"My Hope Is In You, Lord..."

I'm not going to define Hope according to Webster dictionary. All we have literally is wishful thinking when we equate Hope with worldview.
My blog stands for Hope, Faith, and Love and you guys should know by now that these three core values are my blueprint in life. 
My Hope is in you Lord...
If I had continued putting my trust and hope on how the world views Hope, then I would be operating on my fleshly desires and that would be fatal. Because everything that I do that is not in according to what the Bible says is never going to give me joy which I think synonymous with Hope.
In the book of Jeremiah 29:1, it says that "For I know the plans I have for you declared the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not harm you. Plans to give you Hope and a future." 
The same message echoes in the book of Psalms 147:11 which says, "Tha Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their Hope in his unfailing love."
I've heard these two scriptures preached on the pulpit many times growing up in the Christian faith but each time I hear it preached, its meaning grows an ounce of sense. It also depends on where your heart is and your relationship with the Lord, if you're a baby Christian, a mature Christian or in between infancy and adulthood.
Hope changes your perspective on life. Hope as a virtue help us recognize and determine what is really important. It builds patience in us now that we have a deeper understanding of it. Now we learn how to wait on the Lord.
The greatest example to me to elucidate that your Hope is not in vain is when God has assured us in the book of 1Thessalonians 4:17 which says, "And so we will be with the Lord forever." That we will be safely in God's presence forever. That those who are still alive and are left will be caught up together.
I believe that I'm going to see my late Dad and my late younger brother Romeo again and all my relatives and friends that I didn't have a chance to say goodbye to. 
Hope is what motivates me to keep the faith that soon and very soon, we are going to see the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. I don't know about you guys but that promise gives me real and absolute Hope.
I didn't have a lot growing up and still don't measure up with anyone's accolades, achievements, money, and material possessions that many have. In a way, I'm glad I'm not wealthy or rich or famous or somebody. All I hope for is to be a citizen of Heaven where is no more aches and pain and goodbyes. Oh, I hate saying goodbyes. And all the wonders of the world that I didn't get to see is not important to me now...What matters most now is how can I be a better ambassador of His Word?
Remember, God is not willing that anyone should perish...
There's Hope in Jesus!
Praise God!
Good night!

"Writing With Intention..."

Halfway there for my 30 days writing 500 words this month. It's getting trite. But I will finish what I started.
When I write my 500 words, it is usually my last activity for the night. At times, I just want to throw myself into bed but this writing is hovering above my head. I don't want it to become just to comply and feeling obligated. And it is the best time for me around 10: 15 pm. when I start typing my thoughts on the keyboard.
Our theme today is how are we feeling with our writing today since we've been writing for 15 days now. Well for me, it's more of honing and disciplining my craft to where I want to go. I'm hoping that my words mean something to someone even when my writing is not up to par with others who are probably had already written and authored books. 
But here I am, very much still struggling. I know that my thoughts are redundant and I don't blame anyone of you passes me by. 
As a blogger, you take many chances to be lofty intentional with your writing but it feels you miss the target which is about your readers. Are you really sharing something with them that is helpful, beneficial and worth reading your blog entry with their time?
I do forget about that. All I want to accomplish is stay true to my medium and if I touch a cord into one human being, then the rest of my concerns are not that important.
I was listening to a Christian radio program this morning. They were talking about people who have debilitating and terminal cancers. A pastor said that when one is diagnosed with cancer, that's physical. Our body deteriorates, decays but not our soul. He said that one should be more thinking how to save her soul than saving one's physical body. After all, when the Rapture comes, we will have new heavenly bodies in a twinkling of an eye. The dead will go first and it doesn't matter whether their bodies were unrecognizable, thrown at sea or burned in the fire or killed in the battlefield or at war. They will all have heavenly bodies like we do if we believe and finish our race to Heaven.
I thought to myself that that is true. Sometimes we think that when we have terminal sickness, we give power to the sickness that we go literally around the world to find a cure when in fact that is the real problem. The real problem is not knowing whether we go to hell or heaven. If you know then you should not be afraid to die. We have a promise that if we're a Christian, there should be no fear of death.You know where your soul is going. You're going to see your loved ones again. That should be enough...
By the way, there's no school tomorrow. That was a wise decision. The roads will be treacherous and it's too cold to drive. Even when they didn't declare school closing, I was planning to take off.
So many of the children have been sick already since last week so closing the schools was a right decision. 
Praise God.
Good night.

