A wonderful day, evening or afternoon to you, wherever you are in the globe (or whatever continent).
Below is a link worth sharing and watching with an open heart, either by yourself, or invite your family, friends and even enemies, in the hope that you allow the LORD GOD to meet you at the point of your deepest need(s), that nothing earthbound could meet, but surely will be met TODAY.
http://myhopewithbillygraham.org/programs/the-cross/
Thursday, November 7, 2013
Friday, September 13, 2013
A THOUGHTFUL SON
My husband and I are celebrating our 14th wedding anniversary this year. We both actually remember it only the very night before the actual date when we were in bed! We woke up very early at 3:00 a.m. on that date because we couldn't sleep after awakening so we decided to pray together and thanked GOD for His faithfulness through the years:
We had no plans really how to celebrate but on that night my 14 year old son surprised us that he is going to take the whole family to dinner to the restaurant of our choice!
Boy, we did go to Thai Table!, and the topic of our conversation? Whether the U.S. is going to attack Syria or not for having used chemical weapons in destroying some of their own people.
London Parliament voted not to send their troops to the shock of the world!
My son chose to give up what he could do with some of his money for himself that night. Do you know what happen the next day? He received a card from his Aunt Katrina with a check for $200.00 as her birthday gift to him yet his birthday was two months ago!
As we were going home, we were kind of excited on how the LORD GOD is going to intervene in what is happening to Syria because Israel is going to be affected. The U.S. is the only ally Israel has in case Syria attacks her. There are nations really vent on wiping Israel off the map! They don't know WHO they are dealing with if they touch His Chosen People.
So President Barack Obama's position is to attack Syria because he believes Syria crossed a red line.
However, he wants to give the House of Congress the chance to decide and vote on it.
If the United States voted not to intervene, how glorious it will be to behold how GOD Himself is going to protect His Chosen People!
Two questions needed to be asked:
What is the purpose or objective of intervening or attacking?
How will the world look like after the intervention or attack?
Are these questions really what GOD has in mind or the fulfillment of another Biblical prophecy must come to pass?
Even So Come LORD JESUS! Maranatha!
- For blessing us with two wonderful and beautiful kids.
- For blessing us with a home
- Planting us in a church at a nearby city
- For our parenting efforts so far
- For keeping us strong and healthy
- For the job my husband has-God's means of providing for our growing needs
- For having each other and our family
- For giving us an opportunity to assist my elderly father
- For giving us grace to know, love and serve GOD after saving us from hell through Christ' perfect sacrifice at the cross
- For the freedom to worship HIM, read and study the Bible
- For the freedom to walk in the Spirit and not in the flesh
- For CHRIST, being our LORD and KING
We had no plans really how to celebrate but on that night my 14 year old son surprised us that he is going to take the whole family to dinner to the restaurant of our choice!
Boy, we did go to Thai Table!, and the topic of our conversation? Whether the U.S. is going to attack Syria or not for having used chemical weapons in destroying some of their own people.
London Parliament voted not to send their troops to the shock of the world!
My son chose to give up what he could do with some of his money for himself that night. Do you know what happen the next day? He received a card from his Aunt Katrina with a check for $200.00 as her birthday gift to him yet his birthday was two months ago!
As we were going home, we were kind of excited on how the LORD GOD is going to intervene in what is happening to Syria because Israel is going to be affected. The U.S. is the only ally Israel has in case Syria attacks her. There are nations really vent on wiping Israel off the map! They don't know WHO they are dealing with if they touch His Chosen People.
So President Barack Obama's position is to attack Syria because he believes Syria crossed a red line.
However, he wants to give the House of Congress the chance to decide and vote on it.
If the United States voted not to intervene, how glorious it will be to behold how GOD Himself is going to protect His Chosen People!
Two questions needed to be asked:
What is the purpose or objective of intervening or attacking?
How will the world look like after the intervention or attack?
Are these questions really what GOD has in mind or the fulfillment of another Biblical prophecy must come to pass?
Even So Come LORD JESUS! Maranatha!
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
UNDERSERVING RECIPIENTS OF GOD'S LOVINGKINDNESS
Since I came to know the LORD JESUS CHRIST, one of the truths that I am always reminded of is none of us deserve anything, yet GOD, out of His loving and kind nature, chooses to grace us. This truth is so profound not only of our undeserving gift of eternal life In Christ but also of all things that come our way.
