Out of COMFORT ZONE.

Comfort zone! We love that. One of our favorite "tambayan". Dito tayo mas komportable. If we are given a chance to choose where we want to stay, it's better to chose kung saan tayo mas magiging OKAY at hindi AWKWARD. But what if, someone challenge you na gawin yung mga bagay na hindi mo NORMAL na ginagawa? Something out of your comfort zone? what will you do? gagawin mo ba o dededmahin na lang?

To be honest, it's difficult right? but what if yung magiging result ng pag alis natin sa comfort zone natin is may buhay na mababago at magkakaroon ng PURPOSE? are you willing to take the risk?

This past weeks, God challenged me to go out of my comfort zone and to minister to other people. To share the Gospel to my schoolmates and sa mga taong pinagppray ko since last semester. Yes, i'm praying sa Lord na gamitin ako sa mga classmates, schoolmates and friends ko. Though it's hard, i'm willing and i love to do it for the Glory of God. 

PRAYING is good. But it's not enough.  You have to do something.

In James 2:14 it says;

"What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them?" (James 2:14 NIV)

Here's an examples;  What if  we always say na, "i had lots of homeworks, kailangan ko na matapos," Pero wala kang ginagawa para matapos yun? What if sinasabi mo na nagugutom ka na pero wala kang ginagawa para makakain ka? mabubusog ka ba? Let's say na you have FAITH na mag ggrow ka sa Lord, na gagamitin ka Niya mightily at  palalaguin ka Niya Spiritually, pero hindi ka nag eefort na mag spend ng time with Him? Wala kang devotion and everything. Mag ggrow ka ba? Absolutely Not!

It's same sa mga bagay/tao na pinagdadasal natin na makakilala sa Lord. Yes you have that Faith na one day makikilala nila ang Lord, pero wala kang ginagawa para makakilala sila, still, It's DEAD. It's nothing.

When we pray we need to do something. Kailangan may Action. 

We need to go out of our comfort zone and share the Gospel. Dahil hindi naman tayo mag-isa eh! GOD IS ALWAYS WITH US! :))) He will gives us the Words to say, the courage to speak and the strength to do the work that He gave to us. And this past weeks nga,  God gave me the strength and courage to step out of my comfort zone! I witnessed on how He works sa buhay ng mga taong  pinagdadasal ko. 

While i was Praying, He is Moving. :) 

That's why, kailangan na natin umalis sa "comfort zone tambayan" natin It's time to wake up and do something para maabot yung mga lost souls. (Souljah!) If we need Jesus in our lives, they also need Jesus too! We should have the "sense of urgency, Passion and Endurance in sharing the Gospel.

(Credit to our CG topic)

Don't be afraid na umalis sa comfort zone. Because God is with You. Never ka Niyang iiwan mag-isa. Take heart! Tama na yung "ikaw" it's time to deny ourselves and say YES to God. If you really love your family,friends, schoolmates or even your classmates, hindi ka matatakot at mahihiyang ishare sa kanila  ang Lord. Because you know na only God can fill the emptiness in their hearts. Allow God to use you to the maximum. Let His name be lifted high in our lives.

There are many broken people around us. The people we know and the people we don't even know. And our Lord Jesus is the only one na makakapag-puno sa emptiness nila, sa emptiness natin. Share Jesus with them! Go out of your comfort zone!  God is always ready to use you, but the question is "are you willing? are you willing to take the risk as you go out of your comfort zone? :) 

These are the girls na pinag ppray ko since last semester. God made a way for me na makasama, maka-bonding at maka-close sila. Until now, God makes our relationship closer and closer  to each other and closer and closer to Him. Growing together sa Lord. :)
(Gladys Nieves, Zsay Dalumpines. Vanny Almazar, Dolly Joy Abobo)

To God be the Glory!  <3

Friendship is a gift from God :)

All of us have friends who's always there at our side whenever we need them. Friends are crucial, they are gifts from God. And i want to share my story about how God appoint me to a girl who became part of my Spiritual Life. And one of the reason why i grow deeper in love with God. 

Her name is Rose Toquillo. :) I'll never expect that we will become friends and close like a sisters, 'cause we are very different to each other. But God is the reason why we met. He is the center of our friendship. We both love God and that's our similarities. 

Sometimes we fight. But God is good! 'cause He brings out the best of us using those situations. Our friendship faced lot of difficulties, trials, brokenness. And to give up each other is next to our mind. We are both broken. But because of the Grace of God, because of His love He makes us whole again. :) And He restored our hearts.

We love to seek God together and grow together in the presence of our King. :)

Pizzzaaa! hahah! we both love to eat. :P

Ate Rose teach me a lot of things about life. I used to be the weakest girl before, but God used her as an instrument so i can be a stronger Woman.  And i will treasure all the memories we have. She's one of a kind. ;) I'll praise God for her life.

