My Boyfriend is a Pastor :)

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.  (1 Cor. 13:4-8)

As of now I'm watching him from afar. I am sitting still here. He's practicing with the Praise and Worship Team for tomorrow's Sunday Service. And even though I keep my eyes on the computer screen, I still hear his serene voice as he sings. I just can't help noticing his tender voice :) And when I look again I can't help thanking God that my boyfriend is now already a pastor :)

I first met him almost in the same situation (almost, hehe). I was leading the worship then. He, together with his mom, dad and a family friend entered the church sanctuary and sat on the back. Being in the stage, I can see almost everybody in the congregation. I had a thought at that moment, "They look familiar? hmmm"..  But actually I notice them because they are unfamiliar faces. Haha anggulo lang. But I can sense that there's something with these people. I knew already that they are christians because of the way they behave during the service. I notice "him", "hmmm... nakagreen sya, chubby, may salamin, at parang may something sakanya na di ko madistinguish.." Haha.. in a short glance I had several conclusions already. So that is how I first met "him".

How does it feel to be "his" girlfriend?

Before that let's define who "he" is.

He is a busy person ever since I met him. He is an engineer by profession and working in a reputable company. Despite his busy corporate functions, he take his ministry in the church seriously. After he moved from another church to our local church, his promotions took place shortly. He became one of our worship leaders. He is also the head of the Singles' Ministry. He became one of the church's leaders. Aside from that, he has several extra curricular activities. And oh! He is a loving son to his family and an upright kuya/brother to his siblings. And I forgot to tell you, he is few years older than me. He used to be one of the kuyas to me. Kaya naman, bachelor na bachelor na sya, neneng nene parin ako that time.

Now let's define "me" before we became lovers.

I was a college student. Inexperienced about everything related to the corporate world. Busy though as one of the youth leaders in the church. Totally youthful and playful. Who would ever thought we'll be together?

So back to the question: How does it feel to be "his" girlfriend?

To be his girlfriend, one must understand that he is "really" busy :)  He always do something. He always have a meeting. He always speak with and greet almost everyone he met along the way (although an exaggeration). So to be his girlfriend, one should also be accommodating to people who interrupts our time together. To be his girlfriend you must adjust to his level of thinking (kahit halfway lang). Most especially in the kind of relationship we have (what they call "May-December Love Affair"). To be his girlfriend you must wait until he finishes his tasks, or you should help him. And to be his girlfriend you must be ready to receive advices even in a small aspect of daily living (e.g.  how to drink a coffee, haha! peace!) If you're he's girlfriend, you must know that he is easily sick because of exhaustion :(  And when he has spare time he keep on fidgeting on his ipod's "soccer game app".

But despite his busy schedule he always make time. He always remind me how well I am loved. When I am down he always do his best to take may frown away. He always do his best to see that curve in my face. In times of hardships and trials, he stand still like a strong soldier. Yet in times of weakness he always cling to the Lord for strength. In times of confusion he never fail to be submissive to our leaders. He always remind me to focus on Jesus. He is truly a Christ-centered servant of God :) I just want to share one specific season of our lives when I had anxiety caused by hypothyroidism. I was really misunderstood that time. Even I myself had a hard time understanding my own emotions. I'm always paranoid, scared, I feel like going crazy. But he stood by my side. He never left even in my weakest point. He never left even if I felt like I'm really messed up. And I know, together with my family and friends, God used him to strengthen and uplift me. I learned that love is not just about the "kilig" factor or the happy times together. It's about selflessness, compassion, and love itself.

But does that mean we have a perfect relationship?

Definitely not. We started "not well". (And that's another story) Sometimes we commit mistakes. Yes, we had fights. Sadly, there are times we hurt other. But it is the Lord who corrects us. And we are totally dependent to the Lord  on how we will run our relationship. It is the Lord who planted the "seed" of love in our hearts and it is He who nurtures and grows it. Ultimately we desire to glorify Him through our relationship. We believe that the Holy Spirit will guide us along the way. Also we are grateful to our parents and leaders for their support and guidance. And also to our friends who shares the joy with us :)

"He" is now facing another chapter of "his" life..

Last November 20, 2012, he took the Exhorter's Exam of our denomination together with two of my friends. And Praise God! They passed. We can say that they are now licensed preachers/pastors already. I can say that now, "My Boyfriend is a Pastor". Of course, there are added responsibilities to "his" busy schedule. I should expect more meetings and more people will come into "his" life. But I am so happy for "him". I know God will use "him" even more. And I would be very glad to join him in "his" ministry. I would gladly support "him". I would be glad to be accountable to him. I would be glad to support and pray for "him". I would be very honored to be by "his" side serving the Lord...

