A Barefooted Temple Run Adventure

It started with a dream but I didn’t realize it until I saw all those thousands of pagodas, temples and Buddhas. It was maybe October of 2014, I had this very weird dream. In my dream I was looking at a gigantic image made of gold located in front of high mountains. It was too huge and shiny that I couldn’t get my eyes out of it. Until, in my dream a group of familiar faces called my name and that ended my dream. I shared my dream to a few people but I didn’t think much about it. I actually almost forgot it.

A year after I travelled to a country I never thought of visiting of. It was not actually in my bucket list. Well, I didn’t know much about the country except for its golden temples and what I learned from my history classes. At first, I had lots of hesitations. Well, I needed to consider a lot of things- financially wise and time. However, my barefoot friend (yes! You’ll know why later) Cherry insisted for me to go with her. I thought about it for like a hundred times maybe. I didn’t tell her of my dream. I even didn’t think of it. Then suddenly, one night, she asked me again and in just a snap, I agreed with her. So yeah, we planned our itineraries and expected expenses, coordinated with people we knew who are currently living there, and prepared ourselves for an extreme girls’ adventure.

August 24-28, 2015, we visited the golden land of Myanmar.

I have to be honest first though before sharing about the beauty of travelling to Myanmar. It was certainly a culture shock. Everything was new, unfamiliar and surprising. First off, when you get to the airport or bus stations, a lot of unknown faces will ask you where you’re going and somehow insist or force you to ride in their vehicles. That was crazy! Secondly, the guys love to chew this red chewable fruit also known as areca palm nut (nganga in Philippines) and spit it everywhere- like everywhere. Then you’ll see red spots or leaks on the road. Thirdly, the mode of transportation. I am currently staying in Malaysia and I must say Malaysia has a fabulous road system and mode of transportation (although it’s a test of patience and waiting). Anyhow, it was really surprising to see old buses on the road with open sides where you can see the feet of a passenger swaying outside. Seriously! Traffic jam was also heavy but that doesn’t make any difference to other nations. But their kind of driving, it was OMG! Scary! Fourthly, every act of kindness has a monetary value. Aside from too expensive costs of food and stuff, it was really surprising that whatever people offer to you- taking pictures, finding a good spot, helping you with your stuff- they would ask for a dollar. Lastly, it was also noticeable that most of the locals are still awkward to give a smile. Their faces look sad. It felt like there’s something in their hearts that they still don’t know how to express. It’s as if they’re not used to being happy.

All of these things are not criticisms. Yes I learned to love Myanmar despite of all the not so beautiful worldly things I saw and experienced there. Well, the two of us almost got into trouble but thanks be to the Most High, we were safe and sound. Those experiences are even greater reasons why you and I should love Myanmar. It’s a country where we should give out more love- just pure love. They need to be loved. It’s all about love. You’ll understand where I am getting all these when you are actually there. So, get out of your sofa now and make a tent in that golden place!

More than all those crazy experiences, I saw beautiful creations of man and of God. Myanmar locals are honestly beautiful people inside and out. It’s just their situation that hides the beauty in them that to which newbies couldn’t see at first. Myanmar locals are worth to spend time with. They’ve got beautiful sceneries and artworks which were made centuries ago- the fruits of dedication, hardwork and passion. They are indeed talented human beings. You can see it to the works of their hands- the golden temples, pagodas and Buddhas in Bagan and Yangon. They have rich and interesting cultural history. The trip would be incomplete without exploring the taste of Myanmar. The taste of their food is authentic. I haven’t tasted like that before. I couldn’t compare it to other Asian food. They have similar dishes with Malaysia and Philippines but it has a different kind of spice. Our local Myanmar friend also suggested to try YKKO’s kyay oh to complete our food trip. She was right, the adventure is incomplete without it! It’s the best noodle soup I’ve ever tasted so far.

YKKO’s kyay oh

Walking inside the temples and pagodas was the extreme challenge. It wasn’t because they were too high or steep or whatever. It wasn’t because it was tiring. We didn’t have time for tiresome and boredom during the trip. It was because we walked on our barefoot going inside the pagodas and temples. There’s actually nothing wrong walking barefooted. It’s just very challenging to walk on your barefoot under extreme heat! I almost cried because my feet were already hurting. It was really hard to walk with burning feet! That is why we are the “barefoot friends”. Amazingly, we were able to conquer it!