"What Did I Eat Today?'

Today is Blessed Sunday. 
It's time to Praise and Shout to the lord.
We're still fasting and we have another week left before we could go back to eating what we desire again. However, I didn't go for that kind of fasting. I just pledge to myself that I'm going to eat as usual but everything in moderation.
This morning I had a big scoop of white loose rice with a small cut-size of steak which is my leftover from last night's dinner. And of course a cup of fresh coffee with 2 tablespoons of evaporated milk. I run out of organic whole milk. Who would debate me with giving up just a cup of coffee? I think that's a resounding nobody as a definitive answer! 
This might be viewed as an eccentric choice but I'm living with some funny risks here. You guys should know that Filipinos eat rice three times a day. That's me especially on weekends, holidays, or summer break which is a lot of days "to eat with gusto." 
It was almost 12:30 pm. when I got home from church. I planned not to cook anything. I had to finish sewing my window curtains so I could put them up which are good winter fabrics. This will help me reduce my heating energy. Whenever I have a project to finish on time, cooking is not on my agenda.I will eat a cold sandwich, a chicken/beef or shrimp ramen soup or a tv. dinner; food that can be ready in 7minutes and I'm good.
By the way, the Praise team was leading us to the throne of God. The songs they've chosen to sing were very fitting since tha's the last time that we had to worship in that building. Next Sunday, we will be in a new facility. That is exciting to me to be moving forward.
 Praise God.
Nothing of the aforementioned food I had for lunch or supper. Just had chicken nuggets with soy sauce and a bowl of steamed broccoli. You may be wondering what the soy sauce is for. Well, again, soy sauce is one food ingredients that you find in every Filipino household. Food doesn't taste good without it and we use it to whatever our heart's desire. You should try it sometimes.
So, this is my entry today. Jeff Goins, a good writer that I follow and has led us, his blogger followers into this writing journey for 31 days. He emails us his suggested topic every day and it's up to us if we carry on his chosen topic or go on our own. I just thought that it would be good to follow his advice and I just write freely about it without editing it. I type in my thoughts as I go for my 500 words. It's a good practice but I'm not sure if I'm doing it with substance. 
This New Year I'm also trying to drink more water. Let's see if that would help me get more sleep. 
I'm very positive it will. 
Got to say I went to walk my other dog, Tootsie at 5:00 pm. She is an inspiration. Her lumps are getting bigger but that doesn't slow her down. Her favorite food is ground beef mixed it up with her Science diet dry food. She has a strong hear and body. She motivates me to keep going and staying healthy. I owe both of my dogs that ember that stays burning in my heart--the will to live doing simple things that brings pure joy anytime. They may be just dogs but no one can ever relate to what my heart is saying about dogs' loyalty and affection if you haven't loved one before.
Oh, I think I got sidetracked with my food entry... that's what loving dogs do to you. They take your heart to a place of good remembrance...
I'm done.
Good night!

" Today, I Will Rejoice..."

