We Stand For Jesus

Have you ever experienced staring at children and a certain question suddenly pops in your mind? Like “What could be the future of these kids?” or suddenly prayed “I wish I am a kid again, no worries and all fun”. If you are the kind of person who always reflects, I bet you already experienced it.

As for me, I always experienced it. I always ask, “Can she still remember me years from now?”, “What could be their work when they grow up?” “Would they stay as kind and sweet as they are now when they turn to teenagers?”

Last weekend, a conference was held in Legazpi, Albay. (behind the scene photos are already posted in my previous posts) And I think that my questions above are already answered.

Who would imagine that these person was once our Kids For Christ?

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

And now, they are with me serving the Lord. Yes, it really sounds I am an adult now, but I think it is one thing I am proud of, I grew up serving the Lord. And I am gladly to serve the Lord with the people who I used to served for.

As I grew serving the Lord, I realized that I am standing for Jesus already. I will still stand for Jesus as much as I can.

These kids we used to serve are now also serving other kids. And it answers my questions. Kids can be a servant of God as well if we only pray continuously for them. Kids can be a servant of God if we never let go and never give up to them. Kids can stand for Jesus if We can also stand for Jesus.

As for my stand, I wanted to share these photos of kids that our team captured during the conference.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Something I liked the most to kids is their innocent faces. It is so innocent that all I want to give them is the love of God that needs to be shared. I always pray that their hearts and minds would be open for Christ, instead of worldly things in life. I pray that they would also have the heart of a servant just like those who were once kids and now serving the Lord with me.

Here’s a calling for us, servants, we need to stand for Jesus.

Since these kids can see us as their role model, they would also imitate us, so as We Stand For Jesus, these kids will also Stand For Jesus.

Just like last year’s conference, this year’s family conference has been so personal to me again. It is also a calling for all to strive for our family, just like these families.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

 

This emphasize the need for a family to catch up, even every dinner. In our family, it is a must to have a dinner together while our mother asks us “Kamusta ka?” / how are we in our aspects in life, a daily catch up, like, how was my day at work, how was the day of our younger brother at his school, how was my elder brother’s client deals, simple questions that really meant a lot for us. And there were times when I was away from them over the weekend to attend conferences like this, they always say that they miss me, and asks how was the conference. As soon as I get home, there’s the need to catch up with them and I would tell them how happy the conference was.

Family should be the major strength in us, when life gets rough, I know there’s a group of people (my family) who has my back.

So I say, Family Dinner is very important.

I thank the Lord for this conference, and I am excited for what’s next for us.

For us, again, Let us Stand for Jesus and finally declare that

Endless Staircase

“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland” Isaiah 43:19, NIV.

Throughout my walk with Jesus, I have experienced many ups and downs. There were days when I felt as though I was in perfect sync with God, and others where I felt nothing but condemnation for my shortcomings. Every time I would mess up, I set myself back. I imagined myself on an endless staircase with no destination or end point. In my mind, I kept heading upward on the good days, the days I felt holy, and filled with a heart of praise and thanksgiving. Then, on the days I didn’t feel so great about myself or knew I missed the mark and blew it yet again, I imagined I fell down a considerable flight of stairs. One step forward on the good days, ten steps backward on the bad days.
I felt unworthy, would beat myself up over my mistakes and thought I had to serve my “time-out” and perform better before I could come into the presence of my Savior again. This is a nuclear defense of the devil. When we mess up, his condemnation and guilt sweep in to put a wall between us and our Father. But what does Jesus do? He makes all things new. He hung on that cross so that when we fall short, we can receive His sweet forgiveness. He is ready to forgive us, before we even come before Him to ask for His mercy yet again.
Sister, there is now no condemnation to you because you are in Christ Jesus (see Romans 8:1). That mistake you made, He casts it as far as the east is from the west, and He remembers it no more (Psalm 103:12; Hebrews 8:12). The sin you committed, He washed in His blood. The mess you made of things, He has made new and is creating a divine purpose. He is focused on your future, it’s time to let go of your past.
He is saying to you today, “I will carry you forward. Stop punishing yourself. The price has already been paid. I carried away your shame, your sins, your insecurities. I rescued you from the power of darkness and placed you in my Kingdom. You are mine and I’m taking you to higher ground now.”

