Shaky Relationship with God

We have different reactions to trials. Some become stronger and hold on to their covenant in God, while others crumble in the face of tribulations and denounce their faith in the Lord. Because we are but humans after all, more often than not, we tend to loosen our grip and sway in our discipleship.

When we encounter troubles in our lives, we become adamant and unyielding in following the Lord, but when we are experiencing the joys of life, we become so immersed in our good fortune that our faith takes the back seat. Even during the time of the Lord, this cycle of dwindling faith had been happening. It was said once that their faith was like shifting sand that changes depending on the direction of the wind. This can be read in the stories in the Bible that illustrate the people’s on and off relationship with the Lord. The story can be summed up like this: God blesses them and they become too complacent and too proud that they forget about God and start to sin. Then, God realizes this and gives them trials as some form of punishment. When the people find it hard to breathe, they call upon God for help, plead for forgiveness. G od forgives them, and the whole process goes round and round like the rain cycle.

On the other hand, wouldn’t it be nice if we could be constant with our faith, remain single-minded about being God’s disciple, and entrust our life in the hands of the Lord? However, that is not exactly the easiest thing to do for Christians living in a world filled with temptations. It really requires a strongly grounded faith to be able to fulfill God’s covenant for faith is what propels you to follow God’s path without questions or doubts.

A Lesson from a Christian Magazine

I have read from one of Coelho’s book cited in a Christian magazine that the funniest thing about human beings is that we contradict ourselves for the most part of our lives. We are in so much hurry to grow up but when we are old, we reminisce the old times and wish we were young again. We work like horses to earn money and put food on the table, making ourselves ill. Then when we are already sick because of working, we spend all those money we earned to make ourselves better again. We always prepare ourselves for the future and in the process, we tend to neglect the present and not experience the joys of our existence. We simply exist and don’t live and we die as if we never lived.

This is all because of our insecurities and our insecurities lie in the fact that we have not fully surrendered ourselves to Him. It sounds easy and all to let God take the wheel, but living in a troublesome world makes it really difficult for us to do. Many people are doubtful about the miracles that God can bring to their lives and this is not at all a surprise. Many are called, but few are chosen after all.

Those who choose to put their lives in God’s care are the ones who experience the genuine joys of living. They go on with their lives knowing that no matter what happens, God would always be there to catch them when they fall. Even when life throws the most ruthless trials, they would not be fazed because they feel secured in the fact that God would never abandon them. And as one Christian magazine would say, If you put your life in the hands of God, he would give you peace in your heart.

If we experience the contradictoriness of life, let us find strength in the promise of God.

If God sees the sparrow’s fall,
Paints the lilies short and tall,
Gives the skies their azure hue,
Will He not then care for you?

Tom DeLonge – Standing by His Faith in God

In a messed up world such as Hollywood, it is difficult to find a band that stand firm in their belief as Christians. It is good to know that there are still some artists who are actually very much out in the open about their faith. One such artist is Tom DeLonge Angels and Airwaves frontman and Blink 182’s famous guitarist/vocalist.

Reading Tom DeLonge bio would make you understand his strong hold of his Christian faith. Tom belongs to a very Christian family and he believes in using his talent for music to influence people in a positive way. Instead of emulating the lecherous rockstar lifestyle which includes drinking alcohol and taking drugs, Tom has focused his energy to making meaningful music. He quit smoking and other vices to live a better lifestyle for his family and his passion for music.

It is always nice to read about musicians like Tom DeLonge. He is one of those who serve as an inspiration to Christians all over the world to stand by their faith no matter what. Amidst the pressures of society and media surrounding him, Tom has lived his life the way a true Christian would. It just proves that faith would keep you grounded and aligned on what your true purpose in life.

Let us allow our faith to shine through despite all the trials and temptations around us. Let us keep our priorities right and clean up our act to achieve our true mission here on Earth. Just like Tom DeLonge, may we all become beacons of our faith.

Fighting Temptations

Temptations are around us. No matter where we go, there will always be a situation that requires us to choose between two paths – the road to righteousness or the path of self-righteousness. Sadly, temptations come in different forms so there isn’t exactly any roadmap out of temptation island.

But then again, that does not mean that we do not have the capability to resist temptations. We are given the best gift that God could ever bestow upon his creations – free agency. As His children, we were given the freedom to choose for ourselves, and in the midst of temptation, we have the choice to resist or give in. Although a lot have dived in to the ring of faulty consequences of giving in to Satan’s trap, it’s a good thing that there are still people who are steadfast in choosing the right.