Temples in Bagan

The Barefoot Friends

Myanmar delicacies

Bagan, Myanmar

I believe greater things are yet to come in that golden land. Greater things are still to be done. Yet it is still a beautiful and wonderful world after all! With that, I must say I love Myanmar from every tiny bit of it. My heart was so touched of its past stories that I almost wept in tears. Then I realized, I love Malaysia and Philippines more today than yesterday. Lol

Don’t get me wrong, I honestly seriously love Myanmar from the deepest core of my being. I learned and realized a lot of things. It was a fun filled learning experience. Seeing all those golden Buddhas and temples made me realized I almost missed that chance of witnessing what God wants me to see. He had given me a dream and I almost missed the opportunity of experiencing that dream. He had given me a dream to clear things in my mind and heart then he made it into reality. What an awesome God!

From a dream to reality, Chei-zu tin-bar-te Myanmar!

There is Something In You

I See Something by Dananjaya Hettiarachchi

“All of us has something special that makes us as beautiful. Do you know what makes you special? Now, the answer to that can be a little difficult to find because sometimes life has a cruel way. […] When you’re broken, it’s very difficult to feel special.”

When you’re lost and broken it’s difficult to feel special. But when you feel that you are loved and trusted by the people you value the most, those broken pieces in your heart can be fixed once again. Love heals, love completes, love sees, love fixes- Love Does. Never forget that you are special and unique in your own way. Believe that there is something in you- there is something in you that only you can discover. There is something in you that the world needs. Never give up when the world gives you challenges, they are your opportunities to discover the person that is within you. You have potentials waiting to be unleashed. There is something in you. Lastly, do not forget to see something beautiful and unique about the people around you. They are just there waiting- waiting for your love and affirmation. “There is something in you”- five words that can change lives. Do not hesitate to speak it out.

Bente Kwatro (Ikatlong Bahagi)

Ikatlong Bahagi para sa natitirang tatlo. Syempre pinag-isipan ko ito ng mabuti. At dahil alam kong hook ang lahat sa usapang pag-ibig sige pag-usapan natin ito. Minsan lang naman. Ohhhh noooooo. Yeah, I’m gonna share it. Sssshhh. Atin atin na lamang ito. Ano daw?

Bente dos. May super crush ako nung highschool kaso taga ibang municipality (Hint: Rock n’ roll). Kaya naman nakikita ko lamang sya sa mga shool competitions at pinaghuhusayan ko na makarating ng division level.Una ko syang nakita sa sa ScieCamp. Nag Mr. Scie Camp sya, si number 6. Crushable naman talaga kaya unforgettable ang the face ni kuya. Sunod na engkwentro namin ay madalas sa journalism competitions. Mga tatlong taon din yun na lagi ko syang nakikita. Batchmates naman din kasi kami. May minsan na naging groupmate pa kami at nirepresent yung disctrict namin sa Division level broadcasting competition. Of course, kilig naman ako. Pero syempre hindi ako yung tipo ng nagbibigay motibo. Nanalo yung grupo namin pero kinailangan na naming umuwi kaya di ako nakaakyat ng stage kasama sya. Sumunod na taon eh nagkita kaming muli sa dalawang pagkakataon, journalism at MTAP naman. At dahil alam ng mga teammates ko na crush ko sya, nagpakastalker mode sila para sa akin. Shy type ako eh. Ayun, yung photo journalist namin kinuhanan sya ng picture (PS. Film pa nun ha), nilaminate at niregalo sa akin. Tinago ko ang litratong yun at inilagay ko sa Stat Manual ko noong college bilang inspirasyon. Yun na ata yung huling taon na nakita ko sya. Nalaman kong pumasa din sya sa UP though Diliman. Kasi nung inannounce yung passers hinanap ko lang naman yung pangalan nya. Stalker ulit. After 3 years, nalaman ko sa highschool classmate ko na nagkataong naging classmate sya na sa probinsya lang din sya nagcollege at di na natuloy sa UP. At dahil medyo makuwento itong si classmate na lagi kong kasama din noon sa journalism, nalaman ni crush lahat lahat. Natatawa na lamang din ako ngayon. High school life oh highschool life. Sa ngayon, hanggang facebook friends na lang talaga kami.

