'It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year..."

 

Christmas is not actually over yet. You know why? Because one day, December 25, is not enough to celebrate God's only begotten son, Jesus, with family and loved ones. Let's not confine our minds to that way of thinking. Celebrating Jesus who has redeemed us, saved us from going to eternal damnation, and has always loved us unconditionally should be reflected in our daily lives--even with the most elaborated, sensationalized threat of Covid 19. 

Yesterday, we celebrated Christmas & my youngest son's post-college graduation at my brother and sister's -in- law's house. The uncouth reverberating and boisterous peals of laughter are indeed the very nature of a party that never runs dry. We refrain ourselves from talking politics including religion, about the Covid vaccine, and about the appropriation of the next stimulus package, then we're all good. Just imagine how terrible would it be if all the siblings and respective spouses are caught in a heated argument with fists stumping and tones of their voices unacceptable! However, I'm proud and happy to say that I'm a Christian first before my chosen party, Republican. So now you know...

As always, our tradition for almost 40 years of gift-giving has always been thoughtful and generous. I thank God that even with the precipice of the most challenging ordeal that our country has endured, we stand united in Faith that this, too, shall pass. We shouldn't be throwing in the towel so soon that our confidence and trust in the will of God is shaken recklessly. I heard a clip that some of the most famous Christian pastors and leaders have already given up in the fight of standing with our President. If that's the case then I think that if you can't stand the heat, you're an impostor of such an ideology, your very own agenda... I hope and pray that such a paradigm shift in their faith stance does not omit their names in the lamb's book of life. And in return shepherding their flocks unwittingly to lose their heart to God which I think is the most tragic of it all. Don't you think?

Today, let's anchor our faith to Jesus, the One that holds our tomorrows and the only One that can make the way when there's no other way. He is the only Way, the Truth, and the Life...

"Choose God's Indelible Word..."

 

With what has just been projected by the media that Joe Biden won the presidency, my heart doesn't break because my absolute source is in the providential hand of God. I have to contend to the Solid Rock I know and His name is Jesus... And I remain steadfast in praying, Thy will be done, Lord."

 Isaiah 55:8-9 says, " For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord

For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts...

My thoughts right now are much smaller than the mustard seed in comparison to what God is signaling us in the faith to do. I know that He wants us to be Still...; that even the result of the election doesn't translate the voice of truth, I know that God is in control. That even the physical realm of things suggests a sheer tragic loss in our minds, God's ultimate will and plan prevail. I just have to quiet my mind and continue to trust Him for in Him I truly live no matter who is in the White House.

My wishful thinking still reverberates that it would have been so right, good, and accepting if integrity and honesty, and conviction are unequivocally present in this election. Then and only then, I would be at peace and confident in the system.

I learned the hard facts of life in this election; people will tend to vote for someone who's calm and collected in the external without researching what his platform entails; people are running scared and fearful of the coronavirus without even considering that maybe and just maybe there's something about this virus that has a mind of its own given by those who will propagate their agendas-- the election. So, maybe now, the virus is relegated in the background, has taken its backseat, and will reappear when it's needed for justification. It's also disconcerting that a multitude of believers and Christians have compromised their stance on how to vote for the Kingdom and how many of them stayed home not exercising the right to vote which is a very crucial right, fought by our forefathers' sweat & blood. I'm gonna cry over this but deep inside me, I hear the wind of the Holy Spirit breathing in my gut that it is not over until the last trump of God sounds...

If you don't stand for anything that is of God and just go with the flow, how would you even say that life is worth living? For only in our personal relationship with the Lord brings groundedness and centrality--to a clear path.

Lord Jesus, let the truth, wisdom, and the power of your Word continue to delight me and color my world with the rainbow of your promise that you're coming back "and every tongue shall confess that you are the Lord of all and every head will bow to your majesty."

Life & Death Are In The Power Of Your Vote...

Blogging is a platform for me where I share my thoughts conservatively. Oftentimes, that didn't click with my readers because I wasn't quite forthcoming and not bold enough to share the real issues. As a writer in my own right, it is very important to me that I make a connection with my readers, otherwise, my writing; the words I put unto the page is just a form of discourse which is void of depth and purpose. If that's the case, I am guilty of having presumptuous pride in having such a given gift...

Where am I going with this perception? I know that I have been slacking off with writing consistently. Sometimes, I think I make a bundle of excuses for not doing so and have mastered it through the years. Having said that, not writing even when you don't feel like it, is not a mark of a writer. You call yourself a writer when you still write even when experiencing writer's block. Just write why you have to--that makes sense.

So... Today, my muse to writing is the upcoming election here in the U.S. I already cast my vote. This time, I was armed with the knowledge of which platform of the presidential candidate is Biblical based. So glad that our church has posted the platforms of both parties.

Are you aware that your vote will be judged before the Lord and be accounted for whether you voted secularly or biblically? Please don't call or profess yourself a Christian or a Godly believer if you voted for a party that advocates abortion, you know that's murder on all counts. What about redefining marriage? Are we that oblivious over what God says about a marriage between a man and a woman? Do we really hate God that much that everything that is of this world is transformed to nullifying what God says about that? Think about our first Constitutional amendment! Once you voted for the wrong presidential candidate, you can say goodbye to your right to worship, to the God that created us all...These are my three main concerns; the sanctity of marriage between a man and a woman; the rights of the unborn and our first constitutional amendment not to be curtailed and dictated. Once these three truths are securely in place, all the other issues will follow through. I have never been so intentional and purposeful in what to share till now. I believe that if we all exercise the right to vote and choose wisely, America, being the most powerful and prosperous country in the world will remain like what it is now. And I know that with steadfast prayers, obedience to the Word of God, humility not greed, a heart of gratitude for all the blessings that God has continually blessed this country, God's grace will have the final pursuit...on Tuesday! Another thing to remember that America is great because of our affinity with Israel. That's one of the caveats to our country's flourishing...Whoever shows support to Israel as a nation will be noteworthy in the eyes of God...

"God Bless America... the land of the free!

2 Chronicles 7:14 (KJV)

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

Hello October...!

 

October is Here...

