Embracing His Love...♥

The First Genuine Weapons

2012-01-12T20:26:00.001-08:00

Can you imagine playing acomputer game, a Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game (MMORPG), or asimple flash video game without a weapon? Well, dare say it, a game without anyweapon is not a game at all. Gameweapons make up agame and without them, the game is no fun.

The creation of the first videogame incorporated the use of weapons. You might not think of the first everinvented game weapons as actual weapons but they are, really. Game weapons comein different forms and sizes. Moreover, game weapons come in different purposesand power. The first game weapons might not be considered as an actual gameweapon by many but in reality; those are the first genuine ones.

When you think of game weapons,you immediately think of AK47, or an arrow, bow, mace, a grenade, or a turtleshell (Mario Kart). But are these the only kinds of weapons? No. There are manymore weapons that have been introduced and have been used by players. Some ofthem may not seem like weapons but they actually are. Players today thinkdifferently about weapons because of what they have been familiar to. Thethings they consider to be game weapons are those that are visually stunning,quite bulky, spreads bullets into many directions, kills and enemy with specialeffects, and those that are looking more alien than weapon. But these are notthe only weapons in the gaming world. There are those that are very simple butare very usable and exhibit the real meaning of a game weapon.

If you were born in late 80s or90s then you most probably have played Tetris(the basis for the now hit Facebook gameTetris Battle). You might ask, whatabout Tetris? Is there any weapon in Tetris? The answer is yes. If you haven’tnoticed, those blocks that you turn around, move around, and change intodifferent shapes are actually weapons. In the game Pacman, your weapon is Pacmanhimself and those bigger dots that you eat in order for those chasing youto turn into blue so they became chewable. In the same sense, the 90s game Load Runner brings one important weapon:the hole-making gun. This gun will drill a hole with which you can pass throughto go to a lower level or trap your enemy. In Super Mario, you can “eat”the mushrooms for you to grow and become quite invincible and then eat anotherone for you to have super powers. Eating a second mushroom would give Mario orLuigi power to produce small red dots that kills anyone (except Mario andLuigi) that comes to contact with it.

See? Even those that you thinkare not game weapons are actually game weapons. So what exactly defines a gameweapon? A game weapon is anything that helps a player champion the game. Thissimple definition should enlighten you. So, next time you play a game, think ofthe things that you are using as weapons and not just another part of the game.

For A Friend And For Myself

2008-10-07T01:30:00.000-07:00

I read this last night and it deeply moved me. Hope it'll serve as an encouragement to you too.

Hello,

I have been a christian ever since I was 5. I have gone to church ever since I was born. My problem is that I am getting tired of the same old same old... going to church, and youth, then church again. I am like falling away from Christ. But I don't want to fall rom Him. My questions are:

Has anyone ever gone through this problem?

If so what brought you back?

What verses have helped you to grow closer, or go back to God?

PM me or post a reply.

- Audra

Audra,

First off, I want to give some encouragement. If you are truly in Christ, have trusted Him alone as Savior through faith, and have committed your life to following and worshiping Him, then the following verses are true of you:

I am confident of this very thing: That He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.
~Philippians 1:6

There is now therefore no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus.
~Romans 8:1

...and no one can snatch them out of My hand...
~John 10--Jesus is our good Shepherd! Both He and the Father hold onto us if we are indeed His!

If you are in Christ, He will keep you by His power, and He will be at work in you to conform you to the image of Christ (Romans 8:28-30). I hope that is encouraging.

We all have dry spells from time to time. And it's usually because we're distracted or are not being filled and satisfied by God alone. You end up feeling like you're just going through the motions, right?

Well, what has been the cure-all for me is to pray, asking God to show me where my heart is, and what has crept in to steal my joy. Usually there's sin. I'm not saying you're doing anything wrong--usually it's a sin of the heart. I've allowed an idol to take God's place, or there is some sin I'm hiding from others, or I'm not loving my family or submitting to my parents as I know I ought to be.

The Christian life is a life of constant repenting and believing--it's how we got saved in the first place, and now it defines our daily walk with the Lord--we must constantly turn from sin and trust in the work of Jesus Christ to cleanse us from our sin. And when we keep our sin and the cross constantly in mind, we will have constant cause for rejoicing! And it makes time among God's people (the church) that much more precious--because we can learn from God's word and worship Him and encourage one another toward love and good deeds.

All of that said, if you're feeling empty or are in a dry spell, it's probably because you're starving spiritually--at least that's been my experience. If I'm not feeding on God's word and dependent on Him in prayer each day, it's easy to be discouraged and distracted--and it's easy to look to other things to satisfy me instead of God Himself. He is my source of joy (Ps. 16:11), so if I'm not hearing from Him by spending time in His word, meditating on His glorious promises, then I'm going to be running on empty.

So, in times when I've not had a heart to read God's word, I've committed to read Psalm 119 every morning, praying that God would give me the same heart for His word that the Psalmist had--and every time He's answered! If we believe God's word is powerful, and that He answers our prayers, we know that we can come to His word in humble prayer and be changed and refreshed!

Another time I just sat down and read through Hebrews. Or Daniel. Or Philippians. Or Romans 8. I've really loved the gospel of John lately--it's anything but boring! John knew Jesus personally and is screaming on every page, "This is Jesus, the Son of God, your Creator and Savior! I want you to know Him!!!!!!! Know His heart, know His will--and find life in His name!!!!" Sigh...I love the gospel of John! Another time when I was dealing with trials, I'd read 1 Peter everyday for a month. That gave me time to meditate on the same chunk of Scripture each day--and I found so much treasure in that little letter!!!

Well, I've shared a lot. Not pointing at any one thing as the cause of your being bored, just sharing from my experience. Start dealing with whatever it is by going to God in humble prayer, confessing your boredom and asking Him to search your heart and reveal to you what is missing. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Dig so deep into God's word that you get lost in it! And if you'd like a book recommendation...............I really have enjoyed "Authentic Beauty" by Leslie Ludy. She's got some great resources for soul-searching and calls young ladies to live set-apart lives for their Lord Jesus--which is anything but boring!

Oh, and if you're tired of the same old same old...why not try to get a group together to do more than just church--why not see about going witnessing at a mall or park, or see if there is an elderly widow at your church who needs your help, or bake things for your neighbors and attach pretty cards with Bible verses, or volunteer some time at a homeless shelter (with parental approval and blessing, of course). Gasp--and, now that I think of it, start at home! See how you can bless the socks off of your parents and siblings! The point here is, if you obey God's word and do things that aren't typical of young people today--maybe even typical of the other kids at your church, you'll end up escaping the "same old same old" for sure! A life of radical obedience is in stark contrast to defining Christianity as "I go to church at least 2 times a week". So, get into God's word and start applying it--and you'll find PLENTY to keep you out of the same old same old. God's word is so good!!!!!

Ok, this is long enough. I hope it has been both encouraging and helpful.

Grace and Peace,
Lauren

Liquid Panic Guild (Cabal Online PH)

2008-10-03T16:34:00.000-07:00

We had just created a guild at Mars Server in the hottest online game in town today - Cabal Online PH (powered by E-Games). We named it Liquid Panic. Just check Our Guild Decree below.

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LIQUID PANIC
"Flow and move in the path of resistance"

Let PANIC dominate their being, as we bring the universal undertone of LIQUID's power.
Blood and Water will gush throughout the land of Nevareth.
... higher wisdom, metamorphosis...
Let the fluids circulating in your body threaten the enemy.

Belief: Unda est meus vita! (The water is my life!)
Server: Mars
Nation: Procyon
Founding date: September 26, 2008

LIQUID PANIC'S DECREE

-Thou shall respect and be respected.

-Thou shall not dishonor or humiliate the guild's name. Anyone caught doing so will receive their punishments.

-Thou shall not use Third-Party Programs (TPP) or do such disgraceful acts like botting, hacking and scamming.

