RISKY PLUNGE WITH JESUS

"Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I end? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!"" - Isaiah 6:8 NIV

With a lot of midnight-online-prayer-meetings, meaningful chats and because of the desire to put into practice what we have experienced and believed, my brother Gio thought of doing “#RiskyPlungewithJesus” in one of the days during the annual GCI Worship Festival here in Baguio, since he was assigned to lead worship in one of the daily worship services. Actually with just the idea of being together as a group in a couple of days excites us, but it gave us an extra measure of excitement and expectancy with this activity.

So, what is “#RiskyPlungewithJesus” all about? It’s simply taking the risk in being sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit and hearing whatever He wants us to do in a particular time given. (Of course this is our desire as christians, to really have that 24/7 awareness and heightened sense of His presence - IT IS AN ON GOING GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT!).

Few days before the festival, personally, I felt quite nervous and anxious as to what, where and how will we do this. I am that person who plans ahead and want things really arranged...but I think this is one of the things that God has taught me, to live in the present moment and just be attuned to what the Holy Spirit would want to do at the moment, not planning ahead or even going beyond and “pinangungunahan si God”. Don’t get me wrong on planning ahead, what I was trying to say is that, there are times when all you can need to do is be in the flow of the Holy Spirit and TOTALLY DEPEND ON HIM.

Gio and I was into this and scheduled it on the Thursday (Oct. 12,2018) of the festival. But to our surprise, ATE JAMIE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO JOIN US since she will still be coming up to Baguio by Friday evening (Huhu). There is no way of rescheduling this anymore since the Worship Festival is jam packed with activites. So, we still pushed for the Thursday afternoon schedule after the worship service led by Gio himself and the GCI Pampanga worship team.

Allow us to share with you about our #RiskyPlungewithJesus experience:

GIO: It started off, waiting for Kuya Jep, as I was going to our meet-up place, A young lady in her 20's came up to me and presenting their foundation, “Operation Smile” as they call it is for the kids that has cleft lip or cleft palate. As she was about to finish, she asked if we could donate money in the price ranges that they are giving, so at first I thought it was way to high, ranging from 300 to 5000 peso, I was hesitant at first, but its okay to donate any price amount anyway. Kuya Jep wasn't with me yet, and somehow the #RiskyPlungewithJesus didn't formally start, but I was already talking to God and asking "what do I do, do I pray for her give her money", I just told the young lady that I'm just going to go back. 

JEP: The back story was, after the worship service in the morning (which was led by Gio). I decided to go home and take some nap and take this time to just soak in prayer for whatever God would want us to partner with Him today in our #RiskyPlungewithJesus activity. I feel like, I was in semi-conscious sleep mode, when this image of this woman I always see in the Baguio Cathedral grounds selling Sampaguita for altar offering. Hmmm...So, should we go and minister to this woman? I asked the Lord.

Honestly, I had these feelings of anxiousness and nervousness to where, who, what and how we’ll do this. But at the same time I have this excitement and expectancy of intentionally practicing how to listen to the Holy Spirit. Whoohoo! I got a text from Gio at about 2PM, We agreed to meet at Starbucks TechnoHub, Camp John Hay. The funny thing was, I was about to ride a jeep when I realized that I left my wallet at home (Hahahaha! Muntik na kaming mag total risk taking without money at all) So, I rushed back home and get my wallet - BUT HEY, ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD RIGHT (Romans 8:28)? I may not know the reason why I needed to go back home and not take the jeepney. So, I was waiting for a jeep for almost 15 minutes!!! I hate waiting and my patience was tested (whew! Even before the #RiskyPlungewithJesus started, the Lord has been dealing with me already)

GIO: When Kuya Jep and I met, I talked to him about it, and had other convos. We started off with a prayer, and off we went to the operation, but we noticed that it wasn't the young lady's shift anymore, it was two other ladies in their late 20's. We were just waiting until they finished presenting to other people who were there, as soon as they finished we went to the small area where they were presenting, and they presented it to us, the same presentation, and we started to respond and inquire about the operation. We bought and offered 300 pesos for donation, and in return we received gift cards from them. And we told them that we were from church and attending a conference/festival, and was just drawn to pray for them. We asked if we can pray for them and they allowed us, We just prayed for their operation, that its going to go well, praying for them personally. Kuya Jep has an impression about financial struggle in the family and that’s one of the reasons they’re in the Operation Smile, One of the ladies affirmed that she had that struggle in the family, so we continued praying for them. We then said our goodbyes and encouraged them.