I woke up this morning with a fervent sense of purpose--to finally see my life as not my very own life. When you live for Christ you crucify your fleshly desires; you abandon the things that are worldly and even cut your ties to people that are unequally yoked with your faith. And that you're never alone. You have the Lord fighting for your battles behind the scenes. You may not see it coming to pass at the rate or speed you want it done but God is before you and "who can be against you."

The best nugget of wisdom that really permeated my soul today is one quote I read in my mailbox (which I periodically get) which says, "some of the most powerful moments in life happen when you find the courage to let go of what can't be changed. Because when you are no longer able to change a situation, you are challenged to change yourself--to grow beyond the unchangeable. And that changes everything." 

You seek God in your solitude, in your prayer, even when your tears are the only thing left as the expression of your desperation and hopelessness. "God is our refuge and strength, our ever-present help in trouble." I hope and pray including myself that we dig and truly understand the finished work of Jesus Christ at Calvary Cross. He bore all of our iniquities, sicknesses, illnesses, infirmities, and viruses be it physical or spiritual. The only thing we need to do is believe, have faith, and " be not transformed to this world: But be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."

"And we walk by faith and not by sight..."

It is Fall...Is It?

 

Am I so ever glad, it's here! I'm beginning to get inspired and mused with high volumes of what is to come. 

With the passing of my two beloved dogs (Cocoa of Aug./2019 & Tootsie of Aug./2020), my heart still longs that they're still here with me. It is a very sweet sentiment to have known that when they were still alive, their greatest joy is to serve you as their most loyal and loving non-verbal companion and a security guard dog. Certainly and obviously, they surpassed their dog given duties to you. And you are left with their loving memories etched forever in your soul.

I began my journey to walk alone in the parks recently where I and my dogs used to go to. My right hand is now free of holding their dogs' leash and I just content myself watching others "dog mommies, dog daddies, and dog owners"  gleefully walking their dogs. And I will be happy hearing my neighbors' dogs barking for they remind me of a part of Cocoa & Tootsie.  For now, that's just the way it is. One day, I will adopt two dogs again when the right time comes--whatever that time brings me.

You must be all fully aware by now that I love the Fall season. I can only tell you that Fall gives me a strong sense of clarity and calm in my nightly sunset stroll and hone my "being in the moment" skill unrestricted, unfeigned...

God Bless

Happy Fall You All!

"Over The Rainbow..."

Eva Cassidy's music is timeless. Her unique interpretation of every lyric of a song is soul searching and breathtaking. In short, when she sings, all your senses are in one accord, in one heartstring. I don't consider her genre of music to be secular that's why I listen to them...She may be gone but her essence in the music industry continues to be evolving. 
It's a joy to know that she never compromised her originality even it meant no record deal. However, somebody took notice of her beautiful voice and eventually released her album, and was a success. And it's just ironic that her songs became more popular after she was gone...
I loved her voice, the only singing voice I would revere. To me, no other singer can get close to her gift.

"September Is Here...!

I feel a limp in my body. I feel some kind of numbness, a gaping hole to my heart. I know the pain and the sorrow that losing a beloved dog bring will eventually dissipate and I may want to adopt a dog again. But for now, I need to give myself time to grieve and not try to come up with substitutes to self-denial. I'm not going to subject myself to that. If I feel like crying, I will cry. If I feel like snapping at someone with some kind of provocation, I will not render an apology because I'm hurting inside. And I know those who know me will understand and will just continue to pray for me.

September, a month that will pave the way to the grand entrance of the Fall season. It is a sweet precursor to beautiful things we look forward to in the Fall. After a long, dreary, hot/dry Summer season, we now are more than prepared to celebrate its benefits. Harvest...

Looking forward to it!

Tootsie, You're FOREVER In My HEART..

Today, August 29, 2020, I put you to your eternal rest @ 9:45 this morning. It was harder for me to let you go than when I had to do the same thing with Cocoa last year. Probably because you have shown me the real meaning of resilience, mindfulness, and living in the moment. You carried your lumps/bumps for three years as if they were naturally part of you. You've never whimpered in pain even when they're aggressively growing in your body. It's common knowledge that these tumors should be taking its toll on your energy but they never seemed to bother you. I would have had them surgically removed but weighing all the inevitable high risks that come during and after the surgery made me decide not to go through with it. You were so brave and unaffected of what is going on in your body. You continued to be a real trooper and a very good dog. I see your eyes full of life until last night. You didn't touch your food all day even when I made you your favorite food which is grilled pot roast. You threw up seven times even with the water that you keep drinking constantly. Then, you started walking sideways and falling and your eyes squinting. These all happened unexpectedly without warnings. They're I considered the"all of a sudden" turn of events. So I decided to sleep with you downstairs to monitor your symptoms. Thank God that you slept through the night. And I was overwhelmed and did not sleep at all and thinking is it, time Lord, to put her down? Deep in my heart, I got my answer without a doubt. I've been here before with Cocoa and I will never let Tootsie suffer another day. 
Driving to the vet hospital this morning was like hitting every crossroad with bumps and rocks in the way. I wanted to weep and cry right there and then but I can't. I didn't want Tootsie to gravitate on how sad I was within. Oh, it was beyond my capacity to accept this clearly. However, my eldest son was with me for emotional support. Even in Tootsie's last moment, she managed to look up to me one more time then drew her last breath. Holding her in my arms, all I could think of is that how am I going to walk without her by my side. She lived for 14 human years just like Cocoa. They said that's considered a very long time for a dog to live. Maybe but just to appease your mind but I just wished I knew why they couldn't live long as we do. 
I'm thankful Lord that you have blessed me with the great love of my dogs. That you have prepared my heart somehow to deal with the pain & sorrow of losing both of them a year after the other. I'm kind of numb and it's not sinking in yet but when I do, please give me the grace that abounds.

I love you Tootsie and you will forever be in my heart...

"A Year After You Were Gone..."

 Only those who have loved their dogs the way I did to my Cocoa could truly understand that even after a year of their passing, you still grieve and shed a tear that carries the weight of how much you missed your dog.
In my case, that is my testimony.
 I walked today to our favorite park. You were half a dog- half human best friend to me for 14 years. You have learned how to connect with my emotions and have inspired me to be a better person especially in the department of loving fully...
If dog heaven were true, and I get to see a flash of your life running vigorously and healthy with a multitude of lively dogs, then that would be worth thinking in the deep recesses of my mind. And in my heart, you will always be my chocolate Labrador, the one that helped me get through the annoyances and perplexities of everyday living.
Walking has always been cathartic...It puts a spring into our steps and nothing else matters when we do. People that see us notice that we're there not to occupy space but to tread down the essence of walking the beauty of life itself... The trees that surround the tracks, the pavement, the concrete, the grass, and even the flip- flops and the sound of runners' footwears have meaning into our walks...
I love you.