Traversing the road to righteousness is not always bees and sunshine. In fact, living in the straight and narrow path is the hardest life to live. This is choosing God’s way comes with priceless gifts. If we follow the commandments and listen to the voice of goodness, our lives will be blessed. We will save ourselves of the repercussions of sins and we will get to experience fruitful existence. We will not aimlessly sleepwalk through life. The path to righteousness will bring meaning to our every day dealings.

This bible passage moved me from the moment I read it from a Christian magazine.
"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. Don't be deceived, my dear brothers." - James 1:12-16

Pixar’s UP – wholesome and high quality entertainment for the family

Pixar’s UP is one of the films that I am raring to watch today. There are a lot of movies out there in the market but this is one movie that you should not miss especially if you want fun as well as quality time with your family. Here is what Mark Earley, President of Prison Fellowship Ministries has to say about the film:

In recent years, Disney’s Pixar Studios has been something of a godsend for parents looking for wholesome, high-quality entertainment. With great films like WALL-E, The Incredibles, and many more, Pixar has provided family films with heart, films that tell genuinely good stories and avoid the crassness that’s so prevalent in many children’s films today. And their films, without being “message movies,” usually provide plenty of food for thought for both kids and adults.

Pixar’s latest effort is simply titled Up, and it’s well worth seeing. Up tells the story of an elderly widower, Carl Fredricksen. Faced with the prospect of being sent against his will to a retirement home, he decides to fulfill a lifelong dream of his and his wife’s, and heads off to Paradise Falls in South America.

From the advertisements for the movie, you’ve probably seen how he gets there—via an elaborate, only-in-the-movies gadget, made up of his house and an enormous bunch of balloons. But Carl’s journey also has something to tell us about the dangers of hanging onto a dream—even a good dream—too long and too hard.

Taking work seriously

Christian magazines are always bad on Christian Bale. However, what they fail to see is Christian Bale’s dedication to his craft this is an excerpt on the things that we can learn from Christian Bale as an artist:

You enjoyed it because...?
It was uncluttered. The Machinist changed me. I learned that I really enjoy, literally, not saying a damned word for days at a time, except for what was in the scene. Whole days of…nothing. Just…standing still. I know a lot of people found it bizarre, because they’d be standing right next to me thinking, Why aren’t we talking? What’s going on? Hours would pass and I wouldn’t say a word, not even to Brad [Anderson], the director. And then it would be like, All right, I think I heard “Action.” Talk now. The purity of that, the satisfaction. Now I fall asleep on sets all the time. I’ve done it in the middle of scenes where they’ve had to shake me because I’ve missed my cues.

Really?
In Batman Begins, in the first scene I had with Michael Caine and Morgan Freeman, I fell asleep. In the scene, I was meant to be waking up, so I laid down and just fell asleep. And I didn’t hear “Action.” So Michael and Morgan were talking, and I was supposed to join in. I woke up with Michael Caine poking me in the ribs and going, [pitch-perfect Michael Caine accent] “Look at ’at! ’E’s bloody fallen asleep, ’asn’t ’e? ’E’s bloody fallen asleep!”

The Race

In scanning a Christian magazine that I once owned I remembered the article entitled “The Race of Faith and the Scenery of God's Grace” written by Mike Pohlman, Editor, Christianity.com. Here are some of the excerpts from the article:

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.
1 Corinthians 9:24

The only thing keeping my feet moving was the scenery. As I ran through my new city of Richmond, Virginia what I lacked in energy I made up for in curiosity. What scenic treasures awaited me along my route?

I stumbled upon the historic “Canal Walk”—a partial restoration of Richmond’s historic canal system begun in 1785 and completed in 1840. Various monuments along the way tell the story. It is billed as “George Washington’s vision come to life.” Before the railroad made the canals basically obsolete in the 1880s (at which time they stretched 197 miles as far as Lynchburg), the waterways teemed with hundreds of boats carrying various goods such as tobacco and wheat along with many passengers.

Miss California stands up to her beliefs

How is this for a headline on a Christian magazine? Miss North Carolina Kristen Dalton was crowned Miss USA on Sunday, but the big story to come out of the normally politics-free telecast was Miss California's comments regarding gay marriage.

When asked by judge Perez Hilton, an openly gay gossip blogger, whether she believed in gay marriage, Miss California, Carrie Prejean, said "We live in a land where you can choose same-sex marriage or opposite. And you know what, I think in my country, in my family, I think that I believe that a marriage should be between a man and a woman. No offense to anybody out there, but that's how I was raised."

Keith Lewis, who runs the Miss California competition, tells FOXNews.com that he was "saddened" by Prejean's statement.