JEP: After our time to just soak in prayer at Starbucks (where we met friendly baristas one of which was Sarah), I asked Gio, if he could take the lead and be the “team leader” for this risk taking activity. He was hesitant at first but, I assured him that he could do it! Hahahaha! Initially, we believed and prayed for at least 3 people to minister to but...(God has other plans! Haha)

Our first #RiskyPlungewithJesus (ministry time) with the staff of Operational Smile was a good start with all the conversations and literally seeing SMILES from the staff after the prayer. Praise God!

Gio and I had a short discussion/processing about our first risk taking and realized that it is really important to think of a very natural way of starting a conversation with them, What we did was we used this phrase that we saw in their poster - “Healing Every Child at a Time” and start from there connecting that we also have the same desire, specifically seeing children (people) healed by Jesus.

GIO: We continued just walking from Camp John Hay and we even came across some friends and fellowshipped a little. We continued walking there and conversed if that were part of the #RiskyPlungewithJesus, being led to just pray for them. But it was okay. We arrived at our next place the stairs going up to the Cathedral. We came across a blind man, sitting beside the handlebars of the stairs, asking for money. We started of in giving him money and asked him if we can pray for him. Kuya Jep as my communicator, mostly talked to him, because I couldn't understand or speak Ilokano. So we prayed for him, prayers of love, prosperity even as his soul prospers and even prayed for healing, specifically for his eyes to be healed. So far, so good. We're now getting fired up, praying for people, just sharing the love of God. 

As we were going up the stairs, we came across blind men, we were waiting if we were being led to pray for them. But we've seen one of them was pretending, so we just continued to walk. But we mere observed them while walking up the stairs, and we saw a woman in her 40's giving food to these blind men who were begging. We were drawn to pray for this woman. We started introducing ourselves and told her that its really amazing to see what she is doing. The lady told her story behind. She actually owns a karenderya and if there is left over food she would give it to beggars and people who are in need of food. We prayed for her…blessing, love, prosperity and provision, I asked her name in the middle of the prayer, and she started talking about her kids that she wants also to be prayed over. She said that her kids are far from the Lord, and told us to pray for her kids, to come back to the Lord. So we continued to pray for her. After our prayer, we just smiled at her, and blessed her. Amazing encounter! We were blessed as well to meet such a person with a good heart.

JEP: While we were walking, we eventually decided to take the jeep going to town, I intentionally consulted Gio (since he is my team leader) where to drop off, to this place or at the other side. I think when we do this, we get to really develop listening to the Holy Spirit that is living inside of us - in our feeling and insights even in the simplest kind of decisions in life.

This #RiskyPlungewithJesus walk at the Baguio Cathedral stairs was my highlight from the whole ministry time. I thought we were just to minister to people who are needy but I was surprised that God led us to people who are doing acts of service to other people as well. We may not have ministered to the group of blind people there but we were able to meet, thank, appreciate and honor this woman for her generosity for other people. Gio prayed for her and after our prayer I asked this woman if she felt something while I was laying my hands on her back. She affirmed and said she felt heat. I asked further if she’s experiencing back pains, she said “yes” I told her that this is an act of God’s love for her and God healing her back pains.

GIO: We continued walking up until we arrived at the top, where the Cathedral is. Kuya Jep mentioned about a woman who was selling Sampaguita flowers, we went to the place where she was, and yes she was there. We still didn't approached her, I asked discernment from God, if He is leading us to pray for her. Kuya Jep was waiting for me, and somehow because of feelings of nervousness, I said no. But Kuya Jep urgently told me to go with him to pray for the woman, in her 50's. And we first introduced ourselves and told her that we were drawn to pray for her. First we gave her money and instead of giving us Sampaguita, she can place it at the altar instead as a prayer. So we prayed for her, and Kuya Jep had an impression about her husband. We asked if how was she with her husband. She said "never mind", but every now and then she never failed to show her smile. So Kuya Jep kept on telling her that God loves her husband even though he has addictions like drinking. She kept on saying “never mind”. But it was okay, we continued to pray for her. After that, we just smiled at each other, and said our thank you's.

