Humility Part 2

God really is in control of all things.  Once again He reminded me of that.  And yesterday,  I just smiled and prayed to Him because I knew in my heart that He was teaching me to be humble.  I just want to share you -

Yesterday, Vergil and I took the insurance licensure examinations at the Insurance Commission.  Prior to that, we had our training and we were handed out mock exams to review.  Since my college background is Accountancy, most of the terms in the training were not new to me.  Not true though for my husband since he is an Engineer.  Through the course of the preparation, I was laughing at him and I was jokingly bragging of my high score in the mock exams.  While he was having doubts of passing and was telling me that He will rely on God for this.  I was overly confident, he was nervous.

Exam time, I answered everything smoothly.  As I reviewed my answers, I noted that I have just 2-3 questions that I am not sure of.  The rest I know.  Vergil was halfway when I stood up and submitted my papers.  While we were waiting for the result, he admitted he was worried because he noted around 15 answers he was not sure of.

Result time.  He got 79%, I got 72%.  We both passed.  Passing is 70%.

I was shocked of my result.  I was sure I'd get not less than 90%!   Then my heart laughed - I knew it!  God was teaching me a lesson.  Although I prayed to Him before the exam - I relied on my own strength, I was confident.  He just showed me that He could have let me failed if He wanted to.  Because He is in control.  Another lesson- be humble!  I was laughing at my husband  but He got a higher score!!!  Hahaha!

God really teaches us everyday.  Even in small and harmless moments of our life, He is molding us.

I thank God for the valuable lesson He taught me yesterday.

:-)  

Humility

Philippians 2:3-4
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.  Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Since my greatest flaw is pride,  humility is far out in my character.  And this is one thing I always pray about.  That the Lord enable me to practice humility and become secure of who I am.  That He remind me everyday that I should be giving glory to Him and work on His approval instead of impressing men.  Most of my life was about who is the greatest - in school and work.  I focused on achieving more than the people around me.  I just had to be shining and rising above the rest.  I cannot be part of the average but I had to be one of the few.

But the Lord showed me that humility that speaks volumes.  He, being a God has taken the nature of a Servant and humbled Himself and loved us despite the rejections and mocking thrown at Him when He was here on earth.  He could have easily revealed Himself of His power - but He obeyed the Father's will.  Such a heart He also wants us to have.

I believe by God's grace, I will be able to develop the humility that the Lord wants me to have.  It will be a painful transformation, but the reward will be worth it!

Do Not Love The World

1 John 2:15-17
Do not love the world or anything in the world.  If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.  For everything in the world- the cravings of sinful man, the lusts of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does- comes not from the Father but from the world.   The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.

I am a work in progress.  Before I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior,  I was arrogant and boastful.  I took credit of what I have accomplished and I am proud to let everyone see how I can control and achieve the things I want in life.  Until God humbled me through the trials and problems that was thrown my way.

 I became resentful and bitter.  I blamed others for what happened.  But God is good because he drawn me\
into the light and where He finally revealed to me why it had to be that way.  Now, I am more than grateful for what happened.  I found God and finally found a deep sense of purpose in life.

As I was spending my time with the Lord this morning, He reminded me to keep my path on the right track through the verse above.  Lately, I have kept a full schedule juggling being a mom and wife, an online store seller, a GLC student and reviewing for my upcoming license exams. And I skipped my morning coffee with Him since I can no longer bring myself up at 4:45 AM.  I am glad this morning, the Holy Spirit enabled me.

Here's one thing I discovered the past weeks.  Whenever I skipped my morning time talking to God and listening to Him through His word,  I am more prone to taking the easier way of life. I am more tempted to succumbed to my sinful nature and its desires.  My greatest flaw is my PRIDE, and from that it breeds envy, cravings for material things, arrogance and boasting. And I have been tempted by all that the past days and my heart is guilty.

I thank God that this morning He reminded me again to live according to His will and to live in light of eternity.

God is really great!

WAHM

I became a work at home mom since my last employment at Palms Country Club.  I thought being such will be a bliss! Being able to dictate my own time and having the time to spend with my kids.  But it was not so.  There are many challenges that went my way.  One is not having the income that I used to have.  Another is no one to delegate other tasks to.  But you see,  I gave up a good career to pursue what I thought a valid and deserving dream of mine:  to be able to gain financial freedom and live a lifestyle of wealth and fame.  Then God had to discipline me and bring me back to the right direction.  He opened my eyes slowly to what direction He wants me to take.  Mind you, it is not something that is even close to what I've always wanted.  But I learned to surrender my life to Him and let go of the reigns.  Amazingly, amidst the trouble and hardship  of life, I found joy and peace.  And most of all, I found a deep PURPOSE.