Prayer: Father, I thank You for your endless mercies and Your forgiveness. Lord, I ask You to forgive me of my sins and the times I have failed You. Help me to put the past behind me as You already have. Help me to stop punishing myself, and step into Your righteousness that You have given me through Your finished work. Carry me through, Jesus. I welcome Your sweet presence to fill me, and make whole every part of me that is broken. In Jesus name, Amen.

(Read Isaiah 46:4; 1 Peter 2:24; Colossians 1:13)

 

Credits: http://www.dot-k.com/

Matthew 19:14 : Life of a ROCK Ate

“Let the children come to Me, do not prevent them for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these”

Matthew 19:14

 

That is the verse that would be forever tattooed in my heart. Have you ever wonder what is your purpose here in Earth? Have you found or knew it already? Because for me, I think I found it, and the verse indicates it all.

I may not have an Ate, but I grew up in the community I am serving now, the Kids For Christ. I actively participated in our monthly session until I was 11 years old. I am grateful for this community as well as for the ates and kuyas who guided me along my way to Youth For Christ.

When I was still a Kids For Christ, all I wanted is to be like my ates and kuyas, or what we call, ROCK Ate. I want to inspire Kids, talk to them about Jesus, I want to play with them, be creative with them, I want to hear their laugh, cry to the Lord, I want them to grow on the way how I grew. In short, I love them.

Year 2009 when I started sharing my life to the kids, first times are so memorable to me that I feel the need to share this to you.

Our couple coordinator called me to serve for the kids, when I was still a KFC, all I know is that the couple coordinator are the one who teach all through out the session, but when I came to the chapel, my couple coordinator just said, “Okay Ate Ara, lead the session” and I wasw like, WOAAH! I AM NOT READY FOR THIS!! But I believe, through prayers, I can do it. I was too shy, I can’t believe that a 13 year old girl will be leading the whole session. My voice back then was still tiny as the ant, I am not that creative for the activities, I am shy to dance in front of them, but Praise God! I survived my first Kids Session!!

Next first time is my first talk. While planning for our Kids camp, my coordinator told me, “Ara, you do the talk 4, since you came from KFC, it will be easy for you”, I just say YES, all I was expecting is that it is the life as a Kids For Christ. But when I saw the talk outline, it is THE HOLY SPIRIT WILL HELP ME TO BE GOOD. What could be my reaction?? Of course, WAIT!! HOW AM I ABLE TO LET THE KIDS UNDERSTAND ABOUT HOLY SPIRIT??!!

It was a reflection talk, reflection of the good things we need to do as a child of God. Upon reflection, I saw kids crying, saying sorry to the Lord, saying sorry for their parents, wishing their parents are there not knowing, after the reflection, their parents are standing at their back. They were surprised, and as an Ate, it is the greatest feeling ever, to see the parent and child, saying the power words to each other, “I love you, Thank you, Sorry“.

I’ve been doing that for almost 8 years now, and it feels like always the first time. The goosebumps feels was always there. I always thank the Lord for using me as His instrument!

I am overwhelmed with these experience, but since this is about my life as an Ate to the kids, let me share to you my funny experiences.

Not all the times, kids are behave, I am sure you knew that. There are times that they are totally unstoppable.

A kid wants a piggy back to you, another one wants to hug your leg, I was like in the zoo, and animals are keep hugging me.

There was a time when we want to begin the session, but they are still unstoppable, a kid hides under the table. And I have no choice but to chase him.

If you serve the kids, regardless of what ministry you are, for sure, you knew that there is a need to dance. And to dance with 8 songs continuously, IT IS NOT A JOKE. But when the kids shouts for MORE, IT IS NOT REALLY A JOKE, FOR THE SECOND TIME!! But because they are kids, enjoying dancing for the Lord, you will dance, (also because you have no choice).

