That's What Makes You Beautiful

(A note to the ladies, but men who want to understand femininity better can read too)

Can we really showcase a more meaningful kind of beauty in this era of airbrush make-up and sensual charm? This question came to mind as I've been stumbling upon articles, videos and conversations about what true beauty means. 
One Direction sings, "You don't know you're beautiful. That's what makes you beautiful."

I love this song, but I would disagree with these "crush-able" men for now. I think it's quite the contrary.

When we know our beauty is appreciated and chosen, we feel and look beautiful!

Have you not seen it in the twinkling eyes of ladies in love, in the sweet smiles of princesses being pursued, and the radiant faces of brides walking down the aisle?

These women come in different shapes, shades and sizes. But they all look great! A woman looks her best when she feels most loved.

And I don't mean this in a GGSS-kind-of-knowing-you-are-pretty. That, for me, is insecurity. And insecurity makes one ugly, even if you have the face to win the Miss World crown.

"True feminine beauty is not a complicated formula involving hundreds of rules to remember. It’s not something that requires spending two years at finishing school or being groomed as a beauty pageant queen. It is the natural byproduct of a young woman who has emptied herself, given up her own life, and allowed God’s Spirit complete access to every dimension of her inner and outer life." - Leslie Ludy

Right on, Leslie! When we are sooo consumed with God and His love for us, even our definition of beauty changes.

Sure there will be days when we won't feel beautiful. And we will see women with whom we won't even dare to compare ourselves. But God's love is as intense in "i-feel-so-ugly-and-undesirable days" as it is in "blooming-in-all-angles days!"

The focus of truly beautiful women therefore is not the obsession to be one. Their eyes are fixed on Jesus and their hearts are at rest knowing they are valued. As a result they just shine - effortlessly.

A woman looks her best when she feels most loved. And we are most loved.

And I'm not saying don't exert an effort in prettifying yourself. Love should bring inspiration to dress up, put colors on our faces, stride in style and charm the world!

But all the make-ups Mac, Benefit, Maybelline or Ever Billena can make are just enhancers. Jesus loves you and me. That's what makes us truly beautiful! 

Jesus loves you and me. That's what makes us truly beautiful! 
PS. GGSS, by the way, means "Gandang-Ganda Sa Sarili" 

MOKONG at MOKANG (How Not to Fall in Love When You’re Not Supposed To)

Let me first introduce you to two words and their special use in the context of this article about the complicated world of male-female relationships:

“Mokong”  or short for “Huwag MoKong Paasahin” – we’ll use this to refer to men who are sweet, and at times confusing, in their ways and words with women without making their intentions clear.

“Mokang” or short for “Mokang Asang-Asa” – we’ll use this to refer to women who are hoping, assuming, about to fall, or have already fallen in love (ouchie!) with men who can either be only plain friendly to them or just enjoying their company / friendship.

A "mokong" can be your closest guy-friend and the one you trust the most. Of course, it’s hard to admit he is one especially if you are a “mokang”. In the same way, a “mokang” can be your closest girl-friend and the one you wanna hang out with and talk with most often. Of course, it will be embarrassing to admit she is one, especially if you are a “mokong”. 

I am hoping that my courage and candor in writing this blog entry can help clarify relationships, spare people we care about from further emotional hurt, and keep male-female friendships that are life-enriching and pleasing before God. I don’t say I have mastered the science or the art of NOT being a mokang. It’s an everyday battle I fight together with God. The things I’m sharing here are from my own lessons learned and the questions (face-to-face or phone in) that I struggled to answer to help friends and ladies in my discipleship groups.

Friends-Zone: Enter With Caution

Does this mean a guy and a girl can never be CLOSE friends? Of course not! I definitely would promote male-female friendship – women have a lot to learn from guys and vice versa. I have experienced successful projects I’ve done and being effective in ministry with and around men. I have great guy-friends with whom I can comfortably share my joys and sorrows. And I feel they trust me with theirs, as well. I consider these men (few and chosen) truly gifts from the Lord!

So, it’s perfectly okay to have guy-friends…but I would say with CLARITY and BOUNDARIES.