Bente tres.  Pasabog. NBSB ako. Oo. Proud to be. At feeling ko normal naman yun pero nung nagsimula akong magtrabaho walang maniwala sa akin, like as if wala na talagang nageexist na ganun. Ewan. Basta ako marami akong kilalang ganun. May mga nag-attempt naman pero wala eh, bumibigay agad. Minsan naisip ko tuloy hindi ba ako worth fighting for o kaya naman di ba talaga ako keri ng guys o isa pa eh may kulang ba? Ano? Hahaha! Naalala ko noong kinder, lagi kaming sabay umuuwi. Super friends ganun. Close kami at close din parents namin. Sabi ba naman nya one day daw papakasalan nya ako. BOOMPANES! Ke kiring bata nito oh! Ayun maagang naging batang ama. Meron namang isa gusto daw sumabay pag-uwi at kung pwede bang manligaw, aba eh dinaan sa kaklase ko.  Ayun syempre pakipot ang lola. Mas mabilis akong naglalakad o kaya patakbo na hindi obvious at sumasabay sa mga classmates ko pauwi. Iwas talaga kasi baka makita din ng mga teachers. Panigurado papagalitan ako. Kasi ayun syempre probinsya, pag-aged generation ganun talaga. Isa pa naiintindihan ko kasi honor student daw ako. Baka di ko daw kaya pagsabayin. Kaya ayun, babye friend. Sayang nga eh sikat pa naman yun sa school, escort lagi ang peg. Itago nalang natin sa word na “xray”. Tsk. May isa naman nagsabi ang hirap ko daw abutin. Nah! Ano ako bituin? Ang tagal ko inisip yun. At hanggang ngayon alalang ala ko pa. So yun, hanggang lupa nalang siya at di na sinungit ang bituin. Forever na lang nakatingin. Yun! Heto ang aking kwentong NBSB. Isang bituin “daw” na mahirap abutin. Anyways, naniniwala din naman ako na sa bawat isa sa atin ay may isang taong nakalaan.

Bente kwatro. Tulad ng iba na may ideal guy, meron din ako. Meron din akong listahan ng negotiables at non-negotiables. Hindi ko na ibabahagi dahil personal yun para sa akin. Eto lang nais kong sabihin sa kanya pagnagkita na kami, at gusto kong malaman ng lahat, “1. WAG TAYONG GAGAMIT NG GADGETS PAGMAGKASAMA TAYO. THANK YOU! 2. MAS GUSTO KO ANG HAND WRITTEN LETTERS KESA TEXT, 3. WEIRD AKO.” Lastly, dream ko na magpakasal before 30.years old. Mga 28 or 29 siguro ang target ko. Kasal agad? Syempre depende din naman kung kelan kami magkakasalubong. Basta yun lang ang ideal age ko of getting married.

So there, thank you so much for the time you’ve spent reading this. God bless us all!

Bente Kwatro (Unang Bahagi)

Dahil sa malapit na akong magbente kwatro at gusto ko lang na may gawing kakaiba, hayaan nyo akong ibahagi sa inyo ang bente kwatrong katotohanan tungkol sa akin. Mga bagay at katotohanan na tanging ako o iilang tao lamang ang may alam.

Uno. Hindi ako kumakain ng hard boiled egg mula pa noong aking kabataan. Ewan ko ba, kapag kumakain ako ng ganun parang may halimaw sa tyan ko na gustong gustong lumabas mula sa aking bibig. Alam mo na. Natuto lamang akong kumakain ng kwek kwek na nilunod muna sa suka noong nasa kolehiyo ako sa UPLB. Ayun, kumakain na ako ng hard boiled egg pero dapat may kasabay na ibang pampalasa. At tubig!

Dos. Lalaki ako noon. Haha! Di, joke lang. Babae po ako. Pero kung kaklase kita noong elementary at highschool alam mo ‘to. Madalas akong makipagaway sa lalaki. Madalas akong makipag-asaran, makipagsuntukan at makipagtadyakan. May isang beses pa nga na nanghabol at namalo ako ng walis tingting eh. Amazona ang peg. Pero kahit naman ganoon ako, suportado nila ako sa lahat. Kaya naman tropa talaga kami nung mga klasmeyt kong lalaki, lalo na sa highschool. Gustong gusto nila akong katabi. Mabait din naman kasi ako sa kanila kapag may pagsusulit.  Buti nalang nakilala ko si Lord. Praise God!

Tres. Pagkakatapos maligo, hindi ako agad nagsusuklay. At madalas, nakasabit ang suklay sa ulo ko. Wala lang, nandun lang. Style! Fashion!