JEP: I felt Gio’s hesitance on this risk taking with the Sampaguita vendor, but I think since she was in my mind earlier that afternoon, we pursued tita anyways. After we prayed for her, we were surprised that after a few minutes, she was waving her hand to us and said that she’s going home early today. Wow!

GIO: We were walking around the place, and had an impression to pray for people struggling with “loneliness”. Just by imagining it, I was thinking of people who are alone and all by themselves. So we kept on walking, and Kuya Jep mentioned that it impressed him that we're just pray for young people. I've thought that places like 7/11 would be a good place for young people to be. We went to the first 7/11 store near us, but it was crowded, and seemed to have no traces of young people we are looking for. We kept on walking and passed by a famous bar in Session Road. Kuya Jep and I took the time to pray for the place, for breakthrough to happen and addictions to be broken. Amen!

We continued to walk and saw another 7/11 store and we walked in. We saw two young girls buying ice cream. What went on in my mind was that they are not lonely. I had confusion and feelings of nervousness whether to pray for them, because there are people around. But Kuya Jep told me to pay for their ice cream. And at first I was quite hesitant because of feelings of fear and if the impression that we received was right. As they were preparing to pay their ice cream, Kuya Jep just said that we're gonna pay for their ice cream. At that moment it felt awkward. The girls were staring at us in an awkward and shy way, and the cashier didn't fail to feel the same. Kuya Jep lacking 20 pesos, asked me if I have money, so I gave a 20 pesos in an awkward way. As soon we were done buying their ice cream, we loosened up a little bit and invited them outside. We started introducing ourselves and told them we were drawn to pray for young people who struggle with loneliness. So we asked them if they are struggling, both of them said "hindi naman" (“not really”). Kuya Jep asked again if there are times that they undergo with loneliness. One of them affirmed that she was struggling with loneliness. So we just thanked God and started to prayed for them. After the prayer, we said our thank you's and told them to enjoy their ice cream. 

JEP: God used the ice cream for us to bless and connect with them! I cannot forget their facial expressions as they heard that we’re paying for their ice creams (actually even the cashier was shocked)! And yes, the Holy Spirit’s prompting to Gio on “loneliness” and mine on “young people” was accomplished all at the same time.

GIO: We decided to proceed to Burnham park. Not really far from where we are about 1 kilometer or so. We were just processing what happened how amazing God is and how He sets up divine appointments and how good He is. It’s really amazing. We reached Burnham Park, and decided to take a 1 round walk, and came across a friend from church that is from another place with a friend from Baguio. We had fellowship, shared our laughter in our conversations. We told them what we were doing, and thought about praying for them too. We knew this friend as close that she would tell us her struggles and even issues, so we prayed for that, we also prayed for her friend, who later on Kuya Jep had a word about her family and asked if there is something about her family, she continued telling us that her mom was really stressing out in work because of might shifts.At times even experience nervous breakdowns because of tiredness and stress. She also told us about her lolos who are not really that connected. We then prayed then for her mom and the rest of her family. After that we were just so glad, and same with them. They were just in joy when they received prayer. While Kuya Jep is getting his phone for a selfie, a kid beggar came and they were moved to also give money. We were so happy with that, Amazing God. 

JEP: I was surprised that at that time we were able to meet with Jade because I was still about to meet her the following day to get the painting I let her do for me. But God’s timing is always perfect, so instead, I was able to meet her there at Burnham park and received the art work that day. Not only did we have the chance to have conversations with Jade but, we also had the opportunity to meet Jade’s friend who used to study here in Baguio City. These are really divine appointments!!!

GIO: We went walking around the park to find a place where we can pray. And while walking, we came across friends from church and had a little fellowship, and there was also a blessing in that encounter too. So we've founded a place, and prayed for the city. As believers to be more on fire, to be convicted, and be more in love and to be loved by Jesus. And we closed with that.

JEP: We just had a very short time to do this #RiskyPlungewithJesus activity but I believe, it is just that more of less 3 hours that God has enabled us to accomplish that day. We exceeded our initial prayer for at least 3 persons to minister to. We had opportunity to pray, encourage and have fellowship with 13 individuals.