-Always be civil to others. Never say or use foul languages.

-Thou shall not put the guild's name into harm.

-Active member with responsibility to level up your character to meet level requirements.

-Avoid talking in all caps. You may use caps to emphasize a point.

-Player killing is allowed, however allies should not be attacked at all costs. Clan back-up is not mandatory. The Arena is free for all, you can PK anyone except your clanmates.

-Please be honest to us about who you are. We will accept and like you just as you are, so please don't pretend to be someone you're not.

-Be kind. Don't be a jerk to those around you. WE play to have fun, not to cause drama or to ruin someone else's fun. This means that you should be considerate and compassionate of those around you.

-Although we want all our guildmates to level up or advance their esteem, help from the higher leveled players are not mandatory, although it is highly encouraged. For those people who need help, please ask nicely and wait for the high levelled players to assist you. If possible, form a group with people in the area. It saves time.

-Must be active during Nation Wars.

-Be an active member of our Forums for updates and clan discussions.

TERMINATION

-Breaking of the DECREE despite of the stern warning given by the council.

-Unruly behavior.

-More than two weeks unexcused inactivity.

GUILD ROLES

*Guild Mistress : LadyPinkfLaMe

*High Warlord : bananaboy

*War Chief: obbi
*War Council:
Cleocatra
ishida3000
Pido
aceman123
tiPz

*Hunting Elder: iaxe
*Beast Hunters:
LordAtlas
BladeSeeker
EscortServic3
Rheica
mStupida
jaLLy

*Novice Ambassadors:
gorna
BANKROB
cHEeEHhH

*Adiutors:
TiOroK
Nonciaon

*Prince: LordTaurus
*Muse: AngeLoFaith

*Melee Fighters (Warriors):
aqua8
eunerwin
hotguy20
SG4GODLIKE
KieLLe05
SwAnGeT
asasaas
arthanknigth
xxxbLaStErxxx
CUTewarrior
knghtdevil69

*Blade Dancers (Bladers):
LUzOooo
xXALESANAXx
Watashiro
kaldero00
JohnRayTheII
alexiscute
iceza05
oOxXxOo
ViceSword
BLaBLa22
gemini24
19CZC74pawpaw

*Ultimate Destroyers (Wizards):
lauron
wardX
JericM
QueenHallow
PaSCuaLSiXSiX
yetsumi

*Deadly Snipers (Archers):
PointClickKill
AstRaLz
simplydark
MaRiAmEn
bloods008
ajen143

*Faithful Shielders:
Hasse0
hamnida08
JhiNgGoYz
wartune

*Magic Swordsmen (FBs):
o0jAsMinE0o
hukagi
redwin08
Ninjas
diane143
stillremain

HOME CHANNELS

We've decided that our main Premium Channels will be Channel 9 and 21 (PK), and our main normal channels will be Channel 6 and 25 (PK). Obviously, you can play on any channel you want, but if you want to team up with and play with fellow guildmates, those channels are your best bet.

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If you are playing Cabal PH, and you want to join in our guild, kindly PM the following gamers in-game.

*LadyPinkfLaMe
*LordTaurus
*tiPz
*BANKROB
*bananaboy

Friendships With Others

2008-09-16T21:18:00.000-07:00

We all experience some things in life that bring us great joy and other things that hurt us deeply. No one likes to be hurt, but our response to the things that hurt us will determine whether we become bitter or better. Some people get bitter after being hurt, others become better. Usually, our expectations are at the root of each response and determine which outcome we will produce. We expect all kinds of things from people who don’t even know we are expecting something, and therefore, they often fail to meet our expectations.

We must know how to live our lives respectfully and how to treat others when we have been wronged or think we have been wronged. So many people seem easily offended. Offense has become a big problem and it hinders the flow of the anointing, which is vital to our seeing lives change. The anointing comes where there is unity, not strife and offense. Let us strive to do what is right, regardless of what someone else is doing.

In difficult situations in dealing with others, I have found that my attitude is more important than the facts. If I maintain the right attitude, I can better deal with the facts. A wrong attitude or motive can cause me to miss the plan that God has for me. Furthermore, a wrong attitude can damage my relationship with others.

Good relationships are wonderful and make life sweeter. I would not have enjoyed so many great experiences had it not for my friends who were there to enrich the moment, teaching me about life or introducing me to things that made my life better.

On the other hand, I’ve been hurt by friends and felt betrayed by some people, while expecting something. This is the risk involved in relationships.

Other times I was the one who caused the hurt. Because of my immaturity or because I placed unrealistic expectations on others, I felt let down. Perhaps I wasn’t being as sensitive as I could have been.

Sometimes it’s hard to know just how a person is feeling. But, regardless of who let down whom, I’ve tried to learn from each experience – whether good or bad – so that I can be wiser and better informed. And as I learn from my mistakes, I can live in peace and trust people more.

Since life is so short, we need to live each day in peace and in the presence of God, learning to appreciate the people God places in our lives. Among the friends God gives us to know, some may turn out to be friends for a season, while others may become friends for life.

Things happen over which we have no control. We must realize that decisions made by others sometimes affect our relationships and our lives. These decisions may hurt us, but we have basically two ways to respond: We can hold on to the wrong, or we can forgive and move forward. Looking back at the hurt is destructive both to ourselves and to others, so the better choice of the two is to forgive and look to the future.

And this is what I actually did lately during my re-self-exploration:

If you find yourself hurting because of a bad experience with others, I pray you will first mend yourself by making sure you are right with God. If you have been treated wrongly in the past, I pray you will set yourself free by forgiving, and allow God to show you the green pastures of His love.

David acknowledged that only God can do this:

“You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever” (Psalms 16;11 NLT)

Credits: Right and Wrong Expectations in Friendships

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anyhow, did I ever mention before that I'm an online gamer? Yes I am. I'm playing now Cabal Online PH. I used to play Ran Online, RF Online, and Perfect World.

I'm using the IGN (in-game name) "LadyPinkfLaMe". Mars Server and a Wizard

Here are some screenshots from Cabal PH:

FERVOR ..~*

2008-08-15T03:13:00.000-07:00

“If you don’t know where you are going, you will probably end up somewhere else.” – Laurence J. Peter

With all those disappointments I had in my life, in my college life in particular, I’ve realized that I’m already losing something in me; the thing rich in me when I was still an elementary and high school student; the reason why I was fulfilled in my life then. And this is FERVOR, my keen interest on a particular subject or activity.

Disappointing craps had swallowed me whole, and I felt pity for myself. I don’t even know now what I want, who I wanted to be, where I wanted to go, how I am going to explore my life. With these thoughts, I decided to seek where and what my passion is.

As I was reading the Kist which I borrowed from my friend, a statement caught my attention. “Passion is the human soul on fire.” It was also stated there that life without passion is a life not worth living. It is not life at all. And I agreed with it, because now, I don’t know if I’m really living my life as it should be or even cast doubt on myself “Am I really existing or having a so-called LIFE?”

I am just being so careless I guess. That is the very reason why I always end up regretting something. But one thing for sure, I don’t really take it negatively. I always put in mind that there are always next times; that people do get to have second chances. I just have to be determined enough the second time around. I must never accept failure, no matter how often it visits me. I just have to keep on going and never give up.

Sometimes I feel sorrow, weariness, anger, dissatisfaction, and even drooping hopes. But even if I am suffering these, even if I am already inferior from others, I always think of not to weaken myself; remember that it takes life to love life.

Among those mistakes I’ve done, I learned that it is not a disgrace to fail and I must analyze each failure to find its cause. Others told me that I am smart enough to handle things ‘coz I’ve got brains. But I still have to learn how to fail intelligently for failing is one of the greatest arts in the world. I might have a failure in attitude, failure in my ambition, failure in my ability, and even in everything. But with these letdowns, I do believe that I’m better equipped to accomplish the things I’m striving for.