Kwatro. Ako ay isang melancholic-phlegmatic. Yung emosyonal pero walang emosyon, yung approachable pero hindi nangaapproach, yung nagpapanic pero hindi taranta, yung may pakialam pero mukhang walang pakialam, yung mga ganun. Hindi naman ako baliw, wag kang judgmental ganun lang talaga. Paki google nalang ng 4 temperaments para mas maintindihan mo ang sinasabi ko.

Singko. Mahilig ako sa sweets except chocolates. Pero kumakain naman ako ng tsokoleyt. Mas prefer ko lang talaga ang donuts, ice cream (lalo pag ang DQ) at cheesecake (kahit anong flavor basta cheesecake).

Sais. Mahilig ako sa pandesal. Kahit breakfast, lunch at dinner ko yun, solve na ang tyan ko. Basta may cheese spread, peanut butter, hotdog, o pritong itlog at KAPE!

Syete. Kalbo ako noong sanggol ako. Sabi ng nanay ko medyo matagal bago ako nagkaroon ng buhok. Base sa mga litrato ko noon, kalbo nga ako. Pero ngayon, haba ng hair kahit di Rejoice ang gamit ko. Kung ano, di ko na sasabihin, wala namang talent fee.

Otso. Ang totoo kong pangalan ay Dianne Rose hindi yung pangalan ko ngayon. Si ateng midwife kasi mali yung pandinig, hayun mali ang nairehistro. Kaya noong nasa ikaunang baitang ako, yun palagi ang nilalagay ko sa aking papel. Marahil napansin yun ng guro ko kaya siguro kinausap nya ang nanay ko. Wala naman na kaming magawa, maproseso din ang magpalit ng pangalan kaya hinayaan na lang namin. Inaral ko na lang din. Sa ngayon, okay naman ako sa pangalan ko. Ang sikat nga eh!

Nuwebe. Ako ay isang movie buff pero hindi ako mahilig sa sine na may Part 1, 2, 3, 4….. Halimbawa na lang ang Harry Potter, Twilight at iba pa. Ayaw ko lang talaga ng pakiramdam ng nabibitin o hindi ko talaga feel ang mga ganoong sine. Nito na nga lang ako natutong panoorin ang Mockingjay, Lord of the Rings, at The Hobbit. Hayun, kinailangan kong imarathon yung mga naunang movies para maintindihan ko yung pinanood ko.

Dyes. Third year na ako nagkaroon ng cellphone. Tulad ng mga kahenerasyon ko, ayun text sa umaga hanggang gabi, sa mga kaklaseng kasama mo lang din naman maghapon,at sa mga hindi din naman kilala. Ang saya kaya! Pero pagdating ng college hanggang ngayon, ewan ko ba. Aaminin ko tamad akong magload, kuripot – OO. Tamad din akong magtext. Kaya kung di kita narereplyan, ipagpatawad mo. Ang galing mo tumayming eh. Pero nagrereply naman ako pag may load na, feel ko at alam ko na ang isasagot ko.

Vision 20/20 List for 2015

Since it’s a brand new and exciting year, let me share my all-new Vision 20/20 list with you. This is actually the third year that I am having my Vision 20/20 list. So before you start reading my 2015 Vision 20/20 list, I would like to share with you first a glimpse of what happened to my 2014 list.

2014 Vision 20/20 list

1. Be a blessing and a testimony to others and to the nations of the world. Plus, be more faithful! [In fairness, Number 1 agad! Thank You Lord for giving me such an opportunity to be a blessing. There were a lot of things happened here in Malaysia this year. I’ve got a lot of new friends and connections. It was also my first time to join the ICPM event and the ministry work in Penang, yey!]

2. Masters degree (finish it in 4 sems only) in Malaysia, award-winning thesis, and avail of scholarship grants, favor from teachers and adviser. [Medyo winowork out pa, but thank You Lord for the progress. Indeed, I’ve got unexpected and awesome favors from my colleagues and teachers. Thank You Jesus pa rin for my adviser.]

3. Job/ Part-time job (with good compensation, learnings, and great workmates/environment, and a work I will dearly love. Lord, pwede UN? :D) [I didn’t just get one but two jobs before the end of 2014. Thank You Lord for the opportunities and my bosses. I am so blessed. It’s not yet UN but still they’re both international companies. lol. I’ve got a chance to work with SIRIS, an Australian based research company and currently with RSPO, an international organization for Sustainable palm oil industries. Isn’t it amazing? I also got amazing officemates. Though I was the only rose among the thorns, it was a fun filled learning experience to be with the team of brilliant men.]

