MAY YOUR HOMES SHINE BRIGHTER AS WE CONTEMPLATE ON THE HUMBLE BEGINNING OF THAT ONE BLESSED NIGHT WHEN THE SAVIOR WAS BORN IN A MANGER TO DWELL AMONG US!
PEACE, PROSPERITY AND LOVE ABOUNDING FOR THE COMING YEAR 2013!
Five Minute Friday is a feature onLisa Jo's blogencouraging people to write for 5 minutes completely WITHOUT OVER-THINKING and without over-checking on grammar etc. Just check on her blog every Friday for the word prompt.
November 30, 2012 word prompt is WONDER.
GO
I wonder if I could write again here in my blog. It seems that my hands are full to wander off along the little rectangle of my keyboards. Most often I am hampered by the internet ban at the office or burdened by acquiring our own connection. The latter is a no no as of yet because my third world purse wouldn't let me get that liberty.
Lately, I wonder if it is something good for me that way. Too much liberty makes one take things for granted. Limitations in a way is good. We try to work on what we have and celebrate them.
The season of remembering the first ever heavenly wonder that fell on Earth is nigh. This is the season when most people are peace-loving, generous and kind.
I wonder if it would be fine to celebrate the birth of Jesus daily. I do. Does it make me peace-loving, generous and kind? Well, most of the time, when I dwell right there at the center of WONDER. I need to be where the waters are always fresh and the grass is always green. He is there.
Thinking about the first Christmas at that Holy Ground of a stable, I couldn't help but wonder how much heavenly display of magnificence the shepherds have witnessed, for them to fall to their knees trembling? What kind of vision and sound did they see and hear, of the winged heavenly being, who proclaimed the coming of the Son of God to Earth and mankind?
I want to ponder upon this magnitude of God's eternal love for His people, making Jesus be born in the flesh and next making Him the perfect sacrifice for sin. It is the greatest love of all!
Isn't it enough for people to turn their eyes upon the one who, in all compassion and meekness, submitted Himself to mortals and humiliation, so that we me be reconnected to the Father?
Wonder of all wonders, is the son of God.
STOP
Scripture Theme:
A Savior Is Born
Luke 2:1-20
When the angel announced to the shepherds the birth of Jesus he said:
"Be not afraid; for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all the people: for there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." Jesus is our Savior!
"For he will be like a tree planted by the water, That extends its roots by a stream And will not fear when the heat comes; But its leaves will be green, And it will not be anxious in a year of drought Nor cease to yield fruit."
(Jeremiah 17:8 NASB) -GO Just in these recent years, our third world country has caught up with the developed ones in terms of commercialism. Strategic places are now planted with malls instead of trees. Sky-rise buildings and hotels are growing here and there. In one of the tourist spots up north, which we call the summer capital of our country because of it's altitude and cooler temperatures, there was this issue between mall developers and one nature advocacy group, over earth-balling of centuries-old trees. The trees are practically like citizens. How on earth did this method come about? Trees are being moved to other locations, earth and all, to give way to change and progress. This has lead me to think about the roots which has long been established and secure to the ground, and perhaps has extended to reach to where it can be watered. If it were a person, I would think I am supplied with everything I need, thriving and yielding fruits in season. But what is going to happen when you are earth-balled and transferred? Will I last the trauma of the transition and then adopt to my new settings? Will I ever bear fruits again? But one thing is sure, wherever one is planted, one has to grow, thrive and bear fruit. One must live up to the purpose God has created him or her for. If so, to whom should we abide? Where comes our provisions? The true nourishment comes from the Lord. Complete obedience and being rooted to the Word of God makes us grow like the tree of Jeremiah 17:8. Come storms, floods, droughts and other forces of nature, it will remain standing and will yield fruits in season.
The opposite goes to those who do not trust in God and depend on their own strength. They will dwell in the parched places of the desert and go to waste. (Jer 17:5-6)
"Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him." (Jer. 17:7)
I had been planted and earth-balled many times. Pain comes with it and some re-adjustments. I know deeply why and I pray I will be rooted upon His promises and remain in Him so that I may grow, thrive, and bear fruits. My roots need to extend to where the soul-nourishment is, to where life is, to where eternity begins.
Happy to join the Lisa-Jo and the FMF community writing about ROOTS (November 2, 2012).