"As co-director of the Miss California USA, I am personally saddened and hurt that Miss California believes marriage rights belong only to a man and a woman," said Lewis in a statement. "I believe all religions should be able to ordain what unions they see fit. I do not believe our government should be able to discriminate against anyone and religious beliefs have no politics in the Miss California family."

Co-director Shanna Moakler said that she fully supported Lewis' statement.

The Five most recommended books about marriage

For those people who want to read about how to have a lasting marriage with your spouse, I just recently stumbled upon this article from Christianity Today. Here are some of their recommended readings on the topic:

God on Sex: The Creator's Ideas about Love, Intimacy, and Marriage
by Daniel Akin

Akin has written an excellent verse-by-verse interpretation of the Song of Songs for couples. This book will reignite your love and passion for each other and may even jump-start your sex life.
* * *

Sexual Intimacy in Marriage
by William Cutrer and Sandra Glahn

Cutrer and Glahn's classic book is for couples seeking to understand the anatomy and soul of sex in marriage. They candidly and compassionately discuss the common sexual problems of married couples.
* * *

The Seven Principles For Making Marriage Work: A Practical Guide from the Country's Foremost Relationship Expert
by John Gottman and Nan Silver

Gottman identifies seven principles that can undo the work of the "Four Horsemen"—destructive behaviors that can destroy any marriage.

Hope this list can provide you with the information as well as the inspiration to go out and make your marriage last.

Ash Baron Cohen – out of the shadows of his cousin

Sacha Baron Cohen is well known because of his roles as Borat and Bruno but get ready for another member of the family to invade shobusiness - Ash Baron Cohen.

Ash is the first-cousin of Sacha and like Estevan Oriol, he is as serious as it gets in terms of his directing. He has an upcoming film 'RadioActive,' though he wouldn't/couldn't tell who the lead is. In an interview with Popeater and a Christian Magazine he said:

"I've sat down with Ed Harris, Donald Sutherland, Diane Kruger... we're just trying to figure out who's going to play who. There is one person whose name unfortunately I can't quite announce yet, but he's an Oscar winning actor and we're really excited to work with him,"

"He's someone who has done comedy as well as drama... better known for his comedy, but it's going to be very unusual seeing him as a Godfather."

According to Popeater.com, Ash also has a documentary coming up about 18-year-old Americans who were born with HIV. He initially filmed them when they were 11 years old, and is now following up as they are mature and "doing things most 18 year olds do," aka discovering sex.

"They're 18 years old and unbelievably having sex with HIV-negative partners. The amazing thing for me is there's obviously a new generation out there that don't seem to have a problem with their partners being HIV positive. Yes, they're wearing protection, but if it were you or me going on a potential date and she said she was HIV-positive, that would probably be a potential dealbreaker where it doesn't seem to be for these kids. It's been a pretty eye-opening experience," Ash said of 'Fists.'

Singing Your Tales

Writing poems and songs that concerned your daily life has been mostly a hobby to some of us. Whether it may be inspirational or a slightly tendency of being down and depressed, we find ourselves that writing is the only way to expressed what is going on through your mind and deliberately share it to others. Heartbreaks and hardships, success and happiness, it helps us get focus more on our problems and release them to make a day brighter and lighting up a shade of sorrow in our hearts.

Molly Jenson, an accomplished songwriter/singer has been recognized by fans with her inspiring songs that literally she, herself has experience it first-hand and was recently featured from a Christian Magazine. Her lyrics that contained various experiences in her life has brought more success in her career, because the fact that every downfall in life, there is always success and that particular success in her life is the songs she made that made the fans adore her. Exceptionally, some of us doing the same thing Molly did, composing songs, writing poets that we ourselves have encountered in life and mostly in our endeavors in the past.

This is what God wants us to do, instead of sulking yourself in shame, let yourself rely on God and He will give you strength to endure the pain inside your heart, eventually if you are a artistic person like some of us, you will come up with poems and songs that inspires not only you, but also the people around you. Helping others that every circumstances we encounter in life, there is always a solution, in every way. Dedicate yourself to God and He will help you in your life, thus making you help others in different problem.

source: msn.com

Skeleton In Our Closets

I first heard William Paul Young from a Christian Magazine. Each one of us has a way of putting our past behind us and tries to move on to make ourselves feel better and much more enthused in life. Though some of us still hide a skeleton in their closets, they always hide because they are afraid what others may think of them or maybe just their afraid of things may go back the way it was. We are afraid that sometimes, things are better left unsaid than things that you freely tell and lately you face the terrible consequences.