REFLECTION:

At the end of the day, Gio and I concluded that THE LORD IS CONTINUOUSLY SPEAKING TO HIS PEOPLE AND WE CAN ACTUALLY HEAR HIS VOICE AND PUT EVERYTHING INTO PRACTICE WHEN WE TAKE RISK IN OBEYING WHAT HE HAS ASKED US TO DO.

“My sheep recognize my voice. I know them, and they follow me…” - John 10:27 MSG

GIO: I have realized that if you are just willing to be used, to be a vessel for loving people, praying for people, God without hesitation will surely increase the grace to pray for people especially those we don't know. Without a doubt God will be present in a powerful way. And nothing is more fulfilling than doing Gods work with group of friends who wants to do God’s will together and treat it as bonding time. And personally, it has been a big blessing for me. It will always go back to the truth of who God is, once that is real in your life, that overflows and expresses itself in different ways to help people who are in need of it.

JEP: My faith increased with this #RiskyPlungewithJesus activity. Now, everyday is actually an opportunity to take the risk in hearing and obeying God’s voice whether it is at home, in school, whenever and whoever it may be. May we always be at tuned and open to His Presence and promptings in our day-to-day, 24/7 lives. Would you accept the challenge of taking the #RiskyPlungewithJesus ?

Thank you Gio for the experience of doing this #RiskyPlungewithJesus last October 11, 2018. You might have chosen to do other activities that day but still you took the risk to be my team leader and you did a great job hearing from God and leading this one of a kind experience! I can’t wait for the next ministry opportunities with you in and out of the country. WHOOHOO!

To our God - Father, Jesus and Holy Spirit be all the glory, honor, power, blessing and praise for this #RiskyPlungewithJesus experience!

Participating in the life and ministry of the Triune God,

 Jep Parcasio & Gio Lizares

SHINE LIKE STARS

3 weeks from now, another school year is about to start...but before that, Allow me as I look back and celebrate God's grace in the recently concluded school year.... my first year of teaching!

I will never forget this same day last year when I was busy doing my curriculum, decorating my classroom and at the same time managing my nervousness as I hold my first advisory class. I tell you, I had a lot of sleepless nights and the feeling of "minor-heart-attacks" every now and then! Wew!!

One of the things that I thank God for is the school where He brought me - UCCP-Baguio Educational Center, Inc., it is one of the first christian schools here in Baguio City (actually on its 81st year). You know what's amazing? It was not hard for me to adjust in my workplace especially with my co-teachers and school staff because they were all welcoming and I immediately felt God's love in them. Even in the first few days, each moment were full of fun and good working relationship - sobrang chillax lang!

As the start of class drew nearer, the nervousness started to lessen and my excitement increased! (or the other way around? HEHE.) My first encounter with the parents was during the Parent's Orientation. *butterflies just kept on flying inside my stomach and it* HAHA. Thank God, they were all supportive and I can really sense their excitement as their children enter school for the very first time. I ended the orientation/meeting with a prayer and group-fie!!

Monday came (first day of class), parents accompanied their children to school. Well, I already expected the *sepanx* (separation anxiety) moments for some of the children (IT IS NORMAL!). There is a two-week rule in our school of allowing the parents inside the classroom for the children's conditioning purposes. I was surprised (and became conscious) that the parents brought out their phones and took photos and videos of our class the whole time! HEHEHE. Well, they asked my permission and I allowed them (I know their feeling of excitement). I tried my very best to memorize the name of my pupils so that at least can a sense of belongingness in our class - guess what?! I memorized it perfectly.

The first few months were really challenging...still because of "sepanx", that was not the real issue for me, but it was...the day when one of my pupils *pooped* in his pants!!! So...I took the challenge! I cleaned and changed his clothes my self! SUCH ACCOMPLISHMENT!

Let my share my teaching philosophy and strategy - "Experiential Learning". As much as possible, I provide opportunities for my pupils to learn through "hands-on" activities and "tangible" objects - for the development of their sensorimotor skills. For example, our lesson was about the fruits, instead of just printing pictures of fruit and showing it to class, I bring REAL FRUITS and let them - see, touch, smell, hear and even taste it themselves. In this way, I believe that the learning experience of my pupils are more meaningful and relevant. 