I am a WAHM.  A Wotk At Home Mom.  And my boss is not myself anymore.  I am a servant of God.  And I am praying that I become a good and faithful servant all through out.  Deserving to be with Him in eternity.
 

Dear God

I pray for those affected by the rain and flood.  Strengthen them Lord and please bring them all to safety.  I pray for those who are risking their lives to save people and for those with kind hearts to sacrificially and lovingly shared for those who are in need. At these trying times, may your people call on you and learn to surrender their lives to you as their Savior and Lord.

Thank you Lord, that we are safe.  This is a time when I realize more how petty my problems are compared to what most are going through right now.  And I am grateful even more of your blessings.

We ask all of these in Jesus mighty name.

Amen.

Worry

It was only the other day when I was feeling down and started to worry again about the future... pressure of problems was slowly creeping inside me.  The need to take control was shouting its way back.  Late that night, I cried out to God my worries and heartache. And He impressed upon my heart how much He loves me and that I need to trust Him and wait for His will in my life.  I calmed down at once and then started to count the many blessings I have.  And it dawned on me how petty was it for me to worry about something that is not even sure to happen.  Or to worry about the future when He told me that the worries of today is enough of its own.

Before  sleep took me, I opened my bible and this verses calmed me even more:

Psalm 116: 5-7
The Lord is gracious and rigtheous;
  our Lord God is full of compassion,
The Lord protects the simplehearted;
  when I was in great need, he saved me.

Be at rest once more O my soul,
  for the Lord has been good to you.

I again prayed for His will in my life and surrendered every thing to Him.

Wedding At Century Park Hotel

A night before there was a storm surge in Manila Bay where the stretch of Roxas Boulevard was flooded (w/ salt water and trash), we attended  Vergil's college friend Charles' wedding.  We thank God we arrived home safely that night.  The wedding ended around 11PM and the weather has turned from bad to worse.  As we drove along Roxas Blvd, there were knocked down trees and branches and there was no electricity.

Anyways, it was a great time for Vergil to be able to be with his barkada that night and I enjoyed it too!  And it was a romantic wedding.  I can really feel the love of the couple Charles and Michelle.

Some pics - courtesy of Yves Eli Yu (hahahaha! downloaded it w/out permission from his facebook account).  Thanks Yves!!

The couple Michelle and Charles

Us

With friends and the couple

Friends

The boys 

If You Miss Your Quiet Time

Since January last year, I have learned to spend quiet time reading the bible.  Eventually, I learned to pray from the heart and talk to God.  And I am learning to meditate on His word.  I can attest of how powerful these times to affect the course of my day.  I can feel the presence of the Lord as I go through the day.

The past week had been busy for me, and I had missed my morning conversations with God.  That's when worry, pride, resentment starts to creep on me again big time.  And I felt no power to overcome it.

Now I know what happens when I miss my morning coffee time with the Lord.  It is time to get my priority straight.

:-)

Our first course subject: CCF DNA

First Day of Class-Orientation

Pleasing Everyone, Anyone?

I must admit, one thing I cannot tolerate is when I am criticized or corrected.  Not necessarily because of the criticism itself but now I realize that it is more of the fear that the person criticizing me is not pleased with me anymore.  I always wanted people to love me, admire me, accept me- and I will do anything just to maintain that.  And now I realized, it causes me unnecessary stress and frustration.

Because I cannot please anyone.

And that God loves me and that is sufficient.  Pastor Joby's post on his daily devotional about this had touched me and helped me understand more about this negative effect on me of trying to please everyone (see related post).

And the other day, God tested me about this. Anxiety and frustration overtook me over a mere question of what I did.  I just felt the person who questioned me is displeased with my work- that alone brought unpleasant feeling inside me that went on early morning yesterday.  I am not proud that it took me that long to do this: I humbly bowed down before God and prayed for his guidance and wisdom..  And then He impressed upon my heart that He loves me, and that is the most important thing.  And that pleasing Him is what matters the most. The anxiety went away at that instant.

And I felt peace.

Another Day With Friends

Food and swimming.  Never ending fun and laughter.  Day spent with our kids as well.

Thank you Lord for such a blessed day with friends!

Fun!

My sweet Miguel

Ninong Arvin and Maxene

Ninang Alex

Ninong Roel and Cutee Josh

Miguel having so much fun

Josh having fun, too!

Awww sweet-  my little girl and daddy

Palms Friends

Met up with friends from Palms Country Club yesterday.  It was a joy to see them and get updates from them.  And at the same time, I feel guilty for all the times I was so busy and did not bother to meet up with them.  God is revealing more and more of what matters the most in my life.  I always thought and believed that financial freedom can give me anything I wanted for me and my family.  But  I was wrong.  And the more I surrender myself to God's will, the more I realized and see that the simple things in life can give me joy and peace and contentment because the Lord is with me.