But in William Paul Young’s part, he wasn’t afraid of hiding anything. He was afraid that things happened at his past may cause him to question God if he deserves that kind of acknowledgement. Young’s past was awful, he was molested by unknown strangers in a tribe that practiced cannibalism and the likes, still after he moved out by his parents who were at that time, missionaries to support the said tribe, he was moved into a boarding school, but still, the molestation occur. Young’s experiences in life never dented his beliefs to God, during his college years; he still copes up with the past and was still in the influenced of the Church, attending seminars and devoting himself to God.



It only shows that even though Young’s experience as a child who doesn’t know anything about the harshness of the world, he doesn’t question his belief on why did that fateful day had happened to him. He still stays the same, devoting himself to his beliefs and living with his wonderful family. Other people shouldn’t have to point fingers about the mistakes that happen, the unexpected incidents that occurred, everything has a purpose, and God has its way of telling us that we need to be strong in the time of crisis and despair and not blame Him for the things that happened. Much like Young, he still believe in God that he will be only one that can help him and support him to make his problems go away and give strength to understand that they are lot of things that cannot be blamed because of Him, its because He created us, and we have the power to decide which choices we have to take.

Love Your Enemies

Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous.

-Matthew 5:44-45 (NRSV)

I was reading the newspaper and an article caught my eye about strife in the world. In almost every country, nation of different ethnicities make use of violence to express hatred and fear of each other.

Yet Jesus Christ commands everybody to love our enemies. For me, Jesus is just telling us that we must show warm feelings for our enemies, but that we can demonstrate our enemies respect due to all human beings. Each of us is created in the image and likeness of God. Visualize how the world would change if everyone lived by Jesus’ teachings instead of considering it as a suggestion. No more child will be orphaned, no more bombs explosion, no more flying bullets, no more throwing of stones. Mankind would talk through each others differences and try to see each other’s point of view.

Do you think this could happen in our planet today? The answer is definitely yes. We can all pray to God to help us open our hearts and minds so that we will all become the type of humankind worthy of the name Christian. Let us have strong faith. We can also ask God for heart and mind opening of those who sinned against us and to turn their hatred to love and understanding.

source: biblegateway.com

Molly Jenson

People encounter various problems in life in different kind of approach. Some of them take it too seriously, while others let it pass by like it was nothing for them, though deep inside its hurting them more. We are different in every single way, especially if we are emotionally distress. But the thing in enduring your problem is to make it your strength to fight it. Making your downfall be your stepping stone to success.

Take Molly Jenson in mind, the illustrious singer/songwriter from Southern California has made herself renown not only for her pleasant singing voice, but also from the content of her lyrics. It is said according to some Christian Magazine that these particular songs she perform during local venues and awarding ceremonies has actually been based on her life through her different obstacles in life. Her lyrical expression in love and loss, hurt and freedom, hardship and better days has made the fans loved and adored her from different countries across the globe.

When we are in the perception like Molly Jenson, it’s feel so much lighter when you know that all those problems in your past has made yourself more stronger and a much better person as time passes, proving to some of the people that didn’t trust your persona to be what you are now. We know that sometimes in life, problems we encounter are too hard to fathom or to escape from especially if it costs you your whole heart and just in the blink of an eye it vanish significantly. But you mustn’t stop there, learn to stood by yourself and let it be your strength. There is no use sulking for your mistakes or problems, it will only cause more grievances in your heart, instead let it be your strength to make it each and every single day. Eventually it will all fade and you will recognized not only by the people around you, but also yourself as a better, happier person that the past.

source: google.com

Danny Trejo: Making up for his mistakes

Giving up in his life pretty easy, actually, you did awful things in your past and live with it and drag you down until you got nowhere to go but to consume yourself in hatred in despair. You can’t blame your past for the things you did or the things you’re dealing with during the present, it’s you who should be blame, because people always has a choice on what road he has to take.

Danny Trejo, also known as the “Knife Guy”, who always appeared on several western, run-down types of movies including Desperado, has inspired many of the people for the things they did in the past. Christian Magazines love Danny because of the inspiration he send to everyone. When Danny Trejo was till a teenager, he was a thug who committed criminal acts and abused himself in drugs. From there, he was going in and out of the prison and then he eventually changed inside the penitentiary and made his life better.

The lesson learned in his life is that you should not always look on your past, for it will always affect and weaken you for you to move on and realize that you’re still haunted by the things you made. Instead, you should raise your head and start thinking about the present, on how you will be a better person from now on. Let your regrets in the past be your strength for you to be motivated and let yourself be who you want to be and not like your old self. Be inspired from your past and always think that you are better than that, you hold the path in your life, and not your weak, miserable past. Break away from your hindrances, your mistakes, your regrets, because that will always be your weakness, in your goal to surpass it and move on.


source: yahoo.com

God is always by our side

People have its way of coping from their mistakes in life and of course we ourselves, have endured some of it by sharing it with a friend or talking to God to led Him lend you strength to go pass the struggles you are encountering, and also, some of us likely to do it the easy way around.