I may be late due to some constraints in connection but nevertheless heard. -STOP
During my teens, there was this rave over learning how to play the guitar. I live in an island which is known for the production of world-class guitars and it is just right for us to know how to strum those chords to tune.
Do I have a singing voice? Nah! Quite the contrary, I can only croak. Yes, I am definitely an out-of-tuner yet I desired to voice my song through the strings of the guitar.
At one time, I was learning to put the chords I learned into a song. I was making a sound and I thought I was alone. I croaked and worst, I played against the rhythm of the song. I know it was not a pleasant sound because my Momma had to peep into the little room where I was to voice her thoughts and perhaps to stop the noise I was making.
It was then that I poured my attention into reading and I again, this time, thought I could sing silently or play silently in the lines of the stories I am reading. I dreamed of writing poems and short stories to voice my feelings and tell the stories of my life.
Then there came into the internet world a new word, a new community, sisterhood, brotherhood, even a community of inter-connected Christians, into writing which they called BLOG.
And here my dreams, aspirations, stories or even discordant poetry, found a voice, which, perhaps to my own kind, encouragers, journal writers, etc...... I may not be a NOISE, but my own VOICE. In this way, in this media, I hope to speak encouragement, hope and joy, and maybe to the right ears or eyes, they may lift some heaviness of heart or mind. And from the same, from others' voices, I may also journey in perfect thythm with those along my path.
Now may the God Who gives the power of patient endurance (steadfastness) and Who supplies encouragement, grant you to live in such mutual harmony and such full sympathy with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus.
Bear (endure, carry) one another's burdens and troublesome moral faults, and in this way fulfill and observe perfectly the law of Christ (the Messiah) and complete what is lacking [in your obedience to it].
From the above verse, I am certain and I do believe, there is a joyful noise in this community.
-STOP
Today, I am happy to be in community with FIVE MINUTE FRIDAY, writing to the word prompt: VOICE. Come in with us and join,
"a group of people who love to throw caution to the wind and just write without worrying if it’s just right gather to share what five minutes buys them. Just five minutes.......not a perfect post, not a profound post, just five minutes of focused writing."
It is so weird to think of how we liked to look good and be our best when we were young. We have our own idea what is attractive and trendy. We peer into mod magazines to see what is new and popular so that we can imitate them.
Then as we grow older, suddenly we look into the character of the person, what is inside rather than what is outward. We laugh at our attitude of youth when we went overboard just to look like everyone else. We met our prince charming and we settle down. We grow close and accept one another's shortcomings and conclude that love is greater than any of them.
Certainly character lasts, which can be proven, much as we may deny it, by the wrinkles that we are clothed now. Gone are the smoothness and softness of youthful skin. Our hands ache with arthritic pains and stiffness. And we look for the character which our loving Lord wants us to manifest. Do people see Jesus in our face or actions?
To me, the knowledge of our Savior's grace and living the love He gave us so that others may see whom we believe in, is the greatest look of all time. Mirroring the image of our Lord is the most beautiful countenance of all- the look of LOVE.
Matthew 5:16
King James Version (KJV)
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
I am thanking the FMF community for the word prompt for today (October 19, 2012)-LOOK.
Who doesn't delight at the sight of migratory birds in flight like the Trumpeter Swans. Up there in the sky, which they have conquered, like no human machinery has, they fly on heavenly wings. They seem to have mastered the power to grace the sky.
Like a ballet dancer who has spent so many years in training and discipline, perfected movements on her toes, like flying in the sky, captures the stage. I believe that they are so like the graceful movements of the swan, in flight or in repose on placid lakes.
My word for today was taken from 1 Corinthians 9:24-27. It is the runners verse for the prize. He has to submit to discipline to hone his muscles and stamina. He spends hours upon hours in the gym. He diets to meet the nutrition to become healthy and able. He uses time wisely for rest and for practice. And in the race his sight is on the prize.
To me, that sounds like the preparation the migratory birds have to go through in their own particular way to endure the temperatures, days of unwavering flight, sustained by their instincts and powerful muscles. To complete the package, they stay graceful in flight with a formation akin to ballet dance. Ballet in the sky.
In my previous post, I wrote about this season in my life, where I was carried by our Lord to His altar of grace. He has honed my patience, humility and strength through this season. And it is comparable to bird migration.
It is one thing to discipline ones self for this race called life and another to do it by being graceful. But we can never do it without God, without His word, without prayers.
