I will always be thankful to you, reader, because you have become a blessing to me every time. Thank you so much for clicking my site. If it’s not for you, then maybe I’m not writing this one. Thank you, a million times! By the way, I just dropped by just to tell you this very simple yet profound message from my heart: “You a re a blessing to me!” I will always remember how you increase the numbers of clicks every time you visit my site. I hope it’s not just clicking this one but also reading every details of my blog.

I thank God for anointing me with His oil, that I could not just express but simply move you in a very special way. Always remember, it’s not accident that you visit this site. God has purpose for you. I hope you could grasp on this. God loves you so much more than you’ll ever know.

It’s good thing that prior to the things that happened these past days, I have already read the book of Pastor Josh. A lot of weird things are going on now. Sometimes I just ask myself why but in the end, I could discern what the answer is. I managed to speak to people like every word I say requires wisdom. And see, my schedule in school was not as hectic as the previous. My school orgs do not call for meeting; huhuhu my theater affiliation was already aborted in our school. (Bad news?) Somehow it’s really hard to accept that my mentor is leaving (for some personal reasons),  but I’m still glad that “I could be like a normal student again!” hehehe.. This is what I was wishing before–to attend school without minding “Oh, I have to report to Sir Dex today for the upcoming show.. SG calls for a meeting this 4pm… I have a series of quizzes tomorrow!” At least I’ll have more time for myself and for my assignments as well.. hehehe… But despite the long hours of sitting with my friends and waiting for my next class, still every after a day, I feel so fulfilled… I feel that I have a lot of things that I did today. It was a sudden change of heart, my desire. Before, I was kinda like hurrying to go the internet laboratory if I have free time so that “my day would be complete”, but now I choose to be with my friends and spend time eating, having conversations and sharing my heart with them. (too bad, i miss some of my friends who weren’t able to attend this semester). I felt the completeness because in each day, I’ve done a lot to please God–proclaim His Word, smile a lot to friends and schoolmates, wait patiently for my turn, help those who are in need, apologize to those whom I hurt, share the love and appreciate today–these make my day complete and happy.

I said that weird things happen these days. Things that for once, I did not expect. I did not expect to hear several confessions from people around me (this includes confessions of appreciations because I have touched their lives, and confessions of admiration from those who like me??? hahaha.. weird, I heard three in a day.. it was very odd, it did not happen before… grr…) And a long time friend, which unfortunately is rude to me (huh?), asks for my help.. and to actually have a good time with him…to see “long time no see people” on the road… But I repeat, it’s good thing that I have already read Josh’s book and made some changes in my life, because I have already known how to deal with these circumstances.

Thank God, I could do and focus on my ministry even if I am outside the church. Thank God, if a negative thought conceive in my mind, He helps me to refrain myself from making it out of my mouth, and speak graciously, instead. I offer everything to Him.

As I wake up in the morning, my excitement towards life gets higher. I’m happier than yesterday and more fulfilled. Like tomorrow, I will not be like this; I’ll be better. Why am I so happy? Because I could feel the glamour of my life. My heart overwhelms as I share it with others. God is truly working in my life. Everything I will do is for Him. I’m so happy… I’m so happy… Overloading happiness…

I don’t know where I will store this joy in my heart. I know there’s Someone who loves me so much. He is so real! He exists! I could feel His presence! Jesus loves me, He died for me. How could I pay Him with my praises and worships?

Now, I walk in love, in purity, in wisdom, in joy, in faith and in beauty. The love that I feel from God is not superficial and no one could take this away from me. Do you want to feel this too? I know you could!

He always reminds me of His love, and so I’m always reminded to love everyone around me. Like today and yesterday, He used me to extend His love to my friends. Filled by the presence of the Holy Spirit, I was able to share to them His love. Everyone was crying in the circle as we declare the love of Jesus for us. You see, this is very fulfilling–to share the gift that we received from God. No one could take this away from me.

