Monday, April 8, 2013

The Art of Waiting [for Forever]



Patience [noun] the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, problems, or suffering without becoming annoyed or anxious [as defined by Oxford Dictionaries].

Patience is not really my virtue. I hate waiting – maybe this is why I had difficulty about arriving on time but I am trying hard to be punctual to show respect to others’ time since I also get annoyed when I have to wait long for somebody.

And thank God for His wisdom and all experiences I had where I learned either to wait patiently or act without thinking much before His response. His timing is always perfect (Ecclesiastes 3:11) and we can choose whether to be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him (Psalm 37:7) or stressed out yourself by worrying too much (Luke 12:25).

Plus there are a lot more Bible verses that talk about patience. Including a character of love it is patient (1 Corinthians 13:4).

image source: webmovie
This weekend, I just saw 2011 romance film “Waiting for Forever”, starred Rachel Bilson and Tom Sturridge. The storyline contained sweet thoughts with an expected happy ever after ending, lovely soundtrack and a super charming loverboy ♥ 




The movie will leave you questioning “how long would you wait?” and “could you wait forever?”. I also appreciate its fresh and laidback cinematography style – like I’m watching Catch and Release (2006) again. Also check out lingering songs by The Mostar Diving Club: Worlds Apart and Worlds Collide and Black Lab's Mine Again

So here are some clips and lines by Will Donner (Tom Sturridge). Eeee for his cute smile and blue eyes!

If I had one wish it would be that your life brings you a taste of happiness that you brought me.  That you can feel what it's like to love.  / Bad love letters beg for love back. Good love letters ask for nothing. / It doesn't matter. It's just being around  where she might be, that's plain.
 - Will Donner
Right now, I am still praying for God’s will to happen in my life. I am waiting for this man who loves the Lord the most and he might as well be patient ^_^ Life is a matter of choices and today I choose to be happy and wait eagerly.


Happy Monday

Monday, April 1, 2013

Holy Week 2013: He is ALIVE



Another Holy Week has ended but we should not stop reflecting our life in faith and in Christ. I just hope that many had time to remember Jesus’ sufferings and victory. 

Maundy Thursday was a great day for me. I enjoyed taking photos of the sky plus I saw a rainbow cloud. And of course, I tried making a sunset time-lapse video again. it's fun!


2013.03.28 Malanday, Marikina City

video
2013.03.28 Marikina City  *BG Music: You'll Come by Hillsong United


Then on a Good Friday, I thank God that we had a prayer and fasting moment at our church and it was great to feel His presence and worship Him. We also read and meditated the Books of James, Peter, and John and were asked to share our reflections. 

And Saturday was definitely a productive day for me. I did many household chores, I got time to make a music video for the church and an extra time to pamper my self with hair and foot spa at home.


And this Sunday, Jesus’ Resurrection is definitely a must celebrate event by all believers for its significance; aside from Christmas day.


While at our church’s Sunday worship today - our Head Pastor Terry Broqueza had discussed the Message of the Risen King using passages from Luke 24 and these were the important things to keep in mind:



1. That Jesus is returning to the Father.

Luke 24:4-8 [While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ ” Then they remembered his words.]


2. That we should NOT DOUBT that Jesus is ALIVE.

Luke 24:37-44 [They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.”
When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate it in their presence.
He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.”]

And remember what God has told in Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV)[Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you;  he will never leave you nor forsake you].


3. That He will send what the Father has PROMISED – the Holy Spirit.

Luke 24:45-49 [Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”]

And to develop a servant’s heart since we will eventually have the fruits of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness ~Galatians 5:22) when we truly obey and serve the Lord.


4. That we are the WITNESSES of REPENTANCE and God’s FORGIVENESS.

Always pray for others. 
Ask God for forgiveness and forgive those who sinned against us.



Above all, let us remember 
Jesus’ VICTORY over death and follow His will.


1 Corinthians 15:55-58 [ “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?”  The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.]


And as part of our celebration, we had a free film showing featuring the Courageous Movie, directed by Alex Kendrick, produced by Sherwood Pictures - the creators of Facing the Giants, and Fireproof. I think everyone had enjoyed watching the movie. It’s moving and of course, encouraging.

image via kgba.org

I've seen the movie before but the impact to me is still the same. We lost our father two years ago and I am missing him more every day. He was an amazing and loving father. He was like Nathan Hayes (played by Ken Bevel) on being strict and protective and Adam Mitchell’s (played by Alex Kendrick) dedication to his work and having integrity.

And I love the scene where Nathan Hayes took his daughter to a special dinner and talked about giving her away to another man someday – that he’s praying for the best for her. Little girls should really be patient and wait for God’s perfect timing and His special gift - a faithful and imperfect but will make us whole in marriage.



It’s also a great blessing that there’s someone who is ever present to become a Father to the fatherless and I believe that God is here with me - my great father in Heaven and mighty to save!