And, that I mean....
Good things that come our way....We do not deserve it...it is only entrusted to us for a time so we can learn to be godly stewards, not a way to feel good about ourselves. Bottom line, we are LOVED no matter what happens, right? To be reminded that even as we are HIS children, we are doing it out of love, and as servants of the most High GOD, we are doing it out of gratitude ("Yes, Sir.")
Do not take me wrong. We do it as our obedience and He rewards us in different forms whether or not we expect it, although the motive is doing HIS right thing at that moment.
Bad things that come our way....Sometimes we deserve it because our greatest enemy is FLESH or SELF spelled backwards, take away h.
.....Sometimes we think we don't deserve it but we do. However, it is GOD's way of molding and shaping our character into Christlikeness even though the journey is nothing but stretchy hard, otherwise why would He command us to rejoice always?
.....Sometimes we think, "we definitely do not deserve this one..." but aren't we all sinners saved by grace, became saints and still in need of not only a Savior, but a LORD and a Sanctifier?
At the same time, bad and good things come our way....
.....Sometimes we don't deserve it but GOD in His wisdom gives us the honor to be burdened to pray for others that they may know Him, the power of His resurrection and experience the miracles due!
My homeschooling family is in a season of being caregivers to my elderly dad (taking our turns-Cuddle, Jonathan, Ninja, yours truly, and send in ones by the day-even callers to cheer my dad up!). For purposes of this blog, my dad's name will be James Bond (one of my dad's favorite character). He has COPD (Chronic Obstruction Pulmonary Disease). After two ERs and hospitalizations this year, he had a mild cardiac and underwent Angiography. He is also at risk of a possible stroke due to a blocked right carotid but he does not want any more surgery at age 86. Please help us pray for his salvation, his complete and whole surrender of his heart to Christ (of which he shared or confessed he didn't do), and his assurance of eternal life (which he is lacking as a result of living for himself even though he accepted Christ many years ago and many times already).
We do not deserve to be shown loving kindness by the Busch Family, or
the extended mercy by CCS, or
be understood by all other parents for not being there..., or
be wondered @ CC "we haven't seen them for a while" or "whatever happened to them,"
but our everlasting GOD,
in the richness of His grace and mercy,
and His LOVE everlasting,
chooses to manifest those virtues
through the lives of many people, strangers and angels,
toward us, in my family's new season of home"school"ing
plus the school of caregiving.
To all of you, knowing or unaware,
remembering and praying,
even to those who may be walking in the same season or paths as we are,
thank you so much for being His channels of grace.
Being reminded, we are praying for you as well, no matter what your present journey is!
At the time of this writing, it is never too late or too early to say
"A Blessed Thanksgiving and A Miracle-filled CHRISTmas to you and your family!
And, that I mean....
Good things that come our way....We do not deserve it...it is only entrusted to us for a time so we can learn to be godly stewards, not a way to feel good about ourselves. Bottom line, we are LOVED no matter what happens, right? To be reminded that even as we are HIS children, we are doing it out of love, and as servants of the most High GOD, we are doing it out of gratitude ("Yes, Sir.")
Do not take me wrong. We do it as our obedience and He rewards us in different forms whether or not we expect it, although the motive is doing HIS right thing at that moment.
Bad things that come our way....Sometimes we deserve it because our greatest enemy is FLESH or SELF spelled backwards, take away h.
.....Sometimes we think we don't deserve it but we do. However, it is GOD's way of molding and shaping our character into Christlikeness even though the journey is nothing but stretchy hard, otherwise why would He command us to rejoice always?
.....Sometimes we think, "we definitely do not deserve this one..." but aren't we all sinners saved by grace, became saints and still in need of not only a Savior, but a LORD and a Sanctifier?
At the same time, bad and good things come our way....
.....Sometimes we don't deserve it but GOD in His wisdom gives us the honor to be burdened to pray for others that they may know Him, the power of His resurrection and experience the miracles due!