Aside from regular classes inside and outside (eg. outside play) of our classroom, our school also organize school-wide activities and celebrations like earthquake drills, "Buwan ng Wika", "Pet and Environment Day" and other celebrations. Let me share to you one of the memorable programs that we organized, it was during the culminating program of our Bible Emphasis Month, we let our  pupils (including the parents) to wear costumes as part of the program, it added the mood of experiencing the bible come to life. These programs are opportunities for the pupils to learn in various ways and not just inside the four walls of the classroom. We encourage our parents to join us in these programs/activities.

A christian school will not be a "christian" without the integration of God's word in our school's curriculum and practice (we let our pupils memorize at least one memory verse a week); preaching of the Gospel through our weekly assembly, chapel times and general chapel services; and introducing spiritual disciplines (prayer, fellowship, reading the bible, worship and witnessing) to the children. UCCP - BEC is known as "Your Learning Center for Christian Education". As Proverbs 22:6 says "Train up a child in the way he should go, so when he is old, he will not depart from it." This will always be my goal as a teacher.

The theme of our school for the SY: 2016-2017 was taken from Philippines 2:15:

"...shine like stars in the universe."

This is also my prayer and declaration for all of my (princes & princesses) pupils in the Nursery/Pre-Kinder KINGDOM BUILDERS CLASS:

-Neriah

-Yoel

-Joanna

-Aldrin

-Billy

-Juriel

-Adrian

-Tushar

-Dreem

-Braiden

-Jaeden

-Cyryl

-Travis

-Mabel

-Christamie

-Ali

-Darius

-Trisha

-Cedric

-Seong Min

-Ashriel

-Khiron

-Nica

-Cazareine

I am forever grateful to God for allowing me to be part of your foundational years.

#KINDERbyTeacherJustine

2016: YEAR IN REVIEW

After hours…days and months of being “busy” and not able to blog, hey I’m back!! 

Since it’s Christmas break, I took time to open my almost-tornout-2016-small-black-Starbucks-planner and browse through the pages. For 5 years now, I practiced the discipline of journaling - with the mixed use of words, doodles, partial song lyrics, and sketches. My planner has been a place where my prayers are “spoken” - there are times when it is very hard to focus and verbalize my prayers. I find “journalling” very helpful! I can write my prayers to God in a form of "letter-writing", in this way, I can easily organize my prayer points, my answered prayers and my highlights of my day.

Let me share with you my #HighlightsoftheMonth:

• JANUARY

• I identified my “LifeGoals for 2016”. Guess what? 1 out of 12 was not accomplished! (secret) haha!! But one of my accomplished goal was being employed! tadaaaah! I am now a kindergarten teacher at UCCP - Baguio Educational Center Inc.

• FEBRUARY 

• The GCI Baguio Youth conducted the “PITSTOP: Journey to the Cross” (a.k.a. Stations of the Cross) in commemoration of the Passion Week/Holy Week.

• Attended the “Jesus Festival”. I received an impartation (laying of hands) and experienced the Holy Spirit in a new/different way!

• MARCH

• Had an opportunity to share the gospel to 4 classes of Ma'am Flor at BSU. Praise God!

• Accomplished the level 2 class of Transforming Prayer with Dr. Rey Taniajura.

• Went to MLQES for my demo teaching and interview! - had a chance to pray for the teachers/supervising instructors who interviewed me! whoa.

• Bea’s 18th Birthday.

• APRIL

• Attended the #UsapangWorship conference with Ptrs. Rommel & Susan Guevara.

• OIC Trainings with Dr. Larry Hinkle. (I can’t believe that I was able to go to Tagaytay 2 times this month again!)

• Visited the “Most Beautiful Starbucks in the Philippines” at Batangas with my aunt Auey. Yey!

• MAY

• Mama and papa surprised Jana and I with an Iphone 5s.

• I wasn’t able to make it in the ranking of Deped with the total score of 68.38. 

• 1st fun run of the year with Jana and Bea. It was a colorful run!

• Received a phone call from UCCP - Baguio Educational Center Inc. that I was taken as their teacher and should report to their school the following week.

• JUNE

• Our Church’s 42nd Anniversary celebration at Palm Groove Resort. My nephew Edrem and ading Ardel were baptized. Hallelujah!!