And though I missed Jars of Clay’s concert at Walkway tonight -- I am not totally sad (but I love them so much!). Why? Because I've been praying about it since Friday. There was a strong conviction not to go and do my duties at church since I am in charge of the film showing for the afternoon service. And I am also happy that I obeyed and I gave my best today to the Lord. This verse from Luke 6:38 (NIV) applies to me now: [Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you]. And yes, God proved that there’s blessing in giving and following His will. I received many blessings today: yey for a pair of new shoes from my sister, financial provision for my additional medicines and other expenses as well as peace and joy that I am having now.
He and His word never fail.



God bless ♥!

Saturday, March 23, 2013

Jars of Clay Live in Manila, March 31 2013






Hope I will be able to come >.< I am really excited to visit and see Jars of Clay. The amazing Christian rock band from Nashville, Texas is very known for their songs like “Flood”, “Liquid” and “Love Song For A Savior”; movie soundtracks such as “Unforgetful You” for Drive Me Crazy and “Waiting for the World to Fall” for The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. The band's name is derived from the New International Version's translation of 2 Corinthians 4:7: “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.” The band consists of Dan Haseltine on vocals, Charlie Lowell on piano and keyboards, Stephen Mason on lead guitars and Matthew Odmark on rhythm guitars.

Jars of Clay released its new studio album "Under the Weather -Live from Sellersville, PA" last March 18,2013, also in celebration of their 20th anniversary this year. I love their latest live version of “Worlds Apart”. See video link below and hear their latest tracks at Jars of Clay at Soundcloud..



I’m not really familiar with Walkway but I just found out that Church Simplified is the one in-charge of this project: the Reflections on the Stations of the Cross and also is on its sixth year at Bonifacio High Street this 2013. It is an artistic and interactive exhibit designed to challenge the way you see the events surrounding the crucifixion of Jesus. It intends to give people the opportunity to slow down from the busyness of life and reflect on how God demonstrated his love for humanity.

All images from Walkway’s Official Facebook page / top left: Paolo and Samantha Valenciano

Yes, the upcoming Jars of Clay concert is for free yet it's still better if we could enjoy music near the stage; and Walkway launched a promo mechanics few hours ago via their Facebook page  to get good reserved seats. See message below.



Hoping for a good weather on March 31. May all attendees experience a blessed Sunday and remember the essence of Easter: the grace of God and His amazing love ♥


Thank God It's Friday ♥

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Reality Check 03.20.13



Sometimes it’s really better to give yourself a time to rest; take a pause and release stress - a little prize.

I don’t know why most of the time, I got sick when I wanted an escape - a little vacation. Of course those days gave me time to pause with my tasks at home, church and work for few days. But I could not do anything more than sleeping, taking the meds, watching TV, internet surfing, getting more sleep, taking the meds, listening to music and getting sleep again and again – not productive I know.

But last Friday, heavy sneezing, runny nose and constant cough were my best friends while drowsiness and fever were present on a weekend until Monday. My asthma attack last weekend was like life-threatening and this made my mother really worried and wanted me to take to the hospital. Then after taking some meds, I recovered a little and tried to go to work on Tuesday morning, I was early at the office (ehem) but after an hour I could not breathe easily and my head’s spinning hence I had to ask my bosses’ permission to leave at lunch time and go home; thank God they approved it.

And so it’s Wednesday now I decided not to go to work since my doctor advised me to stay home, rest and take more meds and I’m feeling better now but she also mentioned that I need the spinal brace as soon as possible - my scoliosis is also causing my bad health. And I'm happy to share that today I managed to do some fun activities: I practiced sketching portraits and watercolor painting, updating my devotional journal and my planner, wrapped gifts for some of my graduating friends and reorganizing my files at my external hard drive. 

Anyway, at last I succeed to finish reading Nicholas Sparks’ True Believer novel last Saturday (yey, a medal for me! I had that book since 2005 and I've been very much lazy turning the pages to read). The story’s beautiful and I think I have to buy At First Sight (sequel) next time. I am excited to read more about the romance between the skeptic Mr. Jeremy and classy Ms. Lexie.




And yesterday, I'm very much happy to capture the sunset with my camera - I made a time-lapse again, this one is longer than the first one I made titled Takipsilim sa Unang Sabado ng Marso. Here I used a clip of Hale's Ulap song for the background music. I was able to enjoy looking at the peach cotton candies in the sky.



Anyway, as I was reorganizing my collections of interesting images I got from the internet for several years, I found this quote that I can relate to at this moment. Also a week ago, I posted something that talks about making the right decisions “now” and be firmed once it is made, see Monday To-Do: Decide.

I am afraid of taking risks but always excited to take chances and both usually end up to unhappiness and missing the train because of fear. I thank God for His presence and the wisdom He gives. I am stubborn and impatient but He still deals with me with His grace and amazing love. I am now praying harder because I need more of Him and I regret that I've been so distant to God lately.

So dear friends, I leave to you the quote I mentioned by Andre Gide earlier and another by Joel Osteen. Hope these will encourage you all. Let go and let God. He knows what’s best for us because His ways are higher than are ways and so are His thoughts than ours (Isaiah 55:9). Goodnight everyone! Have a blessed tomorrow! 

image via vol.25
man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore. Andre Gide / Christopher Columbus

right click the image and open the link in new tab/window for larger view and free download ^-^
You won’t move forward into the new things God has in store  if you always replay the negative things that have happened. - Joel Osteen

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