My homeschooling family is in a season of being caregivers to my elderly dad (taking our turns-Cuddle, Jonathan, Ninja, yours truly, and send in ones by the day-even callers to cheer my dad up!). For purposes of this blog, my dad's name will be James Bond (one of my dad's favorite character). He has COPD (Chronic Obstruction Pulmonary Disease). After two ERs and hospitalizations this year, he had a mild cardiac and underwent Angiography. He is also at risk of a possible stroke due to a blocked right carotid but he does not want any more surgery at age 86. Please help us pray for his salvation, his complete and whole surrender of his heart to Christ (of which he shared or confessed he didn't do), and his assurance of eternal life (which he is lacking as a result of living for himself even though he accepted Christ many years ago and many times already).
We do not deserve to be shown loving kindness by the Busch Family, or
the extended mercy by CCS, or
be understood by all other parents for not being there..., or
be wondered @ CC "we haven't seen them for a while" or "whatever happened to them,"
but our everlasting GOD,
in the richness of His grace and mercy,
and His LOVE everlasting,
chooses to manifest those virtues
through the lives of many people, strangers and angels,
toward us, in my family's new season of home"school"ing
plus the school of caregiving.
To all of you, knowing or unaware,
remembering and praying,
even to those who may be walking in the same season or paths as we are,
thank you so much for being His channels of grace.
Being reminded, we are praying for you as well, no matter what your present journey is!
At the time of this writing, it is never too late or too early to say
"A Blessed Thanksgiving and A Miracle-filled CHRISTmas to you and your family!
Friday, May 18, 2012
21st CENTURY IDOLATRY
IDOLATRY: THE SURPRISING ROOT OF CONFLICT
Book of James 4:1 What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?
QUESTION: But what if our desires aren't sinful?
PROBLEM: Ken Sands says the problem occurs when a legitimate desire turns into an idol. Usually, this needs to be dealt with before dealing with surface issues.
PRACTICALLY, HOW CAN THIS HAPPEN?
A DESIRE ( I want a peaceful home, respect from my wife, professional success, spiritual growth in my church family, a cell phone, an Ipad, a motorcycle, etc.) Name whatever your desire is.
When my desire begins to preoccupy and control my other thoughts and actions, it escalates into
A DEMAND (I cannot be happy or fulfilled if my desire isn't satisfied.)
When other people don't meet my demand, I view them as blocking me from getting what I want. As a result,
I JUDGE (You are the cause of my dissatisfaction and must change for my desire to be satisfied.)
When I use my words and actions to manipulate your behavior toward fulfilling my demand,
I PUNISH ("If you won't do what I want you to do, then I won't do what you want me to do.")
When I pursue my desire before I listen to and obey GOD, it becomes
AN IDOL ("I am preoccupied with this desire. It directs what I do and how I feel; it is the controlling grid through which I view this situation.")
********************
What about the spiritual element involved with conflict? Obviously, our Enemy hates unity---and so he makes suggestions that tempt us to judge others and feel self-righteous.
********************What about the spiritual element involved with conflict? Obviously, our Enemy hates unity---and so he makes suggestions that tempt us to judge others and feel self-righteous.
EXAMINE When you are confronted by someone or something that makes you uncomfortable, lean into the discomfort. Drag that feeling into the light of Scripture, and examine it closely. Is it the pain of your temporary flesh being crucified----or the pain of an eternal truth being violated? Challenge yourself to respond immediately and obediently to God's promptings.
(Excerpts from May 2012 In Touch Magazine)
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Why do I even give gifts or celebrate CHRISTmas?
"Years ago, I heard Dallas Seminary professor Howard Hendricks say that CHRISTmas in America is not so much about giving as it is swapping. If we give someone a fabulous gift, and the gift we receive from them is, well, less fabulous, that's okay. We'll make sure that things get evened out the next year when it comes time to select their gift. Who hasn't sometimes felt just a little slighted at the inadequacy of a gift received? (Come on, be honest now.) In fact, our culture feeds that disappointment by pointing out attention to gifts that are impossible for the average person to afford. Still, we make up on CHRISTmas morning certain that someone, whose love for us will be measured by the quality of his or her gift to us, is going to hit it out of the park this year. How can anything but the weeds of discontent grow in that kind of emotional field?" Excerpt from the booklet entitled Discovery Series: Anticipating the Birth of Christ, The Stories of Simeon and Anna by Bill Crowder, Radio Bible Class Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. http://rbc.org/
**********************************************************
What the professor said is not only true of America but around the world. How do I know? I came from a third world nation. It is true as well. The reality is this self-centered way of celebrating Christmas has become a materialistic holiday, where many are after what one can get, whether a business who needs your money to make it by Black Friday or a person who desires something so that person expects someone to give it to satisfy the longing. Or, even if that person can afford it, it sure is nice if it will come from someone who cares. Isn't that selfish? The situation above don't really happen only on Christmas but even on birthday celebrations.