By CLARITY, I mean to say that it’s clear to both of you that you are not lovers and you are not in a season of courtship. YOU ARE FRIENDS, in the truest sense of the word. Friendship is not a testing-ground on how to be a girlfriend or a wife. So don’t act like you are your guy-friend’s girlfriend or wife (or for the men, your girl-friend’s boyfriend or husband). It is not a period of guessing games as well (he likes me, she likes me not!). I still believe it is the guys’ call to bring a friendship to another level if they feel led by God to do so. Meanwhile, just be a friend. We don’t need a comprehensive list of do’s and don’ts (or we might be too legalistic). In your heart, you’ll certainly know the difference.

Have you heard of the term, “defrauding”? There’s a legal definition that helps me emphasize a point here about clarity:

“Defraud- To make a misrepresentation of an existing material fact, knowing it to be false or making it recklessly without regard to whether it is true or false, intending for someone to rely on the misrepresentation and under circumstances in which such person does rely on it to his or her damage.” 

You see, in every relationship, there are two elements—the actual situation and what it means to those involved. Let me give an illustration: a guy constantly communicates with a girl—this is the actual situation. For the guy, he is being friendly to the girl (representation of the situation from his perspective). To the girl, the guy might just be waiting for the perfect time to declare his feelings for her (representation of the situation from her perspective).

The fact that there are two meanings here already tells us there’s a “misrepresentation”. Defrauding happens when an actual situation is NOT clear to either one of the parties. That’s why it becomes an act of raising expectations one cannot righteously fulfill. And I would say the guy and the girl both have responsibilities in making the friendship clear to themselves. We are responsible for our own thoughts that actually produce our feelings.  

Now, about BOUNDARIES--there’s a thin line between being careful and being “overly-cautious-you’re-already-too-stiff!” when it comes to relating with the opposite sex. There’s also a thin line between being cool about it and making your heart an up-for-grabs prey. Wisdom will tell you to set boundaries, but leave a BIG room for God’s amazing surprises!

For me, there are basic boundaries (but this isn’t a complete list):

-       One-on-one dates are too risky

-       Inappropriate physical touches are dangerous

-       Sweet-talks are misleading

-       Give-your-heart-away-information are improper

-       Exclusivity is not the best way to nourish a friendship with the opposite sex.

So, by all means, enjoy being friends with men and women. But make sure you are clear and guided! 

Please W.A.I.T.

Good things come to those who wait. And waiting is never passive. For the men, yes you take the initiative but you also have your own period of waiting, right? For the women, the waiting period should make us more beautiful each passing day! So, how not to fall in love when you’re not supposed to? My answer is W.A.I.T. 

W.ATCH your thoughts, words and actions – Thoughts produce feelings, so be careful with what you allow your mind to dwell on. Don’t imagine something that’s plain and simple friendship to be a romantic possibility. While friendship is a good foundation for a lifetime partnership, there’s a proper time and process to bring a friendship to that level. And as long as it is not reaching that point, don’t allow your mind to get ahead of what’s actually happening. In the same way, make your words and your actions consistent with the level of your relationship.

A.CCOUNTABILITY is important – Share what’s happening to you and how you are feeling—but only with trusted people who will always point you to God and who care for you enough to speak the truth in love to you. These people will help you remain in the real world and get you out of your fantasy world, if needed.

I.NTERACT with a pure motive and make the most out of your relationships. You don’t interact to flirt with men (or women). You interact to be a blessing to them, to serve and encourage them. Keep your heart towards guys (or ladies) pure and it will surely show in your ways with them.

T.RUST God’s good, pleasing and perfect will. Trust His unfailing love and ever-sufficient grace to carry you through, as well, if ever you’ve already reached that “can’t-help-it-i’ve-fallen-already” stage. If it is God’s will for you to get married, He is most capable to bring the right person to your life.

Having said these, I think it is still best that a romantic relationship is founded on a great friendship. I pray that God will give us the wisdom, discernment and guidance to keep our friendships pure and if led by God, to bring a particular friendship to another level in a way that honors and pleases Him as it inspires other single men and women around! 

God bless our friendships!

HE is!