" It's All In The Goodness Of God..."

 Every Season of Life bestows a big opportunity to know the goodness of God, his heartbeat for us, 
and his love bursting forth in resplendent beauty. If we are to receive all the Blessings that are meant for you & me, we must learn how to be dependent, reliant to his Word, and in full surrender of our unchastened desires to God.
This COVID 19 unequivocably disrupted the freedoms that we have enjoyed for many, many decades. I was shocked to have watched hours, days, weeks, and months (for me, anyway)slipped away beneath the shadows of the clouds. I hear myself murmuring over compounding restrictions/mandates and somehow suffocating the flow of my life.
I still remember one late afternoon when a police officer on his car started blasting the siren and telling everybody by the duck pond to leave immediately. Whew, for some reason I wanted to go to him and ask why; or with my stubbornness, I wanted to defy a person of authority. It must have been my foolish pride that wanted me to launch resistance because he interrupted my walking with my dog which is to me, a blissful quietude. 
Oh Yeah, I really did go to him and asked him why the "all of a sudden" commotion, and he did tell me that they just received that day the mandate to close the area. That was a relief on my end.
I operate on"there's no harm in asking" mantra and from there to now, I still couldn't walk my dog neither feed the fish in the pond. I got over it and just went to the other park with Tootsie.
God gave me grace...
The same thing with the churches that have been shut down with all the guidelines that the government has against congregating. I, too, along with others I know have gotten over the pangs of reality. Sometimes God will direct us to be a discerner of the good things unseen, morphing behind the scenes into which he already knew how we react to unprecedented times of plagues. We may not be inside the sanctuary of a building but we somehow have forgotten that we are the church. We are the heart and soul of a church. If we are to praise, worship, glorify, and pray to God in the comfort of our homes, then we do it willingly for such a time as this. 
This is just for a season and when God speaks to us, we move forward forgetting what's behind us and be ready for a new season of Hope, Faith & Love.
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him..." Romans 8:28
Thank God for his Grace!

Happy 65th Birthday manang Cel...

Birthday Prayer...
Heavenly Father God, we are coming to your throne of Grace to give thanks for all that you bring to our lives...love, faith, hope, protection, and provision in all aspects of our lives.
We thank you, Father God, for this divine opportunity that we're able to be together as one big loving family to celebrate manang Cel's 65th birthday tonight. Thank You Father God for your presence in her life. She has tremendously touched every family member represented here tonight by continually extending her help and she never expected something in return. And I speak for myself as a witness for that generous heart that manang Cel has and for all of us here that experienced that first hand. She really is an epitome of a good steward of love that generates more love.
We thank you, Lord, also for bringing to us, our sister Meldang from new York for such a time as this. She's still grieving for a great loss but chose to be here just to celebrate manang Cel's birthday. We thank you, Lord, for family solidarity that manang Cel works

hard at solidifying it. We thank you, Lord, for our mamang, the matriarch of the family for it all began when she planted a seed of prayer and hoped that it will reap the harvest and there is no denying that mamang's heart's desire exudes in our hearts. We thank you, Lord, for those hands that prepare a sumptuous delight of food, the embellishments for the party, and the "behind the scene" helping hands.
We ask now Lord that you be with us celebrating manang Cel's birthday with good food, fellowship, good ambiance, dancing, and singing as we give our thanks for this beautiful soul...my blood sister and sister in Christ. Thank you for the joy, and happiness and prayers that you add to my life...

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"There is a Season for Everything..."

 
It is heartbreaking to see our country that was once America, the Beautiful, and all the Stars Spangled Banner that is flying high above our eyes is now savaged by tumultuous anarchy. It is worse than Sodom & Gomorrah. The face value of respect to authority has become idolatry to lawlessness & sheer evil. I won't categorize what we're experiencing as the fruits of socialism or communism brought by wrong ideology, doctrine but rather the unbelief mindset.

Everyone is at its height of vulnerability. We're at the precipice of revolting what's been bottled up in our exile from home for more than 3 months to date... We've cooped up for so long that when there's absolute injustice done we have a ticket to boil all these frustrations to explode. Our minds have become a target of annihilation from the truth and our hearts untamed and even cold and hardened to what is absolutely right in our lives. To which we licensed our actions to burn buildings, march-like there is no tomorrow, looting like they owe us our plight, removing statutes that were a symbol of who we are as pillars of strength and success, and taunting the President as if he asked for all of these inconsequential riots and plagues in existence and what about our religious leaders? Where is your heart in all of these? Show me some wisdom and what kind of life are we promoting for our younger generation? Have we really totally lost our mind & soul?
Where are the real pastors of America? There is no substitute for congregating in the church or in the temple of God. Preaching online is so banal to me and I, too, is getting fed up with complacent, slumbering preaching of the gospel. Coronavirus has gotten us in the palm of its hand. 
 As the book of Ecclesiastes says, "there is a season for everything." We rise up above all these tribulations. How do we do that? By opening up the Church and opening up the Bible and opening up our hearts to receive His Word!

On Hope, Faith and Love..: "What To Say And Do In These Perilous Times"

On Hope, Faith and Love..: "What To Say And Do In These Perilous Times": It's Testing Times--for sure. I have just now reconciled with the facts that how we navigate our lives from hereon will be different, ...

"What To Say And Do In These Perilous Times"

It's Testing Times--for sure. I have just now reconciled with the facts that how we navigate
our lives from hereon will be different, challenging, and solitary. You may be adept to adjusting
to these set of rules that the government bestows upon us, good citizens of the USA, but let me tell you something: this coronavirus has caused me fear, dread, apprehension and discouragement to a point where I experience panic attacks that I never imagined I would be.
Going in public places especially to the grocery stores with masks and sometimes with gloves
is suffocating. I don't care how expensive or elaborate your mask is. Wearing it annihilates a considerable part of all of my faculty. It is insane to be covering your face and hands with gloves when you're not even sick. So many myths yet to be discovered about this virus and the truth
about its potency to kill is obscure. Their operative word is "evolving."

