THE HOLY SPIRIT

My Mom always, if time permits, tags me along to her activities whether it be a lunch date with her college friends or a get-together with her spiritual group. 

Last October 27, 2012 was one of those dates that I'm thankful I've came to interfere. My gate crash moment was definitely something to be treasured.

My Mom together with other intercessors gathered as one and invited over a missionary couple who was there to facilitate that day's spiritual meeting. Like any other spiritual event, it was filled with worship, prayer and God's word. But what struck me were the lesson and experience I had on that day. 

I've never felt the Holy Spirit that powerful that it made me cry like a child. My tears were all out of joy and gratitude for all that God had done in my life. It was the best feeling during that time.

Truly, God works in many ways unfathomable by human comprehension that the only responses you end up with are shouts of praise, hands raised up and a heart full of passion to glorify the Lord more.

It is a privilege to be given the chance to be embraced by the Holy Spirit. I encourage everyone not to neglect, underestimate and fear the Holy Spirit but rather have more willingness to call for its wings to surround us. The Holy Spirit is in us and sways us away from the road of sin and lead us to the path of righteousness. The more that we should invite its presence to cloth us so that our daily decisions will be wise and Christ-like. 

The Holy Spirit is not an entity, not an element, but a living, active proof of Jesus' power to share His love, guidance, compassion and protection for mankind. 

As we open our hearts to become sensitive to the Holy Spirit, we allow God to shine in and through us. 

The Holy Spirit fills the hole...

"But you shall receive power, after that the Holy Spirit is come on you: and you shall be witnesses to me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and to the uttermost part of the Earth. " -Acts 1:8

"And I will pray to the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you forever." -John 14:16

"In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans." -Romans 8:26

So that empty hearts become whole.

Sealing this with love,

Diane

THROUGH THE RAIN

I've been wanting to write about this famous quote which says, "God did not promise us a storm-free life but he promised us a storm-proof life." But I was filtering my thoughts on how to share it differently; how to share it in a simple way without being over-the-top or otherwise. 

After what had happened last October 25, 2012, I finally understood how God wants me to use my little experience in elaborating His Word to all of us.

So here's my story:

It was a typical Thursday when I woke up. But I knew a night before that I have a long list of things to accomplish. That day was a rainy one. It was windy and cold. It's what most of us call "bed weather." Honestly, I wanted to stay asleep longer but I had to ride with my Stepmother so I can safely go to the bank and at the same time save money. We left a little late so I had enough time to freshen-up and weave my senses together to ready myself for a day full of errands. Well, leaving late on a rainy morning is like welcoming traffic with a warm hug. Yes, we were trapped for almost thirty minutes around the corners of Ortigas before I was dropped off in the bank to process my tuition fee payment.

When I entered the bank, a huge crowd of people stood infront of my eyes. So I immediately saved a number for myself to squeeze into this long line only to find out I'm the 119th customer to be attended to. I was at first disappointed because I was trying to catch time so I can go to work at once. Grateful enough, that God blessed me with patience that long lines were never an issue to me. So I waited patiently for my turn. Until, I saw these two old women, whom I believe are employees in one of the city's gigantic companies, let a co-worker interfere into the middle of the line. It made my heart burst with sadness for all those people waiting patiently and morally. I didn't want to tap these women because I respect their age and I didn't want to make a scene so I just prayed for them. The long line and the unruly incident tested my patience, respect and values.

After I finished my task, I went straight to Libis to go to work and fulfill my Human Resources duties. I was wearing a complete exercise gear because I plan to hit the gym after completing my day at work. I went up to the equipment room to run on the treadmill for twenty minutes, but on the 6th minute, I felt something weird in my right foot and heard a shallow scream from the club manager. The spring in my rubber shoes collapsed and was thrown out of the treadmill. It was supposed to be a humiliating experience since most people saw it but I ended up surprised, disappointed that my routine will be cut short and lastly humorous. 