Calm in my chaos
Reason for my song
Hope amidst the mess
Beauty of my morning
Warmth on a cold, dark night
Happiest in my sweet wins
Strength of my weak heart
Comfort when tears are many
Answer to every question
Lover at my ugliest
Joy despite the troubles
Clarity in the sea of confusions
Security at my lowliest
Sunshine for all seasons
Certainty in my tomorrow
All these and much, much more...

JESUS. It has always been Him. It will always be Him! :)

Pimples at Lovelife :)

(Dahil madaming napasaya ang "Taxi at Lovelife", nainspire akong isulat ito. Sumi-sequel, hehehe! Smile :))

1. May mga pimples na paulit-ulit lang. Nawawala, bumabalik, heto na naman! (It is difficult to let go - especially if it's someone we love. But remember that love is a decision. You can choose to let go and move on. Rely on God's sufficient grace.)

2. Napupuyat ka ba dahil may iniisip ka? Ang puyat ay pwedeng maging sanhi ng pagtubo ng pimple. Gaya din ng labis na pag-iisip sa isang tao. Akala mo in-love ka na talaga. Infatuation lang pala ang tumubo sa isip mo. (Think about what you're thinking about. Thoughts produce feelings. Please read Philippians 4:8. And if you think you're inlove, read 1Corinthians 13:4-7. That'll be a good assessment checklist)

3. Pag piniprick ang pimples, masakit. Pero pag nalinis ito ng maayos, gagaling na at hindi na babalik. (When we choose to surrender to God's will and let go of someone we hold dear, we may experience pain. But as we do it in obedience to God, there's healing and renewed hope for a great future. The best is yet to come!)

4. May mga taong maraming pimples. Meron din namang flawless - wala ni isa nito. (Don't be pressured. If "having a lovelife" isn't your season yet, that's perfectly fine. And if your lovelife is in full bloom, im happy for you! Celebrate your season! Everything is beautiful when the timing is right.)

5. Pag may malaki kang pimple, kahit anong conceal ang gawin mo, mahahalata at mahahalata ito. (When you truly love someone, it shows. Love isn't love when you don't demonstrate it. Love acts. Love gives. Love lets the beloved know s/he is loved.)

"

Calming a Noisy Morning

Waking up early on a Saturday gives you ample space and time to be quiet. No disturbing sound of people rushing - just the sweet music of birds chirping.

But a noisy mind robs us of the gift of enjoying a supposedly serene morning. Sometimes, we wake up hearing the nagging sound of fears and worries, questions without answers, words left unsaid, explanations we didn't have the chance to say, and many more.

These loud, confused, and at times, senseless disturbances also steal from us the opportunity to hear God's still, small voice.

When we seem unable to either bear or fight them, stop struggling. Let God calm you - with His love.

"Your God is present among you, a strong Warrior there to save you. Happy to have you back, HE WILL CALM YOU WITH HIS LOVE and delight you with His songs."
- Zephaniah 3:17, MSG

Having a noisy morning? Lay all that bothers you at God's feet...and let Him just love you. God loves you and me - completely, unchangeably, unconditionally. I pray that we'll let this truth turn every noisy morning into a peaceful and delightful kick-off to a bright day! :)

"

While You Keep Silent

Silence can mean a lot of different things. We keep quiet to think, to rest, to reflect, to give space, to respect another's silence, to allow a healing process to take place, or sometimes to stop trying because there's nothing else we can do. 

For some, it's a safe haven and a welcome season to be refreshed. But for others, silence is uncomfortable. It means wasting time and doing nothing. Being still is simply not their cup of tea nor their personality.

But there are moments when being silent and sitting still mean putting your complete trust in God - for Him to intervene, for Him to come to Your aid - so you can have rest...so you can once again be reminded of Who God is and be amazed at what He can do.

When you feel the need to defend yourself, but simply can't...

When you want so much to be understood, but you aren't listened to...

When trying to fix something could only worsen it...

...that's when you must let God fight for you. He is a sure winner!

"The Lord will fight for you while you keep silent.” Exodus 14:14, NASB

In silence, in quietness, in staying calm...there's strength, peace and victory.

