God Bless Our Home♥

My family has been praying for our own house for a long time now, and God provided us a perfect one this summer! It's farther from my school but it's worth the drive cus it's our house. So last week we planned to move on Friday, May 30th, but Thursday one of the men who was going to help us with his truck and trailer called and said that there's a 60% chance of rain the following day and that we should reschedule or borrow a U-haul trailer. But, my dad was already off Friday and Saturday, the man with the trailer was traveling somewhere. We brought our worries to God and prayed for him to withhold the rain. I had full confidence that God wouldn't make it rain because it seems like every time I pray for good weather, He has answered my prayers. My dad even read a certain verse from the Bible for his Friday devotion that said something about God containing the winds in His fists. And that morning, the sky was clear! Early 8 am, the man with the trailer showed up because he wanted us to have a head start just in case it rained. Other helpers came, including two very important helpers-- the 2 little boys I babysit from church:) They made moving fun and they were very helpful! For lunch, one of the ladies cooked us a delicious meal which strengthened all of the workers who needed to carry my heavy piano and dresser. At around 2:30, all the heavy furniture was moved from the apartment to the house. And guess what, at 3 pm it started raining cats and dogs! Praise the Lord! He was like a giant umbrella, shielding us from the rain the entire morning. For dinner, our pastor came over and his wife made us some soup and dessert. God is so good to us! Our move went smoothly thanks to Him! Also, we were very thankful for all the helpers and meals provided. We still have to clean the apartment and buy furniture for our new house, so keep us in your prayers. We're praying that the Lord will use this home not only as our shelter but also a way to fellowship with fellow believers and reach out to the lost in this neighborhood.
Prayers much appreciated.

Share the Joy of Jesus

Recently, I have been learning to know someone for their real selves. 
In the hallways, people laugh and smile but are they really happy inside?
You never know how a person actually feels until you genuinely ask "How are you?" and you don't settle for a typical "Good." answer. 
When we take prayer requests in class and a certain someone shares a struggle or asks prayer for a relative, you see their need-- now I'm not saying that they need help all the time and that they're always melancholy. But seeing that side of them, outside of their goofy grins and la-di-da days, you gain compassion and you just want to know them more. 
Aside from praying for them, why don't we actually go outside of our ways and ask them for progress on their need? We can even send them private notes to cheer them up.
If you see someone sitting alone, go over to them and chat with them or invite them over to sit with your friends (and once you do that, don't just ignore them).
The last thing I ever want to know is someone living a lonely life without any real friends, when i could've done so much more. Or when you see them every day all happy-go-lucky but later you hear they were really sad inside.
I just realized while writing this that the helping hand I can give is Jesus. I pass many unsaved people, even in my Christian school, and I just live with them like that. I really need to change.
I want to go out of my way and know people better, and share the joy of Christ with them- the only way I have joy in my own life.

Lend a Helping Hand. 
Make Someone's Day.
Share Christ's Love. 

Behind a Mask

I believe that personality is more important than appearance. You should not judge a person by their exterior because in our eyes, just because they are different, we immediately think that they are weird or ugly, but sometimes once you get to know that person, you realize that they are sweet and friendly. Proverbs 31:3 states that beauty is deceiving but he who fears the Lord shall be praised. There are those who are blessed with more outward beauty than others, but they abuse their blessing by having bitter hearts. I am ashamed to say that I used to follow those types of people. I wanted to be as popular and cool as them and little by little, I was getting far from God and closer to the world. I praise the Lord for letting me see that! When picking a close friend, you should always see if they are going to help you get closer to the Lord. Most potential friends are harmless. Some are entertaining, funny, and studious, but if the friend you choose is not born again, he will lead you away from God. Choosing a friend based solely on their appearance will not help you inwardly. The Bible says in I Samuel 16:7 that the Lord looks at the heart unlike man who looks at the outward appearance. As a child of God, I am striving to become more like Christ and looking at that passage, I realize that I should also look at the heart, not just other people’s hearts but mine too. If we have hearts that love the Lord, then that love will shine brightly through in our appearance and actions. We will not be dressing, talking, and acting like the world. Unfortunately, personalities can be as deceiving as the outward looks. No one knows a person’s true heart except for God. We just need to depend on the Holy Spirit to help us discern from the right and wrong types of people. 