The first half of my day didn't run well but it didn't really get through me. I was still on my normal pace and was excited to eat late lunch with a high school friend whom I haven't seen in months. To add up, my tummy was grumbling because I haven't eaten anything yet. But all this excitement was forfeited when I saw how strong the rain was. So my friend and I decided to reschedule the date and just travel our way home so that we wouldn't get stuck in our workplaces. I left the office to eat at Bon Chon Libis because I can no longer tolerate my angry stomach. I braved the rain and the strong winds with my broken umbrella (Yes, a broken umbrella) so that I can eat. After eating, I decided to travel to Banawe to be with my Mom. It wasn't the best time to commute but I had to. Traveling from Libis to Banawe was no joke with the weather and the traffic. Add my semi-corporate attire (worn after my cut-short gym time) and broken umbrella to that. 

It was a habit for me to pray without cease while on road. So while commuting, I was just talking to God about that day. I alighted in Banawe-E. Rodriguez and went to Mini Stop to buy pasalubong for my mother.  I had to cross to Banawe-Quezon Avenue to be at Samat street where I would be staying. From E. Rodriguez, I can take a tricycle to cross to the other side of Banawe but I didn't see any free tricycle and I just want to be home so I started to walk. I was walking and walking in the dark street where all males were creepily looking and whistling. But I didn't  care at all because I just want to be home. So while walking, I was just praying for God to protect me and safely bring me to the place where I should be going (even though I wasn't sure of the directions) I kept on walking plainly with my senses half-shut but my heart and mind dwelling on prayers. Until I reached the gate, that's where I realized that I've walked from Banawe at E. Rodriguez to Banawe at Quezon Avenue and to Samat street almost six blocks away from the main road. I didn't feel exhausted nor I was precise of what transpired during that walk. All I knew was that I'm home and I'm okay.

During that day, I learned how God lets us go through the rain to experience more of Him. He is putting us in these discomforts for us to learn, persevere and mature. It may not be the line we want to wait at; may not be the career that we want to pursue; may not be the shoe that perfectly fits us; may not be the meal we are craving for; may not be the road we want to cross. But it will be the destination all of us want to reach. And that is where God's kingdom is. 

We may have been through tough times and asked why God had let these things happen. He wants us to know that these things are present to reveal His purpose in each of us. And, that is to acknowledge His sovereignty above and beyond all things on earth even to our problems and circumstances. He wants us to stop worrying and trust His promises that we are not alone in this walk-that He will carry us out from doom. Our God is bigger than our problems. Let us not underestimate His power to take over. 

God has brought us in it and He will bring us through it. Storm is just a phase that we should gladly welcome, prepared with God as our solid foundation. It is the season where we open ourselves to what God is teaching us. It is the time to develop our faith, grow more in Christ, be immersed in His Word and accept His discipline. It is the period to endure, persevere and hope for bigger things. Storm will not be present forever. Storm even in its height is tolerable. Umbrellas, raincoats, jackets, plastic boots, our homes were even invented to protect us. What more if it was the Lord's protection enveloping us? God did not promise us a storm-free life but He promised us a storm-proof life with HIM.

Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him.Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!” Matthew 8:23-27

“Be strong and brave. Don’t be afraid of them. Don’t be terrified because of them. The Lord your God will go with you. He will never leave you. He’ll never desert you.” Deuteronomy 31:6

"He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed." Psalms 107:29

“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.” Luke 6:46-49

  

Trust in the Lord! :)

Sealing this with love,

Diane

BLOG GIVEAWAY #1 (CLOSED)

My blog has been active in the web for quite some time already and I feel that this season is the perfect chance to thank those people who are religiously reading my posts.

I thank you for being in one with me in passionately bringing the Good News to another level.

I pray that everyone will be inspired, moved and encouraged to be deeply rooted in Christ and to utilize their God-given talents wisely. 

As a gratitude, I'm holding my first blog giveaway.

(I'm a newbie so spare me! Haha.)

October is one of those months I'm always excited for. I feel so because it reminds me of my childhood. I remember how I tirelessly plan for my costume weeks before the Trick or Treat day. I like Halloween, not for its general concept which focuses on paganism (to which I'm not a patriot of) and death, but for the fact that I can play dress-up for a day or disguise as a flower, a fairy, a mermaid and most especially a princess. Also, I get to enjoy eating my favorite candies and chocolates which I share with the rest of my family. 

Okay, enough about Halloween.

My Gold's Gym family gave me 8 complimentary tickets to BigFish's Cream Halloween Party at the Word Trade Center on the 27th of October 2012 to which I cannot use even a single pass since I have something else to attend to on Saturday. I just gave away 4 tickets to our HR interns days ago and I still have 4 left.

