Mother Mary and Divine Mercy

On October 31st, OOM has invited Fr. Hugh Gillespie to talk about "Mary, Queen and Mother of Mercy". He will go into deep worship with Adoration and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. Fr. Gillespie himself will lead the prayers later on. They say he has the gift when he preaches to make everyone fall in love with our Blessed Mother.

To know more about our guest speaker, Fr. Gillespie is renowned mainly for propagating St Louis de Montfort's Total Consecration to Mary.
To learn more about this, go to this website and scroll to the middle:
http://www.familyland.org/content/Content.aspx?CategoryID=633

ALIVE! By the Blood of Christ

It was sad we missed this! We wanted to meet Bro. Stanley and hear his testimony and the great power of our Divine God and His Mercy. It was a rainy day and both JC and I had cold and cough. Noel had to take care of his emergency at his client's.

I am sure the Lord will make a way for us in the future to encounter His servant.

GOD BLESS EVERYONE!

New Calling

After such discernment, prayer and novenas, my husband, JC and I finally attended the Couples For Christ’s Christian Life Seminar on September 24, 3rd Friday from the day it started on Sept. 11. I’ve been feeling restless at the Choir that I wanted to do more, give more and be more. And I don’t think I can’t keep choking the Spirit for a long time. I needed to do something to get it right with God and His gifts. It dawned on me: whether I use them or waste them and lose them. I’ve talked to Noel and he completely understood. As a family, we decided together and attended our first day of CLP. It went very well, esp hearing from Noel that he knew right away that this would provide us better spiritual growth and service to God. JC would always be with the rest of the kids during the talks, just too many kids, and actually called Kids For Christ or KFC. We are happy for our little one, too. We had our Baptism of the Holy Spirit last Friday, October 16, and had a chance to stay longer, eat and chit-chat with other members. I was surprised that Noel is blending very well. Haha. He must have more friends that I have there. I see people persistently coming to him talking about choir and practice already.

We are having fun. As I mentioned in one of my emails to a friend, "CFC is so full of warmth and love..you literally could smell the breath of kindness in the air."

It truly is. Home-stretched already and we’ll be done in two more Fridays. We pray and trust that we are following along God’s purpose and path for us, and that we should be worthy of this new calling and direction for His greater honor and glory!

PS: I’ll post some pictures hopefully during the ‘dedication’ night.

OOM Choir & Barangay Sang Birhen IV MORE PIX

OOM Choir & Barangay Sang Birhen III MORE PIX

OOM Choir & Barangay Sang Birhen II MORE PIX

OOM Choir & Barangay Sang Birhen I

OOM Choir was invited to sing during the celebration of the 20th anniversary of Barangay Sang Birhen. It was held on October 3, 2009 at the Blue Army Shrine or Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima, 674 Mountainview Road, Washington, NJ from 9:30 AM-3:00PM. It was a great and festive day that turned a rainy day into such a beautiful sunny day. We enjoyed the Rosary, Mass, devotees, food, sun and nature. One thing just turned unexpectedly bad was that JC got really hurt. He had his first share of cuts and scrapes at his nose and forehead. We were terribly shocked but managed to remain calm. I am sure he cried really hard. His godmother said four priests prayed him over right away. As of writing this, it took only a week and all that’s left is a red mark, no more blood and bruises. My husband said, “it was Mama Mary’s blessing, Her kissmark to JC.” Amen to that!

Please visit their site: http://www.livingstonnavigator.com/profile/BarangayoftheVirgin

Church Service & Activities with Steve Kuban Part II

Click the title itself to see the slideshow of our events/activities with Steve Kuban

Church Service & Activities with Steve Kuban Part I

These pictures were taken on the very first time Steve came to practice with us for he next day event, April 25, 2009, Holy Spirit Breakfast at Our Lady of Libera Church.

First, let me introduce who Steve Kuban is.

