sister told me she got baptized today. I AM VERY HAPPY. Praises fill my heart. He is absolutely amazing!!! He makes me want to love Him more and live for Him more. He is WONDERFUL. More than wonderful. No words can describe our majestic God! I am very happy for my sister. I am so thankful to the Lord for all that He is doing in our family. And I cannot wait to see what He is going to do next. This is just the beginning. I love Him. I adore Him. He is my life.

Source: http://www.revivechurch.org/Websites/revivechurch/Images/baptism%20pic1.jpg

Second, I praise Him because we are not affected by Hurricane Irene. Praise God for that.

Third, I praise God becaue He is great. He gives strength. Today, He put me to serve in two places: Intercession and Children's Ministry. He gave me strength. He poured out His Holy Spirit on us. I was filled with anguish as I prayed and what came out of my mouth over and over again was the one preached by our Pastor Brett. I cried "Lord, pour out Your Spirit in this place. Pour out Your power. Repentance, we pray for repentance from everyone today. Pour out Your Spirit in this place! Pour out Your Spirit, oh Lord!" The Pastor then talked about Holy Spirit. Amazing how He puts things together. Sometimes, I don't know how to react in His awesomeness because He is just so awesome! Praise His name. He is worthy!

 

 

Fourth, I praise God because my family and friends are constantly protected amidst the storm here in the US and in the Philippines. They both have storms at the same time. Praise God. It has been a week of calamity and I praise God because by His mercy, we are still alive. He is GOOD!

Fifth, I praise God for all that He is going to do, and for all that He is already doing that will come soon. I look forward to miracles and lives being changed. The beautiful thing about being with the Lord is that you will see people coming to the Lord before your very eyes and it is so great. It is so encouraging. It is so great that makes you want to love God all the more.

Sixth, I praise God for financial provision for my friend. Well, we don't have it yet but we believe and trust God. Faith is trusting what we don't see right? So we believe and trust the Lord for His miracles.

Seventh, I praise God for Jesus. For His love for us. For coming to earth and die for us. For all that He gave that sets us free from ourselves and our sins. For the power vested upon us because of Him. For the Holy Spirit to guide and convict us. For everything God is. He is love. He is amazing love. He is life. He is abundant life. Words will never be enough.

Praise God!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Happy Happy

Source: http://haskell.org/happy/Happy.gif

Happy happy happy. Those are the three words that describe me. You ask, why am I saying this? First and foremost I want to give glory and honor to the Lord and I want to share the goodness, greatness, and faithfulness of His Majesty.

I feel so loved. I feel so elated. I feel like I'm in heaven. And you ask me, what is going on? What is so special? What has happened that is so special?

My answer:  Love of Jesus. If you look at my life and get to really know me, I am going through a lot, from losing someone special, to bunch of family problems. So there is nothing that is happening that can be described by most people as something very very special, at least to their opinion, like an achievement or an event. None of that because where I am is more profound and much better than any achievement, material acquisition or promotion could ever offer. Jesus. He surpasses ALL things.

I could just sit here and laugh until my heart aches in so much laughter. I feel like my eyes are smiling endlessly. I don't feel any worry or any fear. I speak to people with so much joy and confidence. I feel like a set of heavy chains have been taken out of my shoulders. I never thought I could ever be this happy. I am overflowing with happiness, I can't even describe it. Now I know what it means when Jesus said, "I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." John 10:10
Recently I have been given more duties at work. I was very excited as I dive into doing what I was asked to do. I have learned new things and I am being stretched beyond my comfort zone. With the joy of the Lord, I embrace them with so much excitement. I am truly truly TRULY happy!

Life is so beautiful. Life is so good. God is so AMAZING. No words could ever describe this happiness and peace. No words could describe how amazing the Lord is. He is absolutely amazing and wonderful. He truly knows what He commands us to do in the Bible. He loves us so much that He left us with the Holy Spirit. He left us with the Bible as our guide in revealing the mysteries of His love and promises. He is faithful.

The secrets: Repent (completely turn away from everything you know to be sin). Give your life fully surrendered to the Lord. Make Him your Savior and Lord. Make Him the focus of your existence. Allow Him to take control of your hearts and lives. Be a slave to righteousness that leads to holiness. Submit your will to His will. Let go of everything that satisfies your flesh. Read and practice His word. Obey. Obey. Obey. Wait on Him. Trust Him. Be faithful in little things. Give yourself away to those who are in need.

An abundant life awaits each one of us as He promised.