Another thing, is taking care of them, helping them to take a bath, to pee and poop (YES, IT IS A NEED), to listen in their endless stories, to always get their water, to always hug them, it is all part of this service. But when you received their priceless smile, all of these things seems to be so fun doing!

At the end of every session and camp, the would say goodbye to you with a big smile full of joy, and you would know that they are talking to their parents how good ate you are to them.

Fun, exciting, challenging, heart melting, these are the words that I can describe in serving God’s little children. I always pray for them, for their future, for their family, for their education and future career, but most importantly, I always pray that they grew loving and God-fearing person.

With my 8 years as an Ate, I never came to the point that I was tired mentally in serving the kids, but physically? ALWAYS. Never came to the point that I served them without being tired after. But it’s always worth it.

I found my joy and purpose in serving God’s little angels. ❤

To you who are reading this, try to serve, even with the kids you do not know. They can help brighten your life and make it more meaningful! I pray for you and your heart!

 

 

KFC Cavite goes to IKV Iloilo!!

PS: This is an old post. Retrieving from by blogspot account. But the feels are still there! 🙂

First of all, para sa mga nagsabing “Uy, bigtime! IKV Iloilo!”, this is all I have to say, “No, hindi kami bigtime, hindi biro ang ginawa naming pagiipon para sa IKV Iloilo. Hindi biro ang gumawa ng sandamakmak na articles para lang may pang plane fare. And mas lalong hindi biro ang magpaalam sa magulang ko para sa first airplane experience ko. hahaha.” We are all just driven by our passion for our service. We just felt God’s grace by making this IKV Iloilo experince possible. It took a lot of faith struggles before we finally come up with “Yes! nakabook na tayo! g na talaga!”

December pa lang, pinaghandaan ko na to. Niregaluhan ko pa nga si Joyce ng alkansya para makapagipon na kami. Naka ilang “Ano, magkano pa kulang natin?”, “Abang pa tayo ng murang fare” at “pano na tayo?” hahaha. Indeed, God never left our side.

So here goes our journey.

I have my two very mission buddies, A and Joyce. May 1, Friday lumipad na kami paIloilo. Yes! haha.

From Iloilo Airport, ang tagal pa pala ng byahe para makarating sa mismong venue. pero ayos lang. It is all worth it. Pagkarating namin, kinuha lang namin yung ID namin then punta na kami to respective committees namin. And as usual, nasa Docu Team ako. haha.

And since wala pa din naman masyadong ginagawa, chill muna with my docu buddies.

Finally, I had my photo with this Love Project drop. yey!!

Sorry not sorry, but kids’ faces are my fave subject! These are all mine. And I am so honored that these photos are posted in KFC Page. First time ko lang kasi magDocu sa International event. hahaha. Kaya tuwang tuwa pa ako.

Docu buddies!

Second Day! Para makapunta sa venue galing sa accomodation namin, kelangan muna namin mag trisikad. hahaha. tricycle na side car!

Relaxing with Docu buddies. haha. Sobrang epic, kasi tumakas kami since workshop time pa naman and wala masyadong idodocu, so nagMoonleaf Tea muna kami. Dahil takas lang kami, we didn’t expect na makakasalubong din namin dun ang program team. haha. IN short we all had a sweet escape. I also think that we deserve a short relaxing moment. haha.

Wait, syempre. Paselfie muna akoooo!

Highlights of the IKV magazine! Proud photog here! yey!!

KFC ROCK Cavite Team!!

Before bidding goodbyes to my docu buddies!!

Sisters trip! hahaha. Hi JOyce and ate Wating!

Birthday ng loving coordinator ng Cavite. ❤

Hello from KFC Cavite!!!

This is just few of my IKV experience.

Not just the IKV but also God’s messages from each and every one of us. We are moved. We are pumped to love more! Horay for this mission! Thank You Lord for the gift of mission, friends, family and LOVE!!!

I love You, Lord!!!

Stay Alert and Grounded.

“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong” 1 Corinthians 16:13, NIV.