No matter what happens we know that God is with us. We may face lot of trials again along the way, but we are stronger than before because we have a BIG GOD in our life. Our friendship is dedicated to God. :) And we pray that God will use us for greater things. We will continue to seek God and allow Him to use us. :))

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work; If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!" (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 NIV) 

Lord, thank You so much for giving us another chance to reconciled again. Thank you for Your unfailing love, Grace and forgiveness. You'll never give up on us. We lift up our friendship to You. All the glory belongs to You. 

Christ up!

-CL

Wait Patiently, God is in Control

I always said that "True Love Waits" and sa totoo lang hindi ganon kadali ang maghintay. As i wait for it mas lumalakas ang temptation na mag give up na sa paghihintay. There is someone na nanligaw sakin and i admit it na nagugustuhan ko na siya. But God always remind me na hindi pa right time, hindi pa ngayon. But i refuse to follow God. I didn't listen to Him. Until one day nalaman ko na may gf na siya. Whoaaaaah!! ?:(  

It really hurts me. Dahil akala ko seryoso siya at willing maghintay. I'm terribly upset nung nalaman ko yun. But know what? at that very moment, God speaks to me. And i feel His loving arms embracing me. 

What LOVE really means?  In 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 defines love.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast. It is not proud . It does not dishonor others, it is not self seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil  but rejoices with the truth, it always protects, always trust, always hopes, always perseveres.

As i seek the meaning of Love i found out na sobrang lalim ng meaning nito. When Jesus died on the cross just to save us from our sins, dun pa lang sorang hirap ng iexplain or maunawaan dahil all of us are sinners. But one thing is for sure, it's all because of LOVE. He died for us because He loves us. Unconditional love. :)

Here is the story of Hannah, the wife of Elkanah. She doesn't have a child, that's why pakiramdam niya is sobrang miserable ng buhay niya.  As i read the chapter 1 of 1 Samuel nakita ko kung paano kumilos ang Lord sa buhay ni hannah and how He blessed her. Hannah's heart is a heart na sobrang nagtitiwala sa Lord.

"Her husband Elkanah would say to her, "Hannah, why are you weeping? why don't you eat? why are you downhearted?  Don't i mean more to you than ten sons?"

                                                                                                 1 Samuel 1:8

Yes, her life is miserable because of not having a child. She cry out to God. But because of her faith, God gave her a child. 

It feels like ang Lord ang nagsasabi nito sakin. "CL, mas mahalaga ba talaga sayo yung love na maibibigay ng nanliligaw sayo? Hindi pa ba enough yung pagmamahal ko?" After that, i realized how selfish i am. Hindi ako nagtiwala sa Lord kaya nasaktan ako ng ganito. I didn't listen to Him. If we want to do something, ask God first and spend your time with Him. 

1. Get up and Pray

Like Hannah, she takes time to pray and asked God  na bigyan siya ng anak. She patiently wait and pray. And ganon din sa LOVE. We need to pray for it and allow God to write your love story.

If you feel so lost and broken right now, take time to pray and seek His presence. God will give you comfort and heals all the wounds within you. He loves you.

2. Trust God with all your HEART

"In her deep anguish, Hannah prayed to the Lord, weeping bitterly." - 1 Samuel 1:10

                                           

No matter how bad the situation is, no matter how broken you are, TRUST GOD! 

Sometimes, because of brokenness and pain, nakakalimutan natin magtiwala sa Lord. The situation clouded our vision and allowing it to control us.  That's the reason why we forgot to trust God and His plan for us.

But Hannah, despite of what she feels, despite of brokenness and pain, she takes time to pray, spending her quality time with God. She cry out to God. And she believed that God will give her a child. She trust God with all her heart. 

As we wait, we will see that God is also preparing us to be the right one. 

Let God controls your life. Let His love consume your hearts. The closer you are to God, the bigger your heart to people. Allow Him to write your love story. He is LOVE and so the author of it. He knows the best for you. Wait patiently. Endure everything and wait for His perfect time. 

"He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end."

                                                                                                                         Ecclesiastes 3:11

We doesn't know how, when or where. But we know na sobrang ganda ng love story na sinusulat ng Lord for us. All we need to do is to wait, serve God and seek more of His presence. His love is more than enough. :)) 

GOD IS LOVE! <3 :) 

Christ up! :)

Everything is for God's glory :)

Whoaaah!! She's really a good singer, and she can play different instruments. Hey! that boy is the most handsome man in the world! 

Have you ever been praised by your appearance? talents? actions? or for the good things you've done for other people?

Let me share this to you. Every time i spend my time browsing and surfing the net, especially facebook or a video or news, i saw a lot of people praising one another cause of what they've done. Some people would ask, "how did they make it?" 