I also want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has been by my side, praying with and for me, encouraging me, guiding, challenging and teaching me. My sister, Lian, and my sisters in Christ, Rose, Carol, Geni, and Anwesha. I love you so much. Thank you for your prayers and love. I am very blessed to have true friends in my life. You are true, honest and real. The truth, no matter how painful it was, made me free and closer to Jesus. It has set me free. and for that I THANK YOU. As you join me in my pain and struggle, you will also join me as we rise up higher into His glory. I pray that the Lord will bless you more abudantly in this life and provide all your needs. Continue to grow in the Lord. God bless you and take you deeper into intimacy with Him. ♥

Join me in worshipping our God. He is worthy!

"Through the LORD’s mercies we are not consumed,
Because His compassions fail not.
They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.
“The LORD is my portion,” says my soul,

“ Therefore I hope in Him!”

Lamentations 3:22-24

Creative Thursday

I am very excited that it is time for Creative Thursday. Today, I thought of doing something for 2 of the most special people in my life: my brother and sister. They are so encouraging to me and they make my world more colorful. I love you both!

I have also made one that includes the food I wanted to eat so bad. Lian bought it and they ate it. I am happy to see them eating it. It is more than enough for me. Thank you Yanny! The last one is a picture of a child who God loves so dearly. God has called us to give them beauty for ashes, oil for mourning, and a garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness (Isaiah 61). Let us all work to make that happen. God be glorified.

Lian's blog is jesuscolorsmyworld.blogspot.com. She has also posted beautiful things about our faithful God there. Surely, you will be encouraged.

Until next Thursday. God bless everyone! Let us continue to delight in the Lord and be encouraged. Stand firm until the end.

"The righteous shall inherit the land,
         And dwell in it forever." Psalm 37:29

No Matter What. All the days of my life.

"Being with God on the boat doesn't mean that no storm will come. But it means, no storm will GET to you."

source: http://www.artchive.com/artchive/r/rousseau/rousseau_boat.jpg



‎"The man/woman who follows the crowd will usually go no farther than the crowd. The man/woman who walks alone is likely to find herself in places no one has ever been before." -Albert Einstein

People can hurt me, trample me and treat me like I am nothing. But I will still love You, God. I will still follow Your ways, God. I will still worship and honor You, God. No matter what. All the days of my life.

People can desert me. Leave me all alone. But You are with me. You promised that You are with me always. And so even if we walk against the crowd, against the most precious people in my life, Jesus, I will follow You. Lead me to a place where nobody has been before - a place You have prepared just for me. I will still love You. I will still follow. No matter what. All the days of my life.

I choose to follow You. But people can mock me. They think I am bad. They run away from me. I still choose to follow You. I still choose to give my life to You. No matter what. All the days of my life.

There is power in You. There is grace to overcome. So I will brave the storm. Break down walls. Break free from what easily entangles (Hebrews 12:2). With You. With You. With the people You put in my life. Nothing can stop us, Lord. We are winners with You.

I love You, Lord. Not because of who I am but because of who You are. Because You loved us first. And You are worthy. More than worthy.

Valley

"There is never a majestic mountain without a deep valley & there is no birth without pain."

-David Crawford

Glacier National Park in Montana

A Valley in Hawaii

Source: Click here

A valley depicts a beautiful picture. A valley is defined as "an elongated depression between uplands, hills, or mountains, especially one following the course of a stream." I wonder how the nature would look like if there are no valleys. We will have no hills, and no mountains. I can't picture out nature with them. However, without valleys, they would never exist. It would just be a land with maybe small contours.

I love mountains. I love the way they are shaped. There is so much splendor in them. I love to ride in a car going downhill. It is fun! However, I wonder, would that be ever possible if they are all straight? Would they be defined mountains or hills in the first place?

Valleys are beautiful. In valleys, we can find streams of water. When we are in the valleys, we might find the mountains intimidating but we see its beauty and its grandness and we are in awe. Valleys are the path that gives us the privilege to come close to the mountain and climb it. It is the road to see the grandeur of the world below it.

A valley in life is defined as "any place, period, or situation that is filled with fear, gloom, foreboding, or the like." A valley in life is characterized by fear, sadness, pain, etc. Who despises valley in their lives? Who wants to be filled with fear, gloom and forebody? Who wants to be surrounded by problems and trials? If everyone has a choice, everyone wants a life free of problems and trials.

However, life without valleys and mountains is life without grandeur and splendor. Life without valleys is a boring life. Imagine going straight all throughout the journey. So as hard as it may seem sometimes to be in the valley, we are encouraged because without it, there would not  be any majestic mountain. Without a valley, there would no feeling of triumph. There would be no sense of relief and victory. The beauty of it is that, Jesus is with us always. He pushes us to reach the top and give us the privilege to experience Him and His promises.