Steve Kuban is a gifted worship leader with a passion for God’s presence. He leads worship and teaches in many countries, and writes songs that minister to people around the world. He has been leading thousands of worshippers into God’s presence through his exciting, enthusiastic and anointed music style His well-popularized worship song is 'For The Lord is My Tower'. Other compositions are 'More of the River', 'More, Lord, More!, 'Prayer for the Nations', 'Hallowed Be Thy Name' and 'I Will Fight For You'.

Let's take a look at those moments the Ocean of Mercy Music Ministry had the priviledge to work with Steve Kuban on some get-together and religious activities.

Author Unknown

I asked God for strength that I might achieve.
I was made weak that I might learn humbly to obey.

I asked God for health that I might do greater things.
I was given infirmity that I might do better things.

I asked for riches that I might be happy.
I was given poverty that I might be wise.

I asked for power that I might have the praise of men.
I was given weakness that I might feel the need of God.

I asked for all things that I might enjoy life.
I was given life that I might enjoy all things.

I got nothing that I asked for - But everything I had hoped for....
Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered
I am among all men most richly blessed.

Boxes of Children's Vids

Last night, my husband was extremely focused and busy with packing up all JC's children's videos. He later told me that he is planning to give, instead of re-selling, them to Goodwill Mission. He won lots of bids on ebay (so you can imagine how many 'edutainment' vids JC got), some are on VHS format and with the help of a program, he converted and saved them in the hard drive. He dropped those off this morning.

Right now, he's eagerly waiting for another shipment. He won another bid, this time is lots of Barney's.->) JC's loving Barney and Elmo much!

GOD BLESS ALL!

The Gospel of Matthew 7:24-25

This past weekend, a good brother of mine in Christ went whitewater rafting with other brothers and sisters. Then he followed through a very well-captured moments in his Facebook albums with a heading 'there's a lot to reflect on during the rafting..TRUST IN JESUS". Impressed I was with so many pictures (see his pic) but I could'nt help ask and send him a comment. Wow, there were great shots, how did he manage not to get his camera wet? His reply is different, it's an evangelical story waiting to be told. Was I at the right time and at the right place to be evangelized and to evangelize in turn? Any given chance is a God-given chance. His story is about how he was pulled twice out of the boat to the water and how he managed to rescue himself through the raging current by holding on to a rock. Other rafters came later and he was pulled in back to the boat and finally saved. Was'nt it such a scary and dangerous experience? By the way, he first said that 'water-proofing is the key'. Sure thing.

His heading explains Proverbs 3:5-6: Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

And he went on about the stories of Matthew 14:24:33 and Matthew 8:23:27

But when he saw how (strong) the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him, and said to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" After they got into the boat, the wind died down. Those who were in the boat did him homage, saying, "Truly, you are the Son of God." (Matthew 14:24:33)

He got into a boat and his disciples followed him. Suddenly a violent storm 18 came up on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by waves; but he was asleep. They came and woke him, saying, "Lord, save us! We are perishing!" He said to them, "Why are you terrified, O you of little faith?" Then he got up, rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was great calm. The men were amazed and said, "What sort of man is this, whom even the winds and the sea obey?" Matthew 8:23:27

It was a very inspiring reflection. Yet, I needed to share a reflection, different it is, just prayed and trusted that God speaks to each and everyone of us in different ways and different situations and we pick up all the teachings we could get to help us grow and to exhort in any way possible. I then tuned into the Gospel of Matthew 7:24-25: "Therefore, (A) everyone who hears these words (B) of Mine and acts on them will be like a sensible man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain fell, the rivers rose, and the winds blew and pounded that house. Yet it didn't collapse, because its foundation was on the rock".

The ‘houses’ represent our lives which we build upon a foundation. Each of us is building a life. The ‘storms’ are things which threaten our well-being (ie, literal storms like floods, etc.; or figurative storms like illness, financial setbacks which may take away our health, family, etc; and there’s the final storm of our life that of death and the final day of Judgment. Which will be the truest test of our "building", how will the Lord describe the kind of "builder" (or servant) we have been - "Well done, good and faithful servant..." - Mt 25:21 or "You wicked and lazy servant..." - Mt 25:26

Obeying Jesus is the key to withstanding the storm. Being a ‘hearer’ or listener only is not sufficient, otherwise our lives will be as shaky as sand. Rather, we MUST DO what Jesus says. His sayings and teachings give us the power to live a life that can truly withstand any kind of storms! Just as Jesus is the Rock-solid foundation of the church, so let Him be the Rock-solid foundation of our lives! Let’s heed what Jesus is saying, and our lives will be solid. HE IS THE ROCK!!