 "Iyh val, Mr. Val, Tso Val, Rod, Ptr. Val: ngayong birthday mo, sana mapasaya ka namin na mga nagmamahal sayo. Kadalasan, ikaw ang nagreremind ng birthday ng iba, o ng send-off party ng iba. Kadalasan, ikaw ang nag-aadvice sa iba. Kadalasan, ikaw ang nagpapalakas sa iba. Pero di alam ng lahat na nalulungkot ka rin pala, nafufrustrate ka din pala, nagagalit ka rin pala. Sana kahit sa simpleng paraan mapangiti ka rin namin :-) Sana malaman mo na hinahangaan ka namin pagdating sa pananampalataya mo. Sa totoo nga lang nakakatuwa ang paraan ng pakikisama mo sa iba't ibang klase ng tao. Minsan naman ang weird mo kasi ang kulit kulit mo. Minsan nakakabother kasi trabaho ka ng trabaho. Pero nakakatuwa kasi pinipilit mong balansehen ang lahat ng responsibilidad mo.. Sana malaman mo na mahal ka namin at na-aappreciate namin ang presensya at contributions mo :)  Happy Happy Birthday! More Birthdays to come! Yohoo! Sana magamit ka pang lalo ng Lord sa trabaho o sa ministry o sa buhay ng ibang tao man. Sana'y manatili kang humble, passionate at sold-out kay Kristo! May God bless all the desires of your heart :) "

Happy Birthday sa'yo na mahilig magtaste-test ng mga pagkain :)

 

One of the first pictures together

Our first anniversary  :))

Love,

A Christian Videoke

It was Jonie’s birthday. I was invited to come to his place and have some celebration (Just some sort of eating, sharing, laugh trip and videoke trip). The birthday celebrant is a worship team member (actually, everyone who is invited is) and our worship pastor is invited also.

                                                         (source: Google.com)

The party had just started. But because of the heavy traffic in our area, Ptr.Shem, our worship pastor will be late. Otherwise the party started with an opening prayer followed by our individual messages to the celebrant. The program is so lively, as always. Then, it’s eating time! (Another favorite!). Everyone shared a festive meal after we sang a “Happy Birthday Song”. After some time, he turned on the television and played the videoke DVD. “Oh sino kakanta?”, was his invitation. At first, we are busy eating then a friend got up and picked the mic. She pressed few digits and the melody began. Some friends joked around, “Pastor, yung back-up (singer) oh! Nagvivideoke!”. Everyone laughed because we know our worship pastor, who hasn’t arrived yet, kept on reminding us not to be indulged in worldly songs. “Uy maayos lyrics nito!”, Reselle, one of our back-up singers exclaimed. After her, few more songs had been sung. Most were love songs. Some sung in duets, most solos. Some just keep in chitchatting, some eating, some teasing the “singers”. This is how the party goes on. In every song that was played there is always teasing and joking “Oh yung bahista oh, kumakanta”, “Oh yung back-up”, “Oh lagot padating na si pastor!”. Some “serious-mode” friends are discussing, “Okay lang ba ‘to? Hindi ba tayo papagalitan?”. Some would say “Hindi yan, may mga mainstream (songs) naman na hindi double meaning”. Some would say,”Pa’no yung mga kapitbahay? Baka sabihin mga Christian tayo ‘tas kumakanta tayo ng ganto.” Someone would simply get the songbook and say,”May mga Christian song naman dito, Eto oh ‘Hillsong’. Uy papindot dyan number 2322”. Everyone was thrilled at the thought that Ptr.Shem would come soon and hear us singing those songs. Jolina, a back-up singer, suggested,”Eto Eto ‘Shout to the Lord’”. The tune of “Shout to the Lord” song played. Jonie sang it. Suddenly, the song reached the chorus,”Shout to the Lord all the earth let us sing….” Ptr.Shem finally came, without knowing the slight confusion that happened. The “singers” sang loudly, the audience laughed harder because Ptr.Shem didn’t “caught” us.

Have you experienced certain confusion like this? Though the scenario is ‘kinda funny (for me, because I was there), there is a serious matter to think about it. How can we know if something is wrong if it doesn’t look so wrong at all? Or how will you know if you’re over-spiritualizing something? This type of confusion between right or wrong is like a gray area. If we represent white as good and black as bad, what is gray then? It’s like you’re being ask to decide if it is “Gatas na Choco” or “Choco na Gatas”, hehe. What I mean is if there’s no exact parameter if something is good or bad, it’s hard to know if you’re still on the right track or drawn to sin.