And if I’ve got to find my own passion, my fervor already, I’ll spend my time reaching that dream for success is not measured on what position you have reached in life but by the failures and obstacles you had to overcome while trying to succeed. Most success comes from ignoring the obvious. It breeds confidence to take the harder way. Got my point?

So, to end this lengthy post, this is what I can utter to myself:

“The proactive approach to a mistake is to acknowledge it instantly, correct and learn from it. This literally turns a failure into a success.” – Stephen Covey and

“The winner is simply someone who gets up one more time than they fall over.” – Robin Sieger

Updating 101

2008-08-04T22:36:00.000-07:00

Oh my... Guess I need to update my blog na. A big make-over. More stories. More testimonies. I really need to. I'm so sorry Lord for being so pathetic these days. I just got really frustrated with my heavy family problem. I'm so sorry God. I miss blogging here. I'll really try my best to continue what I've started. And I miss my readers. REALLY! They are those who take time to read my not-that-interesting posts. I thank you God for this realization. I must continue to walk on my journey. This journey is Yours alone. Thank you so much God.

Soli Deo Gloria!

Birthday ni Jazzy

2008-07-13T22:33:00.000-07:00

Yeah it's my debut today. God bless us all!

I would like to thank everyone who greeted me.

Kuya Redlan, Alyssa, DJ Lee, Cristine, Albert and a lot more.

Much of thanks to you guyz!

Scribbles

2008-06-18T18:30:00.000-07:00

I am to post some of my compositions and literary pieces here, o simple scribbles lang. I'm going to number them so that you could figure out what's in my journal, and what are those na ginawa ko lang kasi wala akong magawa. XD. Anyways, I named them SCRIBBLES. They could be fictional or non-fictional. Just check them out.

God bless us all! And I miss you guyz.

Thank You For Your Prayers and Support

2008-05-27T20:20:00.000-07:00

I would like to extend my greatest appreciation to the following people who are always there to encourage me, and to those new friends who have bumped on my blog along the highways of the cyber plexus. Thanks a lot guys for your prayers, encouragement, and even your sweet messages about holding on and continuing to seek our Lord through whatever.

MARAMING SALAMAT PO!

Kuya Redlan
Ate Bb Anne
Aleli
Kuya Macky
Albert
Sister Alyssa C.
DJ Lee
Aika
Jez
Kuya Daniel
Kirstie
Gee
Mau

And also to those guyz who have partnered with me in my proposed team blog of Filipino Christian Youth. These trials are great testimonies of God's faithfulness. He will never give up on us, maging sa pinaplano nating team blog. Thanks a lot!

Alyssa C.
Kuya Macky
Kuya Redlan
Kaakaams
Wenslyn Reyes
Ate Apple
DJ Lee
Albert
Gerald Tipones
Carla May Urbano
Ben Soo
Fjordz Allego

I'm so sorry for being too passive these past few days. I'll make it up to you soon. Still, above all, NUMBER ONE PARIN SI LORD!

SOLI DEO GLORIA!

I Love You Papa..T_T

2008-05-19T23:59:00.000-07:00

My Papa has another woman. Period.

The news turned my world into the broken pieces it used to be. I heard it from the very lips of my mom, while she was sobbing to death. I could feel the pain and anger excruciating her. And me, I found myself staring blankly on my computer screen.

My papa has a woman.

Yes, it pains so much. I couldn't believe it. I had never imagined it ever in my life. My Papa is the best dad ever in the world. Even though we didn't have much time with each other cause he's always abroad, I could feel how much he loves us, he loves me.

There were times back then that I felt sick with his reprimands, and mother's too. I would want to run away from home, hide in a place where there's only me and my shadow. But I was too young to better understand the love they have for me.

My dad always believed in me. My mom told me that. He believed in all my abilities. And he always wanted to give me all I "want" to have. He loves me. He loves us.

I could still remember when I was still 9 years old, I was criticized by my mom 'cause I wasn't able to meet her expectation on a said inter-school competition and it made me cry a lot. My dad went in my room, embraced me in his warm arms and said, "Tara! Gusto mo ice cream?" I nodded. We walked together and instead of thinking about what my mom did to me, my attention focused on the ice cream, really. And the happiness I felt when I was having a walk with Papa.

I thought everything was OK, until the day came when my mom said my Papa has another woman. My mom discovered that, and my dad honestly admitted it. I could never believe it. He would never do it, I said to myself.

Days after that very second my mom disclosed the news, I could hardly sleep. I always found myself talking on the walls, asking them why did this happen to me, to my family. I cried.. and cried.. and cried.

And I could never accept it. Never! Mom and Dad are always having fights about the matter now. Instead of taking strengths from each other, they keep pushing themselves down. The thought of it makes me want to give up.

I opened up the matter to my discipler and to our church pastor. I cried to them and they sympathized. But instead of worrying, they told me that this time I must take my strength from my Heavenly Dad and lift this situation to Him.

I went home, I prayed, cried, prayed, worshiped,

"Lord, I know this is not part of Your will. Help me overcome this. My Dad was just tempted. He never intended it. Help me God. I don't want my family to be broken. We've always been a good happy family. Save us God! Save my family. And save my Dad. Comfort my Mom and help her forgive my Papa. I already had forgiven him. I know he never intended it. He was just tempted. Lord, I want my papa to be happy, with us his family. Help him realize that we need him, and he needs us too! Please Lord. And I'm praying for that woman too. Help her realize that what she's doing and she's feeling towards Papa is not right. Send a man for her God, the man You made for her. And save my family. Please Lord. To You I trust these everything. I have no power over this.

I love my Papa. I don't want to lose him. And I don't want my parents get separated. Please God. Your my family's only hope. My brothers didn't know about this yet, but God, give me strength on that right time when I'm going to tell them about Papa. Please God. Please....(T_T)"

I don't know why I've opened this up. I maybe am just too bold to share this very private matter. But I want you guys know that I'm under a very difficult situation now. I'm under confusion, that's why I didn't blog that much anymore (and not even updating about the Team Blog Proposal I passed to some). But I never lose hope. I could still smile. I've got faith, and my top priority now is to PRAY and PRAY! My comfort is God, and He's our hope.

To those who belong in broken families, I know exactly how you feel. I don't know if mine is worse. But believe that God's up there, He's in control of everything, and He will never give up on us. And He's mighty to save our families! Let's pray for our parents, and constantly express our love for them. Our love is their comfort and their strength!

"I love you Papa. Even if you're not really reading my blog, I want these readers know how much I love you! How much I need you! And how I'm praying for you and Mama. Pa, we'll never give up on you. We'll always be here no matter what. I know you're confused right now, but Pa, trust God! He's GOD! And He Loves us!"

ILOVEYOU PAPA KRYDH!

your daughter,
Jazzy

SAVING GRACE by Hillsong - Still My Favorite

2008-05-09T03:46:00.000-07:00

I saw this video at YouTube.com. Guess what? While watching it, drippings of the past were oozing in my mind. This is the very first song that I sang at church. Hmm.. And this is my ever favorite song! Whenever I listen to it, I could feel the thousand emotions rushing within me, that it'll leave me crying, adoring God, worshiping Him as my Lord and my Savior.

I always find it a funny experience about how the music team discovered my God-given gift. Glory to God for that! Now, I spend my whole time singing for my Master, even composing songs for Him. What a feeling you'll have when you could feel God's embrace whenever you serenade your Father in heaven. You'll keep falling in love!

Here's an excerpt of my entry last year:

May pinaborrow sakin na Audio CD yung discipler ko. This happened ages ago na. Hehehe... I listened to the songs pero yung song na sobrang nakarelate at natouch ako was this song - Saving Grace. So, ayun! Minemorize ko yung kanta tas kinabisado. One time, we had this Life Skills Training Workshop for three days. Pag wala akong ginagawa o kung meron din, kinakanta ko to. Di ko akalain, one of my friends (taga-kabilang church) heard me singing habang nasa CR kami. Sabi niya maganda daw boses ko. Nahiya naman ako dun. So yun ang nangyari.