God Strengthens

This past week was the first week of school. It was quite overwhelming. I had a lot of homework that stressed me out.
To top all of that, I received some news from the Philippines. It was a shocker. Through tears, I realized that God has a plan for me. All the homework I get will prepare me for His will for me in the future. And this unexpected news showed me how much we need to cherish every moment and use our time here on earth for Him. God tests our faith. This news turned my attention back to God. I need to trust in Him and not myself for help in everything, whether it be school or trials and temptations.
Please pray for me to trust in God this school year.
Thank you.

Happy 4th! ~ from an American girl

I can truly be proud that the United States of America became independent on July 4, 1776 now that I am an American citizen.  I praise the Lord for letting us become citizens on November 10, 2011.  My parents had applied for citizenship around July last year and God smoothed out the process.  I am a Pinoy (Filipino) at heart still but America takes a big part of my heart also.

Happy 4th!
Thank you for everyone who is serving and protecting this country.

My Own Battles...

During the school year, my friends (I am not so sure if they should be... they don't exactly help me become more Christ like) asked me what I thought about The Battle for Christian Music by Tim Fisher, the book we were reading in music appreciation class.  I told them that I wanted to learn what Tim Fisher had to say about music.  When I said it though I didn't seem interested outside... I was scared that they would make fun of me for being eager about it.  That was really dumb of me.  I should've stood for my faith and accepted that as a true child of God, I will get persecuted.  I really want to learn what the right music is.  I want to learn how to identify music in categories.  One of the temptations I have been trying to conquer is singing worldly music.  It's hard for me to say this but yes, I'm no perfect goody two shoes. Any music I hear (especially from tv or stores) gets stuck in my head.  Music is not neutral and when I sing certain songs, they make me feel good and happy.  But is God happy with what is coming from my mouth and heart?   No.
We've got to remember what brings joy to our Father in heaven.
One of my friends mentioned to me that she liked a certain CCM song and I scolded (not really... I was smiling the entire time... I just don't know how to be firm and guiding at times) her and she just mocked me (and God) that "oohh.. she was sinning".  At that time, I only smiled even though I wanted to say, "Yes, yes you are."  I was just scared of what she would think of me... there I go again=/  I really need to stand for my faith!
Please pray for me as I decide on my friendships, battle temptations, stand for my faith, and bring glory to God.

Beautiful People

"We all, with open face beholding as in a lass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory."  II Corinthians 3:18

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be one of the "beautiful people"?  Fans swarming the stage.  People asking for your autograph.  The satisfaction of accolades and trophies.  The rush of knowing that others imitate the way you walk, dress, and speak.  What a life that would be!

Photo Credit: FotoSearch

But perhaps that lifestyle isn't quite as glamorous, as we might think.  Consider what it would be like to have photographers hound your every step, hoping to catch you in less-than-beautiful activities.  Think about the hassle of having to wear a disguise at the ballpark or your favorite restaurant.

Being one of the "beautiful people" comes at a price.  Many celebrities hire bodyguards to keep the adoring public at arm's length.  Most live behind secure gates in homes protected by surveillance cameras.  Being beautiful means being very careful about associating with others.

In contrast, out beautiful Savior welcomes us into His presence- always!  Jesus doesn't hole up inside a secure compound or wall himself off behind impenetrable security.  No, he enfolds us in His grace, inviting us to come close and to stay close, forever!

As Jesus lived here of earth, He made Himself accessible to all who came to hear the message of God's unending love for them.  He healed the sick.  He touched the lepers.  His inexhaustible mercy made Him beautiful beyond words in their eyes.