What are your valleys? I am in my own valley. Let us rejoice! Soon, we will see the grandeur of our God and what He has for us. It is going to blow our mind. What a joy! What a hope we have in Jesus. Let us climb together. With Jesus, we will reach the top.

More of You and less of me

There's nothing like Your presence here in this place,
There's nothing like Your passion that steals my heart away.
And there is nothing like Your glory falling on me, MORE of You and less of me.

Cause I'm satisfied by You alone,
Just one touch from You oh Lord
Reach within my heart and make it new
Oh I must have more of You

Cause I'm satisfied by You alone,
Just one touch from You oh Lord
Reach within my heart and make it new
Oh I must have more of You

Missionary Monday

Missionary Slogans

Famous quotes about Christian missions

"God's work done in God's way will never lack God's supply" -- Hudson Taylor

"The Great Commission is not an option to be considered; it is a command to be obeyed" -- Hudson Taylor

"Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God" -- William Carey, who is called the father of modern missions

"The spirit of Christ is the spirit of missions. The nearer we get to Him, the more intensely missionary we become." -- Henry Martyn

"He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose" -- Jim Elliot, missionary martyr who lost his life in the late 1950's trying to reach the Auca Indians of Ecuador

"We are debtors to every man to give him the gospel in the same measure in which we have received it" -- P.F. Bresee, founder of the Church of the Nazarene

"In the vast plain to the north, I have sometimes seen, in the morning sun, the smoke of a thousand villages where no missionary has ever been" -- Robert Moffat, who inspired David Livingstone

"Can't you do just a little bit more?" -- J.G. Morrison pleading with Nazarenes in the 1930's Great Depression to support their missionaries

"Lost people matter to God, and so they must matter to us." -- Keith Wright

"The Bible is not the basis of missions; missions is the basis of the Bible" -- Ralph Winter

"Some wish to live within the sound of a chapel bell; I wish to run a rescue mission within a yard of hell." -- C.T. Studd

"No one has the right to hear the gospel twice, while there remains someone who has not heard it once." -- Oswald J. Smith

"This generation of Christians is responsible for this generation of souls on the earth!" -- Keith Green

"There is nothing in the world or the Church -- except the church's disobedience - to render the evangelization of the world in this generation an impossibility." -- Robert Speer

"If you found a cure for cancer, wouldn't it be inconceivable to hide it from the rest of mankind? How much more inconceivable to keep silent the cure from the eternal wages of death." -- Dave Davidson

"If God calls you to be a missionary, don't stoop to be a king" -- Jordan Groom

"World missions was on God's mind from the beginning." -- Dave Davidson

"Let my heart be broken with the things that break God's heart" -- Bob Pierce, World Vision founder

"No reserves. No retreats. No regrets" -- William Borden

"The reason some folks don't believe in missions is that the brand of religion they have isn't worth propagating." -- unknown

When James Calvert went out as a missionary to the cannibals of the Fiji Islands, the captain of the ship sought to turn him back. "You will lose your life and the lives of those with you if you go among such savages," he cried. To that, Calvert replied, "We died before we came here." God uses men who are weak and feeble enough to lean on Him." -- Hudson Taylor

Source: http://www.missionisland.com/church/sermons.php

Creative Thursday

I rejoice because what God has in store is better than I can ever imagine!

Let the Redeemed Say So

"Let the redeemed of the LORD tell their story" Psalm 107:2

It has ended.

Tears fell. Heart broke. Agony and Pain. Fear. Insecurity.

I never thought it would ever end through a misunderstanding. I thought that was it for life. Despite the arguments and misunderstanding, sickness and pain, and even multiple times of betrayal,, I thought that it will never end in another heartbreak (again).

It has been a while. I still cry when I remember the good old times. Times shared together. Memories. Thoughts. Celebrations. Laughter. Those were the days. Beautiful. Memorable.

Forgiveness. Selfless prayer. Surrender.

It has been 3 weeks. I thought I would be miserable but I am loving where I am right now. Discovering more of Jesus everyday. Excited for what He is going to do next. I truly believe that it was His strong hand that rescued me. It was His strong hand that delivered me. It was His strong hand that set me free! There could be nothing that I can do because I was trying to hold it so dear to me and was so afraid to let go. Yet, He rescued me again. I don't know the future but He does. and because of that, I trust in Him.


from: http://www.faqs.org/photo-dict/photofiles/list/3074/4114freedom.jpg

So as I walk around, I remember His goodness and faithfulness. I am reminded of His promises. I am very excited! Fear and insecurity don't take hold of me anymore. I have found my security and confidence in the Lord. I trust in Him. I have found true joy in waiting and trusting in Him. When I follow my own emotions, I always end up in despair. But when I follow Him, peace fills my heart. So I hide in the shadow of His wings and I hide my heart in His word. Because He is trustworthy. He is faithful! He is amazing!