Saturday is my busiest day. I do 4-5 loads of dirty laundry, walk both of my dogs but separately at different times, clean the house and I just have to do it. Anything or anybody intervenes my routine on Saturdays is going to make me a "crabby apple."
But Today I have had some shiftings of my schedule.
My youngest son asked me at about 9am. if I could sew his 2 pants that have holes in them. I wanted to say no but something has stirred in my spirit... That I should use this situation as my teaching moment and not be bothered by what my time frame for the day.
While I was patching my son's pants, he started cleaning the dishes, sweeping the floor and vacuuming the carpet. I know that he wasn't doing those chores because I was fixing his pants. He just does them to simply recognize my extra effort to get those pants ready for him to wear tonight for indoor volleyball games.
It took me an hour and a half to do it. I was just happy I did. And I know that my son was very grateful.
The sun was ravishingly bright sunny Today. However, the temp. was registering for 37 degrees. Guess what, I still went for a walk with my dog, Cocoa even just for half hour. You can tell people are afraid to come out for an outdoor activity when it's cold. But I think that if you wear layered winter clothes, you would be okay. I can't just be slacking to get exercise when it can be remedied.
It felt that I accomplished something going for a walk even on a cold day.
My ears were intently listening to Air One Radio Station while doing household chores.So many golden nuggets and principles were shared by guests and hosts of the show on topics like on how to preserve your marriage, how to deal with your teenagers and how to minister to atheists; all of which I don't deal anymore except the latter. If I had known all these guidelines when I was still a lot younger, most probably, I will be devoid of any guilt.
By the way, all of the discussions were centered on family moral values. 
At this very moment, while writing this entry, I'm still listening to discussions which are still going on about Iran--how we had ever let our politicians managed to give one  billion or maybe more to our adversary, the country of Iran and all they do in return is murder our soldiers and innocent people. 
Only Pres. Trump has the guts and the wisdom and the heart to freeze it that was given away for reasons that blow our minds. How can they be so callous, and oblivious to dealing with Iran and other countries that are just there to exploit us? This really makes me furious because we're sending our sons and daughters and loved ones, our families to the frontlines, to the battlefield to the wilderness and those people who should honor and protect liberty and the lives of our own are still walking in discord in the Senate and Congress.  That's just appalling if you ask me...
Well, that was the part of my day when I seem to forget that God is still on the throne; that I have to completely cast all my cares on Him but it doesn't mean also that I have to be quiet when my Christian faith is being curtailed. We really have to stand for something honorable and morally right according to His Word.
Good night!

"When "White Lies" Lead To Greater Lies..."

One of God's commandments engraved in a stone is,"Thou shall not lie." It didn't specify or mentioned a lesser connotation of "white lies." I'm sure along the way, "white lies" was coined to look at it like it's okay to make them. They're not too big enough for receiving punishment for disobeying it. Not a mortal sin.

And we all did, believers or not.

We do it consciously. We give ourselves permission to do it for various reasons and lame excuses.

For me, doing so convicts me that is still wrong but it is inevitable. I'm not talking about me confusing with the events that had happened and I can't recall the full length of the details. It is not associated with forgetting with things and then you exaggerate to be believable. 

Making white lies to make yourself believable and making the other person or persons on the receiving end look like fools uncalled for. 

The thing with ignoring the consequence of making it a habit is going to lead you to escalate to doing it skillfully till lying becomes a core in your way of life.

But with God all things are possible. We're no longer under that law but under the grace of God. He knows we can't follow all the ten commandments.

Now with the help of the Holy Spirit in our lives, we are able to bridle our tongues and thoughts. We can now allow The Holy Comforter to guide us on what to say and what not to say. 

Now whenever I find myself leaning to make white lies because it is more convenient and easier to get your point across, I am being reminded that disobedience to the truth of what God says about lying whether white lies or big lies puts me to pause for a moment and ask forgiveness for even entertaining about it.

I find it hard to really understand how God can love us this much, that he sent his son, Jesus to be the sacrificial lamb to redeem us from our sins to have eternal life. There may be still some unanswered questions in my heart about hardened hearts professing other gods and living worldly more than ever before.  

Undoubtedly, to be obedient, repentant and trusting all our cares to Him is all that the Lord is requiring all of us.

The big lie about having many roads or many paths to go to heaven is one pathetic lie that only the father of all lies whose name is Satan can infiltrate that in your mind if your faith is not anchored to what Jesus had finished at Calvary Cross more than two thousand years ago.  

But come on, why do atheists, Buddhists, Muslims and other religions have other gods and idols?

Because they too need to know that Jesus is the only Way, the Truth and the Life. 

Don't they want to experience the pure Joy and the Peace that passes all human understanding that only the love of God can give?  

He is Waiting. 

God Loves You.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

"Holding On To What You Believe..."