4. Provisions, blessings, breakthroughs, favor, happiness and abundance for me and my family [He is such an awesome God. I’ve got overflowing provisions, blessings, breakthroughs, favor, happiness and abundance in 2014. I won’t elaborate it, but more than all these things, I want to thank God for the people He gave me to accompany me in receiving and experiencing all these. ]

5. Good health and safety (for me and my family) [Thank You Lord for the healings, good health and covering. This is the best of my 2014 list. Health is wealth. We are wealthy because we are healthy. You might see this again in my 2015 list. 🙂 ]

6. Learn how to drive a car and of course, I want a CAR! [I haven’t started yet on my driving lessons. I still don’t have a car. But I still want to accomplish this. Soon!]

7. Business for my parents! [Thank You Lord for the provisions.]

8. Fully furnish our house in Batangas! [Ongoing. Medyo delayed since I went here in MY and registered for a post-grad course. But, I promise to accomplish this, COMING SOON! Onting push na lang]

9. Job for my sister after graduation (before the end of July 2014) (with good compensation, great learnings, and great workmates/environment, and a work she will also love) [It took months of waiting, but she was able to get the job before the end 2014. Yey! Thank You Lord! May katulong na ako. lol]

10. Travel (Philippines or other countries) (with family) [And yes! Did this though not with my biological family. I should have specifically stated it here. Yet, it was a great experience to travel with my Destiny Malaysia family.]

11. Save, save, save and Insurance. [I didn’t have the insurance yet I was able to save for my tuition fees and other expenses while I’m still here in MY. 🙂 ]

12. Good academic standing for my siblings. [Thanks too Lord for blessing my siblings with good grades.]

There you go! Thank You Lord and thanks to you [whoever you are reading this] for being part of my 2014. I am so blessed to experience an amazing and abundant year with you. 2014 was indeed a year of taking risks and making things happen! I am now more than excited for 2015. All things will work together for good.

Hello 2015! I declare that you will be my year of completion [all the things that are still pending; post grad matters and those that I wasn’t able to accomplish in the past years], double blessings, and more open doors [opportunities, nations, scholarships, awards etc.]. The best things are yet to come! AMEN!

Now, here’s my Vision 20/20 list. Have yours too and you’ll be surprised and amazed of what God can do in a year.

2015 Vision 20/20 List

1. Greater things and supernatural experiences for Destiny Malaysia. Increase in team’s number and more connections for each member. Glorious house church that will be a blessing and a testimony to all Malaysians and Filipinos or other nationalities in Malaysia.

2. Good health, safety and covering for me, my family and relatives and DMI-MY/SOMA family.

3. Provisions, supernatural experiences, breakthroughs, acceleration, higher level of favor and abundance, never ending happiness for me and my family

4. No tragedy, crimes, floods and other calamities for the WHOLE WIDE WORLD especially Asia. No deaths, debts, sickness, war, and all things that are from the enemy. Let there be peace on Earth.

5. Finish my post grad study and my thesis this year [declaring to finish it before Christmas of 2015]. No more extensions. Avail of scholarship or grants. Award winning thesis. Safety during data gathering, wisdom during data analysis and thesis writing, favor from all those that are involved in my study esp. Adviser, committee member and the VIVA officers. More patience!

6. Acceleration and continuous Job/ Part time Job [with awesome environment and favor from colleagues; and a fun filled learning experience] to support my studies, everyday expenses and family. Lord, I’m still desiring for UN or ADB. 😀

7. More safe and unforgettable travel [PH or international] with family or friends. May it be work related, ministry related or for personal satisfaction. 

8. I want to SAVE! SAVE! SAVE! money for the future and for family insurance. No more debts! Be more faithful to my tithes.

9. Open doors for my sister. Greater opportunities and an awesome job for her- a job that she will really love, higher compensation, a favorable workplace and a job that will develop her abilities and skills. And for my brothers, more of good deeds, good academic standing, and favors from classmates and teachers. 

10.Higher wisdom on love, relationship and leadership matters to avoid heartbreaks, wrong actions and unnecessary leadership thoughts. Thus, read more inspiring books. Deeper relationship with God.

11. Publish a book or a journal. 

12. New lappy with higher storage memory and better system. Give Toshiba lappy to family. New gadgets and give old gadgets to others who are in need! Thus, more provisions and source of financial blessings. 

