Ang Aking Unang Pag-ibig

photo from http://minsmash.com/2014/01/22/first-love/

Mawawari ba ang unang pag-ibig?

Ang unang “Mahal Kita”

Ang unang hawak ng kamay

At ang unang beses na kita’y kasama

Tayong dalawa lang

Para bagang hindi na matatapos

At kung iisipin na aabot din ang gabi

Naramdaman ko’y takot

Na baka bukas, ang mga unang beses ay hindi na masundan.

Mawawari ba ang unang pag-ibig?

Nang sinabi mong hindi mo alam kung hanggang kailan

Ngunit ang kaba’y nais munang kalimutan

Nais maranasan ang sinasabing ligaya

Nang ika’y makasama… makasamang mangarap.

Na para bagang wala ng ibang hihilingin pa

Basta’t ikaw at ako’y magkasama

Mawawari ba ang unang pag-ibig?

Kahit maraming balakid ay sinisikap bigyang pansin

Ngunit ang oras ay hindi maaring pigilan

Dumating ang panahon na ikaw’t ako’y di nagkaunawaan.

At isang araw, ako’y muling kinausap

Masayang ika’y muling masilayan

Ang mahal kong sa Diyos aking ipinagpapasalamat

Ngunit ang inaakalang sandali ay sadyang di ninais na dumating

Malungkot ang iyong mga matang sinabi sa akin

“Hindi na ako masaya”…

Sa sandaling iyon, nais kong bumalik ang oras

Sana palaging unang beses ang lahat

Sana ikaw at ako’y hindi magkahiwalay.

Mawawari ba ang unang pag-ibig?

Sinikap na lumimot, landas nati’y nagkaiba

Ilang araw, buwan, at taon ang nagdaan

Ngunit ilang gabi pa ring ika’y naalala

Nanalangin sa ating Ama

Na kung nasaan ka man ika’y ingatan

Sana’y maligaya at nagpapatuloy sa buhay.

Mawawari ba ang unang pag-ibig?

Ikaw nga ba ang unang pag-ibig?

Kung ako’y patuloy na umiibig

Kahit ika’y di na makakapiling

Nawari ko’y, ang pag-ibig na ito’y

Hindi mula sa akin o sa iyo

Pareho tayo’ng tinuruang umibig

Nang Dakilang Mangingibig nating nasa langit.

Bagama’t nagkalayo, nais kong sabihin

Sa panalangin ko’y laging kang sinasambit

Mahal kita, nawa’y patuloy kang umibig.

Teaching GK Kids

Originally, the teaching committee planned to tutor kids. The committee was supposed to be divided into two: for students and for the out-of-school toddlers. The intended age bracket was 3 to 12 years old. Those who were attending their classes would be helped on their assignments and lessons; while, those who were not going to school would be taught basic preparatory lessons incorporated with stories and creative activities. We were supposed to gather them at the Telus court, though we really had problems regarding this venue due to inconvenience and changing weather. 

However, on our first meeting, we found out that our schedule, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, was not amenable to the children. Many of the kids were at their schools at these hours and the others were sleeping as it was their siesta time. Ate Mila, our contact person in the GK Telus, also advised us to play games and teach stories instead as most of their kids were students and learning school matters again in the afternoon would burden them more. As a response to these concerns, we then decided to change our plan to conducting fun games and story-telling but integrated with moral values.

The stories we taught were The Monkey and The Crocodile (a fable of friendship and trust) and David and Goliath (a parable about faith and self-confidence). Some of the games we facilitated were Bahay, Bagyo, Bato (for agility and speed), Simon Says (for attentiveness), Crab game (for focus and cooperation), Charades (for creativity and intelligence) and the Boat is Sinking (for competitiveness).

We also decided to participate in every game in order to foster friendship with them and also in order not to make them feel apart from us. All in all, we were able to gather more or less 30 kids every Monday.