Do you want to receive this gift also? Well, I want you, readers, to open your heart and your mind at this moment. I know this is the right time for me to tell you that I love you so much and God loves you more than I love you. He loves you so much despite of all your sins. We all have sins, who doesn’t have? But the good news is that, God is just so willing to forgive you–that is, if you are willing to ask for forgiveness. Now come, think… think that it is not an accident that you read this post. Believe that you are not an accident. God has a special purpose for you. You are designed for His love… designed by His love… Accept in your heart that you are a sinner… He’s knocking in your heart at this moment. Come, open the door of your heart for Him. Now, receive… Receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior..Come on, receive His spirit.. receive His love, His forgiveness to you… He loves you so much… You are a sinner but then He chose to love you… He left His wonderful throne to save you.. to die for you… what a LOVE!!!

Now pause for a while and I invite you to speak to God personally in a prayer. Bow your head and pray this one: “Jesus, I repent all of my sins. I now accept you as my Lord and Savior.”

If you prayed this simple prayer wholeheartedly, I believe, you are now welcome in God’s family. The heavens are open for you and you your relationship to God is is no longer just as God, but also as your Father, as your friend. And a father is just glad to provide everything that his child needs.

Thank you for receiving the gift of love that I have in here. Thank you for receiving the love of God for you. God loves you so much. Our Father loves us so much. Now, go and let your life be moved by His love.

“But to all who did receive him (Jesus), he gave the right to become children of God, who were born not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of the man, but of God.” John 1:12-13

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His Only Son; that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but has eternal life.” John 3:16

“Jesus said to him, I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6

Oh well, thanks for clicking again, but I’m having a few time to update my blog. I have a lot of stories here. By the way, we had our connection back today (but I’m currently away from home). Thank God, what a blessing!

Blessing summarizes my whole week.

Father’s Day June 15, Sunday- I honored my father by bringing him to our church. I made him happy by giving him the award of “Best Caring Father” and telling the world that I love him despite of all… everyone is crying that morning…poopppaaa, from your beautiful daughter And in the afternoon, a special friend did not fail my invitation to come to our youth service.

Monday, June 16- I went to school to have my grades evaluated. Passed with flying colors!!!! yaaahooo!!! Qualified again for academic schalorship!!! But wait, I accounted my fees, oh no, “siksik, liglig at umaapaw ang discounts ko!”… again??? No room for tuition… I’ll just have to pay for the registration. God indeed fulfilled His promises to me… haaayyy… “What you sow is what you reap.”

Tueday, June 17- I was blessed by a new book… the very popular, life-changing and bestselling book by Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Life! I started this 40 day Spiritual journey on this day

Wednesday, June 18- A blessed stay at home. household chores, play with my niece, meditation

Thursday, June 19- A blessed afternoon with my sister. I accompanied her in her derma. After that, we went in Jollibee to eat. I gave my sincere smile and full patience to a crew (who’s a trainee and doesn’t know what to do in the counter).. She voided all my orders. It’s ok. I could go to the other counter.

Friday, June 20- (i honestly forgot what I did this day! oh no… but I’m sure this was a blessed day)

Saturday, June 21- getting more excited to wake up to do my devotion

Sunday, June 22- Wow, another blessed Sunday! After Sunday service, my church mates (youths) and I had lunch together. At 3pm, we had our youth service. This was my first time to preach! hehehehe… thank God, everyone was moved by my message.. Lastly, financial blessing today!!! yaahhoo!

That’s all for this week. All I can say is Hallelujah! Praise Go!

I just learned to apply the word “intimacy” to my Father in heaven and to my future spouse. Oh, I know this is some kind of an eyebrow raising statement. This means not committing myself to anyone until the right person comes along. (I’m serious. I’m not an anti-boyfriend activist or whatever you call that) After all, I promised myself not to engage myself into something romantic unless I get married. Now I understand… grrr… Well, I just don’t want to use “in love” because it will turn to be “out love”. I must not also use the term “first love” to someone I kept on remembering because the One who is supposed to be my first love is God.

I don’t want to appear hypocrite. I’ve been very confused since before I’ve read the book of Josh Harris. Eventhough I said bye bye to romantic relationship a year ago, I  just could not help but get involve with them. I said “them”, because it happened that it’s not just one person. But I’ve no commitment at all. Don’t you think it’s being unfair to them? Uh-oh, I don’t want to carry my chair (magbuhat ng bangko.. hahahaha) It’s hard to trade my heart with someone who is not willing to give everything and in the end, will leave you. And God tells me that I just have to wait for the right time. I should not accelerate things.