I'm giving away 4 tickets to one winner. 

"A portion of your spending during Bigfish events will go to support our Bigheart Foundation." -BigFish

Here's how to join:

1. Like Gold's Gym Philippines in Facebook.

2. Share this blog via Twitter.

3. Email your name and contact number to diilotho@yahoo.com

The first person to submit his/her entry wins. 

Sealing this with love,

Diane 

WHEN DISCIPLE-SHIP SINKS

Discipleship is literally a "ship" for me.

A big ship that can accommodate as much people.

A ship that can give protection.

A ship that sails through ups and downs.

A ship that journeys until the end is reached.

A ship held firmly on the water ground by a strong anchor.

But, one way or another, a ship can sink no matter how much you've come prepared.

Like when discipleship sinks...

Maybe one of the saddest things that had happened in my discipleship life was when someone chose to give up suddenly on God after months of amazing changes from within. I cannot explain how painful it was. All I knew was, I ended up shedding the biggest tears.

Discipleship is a relationship. A relationship supplied with love, understanding and time. It is a three-way walk. And to tell you courageously, it is something I do, not out of law and obedience but more of love and generosity. I would like to share Jesus' love with everyone until the very last person on Earth receives Him.

As I was trying to accept the truth, I knew right then that giving up wasn't the end of everything. Through love, faith, prayers and the gospel, I was more than sure that God will do something.

It's not me, it's still Jesus.

Discipleship rages through both stillness and storm. It has glory days much as it has giving up days. It cannot always promise a steady travel but it can assure security at the end of the sail. 

Discipleship is like a ship...

Where the ship is the sanctuary of the people being discipled. It is their vessel of sanctification that will bring them to God.

Where the captain, as the outlook and the steward of the ship, is the mentor who is present to guide, assist and be on guard. The mentor is there to help in holding the rope, in throwing the floaters and life jackets to those drowning in fear. We are just here to plant and water, but the power to make things grow is done by God alone.

I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building. 1 Corinthians 3:6-9

Where the anchor, that stabilizes the entire ship, is GOD. The author and finisher of this race. The one who can calm the stormy sea and bring back its stillness safe and sound.

This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God's inner sanctuary. Hebrews 6:19

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:12

Do not lose faith when the ship sinks. Because God is there to orchestrate everything and bring them back to where He wants it to be. Like how He restored a desperate heart in 24 hours. Imagine how God can do it even after a whisper. Nothing is impossible with Him.

He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. Psalm 107:29

Do not lose the heart when discipleship sinks. Continue to work in harmony with God for He promised us that He will be with us in this process till the very end of age.

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. 
And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. 
Matthew 28: 18-20

Sealing this with love,

Diane

DON'T CHASE, PACE. GOD HAD ALREADY FINISHED THE RACE.

Trust me, I'm a die-hard believer of love.

I love everything about LOVE. 

Why am I talking about love anyway? Because THE STORY started with love.

I believe, most of us if not all, give much meaning to love in all aspects. 

It's everywhere. Intangible yet seen (ironic). Felt and expressed. 

It's given to everyone: families, friends and even foes.

But what kind of love am I going to discuss today? 

One sunny afternoon in school while waiting for our class to start, my childhood bestfriend (I guess) and I came across a good guy buddy who happens to be our old classmate. We were just plainly catching up at first until our conversation started to sound serious. From academics, to maturity then to love. 

Everyone was discussing their thoughts on love. We were boldly expressing what we feel. We were making a point that by now, with our age off the teenage bracket, we should be considering love in another level.

Another level: which means not getting into any petty relationship because we're all preparing ourselves...for the right one. Not that we were severely injected with pain from our previous relationships. But because we know our purposes in life at present.

What am I talking about? Well, that's not my biggest point. Here it is.

My childhood bestfriend and I: No matter how much you like someone we still believe that the first move should be done by men. It is never appropriate for a woman to make the initial step in blossoming a relationship to a deeper level.

Good guy buddy: Well, that's right. No one should be in a hurry after love. Women SHOULDN'T CHASE (NOT AT ALL). They SHOULD PACE. 

To tell you honestly, I was moved with what my good guy buddy said. And from his phrase that made an impact on me, I have further understood what love between a man and a woman is. 