"The Lord Himself will fight for you. Just stay calm." Exodus 14:14, NLT

I say that again - for you and for myself: "Just stay calm." :)

Taxi at Lovelife :)

(Kathang isip lamang. Bunga ng madalas na pagsakay ng taxi)

1. Kapag di ka naghihintay, ang daming dumadating. Kapag naiinip ka na sa pag-iintay, lalong walang dumadating. (Don't be overly consumed with the desire to be in a relationship. Trust God. It will come at the right time.)

2. May mga taxi na kahit may sakay naman, nakailaw pa din na vacant sila. (If you're already committed to someone, know your limits. Be genuinely loving by protecting the men/women around you)

3. May mga taxi na sa tingin mo pa lang, mahina na ang aircon or di maayos sakyan. Wag ng pumilit sumakay. May dadating pang mas maganda, cool enough and may background music pa! (Don't settle for anything less than God's best for you)

4. Pag sumakay ka ng taxi, dapat may pambayad ka. Basic ito :) (Don't rush to be in a relationship. Count the cost and assess yourself if you're ready for it. You will surely be ready - maybe sooner, maybe later.)

5. Bago ka sumakay ng taxi, alam mo na saan ka bababa. (Know why you want to start "something" in the first place. Love always seeks what's best for the beloved)

12 DAYS in 2012

Meaningful days make a year special! Here are my 2012’s Top 12 Days and the priceless lessons I got:

January 16

God’s gift has His goodness stamped all over it!

(Started in the job I’ve long been waiting and praying for.)

February 1

Speak the truth and forgive…in love.

(Had a conversation that taught me a lot about myself, what love means, and how truth sets people free.)

March 3

When it is God’s will, even the impossible things just happen.

(Went on a work-related trip with a miraculously-healed eardrum!)

April 20

Provider, Healer, Comforter – God is all these and more!

(My brother was out of the hospital – healed from an almost fatal stab wound near his lungs.)

May 28

Trust the One who loves us the most and knows us the best.

(I had some questions answered that eventually gave me peace of mind and heart.)

June 13

God meets people where they are at.

(Heard touching stories of how Jesus revealed Himself to people who used to be clueless about who He is.)

July 13

Love is always stronger than fear.

(The sight of a beautiful rainbow made me endure a scarily turbulent flight from Hongkong to Manila)

August 6

A seemingly bad experience can actually be the start of something awesome.

(The monsoon rains got me stranded at my friends’ house. I went home with a new “sister and brother” I intend to keep for life.)

September 2

Find a job you love and your years will be fruitful and happy.

(Celebrated my 10^th year with World Vision)

October 11

It’s never too late to make a dream come true!

(Had my 31^st birthday at Jollibee!)

November 9

God has awesome ways of giving back to us what we learn to completely let go.

(Witnessed the most beautiful sunset amidst the rain after sadly thinking the sun has already set.)

December 25

A gift isn’t a gift when it costs us nothing.

(Gave the celebrant a costly gift that’s actually the best gift for myself, too.)

And I am so grateful to the people God has used to either teach me or learn these lessons with me. I may not be able to mention you here one by one, but as you read, you will surely know where you played an important part. THANK YOU SO MUCH  Praying for a more fruitful, grander, totally amazing 2013 for you  happy new season!!

YOU, not me. YOURS, not mine.

I have always wanted to write about “worship”. But each time I would try to start, I find it too-complicatedly-wonderful-a-topic that I would end up just writing about something else. I think it’s because I see myself as a lifelong student in this area and I still have so much to learn. So everything in here will just be a glimpse of what “worship” is.

WORSHIP.

It’s definitely more than singing songs beautifully. If it is, then my worship would frequently be out of tune. I love to sing but I don’t have a great singing voice (it will get better in time, I know, hehehe!).

It’s far beyond just uttering (or writing) dramatic words of adoration, honor and love for God. Anyone can say or craft heart-piercing statements or songs, but still be far from God.

In worship services, we raise our hands, bow our heads, cry our hearts out, or even kneel down at times. These feel great! But there’s certainly more to worship than those.

The melody, the words, the tears and the worshipful gestures can be great expressions of worship but they’re just like the tip of the iceberg. The unseen, a lot more difficult part is what it really is: self-denial, obedience, and the resolve to yield to God’s will and ways no matter the cost.

Worship says,

“YOU, not me.”