You see, if you fall in love now, there is a possibility that what you are feeling now will turn out to be fall out of love. So I’d better not to “fall in love” but just to love. Because our hearts could be deceiving… oh well, I’ll explain this to you later on…

It might be hard to deal with people who don’t seem to be nice to you. How to deal with them?

Well, before doing an act, I have to think first this: “God loves me. I must love that person. Do not let pride overcome me. Do not let anger/madness eat love.”

Pursuit to apology is needed. Remember, you’re doing this because you want to please God and not the person himself. Just be nice. Reverse everything. Sooner he will realize his own mistakes.

Let just love prevail. Hope this works. Truly. Amen.

After reading I Kissed Dating Goodbye by Joshua Harris, I was indulged into a depth amazement. I’m really amazed, almost hypnotized, by his work. I could not help it but to say “God, You are really great!” I praise and worship Him for using such person to inspire and redirect million and millions of people’s beliefs into a better one. And I should applaud Harris a “Bravissimo!” just like how Elisabeth Elliot had clapped him.

My principles about life got strengthened and transformed.
Strengthened or transformed?
Uhm, either…

STRENGTHENED. I first realized to make God as the first priority when I entered into a church. It thought me on how to settle the right priorities that will bless me beyond my imagination. God, Self, Family, Ministry and Studies/Work– this is the proper order. Along with that is a principle I got from the first ever inspirational Scripture-based book I read (which unfortunately, I did not finish). The title of the book is I Love You by Gordon.
The principle goes like this that I always ponder:

“It is refreshing to get close in a meaningful relationship with an earthly lover, but it is much more satisfying to get close in a spiritual relationship with Jesus, the Divine Lover. An we should always remember the the One is willing to lead us to the other.”

How refreshing it is to draw near to Him who will surely lead us to the right person! No wonder, everyday of my life, I get more and more contented and satisfied even without engaging myself into something romantic. I live in full by the love of God, that I need not to find from the opposite sex to fulfill that bliss. I still hold on to that principle and so Josh helped me strengthen it.

But sometime, due to absence of “love life”, as what we call it, more and more guys out there rise up before me–some came from the past and the others are on present who look forward to win me in the future. “I don’t know with God”, I once thought. “Why is He putting me now in front of these guys where in fact the only guy I needed today is Him?”. I must admit, I liked it when guys like me and put their eyes on me, but it did not mean committing or “committing again” myself to them. It meant understanding their feelings towards me and starting a different kind of tie called friendship. All I wanted is purely camaraderie and to others, brotherhood and sisterhood. But despite that, I still remained not transparent of all. Why? Because I may have thought “Oh, I don’t need boyfriends right now because I love God.”, but I still did not understand that Love. To be honest, I became so worried how to deal with these persons. Worried about my love life. I said, “I don’t need boyfriends” but sometimes, I came to a point of thinking that “Maybe I should try one?”. My real motive was not really to love God and I had another focus. Though I went through engaging into two relationships before and decided to put this thing aside for God, still my mind is half. In short, it’s not yet focus to God. I’m still immature. One of the effects of this mentality was that “I am not really contented” because I’m still lacking of faith to Him. Worrying about my love life is really… really being out of trust to Him and immature. In here transformation took place.

As I go through the book, “I Kissed Dating Goodbye”, I learned on how to entrust my love life to Him and discovered the REAL LOVE. I discovered the real beauty and the gift of my singleness. I discovered a principle on love which is comprised by a single formula–God. True love is to love others because God has first loved us through His Son Jesus. I’m really surprised to hear this new revelation–to live in LOVE! I’m no longer living for myself but for God and for others!

How amazing to figure out your own weaknesses and transform all of your negative outlooks in life into something that will really please God! Now I know what is really essential to life. It is the true love that God wants us to follow–to deny ourselves. From my own selfish principles to a change of selfless and sacrificing love, I climbed into my greatest conviction. As I changed my views, I changed my life. Now I chose to live and walk with wisdom. I see to it that my principles would depend to His will.

Let me share this one. My own definition of love…

True love is flying away from the world’s trend of love and departing into a genuine godly love.