Speaking of our videoke, we do not sing songs with obvious negative lyrics (rather we despise them). But what confuses us is that the songs we chose are the ones with good lyrics but not Christian or gospel. To some it’s okay, to some it’s not. Some of us are worried about our testimonies; some are worried about obedience to the Lord and to our pastor. Maybe, it is easier if there is a certain verse in the Bible that tells us “not to sing songs heard on FM Radio”. But it’s not like that. What we need is wisdom to discern good and evil. We know the enemy; he will trap us in the most unobvious way possible! So beware! On the other hand, we can’t be too over spiritualized because we may also fall into temptation of being judgmental and a self-righteous. Or we may make ourselves harder by setting our “own” rules aside from God’s grace. This applies also not only to singing songs from videoke. These gray areas are present in some of the decisions we face every day: Is it okay to wear shorts? Is it okay to court her? Is it okay to borrow money to start my business? Is it righteous if I do this or that? Is it okay to brush my teeth? (Just kidding. You should, please.)

The Bible tells us:”Everything is permissible but not everything is beneficial.” Yes, we can do what we want. Yes, nobody may stop you doing things especially when you’re alone. But the question is: Will that help? Will that serve your brethren? Will that glorify God? I think we should always consider how our certain acts affect others; most especially we must not be causes of sin. Or, we should not be sinning because of the subtle meaning of the unobvious things.

The best way is to always ask for the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Our hearts and motives may be deceitful. But His grace is always sufficient for us! He has given us all we need to live a righteous life! And to eliminate confusion regarding videoke songs, maybe a little guitar jamming will do, isn’t it? 

A Great Experience!

Just got home from church.. How are yah :)
Me? I feel a bit heavy.. got a looonng day and I feel a bit exhausted.
But i think I wanted to blog now.. that's why I turned on the PC and started typing.

A while ago I received a text message. It is about somebody who told me about her problem of withdrawing from our home church because of her parents' decision. Well primarily I felt sad because the girl is dear to me. And the reason of such suggestion from the parents... is about her teenage days.

I don't really know the whole story behind this expected unexpected statement from her parents. I don't know if she had done something that triggered it. I don't know if this is just an exaggeration. But all I know now is the truth that every christian is persecuted in one way or another. Some are hindered by their parents or relatives. Some are persecuted by peers and friends. Some may persecute themselves (hehe*). But all of us experienced testings in our faith specially when we were just new believers of Christ.

As I understand it, I think the idea is that the girl is hindered from going to church because she became so busy. Being an excellent student with some grades to maintain is really hard. Then suddenly church enters her life and adds more activities in it. I guess the parents fear that she may not enjoy the rest of her teenage years because of the heavy responsibilities she already have.  Maybe they fear that their child may be overburden.

I'm kinda fascinated. I was thinking "Huh?". Then I realized maybe her parents really do not understand. NOT because they're bad parents. I believe every parent loves his/her children enough to desire happiness for them. But if they don't know how joyful it is to serve and experience God, they may have the same reaction.

You know what, serving God is not a burden. IT IS FUN :) !! Hehe..  Unlike other kinds of work, it is less of a burden because it is for God :) Well I'm not saying school is not for God. I'm not saying office is not for God. I'm not saying business is not for God. We can do everything for the glory of God! but doing God's business, like soul-winning, is directly bringing souls to Christ. And it's really fun :)  Getting tired because of extensive practice for the Praise and Worship seems giving more strength. Spending more time and effort for devotion and praying seems having more peace of mind. Staying for more hours at church for bonding with christian friends is rejuvenating. Especially talking about Christ is awesome. Church is never boring. Serving God is A Great Experience of a Lifetime!! Again, it is never a burden. I almost grew up in church, serving the Lord in different ministries. Yes, we have a lot of activities. Sometimes I am really physically exhausted (like today :) ). Sometimes I feel sad because of the people who rejects being approached and mentored by me.  Sometimes my disciples (how we call them at our local church) hurt me. But at the end of the day I know I am happy having God beside me. Then I realize, It is not a heavy burden at all.

Regarding the girl's teenage years, I know she's not falling out of line. Teenage years is worth spent with God.  There is nothing on earth can compare to what God can do to those who serves Him. So if you can spend your days in the light, why choose darkness? Want the greatest moment of a lifetime? Turn to Jesus!!

My christian friends Camille and Jash. Both are fellow youth leader at church. One of the reasons I enjoy teenage years as a christian :)

Some of my disciples. One of my joys in serving the Lord.

Hehe.. we'll as for me and my teenage years, we will serve the Lord :)

Matthew 11:28-30
²⁸ “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰ For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Love you with the love of the Lord!! God bless!!