♪♫My chains are gone, I've been set free. My God my Savior, has ransomed me.♪♫

Praise be to the Lord God ALMIGHTY!

"Wait on the LORD,
         And keep His way,
         And He shall exalt you to inherit the land" Psalm 37:34
         (What a promise)

Sharing a very inspiring and challenging blogpost from Katie (kissesfromkatie.blogspot.com)

"Rummaging through our box of paperwork, I find it and it hits me unexpected.

Her birth certificate, the one her birth mom stuffed in her bag as she sent her off to a “better life” at her uncle’s when she was only five. And at the top is a blue stamp that reads Siripi Rhino Camp.

Camp. The word hits me like a punch to the gut and I fight the urge to vomit. In Uganda, the word camp does not mean summer fun or starlit skies. In Uganda the word camp means war, displacement, hunger, hurt, trauma.

I can’t really wrap my mind around the fact that my beloved daughter spent the first years of her life in a place that is so beyond my comprehension.

Camp, this word that I want for no one in this world and hate for my daughter, this is all we have of the first years of her life. She remembers almost nothing from before her uncles’ house, and life leaves me with this word to ponder.

I want her to be a baby so I can strap her on me and hold her there and she will feel secure and safe and protected. I want to be the person who taught her to write her name and how much fun it is to make mud pies, and I want to be the person who laughed with her when she lost her first tooth. I want to know where the scars came from that she can’t remember the stories about, and I want to be the person who wiped her tears when she fell.

But I know that is not how God intended it.

He did not choose me for those moments, He chose me for these. I entered motherhood through a different door, and I get a different kind of stretch marks.

I believe that this is how He has loved us and I do not pretend to know why. But I know that He who did not spare His own Son will also graciously give us all things we need, and so I cling to believing this is for good.

I believe that He held her all the years that I didn’t. I believe that He stood beside her in the line for porridge that the UN workers passed out, and I believe that He clasped her hand as she made the long journey from Arua to Masaka without her first momma, and I believe that she leaned her head into His shoulder as she fell asleep on hard dirt floor to the sound of her uncle’s drunken fury. I believe that He carried her all the way here to this new family and I believe that His hand is on her still.

And maybe the missing pieces just allow me to trust Him more.

So I kneel beside her bed and I whisper His name over her and when I look at her face, I see His. I am thankful that He did choose me for now, these moments.

He is a good Father. And I can trust in that"

Jesus is Beautiful

I see Your face in every sunrise

The colors of the morning are inside Your eyes

The world awakens in the light of the day

I look up to the sky and say

You're beautiful

I see Your power in the moonlit night

Where planets are in motion and galaxies are bright

We are amazed in the light of the stars

It's all proclaiming who You are

You're beautiful, You're beautiful

I see you there hanging on a tree

You bled and then you died and then you rose again for me

Now you are sitting on Your heavenly throne

Soon we will be coming home

You're beautiful, you're beautiful

When we arrive at eternity's shore

Where death is just a memory and tears are no more

We'll enter in as the wedding bells ring

Your bride will come together and we’ll sing

You're beautiful, You're beautiful, You're beautiful

I see Your face, You're beautiful, You're beautiful, You're beautiful

I see Your face, You're beautiful, You're beautiful, You're beautiful

I see Your face, I see Your face

I see Your face, You're beautiful, You're beautiful, You're beautiful

Amazima

One story that has been so inspiring to me. One story that challenges me to answer the call of Christ in my life. One story that makes me cry. One story that shows so much of Jesus. A story of courage and surrender. A story of Katie Davis, one of my most favorite missionaries. A story of Love, hope and redemption. A story that makes me forget about myself and turn to the heart of the Lord for His children.

http://www.amazima.org/

"What would cause an eighteen-year-old old senior class president and homecoming queen from Nashville, Tennessee, to disappoint her parents by forgoing college, break her little brother’s heart, lose all but a handful of her friends (because the rest of them think she has gone off the deep end), and break up with the love of her life, all so she could move to Uganda, where she knew only one person but didn’t know any of the language? A passion to make a difference. Katie Davis left over Christmas break her senior year for a short mission trip to Uganda and her life was turned completely inside out. She found herself so moved by the people and children of Uganda that she knew her calling was to return and care for them. She has given up a relatively comfortable life—at a young age—to care for the less fortunate of this world. She was so moved by the need she witnessed, she's centered her life around meeting that need. Katie, a charismatic and articulate young woman, is in the process of adopting 13 children in Uganda, and she completely trusts God for daily provision for her and her family. 