Pagbalik namin sa Function Hall, di ko alam pinagsabi niya na pala na kaboses ko si Michelle Fragar - yung singer nito at kasapi ng Hillsong United. Nahiya tuloy ako. Pero nag-request sila na kantahin ko ang Saving Grace. Mejo nakakahiya rin kung mag-aayaw ako. God-given gift din tong boses ko kaya kumanta ako with the band (hindi to yung band ng church namin). So dun nagsimula ang singing career ko sa music ministry. Inin-vite na nila akong magsanay for the Youth Jams at sa gagawing Christian Youth Concert dito sa Davao City.

Fast forward. Sa church, nag-practice yung mga churchmates ko sa music team ng church namin. Nasa may gilid lang ako. Hindi ako kasali. Tapos, bigla nila akong tinawag, nag-ask if may alam ba akong Christian Song na maganda para pwedeng kantahin. Kaya yun ang nirecommend ko. Kinanta ko siya. Same parin reaction - kaboses ko si Michelle. Eeerrrrr.... Di naman. Hillsong kaya yun. At yun ang reason why napasok na ako sa music team. Praise God for that!

Now, ang song na ito ang laging By-Request sakin. Hahahaha... Ang song na ito ang reason why nadiscover ako. Sa song na ito ako nakilala (sikat?? ahe!) Ang song rin na ito ang isa sa mga main reasons why I continue to love the Lord.

Click here to read the full article: The Song I Love The Most

Please watch the video. It has the song's lyrics. You'll be truly blessed. Never mind yung boses na kaboses ko daw kasi po mukhang hindi naman talaga. Hehehe. Malapit na nga rin pala yung concert ng Hillsong United sa Manila. May 26 at Araneta Coliseum. Balita ko andun si Michelle Fragar. Watch kayo ha.God bless you all guyz!

LOVE LETTER

2008-05-05T22:17:00.000-07:00

Hi! I'm Jazz, an admirer of yours. Nakakatawa mang iisipin pero OO, gusto talaga kita! Sinulat ko to kasi matagal ko na sana dapat sinabi to sayo - I LOVE YOU. Oo, corny nga pero totoo! Mahal kita. Mahal na mahal na kita! Sana tanggapin mo tong sulat ko.

Noon, alam kong andiyan ka but I never gave any attention of you kasi nga may mahal akong iba. Mahal ko talaga siya nun. Wala rin akong time para i-entertain ka kasi super busy ako sa school. But I was happy kasi even if I always fail you, neglect you, o kahit na itulak ka pa palayo, andiyan ka parin para sakin.

Nakikita kita lagi pero di ko nga lang masyadong pansin. Naririnig din kita kaso ayaw kitang pakinggan. Sapat na sakin kung anong meron ako. Total may lovelife naman ako at smooth lahat. I know you've always wanted to have a relationship with me pero hindi kita tinanggap. I was so sorry.

Pero isang araw, bumagsak lahat sakin. Nasira ang buhay ko. Tinalikuran ako ng lahat, kasali na dun yung minahal ko. Masakit. Sobra. Iyak ako ng iyak. Nawalan ako ng pag-asa. Ayoko ng mabuhay pa. "Bakit ganito?", tanong ko sa sarili ko nun. Di ko matanggap ang lahat ng pangyayari. Bangungot. Oo. Bangungot talaga yun.

Pero nung mga oras na yun, andun ka sa tabi ko. Sabi mo pa, "OK lang yan Jazz. Andito lang ako." I was so amazed. Despite how many times I've broken your heart, still you continue to be faithful to me. Tumingin ako sa mga mata mo. Naluha ka rin pala. "Bakit ka pa andito?", tanong ko sayo. At di ko makalimutan ang sinagot mo sakin, "Mahal kita!" Gumaan ang pakiramdam ko. May kakampi pa pala ako. You embraced me and I felt the warmth of love inside your arms. I was totally comforted. At nahimbing sa pagkatulog.

Paggising ko, nawala ka na. Hinanap kita. Ang bilis ng lahat. "Kanina lang kausap pa kita, ngayon asan ka na ba?", sigaw ko. "All these times, akala ko hinding hindi mo ko iiwan", sumbat ko sayo. Tila ako lang ang nakakarinig sa mga sigaw kong iyon. Napakadilim ng paligid ko. Hinanap kita hanggang may nakita akong liwanag.

And I saw you there! Nailed to the Cross. . . .bleeding. . . bruised . . .nakatingin ka sakin sabay sabi, "Mahal na mahal kita! And I'm doing this for you." I remember all the pains that I've caused you. Sa pagbabalewala ko sayo, sa pagpapakasaya with my sinful acts, sa pagiging makasalanan. I didn't know that my sins weigh upon your cross. I cried. I cried and cried. Pinatay kita pero pag-ibig parin ang isinukli mo sakin.

Oh my Jesus! My God, forgive me. I'm really a great sinner. I accept you in my life. I accept you as my Savior. I accept you as my Lord. Please be the Lover of my soul.

You smiled at me. "Mahal kita." Mula noon, ikaw na ang naging napakalaking bahagi ng buhay ko. Alala ko pa, June 13 yun. Hanggang ngayon, masayang masaya parin ako sa piling mo.

Truly your love is extravagant. Thank you for saving me, Lord. Thank you for setting me free. Thank you for capturing my heart again. Hear my cry of love. Hear this silent prayer. To you I entrust my soul.

Alam ko balang araw makakasama kita. Oo. Dun sa ipinangako mo sakin. Ngayon, di ako nagsisising andito ka na sa puso't buhay ko. At araw-araw, sabik akong gumising para maghandog ng harana sayo at sabihing MAHAL NA MAHAL talaga kita. Patawad kung minsan nasasaktan parin kita. Pero alam ko, agad mo kong pinapatawad. Mahal mo ko di ba?

Salamat talaga sa lahat-lahat! Wag mo kong iiwan ah? Kundi... Hehehe. Nga pala, pansin ko talaga na sobrang sweet mo sakin. Salamat ulit.

I Love You!

Embracing your love,
Jazzy

For The Guy Who Will Ask For My Heart

2008-04-29T19:08:00.000-07:00

A Woman's Question
Lena Lathrop

Do You know you have asked for the costliest thing
Ever made by the Hand above?
A woman's heart, and a woman's life
And a woman's wonderful love.

Do you know you have asked for this priceless thing
As a child might ask for a toy?
Demanding what others have died to win,
With the reckless dash of a boy.

You have written my lesson of duty out;
Manlike, you have questioned me.
Now stand at the bar of my woman's soul
Until I shall question thee.

You require your mutton shall be always hot
Your socks and your shirt be whole;
I require your heart to be true as God's stars
And as pure as His heaven your soul.

You require a cook for your mutton and beef,
I require a far greater thing;
A seamstress you're wanting for socks and shirts-
I look for a man and a king.

A king for the beautiful realm called Home,
And a man that his Maker, God,
Shall look upon as He did on the first
And say: "It is very good."

I am fair and young, but the rose may fade
From my soft young cheek one day,
Will you love me then 'mid the falling leaves,
As you did 'mong the blossoms of May?

Is your heart an ocean so strong and deep,
I may launch my all on its tide?
A loving woman finds heaven or hell
On the day she is made a bride.

I require all things that are grand and true,
All things that a man should be;
If you give this all, I would stake my life
To be all you demand of me.

If you cannot be this, a laundress and cook
You can hire and little to pay;
But a woman's heart and a woman's life
Are not to be won that way.