To be honest, we seldom see the people we come to see on these holidays, if not, once a year-on Christmas. For example, we got invited at a birthday party, but barely know the celebrant, although we love being there and see what fun we can have at the expense of another. Someone even told me that the reason there is a party is so you can invite people whom you expect to bring gifts. Being a host, the gifts even out the expense of providing food and favors. Is this GOD's concept of celebration? All these happens whether we are rich or poor or middle class, if that still exists. Some rich will also get over it by buying whatever, without a thought. Businesses give gifts, too, because "good business," in exchange for your loyalty. Asking for choices allows us to see whether we can afford it or not.
Instead of coming to know the celebrant by caring enough to ask from a good source, so we will have a hint of the celebrant's desire or choices, we guess on what we think they desire or buy and get over with it. "Buy a gift, what-ever." It has become overboard and meaningless. If GOD indeed commanded to celebrate His birth (the time He was born here on earth although no one can tell the exact date and the fact that GOD has no beginning and has no end), Being the celebrant, is this the way HE would want us to celebrate it?
Instead of coming to know the celebrant by caring enough to ask from a good source, so we will have a hint of the celebrant's desire or choices, we guess on what we think they desire or buy and get over with it. "Buy a gift, what-ever." It has become overboard and meaningless. If GOD indeed commanded to celebrate His birth (the time He was born here on earth although no one can tell the exact date and the fact that GOD has no beginning and has no end), Being the celebrant, is this the way HE would want us to celebrate it?
What is the point of giving someone a gift (whether you already have money; or, if you use credit card and pay later-- why would GOD say "owe no one anything but to love?) just so that at least you gave without praying and meaningfully consider to ask GOD what He would buy for this person if HE was here? Doesn't GOD care about that person that HE surely will take the time to reveal it if we only ask Him how to do it? Does He even want us to give a gift and if so, who? Doesn't HE give gifts to touch someone's heart or life?
GOD, being the Celebrant, we should at least ask HIM how He wants us to celebrate it and His heart's desire? More than anything, knowing GOD deeply, you know His heart cry is always a lost soul who needs the greatest gift. Our job is pray hard and wait on GOD to lead us to one, whether it is a lost family member at a time when we can use the season to share the truth of why JESUS CHRIST was born into the human world; or a prodigal one, who needs to be reminded of what Jesus already did.
Why do I say this? Because I have a child who thinks she knows what she wants or needs but really don't so she will desire a lot of things. "Believe you me," given the choices, and bought one of those, you will find that she got bored of it already or "oh, I wish it was something else." It just makes one ungrateful. You know what I mean? Obviously, my daughter needs a heart-gift of contentment and gratefulness no amount of material gift could make it possible until we seriously intercede with God for that precious heart. I probably reflected the same heart as my daughter when I was her age but my parents were so merciful and so forgiving like GOD.
Now, I also have witnessed and experienced, in an impoverished environment, that CHRISTmas can still be celebrated without the exchange of gifts but just the joy of being with the people you care about and sharing a simple meal that has no strife. Sometimes even no meal because there isn't really any but was there joy? Ofcourse! Because the joy was within the heart thankful that we are still alive, we have each other and had another Christmas or new year. This time will also pass.
If there are unbelievers who experience this good thing, shouldn't we as Christians consider what we do because honestly we are shaming Jesus Christ by the way we do it. God is our example. He gave because it is HIS nature, a generous GOD, out of love. Shouldn't we do the same? Yes, we are not GOD, but by just asking from HIM, He can fill us with His nature, being HIS children. HE has already blessed us with all spiritual blessings in the heavenly places and that includes His kingdom in our hearts! Even if He asks us to give something costly, our obedience moves HIM to enable and provide. Then, we get to celebrate the season with a heart that pleases Him and surely will touch lives, free of financial troubles. Let us also pray that the recipient's heart will find it in his heart to know and thank GOD for touching his life, whether or not we heard the thanks.