My nephew in New York died of complications of this virus. I'm not going to magnify the power of this virus nor diminish its grievous effect to many people. I just couldn't wrap around my brain how it is being aggrandized in so many facets of our lives where you're left more confused, perplexed, and disturbed. And they're doing an Academy Award performance bringing us news that saps, withers and annihilates our good energy. As I said the death of my nephew stunned me, the whole family to oblivion. He was only thirty and just finally discovered what made him tick.
He loved photography. I've never seen his work of art but I believe his mother, my sister when she said, Chris had a very keen eye on capturing people's emotions. Besides, being an educator had helped him also enhanced his Art. When they found him not breathing early morning of March 26 in the living room, my brother-in-law tried to do CPR with my other younger nephew, taking turns while my sister was probably already dying in agony with what she was witnessing.
Oh, the hell that they went through is indescribable. It took nearly five weeks before they could give Chris a proper burial. Only ten people attended for that was the rule then. I couldn't imagine how much pain my sister Remy must have been going through. We were just praying that God's presence enveloped her being. Because that's what God does. My sister, my other nephew were both tested positive of the coronavirus. My brother-in-law wasn't? Through it all, they survived the pangs of this virus.  God will never leave you nor forsake you. It was Chris's appointed time to meet the Savior face to face and tells him, "Welcome to your eternal home, good and faithful servant." Angels were rejoicing while here on earth we grieve for such a time as this but what follows afterward is a sheer joy that culminates God can call us home anytime so whether it is a portion of this virus that sent you to heaven or a merciless act that led you to the heaven's door, we don't lose our hearts...we do the right thing. We hope we pray, we lift up each other and know that God is still on the throne...
Thus, we trust the sovereignty of God, his faithfulness, and his will for our lives. We may not understand it but remember we're finite and he is infinite. His ways are higher; his thoughts are higher...we'll know everything then when we get this right, the so-called Life...

As for me, I can't wait for my freedom to walk in the park again where I don't have to look over my shoulder and the 6ft. distancing be obsolete and abandoned; where shaking hands and hugging necks are still the best communicators of how you care about People!
It's about 1:04 am. Central time.Good Night, Good Morning...
God Be Praised!

" Great Is Thy Faithfulness..."

 The Sound of Good Music is found in Sonlife Broadcasting Center. Their Praise and Worship Team is one that moves the heart that is cold and dry. They don't compromise the choices of songs they render each time. All of their musicians are beautifully crafting their instruments like they're waiting on the trump of God...
SBN is my primary source of getting the information I need personally and spiritually. If you want deeper insights on the knowledge of the Word of God, they have programs that run 24/7 like the Message of the Cross, Insight, Frances, and Friends, Crossfire Youth Ministry, The story behind the Song and Study in the Word and of course, The Family Worship Center.
I don't usually stay more than a year or two on one Christian tv station/channel but there's something truly very special about Sonlife Broadcasting Center. I've been listening to them for almost a decade now.
Their music is phenomenal or maybe the right word to describe their music is anointing. It empowers you to worship in spirit and in truth. 
I do listen to preachers and gospel singers on other Christian channels but my heart always follows SBN. 

"On Partaking Communion..."

We're on the third Sunday that we can't congregate in Church. Our living rooms have become our sanctuary to have service via Livestream. It's true that the building is not the church. It is we, the people, are the church. Does it feel foreign or awkward having church at home especially you're the only one person in your living room watching your pastor preaching? Absolutely.

My first Sunday service at home was definitely a unique experience. I, too, dressed up like I was going to church. But I really missed human interaction and being surrounded by the atmosphere of praise and worship that is "live" right there on the stage. I can only hear myself clapping alone when I'm touched by the worship team singing my favorite songs...ON the second Sunday morning service, I don't know why I didn't change to my church clothes. That was odd for me to do that. I have always carried the torch of my mom's traditional belief that when you go to church you wear your best dress or outfit to church. And when you have something new, you wear it to church first so it will be blessed and will last longer. I've been doing that ever since in honor of my mom's belief. I actually believed it, too.

It's Palm Sunday. I woke up with a very strong sense of commitment to have a church in my living room. I got a piece of cracker and a mini glass of cranberry juice for the communion prepared. I did partake communion twice. I did first with my Grace church and then with Family Worship Center at Baton Rouge, Louisiana, both via live stream. However, it's not the same.
My heart is screaming for the normal to go back. How long would this quarantine and isolation and social guidelines stay into effect? We don't have a timeline. Only God knows when...

As I pause, this line in the song at FWC at this morning service kind of rubbed off on me..."Take the hand of the man that stilled the water, that calmed the raging sea." When we do, I know that there is no sickness or virus greater than the power of God. I will wait on the Lord; wait for the Lord for He is the answer for healing and deliverance. And we pray for a miracle that next Sunday is going to be a miracle day of a Blessed Hope.
Take good care of yourselves because we're in this great challenge Together. That's the good part and rest assured that God will see us through if we believe and you can take that to he bank of Truth.

"Where To Put Your Faith In The Midst of Coronavirus?"

Today is another great day of hope, faith, and love with the Lord. We proclaim and declare the Truth of His Word; his promises which are YES and AMEN without a tinge of doubt in our soul and not be prompted by our own fear of immortality...Even when everything that we see with our physical eyes is telling us it's a doomsday!

One of the hardest/traumatic/saddest trials Today in somebody's life is losing your child to Coronavirus. For a moment, I thought that since we're Christians and have great faith that, that trademark will exempt us, and that zeal of God's faithfulness in us will always prevail. Still does for He is Holy.

Truth and behold: my sister Remy's son, Chris, my nephew, died of Coronavirus on March 26, nine days ago at their home in New York. My brother-in-law and my other nephew Jeremiah did both CPR on Chris while my sister was witnessing the most unbearable picture of life and death situation which would probably haunt her for the rest of her life.  

You know with all of this social distancing, quarantine rules, shelter in place, wearing a mask, wearing gloves bear nothing when you're trying to save a loved one. As human beings with human hearts, we respond according to the dictates of our hearts. We forget all those protective gear. We just go and do something to save a loved one.