24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. 25 And
every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now
they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. 26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: 27 But
I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any
means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
Joining FMF community with the prompt-GRACEFUL
Thankful to find community of writers writing a word prompt Fridays, where there are no grammar and writing skills needed. Just pen/type thoughts without over thinking nor editing..... for 5 minutes or less.
If you haven't joined yet, please do. And don't forget to read what the others are saying with the One-Word-Prompt GRACEFUL.
Then I saw an angel standing in the sun, and with a loud voice he called
to all the birds that fly directly overhead, “Come, gather for the
great supper of God,
Revelations 19:17
put more weight over the cotton slacks to erase the crease. Wets the wash cloth and rubs it over the stubborn areas. Then press some more until it stood. This is one thing of all household chores I am not so inclined to. Yet press on I did. I want to make it as neat as I can, thinking of the morrow which was the first day of work for Mike. He must look his best to face the new boss and the new workaday world. He's long been missed in this group of citizens, the regular earning middle class.
Over a long period of time, I prayed for this spring. A time where God lays down His sacrifices for the invited to partake. It was between me and my God. Hubby's energy and appetite for a regular job was lost for quite some time. He considered himself retired. But I know deep inside me that he longs to provide. It is his delight. God designed it.
I toiled on for the many seasons like watching the flip of each calendar page, ushering in new moons by new moons. Scrimped to meet the tight string of necessary sustenance. Moonlighted and volunteered to welcome well needed resources to the dead of some nights. And I continued my plea.
Over this while, obedience to God was foremost. One needs to be intentional not to brandish this deficiency at the face of the deficient one. So God had to provide strength and patience all the days of the toil years. In fact He overfilled me with humility akin to the design of Eve. I must be a willing, capable and able helper as well as a suitable one.
Oh no, never perfect. I grumble inside. But I have to pray for the sun to slow down while it boils down the drain. Don't let me see the orange sky, the silhouettes, and soft shadows.... while the furnace is still ablaze. For good measures, God gives. Take note, with zipped lips at that and a smile. Allelluia!! "NOT ABOUT ME, LORD BUT ALL ABOUT YOU!" (Max Lucado)
Where is the feast, my Lord? I want to be invited. I hope this migrant to the prepared table would find it, knowing that thirst and fatigue would soon sit in, cut the flight and may miss what was there to take.
Then I began to share my desires to a trusted friend, who prayed with me. We prayed for each other. We put our needs before Him together.
Until one lunch break, I got a vision. It was my quiet time. The office is off-lights. Others were napping while I was in our pantry, sitting still to hear His voice. He told me to submit Mike's resume to this firm. I broke down in tears. I felt insuficient. I know I have a prayer warrior on my side and I crumbled further into pieces. She speaks of tearing down walls like Jericho's walls. And indeed, some walls fell down.
I did submit that resume before Mike even knew of it. So no matter what will come, one thing is for sure it is God's. It was meant to be for a taxi driver position but God had another plan. The owner wanted him as a supervisor. His plans are the best always. There it was beneath my nose while I was knocking at another door farther away.
We are on tiptoe here, this is new ground. A new feeder has materialized-new mercy upon the hands wide open to feed from. And I am a happy guest at this table. It was not I who was at the right time at the right place, God put the time and the place in my path and to complete the grace, He made daylight my sight.
The gathering at the great supper is meant to be the feast of Jesus Christ's victory against His enemies, our enemies. Or it could be interpreted as our partaking of His Flesh & Blood for redemption. I just want to post about partaking at His regular table, His daily mercies, His sustenance, provisions and protection..... and count my blessings.
I wish we could be hovering directly over some feasts of God's, and be invited to come over and be ready. Yet not every feast can be attended. They are intended as God intends them.
Would this be the meaning of how the early birds catches the healthy worms? Being at the right time and the right place? As for the great supper of God, every believer will be gathered there..... as "He prepares a table before us in the presence of our enemies, He will anoint our heads with oil, our cup will overflow." Psalm 23:5 (paraphrased).
~ The sun slowing down while the furnace was hot inside
~ Invitation to the Feast (where grace flows rivers)
~That still voice (being heard when the din dies down)
~For doors that are open even when we are facing the wrong one (more often close)
~For renewed strength and fresh hope (what a difference they make)
~For transformation into a little bit of the Ruby woman (even just a grit size of it)
~For the smiles when words aren't necessary
~For people who suddenly come into my life and impact me forever
~For humility, patience, stability of character
~For the definite acceptance of youngest in a sought at job
~For a new grandson coming this September month.