I’m saying that some people drink to evade their struggle for their losses or others take drugs to ease the off the pain and grievance in our hearts and mind. But that is not the way to handle it in times of despair and resentment that’s been haunting us. Jay Adams, once a popular pro skateboarder who people claimed that he revolutionized the method of modern day skateboarding has that kind of dilemma. He encountered it during the loss of his parents, his brother and grandmother who happens to passed away during a short period of a year and a half.

It made shocking blow to him that he resolves his problem in inducing prohibited drugs. The reason why Jay Adams did this and suffered the consequences later on is that he has lost the faith in God. With no one to turn to or share his problems with, he eventually turn to his vices, believing that it can make his sorrow disappear.


I think it could also happen to anyone of us, but with the right actions and decisions to surrender yourself to God and devote your time during your despair, He will answer your call and will lead you to the right side. I've once read a statement from a Christian Magazine - God is always there to support you at times of need, He is always by our side and He will never leave you, as long as you have faith in Him to help you out in your problems.

Thanks be to God

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!
-2 Corinthians 9:15 (NIV)

Our MBG president asked me to speak in devotion about stewardship and she also suggested that I use 2 Corinthians 9:10–10:6 as my guide. In prayer, I grasped that the focus of the talk needs to be the gifts of everlasting life and forgiveness. In reality we cannot pay off God’s gifts to us, but we can always be thankful that God does not anticipate us to do so.

On the other hand, we are all called to give our time, money and talents to assist the accomplishment of God’s purpose in the world. We are to care for the poor, feed them, clothe them and give them shelter; heal the sick and spread the word of Jesus Christ to the whole world.

Life is about God working through us. It's not only about us alone. When we let ourselves closer to God and open up our lives to His guidance, we can all become more effective followers. When we do this, we don’t just bless others but we also share the goodness of God; we are blessed with love and trust that God will grant us our needs in everyday living. God helps us to develop our selves in a greater sense of purpose and experience peace that comes from offering our life to His’ refinement.

Importance of Friendship: Tom DeLonge

Friends and families are the pillars that will support your life as a human being. Whatever you may be pursuing in life, they will be always there to give you different views in what decision you may cross in life.

But sometimes, bonds that you made with other people can be broken apart because people share unlikely opinions to different circumstances. We are made to be different to one another, which we are ourselves are unique in each and every way as a human being. Take Tom Delonge of the band Blink-182 for example, the famously punk-rock band is disbanded at the year of 2004 because of misunderstandings and confusions the band gotten into.

You should never let a simple misunderstanding be a downfall of your camaraderie you established years ago. You should try accepting your friends the way they are and how they interact with you. You don’t have to judge something or someone from the way she looks or the way he talks. Remember, God didn’t put you in this earth alone to own the world. In everyday life, you interact with people and you converse with them the way you are thought. As far as your peers go, you have spent time together in years, molded the friendship through years that you already know what’s going on inside each one your minds.

Friendship is not a thing that you could throw once you’re finished with them; it’s a gift that everyone should treasure. Like fine wine, that’s getting better as time passes by. Like what I said, friends are there to support you and will never leave you in despair. Treasure them, like God treasure each individual. I wonder what will my fave Christian Magazine say about this.

Gretchen Bleiler: The Snow Angel

Success in life is accompanied by devotion and commitment. Gretchen Bleiler proved that determination and hard-work has paid much of her success through her flourishing career. What does it take for one of the most dominant female snowboarder achieves her prominent stature today? Like what I said, devotion and commitment, but not only to your profession, but also to God.

God plays a major role in your road to a successful career. To put it simply, He stood by you to give you strength and willpower to attain what you have strive for. Having God as an ally in your way to fight struggles in your life is the most joyous experience you have felt.

Gretchen dedicated her life to snowboarding and also, to God. From which blessed her with god-given talents to overcome certain predicaments in life, and also to surpass fear, despair and gave her courage and hope to prove others that God is with her.

With her numerous awards garnered under her career as one of deadly female snowboarders that can perform a “Michalchuk” maneuver in halfpipe, Gretchen returns the favor at her adoring fans as she took up to be one of the promising role-models in history to-date. That is why Christian Magazines love to feature her on their cover. It is said that by helping others is a wonderful way of expressing your gratitude on what you have now. Don’t be greedy to take what’s God has given you, thus, share it with others and you will be gladly blessed in return by Him.

That is why Gretchen supported different affiliations concerning the environment and attending school banquets to advise the youth on how she disciplined and devoted herself not only to her career, but also from God.