13. Explore, learn and do new things. More volunteer experiences. More and better initiatives for Mother Earth. 

I Love You Too Much – Diego Luna

Just watched The Book of Life and I fell in love with this song. *melancholy* Maybe this is the kind of song that I’ve always wanted to hear.

I love you too much
to leave without you loving me back
I love you too much
heaven’s my witness and this is a fact

I know I belong
when I sing this song
There’s lovable flow and it’s ours
’cause I love you too much

I live for your touch
I whisper your name night after night
I love you too much
There’s only one feeling and I know its right

I know I belong
when I sing this song
There’s lovable flow and it’s ours
’cause I love you too much

Heaven knows your name and I’ve been praying
to have you come here by my side
Without you a part of me is missing
Just to make you my whole life will fly

I know I belong
when I sing this song
There’s lovable flow and it’s ours
’cause I love you too much

I love…. you too much
I love you too much
Heaven’s my witness and this is a fact
You live in my soul
Your heart is my gold
There’s lovable flow but its mine ’cause I love you
There’s lovable love and it’s yours cause I love you
There’s lovable flow and it’s ours if you love me as much

Into The Wild

“

Happiness is only real when it is shared”– Chris/ Alex Supertramp

Follow the desires of your heart. Move your feet. Lead yourself to places you’ve never been. Pursue your dreams. But do not forget to share it to others, especially to your loved ones.

Learn how to forgive so you may learn how to love. Learn how to love so you may learn how to forgive. There, you can only find real happiness.

 

The Environmental Evangelist

Ever since I was a child, I am fond of looking at the sky, watching -the clouds [as they move and disappear], the trees [dancing gracefully], the river flowing, the sun rising and bidding goodbye, the rainbows with magnificent hues, the oceans with their dancing waves, the colorful butterflies, the birds chirping in the morning and everything else that God has made [except for reptiles, I’m so sorry.]. Oh nature.

I don’t just like nature. I love it. I love how God created all these things. This is maybe the reason why I’m in this field now. I may not be as great as the apostles who built or will build a church in different places, a prophet who will tell the word of God and what’s in it for the future, but I’m very happy to be a teacher on how to save nature, [just like the gratitude of serving nations]. Above all, I want to be an “environmental-evangelist”. Para sa makakalikasang pamumuhay! We should not just win people and lead them to God, we should also be good stewards of the environment.

I suddenly remember a line from one of my favorite books:

“Our Earth is like a child who has grown up without parents, having no one to guide and direct her. ” As Jesus spoke, his voice intensified in subdued anguish. “Some have attempted to help her, but most have simply tried to use her. Humans, who have been given the task to lovingly steer the world, instead pluder her, with no consideration other than their immediate needs. And they give little thought to their own children, who will inherit their lack of love. So they use her and abuse her with little consideration, and then when she shudders or blows her breath, they are often offended and raised their fists at GOD. (Jesus to Mackenzie)” pp. 153-154, The Shack by WM P Young

…

Mack : ” So why don’t you fix it?… The Earth I mean.”

Jesus: Because we gave it you.

Mack: “Can’t You take it back?”

….

Jesus:  Have you noticed that even though you call me Lord and King I have never really acted in that capacity with you? I’ve never taken control of your choices or forced you to do anything, even what you were about to do was destructive or hurtful to yourself or others.”

Mack:  “I would have preferred that you take control at times…”

Jesus: “To force my will on you is exactly what LOVE does not do. Genuine relationships are marked with submission even when your choices are not helpful or healthy.”

This is who God is. He entrusted us of His creations. This is why we have to do our part. It’s also for us.

Here are some of the photos I took using my phone. The photos I am so much in love with.

 

 

You Are My Rainbow

 

 

Three in the morning and my heart’s still burning

Your consuming fire’s flaming deep within

You called my name, soft and sweet

You touched my heart, t’was a princely treat. 

 

You asked me why I’m still awake

I said I want to see splendour only You could make

You smiled back and sat beside me

A grateful moment and will forever be. 

 

You stood up and looked above

And opened Your palm, You took my hand

You spoke again, t’was filled with love

You asked, “What do you want to see my child?” 

 

In an introvert voice, I answered swiftly

I lifted my hands and whispered it blissfully

I want to spot a rainbow, as bright as the lights of a cathedral aisle

An artwork in the sky, a picture of Your adorable smile. 

 

Then I picked up my pen, and looked at the window

T’was still dark, there’s no patchmark of a rainbow

I want to see a reminder of Your glorious promises

Write it on a piece of paper, keep it in a secret place.