As you grow and become stronger in your faith walk, you will start to take over territory that the enemy has held for way too long! He doesn’t want you to make any advancements, and so he will do whatever he can to steal, kill and destroy any progress you make! He’ll do it by whispering lies into your spiritual ears to try and get you to quit the journey. Or he’ll attack in one way or another. He’ll even use people to push your buttons so that you fall into frustration or discouragement. Those are just a few of his tricks. So watch out for them, and if you sense he’s trying to mess you up, then draw even closer to Jesus. Jesus is your protection and your power. The enemy can’t be in the same place with your Lord. Use your weapons of God’s Word. Take your authority in Christ and order that defeated enemy back to his pit and out of your life.

There will be forces that will want to take you off the course and detour you. But God has a destination for you. He wants to lead you, direct you and reveal His truths to you, but to receive what He has; you need to stay on the path, walking forward with Him one step at a time.Take His hand and let Him lead you, and leave all the forces that are trying to hinder you behind. When you walk hand in hand with Jesus, those hindrances will weaken and become tiny objects in your rear-view mirror. Greater is the One within you, than the one who is coming against you.

Don’t give in and don’t give up. Nothing worth having is going to come without a fight. Maybe you’re fighting for your health, for your finances, for your spouse, for your kids, etc. It sure is easier to give up, but is it worth it? No, it’s not! Staying on the narrow road is worth it, and only when you get to the very end will you appreciate it’s worthiness.

Prayer: King Jesus, I ask that You intercede for me today and that You keep me guarded, firm and courageous. Renew my strength and keep me determined to stand on the rock of Your Word all the days of my life. Amen!

 

Pls see linked, sharing you my devotional site.:

http://www.dot-k.com/stay-alert-and-grounded/

If He called you, He is sure of it.

“Who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began” 2 Timothy 1:9, NKJV.

One day a friend came to me and said, “You need to start a daily devotional”. To say I was hesitant is an understatement. As a matter of fact, I laughed and said, “No one reads devotionals these days.” But lo and behold, I began to pray and God began to deal with my heart about writing a devotional for women. He gave me the name, the look, the message, and I started the very next day. The response was almost instant and we give God the glory!

So many times we think, “Lord, are You sure this is what You want me to do?” “Are you sure people will be blessed by this?” “Are You sure You called the right persont?” We question His choosing, we question His assignment, not understanding His sovereignty and wisdom. If He called you, He’s sure. If He gave you a purpose, He’s sure. “I am sure.” God says, “I am sure about many things regarding you. I am sure about My purpose and plan for your life. I am sure about My divine power to see you to the end of it. I am sure about you moving forward in it. I am sure of the fruit that will be produced from it. Yes, I am sure.” Be sure as He is sure.

There are several things you must know when you are seeking to fulfill God’s purpose for your life:

• Understand your purpose will always agree with the Word of God
• Know that if God called you to do anything, He will equip you with the wisdom, grace and heart to do it.
• Understand that a God-given purpose won’t stop when you stop. It will continue because He’s at the helm
• Pray about timing. If God can show you the “what”, He can show you the “when”
• Pray for God to do the impossible, then go and do the impossible through Him

Prayer: Yes God. I humble Myself under Your mighty hand. Thank You for the purpose and calling You have given me. You have ordered my steps right. And even when I don’t understand fully, help me continue to trust and obey Your leading. Help me to be confident and sure. I receive Your grace to do what You’ve called me to do. Help me fulfill every detail of Your purpose for my life. Be glorified in me. In Jesus name, Amen.

 

http://www.dot-k.com/page/9/

 

DISCLAIMER: I have inserted the link for this devotion, all credits to Daughters of the King Daily Devotional.

Let us talk about relationships.

Life has thought me so many things, and still teaching me a lot.

Today, I read an article about relationships, and realized this one.

As an Ate to all, the thing I mostly avoid to talk is about relationships. Because I wanted to share that Love can really wait, that we should not pursue romantic love since we are still young.

But as life goes on, as my age goes higher, I realized that maybe, it is now alright to speak up about relationships.

I used to say, “Don’t follow your heart, follow your mind.”, for following our heart may lead us to uncontrollable emotions, we just have to follow our minds, because our minds will lead us to our dreams. Our minds will help us focus on our goals, our priorities and success.