~For a full piggy bank ready to give away for church fund raising
~For people safe and nothing destroyed in an earthquake of 09.01.12
~People rising back from the floods
~For a dear friend's recovery
~For the prayer companions and warriors
~just adding this song on the list (which is a song dedication by my dear Sister Lidia), so fitting to the post, MY THANKS TO YOU, MY SISTER IN CHRIST. (09.06.12)
Even though most people resist changes, it is inevitable.
Being mostly a limb-sitter, or a comfort zone dweller, I do resist for a time, but when I know that it is only way God's plan works for me, I'd setter for His ways. But not without resistance though.
The the benefits sinks in slowly and it lasts.
The change that affects everything is when one lets God freely and willingly.
And when we do, how we look at things, at people, at situations, will be seen and acted out of love.
It it like seeing through the eyes of our savior and Lord, Jesus Christ.
The world needs this for peace and prosperity.
Change coming from the inside affects beautifully the outside. So I let God. You too, let God!
IMAGE FROM DESKTOP NEXUS
"Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect." Romans 12:2 (NLT)
I love this community, writing candidly for 5 minutes without editing, without over thinking. Check out what everyone is writing about CHANGE today. And you may join the community too. See what you can write in just 300 seconds. I am sure it would be a glimpse from your true self. LOLITA
Now here's the simple list of rules for a fun 5 Minute Friday Posting:
1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking. 2. Link back here and invite others to join in. 3. And then absolutely, no ifs, ands or buts about it, you need
to visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in
their comments. Seriously. That is, like, the rule. And the fun. And the
heart of this community..
Note: Ms. Lisa-Jo & friends, I would
like to ask for permission to correct a misspelled word. But I promise
that I only found it out after I hit publish. The world "setter" should be read "settle." Thank you.
t has been twenty six years now since I first stepped into
this Church.Its set-up was so new and
so strange to me.I think it was the
bare simplicity of the layout which has struck me as unusual, being used to the
church I was born into.
I was a single mom who came in for the first time with my 9
year old boy.My son was in third grade
while I went back to college to finish my curtailed BS Accountancy.We were renting a room for ourselves while
other occupants rented bed spaces.We
preferred to have our own small room rather than share a big room with others.One of the tenants was a teacher in a private
Chinese school nearby.
There was
something about her serene countenance that attracted me.By this time, I was in a Bible correspondence
course, which sends through mail, my lessons and I would return the questionnaire I
have filled out back to them.The
realization of the difference between religion and relationship with Jesus was
slowly creeping in my heart.
It was timely that I was in the same residence with this
teacher.I will never forget that Saturday night
we were doing laundry together.While
hanging out our washings, I began a conversation with her and then I told her
that I would like to visit the church where she goes.She was so happy to take me the next day.
My second impression of the church was the happy faces of
the people, wanting to enfold me and the different kind of worship.Joy leaped in my heart as I realized the
beauty of worshipping in a bare sanctuary with only a bare cross at the center
of an elevated platform occupied mostly by a set of drums and a keyboard. I was brought into the knowledge that it is not the grandness of the sanctuary that made worship ring out to heaven, but it was the richness of hearts joined together in utmost praise.
It was the first day of my twenty six years in this church and
counting.To join a multitude of
worshipers in the Body of Christ was the best choice I ever made.Or was it Jesus' choice? Here I began to learn and live out what I was studying
in correspondence.
I am happily joined
together in the body.I learned the true
meaning of being in relationship with my Maker and how it is to be saved.
To the teacher whose life shone out for the glory of God, I
give my thanks. Nenita, I will never
forget the day that I wanted to join you in your church because I saw something
different in you.It answered all my
questions then and fulfilled my search to belong.
A CHURCH IN JOY'S HOME
And lastly, one thing is for sure. To be in the Body, or in any group, you have to JOIN first. It is a conscious choice and should be put to action. Come and join us believers of Christ. Happy to welcome you!
1 Peter 2:9-10 But you are a chosen people, a royal
priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may
declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his
wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the
people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have
received mercy.
I am joining Lisa-Jo Baker, for the first time, with her 5 Minute Friday Community, writing about the word prompt JOIN. This is a community who writes candidly, baring soul for 5 minutes and welcomes everyone to share a bit of her or his life journey with the Savior.