            Generally, there were no major problems encountered during our meetings. In our last few sessions, we saw good results such as cooperation among the children and an established friendship between them and us.

Among these, we can declare a success for the Teaching Committee.

Knowing My Purpose: The Story of My Life

Finding my way to true happiness.

  You know, I’m a kind of person who loves to ponder on abstract things. When I feel like detaching myself from this world, I usually meditate about living my life in the simplest but fullest way.  Sometimes, mellow music or instrumental ones augment my sentiments. But, among all my meditations, deeming about God’s greatness is the best stimulator of my tears. I cry because I am aware that I live by grace, most especially, now that I have come to know my purpose. This keeps me grounded.

Four years ago, I was a girl with many material ambitions; maybe because I was not like the other teens who lived in affluence. I had a strong belief that someday, I would be able to get what I want. Someday, I would be looked up to for being smart. Thereby, satisfying my parents.. my family. I aimed high.. Yes, I did so and gradually, I was able to reach my goals. Until, one day, I realized that I was getting foolish as I became so much attached to my material desires. I came to know that it was not the number of awards that must make up my life in order to be happy.  I was yet a girl who was living in darkness because I was breathing with a purpose fastened on temporary happiness.

That day, my grandma was compelling me to join a summer youth camp in a province. I never really wanted to participate in such 4-day “imprisonment” because, first and foremost, I did not want to mingle with the provincial people. I felt like I was so superior that being with them would just waste my vacation. I could just read all day, study, watch, eat and sleep..  I thought, these would even make sense.

But, I had no choice but to obey my grandma, who was then a Christian. So, I entered the camp and grudgingly be with people I didn’t mind to be familiar with.  I didn’t like everything in the camp—the spooky rooms, the small bathrooms, the sooppeerr feeling close people, the whole place, and the event itself. I was not a rich girl but that was just my attitude because socialization had no significance to me. Nothing would really make me stay. I wanted to cry.. to beg my sister to help me get out of the camp.. but I did not know why I remained.

Then night came, and it was about time for us, campers, to listen to the pastors’ preaching. Well, that was not new to me since I had been attending Christian services since young because of my grandma. It was not new and was not accepted by me, neither.  However, as the Word of God crept to my ears that night, I began to feel unexplained pricks in my heart. Suddenly, I was able to assimilate what the word “Salvation” means to me, and to everyone else. I realized that I was indeed living in foolishness which I thought, only in the right track. I had been sinning all throughout my life and  been  reputing my educational status as enough means to be righteous and to get to heaven and this was all wrong! God rebuked my notion of “sin today-pray at night-sin tomorrow” routine and even the “good works” idea towards salvation. It was not that when I sin all week, I could just attend the church on Sunday, confess to the priest, and be cleansed again. It was not that I was “not” doing anything bad to my fellow because I didn’t even care, I could be saved already. 

As the Word of God says,"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" (Romans 3:23) and so, “..the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23)“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us"(Romans 5:8) Jesus said: "I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish." (Luke 13:5) So, “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9) “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9) As Jesus said: "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father but by me" (John 14:6) because “I (Jesus) and the Father are one” (John 10:30).

In sharing the Gospel to our fellow young people..

Now, I found the light. God broke my stoned heart. I experience the true joy in His presence. I am now one of the church youth leaders and a Sunday school teacher. I am now serving God, living to glorify Him and helping others to be saved, too. I have really changed a lot, from being a loner to being sympathetic to those people around me. God transformed me and continue to change me every day as I learn to live in righteousness and follow His teachings.  

And, the greatest privilege I have ever received is being a child of GOD (John 1:12). Because of this, I have a personal relationship with Him that I do not have to live in traditions and other “pious” processes. Simply, follow Christ.

Our Students in Children's Ministry

 “So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” John 8:31-32

“For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth.” 1 Peter 2:21-22

Today, I am a new creation, the old has gone, the new has come (2 Corinthians 5:17). Thank God for his grace! I am saved not by my works but through faith in Jesus Christ, my only Savior.