Since my nephew Chris died, we, as a family go the throne of Grace and Mercy of God to pray without ceasing. We can't go fly to New York just like that. Governor Cuomo is changing and adding precautionary rules. If we go, we might be quarantined for 14 days and that is bad. And we will also be contracting the virus and spreading it to others. Either way, it's beyond our power. Also traveling to New York, the epicenter of COVID 19 is highly discouraged.

So, what do you do when even until now my nephew's corpse is still on the waiting list for proper burial. Are you kidding me? Oh, yes! Funeral homes, graveyards, and tombstones are essentials nowadays as far as I know... Liquor stores are also considered essentials and some abortion clinics are still open for business. Conjuring all these premises on my mind drives me insane. Some things don't make sense and don't add up. And it is very frustrating...

Now another reality threat has encompassed us: my sister, my nephew and my brother-in-law are now showing symptoms. Do they go to the emergency now or just do home remedies till they get worse? If you see how many scores of hundreds of people lining up to the emergency hospital, you might just turn around and die at home. 

I wish for a private helicopter to transport all of them here in Texas wherein our city, the death toll is a very low number. I'm wishing a lot right now... I guess it's one of the ways I try to cope. I can't even think straight.

All I know is that in my heart of hearts that the only constant that remains true and real is the fact that we all go on our appointed time whether or not from virus, accident, cancer, rampant shooting or hopelessness in itself. So, as I'm writing this post, I'm not sure what I'm trying to accomplish here. I just know that it is now or never that we seek the Lord for everything and know he is still on the throne. When is the Lord going to intervene? I don't know. He doesn't see a lot of commotion in his churches because the churches were the first ones on their list to be called non-essential and therefore shut down for how long, that is the real battle here.

For real?

I just have this thought swirling in my mind...I imagine almost 10 million babies aborted in the U.S. and we didn't stand for their rights to be borne. Do you think that for one minute that they're not crying from their graves and whosoever among us who voted to put politicians in the Congress and in the House of the representatives that advocated their platform for abortion, for planned parenthood that we are not going to stand on Judgment Day before God?

Think again. Every vote counts come November. You better read every politician's platform and see whether they stand for Biblical principles. Then your right to vote is well executed. And God is pleased for you doing the right thing. 

Be safe and stay healthy physically and spiritually out there. I do stay at home for schools are out since Spring break. I only go out for grocery shopping once a week and just walk my dog on a sunny day down the little creek in my neighborhood. I miss my two sons and my siblings and my 84-year-old mom and my brothers and sisters in CHRIST AT CHURCH. We just communicate now through texts, zoom meetings, and facetime. This is a nightmare but how we respond to this plague says a lot of who is inside us.

"Greater is he that is in me than he that is in the world." 1John 4:4 KJV

 We need all Churches of God open by Easter. I pray. Please pray with me. God is still performing miracles that we don't even see and know. We need the fivefold ministry in operation to lay hands on the sich, to minister to the brokenhearted in person not view their preachings online.
I don't know where the rest of the patrons left upholding our constitutional rights. If we remain dormant, inactive and complacent about the freedoms that were fought for us by our forefathers, what do you think will become of America the great? I think and believe that we are heading to dictatorship, socialist/communist form of government. 
We The People. In God We Trust!
God Bless

"LORD JESUS, We Need You Now More Than Ever..."

 
I pray that you guys are taking good care of yourselves: practice constantly
washing your hands, obey distancing guidelines, and refrain from any form
of idolatry which is worshipping a graven image and also anything that you're
giving your utmost importance other than God.

I'm one of those people that didn't see the gravity of this coronavirus and how it's going to turn our lives upside down. Three weeks ago, I was enjoying my first day of Spring Break. I planned so many small projects to do in the house. Then my water heater needed to be fixed, then my car was towed to the shop for repairs so I relied on my good friend Senaida for a ride to Walmart & HEB for groceries. It was shocking to me that on my first visit to these stores, I saw people squabbling to get bottled water, toilet paper, meat, produce & canned goods. I was stunned and frozen for a moment at the nightmare that was going on before my eyes. Am I oblivious to what's really going on?
I didn't know whether to cry having witnessed people's alarming fear or join them in their madness. I never felt so sad in my life except for that day when I had to put my Cocoa down which I had for 14 wonderful years as my guard dog. Now I'm even sadder of what this different kind of war we're battling with a lot of uncertainty. I don't want to see my mom who's 84 years old doing more adjustments to her life than she already is... What may be the saddest thing this virus is doing to us is the physical distancing of ourselves from our loved ones.

Not being able to hug your mom, your children, your relatives, and friends is the ultimate curse this virus did. I'm a very demonstrative person. I like showing my affection to all my loved ones. I don't know why churches need to be shut down. Shouldn't churches remain open for the public to pray now more than ever? Shouldn't pastors, preachers, ministers, priests, and Christians be on their knees praying and praising God and preaching that God is our Rock of Salvation; that this virus is nothing compared to the power of God Almighty. And that we have nothing to fear for he knows everything. He is an omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent God. That alone my brothers and sisters shall not make us weary and doubtful of his love that endures forever.

There is no happenstance in God's purpose in our lives. On the flip side of this crisis, staying home or working from home is a Blessing. We all stay together in one roof especially to those who are still raising their little children. Now, parents can be home helping their kids with anything--learning to be a real family again where you all guys eat together and have fun.
Now don't be thinking too much of how long this crisis will last. Just focus on how you take care of yourselves the best way you can and pray for healing to all those who have been afflicted by this virus and let's pray for all the health professionals that are really the most vulnerable group exposing themselves to this culprit. Let's also pray for our President Trump, Vice Pres. Pence and their families that God puts a hedge of protection and covering over them and that God gives our President the wisdom that he needs in this perilous times. I know for sure that God put him in that highest office to serve the people but we make it our responsibility also to always pray for them.

Let's not panic. God's Holy Spirit is our best vaccine. Our Trust and Faith should be to what Christ already did and finished at Calvary Cross. He bore all our sicknesses, illnesses and infirmities and nothing can touch us if we believe... We are covered by the Blood of Jesus. "Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world."
Love you guys with the love of the Lord!

"What"s Your Greatest Fear?"