ARE WE ALL GOD-PROOFED? OR SHOULD I SAY, GOD-PROOFING IS THE KEY. SURE THING!

GOD BLESS ALL! Until then...SHALOM

Kitty's Birthday 2008

Below are the pictures to tell how I celebrated my birthday last year. Yay, it was a celebration not with the rich and able but feeding the poor through Bridges. I bagged 100 lunches consisted of sandwich, drink, fruit and biscuit/cookie for snacks.

SFC Banner 2005

Hey everyone! I know it's been such a good long while I was out of the loop=) I apologize for the time that slipped by. Our family, with other families, just got back from a much-needed yearly vacation to Disney World and Myrtle Beach, SC. Yes, we had a lot of fun!

As promised before, I would like to share the other banner made for the Singles For Christ's 2005 Conference. This is my second time to handle the project but first to deviate from the norms. This time, I decided to get my design printed on a vinyl, instead of me doing the actual labor on a canvass. Sure thing, it was something different and did not make it. Sigh. But it was a good feeling of fulfillment and service to the Lord by using any kind of creativity I was gifted with. It was such an honor.

Here are the pictures evolving around a theme of "God is Enough!"

ACTS

Hello folks! I was planning on posting about the other banner I created for Singles For Christ, but I got caught with the power of prayer. I started to scribble on ACTS prayer and before I know it, I was enjoying how I was able to put my worshop together. Here it is sharing with you all!

ADORATION:

This is a place called Gethsemane, a place of prayer and a place of priorities. It was there when Jesus was vigilant and diligent in prayer. What a joy it is to know that our Saviour fought all the battles for us and that He prevailed every time! When was last time you offered the Lord an offering of extravagant love? When was the last time you threw away your pride and gave Him worship, honor and praise? When was the last time you selflessly served the Lord Who saved your soul from Hell? When was the last time you broke the bank worshiping Him and serving His people? How long has it been since you placed everything you have, everything you are and everything you care about on the altar of sacrifice before Him? To Mary, nothing in the world was as valuable to her as Jesus. She loved Him with an extravagant love. She loved the Lord more than she loved herself and her things!

When we think of all that He endured for us that night, in that eventful night in Gethsemane, it should drive us to our knees in worship! It should fill our hearts with His praises. It should make us want to lift holy hands to praise Him. It should make us want to rejoice in songs and shouting. It should fill us with a desire to worship and exalt Him! This is an hour that calls for action, it is not a time for God’s people to sleep. Let Mary’s gift make us ashamed of our self-centered, half-hearted love for the One Who did everything for us! We wana love Him with extravagant love! We wana love Him so much that He has control of us and all that we possess and all that we are. We wana love Him without shame, without fear and without foolish pride getting in the way. We wana love Him like Mary loved Him. Has He spoken to your heart today? Come as He calls. Love Him! Praise Him! Worship Him! Adore Him! Believe Him! Receive Him!

We worship you, we adore you, we praise you! Praise God from whom all blessings flow! Hallelujah to the Lord of heaven and earth! You are holy, holy! O worship the King, how majestic is His Name! We praise your Name, oh Lord, we magnify Your Name, Prince of Peace, Mighty God, we bow down, we crown you the King, King of all Kings, Glory to the Lord on high, Lord of heaven and earth! You are holy, Praise Your holy name! The universe declares Your majesty! Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost! O worship the King! Hallelujah, praise God!

(Song: This is Your House or Prince of Peace or How Great Thou Art)


CONTRITION:

“What is that in thine hand? The Lord asked Moses and he replied, ‘a rod’. To Moses, all he had in his hand was a dry, dead stick. All Moses possessed was the rod. It represented his life, his identity and his livelihood. That stick told Moses, “You are nothing but a shepherd keeping another man’s flock!”