“YOURS, not mine.”

“YOU lead, I’ll follow.”

 “Do YOUR will, have YOUR way – wherever it brings me, whatever it takes, right now!”

We worship when our actions say, “It’s all about You, God, never about me. So even it will make me unpopular or will go contrary to what people expect of me, as long as it will please and honor You, I will do it.”

We worship when we choose His will over our own – even at the expense of our own desires, convenience, questions and conditions. That could mean giving up something (or someone) you hold so dear, being in a place you’re afraid to go to, humbly initiating the talk with a person you’ve been avoiding for so long, doing that thing that doesn’t just make sense, forgiving even if it feels more right to do otherwise, and the list goes on.

We worship when our lives showcase the astounding beauty and love of God – in the words we say, in the things we do, in the decisions we make, in the work of our hands, in the way we treat others.

True worship is difficult. And here’s my main point: We can only worship by the grace of God! We are only able to do it as God reveals who He is to us. It is God-initiated, God-sustained, and God-directed.

Worship is both a motivation and an expression (to obey, yield, step out, and trust). But for always, it’s all about Jesus – His beauty, His unfathomable goodness, His awesome power, His unfailing love, His unending kindness, His sovereign grace, all that He is and He will be to us. It is never about us and what we can do for God. We are able to worship because of who Jesus is. We are therefore given the grace, wisdom, courage, faith, hope and love to do everything that pleases God the most.

Even the melody, the words and the gestures are from and because of Him.

Worship. Only Jesus. Always Jesus.

“Because of Your unfailing love, I can enter your house; I will worship at your Temple with deepest awe.” Psalm 5:7

That Still Small Voice

What my ears hear,  

My heart knows well;

In silence, in calmness,

My soul can tell.

When worries try to steal,

The quiet confidence I feel--

I hear You, gentle yet so real,

In no time, all I am is still.

Darkness may seem to linger,

The path can be scarily bleak;

That voice will show the way,

Serene --never empty, never weak.

Battles tempt me, “Shrink back!”

Tears – yes they’re bound to fall;

I hear You, “The fight is mine--

Fear not, I already won it all!”

Higit pa sa Ulan

Bawat patak, tila nga mga nota,

Unti-unti, bumubuo ng musika;

Gaya ng mga pangarap sa umaga

Hatid nila’y maningning na pag-asa.

Lumalakas, humihina ang hangin,

Takot na dala’y sumisilip, nagpapapansin

Puso’y nagtatanong, may nais alamin

Iyon ba’y ‘di na dapat pang isipin?

Ulan ay tumila, katahimikan ang narinig,

Di maikakailang nagungusap Iyong tinig;

Pinapaalala nito, Ika’y nasa aking panig,

Higit na malakas sa ulan ang Iyong pag-ibig.

When I Grow Up, I Wanna Be Like a Grown-Up :)

Recently, we had a blast celebrating my nephew's first birthday at Jollibee! I enjoyed it a lot (maybe too much!) that I told my family that I would want a Jollibee birthday party for myself this year. I started calculating the cost and working on my guest list (I tell you, it was oh-so-difficult to keep it at 50 - made me feel grateful for my many friends, relatives and loved ones!).

I want a Jollibee birthday party this year to remind me that I am no longer a child but I can always be child-like and young at heart. Age tells me I'm growing old (ouch!) and I hope the experiences that come with the numbers have helped me grow up, too.

These are just some of the things I've learned a grown-up should be like (and sometimes I still see myself reverting back to childhood or my growing up years when I reflect on them):