Despite the rough conditions in which Katie lives, she has found a life of service to God to be one of great joy. Katie's children bring constant delight and help her help others by welcoming whoever comes to their door. As the challenges grow, so does Katie's faith and her certainty that what she's doing in Uganda, one person at a time, will have far-reaching rewards. It isn't the life she planned, but it is the life she loves.
 
To further her reach into the needs of Ugandans, Katie established Amazima Ministries. The ministry matches orphaned children with sponors worldwide. Each sponsor's $300/year provides schooling, school supplies, three hot meals a day, minor medical care, and spiritual encouragement. Katie expected to have forty children in the program; she had signed up 150 by January 2008; today it sponsors over 400. Another aspect of the ministry is a feeding program created for the displaced Karamojong people—Uganda's poorest citizens. The program feeds lunch to over 1200 children Monday-Friday and sends them home with a plate of food; it also offers basic medical care, Bible study, and general health training.
 
Katie Davis, now 22, is more than fascinating, she's inspiring, as she has wholeheartedly answered the call to serve. " - Taken from Product Description of her book.

Wonderful Weekend

What a wonderful weekend! I had one of the best weekends ever! You ask me what did I do? There was nothing "Grand" or "sophisticated". Let me tell you why...

We planned to go to the beach. I was VERY VERY excited! But days before that, I was so discouraged and down. We woke up early to go and it was a fun trip. God just recently taught me how to obey and honor Him in daily circumstances, even in the most little thing like conversation, music, books, words, choice of clothes, choice of manners, etcetera. I was looking forward to apply it and see how God works, how God shows His glory and His power. Obedience and denying self opens a door for God to work and show Himself.

So we went... First challenge was the music. It may be harmless for some but God has been teaching me how to protect my inner sanctuary -- not to let anything that defiles my Prince to take a place in my life, even for a single moment. I know how how the enemy can use a little door to open and come in stealthily in my heart and mind. It is the same with music. We may not know or notice in the beginning but once it starts and it is never stopped, it will develop some desires in our hearts that doesn't honor the Lord. As the music played, I turned on a preaching (recorded in MP3) in my cellphone. I was so scared at the beginning but I took out my notes and started to listen. What a joy to choose Jesus instead!

More of You and less of me, God

Long after the tears fall I'm still your child
I put down my defenses and lay down my pride
Love and forgiveness flow in deep and wide
So I run to you and surrender all

[CHORUS]
As I lay down my life
And pick up my cross
What a joy it is to give my life away to you

All that I need,
All that I seek
Is You here with me
Holy Spirit have Your way in me

In times of trouble, though trials may come
The rock of ages is standing strong
I'm fighting battles, but the war is won
So I'll run to you and surrender all

[CHORUS]
As I lay down my life
And pick up my cross
What a joy it is to give my life away to you
All that I need,
All that I seek
Is You here with me
Holy Spirit have Your way in me

More of You and less of me, God
More of You and less of me, God
More of You and less of me, God
More of You overflowing

[CHORUS]
As I lay down my life
And pick up my cross
What a joy it is to give my life away to you
All that I need,
All that I seek
Is You here with me
Holy Spirit have Your way in me
Holy Spirit have Your way in me

Thank you Yanny for sharing this song. What a beautiful song for the Savior! He is worthy of our everything!

Honey to my Lips

This is an article for: http://warriorpoetforchrist.blogspot.com/ It really blessed me and I hope it will bless you as well.

As an avid fan of honey, I cannot help but adore the references in Scripture about the Lord's words being sweeter than honey. In addition, the fact that the promise land was called "the land flowing with milk and honey" has struck vivid images in my mind since I was young. Mmmmm!

As I was reading over Psalm 119 last night, I was reminded to check up and learn about honey's medicinal and healing properties. I knew the right place to go: my ever-growing herbal library.

The book? Herbal Antibiotics by Stephen Harrod Buhner (one of the most valuable books I own on that topic).

Here's what he has to share about honey:

Honey (concentrated nectar of wildflowers of various species)

Actions: Antibiotic, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic, expectorant, antiallergenic, laxative, antianemic, tonic, antifungal, immune stimulant, cell regenerator.

Contains, among other things, a complex assortment of enzymes, organic acids, esters, antibiotic agents, trace minerals, proteins, carbohydrates, hormones, and antimicrobial compounds.

