I Thank God

photo courtesy of Google

Last Saturday (which was yesterday) was a great one to have, because we were a bit abounding of number in the Korean church including a new found friend who just frequently joining us.
Normally, it's the Korean Pastor's wife who would always lead out the Sabbath School program with new concepts of icebreaker that may awaken the senses of the church goers.
What she did yesterday was good enough for everyone to think of something that we need to thank God for by listing it down.
I was called to read my lists and shared what I have thank God for about, and here it is....

photo courtesy of Google

I Have All the Reasons in the World to Thank God....
1. for the trials and struggles in life everyday (here in Cambodia).
2. for the blessings of life.
3. the job He provided for me here in Cambodia.
4. the low salary I'm receiving in my teaching job.
5. for the blessings of health both physically and spiritually.
6. for the blessings of a new set of new found friends here in Cambodia.
7. for the blessings of protections.
8. for the blessings of food physically and spiritually.
9. for the blessings of the spiritual gift in teaching.
10. the miracles of getting up everyday.
11. the miracles of opening my eyes every morning.
12. the blessings of having good students.
13. the blessings of having a good school and the new management.
14. the blessings of the bad news that I see and hear everyday reminding myself to cling on more to God.
15. the miracles of having a great God who accepted the worse in me.
16. for the wonderful family I have, we may not perfect but I am glad we aren't.
17. for the blessings that I could find way to go to church every Sabbath and worship with fellow SDAs abroad.
18. the blessings that I could have my own personal devotions everyday.
19. for the persecution I have had.
20. Lastly, for the shower of blessings He gives each day.

These are the lists I have made except numbers 19 & 20 which I added only now to make it 20. Words of gratitude aren't enough to Him, I just feel ashamed and embarrassed because I don't deserve to call Him my father, because of my filthiness but then, I thank God for loving me always..I am just so lucky that I am a child of God and I am claiming that always.

The Weight of Life

Photo: courtesy of Google

When life's burden's too heavy to carry, and we tend to be affected by it - it slows down our journey or either stops us.

I believe, everyone has gone through such bad pace in life where at times we forget to smile and everything seems to be so gloomy.
When we travel to valleys of profound sadness and seasons of sadness we cannot appreciate the beauty of life and its wonder given by God. Who could have thought of smiling and gladden oneself when you are enveloped with problems.
By the start of this year 2014 wasn't really a good start. A sadden news had broke me into tears when my uncle had passed away, bearings with my previous problems that I have had in the latter part of 2013. Hitherto, the fear of losing someone bloodily close to you would always frightens you to last a lifetime. Awhile back, my aunt - first cousin of my mother died and she's not just an ordinary aunt but a close one to my family.
I have thought that bad luck has escorted me and won't stop till I got shattered and torn apart. Yet, all of these trials has jog my memory of kneeling it down to the Super Being above, entrusting my drawback to Him.
As I have my devotional routine, I came across of this beautiful quotes truly liquefies my heart.

" Whenever life's burdens oppress you, And trials are too much to face, Remember God's strength in your weakness; He'll give you His power and grace." - Sper

 The song below has been my recent fave and serves as inspiration to ring me a bell every now and then that God is better than I. This song really roar me to tears.

" Do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try,...but rejoice.... when His glory is revealed. - 1 Peter 4: 12-13

I just thank God that I have Him with me, no matter how sad and troubled I am. With that, I have all the reasons to rejoice and be glad.

Photo: courtesy of Google

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. - James 1:12

Unloading A Heavy Burden

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" I will not leave you nor forsake you - Joshua 1:5 "

I have traveled down difficult roads in the midst of my 9 months stay here in Cambodia, started when I hosted a certain guy from Germany who used to be my guest back in the Philippines (I am a member of a travelers community online). Trouble came in and we started exchanging hurtful words just as the way I defended myself till in the latter, I was the one who apologized and humble myself not just because I was obliged to but because it is the right thing to do as Christian.
Yet, he's still enrage and wants me to resign so as leaving Cambodia for good out of his sight while he's still around. Long before it happens, a couple of rough occurrences had appeared startlingly as I would say enough to test my faith.
Problems didn't stop there because another hearsay circulating around from chit-chatters, which untoward my name has tried to be engaged in. With that, I have learned to be picky on choosing someone to be with around here, specially to unbelievers.
My life has been a mess with these lamentable dispute. Yet, there's a lesson to learn and that is the learning of unloading heavy burdens unto the Lord. I am constantly amazed at how much better I feel after talking to God and unpacking my heavy load.
It's enough to give me the strength re-pack it and letting God to carry it for me.

I would love to share this beautiful prayer which I got my from Devotional booklet, prior to some texts changed:

Dear Lord,

        I am so thankful to be Your child, and that You'll never leave me.

Help me to hold on to that promise when trouble seems to threaten on every side, Amen

Photo: Lifencanvas.blogspot.com

The Real One's Shine So Brightly

When we sit back and judge others we are simply saying that we are in a sense, better than them. When in fact we have no right to judge anyone, for we are all with sin. The only entity that has the capacity to judge anyone is God himself and no one else. 
Many people are infatuated with judging others, because it subconsciously boosts their confidence being able to say whether what someone else is doing or what someone else looks like is the right thing to do or the right way to look. When we pass judgment on other people we are in no way giving them a definition or a title, we are only saying things about who we identify as, such as the fact that we probably don't really have much self confidence and also that our sense of morality is distorted. Define who you are, by not judging, and instead by helping!

Everyone is guilty of the sins that we committed each day, because no one is perfect. Last year, adversary started to come in unexpectedly. Didn't know that it would hit me like a fist that somehow gave me the realization that someone you entertain along the way & treated friend in the process would be the first one who would press you down and judge you rightly without any prior understanding culturally speaking.
Human being as I am, the tendency of responding back angrily is pretty normal especially if it involves your profession, personal life and sexuality.
I don't want to go into details of elaborating the exact incident but the main point here is, we should be less judgmental. Just as the holy Scripture says: Judge not for ye shall not be judged.

I entrusted everything unto the Lord and keeping myself on bended knees to guide and keep me safe, so as praying the culprit who accused me so badly & judge me without knowing me intently.
To keep myself in tune and getting the peace of mind, I approved and embrace the counsel of the Holy Scripture.