Knowing that God has purposed me to something beautiful keeps me grounded. Strive hard. There is a promise that awaits at the end!

What about you? Have you found your purpose? Or, do you still live in material and temporary goals? What about knowing God today? As He says, “If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.” (Jeremiah 29:13) “Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know.” (Jeremiah 33:3) “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

God created you, you are His creation. So, can a creation know his purpose by himself? No, of course. Except that you consult your Creator, you cannot find your purpose. Know Him now! Jesus is standing in your door, and knocking! He says, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.” (Revelation 3:20)

Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

   

How to spell HOPE in the midst of Fall

How to spell hope? (photo from here)

Hello guys!


Long time, no post! Well, I've been very busy with my enrollment to UP and some other stuff concerning Miami and Wade, shopping for school, and my laziness tantrums. 


Anyway, I am also planning to post something about "love and relationships". How I wish I can finish that even though classes are already going on. Let's see on the next days.


Today, I want to share to you my desperations, failures and hopes.


Just yesterday, we had our prayer meeting (which is our regular activity every Thursday). The topic was all about "continuing till the end" (Philippians 3:12-16), a reminder of what was our "hope" all about. Albeit I have read this chapter several times, it still popped to me the question for my biggest "IFs and WHYs" in life. I asked myself if I was really holding on to my hopes in life, or if I was already engulfed by my own fears and failures. "Why do all things seem to go wrong with me, when I claim they doesn't?"

¹² Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. ¹³ Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, ¹⁴ I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.¹⁵ All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. ¹⁶ Only let us live up to what we have already attained.- Philippians 3:12-16

Then, I remembered Romans 12:12, my devotion when I was still starting my serious life in sharing the Gospel. This verse says, "Let your hope keep you joyful, be patient in your troubles, and pray at all times." God reminded be that our joy, determination, perseverance, diligence and all other requisites were anchored on our HOPE- hope that there was a reward at the end of everything. Jesus is coming! 


 I was able to fathom out, little by little, my failures and why should I keep on striving despite these. I realized that I was getting wrong along my way. I'd be honest, I was very worn out when I couldn't have a part-time job, when the scholarship I was applying for closed, when I failed to pass my application for financial assistance on time, and when I couldn't still help my family in our financial needs. I felt very useless whenever my decision got  wrong. I worried too much- yes- and I thought too much as if I was carrying the load all through-out my life. I got very high-strung and I lost hope immediately. Nothing got too easy for me like I was alone. I forgot what God has done for me for the past days: when He let me enroll though I submitted late for my assistance, when He gave me a big amount to shop for my school needs, when He kept providing my needs. So, I told God, " I am sorry Lord, I am forgetting to listen."


Now, my hope that I set aside for days has come back. Like Dwyane Wade of Miami Heat, injuries should be thought normal for the game to keep going. This is why I love to see Wade playing and the rest of Miami Heat players (and some other NBA players). I see their determination to revive the game back to their side though there are times when they feel like stopping. 


Anyway, that is NBA, and mine is the true life. Our hope should remain in spite of big dumpers along our way. Bear in mind, no one can see what lies ahead except God. Hence, let us stand firm on our faith and keep the hope where everything is rooted. You will never get tired of fighting when you know there is a promise that awaits, God will never leave you nor forsake you
(Heb. 13:5). 


Keep on going and forget about yesterday. The past was done and today is another  championship where the winner is still unknown. Just like what I have just read in one of my figures at home, "It's only a matter of state of mind!".Thereby, always say,"I Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Strengthens Me" (Philippians 4:13).



So just remember, you can revive your hope everyday when you know where to get it- TO GOD WHO IS GOOD ALL THE TIME! Spell Hope? Spell G-O-D..


"..  Hope doesn't disappoint."- Romans 5:5

A Treat With Tons of Fun!

from left: Ate Happie, ME, Pastor Bob, Kuya Chef and Ate Weng
at Pizza Hut!