I pray for a guy:

who loves Jesus more than he will love me
who has a "strong and true" heart
who will make my spiritual and emotional purity a priority
who will be a warrior to guard my heart
who will help me focus on God
who is bold enough to ask me from the hand of my Father, the KING of kings
who has strong faith than mine
and who will be man enough to spend the rest of his life with me

To all the girls out there, remember, KEEP YOUR STANDARDS HIGH and REQUIRE EVERYTHING that are GRAND and TRUE!

Soli Deo Gloria!

A Message From God . . . and a Tag

2008-04-22T18:44:00.000-07:00

a message from God. . .

"No man can ever claim you unless he claims you from Me . . .

I reserved a man for you who has My heart and loves Me even more than he will love you . . .

I won't give you unless he asks you from Me . . .

Soon, you will know him, I have the perfect time . . .

you're My PRINCESS, my daughter . . .

let no prince claim you unless he asks you from My hand . . .

for I am your FATHER, the KING of kings . . .

you, my princess, is worth loving."

Gawin ko nalang din po yung tag na bigay sakin ni Big Sis BB_Anne. Hehehe.

Post 10 things that recently made you happy, then tag ten other people and spread the LOVE!

1. Do Hard Things Book - I received it last April 17, 2008. Wala akong ibang ginawa kundi magsisigaw ng magsisigaw. Na-shock tuloy mga friends ko. Aha Aha!

2. My Parents - Ok na daw sila after a series of love quarrels. Hahaii. Every night kong pinagdasal to kasi naman silang dalawa lang magkasama dun tas kung anu-ano pa naririnig ko from Mamsie. Praise God ayos na sila ni Papsie.

3. Sparkle Powerhouse - Isang texters clan ng mga sun cellular subscribers ages 16-25 years old. Ok yung samahan at bonding. What's great? Nagmeeting kaming mga officers last night and we decided that the clan will attend Regeneration: Youth Reload (parang Christian youth jam) every Fridays sa Household of Faith, then on our EBs (gatherings) every saturdays we'll be having bible sharings. Ke Lord lang talaga to.

4. Ryan and Rica - My two long-time-no-see best buddies. Nagbonding kami last saturday (April 19, 2008). We hopped at Gaisano South, chika-chika with the Sparkle Powerhouse group, then namasyal sa napakasikat na People's Park sa Davao.

5. My Bible Study group (slaughter area kids) - Namimiss na daw nila si Ate Jazzy. Medyo naging busy kasi kaya pamisan nalang talaga makapagbonding after bible studies. Sinorpresa nila ako ng tumawag sila sa phone ko (waaat?). Nag-effort pa talaga ang mga batang yun. Hehehe.

6. UNICEF CPC 6 Website - Di na ako mahihirapan magpass ng data at reports sa City Planning sa City Hall. Nagkaroon ng meeting ang Technical Woking group ng CPC 6 Davao at UNICEF, together with NEDA. Nilaunch na yung website kung saan namin ipapass yung mga Activity Implementation Reports (AIR) and whatsoever.

7. I Kissed Dating Goodbye book by Joshua Harris- Di ko pa nasimulang basahin pero medyo excited na ako sa message ng book. Si Josh nga pala yung older brother nina Alex at Brett Harris, authors ng Do Hard Things.

8. One 2 One - pinahiram to sakin ni Afril Rose, clanmate ko sa Sparkle Powerhouse. It's a booklet on discipleship process.

9. Preaching on Servant-Leadership by Dr. Myles Monroe - katatapos ko lang marinig yung preaching for a series of nights. Nabless talaga ako sa message at sobra akong naencourage at na-inspire. Pinahiram to sakin ng pastor's wife namin so that I could better grasp the real message of being a servant-leader sa church at sa community.

9. Matters of the Heart - Dinideal ako ni Lord ngayon about some matters of the heart. Kaya I constantly pray so that I could better guard my heart. I know God's at work, and He will take care of everything. In His hands, I surrender.

I want to share this love to these lovely people: Aleli, Redlan, Casey, Dakilang Tambay, Eniala, Fjordz, Gerald, Johnray, Macky, and Kaamskee.

Stay cool, do hard things, and be a blessing always! God bless you guys!

DO HARD THINGS Book: Gotcha!!

2008-04-20T19:26:00.000-07:00

I've got the book on my hands already. Last April 17, 2008, I received a package from Gresham, Oregon, USA. Huwaw! Ang book na from The Rebelution. Wheee.

THANK YOU LORD!

Pumasok ako agad sa isang cafe ang took some pics of it. Hehehe.

Here are they:

God has great surprises talaga! And I wasn't expecting something like this.

GRAB A COPY NOW! LIFE CHANGING BOOK FOR TEENS!

Suprise: An Overlooked E-MaiL

2008-04-15T02:58:00.000-07:00

Di ko pinansin ang e-mail nato sa Bulk ng Yahoo!Mail for about 2 weeks I guess. Tapos nung nakaraang gabi, nacurious ako kung ano talaga ang laman nun kaya inopen ko. And here it was:

From: "Kenny Montano"

To: jazzy_dytes@yahoo.com

Subject: Interview

Date: Tue, 1 Apr 2008 12:29:37 -0700

Hi,

I am a radio host with KNMI - Farmington, NM. I am doing a new series of interviews leading up to and through graduation time about the movement of amazing teenagers. This is inspired by an interview I had with Alex and Brett Harris about their new book "Do Hard Things". They list several influential teens and I am hoping to create a series based on this list. I would like to see about interview Jazzy Dytes and let her share her story with our listeners as part of the series. Please let me know who would be the best person to contact regarding this matter. Thank you for your help.

Kenny Montano
Music Director/On-Air Host
KNMI/Vertical Radio 88.9 fm
2103 W. Main St
Farmington, NM 87401
505.324.5259 (direct line)
505.327.4357 (station line)
kenny@verticalradio.org

I was so surprised by this. Tagal na pala nito. Ahehe. The best talaga si Lord. Siya ang tunay na astig! To God be the glory and honor! (Buti nalang binulong ni God sakin, "Jazzy, silipin mo naman yung e-mail. Another surprise Ko for you.") Sweet Niya noh?

DO HARD THINGS book: A Copy

2008-04-10T04:57:00.000-07:00

Praise be to God!

The Lord is at work in my life at this point of time. I know and I believe. God is breaking me, He is doing it right now, and I am so amazed of that. I'll tell you the details soon.

What I have here is the latest e-mail I got from Alex Harris of The Rebelution.

Subject: Sending copies of 'Do Hard Things'

From: "Alex Jordan Harris"

Date: Thu, 20 Mar 2008 07:08:59 -0700

Dear Friends,

This email is to all of the rebelutionaries whose stories we share in Do Hard Things -- coming out on April 15th. Brett and I will be receiving pre-release copies in the next week or so and would like to send personal copies to each of you. If you can reply to this email with your mailing address, that would be wonderful. We're so excited to see how God uses your stories in this book to impact a generation. God bless you!

In Christ,
Alex

The Rebelution
www.therebelution.com

I was so amazed and was so surprised by this. I didn't expect something like this. God really moves in a surprising way! That's one great thing my FATHER in Heaven make "lambing" to me, and I love it! Really! Hehehe.

I'm quite excited now. I wonder when will the team be going to send the book. Pero OK lang kung matagal pa, basta may copy na ako. Hehehe.

Click! Click! Cute ng photo!

I've Sinned yet God Remains Faithful to Me

2008-03-25T04:39:00.000-07:00

I've sinned.

I hurt a lot of people. I hurt my family, my church mates, my parents, my relatives, and even my friends.

The mistake -> I yoke with the unbelievers for the search of friends, to fill my emptiness, to get out from all pressures and sit down in my comfort zone. Instead of pulling them with me towards the church, I was pulled with them and took all the world pleasures. I was tempted and I dived into those temptations. I couldn't get out. I couldn't resist. I couldn't say "no". They're everywhere around me. But I admit it, everything was fun and everything was according to my wants.