For the longest time, I was an embodiment of the face of fear. My fears range from all aspects of life. Whether the source is from physical, emotional, social, financial and spiritual, they gravitate in my core existence. There were many crucial times I thought I was going to lose my mind for I couldn't pinpoint or target to cease the very root of such an overwhelming fear. 
At the surface, I was functioning...I go to work. I have integrity for work; always on time and not really have taken many days off. I'm very friendly with everybody and unabashedly enter in a good conversation. I'm not a slob in any circumstance; I keep my home organized and everything that I know should be is in place. I'm keen on organization,  promptness, and honesty and many more. 

I was very fearful then of how this country is turning into a socialist country and that we are arbitrarily annihilating everything that our Constitution stands for. I was very fearful that my sons are still lost in the secular paradigm and they will never know how much God loves them and live right for Him. I was fearful that I may get cancer too because my brother died of it and many other close relatives incidentally. Fears enveloped me the moment I turn on my car's ignition for it may experience a malfunction and I'll be stranded. I had fears people close to me that spreading rumors about me. I was very fearful of such uncertainty of tomorrow or the future. When my faculties start to show the pangs of aging, I was very worried that my health is failing faster despite what I do to keep up with exercise and eating healthy food. I guess fears, even when they're legitimate, have taken a gaping hole in my life. 

How funny that sounds to me now. Now that God's grace has delivered me from all of these fears that none of them ever happened only shows that we do create our own fears. We let fears in control of our life. Oh, what a waste of time! However, I knew deep inside that these fears are not worth keeping when you know and live the Truth of it all. 
As Donnie Swaggart always says," that's a lie from the pit of hell of the devil." satan is the father of all lies. He is the conniving deceiver. Beware, his only desire is to take away your joy, your peace from God, your faith and your praise and worship to Jesus. He'll use every trick to devour you into pieces...If your faith is not anchored to what Jesus has already finished at Calvary Cross to where he took all our sins so we may live with him forever. Only if we believe and make Jesus our personal Savior and Lord, we are saved. That is His infallible Word.

So happy that I've been redeemed...no longer a captive or a slave to my past. I'm a new creation in Christ Jesus. And I say Hallelujah!

"Rejoice In The Lord Always..."

When you're doing the 21- day Daniel fast corporately as a church, one thing for sure happens: you get clarity, sensibility, & wisdom on things that seem vague and murky. Your senses are sharper and the distractions simply are at bay. Why is that? I believe that because aside from eating healthy food, your mind and body are consecrated to things that are really right for you. No caffeine, no fatty & junk food; no beverages except water; just vegetables and fruits and no social media except for checking my school email, writing my blogpost & watching just Christian preachings, and Praise and worship programs.

And after the 21 days of fasting, I will urge myself to continue doing it except that I have to eat meat in moderation and all kinds of sweets down to monitoring it closely. Doing the right thing has always been a tremendous challenge, and that is in all areas of our lives--physically, mentally, emotionally & spiritually. However, it gets easier once you've gotten to that place of resilience for it is the truth that you can continue holding on...No matter how many times you get knocked down in life, you get up because you know God is raising you up. And through all the challenges, we gain wisdom and peace that passes all understanding.

This morning at 9:00 first church service, I decided to sit down two rows in front where the Pastor sits. I had sat down last year all year at the back near the back door. But when I heard from Pastor Robert Morris that the anointing of the spirit of the Lord is packed near the shepherd. Thus, I decided to see whether that insight comes to light and it did. You can hear the message clearer, you can hear the praise and worship team pouring out their soul worshipping God and you're closer to the altar. I could sense the presence of the Lord...that would be the highlight of today.

In the afternoon, I spent 3 hours watching Ravi Zacharias's preaching on YouTube. Not only that he's so extemporary in elucidating his message but he's so very knowledgeable in Social Sciences that compels us to believe that even Science can't prove that there is no God. Because everywhere we go the existence of God is reflected in us. I am amazed at how the eloquence of words come to his mind and speak it to the core. The way he shares his past experiences in how God has brought him to where he is now is very humbling. I don't think I've ever heard anybody who can explain absolutes without offending other non-believers that in return even the atheists can find God in his preachings. 
Praise God.

So, that makes my heart go to flutter when I see people glorifying God in full measure. I can't help myself wishing I could even go near his sphere. But I have to have that kind of relentless desperation for God to use me too without reservation. Will I ever get to that place where I could lead people to fix their eyes on Jesus? 

I believe three more hours to go before I retire to bed tonight. My day has not ended actually yet. I just have to share this: I went for a walk with my real Trooper, a Border Collie/Labrador at 5:15
pm. in the neighborhood. I told my son that I'm not bringing my keys because he's at home anyway. That was a 20- minute walk by the way. When we got home, I didn't even realize that my son's car was gone that I was ringing the doorbell and he locked the door. I tried to climb over the fence but I couldn't. I can't stand waiting without doing something. I was about to go to my neighbor's house and it so happened they just got home, too. I told the husband if he could go over the fence and try the backdoor if I left it unlocked before using their cell phone. Thank God I did.
I was so happy with the rescue...God really is working all things for our good and I believe and experience His Grace every day.

Thank You, Lord.

What About Crafting Your" Writing " Today?

Every soul has something to say...whatever is spoken from your mouth you can write unto the pages. However, many people decide to curtail their writing prowess because of not believing in themselves. The right people didn't encourage them, therefore, their words that might have had influence a multitude of future younger writers remain to be unseen.

It is imperative and critical that we write every day to ourselves in a journal. You can put your frustrations, your regrets, disappointments and even mentioning who you've encountered and how they affected your day. You can even add your nuances explicitly to your taste. But really, what prompts you to write? What's your purpose in writing? 

For me, it's my personal expression of what's deep inside my vein. But honestly, there are words that only offered or used exclusively when I feel the presence of the Lord. You can't write that down. These words are hidden in my heart. There is a heavenly language that is between you and God. But anyway, what makes your craft valuable is when you make a connection with your words to your readers. It doesn't mean great traffic and a good number of followers. If they dig your intention and any revelation in your writing then you're good. And if they only read your writing once or twice but had transformed their hearts to a better place, then you've done your job. They don't have to subscribe to you any longer. They have to know they can move on and explore that new revelation of the truth about themselves and also influence others...