It feels so good hearing praises and compliment from other people saying good things about you. But BEWARE!!!! cause sometimes we didn't notice that we lift up our self  and not God.

Famous people like scientist or actor/actress do extraordinary things. They invented things that we can use in our daily lives. Some can writes a very encouraging and inspirational words. That's the reason why sometimes, they become proud and selfish. :( They forget to acknowledge the One who gave them the strength and wisdom to do all those things. All the praises and glory belongs only to God and not for us. We are only His instruments.

"I don't care about human praise"

          -John 5:41

But know what? being a servant  of  God, people praises, good feed backs or even their "likes" for what we done is not important. Its good to know that they are motivated by what we do and for  what they see in us but always remind yourself that its not about us anymore, its GOD! they need to see how great our God is.  

We do good and helpful things cause we want the world to know that Jesus is God! He save us and He loves us.  

This is the first time i spend my time with them. They are the kids in evacuation center (GYM)  in Angono Rizal.. I'll praise God for giving me this opportunity to share His goodness in me and to let them know that JESUS LOVES THEM DEARLY! :))) 

         Share Jesus.... Be humble....And let GOD be glorified! Grab every opportunity that God has given you. 

"How could you possibly believe? you like your friends praise you, and you don't care about praise that the only God can give"

                                                                                                                              -John 5:44

The important thing is the praise that only God can give :))) More of Him..less of me!

Lord, everything is for Your glory! <3 Praise God!

- cL

Let God change you into a Woman after His heart

Every Woman have its own characteristics and personality. Everyone is unique. Characteristics is different from personality. Characteristics is the real you. Your inner self. While personality is your mask. It can change. As i searched the difference between the two, characteristics is objective while personality is subjective. Characteristics shows on how you deal or react in sudden happenings or situations you experience. Personality is what people see in you. Maybe they see you as a good and joyful person but when you are alone you are a very emotional and problematic one.

Whether you are bad or good, emotional or joyful, confident or not, GOD CAN CHANGE YOU! but the question is "are you willing to change for God's Glory? :) 

Changing your characteristics is not instant or easy. It's a process. But if you pray for it and let God change you, you can make it! because God is with you in every step of the way. He will allow different situations to happen so you can see that God is able and He will mold you into a Woman after His heart. :)

"Let the Spirit change your way of thinking and make you into a new person. You were created to be like God, and so  you must please Him and be truly holy."

-Ephesians 4:23-24

First, let God change the way you think. Because what you think affects your emotions and influence your actions.

I always think that i am weak, and God can't use me because i'm not matured enough to share the good news with other people. But one day God speaks to me and say "change the way you think"  He open up my mind and awakened up my soul. Yes, i am weak without Him.. But i can do all things through Christ who strengthens me! (Philippians 4:13)

If i didn't listen to God and didn't  let Him to change my way of thinking i am not here, i am not here sharing my faith with you, to share His goodness in me. God is always there., knocking in our heart. Let Him change you! :) Let Him in.

Listen to His voice! Be a woman of God! :)))

To God be the Glory. Christ up! :)

-CL

Love God First!

Let me share my devotion with you.. :)

Another lesson from God! yeheeey!

One day i asked God, "What should be the first thing to do to be  A Woman next to His heart?  Do i need to be beautiful? smart? attractive? famous? Is there an examination to be His Princess? is there any requirements?

And know what He said? :)

"You are already my Princess, accept Me and let me in into your life, inside your heart. Know that I Am your God. My love for you is so strong and i don't want you to be far away from Me. You don't need to be perfect to be My princess, cause I LOVE YOU for who you are and what you've done".

I see myself as nothing, less important, a sinner. but still, JESUS DIED FOR ME!  it's all because of LOVE. His unfailing and unconditional love. No matter who we are and what we've done, it doesn't matter to God. Because His love for us is indescribable. And His grace is sufficient for us.

Every Woman should LOVE GOD FIRST and give her heart to God.

"Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised".

-Proverbs 31:30

Physical appearance doesn't matter to God. It really doesn't matter to God. Titles are not needed to be a woman or princess after His heart. There's NO requirements. The important thing is our heart. A heart of a Woman who love to serve God whatever her appearance. A woman who wants to glorify her King in everything she does. A woman who pleases only God. A woman who loves God! :)

Our love for God should burns like a fire! Our love for God is the beginning of everything. It teaches us to love those people who wronged us, people who hurt us, persecute us. It teach us to be more humble and compassionate. It teach us how to forgive. It give us strength and courage as we face all the problems, struggles and brokenness. It teach us how to love. Indeed, God is the one who teach us. Be a woman who loves God! A women after God's own heart. Always be motivated by His love. :)

He will never leave you. Everything has it's purpose no matter how painful it was. God allow things to happen cause time will come that He will use it for His Glory. He will use you for greater things. 

GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME!! CHRIST UP! :)

-CL <3