Like Moses, we also hold some things in our hands today. Some of those things are good things and others are evil. All of these things, whether they are good or bad, identify us and control our lives. Like a shepherd leans on his staff, we lean on the things that we hold in our hands. Things like our past, our problems, our grudges, some hard feelings over things people have done or said to us, unforgiveness, the sorrows of life, feelings of inadequacy and negativity. Moses yielded the stick he carried that day to the Lord. When he did, he was released from its power. When he did, it ceased to define him. When he did, it became the power of God in his life. God will use Moses to teach us that we can rise above the things that we hold in our hands.

“What is that in thine hand?” What do you carry today? What defines you? What are you holding on to that holds you back and keeps you from being everything God saved you to be? Is there some sin that needs to be laid down? Is there some event from your past, some hurt, some sorrow, some bitterness that hinders you today? Is there some area of life where you feel like you have arrived? Is there some talent or ability that fills you with pride? Is there something in your life that holds you back? Is there something in you that holds your family and your church back? Look at your life and see what you hold. You may hold it in your hand, but it dominates and controls your life. This is an opportunity for you to be free from its pull and from its influence. Throw it down and let God have it. When you hold it, it is a liability. When you give it to Him, it becomes a spiritual asset!

Bring what you hold in your hands and cast it down before Him. Let Him take that liability and turn it into an asset for His glory. You need to confess your failures. You need to repent of sin. You need to renew your vows and commitments to the Lord; you need to get right with God. Come home!

(Song: You Are My Hiding Place; intro solo by me)


THANKSGIVING:

Give thanks in all circumstances.
Give thanks for everything.
Give thanks at all times.

This is a step beyond remembering God and thanking God for all the wealth that we enjoy. This is a step beyond remembering God and obeying his commands because he has given us fine houses and filled our bellies. This is even a step beyond thanking God, as the leper thanked God, for healing him through Jesus of his disease. Do you have a faith that is thankful in everything? God wants us to celebrate his love. God wants us to give thanks in everything. God doesn't want this because he is greedy for praise, the Lord doesn't want it so that he will feel better about himself. He wants it because it will bless us and because it will bless the people around us. He wants us to remember what He has done so that we will not be afraid when we are in need of help, and so that we will not grow arrogant or rude when we are prospering. He wants us to remember and give thanks to him, and to those around us so that our lives will be full of light and hope and so our actions full of tenderness and love. Psalm 92: "It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praises to his name!”

(Song: Give Thanks!)

SUPPLICATION:

"Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God."
Can God really meet your needs? No matter where the road of life leads, no matter what problems arise, God is always ready with the necessary means to meet the needs of His children. It is simply coming to the place where you just believe God is big enough to handle your problem. It is reaching the place Paul came to when he made the matchless declaration found in Ephesians 3:20, "Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us."

Do not let the old “Simon” within you control you otherwise you can expect nothing but failure in your life. We should get beyond "God could and God might" and get to the place where we could confidently say "God can and God will"! Maybe you need is that of salvation, you can come and have that need met today. Maybe yours is a material or physical need. You can come and find the assurance that God will take care of that too. Maybe you need is emotional in nature, God can handle that! Whatever the need bring it to God! Satan and the flesh say, "Can God?" Those who walk in faith rest their head on the precious promises of the Word of God and in blessed assurance reply back, "God can, God can!" God can do anything, God can meet your need! Why not bring your needs, your burdens and your worries and fears to Him tonight, and find out that not only can He, but that He will also!

(Song: will have to think what's more appropriate)

Praise be unto God and thanksgiving for his many blessings. Amen.

Feeding (Con't.)

Some more photos at the Hoboken Shelter. We were asked to wear an apron and hairnet at the Goodwill.

Feeding our Less-Able Bros & Sis as my Bday Bash

To make my birthday extra special and meaningful, off i went to Hoboken Shelter, Hoboken, NJ on June 17; and Goodwill Rescue Mission, Newark, NJ on June 19 to help prepare and serve meals.