There's one thing I know for sure that God is the Healer of all diseases, sicknesses, infirmities; be it be our physical bodies or our spiritual soul...
I don't know why God doesn't heal everybody no matter how much they pray for healing. All that I believe is that He knows what's best for us. And we'll know all the answers when we get to Glory.
I never really understood the message of the Cross until I started listening to SBN. Our faith as believers should focus on what He already finished at the Cross for all entire humanity. 
He died for all of us, sinners. 

In the book of Luke 15:1-7 which is the Parable of the Lost Sheep tells us that if anyone has a hundred sheep and loses one of them that he should leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it. And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.' I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent. 

There's no doubt in my mind that the teachers and the Pharisees of the law were silenced by the truth of what Jesus just told them. And then again in the book of 2 Peter:3;9 says," The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is long suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

So, I'm holding on to what I believe. I am looking forward to that day when Jesus comes to meet us in mid air, in the sky. In the book of Matthew 24:30-31, describes his glorious return. "They will see the Son of man coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory. And he will send forth his angels with a great trumpet and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from the end of the sky to the other."
I'm here to tell you that if you're willing to believe that we're just traversing here on earth. Our eternal address is Heaven. You don't need to carry anything with you; not any of the material possessions you have accumulated including your money in your bank accounts.
Oh, what a glorious, beautiful promise is that!

When you have accepted the Lord Jesus as your personal Savior and Lord, your life is enriched in the things that concern Heaven. You want to share the good news, the safe passage of God; that His second coming is near at hand.We are told to be vigilant and not go weary waiting for His coming.There is a propensity for spiritual battle and we should know our spiritual adversary--the devil if you allow him and if your faith is not solid.
In closing, the kind of healing we should be asking God is spiritual healing. We should pray for Peace that passes all human understanding, for wisdom that comes from His Word, and a compassionate heart to preach the Lost.
How funny we could be sometimes asking God for miracles when in fact the only miracle we need is our eternal salvation, We need to persevere as rampant evil is happening before our eyes. Just remember that God is for us.
Good night.
  

"Writing About Writing As As An Art..."

It happened midway third grade when I started uncovering that there is a seed of passion for words in me. I read all my textbooks which we were allowed to take home for a week at a time except books that deal with physical sciences. I also gravitated to shows and programs that highlight the eloquence of broadcasters, t.v. anchors, commentators. Literally, I was mesmerized and even dreaming that one day I would be doing their craft. Never happened!
What I'm trying to say is that you can't freely write if you're not in tune with reading, listening, watching and experience the thrill of speaking the words.
Started journalling or writing in a personal diary in the fourth grade. I write them as they happened. That's how I started.
When I reminisce my work as a form of art, it delights me enormously, how it makes my childhood and adolescent years a very memorable one.
They say that you write what you know, what you're good at; others say write and share your personal experiences and you can also write somebody else's life story. I say you write impulsively when your emotions are running high and when you're alone at night and every in your household including your dogs have gone asleep. There are also times when I just write when everybody is busy doing their own thing. I could stay on the corner side of the room, watch what they do and write about their countenance. Better yet, I can just write about myself which is a layer upon layer of unpublished books.
What makes me deplore about writing is when you're beset with a writing block. It's not happening. Your thoughts are suspended in the deep recesses of your mind. You can't dispel them into the open and unto a page. Sometimes we need a fresh inspiration. Many writers call it a muse in writing aesthetically.
For whatever it is, I intend to write my personal views and experiences. It may not be tasteful to many but that's okay. I write because I just love words. If they're the only thing I could keep, I'll do. But of course, it's not like that.
However, I can tell you this, writing is really fun. Out of your craft, there will be many naysayers and critics about your work. They will just read your title entry and perhaps the first sentence of your blog and if it didn't grab their attention, you thinking then that you didn't bring it on--what they want to hear.
For me, I write because it gives me altitude on things that are important to me. it gives me pure joy knowing I may have had stirred or encourage one soul to keep going through life. That it is a beautiful life that is lived through by many artists, writers, poets, musicians & actors.
You can, too, have a life full of words that rhyme, dance, and soar within you...
It's time to echo your truth to others.
Start writing even when you're bored and clumsy. Words have a way of positioning themselves.
Create them as they dance to your mind and to your heart...