One pound of the average honey contains 1333 calories, 1.4 grams of protein, 23 milligrams of calcium, 73 milligrams of phosphorus, 4.1 milligrams of iron, 1 milligram of niacin, and 16 milligrams of vitamin C, and vitamin A, beta carotene, the complete complex of B vitamins, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin K, magnesium, sulfur, chlorine, potassium, iodine, sodium, copper, manganese, high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide, and formic acid. Honey, in fact, contains more than 75 different compounds. Many of the remaining substances in honey are so complex (4 to 6 percent of the honey) that they have yet to be identified.

Honey has outperformed antibiotics in the treatment of stomach ulceration, gangrene, surgical wound infections, surgical incisions, and the protections of skin grafts, corneas, blood vessels, and bones during storage and shipment.

It is effective in improving chronic bronchitis, asthmatic bronchitis, bronchial asthma, chronic and allergic rhinitis, and sinusitis

It is effective in the treatment of colds, flu, respiratory infections, and general depressed immune problems.

It's incredible how strong and full of nutrients and vitamins and minerals it is! If honey, being so sweet, is this strong for our bodies, how much more is the Word, being called "sweeter," strengthening and vital to our souls?

The law of the LORD is perfect

reviving the soul;
the testimony of the LORD is sure,
making wise the simple;
the precepts of the LORD are right,
rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the LORD is pure,
enlightening the eyes;
the fear of the LORD is clean,
enduring forever;
the rules of the LORD are true,
and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold,
even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey
and drippings of the honeycomb.

~ Psalm 19:7-10

How sweet are your words to my taste,sweeter than honey to my mouth! ~ Psalm 119:103

What comes out of us when we are under problems and persecutions? Eric Ludy challenged us through this message. God bless you!

Eric Ludy - Beautified By A Scar from Ellerslie Mission Society on Vimeo.

"When we are foiled, let us believe we shall overcome; when we have fallen, let us believe we shall rise again. Jacob, after he received a blow which made him lame, yet would not give over wrestling (Gen. 32:25) till he had obtained the blessing. So let us never give up, but, in our thoughts knit the beginning, progress and end together, and then we shall see ourselves in heaven out of the reach of all enemies." - Richard Sibbes

"It is a tremendous freedom to get rid of all self-consideration and learn to care about only one thing - the relationship between Christ and ourselves." - Oswald Chambers

I love my Job

I love my job. I am working in an IT Help Desk. The goal of the helpdesk is to help resolve issues and make clients happy. Working in the helpdesk is very challenging. It is most challenging especially when you are the one who takes the lead in resolving the issues. It is even more challenging to know that it cannot go anywhere. It has to end with you. There is no other person who can help. You have to find a way!

source: http://matcmadison.edu/files/users/kfoster3/helpdesk.jpg

For the past few days, I have encountered many problems that I have no clue how to answer. Although I have worked here for almost 4 years now, there are still issues that I cannot resolve. And it has been like that for the past 2 days. I am so challenged! I have to research most of the calls I got, although some of them are really easy. I feel a little bit tingle when I feel a little bit annoyed when I am working on something and the phone keeps on ringing. I feel scared when the client is asking me something and there is nothing I can say but "may I call you right back while I research on this issue?" I want to feel that I know every answer to every question. But ever since I started working here, I always get scared that I wouldn't know how to answer their questions.

However scared I am, there are 4 things that happen everyday: A solution is found for the problem; a denial to something impossible is done, problems are resolved, and tickets get closed. No tickets last for more than 3 days unless requested. Problems come and they get resolved.

Working here made me realize many things. It made me realize that "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13. When I know I don't know the solution, I muttered a prayer to the Lord and asked for guidance. He enlightens me. I can't count the times when solutions just pop out my head and voila, the problem is resolved. It makes me very happy knowing that God is guiding me even in the little things. My hand is also quick to go to www.google.com and find something. I then end up learning something new! Praise the Lord! Sometimes, things don't work for client. Then I would log in to their computers and suddenly things worked. Talking about miracles!!! They call me magic but I didn't do anything. All I know is that God is with me and He is for me. I see miracles everyday and I am so grateful.

God has so molded me in this place. He has refined me (still refining me). He has made me fearless. I used to be so scared but I learned to put my foot down when I know that there is no solution. I learned to be confident in what I say and do. I learned to be more patient (from facing difficult people everyday). I learned how to handle pressure and tons of work. Also, God gave me back the talent in teaching (I so long for this and I totally repented for not using it before as much as God wants me to.). I love my job. I grew in this place so much. I am grateful.

