Sometimes, we are too cooped up with programs, events, and pretty much everything else in between but we fail to delve into character-molding. Instead of producing Christians with the character of Christ, we produce very efficient event organizers.

Does this video trouble you? Then maybe it is time for some soul searching and ask God for guidance and direction on the matter. Repentance may also be needed.

White Cerbera

…and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need.– Acts 4:35

I just think that in biblical times, people were incredible. Just take a look at the above verse for instance. The people at that time were so filled with the Holy Spirit that those who had more than enough sold what they had so that they can share to those who were in need. In their setup, it was like the apostles were their money managers because they handled the distribution of resources according to who was in need.

It would just be awesome. No one was rich or poor then, everyone had what they need. They were equal. Would that still be possible today?

While it might not be possible to let the rich give up their wealth nor to find managers who are not corrupt, but the least we can do is to share what we have because others might have good use for them.

I just wanna share this, something that I wrote in September 2009, when my child was only six months old.

But little did I realize that I was actually living in similar circumstances in the present. My new family is among the many who are struggling to make both ends meet with the coming of a child. Our baby is a real blessing, but reality check, our expenses have increased because of our growing needs.

Primarily, our baby needs milk. Despite my lack in the production of breast milk, God has placed in our sphere two new mothers who willingly gave some of their milk to my child to augment the formula until the time that she would no longer take them. A month later, another new mother offered her breast milk, as her baby could not consume all that she produced, and thankfully, our daughter accepted it up until now.

Aside from the milk, I can probably say that 98% of her clothes were all given–from Day 1 to the present. I am not a picky mom, so even if the clothes are already 2nd, 3rd, or 4th hand, as long as our baby can use them, we let her use them. Then there is the comforter, pillows, crib, chair, stroller, toys, and even the walker. The walker has a funny story though, as a friend bought this for her son who is older than our daughter. And yet, she related that her son hated that walker, in fact she showed me a photo of her son crying while in the walker. But our daughter loved it!

We are so thankful because the extra money that we have is what we used to buy the things that we could only hope for if her needs were not met, like books, educational toys, and some other things that would make her comfortable and our lives easier.

I am so blessed and thankful to the people around me who not only poured our their hearts and prayers to our new family, but who also lovingly shared so that our needs can be met. You are all a present-day reminder for me of the time in the New Testament when people embodied the love of Christ towards their brothers and sisters.

Barleria

“It is easy to worry about many things. And almost everyone has something to worry about.”

Last night I slept really late, or really early, because it was already around 2 am. I had to finish some work for a client. But instead of sleeping in, I woke up early today to continue working. I wanted to do it earlier, but my eyes are just too sore from the almost non-stop work in front of my computer last night.

And so today, I made my morning coffee and then got to work almost immediately.

While I was trying to rush my work, I started thinking about my attitude towards a certain client. Although I do get perks with this client, but it is just that the people there can sometimes make my life difficult. It seems that because they hire you from time to time, then they just about own you. I had tough times with them that I got to the point that I was really stressed out. I no longer want to answer their phone calls.

But then I thought, I have to change my attitude towards them. I need to think that I am working for God and not for people.

You see, I got a text message from them last night that I need to re-do some of their ads. Although that is a perfectly sound request, the words used were really harsh. So my mind started to think crazy thoughts again.

But this morning, I decided that I will change my attitude towards them and every client that I have. And I will just do it.

Just when I was thinking about this, I heard loud chirping outside our bedroom window. In the stillness of our bedroom, I could hear the birds clearly. And despite my mind racing to finish my work, I noticed them. So I got up and checked the chirping.

It was a small yellow bird chirping happily while perched on a low branch. I smiled. Then another one flew past. And another one. There were three of them! No wonder they made so much noise! But theirs was a happy noise. And I could not help but smile and say “Thank you.”

Yes! I believe that God has sent me a message this morning. It was like an affirmation of what I was thinking and the decision that I just made.

Thank you Lord.

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31

Orange azalea

This year, my daughter joined the mother church’s Christmas presentation by the children’s choir. We had been playing the songs for the show every time we ride the car so we all have memorized the lyrics, including the speaking lines.

One of the songs was entitled, “We’re Blessed to Bless Again.” We sang it always because it had a nice catchy tune.

But then now as the year is coming to a close, I realized that it seems so many needs had been brought to our attention lately. Our family income has increased a little bit that we were able to buy gifts for family and some close friends, but I noticed that we also were able to extend help to some people who really badly needed financial assistance.

Then I came to think about how the needs around us seemed to have increased just as we had also experienced some monetary increase.

It was then that this song came to mind once again.

