What is it like to be a BELIEVER

A woman was asked by a co - worker, "What is it like to be a BELIEVER?"

The co - worker replied, "It is like being a pumpkin." God picks you from the patch, brings you in, and washes all the dirt off of you. Then He cuts off the top and scoops out all the yucky stuff.

He removes the seeds of doubt, hate, and greed. Then He carves you a new smiling face and puts His light inside of you to shine for all the world to see."

In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16

-forwarded

GOD'S BEAUTIFUL CREATION

Sometimes our days are so busy and full and we forget how short and simple life is. We are too occupied with so many things that sap our time and energy. From the time we woke up we are already exhausted from all the things that we need to do. We even forget to utter a simple prayer of thanksgiving for a new day that God has given us, along the day we tried to squeezed our time just to accommodate our tasks for the day so when we reached home at night we are dead tired and yet planning again for the next day.

Because of that we tend to ignore the simplicity of life. We tend to forget to appreciate little things in life. We missed the opportunity of being carefree again. We missed the child in us.

When was the last time you smell a flower, listen to the chirping bird or even watch the children happily playing on the street? When was the last time you pause and thank the Lord for the beautiful creation He sets before your eyes?

That’s what the Lord reminded to me when we held our YA retreat in Al Ain. Far from the hustle and bustle of city life, far from the time consuming and nerve wrecking paper works and free from all technologies the world has offering us. It once again refreshes my soul. And again I feel that with all the mountains surrounding me no one can be able to harm me, that even in the middle of chaos and storms of life I know I'm safe and secured for my refuge is the same God who created them all.

Let us always admire and appreciate God's beautiful creation because time will come they will all be gone and only what remain are the pictures of them in our heart.

CHRISTMAS IS IN THE HEART

Now that Christmas is just around the corner, everybody's busy planning their Christmas celebration, which and what gift to buy, the list of food they will prefer on their table. Children busy practicing for their month long Christmas carol, the colorful Christmas lights and decoration and the cold breeze that greets you outside, it can't help but bring sadness in my heart. I really miss Christmas back home.

It's been my 4 years now that I'm away from home during Christmas season. Working in a land where Christmas is not in their list it is really hard, some Christmases I remember spend working. I can't be with my other fellow housemate to wait for midnight countdown because I have to  work next day. I really miss the festivities, the warm smile that never get tired to greet everyone, the happy faces of every child as they received their gifts from their ninongs and ninangs. The reunions and all family gatherings that unite and keep us together.

It is also one occasion where in forgiveness overflows where everyone is at peace with one another. It a time of year where their is no war, no rift, no violence. Peace is all the over the places. Love is all the around the corner. Love dwells in everyone.

Nothing really can beat how we Filipinos celebrate the most joyous occasions of all time. Though many things happen to our country we experienced so much disasters, storms, tragedies that almost bring us down as one nation as well as within ourselves as individual we have gone through many trying and difficult time in our life this year that tested our faith and our capacity as human being but it will not be the reason for us not to celebrate Christmas. That’s the Filipino spirit that I'm truly proud of. We never let circumstances hinders us from spreading the true spirit of Christmas.

Christmas is not in the place where you are but it is in the heart. For Christmas is all about God, all about His unconditional love for us that through His son Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour, who was born on a manger and died on the cross for the salvation of mankind. God's love that is beyond all understanding.

I may not be celebrating Christmas again the way it was used to be I may not be able to eat again bibingka, puto bungbong and the noche Buena but one thing is for sure, Kahit sang panig man ng mundo magninining ang Pinoy.

For Christmas is in the heart of every one who knew the truly meaning of it.

Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

A BLESSED AND MEANINGFUL CHRISTMAS TO ALL



PART TIME JOB

CHANGES

Every time  I'm passing by in this area (this is where I stayed during my previous 3 years here in UAE) so many memories started to come back to me. Memories that brings joys, gladness and a little tears in my heart. But as always said…there's nothing  permanent in this world but change. No stability, no security.  Every one of us comes to some certain point in our life that we have to move on. We have to leave our family and friends back home to explore the other side of the world. We have to leave behind our comfort zone and put our self on battle field of life to test our strength and endurance. We have to leave the company that we learned to love with in exchange of greener and better pasture.