The kind of freedom writing offers is a given...Some artists do very well in writing fiction. Others do it more profoundly and articulately in writing non-fiction. I don't see myself in the latter category. I can't create words that flow from the creative imagination of the mind. My mind doesn't operate like that. I write what my five senses glide as a unit or corporately. If one of my senses is off sync with the rest of my faculties, I am doomed. It is very important to me that my muse in writing is perpetuated by my own will...

Sometimes I do think that your writing has to be purposely driven by good intentions and through these intentions coming from the heart beckons the desire unquenchable to tame. 
Just write until you still make sense...

"The Veracity Of The Word of God"

Today's  writing post is "Teach something to your readers."
"At the back of my head," I was thinking what can I teach to my readers that they already know?
The plethora of knowledge and instructions are no longer sought in classroom environments. Instead, people rush to gain logical and functional skills and answers to their questions to Google and the influx of social media. It is disturbing that many people let their souls be possessed by these forms of connecting and communicating with others. How easy have they fallen from these allure of the flesh? It is overwhelming to even commit to memory all the passwords and the email addresses to all of which you are a subscriber or a member. No wonder the statistics for people who are going nuts, depressed, oppressed, and addicts are astronomical. 

If we're honest enough to admit that our reasons for posting and sharing pictures especially on Facebook are deemed for vanity to the core. You want people to know that you still got it after all these years and you want that recognition. It's human nature...But there are those that override their conscience and let it stride--no conviction, promptings, and wisdom to do the right thing.
I'm not pre-judging others for I put myself on the same standards I say to people. If I fall into that category of a social media addict with no boundaries then I will be a hypocrite. But I know I'm not. I only have this blog, Twitter and  Hotmail accounts. What I know is that if we don't simplify our lifestyle, I see ruins in magnitude in your life.

I still write in cursive. I don't abbreviate words when I text, otherwise, I forget how words are spelled correctly. I still prefer to call people rather than text them. I need to hear their voice. That's just endearing to me especially when I talk to my mom, my sons, siblings, friends and my brothers and sisters in Christ. I love to think that there are still many people like me out there that surrender their hearts to the things that really mean to God. 

God is the only one who can equip us to teach the right things in this life. Without His grace, none of us is able to teach... God be Praised!

"Today's Make A List..."

One thing I know not to do well is to take time to make a list when I go to the grocery store. I pretty much know what's still in m pantry & in my fridge. If you cook every day and open your fridge 25 times a day or even more than that when you have company, you know so well what you need to buy, what you need to throw out because they already reached their expiration date and what you're low in your compartments, so does with what you need in the cupboards. 

And if you're like me, I love to buy a quantity of food when they're discounted half their sale price. I also know that when you do that, you need to cook or consume them within a few days that you bought them.

I also don't make a list of the things I need to put in my purse because I only need 5 things in it which are: my Bible, my keys, my reading glasses, my cell phone, and a nail clipper. I'll take the nail clipper more than any facial product like lipstick or compact powder.
The only time I make a list is when I go out of town or state to visit family relatives or attend to women's Christian conferences.

My list consists of thorough reminders of how my dogs are to be taken good care of; that there should be a consistency in their feeding schedule, walks, and playtimes. I'm also very specific on how the appliances are to be utilized accordingly especially the stove and the iron. Maybe because mom has told me that their house got burned twice when she was little and as a doting mother, she reiterated to us the importance of your stove and iron and water faucets in checked. It makes sense for I inherited that sense of urgency from her.

My kids are grown now and they always joke around how exaggerated I was and even now when leaving them with a list to do. And I make them comply for I call them up and leave messages on their voicemail if they don't answer the phone. They get it with some kind of persuasion. So, that's it. I know this is not close to a 500-word but I don't want to mumble words that are drifting away from their essence just to make it to 500- word entry blog. Thus, I'm signing off with a feeling of not so noteworthy of my writing. It happens to many of us. However, this makes me feel good that I still write even when the title is at the surface.

God be Praised!

"Writing To My Younger Self..."

What is so precious about being young once is the fact that you experienced & lived it in a different mindset. There's that kind of rambunctiousness in every young heart blessed enough to remember when you're old. The things I did in my younger self were always perpetuated by the standards shaped by family values. That means that there was always that fear in me to go against the right principles my folks endowed in my younger self.
So whenever I made a wrong choice and many wrong decisions in my younger self, it had to be that the outcomes are overwhelmingly destructive and disturbing. When I  think about it now that I'm aging faster than I expected, being young was a real gift to unwrap regardless of many undecisive decisions you made. 

I wish you weren't that rigid conforming to the ideals brought to you by the effects of reading books, magazines; listening to motivational speakers and music that just permeates your flesh. 
I wish that I wasn't so exclusive but a free-spirited soul who didn't pre-judge people outwardly.
I wish that I had the guts to cut off people who didn't deserve me. I tend to prolong relationships that could have ended much sooner. I have wasted a million moments that could have catapulted me to where I wanted to be. I wish that I had written in my journal non-stop even when I was angry and feeling void. I wish that I had been more precocious of a lot of things; more perceptive, objective and sharp instincts on how to handle uneventful circumstances. But through it all, I thought I had loved wholeheartedly without permission and apology. And that was wrong because not every desire you have need not be granted or followed. There should always be a distinction between fantasy and real commitment.

But listen that was my younger self. I don't need to be beating up on myself anymore on what could have been and what happened I already had forgiven myself...
My Northern Star is keeping me beyond my expectations. There may still be tears flowing gently down my face but unencumbered. Sometimes our dreams are stifled because we're hanging on the past. The past may be marvelous and ecstatic to tickle and might reignite a passion but today and your tomorrows, your future is filled with so much more no matter how old you are. And that's the truth.

What is possessing our heart, mind, soul, and spirit must be the only One that will never leave us and loves us and died for us so we may live with Him eternally forever and ever...His name is Jesus. He's all we ever need. I don't make false wishes anymore. Jesus is enough, more than sufficient. I may have many challenges and aches but the thought that he carries my burdens for me is Victory...

" A Good Friend Is More Precious Than Your Earthly Possessions..."

Tell Somebody Else Story is Today's Subject to write. Nothing is more inclined to this topic than paying a tribute to my very good friend Senaida. 
One of her best attributes to me is that she is a prayer warrior. She can pray in tongues for hours meaning praying in that heavenly language with the in-filling of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues. 