• My first month of work - the school gave me 4 children (Paul,Dave,Aljur and Carl) for their summer tutorials in phonetics.

• Received my 1st ever pay!! Whoot!

• JULY

• Honestly, wasn’t able to journal this month! 

• Jana’s pre-debut shoot with tito Rex and tita Sheila.

• One of the most challenging times this year. My mama got Dengue. - A time to see how faithful God is and stand on His promises. We also experienced God’s love thru our family and friends who prayed with us, visited and helped us.

• Jana’s 18th Birthday celebration at Forest House Bistro.

• AUGUST

• Decorated my “Kingdom” - themed classroom for my Nursery/Prekinder Class.

• Met and gave an orientation to the parents of my kinder class *butterflies* just kept flying on my belly the whole day! whew!

• Wonderful time of fellowship,learning and sharing of insights during the Northern Luzon Pastors’ Conference.

• My papa delivered his sermon at church with the title “FAITH”. Praise God for using you as His mouthpiece papa! You ministered to me.

• I was not feeling well but by God’s grace I was able to do prayer & counseling in Baguio Day’s Medical and Dental Mission.

• ***MANY BLANK PAGES***

• SEPTEMBER

• I preached my first-ever sermon in our local church on “Christians Be Like…”

• Had our “fishball-tuhog-your-own” youth fellowship.

• I was spiritually refreshed with our church annual Worship Festival with the theme - “Spread His Love,Share Your Life”. Ptr. Anthony and wife Elizabeth Mullins being our guest speakers. 

• OCTOBER

• Such a blessing to be given the chance to have a leave from school and attend the “Journey With The Master” Retreat facilitated by Ptr. Anthony Mullins. It was attended by difference youth leaders from GCI Phillipines.

• Uncle Ben went to be with the Lord. (2nd death in our family this year)

• NOVEMBER

• The start of our family’s christmas traditions:

• Set-up our christmas tree and Nativity set.

• attended the annual Starbucks Christmas Party.

• Went shopping at Brent School’s Christmas bazaar.

• Attended “Jesus-Reigns” Benguet for the prayer rally.

• Spent my 13th month pay! hahaha.

• Co-facilitated the Bible Emphasis Month Celebration here in school.

• DECEMBER

• Decorated our first-ever Christmas tree at home. Thanks mama and papa!

• My 22nd Birthday celebration at home with a sumptuous lunch by my aunt Auey. I invited family and friends here at home.

• more Christmas bazaars!!

• We had our Christmas service a day earlier since service at church was cancelled.

• Travelled to Victoria,Tarlac for the Christmas eve dinner and party! It was fun! Uncle-Santa-Willie organized a unique “exchage gift giving” game!

• Decided to go swimmin’ at San Fabian with Team Baguio on the 26th.

• Took down our Christmas decors on the 27th…yeah, that soon!

• Fixed and cleaned my chaotic room!

• Accomplished my activity plan for January! whoot!!

• Year-end getaway with fambam to Bolinao, Pangasinan.

Thank you God for a one-of-a-kind trip around the sun. Goodbye 2016!

This new year, our family had a “prophetic” theme/declaration for 2017 - “YEAR OF GREAT JOY!”. This is taken from Luke 2:10:

But the angel said to them,

“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all people.”

We believe that Jesus is the “Great Joy” and will continue to reveal Himself as the “Great Joy” in our everything - family, finances, health, plans, work, ministry, etc. especially this year of 2017. May Jesus’ presence and Him being the center of our lives bring an overflow of the true and everlasting “Great Joy” to everyone.

Spread the joy, joy, joy, joy, great joy in the name of the Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit!

*Three-fold Amen!*

MACOPA TREE

For the past two weeks, I had the opportunity to attend the intensive trainings of Dr. Larry Hinkle, the Director of Odyssey In Christ Inc. (OIC). I am part of the core group team of OIC Philippines. It was held in the Christian Development Centre, Tagaytay City - I now call this place as one of my personal sanctuaries. In fairness, I’ve been going back and forth to CDC for about 5 times already? This is a special place for me because it is where God met me through a retreat called the “Experiencing The Trinity”. I can sense my personal “burning bush” there at CDC.