Here is my own version of what women should hold onto when it comes to love:

"Don't chase, pace. God had already finished the race."

Love is a very beautiful thing that we shouldn't neglect rather give value to. I believe that love is a gift, a blessing, a treasure we can keep close into our hearts anytime, anywhere. I'm totally sad how the world uses love in destroying, deceiving and degrading. That's not what real love is about.

1 Corinthians 13:13

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest is love.

Look at how God placed emphasis on love. That it is the greatest. Therefore as stewards of His teachings, we must also put great importance on love. 

1 Corinthians 13:1-3

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.

Love gives something to nothing. And, gives meaning to everything. 

1 Corinthians 13:4-8a

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices in the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.

Love is selfless. Love points towards goodness and purity in motives. Love never fails.

So why then we, as women, should not chase and  just pace? 

Because God had already finished the race.

Women of God, do not worry on finding the partner of your lives. Do not even worry about your future life for God had already planned what's best for you. Rather, wait patiently with joy in your hearts, because above all He knows who's meant for each one of us. 

In the books I Kissed Dating Goodbye and Boy Meets Girl by Joshua Harris, I've learned how to handle singleness and commitment better. Simply by having faith in God..believing that He is the one who orchestrates my singleness and my future. 

In singleness, we must not see it as a curse but rather a blessing. Singleness isn't about a displeasing physical appearance, an unruly character, a stage of doom or a phase of being unloved. But, it's the best time to know God's purpose in your life, to serve those who are to be served, to build friendships and to prepare in purity and blamelessness.

In singleness, we must also check the motive of our hearts when we think of going into a deeper level of love. We must not settle on what this world offers. Getting into a relationship one after the other, or trying on dating from time to time, even summer flings cannot give you the love you're expecting to have. Rather than to build you, it will destroy you. We must know that love comes with intimacy and commitment. And if you're not ready at all, don't dare jump onto it.

In singleness, we can still exercise love. 

John 13:34

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 

Romans 12:20

Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 

"The joy of intimacy is the reward of commitment."

(I Kissed Dating Goodbye)

We may not all end up happily married because some were blessed with a better perspective of singleness. But I think we must also know that getting into a relationship is a spiritual decision.

Do not fear that you may not find love. 

"The right things at the wrong time are still the wrong things."

(I Kissed Dating Goodbye)

God's timing is always perfect. Let it be. Do not come earlier, do not be late. PACE. God will surely give you the wisdom and the discernment you need when it's time to pace. 

Do not chase because as women we are the ones to be chased. We are the ones to be pursued. Our duty is to submit. Let's not take the roles of men for the moment we do so, we defeat their purpose of authority and leadership here on Earth. When we submit with our will, we allow the men to lead with their full will as well. 

Genesis 29:20

So Jacob worked seven years to pay for Rachel. But his love for her was so strong that it seemed to him but a few days.

Song of Solomon 4:10

How delightful is your love, my sister, my bride! How much more pleasing is your love than wine, and the fragrance of your perfume than any spice!

Ephesians 5:25

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.

Ephesians 5:33

However, each one of you must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband. 

Colossians 3:18

Wives, submit to your husbands because it is fitting in the Lord.

I encourage every woman not to chase. It is not your role. It is not what you're made to do. It is not what you deserve.

Chasing is used by the evil to ruin God's plan for you. It will snatch away your joy from within. It will give you a mark of worthlessness, self-pity and insecurity. It will belittle your totality and will leave you hanging in space like you're less of a person.

THESE ARE NOT WHAT YOU DESERVE.

You are a beautiful creation of God. 

Set your standards high. Godly standards that will boost not perfection but true love, wisdom and purity. 

DO NOT FEAR LOVE JUST BECAUSE YOU WERE ONCE BROKEN. In Jesus, you can find healing and comfort. 

1 John 4:18

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

Isaiah 41:10

Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you. Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

1:John 4-8

"Anyone who does not love, does not know God. Because God is love."

Draw your image of love from the One who has given it in its best, unconditional, unwavering form which is Jesus Christ. Let us fall in love (first) with Him more and more each day. The one who can sustain us; The only one who can complete us.

We can love. We are loved. We are to be loved. Because Jesus Christ had loved us first.

Don't chase, pace. God had already finished the race for you!

Sealing this with love,

Diane