With God supporting her along with her family and friends, Gretchen’s perseverance excels further. It proves that having that certain trait in you pays off in the end. No matter what the odds, if you have faith in Him, God will not let you down. If sometimes, you do fail in your career, much like Gretchen’s, God will still be there to offer His hand and lift you up to get back on your feet and gives you hope to the impossible roadblocks ahead, so that one day when you look back at all the happened in your life, you will be glad that you turn to Him and leads you to a better life.

Misguidance

Every single people living in earth deserve to be given guidance not only from god, but also from friends and family. Of course, most of the people especially this day and age are lacking in faith to the almighty. So, they turn to their friends and family that supported them since they were a child, but what if the people he or she is expecting wasn’t there to help them? Their path to righteousness starts to go astray.

People tend to be misled in lack of guidance from their parents if they were not around to support them. Jay Adams on the other hand, has been very unfortunate in his life. Though Jay has had an illustrious career ahead of him, a legendary figure that modernized the skateboarding style in the late 70’s, had a rough childhood.

Jay Adams’ parents were blessed by his presence, having a healthy, athletic son no parents could ask for. Not until they died and Jay Adams’ life steered into countless dilemmas he didn’t expect it to happen. He was allegedly using illegal drugs and spent most of his time in a correctional facility. His life dedicated to skateboarding and was hailed to be the best in the sport was literally dragged by the incorrect path he chosen for him.

In my point of view, Jay Adams well-being could’ve been on the flourishing side of his career if he has been given guidance in life. Though some of the people close to him still advise him to stop doing drugs and focus on living his life healthy and drug-free, its still Jay’s mainly resolution to prevent the circumstances he puts himself in right now.

But providentially, after months of counseling inside the prison, Jay Adams started to turn over a new leaf, by the guidance of God and dedicated his time repenting on his sins and asking for forgiveness in his heart.

Jay Adams wasn’t the only one, who has this kind of problem. Millions of people share the same quandary in life as Jay did. It’s still not too late to change and atone for being misled for all these years. You don’t need to undergo the same circumstances Jay Adams went through for you to change and devote your life to God, all you have to do is pray and God will lead you to salvation in life. Like the old phrase I read from a Christian Magazine, “Let go and let God”.

How do you start it? Try having a moment in peace, alone. Talk to Him and God will listen, give up your setbacks and let God take your arms and lead you to a life that you deserve to have as a human being. Doing good deeds is a start and it lightens your day to know that you have a helping hand. Remember, you are not alone, God is with you, all the time.

Let go and let GOD

“Whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life…will save it”
-Mark 8:35

That absolutely sounds crazy. I mean how can you save your life by losing it, knowing you need to lose your life to save it?

In my opinion, this gospel reading is not necessarily discussing about life and death but more so about on how I’m living my life and what actions and decisions I make in my life. The gospel jogs my memory of the phrase “let go and let God.” I consider that denying ourselves, like the gospel reading says or letting go, is about bringing together ourselves towards to God.

What does this mean and how can we truly unite ourselves with God? The primary way I do to unite myself with God is through giving service, volunteering myself for the goodness of God. I find it the best to serve someone, by dedicating my time and to be in solidarity with them to allow myself to know their needs and by recognizing their struggles.

“Losing you life” – is about choosing the right path to go to, doing this means going against what most people would consider to be “the norm”. This is also how we contest ourselves, which sometimes choosing this could lead to our own death.

We reunite with God in different ways. It is through our own experiences and reflection that we come to discover to be closer to God and to work our way to the Kingdom of Heaven.

Bible verses here.

Do the hard work first then God will provide

Did you guys know the World Hip-Hop Champions of 2008? They are the Philippine All-Stars. Let me tell you about this crew, who was lost before and now founded God in their journey, in their life and in their hearts.

Before they started dancing and expressing themselves, moving their body to represent their country, Philippines, they where just a couple of friends who came from different backgrounds who dreamed and believe that they can make difference.

Then they started to compete. They quit their jobs and after a month, they created a dance piece, after that, they are ready for battle. Despite being financially hard up, they still went on to compete overseas. In 2005 they went to California, people notice and loved them, they would have placed third but got a deduction for being late to start and offensive moves so they only placed 6th out of 26 groups representing different country. They have no place to go, but with their trust in God, miraculously Filipino from LA helped them, give them a place to stay and eat. A lot of friends treat them, toured them around and gave them some dance lessons. There’s really nothing impossible if you trust God and believe in Him. So with their next competition in Italy, they danced for God and they won Gold and the hearts of many Europeans and Filipinos. From then on, they always dance for God.