1. You think less of yourself and what other people say about you. It's what you can still become, the grace to be grateful for who you are, and how you can enrich the lives of those around you that matter more.
2. You learn that love is not a feeling but a decision - a conscious will to be patient, kind, not envious, not proud, not self-seeking, not easily angered, and to forgive when wronged...that as long as you are loving, you will always have hope, you will keep trusting, and you will persevere. That's why, saying "I love You" comes with a great responsibility.
3. You realize what you truly value and align your every move accordingly: the person you'll marry, the friends you'll keep, the direction your career will have, and the way you spend your time. 
4. You gain more courage - not to do all things, but to do the things that are right - with love as the motivation (read number 2 again)
5. You enjoy the present but you live it with the future in mind because every decision and action you make at present contributes to shaping your future. You even go beyond the future for you know in your heart, you're meant to live forever. So you focus more on things that will matter in eternity.
6. You can let go of the past because you believe in the beauty of the future! You develop the ability to accept things even when they don't match your expectations because time and time again, life teaches you that not everything will go your way as you imagine it. But our confident assurance is that, God's will is good, pleasing and perfect! We can always be excited about tomorrow, and the day after tomorrow and all the tomorrows after that!
7. You ask yourself deep questions that enable you to genuinely know what you love doing, what you are designed to pour out your life on...and you feel the desire to pursue it. And pursue it, you will!
8. You are able to see and feel people's heart better. In your relationships, you want to go beyond the superficial - you want to learn what makes them happy, what makes them sad, what cheers them up, what excites them, what keeps them going, who they love and why, and many more about who they genuinely are!
9. You treasure the real riches - time, words, relationships, lessons learned, maturity, and above all, GOD. You know and experience that HE makes life truly life! And when the rubber hits the road, HE shows Himself more than enough! What a sweet way to be swept away! 

My list isn't very exhaustive..I'm still a student in the school of maturity. And most of the time, to grow up entails going through tough experiences. It is when you've been through something that hit you strongly (both happily or painfully) that you grow - maybe a bit..then a little bit more..then a little bit more..till you wake up one morning and you can tell yourself, you've somehow grown up.

Don't just grow old, grow up! 

When I grow up, I wanna be like a grown-up, but definitely someone who still finds partying with Jollibee soooo awesome :)

SELAH (Pause and Calmly Think)

I love Saturdays!

It’s usually one of the highlights of my week. It gives me more time to sleep in, rest, read, reflect, pray, write, or just hang around and wait for what the no-agenda day has in store for me: could be an unplanned date with friends, time to curl up with a book, a lazy day with my computer (facebooking, chatting, blogging), opportunity for baking and cooking experiments and for a bit of cleaning up, or could be a space to just enjoy the warmth and silence of home.

Saturdays mean rest for me.

But this week (while away from home on a work-related travel), I’ve been learning about a different kind of rest. One that does not just happen on a Saturday, but the kind that truly gives you a break any time of day and week!

Have you encountered the word, “selah”?  It’s actually a musical term that signifies a pause or an interlude. I have come across this word several times while reading the book of Psalms. I consulted Google and discovered more about it - Selah is to:

• stop and listen
• weigh and value
• hang
• worship (in Aramaic)
• break
• reflect and understand
• pause and calmly think of that! (as written in the Amplified Bible)

I have a very active mind. My imagination can go really out of control – to my disadvantage sometimes. I worry a lot – most often about things that are not true or never will be true. In a sense, my mind is noisy, thus making my heart restless. But this week, I’ve seen how my heart longs to have the Selah it needs:

To stop and listen. I’m here in busy and noisy Bangkok. But it’s such a sweet surprise to be having a meeting in a guest home that offers quiet rest amidst chirping birds and trees that make a rain-like sound. It’s so easy to ignore this nature-produced music, in the same way that we could miss God’s still small voice if we are not attentive. To hear Him, we need to quiet our minds and hearts and kill the nagging sound of worries, paranoia, fears, disappointments, and sadness. Then, really listen…and hear. He has so much to say.

To weigh and value. We make plans and life sometimes happens totally different from our hopes and expectations. How do we respond? To rest is to let every circumstance fade in the glowing light of God’s will. We measure our experiences against the weight of the wonderful plans that God has for us. Then, we realize that our momentary troubles mean nothing compared to the surpassing value of having God in our lives. His presence and promises far outweigh anything that this life could throw at us. We fix our eyes on Him. We rest our hearts in His and trust His good, pleasing and perfect will.

To hang and just worship. Have you been in situations that felt like you’re against the wall? You don’t know what to do. No more space for another step – it’s dead end! You’re left hanging. That’s a “selah moment”. While you’re there hanging and helpless, just worship. Think about who God has been, is and will be to you. Let go of the need to move and let God move mightily on your behalf. You’ll realize that being left hanging can be turned into restful waiting for God to intervene and remove you from where you are.