Still today,  Jesus is present with us, accessible at any and every moment.   We can call out to Him with any need, any concern.  He gladly invites us to spend time with Him, to share our lives with Him.  He longs for us to stay near, to nestle close to His heart secure in His love.

What's more, the more time we spend with Him, thinking about His acceptance, pouring over the promises in His Word, reflecting on His compassion, the more like Him we become.  We are transformed- changed- into His very image, with ever-increasing glory.

~taken from Reflecting the Beauty of the Lord, 25 devotions for women

Happy Mothers' Day!

I love my mom. 

She is the most caring person I know.  When I'm not in a good mood, she cheers me up by cooking up something delicious or taking me shopping.  Her heart is just full of love!

This school year, I got the Outstanding Scholar award and everyone congratulated me for the good grades I got but you know, it's not only me who did all the hard work.  First of all, God gave me the strength and patience for this school year.  My parents worked so hard to get me into the school I'm in.  And my mom took her time, even when tired after work, to quiz me.  

When I was little, she held me close, rocked me gently to sleep while singing me a lullaby.  

She was patient (and still is!) when I misbehaved and disobeyed her.  

Even though I hated spanking, I thank my parents now for those corrections.   

She has taught me many valuable lessons including how to make rice, coffee, make my bed, and of course be more like Christ.  

I thank the Lord for my mom! 

Proverbs 31:28

"Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her."

Stand for Your Faith

Today we had to write Hebrews 10:11-25 from memory in Bible class.
I knew them very well but when I got up to verse 22, I missed a phrase and had to rewrite it and when I went on to verse 23, my brain totally froze.  (I just guessed in the end.)
You know, God uses everything to influence our way of life.
I will remember verse 23 for a long time because I missed it.
"Let us hold fast to the profession of our faith without wavering (for he is faithful that promised)."
God used that one brain freeze to tell me "You need to stand for your faith, Abby, not just for a little while, but forever without wavering, because I am faithful to you!"
That hard moment during the test also reminded me not just to trust on my memory skills but to trust in God because He gave me my memory.
I thought I would finish first because I usually do but God let my pride fall.
-Proverbs 16:18
"Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall."
-Matthew 19:30
"But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first."

-Let us stand for our faith in God without wavering.

-Impress:  Make (someone) feel admiration and respect; affect or influence deeply. 

A few years ago, I tried to impress this guy in my grade.  He wasn't exactly very Christlike- I wasn't even sure if he was a born again believer.  He always got into trouble, but I looked past that and focused on his looks. (Later, I applied the knowledge that the heart is more important than outside appearance. *I Samuel 16:7, "But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.") 

One day, he made fun of this other person while chatting with me and later, I told the person about it.  Then, that person told the teacher and the guy and I got into trouble even though I wasn't the "original sinner". All throughout that year I was miserable- I tried to please the guy, others, and become popular.  I got into a lot of trouble because I kept focusing on my goal of pleasing others and becoming one of them.  My only goal now in life is to please God and accomplish His will for me.  As one of the preachers said here at school, you shouldn't focus on the secondary things like "What car should I buy?" or "Which college should I go to?"  Just follow the will of God- that's easier said than done, but if we just all read the Bible and meditate on the clear commands of God, we are taking a huge step and God will lead us in our decisions with the secondary things in life.

Special Day!

Today was my birthday!

I didn't have a special celebration but just finishing and having another year is great:)

It was pretty fun at school today. Some of my friends got me birthday presents and cards and them doing that was really sweet.

I can't wait to see what God has in store for me this year. No matter what He'll bring me, I'm sure He will always be by my side.

Please pray that I'll make the right decisions about my friends, hobbies, and other things.

I don't want to grow just physically with age but also spiritually~

The Amazing Love of Christ

And Can It Be

by Charles Wesley

1.
And can it be that I should gain
an interest in the Savior's blood!
Died he for me? who caused his pain!
For me? who him to death pursued?
Amazing love! How can it be
that thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
Amazing love! How can it be
that thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

2.
'Tis mystery all: th' Immortal dies!
Who can explore his strange design?
In vain the firstborn seraph tries
to sound the depths of love divine.
'Tis mercy all! Let earth adore;
let angel minds inquire no more.
'Tis mercy all! Let earth adore;
let angel minds inquire no more.