Indeed, we are blessed so that we can be a blessing to other people. God has chosen us to become channels of His blessing because there are people who are going to need us at this time. He chose to specifically bless us financially so that these people who are close to us can become recipients of His grace and mercy.

We are just glad to take part in God’s ministry of helps. And we are looking forward for more blessings this year so that we can also become a blessing to more people.

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

HAPPY 2012!

We are not lazy, in fact, we are always swamped with work and therefore always tired. So that means we are also earning. But the problem is, our money seems to be always going somewhere. It seems to find its way out through various avenues, like sickness, repairs and the like. And mind you, we are regularly tithing and giving our offerings as well as helping out wherever we can.

Then yesterday, I got a text message from a good friend of mine who is also experiencing some financial difficulties. She wanted to share about their money problems, telling me that she feels more comfortable confiding in me. She also said that somehow, she is having difficulty talking to others because they could not relate to her problems because they have not experienced poverty.

Then my husband told me that it was already the answer to my concern. We are going through this phase because somebody else is also experiencing the same and it would be difficult to provide comfort if you cannot relate to the situation.

Of course, my husband was right. Indeed everything happens for a reason and everything will just work out for the good of those who love God. Even our financial difficulties are not without a reason.

Some people may indeed think that being poor or being in lack is a curse, but it can actually be God’s instrument so that we can minister to others. As long as we actively seek and live in God’s will, His purposes will prevail in our lives even if it means sacrificing much.

“The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:19-23 (NIV)

I really have a bad temper that many times I think that I am a monster in a human body. Well there are times that I can control myself. That is when I get to talk to myself and “MY” self will actually listen.

But I do not always get to talk to myself and MY self does not always listen. And the saddest thing is, most of the time, my anger gets lashed out at my poor daughter. A lot of times she has nothing to do with my anger or maybe she just did a minor thing that irritated me. But the fact is, she did not really deserve to be treated that way. It just so happened that I was angry and she was the only one with me. Poor baby.

When I opened my bible this morning, I was led to the book of Galatians 5:22. It is a passage that talks about the fruit of the Spirit. But I did not just zero in on this verse but instead read the passages before that. The words just struck me–it talks about the sinful nature of man and one of the things highlighted in the verse was “fits of rage.” Bulls’ eye.

I could very well describe my angry self as having “fits of rage”. True. I could be like that, just like the Incredible Hulk. He has no control over his rage and I can sometimes be like that.

Thankfully, I am aware and I know that even if I could not possibly control myself. But Someone can and is willing to help me.

My daughter is already getting nervous. She knows it when I am angry and she then becomes jittery. That is why I hate what I am doing to her.

So this is my prayer that I continue to pray, because I always fail.

“God, I totally surrender myself to you. I acknowledge that I am helpless with my temper tantrums. I dislike it, I abhor it, and I do not approve of it because I consider it as sin. Yet I continue to do it. Lord I don’t know how to pray about this, if You will take this away from me or that You will give me strength to control this. I can only pray for healing upon the damages of my temper upon my daughter as well as divine protection on her whenever I will once again lose my temper.”

I like being prepared. That is one thing I learned from my mother. Following in my Spanish grandfather’s footsteps, my mother has that upbringing. When we need to go somewhere the next day, the things needed for that day should be prepared the day before. Mother doesn’t like cramming and she has also instilled in us (my brother and I) the discipline of planning ahead and preparing, as opposed to procrastination.

Additionally, my mother is very time conscious and hates to be late. Her belief is that if you procrastinate and work on something hurriedly, then you are most likely to be late and worse, forget something important. That is my mother’s wisdom. And I believe she is right.

So let us be prepared always, not just in our physical body but also in our spirits. Are we ready when our Lord comes to pick us up?

The Parable of the 10 Virgins

“Then the kingdom of heaven will be comparable to ten virgins, who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were prudent. For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, but the prudent took oil in flasks along with their lamps. Now while the bridegroom was delaying, they all got drowsy and began to sleep. But at midnight there was a shout, ‘Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him. Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. The foolish said to the prudent, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out. But the prudent answered, ‘No, there will not be enough for us and you too; go instead to the dealers and buy some for yourselves. And while they were going away to make the purchase, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast; and the door was shut.”

- Matthew 25:1-10 (NASB)

For my first post, I just want to welcome you all to my spiritual journal. I have housed this blog under blogger but I thought of having my own domain for it. And thanks to Mommy Rubz, I am now the proud owner of the domain name called www.arise-shine.info.

It is just so apt for my title Flowers by the Wayside because if live and breathe and learn God’s word, you will just arise and shine in whatever circumstance without any effort on your part.

As I share my learnings, struggles, and triumphs, far be it from me to project that I am holier than thou. I was a sinner and still am, but thanks be to God, I am saved.

So read on and also share your experiences with me.

Happy day!