Let us thank God for the blessings he had given us, simple things that we don’t usually see as blessings. People are starving all over the world. Let’s be thankful that we have a somewhere to sleep and something to eat. If you trust in God, everything will go according to His will. Just like what Philippine Allstars did, they offered their dance to Him, they worked hard and their prayers are been answered. That is what I've learned from a Christian Magazine.

Spread the LOVE

How are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have not heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him?

-Romans 10:14 (NRSV)

My family and I visited my uncle and aunt last weekend, my aunt was telling us a story. I don’t really like to engage in too much conversation with my aunt because she really talks a lot, I get sleepy most of the time, so I put on my iPod and listen to Tom DeLonge with his new band Angels & Airwaves, so I won’t need to listen, but her story catches my attention.

“Wow, lovely flowers, these would really look beautiful on the altar for father Manual’s mass tomorrow,” My aunt said to the flower arranger who just finished arranging the white, blue and white carnations.

“Mass?” The florist asked, “Wait, let me add some of these ribbons” He wrapped different ribbons around the container and made a beautiful matching bow in the front. The he added more baby’s breath filler and dried floral filler.

“That really looks very pretty!” My aunt said in amazement on how beautiful the arrangement of the flower looked like. “How much for the extras?”

“No charge ma’am, I’m giving effort to get in” The florist pointed upward and smiled. “Points.” My aunt is very happy with the flowers. She thanked the guy for being so generous.

How little can people think of earning some points for God in small ways, to give effort for our way to heaven? How I wish all people can do this simple good deeds. Weather my Aunt is telling story from Christian Magazine article or for real experience. hehe.. Truly, this is a GOOD NEWS, so share it and spread the word of God. This is a gift from God. Salvation is a gift from God. So let us try to do things to give thanks for the sacrifices Jesus did for us, little by little.

Jay Adams in the arms of the Lord

I was surfing the Internet when I come across Jay Adams. He was a legendary skateboarder. He is one of the pioneers of original DogTown skateboarders and is one of the most important and valuable skateboarder of all time.

What catches me most is that, he had been to prison for quite a while, but still when he got out of jail; he still sees the light of the Lord. I mean, two years and a half is not easy for anyone. But I guessed that while his in the prison, he thought a lot of things and that includes going back to the Lord. That for all of the sins and mistakes he made with his life, he knew that the Lord still stood by his side for all the time he was lost. And now, I’m happy for Jay because with all the temptations surrounding him, he chooses to be with the Lord, and now that he found Him, everything is possible.

Sometimes we just need a lot of time to think, to seat on a corner and think of what we’ve done throughout the years past and see if it makes the Lord happy and if we are satisfied for what’s happening to us. We need to offer Him everything to be happy. You can try it for yourself; you will feel light, contended and happy. Nothing beats our relationship with the Lord.



Watch the video of Jay Adams in YouTube. This is the day he got out of the prison last July 8 2008, Los Angeles airport from a Christian Magazine.

Prayers to the Blessed Virgin Mary

Prayer to the Virgin Mary, Queen of the Angels

1. Mary, My good mother,
   Free me from mortal sin during this day through the power that the eternal Father has given you.
2. Mary, My good mother,
   Free me from mortal sin this day through the wisdom that your Son has given you.
3. Mary, My good mother,
   Free me from mortal sin during this day through the love that the Holy Spirit has given you. Amen.

To the Queen of Apostles

I thank you, merciful Jesus for having given us Mary as our Mother. And I thank you, O Mary, for having given to mankind the Divine Master, Jesus the Way, the Truth and the Life, and for having accepted us all as your children on Calvary.

Your mission is united to that of Jesus, who “came to seek those who were lost.” Therefore oppresses by my sins, faults and negligence, I take refuge in you, O Mother, as my supreme hope. To turn your eyes of mercy toward me. Bestow your most maternal care upon this your most needy child.

I place all my trust in you for pardon, conversion and sanctity. For a new class among your children, that of the neediest in who sin abounded. This will be the class that will most move you to pity. Receive my poor soul into this class. Work a great wonder by changing a great sinner into an apostle. It will be an unheard-of wonder and a new glory for your Son, Jesus, and for you, his and my Mother.

I hope to receive everything from your heart, O Mother, Teacher and Queen of Apostles.
Amen.

A great prayer to be featured on a Christian Magazine.

Sign of the Cross

The great tradition of Catholics to be proud of the “Sign of the Cross” was mocked and teased today by some anti-Catholics Medias because of their ignorance about the biblical and historical basis of this spiritual tradition.