The Hoboken Shelter feeds 75-100 people and sleeps 30-35 men and women nightly. The Goodwill Rescue Mission offers help to Newark's poor and disadvantaged. Every day of the year, Goodwill serves three meals a day to 150 meals/people in need.

As always, it was a rewarding experience to reach out and serve our disadvantaged borthers and sisters. What struck me the most was when I served this nice-looking and composed man. As he approached with his plate towards me, he greeted, 'kumusta ka?'. And we started a little chit-chat in our native language. He was the only Filipino in line and didnt look disheveled at all. I asked myself what could have possibly happened to him - left by the family and alone struggling alone to make it? I brought home with me its mystery and sadness that I couldnt help blurt out of his situation during dinner with my husband. For sure, he did not have even $5 in his pocket otherwise he could have bought himself a Mc Chicken or any burger around Hoboken strip to save him the trouble of queueing up.

How much do we have in our pockets? How much do we spend for our lunch? For our vices and unnecessary things? These people barely have any.

I appreciate my husband's gesture and effort of waiting for me with JC outside the shelter during the whole feeding time.

Take a look at the pictures. At Hoboken Shelter, we prepared tuna with pasta, green salad (which is considered as a luxury, happens only once in a blue moon), bread and fruits. I prepared the salad myself and tuna with Jessie. Jerry, Shanon and Andrew, Kitchen Manager, did the boiling of pasta and eggs, slicing of the bread and cleaning of the fruits. Ops yeah, I almost forgot, I still had to ran 10 blocks to A&P Mart for a gallon of mayonnaise. At Goodwill Rescue Mission, meals were already prepared and what we did was to serve the meals to over 100 people. There were generous servings of hotdogs, corn, green beans and bread. I did it with Donna who's been doing it for 5 years or so, 14-year old Kayla, James, Mike and the coordinator. The Goodwill Rescue Mission is like 3x bigger than the Hoboken Shelter.

It was awesome, I had fun! I want to do this all time!

Birthday Week Begins!

This week is the peak! Let my birthday week begin! Well, it's a lil late in posting though because it's already Wednesday.

So in order that another summer solstice be as special and good as it gets, I've lined up things to do, not too much about myself but definitely outreach tops the list:

1. Soup Kitchen c/o Jersey Cares (Wed and Fri this week instead of brown-bagging with Bridges, Inc.)
2. Visit to Spa Castle (originally Thurs but moved next week)
3. Fine Arts & Crafts Show at Brookdale Park (on my birthday itself, June 20, lovely!)

Yep, no food celebration. Maybe i'll have a slice of cake or a cone of ice-cream but I'll never go for some kind of lavish spending for no cause. For me, it's only worth it if done for the benefit of helping our less-able brothers & sisters. So tonight, I just did the soup kitchen in Hoboken. It was soo great, awesome! I'm excited for the rest of the week. Got photos to post next time!=)

http://www.jerseycares.org/
http://www.bridgesoutreach.org/
http://nyspacastle.com/
http://www.rosesquared.com/

SFC NJ Banner Won 1st Prize

I didn’t know I was in for a great treat! I took the courage to change somebody else’s design and pursued my own concept (of course, with a permission to do so from the elders) to represent Singles For Christ New Jersey on the Banner Competition during 2004 SFC Worldwide Conference. It was the first time I became an artist (painted on canvass) and first time that NJ ever won! We didn’t just win any award but we bagged the FIRST PRIZE! Hallelujah! It was an amazing award and unbelievable experience! NJ’s elder remarked that he was surprised, impressed and sure we are going to win when he saw the banner being paraded along with others. Thanks to my sis and co-painter, Mary Gene. She was such a delight to work with. It was a good team of cooperation, respect and value for the masterpiece. We faced the challenge heads up and hands together of finishing everything within 7 days (remember Genesis), rain or shine and late nights. Imagine our panic when it drizzles and the paint would drip all over the canvass, aaawww! Praises and Gratitude to the Almighty, the Lord has completed His work!

It was an honor to be chosen to create the Message into such an art. I knew I just had to put Him there, and that's all He wanted - Him and His Message of love. Mama Mary manifested in many ways whenever I'd have a 'painter's block' - tassels, colors, borders, etc. It was a vision revealed - flat-out obra maestra!