I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus.-  1 Corinthians 1:4

Hello guys! Here I am again, telling my stories for today :)


I enjoyed this day soo much because THERE WERE LOTS OF FOODS AGAIN- I mean enjoyment! haha. another blessing came through our churchmate, Kuya Chef. It was just that -- he treated us. Thank you Kuya although you wrongly informed us about the meeting time! haha


Anyway, here's what happened..


Last Sunday, I kept on asking Kuya if we could go out together with the former core group as a celebration of our one year service to the youth ministry. That night, he responded yes without reluctance. Of course, I was very excited that I kept on reminding him of our hang-out until yesterday. 


Finally, it was scheduled yesterday afternoon. We had agreed that we would meet at 4pm. Then, he texted us again that night saying that we would meet at Pizza Hut, Ever Commonwealth, 2pm! I was a bit astonished on why he moved it at 2pm but I just settled with it.


I and Ate Hap were indeed excited that we went there at exactly 2pm. However, to our surprise, Kuya texted us that we were supposed to meet at 4! Haha. That meant to say, his text to us was typographically wrong! Imagine! Haha. 


Anyway, while we were waiting for them to come, I and Ate Hap decided to have a little promenade around the mall and later on, play at Tom's World! Oh, Tom's World! I missed this place soo much.. 

Do I look so young? I mean.. like a kiddie? haha

I was in high school since the last time I visited the place.. So, I was like a kid who anticipated every playing station in Tom's. Definitely, I made it a point that I played the games I liked the most. 

The Playful Me! :)

And, since I am the type of person who doesn't manage a special moment without picture taking, I capture every single instant! 

This is Ate Hap and her rage to this game ! XD

My dilemma with this game- a never been accomplished try-out since young 

Kuya Chef talking to Ate Hap: "Inosente e no?
Di man lang alam kung paano 'to laruin. Haha " (as he was referring to himself)

My wonderful post as Gold Fort's Model!

A treat wouldn't be completed without eating time! Yeah, enjoying eating here at Pizza Hut!!

Ate Hap, here's your request! haha

Hmm.. what's delicious? I mean more delightful since everything is surely tasteful?!

wow! I was just dreaming of these last night! Now, it's all mine!! haha

Garlic bread is always the best!

The best Italian food for me is PASTA! -- pasta of any kind!! 

I love pizza, too! 

I often giggle when I am overwhelmed- I mean, getting too full! hahaha

Feedback for Pizza Hut? GREAT MENU! GREAT FOOD!

I was a bit disappointed that one of our core leaders, Ate joy, was not able to come because of her reviews (she was gearing up for her nursing board exam). How we wished she was there. But, anyway, we bought her some nice food, too. Hopefully, she can be with us next time. Right, ate Joy? hehe.. we just missed you! 

 May the Lord reward you for your kindness ..- Ruth 1:8

Whew! I certainly had fun! So sure, my comrades did too! Thank you God for this pleasant time that you have endowed us.Thank you for this relaxation before we face another challenges again- at school and in everything yet to come. 

Thank you Lord because you taught me that blessings were intended to flow inasmuch as You would provide it constantly. Thank you for teaching me how to share especially to my brethren. I believe, you will let me be a channel of blessings too soon, when I am already capable. I am looking forward to that, Lord! :)

 Till next time! 

(Probably, I will resume to writing about testimonies tomorrow. Still preparing to release a newsletter this weekend! Very excited!)

Goodnight! Have tons of fun! And have a blessed sleep! 

Don't forget to pray and to thank God for everything He has done today!

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. - 1 Thessalonians 5:18

... I thank God for you—the God I serve with a clear conscience, just as my ancestors did. Night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers.- 2 Timothy 1:3

Dreaming of Something Unusual

Photo from this site.

This day has been very short for me. Imagine, I woke up at 10 am and did nothing in the house except from washing the dishes- my very own job.