It’s Saturday today. I slept in, read a bit, reflected on my week, prayed, went online, and wrote this. This afternoon, I plan to go out, eat and shop. It will be noisy and crowded outside but I’ll keep my mind and my heart on Selah mode.

Rest happens in the heart in full trust, complete reliance and confident leaning upon the Lord. In our hearts, God is there. Wherever God is, we can find rest.

Selah: pause and calmly think of that!

The LORD replied, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest." – Exodus 33:14

OUCH! (Pruned to Blossom)

Pruning (transitive verb)

• To cut off or remove dead or living parts or branches of a plant, for example, to improve shape or growth.
• To rid, clear of, or remove anything superfluous or undesirable.

Pruning is a gardening process needed for a tree or a plant to grow in health and shape. This is a truth that is at times associated when a person growing in God experiences tests and difficulties.

Of course, plants don’t get hurt (do they?!). But in “real life”, when something is cut off or removed, there is always pain involved. The degree of pain can be proportionate to the extent by which the thing that is being removed has grown on a person.

But why do some things (which, more often, we find desirable, comforting or giving us happiness) need to be taken away from us? Similar to what happens when pruning is done, this process – no matter how painful it seems – causes GROWTH, BEAUTY, and FRUITFULNESS.

Growth. Every gardener knows that for a tree to grow, it will need some (sometimes serious) cutting of branches that are already dead. For our own good, God cuts away parts of our lives that drain us of energy we need to focus on Him and what He wants us to do. Are there things that take most of our time, resources and attention to the point that we already compromise what should belong to God? Surely, these things will soon go through some pruning. But God’s intention is not to hurt us or deprive us in any way. He wants us to grow…and grow we will!

Beauty. For a plant to remain in good shape, pruning is also done. This takes the form of trimming unnecessary leaves that make a tree look dull and lifeless. Are there aspects of our character that do not reflect God’s breath-taking beauty? It can be the way we manage our emotions, how we demonstrate patience, our attitude when conflict arises, or how we value our relationships. As a woman, one of my favorite encouragements from the Bible is to have that unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit. God has been teaching me to be calm, trust and rely on Him completely and sit still as I rest in His unfailing love amidst confusions and difficulties. This takes some painful trimming of things that make me worry, restless and unsettled. And all because God wants me to bloom in beauty!

Fruitfulness. After a pruning process, a tree bears much fruit. According to the Iowa State University Reiman Gardens horticultural brochure, Pruning Grapevines, “The purpose of pruning is to obtain maximum yields of high quality grapes and to allow adequate vegetative growth for the following season.”  A painful experience can actually be the preparation we need for an upcoming season of fruitfulness. It should then make us excited! We are being pruned now so we can be fruitful soon!

Are you going through a tough, painful time right now? Be of good cheer! As you abide in God, the Master Gardener, and trust His process, you are on your way to blossoming growth, beauty and fruitfulness. Listen and obey when He asks you to let go of things that keep you from His purposes and your ultimate good. He knows and does what's best.

As we go through seasons of pruning, I pray for the grace and strength to fully yield to God’s work in us as He steadies our hearts for what He has secured for us - all in His good, pleasing and perfect will. The best is yet to come! :)

"But if you remain in Me and My words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! When you produce much fruit, you are My true disciples. This brings great glory to My Father." John 15:7-8, NLT

Sakura

We all have those "shallow but heart-deep dreams". They may take the form of simple and childish things we wanna experience in life. Some might even be close to impossible. But they definitely hold a greater and special meaning to us - could be a reminder of God's love, a sign of His promise or a proof that God indeed hears and answers prayers.

I have a number of this kind of dreams. One of them is to walk along a road with cherry blossoms around. I have imagined the scene many times before. I saw myself singing praises to God while smiling my sweetest! I would dream of being swept away by the flowers' lovely scent - the cool breeze touches my face and my eyes reflect the whitish-pinkish color of the flowers as I enjoy the dream-come-true walk!