It is a very humbling experience each time she prays for someone. She does it in her own personal prayer devotion time praying for people she doesn't even know them personally. She even has a way of connecting me to pray for these people that are not known to me. I do it for her as an obligation but as it gets more often, the praying for these people has become a joy in my prayer time. Not only that she has helped me more notorious in praying even when praying isn't answered but also this taught me how to persevere and not be conformed with wavering faith. No wonder our friendship is growing deeper in its root--God's foundation.

One late afternoon, I was waiting for one of my sons to help me carry a big bulky sofa to be put on the curbside of the street. This sofa needs to be picked up early in the morning so I was adamant that I might miss it. At that time, it started to drizzle and it was windy- cold. I called Senaida about it that nobody had shown up and I didn't actually insinuate for her to come but having a big heart as she has, she told me that she will come to help me even with the weather so fiercely cold.
So picture this: two women carrying, pushing and making stops as this thing is heavy even when you already take off the cushions. We were both laughing hilariously for we thought this is a man's job, not ours. We even looked around if we could ask a neighbor to help us but to no avail.

In moving that sofa, I realized that I will never forget that kind of compassion and a heart of gold that Senaida has. That will always be that indelible part of my life that even when she does things that infuriate me sometimes, I go back to that moment where she had proven her loyalty in our friendship.

She also has this giving spirit. When she buys somebody a gift, she will not only buy you one item but three items that she knows you love to have. For instance, she will always bless you with a spiritual book, a gift card of your favorite store and a well-chosen greeting card designed for you.
In that greeting card, you know that she took her time to write things that edify and encourage you to be better. 
Lastly, I give all the praise and the glory to God that gives us the gift of friendship...

"The Day Josh Leaves Home For College..."

One of my greatest fears came that day when I had to go with my son, Josh to his University Dorm.
I still remember that my mom, my dad were with me, my 4 other siblings, my niece, my brother-in-law and my youngest son, Calvin. You might be thinking, why so many people tagging in with the move. Where would Josh put his stuff when there's so many to take with him including desk lamps, hampers, luggage of clothes, computer chair and boxes of Anime comic books and just to mention a few.

My brother-in-law drove his pick up truck where Josh's college stuff and groceries were put in so my siblings and their immediate families can come. Everybody was excited about so many reasons. Josh was the very first grandson in the state of Texas to go to a university where he was eligible for a scholarship. There was no way for me to be able to send him to college with my one income as a single parent. 

The university where he was accepted was an hour and 20 minutes away from home. When we arrived there, I couldn't get my feet to get out of the car. I was nervous just like I was having an epiphany of my own first day of college which was nerve-wracking. My mom was the only one that was with me back then, yet I was comforted by her presence, support, and love. 
I could almost imagine how my son Josh was feeling at the time. I knew that he was looking forward to some kind of worthy independence and freedom to be on his own but maybe neglected to think decisively that with this kind of freedom comes responsibility and accountability. I was unsettled with that premise. However, I keep the faith and prayed more...

So, we all went inside the dorm on the second floor. When we got to his room we were very surprised to see his roommate still sleeping on his bed. We were kind almost whispering and really talking to a minimal voice so as not to wake him up. I don't know if the roommate knew by then that Josh was coming that day. He must have had gone out partying late that he wouldn't even buzz. Then my sister turned her eyes to the ceiling and we all gazed to the undergarments that were hanging there. Not a good sight and it sends the impression that this roommate may not be a good influence on Josh's freshman of college. So now, my agitation grew. What other speculations can a mother have with that sign...

After which we got all of Josh's stuff in place, we all went downstairs in this big receiving room where we could really talk and goodbye's for now with Josh. I hugged him tight and almost to tears that he would do the right thing when temptations come because they will come. Oh, God of Heaven and Earth, it was heartbreaking for me to leave him there without me by his side. However, I had to get a grip on the fact that our children will leave us sooner or later and that they have to make a life of their own hoping and praying that they would not depart from the Word of God...

"Writing Indelibly...I Hope"

It is the beginning of a new decade...Just to mention it (2020) rings such a different tune to me. Maybe I'm just being hopeful and expectant of what this beginning of a new decade brings forth into my life. There's this fresh endowment seeping through my veins on its way to my heart. I can only believe that God's outpouring of his Holy Spirit by the evidence of speaking in tongues will inhabit my soul. Only then that His anointing be as powerful as He promised in caveat to the giftings He gives me and yours...That is glorious and marvelous!

If I have to think about the last decade of my life, it was a merry-go-round in the sense that I allowed every remnant of every wrong choice and decision that hovers my thinking and I just couldn't reach the ceiling of tucking it out. But we have a good, good  Heavenly Father with an outstretched hand waiting for you and me to grasp it tightly never to let go. It reminded me of Matthew 18:3-6 (KJV) says, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever, therefore, shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. 
It took many tears, prayers, and faith for me to fully understand what Jesus had finished at Calvary Cross is an eternal gift if only I surrender it all. And I did. I no longer look behind my past. It has no power on me anymore. Thank God for His abounding grace. I receive it everyday no matter what my circumstances are.

So, I'm committing myself to a 21 Corporate Daniel Fast. It started the very first day of January. Our Pastor said that if we ever fall off the wagon, we be ready to come back up and not be discouraged. so Far, I'm doing good. It was hard for the first two days. I had headaches at night. I could tell I was having withdrawals from caffeine, sweets, and fried foods. I went "cold turkey."
It didn't bother me much about not networking, no social media, except writing for this blog. If I have to watch t.v. I only have ears and eyes for Cristian networks. I tell you, eating healthy and living right is very empowering. I'm getting better sleep, peace within me and more strength to do chores. You think it's the other way around that you become weak and sluggish for not eating what your flesh desires but feeding your body what you need to nurture its stamina is the right thing to do. It's just like draining out all the toxins out in your body and being replenished it with" wellspring stream of water that never dries up. "
Sometimes, we need to challenge ourselves to something that's not easily achievable and just ask God to help you get through it to which I know He will gladly do it.
I'm kind of sleepy right now. I don't know how long I will be able to come up with 500 words to finish this blogpost. For what its worth, I'm really happy that we're doing this 31 day writing challenge again at the beginning of the year.
 Well, I wish everybody a very Happy and a Prosperous 2020.