Now, I think about the missionaries. I dream to be a missionary in a place where the Gospel has not been preached. I wonder how the lives of the missionaries are. I am so astonished to see how God does miracles everyday. How I long to see that too! I think of them and I wonder if life is easy for them. Actually, their lives are quite the contrary. They also cry. They also feel lonely. They face new problems everyday. They face pain everyday. I wonder how they would handle it. I wonder how they can steal away for time of prayer when everything is in topsy turvy. I wonder how money come to their aid. Most of them started from nothing. But now, God poured out provision to them and has used them tremendously. Some of the missionaries that I really admire are: Amy Carmichael, Hudson Taylor, Katie Davis (http://www.amazima.org/), Danita Estrella (http://www.danitaschildren.org/), Karris Hudson (assistant of Danita - story http://www.setapartgirl.com/article-SEPT-socl.html), Corrie Ten Boom, and Mother Theresa. I heard of their stories and I admired how they gave up their all for the Lord. For me, they are the strongest, bravest, most courageous and most selfless. I desire the same thing. I know that it is not an easy road but I know that God has placed this desire in my heart for a reason. I know He has called me and I want to be willing to be used by Him.

I love my job. It has been my current mission field and I have witnessed people coming to the Lord and it is amazing. God has currently called me to be single and embrace this season of purification and preparation as He equip me for the greater plans He has for me. I am very excited. I know there are still more things that I need to give up: friends, family, I don't know. All I know is that, I am His. I know that there will be many who will not agree with me. Many will try to stop me. I pray that this will mark a day wherein one day, I can look back and say, "God is so faithful" as I look back at how He has molded and equipped me for this calling. I pray that He will have an unhindered authority in my life. And yes, not even myself and my own desires and dreams.

To that day, I look forward. For today, I rejoice, grow, and fall more and more in love with my Savior.

"One Treasure. One Eye. One sole Master." - Jim Elliot

"My food is to do the will of my Father who sent me." John 4:34

Melody Wednesdiii

I am very happy for the results for the month of July. All glory to God! He is amazing! He has been providing more than I can ever ask for.

"The LORD is my strength and song,
And He has become my salvation;
He is my God, and I will praise Him;
 My father’s God, and I will exalt Him."

- Exodus 15:2

Life can be painful at times. We look at the things we no longer have. We look at what need to let go. We look at what we need to run away from. We look at the things that are changing. We look at the things that we need to change. It is difficult.

We look at the people who left us. No matter how painful it is, we have to accept it. We fear. We tremble by the thought.

But God is good. He never brings us to the tunnel without taking us to the end of it. He is with us as we go through it. And "With Him we move and have our being." Acts 17:28

He is faithful and that is all I can say. At times when I feel the pain, He reminds me to trust in Him. He will not put me to shame. He reminds me that He has great plans for me and that all of the pain leads me to the Land He promised me to give. He never fails to provide and encourage. He never fails to show me that it is for the best. I still cry but I know He is there for me. And little things like this achievement gives me hope. It makes me smile. It makes me see that God hasn't given up on me.

I remember when Jesus cried before He was arrested. He fell on His face and told the Father, ""My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as You will." Matthew 26:39 I pray the same way. This is God's will for me. I suffer for Him and for those He has called me to minister to. It is a privilege to die for Him. It is a privilege to suffer for Him and His Kingdom. As Paul said, "For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ." If we die with Him, we will also glory with Him.

Is there anything else better than that?

Route Quote Monday

"How sweet all at once it was for me to be rid of those fruitless joys which I had once feared to lose…You drove them from me, You who are true, the sovereign joy. You drove them from me and took their place, You who are sweeter than all pleasure." - St. Augustine

"The Christian life can be explained only in terms of Jesus Christ, and if your life as a Christian can still be explained in terms of you - your personaliy, your willpower, your gift, your talent, your money, your courage, your scholarship, your dedication, your sacrifice, or your anything -- then although you may have the Christian life, you are not yet living it." - Ian Thomas

"When we give our lives to Jesus Christ, we exchange the normal, comfortable for the radical, extreme and foolish. Normal Christianity means never being "normal" again." - Leslie Ludy

"My food is to do the will of my Father." John 4:34

"It is a privilege to lose everything for His sake."

Life has begun. A new day. A new beginning. A new chapter. A wonderful life awaits. No need to fuss over the past. No need to fight begging to stay. No more. Eyes looking forward. Heart moving forward. Grateful. Hopeful. Excited. Enduring. Happy. I will take all the pain until I see His glory and power. Until I see His plan in its fullness. While I wait, I enjoy fellowshipping with Him. I take delight in Him. I take delight in learning more about Him. I take delight in being productive. I take delight in being purified. All for His glory.