Network of Blogs Part IV

Network of Blogs Part III

Profile Description:

I want to be more so I could give more. Inspired with this passion, I’m driven to create and maintain a vast network of blogs to benefit the poor and needy, esp our little ones. Four charitable organizations are featured on my network and will grow in the future for the same cause. I live solely to fulfill a purpose - to write and to give. I hope my blogs would motivate you to aspire for more and make a difference. Together, you and I have the power to relieve poverty.

Network of Blogs Part II

Network of Blogs Part I

At the onset of year 2009, I sure knew what I wanted to do and how to spend the rest of the year and my life. That is, to follow my biggest dream of being the greatest philanthropist of our time. To take up the challenge of relieving poverty, donate and feed the poor and homeless esp the children. My profile says my passions and aspirations which my husband very much (again) listened to, supported and advised me certain ways of achieving them. One biggest concern is how we'll be able to support our goal of helping the poor through our foundation, Immanuel God With Us Foundation, also born in early 2009. We need to get the finances out of our personal pockets but we believe that God will provide and bring us through. We just have to have the heart, soul and mind to dedicate and commit into this. As time went by, ideas came effortlessly like they were God-sent and amazed how they could actually help out in making this a reality. One of them was to create a network of blogs and generate revenues through ads & affiliates(adsense, amazon, ebay and a lot others) that will be donated to our chosen charitable organizations.

Check out some photos of my network of 28 blogs. I dedicated a week learning the ropes of lay-outing, optimizing and monetizing. It was all worth it. I had fun and I learned a lot. Though God has sent another better idea that I had to drop this. Always working by the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Christ Has No Body

Christ Has No Body
By: Teresa of Avila (1515–1582)

Christ has no body but yours,
No hands, no feet on earth but yours,
Yours are the eyes with which he looks
Compassion on this world,
Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good,
Yours are the hands, with which he blesses all the world.
Yours are the hands, yours are the feet,
Yours are the eyes, you are his body.
Christ has no body now but yours,
No hands, no feet on earth but yours,
Yours are the eyes with which he looks
compassion on this world.
Christ has no body now on earth but yours.

Philosophy of Ministry: Conclusion

Hi folks! I apologize for not posting soonest. JC had a cold and was transferred to me so we were both feeling under the weather for a week or so. Though we did not get to the point of developing a fever, I was not still at my best to be doing the same daily chores.

I hope you enjoyed the Memorial Day weekend. We sure did! We checked out the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum and had a chance to tour the aircraft carriers, a British Airways Concorde and the submarine during the Fleet Week in Manhattan.

So I end now the 3-part series of the Philosophy of Ministry. In conclusion:


1. Let’s be fearful:
“Cursed be the one who does the Lord’s work negligently, and cursed be the one who restrains his sword from blood. (Jeremiah 48.10).” Nadab and Abihu learned the hard way not to be flippant and careless in the service of our holy God.

2. Let’s be fervent:
“The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer. Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaint. As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. Whoever speaks is to do soas one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.”

3. Let’s be focused:
Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.

4. Let’s be faithful:
…It is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy.

Philosophy of Ministry Part II

I was first introduced to a Charismatic church when I was in college when a friend tagged me along to one of their prayer meetings. The community at large was composed of elite people – popular models and actors. Then I went to attend a few El Shaddai’s prayer meetings at the parks. I was baptized again by the Holy Spirit when I joined Singles For Christ in 2004. I became a household leader just after four months of joining and asked to ran in control a Christian Life Program (CLP). My short stint there was awesome and such a memorable experience! Though I had to leave after a year because of His Message, "It is done, you can go now..." My passion towards His Divine Mercy has become a fire that burns unceasingly. In 2006, God started the process of joining families together with the same passion in music. The Ocean of Mercy Music Ministry(OOM), inspired by the message of His Divine Mercy, was born. OOM provides music to all charismatic events and conferences in the whole Archdiocese of Newark, NJ. My husband acted as the Musical Director until…2009… when our family felt a calling to fulfill a bigger purpose; called to a new beginning, new direction, new miracle and new life. This new ministry will be the focus of our family’s journey here on earth.