But I was wrong.

Then I said “Follow your heart, at all cost.“, because Love is the greatest of all. Because we all deserved to be loved. Because we need to love and to be loved. No matter what happens, our heart knows where we will be happy.

But I was wrong, again.

Now I say, “Don’t follow your heart. Follow Jesus.” Because no matter what happens, Jesus could remind us the good and bad, Jesus could guide us in every decision we make.

My dear, if you are one of my little sisters who I told, “Guard that relationship of yours.” or, “You are still young, relationships can wait.”, I guess, you are now at your right age (for it has been a long time since someone called me Ate). As for me, I am now also at the right age.

Because of our community was really careful about relationships, it cam e to the point that I have no one to talked to, to asked for advice, and a shoulder to cry on. But I understand, and here are just some thoughts in my mind to remind me that relationships are okay.

1 Embrace relationships.

Relationship is a gift from God. Embrace it with both hands. Invest in it. Spend time with it, entrust our emotions, do not let fear hold us back. Love conquers all, enjoy the relationship.

Go and say whatever you want to say, don’t be shy to say, “Hey, I miss you!”, or “I am so proud of you!!”

It is a gift. Do all you can do while you still can. Show the love. Spread the love.

 

2 No to blame game.

Whenever you had a fight, always remember to find solution, that you should talk for a solution and not to blame each other. Common issue in a relationship is, “You love me right? then accept me.”, You both enter the relationship in order to grow more for a better person. Accepting, Yes. We should accept them, but don’t tolerate them. There could be the bad traits, this is fact. But both of you should be open-minded that you are in a relationship in order to grow.

The Lord sent your other half to help you become a better person. So listen, and reflect everything on what your partner say.

 

3 Say even if … instead of what if …

The hurting part of a relationship is saying , “What if …” “What if, we didn’t break?” “What if, I gave all to him?” “What if, I didn’t give up on us? … Maybe I am not this miserable right now.”

Today, I realized that I wanted to stop those “What ifs” in my mind, and start with “Even if”, and ends with I’ll stay.

 

Even if it takes a 3-hour travel to their house, I’ll stay.

Even if time is always our problem, I’ll stay.

Even if we often see each other now, I’ll stay.

I’ll stay, because I choose to.

 

Enjoy relationships. Be a better version of yourself. Love wins.

But above all, pray about everything. 🙂

 

 

You Matter and You are Valued

“He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.” Ephesians 4:16 NLT

Let this scripture minister deeply to your heart today. No matter how you may feel, you matter a great deal in God’s Kingdom. You are an instrument in His symphony and a beautiful expression of Him in the earth. No more valuable than any other part, but valuable nonetheless. To the Lord you are very special and when you obey Him by doing your part you cause a tremendous amount of strength to flow throughout the body of Christ. Your obedience blesses and inspires others. Your obedience causes the whole body to be healthy, to grow and to be full of love. You are vitally important to your brothers and sisters in Christ whether they realize it or even acknowledge it.

God is affirming you today: “You matter to Me. Don’t you see? I called you for such a time as this. Walk not with your head hung low as if you have nothing to give. I have filled you with My Spirit and grace. I have given you My all. Give your all to Me. Give your all. Let Me use you to the fullest extent. Let me be glorified in you. For you matter and you are valuable to Me.”

(Daughters of the King, Devotion)

To my 1 Corinthians 13:4

To my Future Partner,

 

Yes, I will and always be waiting for you.

I don’t know who are you, who God destined me to be with, but one thing is for sure, you are loved by me and the Lord.

I may not show my love for you today, but you are always in my prayers.

I pray for your family, that every member of your family is well, keeping the faith to Christ as well, loving and nourishing you.

I pray for your health, that may the strength of the Lord protects you from any sickness and harm that could conquer you.

I pray for your success, that in everything you are doing, may the Lord be always be with you, in your studies, may you pass all your exams.  And if ever you fail, may my warm hug be with you thru prayers.

I pray for your spiritual health as well, may you also pray everyday as much as I do. May your faith be your number one armor in very life battle you are going through.