This is not a start. I remember 2 years ago, God rescued me from the same pit but I went back. Again and again, He rescued me because He loves me. I am grateful that He never gave up on me. Eventhough I slowly went back to my pit, I remember that day, I was on my knees, wholly surrendered to Him and I know that my life from that day was never the same. That's my defining moment. I see His hand in my life. He has brought me far from where I used to be. And I know He will do more. I am grateful for my sister and my friends who encouraged me even if they don't know what's going on. I love you all! You made a difference in my life.

I hope you enjoy some of the pictures here. Some art works fascinate me. I love arts. So I want to share them with you. They are displayed here in the World Bank. Some are in the other building.

"This morning I bend low, clasp His feet. Whisper thank you that He can use my broken self to heal another and another. His love spills out and we spill over – terrified (the good kind!) and full, so full of Joy." 

from kissiesfromkatie.blogspot.com

This is not, this is not our home....

Pistachios

Pistachios. My favorite kind of nuts. It reminds me of my father. We used to eat this a lot and we would talk a lot. I miss those days where I listen to all his stories. I would listen all day to him. I love it. I cherish the days I had with him. I remember the days when he had to come home and I carried him. He was heavy but by God's strength, I was able to carry him. Took care of him although I was so scared of him. I love him. I miss him everyday.

However, the thought of him just made me think about my family. How I love and miss them. How I long to be with them soon. To serve everyone and to minister to each of them. I look forward for that day -- in God's perfect time. For now, He is refining me. I heed to the fire until I am all dead and He is so alive.

I wait for that day but today is the day of favor. Praise God for Jesus Christ, in whom we have the way to the Father and through whom we can have an intimate relationship with the Father and the Son.

Right now, I have learned to be content and be still. He is FAITHFUL!

Jesus, Draw Me Nearer

Jesus draw me ever nearer
As I labour through the storm.
You have called me to this passage,
and I'll follow, though I'm worn.

May this journey bring a blessing,
May I rise on wings of faith;
And at the end of my heart's testing,
With Your likeness let me wake.

Jesus guide me through the tempest;
Keep my spirit staid and sure.
When the midnight meets the morning,
Let me love You even more.

Let the treasures of the trial
Form within me as I go -
And at the end of this long passage,
Let me leave them at Your throne.

“The most important of life’s battles is the one we fight daily in the silent chambers of the soul.” - David O. McKay

“Lord, let my life be a space in which You can work in the world, clear away my inner rubbish, and fill me with Your Spirit of healing, delight and peace, so that everything I do may be the fruit of Your life in me.”- Angela Ashwin - The Book of a Thousand Prayers

"Think-tank says that if I want to get married then I need to "get moving." I say, "Waiting on God is moving forward." - Warrior-poet in the making (anonymous)

♥ Jesus - my One and Only desire ♥

Yours is the most amazing Love.

Yours are the Healing hands.

Your power are the most powerful.

Your grace is the most abundant.

Your face is the most handsome.

I look unto You ONLY.

If I can make the world colorful, I will pour out pails of color for Thee.

If I can sing all day, I will put out the best ♪♫melody.

Your smile and tenderness, are what inspire me.

You move me. Closer and closer to Thee.

My Love, You amaze me.

I don't have anything that I own, but my heart and affection I pour for Thee.

The gifts, desires, and talents You gave me

Use it, for Your glory.

Now, I come away with Thee.
Because there is no place I'd rather be.
There is no place I'd rather be.

I love You, Lord!♥

picture taken from www.setapartgirl.com

I breathe in the beauty of the Lord. His sweet peace fills me. His love surrounds me. His Word guides me. He delivered me from all my fears. How great is the Lord, Jesus Christ! He is ever merciful. I am very grateful that He didn't strike me dead when I deliberately continue to sin against Him. Now, He has rescued and redeemed me from that. I am very grateful! He continues to purify me from all my sins. I am very happy!

This life is good. And though it has many difficulties and pains, God has taught me so many things. One thing He taught me was: Do not leave something for the glory of God just because someone said so. When God calls you to it, DO IT without hesitation. One day, that person will leave you and you lost that opportunity to obey and experience God. And it happened for me. The person left and I have no regrets because I didn't waste that opportunity to experience what changed my life. Amazing.

Don't let this world deceive you. Look unto Jesus only. ONLY. When we do, we will venture this world for Him and we will see His power and glory in front of our very eyes -- one that changes the people, one that heals, one that consumes, one that transforms, and one that will turn the world upside down. One constant thing about the Lord is this: We have already WON. We don't go to the battle and wonder if we will win. But with Jesus, we WILL win! We have already won even before the battle starts. Let us side with Him and make Him our Refuge and we will never be ashamed!

Watch and see. He is ABLE.