Now Paul is exactly right here; in his perspective, he sees himself as “an earthen vessel.” What he accepted in his ministry is that he possessed it as an earthen vessel. The Lord Jesus said of Paul after the Damascus road experience, "He is a chosen vessel unto Me, to bear My name before the Gentiles” (Acts 9.15). And so it is with all of us; we are earthen and always should be in our own estimation. But we must balance that out with the reality that, to God, we are chosen vessels.

Do you suppose, then, that perhaps we should be careful about whining and complaining to God (and others) because we seem to be shy of some of gifts and talents others possess since He Himself has both made us AND chosen us?!

As Warren Wiersbe notes:

The important thing about a vessel is that it be clean, empty, and available for service. Each of us must seek to become “a vessel unto honor, sanctified [set apart], and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work” (2 Tim. 2:21).

We are vessels so that God might use us. We are earthen vessels so that we might depend on God’s power and not our own.As participants in the Body of Christ, we should focus on the treasure and not on the vessel, and we must also focus on the Master and not on the servant. If we suffer, it is for Jesus’ sake. If we die to self, it is so that the life of Christ might be revealed in us. If we go through trials, it is so that Christ might be glorified. And all of this is for the sake of others. As we serve Christ, death works in us—but life works in those to whom we minister.

But because he possessed it in an earthen vessel, he remembered this important truth: He could disgrace (or discredit) it; there were two ways he could do this.

• He could adulterate the Word of God, literally, handle it with distortion so as to cause to be false for personal gain or convenience, or subtlety. He spoke of “peddling” the Word, and he was referring to being a huckster or, in other words, a false teacher with wrong motives.

• He could cause others to stumble by giving offense.


What he acknowledged about his ministry:
 His adequacy was from God
 The surpassing greatness of the power is from God
 It is as though God Himself “were making an appeal through us”
 It is a fact that we are “working together with Him”
 It is suffering makes the treasure spill onto others

What he anticipated about his ministry:
 Some successes
 He had faith, so he spoke
 He had mercy, so he pressed on
 He had hope, so he did not quit
 Some suffering
 Some day:

An accounting:
 He possessed his ministry always in the light of his mortality
 He possessed his ministry always in the awareness of God’s watchful eye being upon him (5.11; we are made manifest to God)
 He possessed his ministry always in the light of his stewardship (This kept him from becoming a quitter
 This kept him from laziness or unpreparedness
 This kept him from self-promotion
 At home with the Lord; it’ll all be over

...to be concluded..

Philosophy of Ministry Part I

If I were to be, what would I be?

1. PRIEST. But since Catholic Church has only male priests, then that means I can never be. I cant be a nun either because my one-week period of discernment with the Sisters of Benedict at St. Emma Monastery, Greensburg, PA didn’t seem to work out and bear fruit. I am sure God has called me for something else.

2. PREACHER. Yes, I write and read long. And I love to speak! I guess i was trained early for public speaking. Of course, that's different from the mindless chatter to prove that we exist somewhere. I love to give it all and belt out praises & worship! Though most of the times, I’d rather conserve my energy to bring better balance and efficiency.

3. PHILANTHROPIST. The greatest philanthropist of our time! To protect and serve mankind. End (esp child) poverty and injustice!

4. MOTHER AND WIFE. Yes, very fulfilled. Thank You, Lord!


So my friend, bear with me this time and the succeeding posts and help me live out my dream of becoming a PRIEST AND PREACHER. Here is a 'sermon': =)


Romans 14:19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.

What decision did you make about Jesus during your days on earth? We are in fact all involved in ministry whether we intend to be or not. I believe that we are to “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations…” and we can’t do that just by going to church on Sunday and expect to be involved in ministry. We must minister to those nations and shine God’s love through our words, deeds and actions. I hope we don’t think that going to church for a couple of hours on Sunday is much of a deed. We must put faith to our words.