I also pray that the Lord is preparing you, that in the day we meet, we are both prepared.

I may be with you right now, I am not sure. But always remember, I am praying for you my dear.

Don’t worry my dear, I, myself is also preparing for the day that I can say YES to you.

I also pray that the Lord will lead to His path, will always guide to keep myself and my intentions pure, for you.

I can’t wait for the time when we can both pray together

… when you are beside me and worshiping the Lord.

… when we are both happily for the love we have.

… when we share the same life goals together.

… when we do missions for God, together.

… when we both spread the good news of God.

… when we are both comfortable and in love with our families, both sides.

 

My dear, I don’t know how to express my love for you.

I can wait. I will wait.

For a 1 Corinthians love.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

⁴ Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. ⁵ It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. ⁶ Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. ⁷ It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

 

Love,

Ara

We will never be a FATHERLESS Generation.

FATHER –

 

According to Google:

A father is the male parent of a child. Besides the paternal bonds of a father to his children, the father may have a parental legal and social relationship with the child that carries with it certain rights and obligations, although this varies between jurisdictions.

But according to what I have learned and observed, a Father may be defined with 3 P’s. What are those? I’ll explain it later.

 

Our generation is now called a FATHERLESS GENERATION, because of only few of us has a father. With this generation, with pre-marital sex issues, boy who can’t be a man for what he had done, a boy who can’t stand being a father in an early stage, these are the reasons why many of us are fatherless. A man can just go away, but a mother can’t. We all lived in our mother’s womb for 9 months. For 9 months, we felt how we are loved by her, she can’t just take us away in her body. But for a father, yes, he can.

 

Besides of being a biological father, I believe that being a father is not just by blood, but by heart and the responsibilities he accepts for his child.

 

As I said earlier, here are the 3 P’s.

PASTORAL HEAD. 

As the Father is the head of the family, he himself should also be the Pastoral Head of the Family. He should be the one initiating the kids to grow up with the Lord. And not just that, not just by words, but also with actions. There are some fathers who wants to go to church with the family but does not the gospels to their family. As a father, he should be the one nourishing the family, proving and teaching the family of what is wrong and right.

PROTECTOR

As the Father, he should always prioritize the safety of your family. There will always be the questions, “Are you home, son/daughter?”; “Where are you, son/daughter?”, because being a man means protecting your love ones, assuring that they are safe and not just physically but also emotionally. I admire those father who just secure their family if they are okay with every aspects of their lives.

PROVIDER

Here comes the very issue of I think most of the family has. As a father, he should be the one providing all of the needs of his family. He should assure that his family is in the right state. Provide foods for the health, educational needs of the children and of course the shelter. He should be a great provider.

 

Those 3P’s are the ideal identity of a Father. But wait, if your father does not qualify those 3 P’s, it does not mean that he is not a good father. There are some circumstances as well in life that a father could not come up with those characteristics.

I am not telling this to put all the fathers down for those who can’t be the Pastoral head, Protector and Provider.

My father does not reach those qualification as well. Not because he does not wanted to, but because just as I said earlier there some circumstance in life that are unexpected. My father used to be the Pastoral Head of the family, but then our faith was tested. My father used to be the protector, but then our bond as a family was tested that leads to having individual lives. My father used to be our provider, but then he had an heart attack when I was in elementary and stopped to work.

But here is my main point. For those who can’t feel their fathers, who never had the chance to meet their fathers, who thinks their father is useless, this is the only thing I can say:

“Look at the Father above, He is our real father.”  

He is our main Pastoral Head.

Ephesians 6:4

⁴ Fathers,do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

He is Protector.

Psalms 91:1

Whoever goes to the Lord for safety,
    whoever remains under the protection of the Almighty,
² can say to him,
    “You are my defender and protector.
    You are my God; in you I trust.”

He is Provider.

Philippians 4:19

¹⁹ And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

 

See.

Reflect.

Do you understand that we will never be a Fatherless Generation?

That up there, someone is hearing our cry, someone is comforting us, someone is concern with us, someone is protecting us, someone is providing our needs, and someone is loving us eternally.