This is amidst amazement!

This is life!
This is love.
This is Christianity!

I felt Joshua Harris’ Heart to enhance everyone’s life as I read his book, I Kissed Dating Goodbye. More than this, I heard God’s voice. I saw that it has been more than a decade since he first wrote this but the messages are new to me and will remain timeless. Inspired through the Holy Scripture, the author has expressed well his message to everyone.. I admire how he seek the true meaning of love through seeking first the kingdom of God and turning away from dating. Much more, I praise him for becoming the author so true, honest and bold. My applause, I give to him, for sharing his convictions which transformed him as well as me. A true American in blood, but Josh chose to turn back from his culture’s trend of dating, love and sex. I know his goal is not to put his culture down, but to promote God’s real pattern of love.

And his mission to me–to walk with wisdom after reading his book–has already accomplished.
Just like him who was inspired by Elisabeth Elliot’s Passion and Purity, I was also inspired by his book, I Kissed Dating Goodbye.

You may call him an “Anti-Dating Activist”, just like how he was called by the others who didn’t understand that he was just being pro to God, but I suggest you read his book more than just the title. You may certainly not agree to some of his principles, the other argued that some are just too extreme, but I tell you not just to read each word but to wait for the Voice of God. He speaks to you.

A new attitude towards romance and relationship and an elevated trust and faith to God was planted in my heart. It help me disregard all of my old-childish beliefs. God taught me how to enlarge my heart and discover the radiance of the plans that he has in stored for me.

I’d like to share this with you, all of my faithful readers and friends. I recommend this book not just because it inspired me, but also because I want to impart the love that I felt from God. Christian or non- Christians, you deserve that love from God. All you have to do is to discover that God loves you so much.
I just borrowed that book but if you’re interested, I’m willing to buy my own copy to lend it to you. Or not, you can search it to the internet and buy some e-books. It would be nice if we will use our available facilities, like computers, to seek the kingdom of God.
I assure you’ll never regret.
Or if not, just hang on to this blog and I will try my very best to articulate the message that would be indeed, beneficial.

Just like Sam Torode (writer of the foreword of the new updated edition of I Kissed Dating Goodbye), let us “give Joshua Harris a chance” to touch our hearts. Let’s give God a chance and authority to move our lives with His love.

I just finished reading Joshua Harris’ book, I Kissed Dating Goodbye yesterday. For three days, my soul searched what true love really means by simply saying goodbye to dating.
Odd it may sound, right?
“What? Kissing goodbye to dating?”, one might actually argue.
The other may raise his or her eyebrows and agree to what the first has said, “And indeed finding what true love means? Without dating? crazy author!”

Perhaps we often hear the statement “True Love, but, do we really know its genuine meaning? Or simply with the word “Love”, do we really know how to define it? Blinded by the dust of familliarity, we’re not aware that we are almost in the pitfall of death. and if I’m about to measure my distance from where I am located up to that hole, maybe I’m almost a half foot away!

Until I arrived into a great conviction as God spoke to me through Josh’s book.

When I was just heading my way to my spiritual growth, I went into a series of trials which trully helped me furnish and change my character. And I could joyfully say that I still welcome that series that add more trials–trials which have already elevated their forms so that they could be reached by the capacity of my faith. I started looking forward to maturity therefore. I devouted myself to prayers, ministry and study of the Word, and I really struggled a lot with it. It’s been a lot of times since I failed to be consistent with my devotion. Many times I’ve been persecuted and judged. And so a lot of times too that I cry so hard to God everytime my conviction knocks me and loneliness prevails in me.

My sentiments almost drowned me, but not in the sea of lackness of hope, trust and faith. I always hope and trust in Him; always widen the horizon of my faith.

But really, flaws are just hangin’ around.