3.
He left his Father's throne above
(so free, so infinite his grace!),
emptied himself of all but love,
and bled for Adam's helpless race.
'Tis mercy all, immense and free,
for O my God, it found out me!
'Tis mercy all, immense and free,
for O my God, it found out me!

4.
Long my imprisoned spirit lay,
fast bound in sin and nature's night;
thine eye diffused a quickening ray;
I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;
my chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed thee.
My chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed thee.

5.
No condemnation now I dread;
Jesus, and all in him, is mine;
alive in him, my living Head,
and clothed in righteousness divine,
bold I approach th' eternal throne,
and claim the crown, through Christ my own.
Bold I approach th' eternal throne,
and claim the crown, through Christ my own.

Happy New Year!

A traveler was walking along the road. He had a scythe upon his shoulder and an hourglass in his hand. He walked with measured, exact footsteps. His eyes looked straight in front, and they never moved either to the right or left, but gazed on what was beyond.

I said to him, "What is your name?"
"My name is Time."
"Where are you going?"
"I am going to eternity."
"What is the number of your years?"

He showed me an open book, and on the page just turned over was written the date the year just begun.

Where he went I followed, but even as I went I felt I could not tell how long I should follow. I saw one person after another in the road, and lie down to rise no more. They were left behind, for Time paused not; his course was unstopped.

Yes, my reader, you are walking with Time on the road of life in a new year begun. But you may not go far; you may pass the buds of Spring, but never see the flower of Summer. Or, you may watch the leaves fall from the Autumn trees, and lie beneath them in the Winter. But whether your days on earth are to be few or many, are you ready for eternity?

You may have begun the year with gray hair and other signs of old age, or you may be facing the future with youthful buoyancy. But whether you are old or young, God would have you number your days, ad apply your heart to wisdom (Psalm 90:12).

To begin the year with God is more important than anything else in this world. The Bible says: "Seek ye the Lord while He may be found, call ye upon Him while He is near: let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon" (Isaiah 55:6, 7).

The dawning of a new year serves to remind us that we are all marching through time, heading for eternity. Awaiting each traveler is either a glad and glorious heaven in the presence of God, or a sad and sorrowful hell, banished from God. The eternal Son of God entered into time as the man Christ Jesus to make a way for sinful man to approach God and enter into life eternal. His death, burial and resurrection have fully accomplished this objective so that Jesus now proclaims, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life: no man cometh unto the Father but by Me" (John 14:6).

To personally "seek the Lord" is to realize that Christ died for your sins, and to trust His shed blood as the full and powerful payment needed to wash your sins away. "The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin" (I John 1:7). On the basis of Christ's atoning sacrifice, God abundantly pardons the repentant sinner and makes him a child of God forever. "Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the Just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God" (I Peter 3:18).

But you must seek Him now, "while He may be found," while there is still time, before you pass into eternity. In view of the uncertainty of life, how important it is to "Prepare to meet thy God" (Amos 4:12), through faith in Christ as your personal Saviour! This alone will enable you to experience a truly Happy New Year and look forward to a glorious eternity with absolute certainty. -J.F.P.

-the Happy New Year! gospel tract by Moments with the Book

Happy 2012!

Happy New Year's Eve!

I can't believe it's almost 2012!
This year went by so fast. Praise the Lord for all His help and guidance.
Do you have any new year's resolutions?
I want to grow more in Christ likeness and understand the Bible more.
Also, I really want to know what you think about all of my blog posts. I want feed back from you, so please comment! I get encouraged when I see people encouraged.

Thank you, Lord, for a good year accomplished and another year to come!

Happy Birthday, Jesus!

Christmas is Jesus' birthday but sometimes we get overwhelmed with Christmas dinners, presents, and even in the belief of Santa Claus. Christmas is called that because it's all about Christ, not Santa or anyone else. We need to celebrate His coming today!