I forgot my need.

I went home. And there I sat on my bed. Despite all the pleasures, the laughters, the happiness, there I sat all alone again. I found myself empty, depressed, melancholic. I slept.

Morning came. I heard a lot of hurtful words from my lola. I cried. I was so angry with her. I couldn't stand it anymore. She's going too harsh already.

I texted my discipler.

Me: Di ko na kaya to. Ganito nalang lagi. Pagod na ako.
Her: Jaz, you need help.

She went in our house after lunch. She cried. I cried.

Her: I'm so sorry Jaz. Napabayaan kita as disciple ko.

I was speechless. From then on, God's revelations rushed inside my mind.

It was never her mistake, it was mine.

I broke down and cried. I surrendered the very thing that tempted me. I broke it in front of my discipler and made a covenant.

I repented and asked God's forgiveness.

We prayed. She left.

From that very moment I could feel that God's with me again, yet the fear of rejection was still creeping inside my being.

Three days after, I received a text message from one of those "friends".

"Punta kami sa inyo this saturday. Bibisitahin ka namin ha."

I was shocked. I could not say "no" again so I accepted her request.

Saturday.

Di ako mapakali. My heart was pounding like it had some life of its own, wanting to get out of my chest. Sobra akong kinabahan.

A lot was playing inside my brain. "What if's" and "If ever's". Pano sina lola? Ano nalang iisipin nila lolo? Pano kung malaman ito ng discipler ko? Ugh! I wanted to scream. To run to a faraway place. But God calmed me down.

Pumasok ako sa kwarto. I sat on my bed.

PRAYER. Yes! A prayer! It never fails.

I fell on bended knees. I prayed, humbled down myself, acknowledging all my weaknesses that I'm just nothing compared to my King. I cried habang yung buhok ko nasa mukha ko na at yung forehead ko nakadikit na sa sahig.

Basang-basa na yung kamay ko. But I couldn't stop worshiping Him. I couldn't stop asking forgiveness. I couldn't stop saying sorries to what I've done.

I remembered what Oni jing-jing told me the morning on that day.

"Instead of you tempted to go with them, why don't you ask God's grace and let them see your light so that they would be attracted to your light and praise Jesus as He works through you?"

I prayed and prayed.

"Lord, I humble down myself. Help me God. Teach me to move on ways according to Your will. Lord, I pray for boldness, for Your grace that I could have the courage to share Your message to these young people. You know them Lord, and I surrender everything to You. I couldn't do this without Your power and Your Spirit. I ask You God to give me the strength I needed that they may see the greatness of Your love."

I cried and cried, and cried.

They arrived.

An inner struggle occurred inside me. My mind was so busy thinking of ways that I could open the topic to them. I entertained them first. They watched a few DVDs, scanned some magazines, asked some questions about my family, and they felt at home.

I went inside my room. I uttered, "Lord, please help me. Please Jesus."

Hindi ko parin ma-open sa kanila. They knew that I'm a Christian. Thoughts about what I've done the week before flood my mind. I was kinda discouraged. I thought that maybe God doesn't want to answer my prayer because of that sin I committed. Ayaw Niya akong pagbigyan this time.

Naghina ako. I felt like I was losing my hope. I felt like Jesus left me.

One Requested.

Habang nanonood kami ng movie, nagrequest si Gean, isa sa mga "friends".

"Pwede ba tayong mag-bible study now?"

I was amazed. "Lord thank you!" Di ko in-expect yun. Hindi ako nag-open but God let her opeb the topic about it. Sobra talaga akong na-amaze.

We went in my room. We prayed. There I was able to share God's message. May struggle na nagyari nung ipapa-accept ko na si Jesus sa kanila. They were having doubts. But by God's grace, God made a way for me to speak His Word and made them realize that they could do nothing without Jesus in their lives.

I saw God's movement within that sharing. The guys whom I know are pasaway at makulit went silent. The girls who were mataray, maarte at palasalita ay natahimik din. Then suddenly I saw some tears trickling down their cheeks. I praised God for that.

They Accepted Jesus.

They accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior. I sang a gospel song and we ended with a closing prayer.

Sobra akong nabless sa mga nakita ko. Even mga lalaki napaiyak. Grabe talaga ang movement ni Lord that night. I asked them if OK lang ba sila and they replied:

"OK lang kami. Grabe. Sobrang sarap ng feeling. Kakaiba yung movement ng heart ko kanina."

I encouraged them to share God's message to their friends too, and they responded positively. Minemorize nila yung Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord." After that, they requested for some next bible sharing. Then, they went home.

Realization.

While I was writing on my prayer journal pagkauwi nila, marami akong realization that very night. God's still with me. I was truly amazed on His revelations that night. At eto ang aking natutunan:

Sayang ang pagpapakamatay ni Jesus sa cross if He will condemn me for such a sin lang. I thought kasi God would never answer my prayer dahil dun. But hey! God blessed me with an unforgettable night sa bahay namin. Naprove ko talaga na sobrang mahal ako ni Lord. Imagine, nagkasala ako but still He gave me the boldness, the strength, the courage to share His message. One thing more, He made my words powerful that when I uttered them, they touched the hearts of those I shared. The Holy Spirit was really at work that very moment. He touched the hearts of my friends and opened their minds, leaving them with tears of realization and smiles of complete joy. Wow! How great is our God!

Two great lessons:

No matter how great our sin is, God still loves us and will never give up on us.
Prayer is the most powerful way to make impossible things possible. Dive in prayer. God answers our prayers. If we don't pray, eh ano pang i-aanswer Niya di ba? Hehe.

God Bless you!

(Hmmm.. First week of March to nangyari kaya hindi ako nakapag-update ng blog agad. Daming realizations din kasi nangyari sa life ko these days. Belated Happy Easter! Nung Holy Week nga pala, nadiscover ko ang power at beauty ng Prayer Fasting. Keep safe always!)

One Teary Moment

2008-02-29T19:05:00.000-08:00

Badtrip. Napagalitan ako nina lola. Inasar pa ng mga brothers ko. Dami pang paper works. Daming dapat ipass on time. May gagawin pang topic for the bible studies na hinahandle ko. Mababaliw na ako. Masyado pa akong exhausted kasi matagal makatulog. Ang dami-daming gumugulo sa isip ko. Mahirap maging inay at itay at the same time. Opo. Inay at itay na ako ngayon kasi pumunta abroad si ma at pa at bilang ate, tambak sakin lahat ng reponsibilities. Araw-araw, oras-oras may problema, may takot. Ang hirap mag-budget ng time. Nawala ako sa isip ko. Nakalimutan kong isa akong servant ni Lord. Naisipan kong sumuko.

Sumakay na ako ng jeep. Wala ako sa sarili. Lumilipad yung utak ko.

"Haay.. buhay! Lord, ganito ba talaga? Ang bata-bata ko pa pero sobra sobra na mga binibigay Mo sakin. Surrender na ako. Pagod na ako. Ayoko na. Kung di lang kasalanan ang magpakamatay, ginawa ko na. Ang hirap. Di ko na to makakaya."

Bumaba ako. Badtrip parin. Naglakad sa mataong street. Mabilis yung paglalakad ko. Nakakunot-noo. Ayoko na. AYOKO NA!

Habang naglalakad, nakita ko ang isang namamalimos. Nagmamakaawang humingi ng kahit isang barya lang. Nag-iba yung picture sa mind ko. Nawala lahat ng mga gumugulo sa isip ko. Nag-focus dun sa pulubi lahat-lahat.

At ni-remind ako ni Lord.