The trainings I attended are on the specialized retreats that we, as the core team can do/share for the Body of Christ in the future. Aside from our training lectures, I enjoyed the memorable fellowship times during meals, room chats and even the unplanned coffee date at Starbucks Tagaytay. But more than all of these, I, along with the team, experienced God in a lot of ways especially in the practice of the Spiritual Disciplines/Spiritual Formation/Rhythms of Life which is actually the heart of OIC ministry. Our Triune God continues to minister to us uniquely as a group and individually. I received fresh revelations from Him during times of Solitude and Silence, Lectio Divina, Body Prayer, Centering Prayer, Breath Prayer and in the worship singing.

There was this specific Spiritual Discipline that stands out for me during the training. This was when Dr. Larry asked us to go for a 30-minute prayer walk outside the CDC to enjoy the creation/environment that God has created and pay attention to God’s voice/inspiration/word/prompting during the walk.

What caught my attention was this Macopa tree bearing so much fruit, to the point that some of the branches cannot hold its fruits. Some of the fruits even fell to the ground. This tree stood in the frontage of a house, I think no one resides in it. The fruits were “very pleasing to the eyes” (hehe)! I wasn’t able to control myself and took a piece and eat it! It was juicy and sweet. (well, I whispered “Thanks” to the owner).

I paused…in silence just to “hear” what God’s impressions for me at that moment. The verse in John 15:5,8 (Jesus speaking):

5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.”

In reflection, I used the “Notice, Acquire and Wonder” as my prayer guide. Here is what I got from the Lord:

NOTICE: (He led me to see and “notice” this Macopa tree bearing so much fruit.)

Just like this Macopa tree, that bears so much fruit, we, as Christians are also called to bear much fruit that causes us to be “noticed” by others.

ATTEND: (I went near the tree and even ate.)

As the Lord brings people in our lives, whether in our family, at church, school office or wherever we go, we are to share these “fruits” in them. The fruits that we bear may be symbolized by the gifting,talents,skills and talents that God has given us. It is be used, shared and “eaten”.

WONDER: (I tasted the Macopa fruit and it was sweet and juicy.)

We are to appreciate and enjoy the wonderful gifts that God blessed us with, as we continue to bear so much fruit. Let us all use our “fruits” for the advancement of His Kingdom and that they may see that we are His disciples.

Yes and Amen!

WAITING TIME

It’s been three months now since I’m in the attitude of "waiting", waiting for God’s "go" signal for a lot things…Those people close to me, have known me to be a person who worries a lot, lacks patience and hates waiting. I am amenable of that - that’s my weakness. It is my daily prayer is that God will meet me in this "weakness" for His grace to increase in me...Yes Lord!

In one of my times of reflection after I did my daily routine of feeding our dogs, I just got this impression of writing a blog on "waiting" and even discovering on what His Word teaches about this hard subject. So, this blog you're reading right now is in response to that still-small-voice. But to tell you, it took me three days after that impression before I started writing this blog. Hmmm...sometimes I realize that I let God "wait" on me also! HAHA! nahhh. joking.

In searching for a key verse for this blog, I came across Psalm 27:14 (emphasis mine) that says:  

"Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD." 

Such emphasis on the phrase "wait for the LORD" that it was mentioned twice in this verse.

Just a little bit of the context of Psalm 27, This psalm is written by King David in his deliverance he had from the sword of the giant, when Abishai succoured him. (2 Samuel 21:16-17). I will not get into the details of this particular Psalm/song. But basically this is a song of deliverance written and sang by King David. I can just imagine his feelings in praying this song on the context of war...those times when the reality of facing your opponents who tend to have better armors, thousands of men in the battalion, and as King David defeated a "giant". In life, we face our different "realities", it can symbolize our doubts, fears and impatience that hinder us from "waiting for the LORD".

One of the things that make "waiting for the LORD" so hard and stressful is that we sometimes want our own timeline...we dictate, we impose, we want things and circumstances to come right away in front of us instead on really waiting for the LORD in full trust and surrender. It is not easy...

I do believe that in my journey of "waiting for the LORD" especially during this chapter of my life...looking for a job, a teaching job. I never imagined how hard it is to look for a job!!! Feelings of pressure that my colleagues are already employed and are earning. When this random thoughts come into my mind...I slowly let God's presence minister to me and let Him remind me of those times when I worry a lot and grow impatient but then in the end...I realized that He did not allow and give things right away for a lot of purposes - those purposes that I did not see during those times of worrying. Ohhhhh...those times!!