We sign the cross on our forehead, decorate our churches with cross and administer sacraments with same sign.
The Biblical Basis from Christian Magazine:
When we make the sign of the cross, we proclaim the message of salvation purchased by Jesus through the cross. The Bible clearly states:
“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing …
But to us who are being saved, is THE POWER OF GOD” (I cor. 1:17-18)

The Bible teaches us…
To be proud of it as…
The message of the CROSS is the POWER OF GOD.

But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me… and I to the world. (Gal. 6:14)

Cross symbolizes our day today sufferings without which there is no crown for Christians.

Cyril of Jerusalem wrote in AD 386:
"Let us therefore not be ashamed of the cross of Christ; but though another hide it, do thou openly zeal it upon thy fore head, that devils may beheld the royal sign and flee trembling far away. Make then this sign at eating and drinking, at sitting, at lying down, at rising up, at speaking, at walking: in a word, at every act."

Ephrem of Syria testifies in AD 373:
"Make all your actions with the sign of the life giving Cross. Do not go out from "the doors of your house till you have signed yourself with the cross. Do not neglect that sign whether in eating and drinking or going to sleep, or in the home or going on a journey. There is no habit to be compared with it. Let it be a protecting wall around all your conduct, and teach it to your children that they earnestly learn the custom."

The Lord bless thee and keep thee.
Show His face to thee.
Turn His countenance to thee and give thee PEACE.
The Lord Bless thee.

- St. Francis of Assisi

Healing Prayer

Heavenly Father, I thank you for loving me. I thank you for sending your son, our Lord Jesus Christ to the world to save and set me free. I trust in your power and grace that sustain and restore me.

Loving father, touch me now with your healing hands, for I believe that your will is for me to be well in mind, body, soul and spirit. Cover me with the most Precious Blood of your son our Lord Jesus Christ from the top of my head to the soles of my feet. Cast out anything that should not be in me. Root out any unhealthy and abnormal cells and multiply my healthy cells. Open any blocked arteries or veins and rebuild and replenish any damaged areas. Remove all inflammation and cleanse any infection by the power of Jesus' precious blood. Let the fire of your healing love pass through my entire body to heal and to make new any diseased areas so that my body will function the way you created it to function. Touch also my mind and my emotion, even the deepest recesses of my heart. Saturate my entire being with your presence, love, joy and peace and draw me ever closer to you every moment of my life.

And Father fill me with your Holy Spirit and empower me to do your works so that my life will bring glory and honor to your holy name.

I ask this in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.

The healing prayer is very powerful especially if a person is sincere, as the bible say - "...The fervent prayer of a righteous person is very powerful." – (James 5:16)

I came across a Christian Magazine site when I've read a sad story about a lady who is going to have a surgery, I thought this prayer will help.

The 4 H of Peace

Everybody wants to live a peaceful life. Who wouldn’t? A Christian Magazine site asked.
For a peaceful life,
Don’t forget these four H’s:
*HONESTY – yes, honesty is still and always the best policy. Being honest can set you free, no tense. As Abraham Lincoln saying – “No man has a good enough memory to make a successful liar.” Do not put yourself to a place where you fall over your own bluff. An honest person is a person at peace. A person who pretends is tense.

*HUMILITY – a person finds peace and contentment when HE HAS NO AIRS about him when he knows and accepts himself, does not think that he is superior or more significant than others and does not pretend to be something or someone else.

*HARD WORK – there is no substitute for hard work. You know how empty it feels to be all form and no substance. Are you hard working or hardly working? Put your heart and soul into your task.

*HOLINESS – follow God’s ways and you will have peace. Turn away from God and you will never find peace.

*And one more H – HUMOR! – don’t tale yourself too seriously. Learn to hug yourself, works and all. Smile, laugh and with childlike confidence trust in our loving Father, who has a terrific sense of humor.

“Clothe yourself with humility in your dealings with one another” – (1 Peter 5:5)

The Lord’s Prayer

"…The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective" (James 5:16).

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.
Your Kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours,
Now and for ever. Amen

The Lord’s Prayer also known as “Our Father” prayer is prayed by millions of Christians all over the world. This prayer is also sung during the Eucharistic celebration. I saw this article from a Christian Magazine. The prayer starts by praising and worship, the time where we need to honor the Lord and on top of all other names, we are the Lord’s children. To let us remember his faithfulness and to spend time with Him in prayer. The prayer then moves on that when we align ourselves listening with God’s will, we can know His desires. That God’s kingdom or rule will become the rule on earth. Only then, we turn to ask our Lord for our own needs and the needs of others, and that He would forgive us with all the wrong things we have done to others. We ask the Lord for the grace to stand solid in the face of temptation, resist all enemy schemes, guidance and protection through our journey. Finally we turn back to Him and worship His name, proclaiming who God really is as the Almighty ruler.