Mas kaawa-awa ang pulubi kesa sakin. Pero pinipilit nilang mabuhay sa paraang alam nila. Samatalang ako na halos lahat-lahat ibinibigay sakin, reklamo ako ng reklamo na inisip ko pang sana di nalang ako nabuhay. But that beggar, kung titingnan mo wala na silang pag-asa, but they continue to strive in order to survive. Wala akong karapatang magreklamo, ang lahat ay ibinibigay lamang sakin.

We are too lucky compared to some people in this world. Ay di pala lucky, BLESSED! Why complain, right? Ni-remind talaga ako ni Lord na everything is just a test, an assignment. All of these are part of God's work on refining myself. I desire to be just like Jesus's character. Jesus is my perfect model. Isa pa, bawal na maging weak ngayon. The Lord is coming soon and so we must be ready always.

Napaluha ako. "Lord, sorry. Forgive me for what I acted."

Kumanta ako habang naglalakad, papahid-pahid sa mga luhang tumutulo.

"Here I am Oh God, I bring this sacrifice
My open heart, I offer up my life
I look to You Lord
Your love that never ends
Restores me again
So I lift my eyes to You Lord
In Your strength will I breakthrough Lord
Touch me now, let Your love fall down on me
I know Your love restores all my fears
Through the storms I will hold on Lord
And by faith I will walk on Lord
Then I'll see beyond my calvary one day
That I will be complete in You."

Ikaw? Pagod ka na ba?

Embrace His Love More and More!

2008-02-07T18:50:00.000-08:00

I thank God so much for the weeks of revelation and for making this desire come true! The desire of EMBRACING A CROSS! I don't know about this place but when we got there, somebody told me that there is this cross at the back of the main building of that camp. So, I was so excited to see it and take a picture of it.

At first, nobody wanted to go with me because the place there was so spooky. The place behind the main building was an abandoned area. Pero namilit ako. Pinilit ko talaga sila. I was so glad my discipler, Chloe, decided na samahan ako, as well as si Jessa. And so we went there.

Nakakatakot nga yung place, daming puno at mukhang abandonado na talaga. Nagdalawang isip ako kasi about 4:30PM na kami pumunta dun, medyo madilim na. But when I saw that huge cross at the center of that mini garden, na-amaze ako. Nawala ang takot ko, there's that cross and I know Jesus is with me. I went directly to it. Dala ni Chloe yung cam.

Napaluhod ako at napaluha. Naalala ko yung ipinagdasal ko na "Lord, gusto ko pong makakuha ng pic na ini-embrace ko yung cross". At di ako nagdalawang-isip. I hugged the cross, not knowing Chloe took a picture. Tears trickled down my cheeks. "Grabeh Lord. You're so amazing and so malambing! Di ko to ini-expect!"

Now, I want to take the chance to show the pic to you guys. I hope you'll appreciate this. Super special to sakin!

"My Saving Grace"

~*At the cross I bow my knee,
Where Your blood was shed for me,
There's no greater love than this.
You have overcome the grave,
Your glory fills the highest place,
What can separate me now?*~

LIFE SKILLS TRAINING: Report Part 1

2008-02-03T17:46:00.000-08:00

Yipee! Back to blogging again. I've got loads of stuffs to share. Praise God, grabeh ang movement Niya for the past few weeks. I was truly amazed by His greatness, His magnificence. Truly He deserves all the glory and honor!

Anyway, I am to share about my experiences about this Life Skills Training for At-Risk and Vulnerable Children. Last January 7-12, 2008, we had this Life Skills Camp wherein I was one of the facilitators. It was an activity of the Davao Advocates for the Rights of the Child (DARICH), in partnership with UNICEF and the City Government of Davao. The team who handled the entire event were all young people from Youth in Action for Community Service (YACS), the youth group of DARICH. It was a stay-in activity at GSP Mindanao Regional Training Center, Camp Alano, Daliao, Toril, Davao City, Philippines.

There were over 110 participants and were all children ages 14-17 years old and were gangsters, street children, out-of-school youth, high school drop outs, and high school students. They had these street-like mannerisms that's why it's quite hard for us to handle them. We could not even tame their tongues. But to God be the glory, everything was still in control. We all had fun and we were all blessed.

Di ko muna ikukwento dito ang highlights ng event. I am to introduce our youth team muna kasi magiging bahagi sila ng mga susunod ko pang stories. So here they are:

Role: Resource Speaker
<-- I call her Oni Apple. She's Yasmin Uy, 24 years old, a registered nurse who graduated BS Nursing at Ateneo De Davao University. She has chosen to follow God and is very active in her ministries. She's churching at Throne of God Fellowship. She's a great musician. Lead guitar ng Houseband 1 ng Toril Interchurch Youth Fellowship (TIYF) and a great composer too. In fact, some of her compositions ay napa'air na sa The Edge Radio. She has her powerful life testimony na maiinspire ka talaga. Yung testimony niya ay related sa music kaya to all musicians out there, you will truly be blessed by this powerful musician of God.

Role: Resource Speaker
---> This is my Oni Hazel, 22 years old, a graduating BS Computer Science student of University of the the Philippines - Mindanao Campus. She's the President of YACS, the Secretary of TIYF and one of the lead vocals of Houseband 1 of TIYF. She also has a great life testimony na pag-naiisip ko, naiiyak ako. Her father is suffering Luekemia and that is the greatest challenge of the Lord to her life. But still she remained powerful and strong. She's churching in our church at The Christian Community Fellowship (TCCF) - Assemblies of God.

Role: Facilitator
My beloved discipler, Athena Chloe. She's 20 na, a graduating Special Education student of Mindanao Kokusai Deigaku (MKD). She's a sanguine person with her heart na super in-love kay Jesus. I'm truly blessed by her used-to-be-suicidal-turned-to-Jesus-addict life testimony. She's a people-oriented type of person whose heart belongs to children. She's a pastor's kid (actually, daughter ng pastor namin sa church) and a good speaker. Member ng Kabataan News Network (KNN) at core team ng YACS. Isa sa mga malalaking tao ng Media Productions ng TIYF. She's my accountability partner too sa Prayer Journal 101 namin. TCCF din siya nag-chuchurch.

Role: Facilitator
She's my Oni Jing-Jing, 22 years old, a Public Administration graduate of the University of Southeastern Philippines (USEP). This sweet power woman of God is working as a full-time volunteer staff of the Philippine Jesus Disciple Movement (PJDM), a campus ministry wherein isa siya sa mga main leaders sa whole Davao City. Pastora na tawag namin nito sa church kasi she's churching at TCCF too. She's our church's worship leader at matured na sa kanyang faith. God has made her a blessing in our youth group.

Role: Facilitators
Ate Love, Kuya Ryan, and Kuya Jomar (below left)

They were from The Lord's Hallelujah Alleluia Fellowship (TLHAF). Ate Love is 25 yeards old and an Architecture graduate of the University of Mindanao (UM). She's active in her ministries and a powerful woman of God too. I could still remember the time she taught us the "HUA!" expression. If ang 300 may Haruu! Haruu! at and PBB Celebrity 2 ay may Ahuu! Ahuu!, then we have the HUA! She explained that HUA means "Heaven's Unshakable Army. Great di ba? Kuya Ryan, 27 years old is a BS Nursing graduate from Mati Doctors College. I'm truly blessed by the power of this guy. Bihira lang yung mga lalaking grounded talaga kay God, but si Kuya Ryan, annointed talaga! He's working full-time in his ministry as one of the DARICH Youth Religious Instructors at Daniel R. Aguinaldo National High School (DRANHS). He also worship leads at their church at lead guitarist, and he has this great testimony. He's sanguine kaya mahilig magpatawa. What's great about these two young people is the heart they have in following Jesus. Kuya Jomar, 20 years old at disciple ni Kuya Ryan. I'm blessed by this Ilonggo. Hehe. He's working full-time at DRANHS too at drummer ng church nila.