Because I’ve already know what and how it takes to become a Christian, I expect a lot and highly to every believer I will meet. Like, I must see to them the real Characters of Christ. How they observe their actions and words really matters to me. It’s not just more than reading the bible, it’s about applying it. It’s not just about going to the church every Sunday, but inviting others to come also. It is, generally, putting God first at the top priority list. I know that if God becomes first in our lives, everything will be put into an order. And because of that high expectation, whenever I meet a person whom he considers himself a Christian but obviously  his character does not reflect on the mirror of his name, I find disappointment. But it’s not disappointment to the path that I took neither to God, it’s the disappointment to the person himself because he dirts the good name of the Lord. Little did I know, I sinned more than that of the person. I was like the Pharisees who judge people during Jesus’ time. I came to realize that it was God whom I was mocking because He was the  Maker of that person and He design him to realize his own mistakes. I became self-righteous–yes, I already found the right term to describe me everytime I correct my fellows with what I believe.  I humbly accept my mistakes and tell that I became self-righteous. Still I should set my standards too high and expect Christlikeness to everyone, especially to those who claim they’re follwers of Christ, because this is what God wants and ought us to be.

Where did all of these convictions came from? It is from my Father whom I love so much and loves me more. His will is to love Him first in order for me to love others too. He requires me to love everyone–that includes my enemies.
And I like it when Joshua Harris sums up his book with these words: “Every realtionship for a Christian is an opportunity to love another person as God has loved us.”

Now is the time to get a little more serious, mature, bold and real.

It’s never too late to realize your mistakes. I sinned in the eyes of the Lord and now He’s teaching me.

I should have spent my night time doing my devotion but I failed to be faithful with it. Why? Because of computer and cellphone. At the back of my head, I once defended myself before Him, “Lord, I may have spent my time whole day up to night in front of the computer, but at least I consume it on proclaiming Your goodness to me (through this blog) and sharing my heart and insights to others… Because I want to inspire others.”

But then I realized, although majority of my “internet activities” were fully dedicated to Him (indeed my inspiration is God), sometimes, due to an “extremely desire to express myself”, I tend to swerve into something going-to-be-unfavorable things— these are the tuned-to-be-negative insights. Let me explain furthermore.

Honestly, after struggling a lot on my Christian life and enter in a deep relationship with God, I sort of consider myself a grown-up. But I don’t think posting on a commercial bulletin board my rebuke to someone is not a mature attitude. And being mean and trying to boost myself up at some point, to the extent that I will tell myself (and maybe the others will be also), “Oh, I always claim I’m a Christian but sometimes I become rude to others through my words I speak in the internet. How sad to realize I praise my self… a lot?”, is not also a mature thing.

And shame on me, I can’t let the day pass without sliding my fingers on the keyboard, and yet I often abstain myself on doing my devotion faithfully. At night I must have turned off the computer and go to bed to pray, worship and talk with God, but then I let my eyes get tired of facing the screen instead of making them teary for God up to sleep.

Until a strong typhoon gone through us and it distracted my “comfort daily computer rituals”. From everyday onlining up to a within 1 week last logging in. Miserable for computer maniacs, right? (And until now, we’re suffering from brown out in our place).

I have known it meant awakening. “You’re often absent in your schedule during night for your one-on-one conversation with Me, My child”, God said to me after this calamity. You had a full attendance last April but starting May, you become tardy on meeting me. I’ve been waiting for you to come! Are you really serious with your Christian and prayer life?”

“Lord, it’s been very hard for me to meditate especially if I’m not in my room. You see, it’s brown out and I’ve been sleeping to other room with some disturbances (my grandma, etc…hahaha), and it’s really really hot in my room! I always feel tired and sleepy at night since then and I almost get lazy to do my devotion.”

“Fine, do that during mornings.”, He told these words to me last last Sunday, during a church service.

I made a covenant with Him that I will wake up early and do my devotion but after two days, I missed it again! Instead of thinking God first when I wake up, I tend to think first these past few days if someone texted me or something. Instead of grabbing my bible the moment after I stretch my arms, I often get my cellphone and see if I have messages in my inbox or notifications in my yahoo messenger.

The result? Last Saturday, I broke my cellphone again and now I’m using my aunt’s.

It’s not bad to have a spare time on computers and cellphones, but I always have to remember that before doing it so, I have to do first my daily assignment and responsibility to God. Much more, I have to attend my everyday rendezvous with Him. I will talk with Him through my prayers and He will answer me through His Word.

I know God is teaching me this way. I don’t view this negatively. I see this as a lesson for me, instead.