 

I want to catch a rainbow and spread it everywhere

Paint everything with its magnificent hues,

Turn the gloomy days into beautiful mornings,

Something only a lovely rainbow could do. 

 

Then in just a blink You’re suddenly gone

You left a note, You said, “My child, it is done”.

Then I heard the prelude of the birds chirping; the music of dawn

I saw a rainbow peeking, Oh what a wonderful creation!

“Success: It’s not always what you see”

I write a lot. I love to write all my thoughts, insights and feelings even while walking, listening to music or patiently waiting for my bus to move forward due to heavy traffic jam.

But one Sunday morning, God gave me a chance to speak up and share what’s on my heart. Actually, I never imagined myself to preach. I am afraid of so many things. I fear to stand in front of other people.  Well, aside from death that’s the thing that I fear the most. However, He knew that I am BORN for this. We are all born to share His word not just through writing but also declaring who He is; for the world needs to recognize Him. I spoke during our Sunday Service for almost an hour. Isn’t that amazing? His love casts out fear. I was able to finish it with His grace and faithfulness. Now, to You be all the glory.

“When you find yourself wavering in faith, judge Him faithful and be at rest. He cannot fail you and will do as His Word has promised.” Ptr. Joseph Prince

Romans 10:15
New Living Translation (NLT)
15 And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!”

Oooh… And now, I can finally say, “I have beautiful feet”.

God don’t want the message to be heard by those who were just there during our service. So, I’m writing this post to share what God wants to in store for His beloved children.

“Success: It’s not always what you see”

I started my message with this: Success: It’s not always what you see.

There are times in our life that other people thought we are successful with so many things yet, the truth is; we are still longing for something that can fill a part of who we are. Being successful is not defined with what you are able to achieve but how you actually reach it and how you undergo the process. If we know that we are satisfied and we endure the process with joy, then that is a “Good success”.

Joseph The Dreamer

He is one of the distinct characters in the Bible. He has a very strong and unique character. The book (Genesis 37, 39-47) has this significantly beautiful story line about Joseph that captivates the heart.

Who is Joseph?

1. Son of Jacob (Israel)  and Rachel
2. 11^th son of Jacob
3. Rachel’s firstborn

The Robe

 

3 Now Israel loved Joseph more than any of his other sons, because he had been born to him in his old age; and he made an ornate[a] robe for him. Genesis 37:3

Why of all the sons of Israel he gave the robe to Joseph? Maybe, Israel (Jacob) is his son to Rachel whom he loved so much. The chapters on how Jacob waited and sacrificed a lot to win Rachel proved his unconditional love for her.

The robe that Jacob did for Joseph is a prophetic sign of royalty. Joseph is born to become a royalty.

 

Lesson #1 from the life of Joseph

There are things that are destined to be yours even if you don’t seek or ask for it. You are born for something even before time began. You are born for greatness.

The Failures and Successes

 

⁵ Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him all the more. ⁶ He said to them, “Listen to this dream I had: ⁷ We were binding sheaves of grain out in the field when suddenly my sheaf rose and stood upright, while your sheaves gathered around mine and bowed down to it.”

⁸ His brothers said to him, “Do you intend to reign over us? Will you actually rule us?” And they hated him all the more because of his dream and what he had said.

⁹ Then he had another dream, and he told it to his brothers. “Listen,” he said, “I had another dream, and this time the sun and moon and eleven stars were bowing down to me.”

²⁵ As they sat down to eat their meal, they looked up and saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead. Their camels were loaded with spices, balm and myrrh, and they were on their way to take them down to Egypt.

²⁶ Judah said to his brothers, “What will we gain if we kill our brother and cover up his blood? ²⁷ Come, let’s sell him to the Ishmaelites and not lay our hands on him; after all, he is our brother, our own flesh and blood.” His brothers agreed.

²⁸ So when the Midianite merchants came by, his brothers pulled Joseph up out of the cistern and sold him for twenty shekels^[b] of silver to the Ishmaelites, who took him to Egypt.

Joseph brothers were jealous of him. They plotted to kill Joseph but they just sold him to Midianite merchants.

But…

² The Lord was with Joseph so that he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. ³ When his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord gave him success in everything he did, ⁴ Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned. ⁵ From the time he put him in charge of his household and of all that he owned, the Lord blessed the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph. The blessing of the Lord was on everything Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field. ⁶ So Potiphar left everything he had in Joseph’s care; with Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate.