A Journal Entry

Hi Everyone! How are you doing?
The following is a devotional I wrote a few weeks ago from my Bible reading. Hope these verses speak to you as well.. God bless! <3


Date: July 8, 2012 (Sunday 5:25 pm)

Text: James 1:12-18

¹² Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
¹³ When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; ¹⁴ but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. ¹⁵ Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
¹⁶ Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. ¹⁷ Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. ¹⁸ He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.



God's Message:
"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to these who love him."  v. 12

God's Commandment:
"Don't be deceived, my dear brothers" v. 16

God's Promise:
"every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows" v. 17

Personal Application:
We will get God's reward if we don't give up in trials. God is faithful. He has given us motivation through this promise for us to move forward. Yet, the Lord said through His Word that we must not be "deceived". We must discern which one is trial or which which one is temptation among what we're experiencing. There should be different approaches to each one of them. If we are in trial, we should hold fast to God. We must persevere and never stop doing what is right. But if we are facing temptation or if we are tempted already, we should repent already. It is because temptation comes from our own selfish desires. It is never caused by God.



Are you facing trials or temptations? Call on Jesus now!  :)


"For I know the plans I have for you", says the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future".  Jeremiah 29:11

Random Realizations

It's been a long time since I last posted here.. i don't even know if anyone have read any of my post..  Well i will just tell you about my realizations this past few weeks, or months.

1. Parents were really wise in terms of their instincts regarding their children. They know what is good or what is bad. How amazing huh?  


2. Envy will destroy one's relationship with others, one's blood pressure, and one's face! hih!


3. It is really hard for a writer to have a block :(


4. There's no better place than being in the sweet presence of Jesus and with the people who loves you truly!


5. Selfish friends were never friends at all. Be wise, they might step on your morale.


6. Sungha Jung is really good in playing guitar :) hehe


7. Jesus is the ultimate source of strength and joy :)


8. Your family is a ministry also. Love them also as much as you love your friends and other people, right?


9. God will truly never leave us in the hardest and darkest moment! i can testify!


10. I think there's something in my smile? hehe.. what do you think?


11. God is good all the time!


12. We should test the spirit of the people telling that they know the truth.. We should be wise, unless we'll be deceived..  There's only one truth!


13. I should not send emotional GMs (Group Messages), feel like its too emotional, that's why it's called emotional GMs. 


14. Don't think negative things about other people, especially your friends.


15. Thank God always.


16. Kari Jobe is really a good worship leader, and she's beautiful!


17. Post meaningful blogs next time :)

Breathe, Eat Chocolate and Trust and hope to God

Let's play what I call the "Imagining Game" (I don'y know I just think of it like that). In the new testament, Jesus slept in a boat (   ). Now imagine yourself in that boat. Imagine the strong wind and storm, the angry waters, the coldness striking your nerves, and the panicking atmosphere in the boat. Imagine the shouting, the rush, the threat of death in that very moment. And then you'll see Jesus is sleeping? Imagine what you'll react.

Sometimes, life is like being in the boat. You're in a very big trouble. You have problems in school or at work. You may have difficulties in your family or in your relationships. Though sometimes things are manageable, there cam a point that's becoming too hard. First thing to do--Panic, right?

To "panic" may sound exaggerated. But its almost there eh? We worry a lot. We are scared. Sometimes we loose focus. Sometimes we loose trust. Sometimes we forget the hop we have in Christ. 

Trust. It has a lot of meaning. It may be overused. It maybe underused. haha *wink*. Trust is given to someone who has proved his trustworthiness to us (Maybe most of the time). According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, Trust means:

1. a : assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or tr
uth of someone or something

b : one in which confidence is placed

2

a : dependence on something future or contingent : hope

b : reliance on future payment for property (as merchandise) delivered : credit <bought furniture on trust>

3

a : a property interest held by one person for the benefit of another

b : a combination of firms or corporations formed by a legal agreement; especially : one that reduces or threatens to reduce competition

hey hey! Whatever it means, it boils down to one word: faith. If we have faith to the Lord, we will know how to trust. Sometimes, life is really hard. Sometimes, life gives much sadness, heartbreak or frustration. IF we will not give our lives to Jesus Christ. Truly, Jesus is the only answer in the worries of life. IF we give our lives to Him, He will be faithful and He will provide for all our needs. Trust God! Chill! Everything will be all right!

As for me, just breathe--in and out, in and out. Eat some chocolate to make you happy(thanks to the endorphins). Then, Trust God on whatever circumstances you are into! Chill!

Matthew 6:25-34

New International Version (NIV)

Do Not Worry    ²⁵ “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? ²⁶ Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? ²⁷Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?

   ²⁸ “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. ²⁹ Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. ³⁰ If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? ³¹ So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ ³² For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. ³³ But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. ³⁴ Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own