And this dream recently did come true! But my experience was quite far from how I imagined it would be. It wasn't like the picture-perfect, one-for-the-Hollywood scenes I created in my mind. I couldn't even describe it as beautiful. I walked along a road with cherry blossom TREES around - without the flowers. I had a glimpse of the flowers but only saw them in their most dry state already.

glimpses of cherry blossoms - they waited for me! :)

But still, it was an answered prayer! Oh wait, a MIRACLE even! The season of cherry blossoms lasts for three to seven days. This year in Seoul, the flowers fully blossomed on the third week of April. I came on the first week of May. It was actually already impossible to see even remnants of the flowers. So, the walk was even more meaningful for me. God performed a miracle to make it happen! Awwwww, so sweet! We walk by faith, not by sight :)

Sakura (its popular Japanese name) blooms sooo magnificently - but it is extreme beauty that quickly fades away. The flower is richly symbolic and the very few days that it blossoms is the much awaited highlight of the spring season. It signals a new start, a breathtakingly gorgeous beginning!

Much like the life we have. A song says we're like flowers quickly fading - here today, gone tomorrow. Sakura  reminds us that we're called to bloom with all our strength and beauty - that is to live life to the full, with passion and purpose - with the days God has given us. Do not let God-given moments pass you by:

• Savor God's love through life's beauty everyday 
• Be strong in every trial, knowing we have a great God who keeps His promises
• Don't miss the chance to express love in different ways when God gives the opportunity
• Be generous with appreciation. You'll never know how life-giving it could be to some people around you
• Trust without wavering and hope without doubting
• Some things may be difficult to do but always give and do your best
• Love with all your heart - completely and passionately - and do not let fear keep you from giving and experiencing love
• Know and obey God's will in everything - big or small. I couldn't think of a better way to live and enjoy life than that.

Like the cherry blossoms, make your life and presence felt and so evident in this world. When it's your season, bloom, shine, and blossom with all your beauty and might!

The Engagement Ring

I have always wondered how an engagement ring would look on my finger. Will I get an expensive one or a “cheap yet priceless” kind? Will it have a diamond or a pink-colored precious stone? Will I ever get to wear one? I sure hope so!

Just like a lot of women, I have dreamed of a perfect wedding, too. But as time passes by and I grow up, I find myself praying more for the marriage and my future husband and kids, rather than the wedding or the engagement ring.

Five nights ago, God showed me, through a dream, how an engagement ring would look on my finger. 

Here’s the scene: My father handed a gorgeous tiny gift box to me. I opened it and was most delighted to have found an ENGAGEMENT RING! I immediately wore it but my ring finger got wounded…it bled – several drops of crimson-red blood! As I was still wearing the ring with my finger bleeding, my eyes turned to see an open big box with so many engagement rings. I frantically searched through it hoping to find another ring. Then, I woke up.

I asked a number of my Godly friends what the dream could possibly mean. They had different interpretations. Somehow, I was still looking for more. I knew God was telling me something and I was so eager to finally unveil the message from that dream.

Earlier, I was having a conversation with Ate Zen-y (wife of our Lead Pastor). I was sharing with her what God has been teaching me in this season of my life. And then we talked about the dream. I was telling her that I have been sensing in my heart that the vivid picture of the blood on my ring finger presents an important message.

Then, came this: the ring on my finger with the blood reminded me of what it took to demonstrate real love – the sacrifice of my Lord and Savior Jesus on the cross. He is a gift – given by the Father…out of His great love for us.

A lot of times, I don’t seem to remember that. When I go through tough times, I want to be assured that I am loved. I frantically look for ways to satisfy that need and rely on people, situations and even things. And most often, these fail me. Then, I get lonely and disappointed. Why search through a box of engagement rings when I’m already wearing one, bought at a price I would never be able to pay – the blood of Jesus shed for the forgiveness of my sins and so that I could live an abundant life.

And when I’m in that deepest valley of sadness, I realize that every low point, every down moment, every gloomy time,each time I just couldn't cheer myself up  – these are invitations to a sweet time with God. They point the way to God’s intimate and warm embrace. And there, you are secured. You know without a doubt, YOU ARE LOVED.

Through seasons that keep changing, God's unfailing, unchanging love remains our hiding place, our home.

 "My child, give ME your heart, and let your eyes observe My ways." Proverbs 23:26