Well, I want to reason that out - I have an obsession! Yes, an obsession that made me rewind my past which I desperately evade. 


This is my story:


Usually, I dream more than once everyday. When, I don't like my first dream, I go back to bed and try to dream another one, sweeter or much revealing than the previous. Most often, my dream is true to reality. Sometimes, it cues me of what might be or what is actually happening in the present. Many times, I dreamt about mysterious dreams that later on, I was able to discover the meaning.


 But, these past consecutive nights, it was so strange! I have been dreaming of someone whom I have not been seeing for so long. In the first night, I did not mind because I thought, it was just a simple "passing by" like in my other dreams. Yet, as nights went by, he was always there! I must admit, before I used to dream about him but that's all because he was always on my mind. This time, I never thought about him! 


When I woke up this morning, I could not accept to myself that I dreamt of him again. So, I decided to go back at napping hoping that it would be another scene. Nevertheless, I failed! He was still there. He kept smiling at me as if it was like the past.


I searched this peculiar dream on net, and I found out that this usually happens. Even though our conscious self gave up our past and removed it, our subconsciousness would continue to keep it as a memory that would instigate it to appear in our dreams, something related to our experience. On the other hand, it could also be that when we had an unfinished relationship or dealing with someone in the past that our psyche would like to fulfill. Hence, it completes it in our dreams. (I learned it from here.)


There are lots of psychological explanations about this dream but I am yet to know if it really relates in the present just like my previous dreams. Well, I hope it's not.


Tonight as I sleep again, I wish that the explanations are wrong- that this is just nothing but  a "pass by" dream. I hope that this person is just fine, I don't want to worry about him since we have not been seeing each other and there is no opportunity for it to happen.


Anyway, that's all for today. I apologize for a very good-for-nothing post but I really just want to pour this out. 


Goodnight everyone! Have a nice dream!


God bless!

My day with JCPGC youth and Our Memorable Anniversary..

Jesus Christ Peace Giver's Church Youth Ministry, Thanksgiving Day

Hi everyone!


My post today would be very short since I really have to rest.. This day has been very grueling yet enjoyable for me since, aside from I went back to teaching at Sunday School, it's our youth thanksgiving-slash-anniversary!

With my girl students.. Welcome back Teacher Mem! 

"But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin."-1 John 1:7

Thank God for another year He gave us.. another privilege of serving Him.

God in his mercy has given us this work to do, and so we do not become discouraged. – 2 Corinthians 4:1 

We love wacky shots sooo muchh :)

The event was very exciting. We all had fun and the foods- my gosh!... How I loved our food there.. especially the delightful pizzas!!  whew.. I miss it, really!

Me and my last bite of my yummy pizza.. waa.. want more! T.T

Most of our foods were sponsored, thanks God! 

Wow! Yummy pizzas!!!

Kuya Chef and the pizza, seized by these strange hands..!!!  wowowow..

haha..

Anyway, enough about foods and celebrations.. Today, we also elected our new set of officers.. and imagine, I GOT THE POSITION I HAD BEEN DESIRING FOR SO LONG-- NEWSLETTER OFFICER!!

Adviser Chef, officiating the election

"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren

to dwell together in unity!"

-Psalm 133:1 

haha.. I know, I'm very OA, but it's my passion and my vision-- that I would be sharing the Word of God through writing. Anyway, even before, I was already in charge of websites.. testimonies.. and some more special news about our church.. And now, it's official! I am now officially in charge of it! :) Thank you Lord..

JCPGC YP new set of officers 2011!!! :)

I might start working on our newsletter this week, before I get busy again for school.. So watch out, you there guys, our readers.. we will be moving our websites.. to where? you'll get to know soon! :)


Well, that's all for today, been really exhausted of laughing, playing, etc..

haha.. my churchmate, jericho! peace iko! haha :)

Goodnight friends! Have a blessed day tomorrow!

"We who had sweet fellowship together

Walked in the house of God in the throng."

-Psalm 55:14

God bless!