Lesson #2 from the life of Joseph

2. The lowest points in our life are actually launching pads to God’s greatest promotion.

I suddenly remembered Nick Vujicic. Nicholas James “Nick” Vujicic is a Serbian Australian evangelist and motivational speaker born with tetra-amelia syndrome, a rare disorder characterized by the absence of all four limbs. His situation didn’t stop him to live his life to the fullest. He said, “If I fail, I try again, and again, and again. If YOU fail, are you going to try again? The human spirit can handle much worse than we realize. It matters HOW you are going to FINISH. Are you going to finish strong?” Without thinking of his condition, he was still able to learn a lot of things that some of the normal person can’t do (e.g. golf, swimming, surfing). Woah!

Potiphar’s wife plotted to put Joseph in prison…

¹³ When she saw that he had left his cloak in her hand and had run out of the house, ¹⁴ she called her household servants. “Look,” she said to them, “this Hebrew has been brought to us to make sport of us! He came in here to sleep with me, but I screamed. ¹⁵ When he heard me scream for help, he left his cloak beside me and ran out of the house.”

Joseph was then put into prison…

But while Joseph was there in the prison, ²¹ the Lord was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. ²² So the warden put Joseph in charge of all those held in the prison, and he was made responsible for all that was done there. ²³ The warden paid no attention to anything under Joseph’s care, because the Lord was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did.

Lesson #3 from the life of Joseph

God is a god of “unexpected” surprises and unmerited favors.

While in prison, Joseph interpreted the dreams of the cupbearer and the baker. After interpreting the dream of the cupbearer, he asked the latter not to forget him and put him out of prison after.

²³ The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot him.

 

Lesson #4 from the life of Joseph

Our present circumstances will tell who we are and who we become.

 

Joseph interpreted the dream of the Pharaoh

³⁹ Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one so discerning and wise as you. ⁴⁰ You shall be in charge of my palace, and all my people are to submit to your orders. Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you.”

⁴¹ So Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I hereby put you in charge of the whole land of Egypt.”⁴² Then Pharaoh took his signet ring * from his finger and put it on Joseph’s finger. He dressed him in robes of fine linen and put a gold chain around his neck. ⁴³ He had him ride in a chariot as his second-in-command, and people shouted before him, “Make way!”Thus he put him in charge of the whole land of Egypt.

Lesson #5 from the life of Joseph

Do not expect God to do all your expectations. Expect God to do the unexpected. Expect to see good success beyond your present circumstances. Stop looking at your failures and stop allowing them to discourage you. 

 “Dream. Believe. Survive… and be Victorious”

Colonel Harland Sanders was 65 years old when he Launched Kentucky Fried Chicken. It starts with him dropping out of school in the sixth grade, not because he was lazy, but because he had to take care of his younger brothers. He got a social security check for only $105 and was mad. Instead of complaining he did something about it. He thought restaurant owners would love his fried chicken recipe, use it, sales would increase, and he’d get a percentage of it. He drove around the country knocking on doors, sleeping in his car, wearing his white suit.

Do you know how many times people said no till he got one yes? 1009 times! (http://www.biography.com/people/colonel-harland-sanders)

Joseph revealed himself

⁴ Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Come close to me.” When they had done so, he said, “I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! ⁵ And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you.

⁸ “So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God. He made me father to Pharaoh, lord of his entire household and ruler of all Egypt. ⁹ Now hurry back to my father and say to him, ‘This is what your son Joseph says: God has made me lord of all Egypt. Come down to me; don’t delay. ¹⁰ You shall live in the region of Goshen and be near me—you, your children and grand children, your flocks and herds, and all you have. ¹¹ I will provide for you there, because five years of famine are still to come.

¹ So Joseph settled his father and his brothers in Egypt and gave them property in the best part of the land, the district of Rameses, as Pharaoh directed. Gen. 47:11 (which is the Land of Goshen, the land of provision, blessing and protection)

Lesson #6 from the life of Joseph

Forgive. Forgive. Forgive…, Forget and Move on.

Our life does not go in a linear way. It is like an electrocardiograph; the moment it goes to a straight line, it means we’re dead. Therefore, let us be thankful that our life goes up and down then up like the ECG, it means God is working in our lives and we are breathing and living a life full of surprises and excitement.

Lesson #7 from the life of Joseph

“…though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again…” Proverbs 24:16, NIV

Thus, we should…