On another note, what will happen to one's Christmas if there are no gift exchanges anymore because there is so much poverty, or out of money for gifts or simply broke---in other words, hardships? Will life be miserable? NO. Why? Because the Gift is given already---with or without money, CHRIST is the GIFT. The reading of the WORD which is sharper than any two-edged sword, in the midst of the celebration is what gives us hope and defines the meaning of CHRISTmas.
Last, but not least, understand this: Take away CHRIST from the word Christian, you have 'ian' which stands for "I am nothing." Take away CHRIST from the word Christmas, you have "mas" which stands for "Man Abounding in Sin."
Therefore, let us not dare take CHRIST out of CHRISTmas, with or without human gifts.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Future Public Servant
While on our way driving for home after Tuesday school, eight year old Ninja, in deep thougths asked, "Can one be governor of the United States?"
"No baby. There is no such thing as governor of the United States. You can be governor of a certain state, but there is only a president of the United States." Mother replied (that's me).
"Do you have to be 60 years old to become president of the United States?" Ninja asked again.
"Oh, no." Mother said. "You can be a president while you are a young adult. President Kennedy was young."
"And, so is President Obama. About 36 to 40 years old, you can become president," Jonathan joined.
"He is right. There are certain qualifications for one to become president. If I am not mistaken, you must be born here in the country or you must have been a citizen for many years." Mother further replied.
"Are all the presidents of the United States Christian?" Ninja asked one more time.
"I believe they were. I do know there was one Catholic, President Kennedy." Mother added.
"There were quite a few of them Christians," Jonathan corrected.
"I would like to be president of the United States." Ninja announced.
"That is a very good thing to desire. God is able to prepare you to become one if He has called you to be. You may be the first woman-president of the United States. You really need to have a personal relationship with GOD and a close walk with Him in order to be a godly president of this land. Meantime, while you wait on GOD, you need to educate yourself with a lot of things like understanding the laws of the land...." I explained.
"I would like to be a governor but let Daddy be the president. Then, after being governor, I will move to Germany and become president of Germany." Ninja concluded.
Now, I don't know where that came from but she surely was thinking about it deeply and somehow deep inside her heart, she wanted to make a big difference. The ancestor of Ninja's dad is former (Governor) William Bradford of the Mayflower Ship. The Pilgrim colony of Plymouth. She is proud of that in her childlike heart. Since Thanksgiving is coming, she has been thinking about these things. No wonder she desires to be a governor. History may repeat itself.
Partly knowing what Ninja desires is one thing I am thankful for. Another Thanksgiving countdown.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
The Beginning of My Musings
The month of Thanksgiving celebration has come, a gorgeous and favorite autumn holiday of mine. If there is a countdown to Christmas, let this be my countdown to Thanksgiving. I invite you to join the living room of this heart with a warm cup of "coffee-flavored milk" and servings of coconut macaroons. There are also hot coffee and tiramisu or hot chocolate with marshmallows. Would you like some?
What is there to be grateful for especially this night....the night my affectionate and loving husband encouraged my heart to start a blog, while seated beside him on the sofa watching Sunday night football. Isn't that sweet? Inspiring. I will call him Cuddle, the first character of my blog.
On the rug, my very imaginative and artistic, young daughter is happily crafting out a life-size, bondpaper snowgirl as one of her decorations for this coming Christmas, as she watches "Beauty and the Beast" for the first time. At last, her Daddy gave her turn to watch. Her name is Ninja, the second character, "thoughtful" by heart.
Minutes earlier, my tween was assembling Lego Technic #8070 by the hearth, daddy on the assist. A red, high-tech, supercar that needs 1281 lego pieces of different sizes to build. It was a gift from his aunt. A challenging fit that he asked to play minecraft after that. He is Jonathan, my third character, who loves to build but also is a very great helper.
So, what is there to be thankful for? A family. A unit of society that comes in all shapes, sizes and colors. My family. Your family.
Let me end this first blog by qouting partly a phrase I learned from the "Winn-Dixie" movie, something like this, "there comes a time you must let go...enjoy them while you have them or while you can."
www.minecraft.net
Lego Supercar
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