Each and every individual person in the Body of Christ has a part in the overall ministry of the church (Ephesians 4.11, 12), and each individual has “a ministry” for which he or she will give account to God. This simple truth is evident in passages such as Ephesians 2.10 where Paul straightforwardly declares that God has fore-ordained that we should walk in good works that He, in His sovereign will, has prepared for us.

Let’s examine Paul’s concept of ministry as as set forth in 2 Corinthians in
an attempt to see his model for us and his mandate to us.


What he appreciated about his ministry:-

- Its superiority to the ministry of the Old Covenant.


- It changes hearts . The law reveals sin; it cannot renew the inner person. The Spirit wants to write His Word on hearts.

- It gives life. The law kills, but grace gives land sustains life. God’s children can have an ongoing relationship with Him through the Spirit (Romans 8.2)

- It gets more and more glorious. The glory of Old is past. The temple, the priesthood, the rituals, and the pre-incarnate revelations of God’s power. But the glory of God’s grace remains and grows more glorious.

- It brings freedom. The law brings bondage, but grace gives glorious freedom that makes us more and more like Jesus Christ. Each day, you can have your own personal transfiguration as you worship the Lord and yield to the Spirit.

- Its capacity to glorify God. Paul focused on glorifying God, and he saw ministry as a means to that end.


…to be continued..

Praise the Lord and Give Him Thanks!

Thank God it's Friday! My baby, JC, woke up early, stayed close and quiet smooching and cuddling me for a good while. Well, his sweet efforts to get me up and play with him already paid off. It's true that the best toy is either MOM or DAD and not any fancy gadgets we could throw on to get them busy and away. But first off, I got so inspired when I heard Don Moen's 'I Will Sing'. The song is amazing! It's actually on the video bar that you could listen to it, as well. And so it fired me up, started singing and praising... JC opened his mouth and babbled along with his hands up.

Lord of all creation, God of wonders, Lord of heaven and earth, we crown You with praise! We love You, we thank You, we adore You, we worship You, we glorify You! We bow down to You, King of all Kings, Lord of all Lords, we magnify and exalt Thy holy Name! “Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee: how great Thou art, how great Thou art”!

Early in the morning, I will celebrate the light. And when I stumble in the darkness, I will call your Name by night. And while I live and have any being, I will sing praises to You, my God!

Have a blessed day and enjoy your weekend, guys! HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL, ESP TO OUR BELOVED REGINA COELI (posted at http://belovedavemaria.blogspot.com/). GOD BLESS!

PS: Did i mention that i saw and heard a teener yesterday going around the block with her song, matched with actions, of praises to God? Yes, i did overlooking our window where i sit with my computer all day. I roooted for her, 'yeah, sistah, BIG AMEN to that!' How very nice to see someone singing her heart out to God! Lesson learned: BE BOLD & BE BLESSED!

Jesus Loves the Little Children

I've been drafting for a while but just could'nt convince myself that they're worth posting already. I was putting my thoughts together about my blog network composed of 28 + and then would shift into something else. Well, right now, I am sure what i wana say and post. My mind which is still working into the wee hours of a moonless night (esp when I still need to wash my baby's bottles lol), I am ecstatic to tell you all that JESUS LOVES THE LITTLE CHILDREN!!!! YAY! Thank God, am I not on the roll now? Check the lyrics below and enjoy. I've also included a url where you could listen to the music. Be inspired, guys, and let us sure share the love!!!

Turn up the volume for some sweet comfort and beautiful promise:
http://www.kididdles.com/lyrics/j007.html


Ref: Jesus loves the little children
All the children of the world
Black and yellow, red and white
They're all precious in His sight
Jesus loves the little children of the world

Whether you're rich or whether you're poor
It matters not to Him
He remembers where you're going
Not where you've been

Ref:

If your heart is troubled
Don't worry, don't you fret
He knows that you have heard His call
And he won't forget

Ref:

All around the world tonight
His children rest assured
That He will watch and He will keep us
Safe and secure

Jesus loves the little children
All the children of the world
Black and yellow, red and white
They're all precious in His sight
Jesus loves the little children of the world