People, things, circumstances change. It's the catalyst of life. It may be hard at first, we started to complain, we become pessimistic and worst of all we give up. We are broken and with that we forgot to see a clearer picture of what is set before us. A wonderful promised that God is giving us. "...For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future..." (Jeremiah 29:11). His plan is concrete and nothing nor anyone can change it.

It is also an assurance for us that in spite of all the changes that are happening right now there is still one thing that never change and that is the love of God for us that continue to go on and on. It is overflowing and constant.

So if you are in the midst of changes right now and you think that it is unstoppable just be still for the God we have is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. (Hebrews 13:8) He alone NEVER CHANGE and His love never fails..

EID 2010

I'm back from  5 long day holiday in celebration of Eid Al Adha here in UAE .It was such a wonderful days to be cherished for. It really refreshed my body, mind and soul. Allow me to give some best highlight of my week long holiday.

Day One - November 16, 2010

Location: Sharjah National Park

Event: WIN Sharjah Family Day

With my 4 yrs stay here in UAE and being a  member of WIN Sharjah never did I attend family day it is not because I don’t have to but laziness always attacking me. I would rather  stay at home and waste my time doing nothing than to have fellowship with my "family". But God is really good because HE let me experience the joy not only being surrounded of God's people but also with the beauty of His creation that really refreshes my soul, it may be a tiring day but the joy, the fun and the laughter is really beyond compare.

Day Two – November 17, 2010

Location: One and Only Royal Mirage

Event: Lunch date with Thursday Group

Who would think that only rich and famous people can have  lunch in this nice, cozy and elegant restaurant? It not even in my wildest dream, maybe because sometimes we are too much contented with what we have right now and never think that we can also experienced what those wealthy and famous people have in their life. We forget that our God is the owner of everything that is here on earth and as His heir we have the privileged to enjoy the beauty of it. And that's what you called blessings from God. This event is really in God's plan because everything works out smoothly. Truly a memorable experience that will be cherished for a lifetime.

Day Four – November 19, 2010

Location : Win Sharjah church (Union Church)

Event: Thursday Group Presentation

from left to right: Agnes, Erika, Sharon, Shiala, Me, Guen, Rona, Alma, Thess, Sigrid and Lizzie

11 lives…11 souls…Pipol Transformed. It is really amazing how God moves in our life. All of us have different stories, different testimonies, different experiences in life to share with. As we are preparing for this presentation we have only one common goal that is God will be praised in our lives and those people who will hear and see our presentation will be touched and experienced the same transformation God had done to us.

The 2 days in between were spend at home recharging and bonding with my housemate and doing some house chores.

God be praised



NOVEMBER CELEBRANTS

They say that real test of friendship is distance. It doesn't matter how long or how far you have been apart from each other but on how you will able to pick up once again the pieces where you left off. Friends are the missing puzzle in each one's life. Same with puzzle game you have to seek thoroughly, spend lots of time and energy before you will be able to complete it , same with friendship or in any relationship time , energy and commitment are some of the main ingredients to achieved a lasting one.

This month 3 of my friends who's all name starts with letter A and whom I dearly missed celebrated their birthdays. Two of them already find peace in the bosom of our Creator and the other one I hope his happy with the life he had right now.

I would like to take this opportunity to tell them how much I value the friendships we have. Though it was such a short time but the memories we have will last for a life time and I wished they are still here to them how thankful I am to have them in my life.

Angie – every time I see Myra singing in front of the congregation it is you that I'm reminded of. You're dedication and commitment in serving God through the talents that He gave you was really beyond compare. You may not be with us anymore but we know you're happy now because you singing now in front of the One who gave you that talent. Missed our ROTANA times.
 

Ahlen - our sweet Ahlen. Who can forget the one who love monkeys. You're sunny personality and positive outlook in life are some of what I admire most of you. Wish we have more time together. You may not able to fulfill all your earthly plans but being with the One who holds our future is greater than any fulfilled plans. Missed our gala moments in Karama.

Arturo - It's been 3 yrs since my last conversation with you . Don’t worry I don’t have any ill feeling towards you. Though there are questions in my mind that till now are left unanswered but still I understand and thank you for the friendship we had even for such short time. I pray that you already find the happiness that you've been looking for. No matter what happen you will always be remembered and will always be part of our family. We will always be thankful for sharing your life with us. We may not able to see and talk with each other same like before but you will always be in our prayers.

So long my friends…..looking forward to see you once again ….

Friends come and go but only those who knew the true meaning of friendship stays for a lifetime.