Believe it or not, I encounter a lot of "testings" of waiting and exercising my patience E V E R Y D A Y, may it be in waiting for a cab, in the resto waiting for your meal to arrive...and many more! So. help. me. God.

No matter how shot or long the waiting time that God is giving us...let us always ask the Holy Spirit to teach us to wait in trust and surrender. I want to end this blog with the Amplified Bible version of Psalm 27:14:

"Wait and hope for and expect the Lord; be brave and of good courage and let your heart be stout and enduring. Yes, wait for and hope for and expect the Lord."

Let's praise God while we're waiting!

MIYERKULES TI KURKUROS

I decided to wake up early today and attend a mass at Baguio Cathedral. As most of us, especially Roman Catholics know that today marks the start of Lenten Season - 40 days and 6 Sundays leading to Easter (Resurrection) Sunday. One of the indicators that it is Lent is when you see people having ash marks of cross in their foreheads. 

By the way, I am not a Roman Catholic but as I realize the beauty of some (though I don't agree in everything they do) of the "symbolisms" that they use and practice, I start to appreciate them especially that one of my spiritual temperament is "traditionalist" this classification is for people who connects to God the most in symbols, liturgy, and sacraments. It is important to acknowledge that not everyone have this particular spiritual temperament (some are contemplative,enthusiast,naturalist,activists,caregiver, ascetic, sensate and intellectual).To discover your spiritual temperament, click this link (http://www.thrivingfamily.com/Features/Magazine/2011/nine-spiritual-temperaments.aspx).

Why use ashes on Ash Wednesday? Ashes is an outward sign/symbolism of our sorrow,human morality and repentance for sins. It is a reminder that "...for dust you are and to dust you will return.” (Genesis 3:9 NIV). These ashes are traditionally from the burned palm leaves from last year's Palm Sunday celebration. Let us remember that this practice is no magical, this is done for the purpose of symbolism.

As the priest placed his thumb to place an ash mark of cross on my forehead, I started to reflect on the  fact that we have a Creator, who created us from dust, breathed in us His Holy Spirit of life, and loved us even to the point that he gave His Son, Jesus for us. In our brokenness, He chose to take our brokenness for us to be made whole. How beautiful reading the writings of Apostle Paul when he said “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us — for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree.’” (Galatians 3:13). 

Today, Ash Wednesday is celebrated in masses and services by churches. Whether it is letting the ministers put ash marks of cross in their foreheads or in other churches, they prefer it in their palms. Still, with or without ash mark of crosses, more than this "physical" symbols, let us see the "spiritual" relevance of this practice.

Lent is all about Jesus who became one of us and include us in His life,death and resurrection. He did all of these because of His unconditional love for all humanity. Hallelujah! 

This Lenten Season, let us take this opportunity to pause, reflect, pray, devote, retreat, rest and fast as we commemorate the beauty of this Life that we have in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

"Miyerkules Ti Kurkuros" - is the Ilocano translation for Ash Wednesday.

RHYTHMS OF GRACE

During this cold, 11 degrees celsius, evening that I decided to rename my blogsite with "Rhythms of Grace". I just got strucked with The Message bible translation of Eugene H. Peterson of Matthew 11:28-30. Oh, I just can hear Jesus words speaking to me...

"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take real rest. Walk with me and work with me - watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly." (The Message - emphasis mine)

How beautiful those words are! Penetrates to the deepest of my spirit...I just need this right now!

May may life continue to make melodies,harmonies,songs, hymns and music of unforced rhythms of grace...as I continue to journey with Abba, Jesus and Holy Spirit. Walking step-by-step. Remaining in His love. Enjoying the Present Moment. Being led. Eyes opened to see more. Lifting my hands to the heavens. Being the hands and feet of Jesus. Doing everything in love...

H E A D - what I am thinking right now.

Job-searching.

H E A R T - what I feel.

I'm feeling' moody.

H A N D S - what I find doing.

Working and doing the things that a teacher does.

Hey! Live the abundant life we have in Jesus!!!