Romans 12:2
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is- his good pleasing and perfect will.

God is Faithful

If you've been reading my previous blogs, you will find that I have been struggling with God's command to be still and know that He is God.  (See related post)

I had been impatient and had to take control over some things.  But at the end of the day, I ended up frustrated, angry and  guilty.  As the the Lord had impressed upon my heart to be patient and to trust Him, I lifted up my cares away and learn from what He was actually teaching me.

And He is faithful to His promises!

As I stayed still and prayed and trusted in Him, everything just fell into place!  I could have saved myself from so much heartache and could have avoided angry bouts with Vergil if I had been obedient to His commands.

But I am grateful for the lesson it taught me.  The Lord really loves me as He never fails to give a lesson everyday on how to live a life that is worth the reward in heaven.

Glory to God and His Son Jesus forever!

Picture Books

One of my goals before the year ends is to organize, file and choose pictures I will be putting together in a picture book.  I am sold on ordering them already thru  PICTUREBOOKS.

Software already downloaded.  I'm gonna start with the pictures from our recent vacation.

:-)

Artsy Saturday

 It was supposedly finger painting activity alone.  But when Maxene saw how Kuya Miggy's "dirty" hands, she backed out.  Akala niya madumi yung ginagawa namin. Hahaha!

After our finger painting, I decided to we do another coloring activity with Maxene...

And updated another page of my scrapbook too...

I am still thinking of what to do next Saturday. Sticker time maybe.

Find Rest

I am pretty sure all of us is familiar with Psalm 23 from the bible:

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
 he leads me beside quiet waters,
 he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
 for his name's sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the
 shadow of death
I will fear no evil, for you are with me;
 your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table for me in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil, my cup overflows. 
Surely goodness and love will follow me all the 
 days of my life,
 and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Now, let me share you something from a book I am currently reading.  And antithesis of Psalm 23 which speaks for most of us.  I myself have experienced this:

The clock is my dictator, I shall not rest.
It makes me lie down only when exhausted.
It leads me to deep depression, it hounds my soul.
It leads me in circles of frenzy for activity's sake.
Even though I run frantically from task to task,
I will never get it all done, for my "ideal" is with me.
Deadlines and my need for approval, they drive me.
They demand performance from me, beyond the limits of
    my schedule.
They anoint my head with migraines, my in-basket 
   overflows.
Surely fatigue and time pressure shall follow me all the
   days of my life,
And I will dwell in the bonds of frustration forever.
                      MARCIA K. HORNOK, "PSALM 23, ANTITHESIS
                             from the book: Living on Purpose by Christine and Tom Sine

Funny, but true.  Most of the time, we live a busy life that is never ending.  We try to book a vacation or file a one day leave in the hope that it will somehow recharge us.  But the moment we wake up the next day, just thinking of the task ahead zaps up our energy.

It is when you are in the Lord that rest comes in the midst of a busy day. He promised us this:

Matthew 11:29-30
Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

Seek the Lord and surely you will find rest in your weary souls.  God bless us all!

Great Life Or Eternal Life?

If there's one thing the Lord had taught me that made me just look back and become grateful that He called me-  is the understanding that we are living in world where you can be trapped of the illusions of a great life and then spend your whole life running after it then realize that it can never satisfy you at all.

Life here on earth is short.  And eternity never ends.  How come I almost spent my entire life working on my life here and never even bother to think of how will I be spending eternity?

And I am grateful that God called me. And now He is teaching me everyday of how should I live my life here on earth in order to get the great reward I will be enjoying in the eternal life.

Guiding Words

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 


1 Thessalonians 4:11
Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.


Philippians 4:13
I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.


Colossians 3:2
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

Let God

There are still times when I worry too much and become anxious... especially when it comes to financial problems.  When bills piled up and our budget is too tight, I start to think of ways immediately, instead of praying to the Lord and trusting Him of his faithful promise- not to worry but to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things shall be given to me (Matthew 6:25-33).


And so, for days now, whenever anxiousness and worry slowly creeps into my heart, I pray and lift it all to God.  I think of His promises.  I open my bible and read them.  And they never fail to soothe my heart and soul.

Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your request to God.  And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.


Hebrews 12:7
Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons.

I am learning to let God work on my life by trusting His love and mercy.  Sometimes it seems easy to say, but it really takes intimacy with God and knowing Him deeper and deeper that my faith in Him flourishes which enables me to surrender my every day to Him.  And so it has became a goal for me to get to know God and His Son, my Lord and Savior, Jesus.  To be able to trust Him fully and surrender every aspect of my life to Him.

I am praying that many will join me in my walk in quest of the great reward.