•Why was Jesus born? Matthew 1:18-25

He was born to save all of us from sin. He came to give us hope and peace in our hearts.

•Why did Jesus come to earth? Galatians 4:4-7, I Timothy 1:15

He came here to redeem those who were under the law and to save everyone. He was so selfless that even on His birthday, he was preparing to give us the gift of Salvation in the future.

•What is the real Christmas story? Luke 2:1-14

Conclusion: Jesus Christ came to earth by being born of a virgin. He came to save us, mankind, from our sins. Now, everyone has to accept that they are sinners and that God is the only one who can save them.

The True Meaning of Christmas

The true meaning of Christmas is...

•God Himself has come to us

"I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."

~Luke 2:10-11

•God the Son has become a man

"Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross."
~Philippians 2:5-8

•God's most wonderful gift to us

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
~John 3:16

"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
~Romans 6:23

This Christmas you can experience the true meaning of Christmas-Jesus Christ- and receive forgiveness of sins, joy beyond measure, and eternal life with God in Heaven. Won't you receive Jesus Christ, the risen Son of God, as your personal Saviour?

"But as many received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name."

~John 1:12

-from the True Meaning of Christmas gospel tract by Good News Publishers

As we celebrate Christmas, remember that the greatest gift wasn't placed under a tree, but rather He was hung on a tree.

The Legend of the Candy Cane

The Legend of the Candy Cane

Many years ago, a candymaker wanted to make a candy at Christmas time that would serve as a witness to his Christian faith. He wanted to incorporate several symbols for the birth, ministry and death of Jesus.

He began with a stick of pure white hard candy. The white symbolized the virgin birth and the sinless life of Jesus.

He made the candy hard to symbolize the that Jesus is the solid rock and the foundation of the church. The firmness also represents the promises of God.

The candy maker made the candy in the form of a "J" to represent the name of Jesus, who came to earth as our Savior. He thought it could also represent the staff of Jesus, the Good Shepherd.

The candy maker then added red stripes. He used three small stripes to show the stripes of the scourging Jesus received, by which we are healed. The large red stripe was for the blood shed by Christ on the cross so that we could be forgiven and have the promise of eternal life.

The flavor of mint is similar to hyssop. In Old Testament times, hyssop was associated with purification and sacrifice. It was also used at the cross as they gave Jesus a drink of vinegar before He gave up the Ghost.

~~~~~~~~~~

Look at the Candy Cane

What do you see?

Stripes that are red

Like the blood shed for me

White is for my Savior

Who's sinless and pure!

"J" is for Jesus,

My Lord, that's for sure!

Turn it around

And a staff you will see

Jesus my shepherd

Was born for Me!

-from the Chocolate Candy Mall

The Joy of Giving

It's only 5 days till Christmas!
What items are on your wishlist?
What items are on your TO BUY list?
I love receiving gifts but I also like giving presents and making people happy. But I love to save money and that sometimes hinders me from buying the very best present for my friend. But you know what, Jesus Christ didn't keep His life for Himself to save us and give us the gift of Salvation. He gave all He had and died on the cross to make us happy and to be able to live with Him forever in heaven.
And as we buy gifts for our friends or even as we tithe, God will double what we gave Him! Sometimes we like to save because we have house bills to pay, but God will always provide our needs no matter what. Now this doesn't mean we should just use all our money! We need to be wise in the things we do- do all to the glory of God.

Joy to the World

Joy to the World , the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing.

Joy to the World, the Savior reigns!
Let men their songs employ;
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy.

No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found,
Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as, the curse is found.

He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders, of His love.


~Be joyful! Jesus came to earth to be born as a babe in a manger, to die for our sins on the cross and later rise again. What better news is there to share with everyone? He's coming again! Let us prepare our hearts and do all to His glory.

Williamsburg Trip

I had so much fun in Williamsburg! We are so blessed to live in this century with electricity and everything we need right there where we can find them.