Roles: Support Staff
Jenefa, Jessa, Kuya Jim-jim and Kuya BJ

Jenefa means Jesus Never Fails. She's 19 years old at member ng core team ng YACS. Jessa is 17 years old, isa sa lead vocals ng YACS band at matagal narin sa ministry. Kuya Jim-jim, 21 years old, is churching at Throne of God Fellowship, bestfriend ni Oni Apple at bassist ng Houseband 1. He's still a student of University of Mindanao. Member din ng Philippine Jesus Disciples Movement (PJDM). Nakalimutan ko nga lang course niya. Kuya BJ naman, 25 years old and the best drummer in town. Hehehe. He's the drummer of Houseband 1 ng TIYF at sa lahat ng drummers ng nakita ko, siya ang pinaka-passionate drummer na kung mag-peplay ng drums, you could feel his love for Jesus. He's working at ABS-CBN Davao as Musical Scorer.

Role: Documentor and Data Analyst
And who's this girl?? Her name is Jazzy, 17 years old, churching at TCCF. DARICH staff, Secretary ng YACS, at isa sa Lead Vocals ng Houseband 2 ng TIYF. May-ari po ng blog na Embracing His Love.

I was truly blessed by these young people. Walang ibang pinag-uusapan kundi gaano ka-good si Lord, ka-great si Lord, ka-awesome si Lord, yung movement ni Lord, revelations ni Lord, lahat about kay Lord. Oh Jesus! Hallelujah! I'm so blessed I have a team like them. I mean, all of us were blessed 'cause God never fails. That's how fun working for God's business. You see na fruitful talaga yung labor mo, plus the blessings, plus the joy, happiness, satisfaction. Gaano man kahirap, God still fulfills His promise that He will never leave us. We admit it's never easy following God, but hey, you see and you feel the love of Jesus and the love of Jesus for those children we handled. We need to feed them, not because may utang na loob kami kay Christ cause we're saved but because we love God and we want to be with Him.

May iilan sa kanila (the persons above) who have chosen to be busy sa ministry since enjoy talaga ang mag-work sa ministry. May iilan sa kanila na marrying age na pero di inuuna yung love for the opposite sex but their love for the Lord. Blessed talaga ako. Glory to God! Hallelujah!

Some people may not understand us that easily, some people may find us corny, some people may persecute us, but we won't stop until Davao is for Christ. We had this covenant na no matter what, even if we will be stoned to death, we will still continue spreading the gospel, fulfilling the Great Commission, and sharing that Jesus love you!

We stand not as extraordinary young people who have an ordinary work but ordinary young people who have chosen to work for an extraordinary job. We couldn't say we're following Jesus until we are willing to suffer for His name! So what if we'll suffer here on earth? That's where true joy is found, taking gladness in every moment we suffer for being a Christian.

July 13, 2007 - I accepted Jesus and I decided to follow Him. Knowing that I've chosen the uncommon way, the hard way, the way of standing for my generation and stepping out from my comfort zone, I've told myself:

"Jazzy, NO TURNING BACK!
NO TURNING BACK!
NO TURNING BACK!
WHY TURN BACK???
JESUS NEVER FAILS!"

So you reader, don't forget Jesus Loves You and He longs to be with you now. He's knocking on your door. Would you let Him in?

Soli Deo Gloria.

[Watch out for the Part 2 next post.]

~*Prayer JournaL ...

2008-01-27T21:30:00.000-08:00

I was encouraged by my discipler and some of our YACS (Youth in Action for Community Service) team members to do this Journal 101. It's a great way of scribbling your personal message and testimony to God. It contains your special verse, God's message on that day, His command to obey, warning to heed, His promise, and your application.

Sabi ng isang kasama ko, "Try niyo. You'll see how God is so sweet, so malambing sa life natin. And you can trace how you are growing in your faith with God. Sa journal mo malalaman kung gano magmahal si Lord at pano nagwowork yung relationship niyo. In short, your journal is like your written daily love story with God."

I was so excited and now I've started it na. Masarap yung feeling. Lahat nasasabi mo. Thank God.

But of course, kami lahat sa team may covenant kay God. NO FOOD ENTERS YOUR MOUTH UNTIL YOU ARE FINISHED WITH YOUR JOURNAL. Twice a day kasi. Sa morning wherein may quiet time ka (basa ng Word ni Lord). Yung special verse na ibibigay sayo ni Lord that morning will be your guide for that day. Meditate on that Word of God the whole day. Tapos at the end of the day, you'll write again sa journal on what was the impact of such verse, yung application mo, and all your testimonies on such day.

Try niyo! And you'll discover how God moves in our lives.

[pasensya na nga pala kayo ah. Mejo busy kasi ako kasi tambak yung activities ng young people namin sa YACS. Irereport ko din yun dito. Ngatz all!]

Soli Deo Gloria!

Refreshed!

2008-01-16T09:35:00.000-08:00

God is great! All the time!

I've been into a lot of frustrations and disappointments this past few days. Not on the things God have blessed me but on what I was to Him. Naging pasaway ako na anak. I acted strange. I don't know why, but I believe God has seen me.

I didn't have my devotionals at the right time. Napabayaan ko ang iilan sa mga disciples ko. Lagi akong late sa bible studies. Nawawalan ako ng gana mag-update ng blog ko. Ni hindi na ako nag-checheck ng account ko sa The Rebelution. But hey, in front of a lot of people, I'm a servant of Christ, though inside me, I felt like I'm a traitor. These happened within 2 weeks I guess, all because of one thing - CELLPHONE. Bumalik yung pagka-addict ko.

There were times that I felt guilt inside. Despite all these things I'd done, God still continues to be faithful. He answers my prayers when I call to Him. He shows me His revelations when I need them. And He continues to embrace me at times when I forget my commitment to Him.

Last friday, January 11, 2008 everything came back. We had this spiritual encounter with God for those teens who were not yet able to accept Christ. As I was watching them, I could see myself. I could feel the strange emotion I felt the time when I finally accepted Jesus in my life. Then I saw the smiles beaming on their faces.

The music was playing . . .

"All for love a Father gave,
For only love can make a way,
All for love the heavens cried,
For love was crucified,
Oh how many times have I broken Your heart,
Still You forgive, if only I asked
And how many times have You heard me pray
Draw near to me."

I broke down and cried.

"Oh Lord Jesus, forgive me. Forgive me for all I've done. I've been into a lot of temptations yet You continued to be close to me. Now I could feel how You want me the most. I'm so sorry Lord for I failed to be what You wanted me to be. I wasn't able to meet all my promises to You. I couldn't do it Lord. Please help me. I am so ashamed of myself. Help me to surrender the very worldly things I could hardly surrender. Teach me to move on ways according to Your will. Show me how should I act for Your glory."

I knelt down. I almost kissed the cold floor. Tears were trickling on my cheeks. I wanted to stop crying but I couldn't.

"Lord Jesus, how precious is Your cross to me. Lord, I'm so sorry. I know these sorries aren't enough but God, accept me just like how You accepted me then. Just like how You called me then. Just like how You have shown me the person I could be with You. Lord, help me to surrender these things. I wanted to live in Your mansion always. I don't want to enter in and out but to go inside it and live there forever. Thank You Lord for breaking me. Thank You for showing me that only You could mend a broken heart. Lord Jesus, thank You for working best in my weaknesses. God, thank You for showing that these are all a test. I may have a broken heart, but the greatest prize is to have You in my life. I may have nothing but still I've got You, and therefore I have everything. Lord, You are the universe. You are everything I love. Thank You Lord. Thank You Jesus!"

From that moment I could feel God's embrace and the heat of Him wanting me back. I just didn't understand but I made a decision that I know it's for Him and for Him alone - I surrendered that very thing, my cellphone. I could live without it for living means having God in Your life even not having all the things in this world.

I was refreshed and I couldn't promise to God again. But I would try my best to do what I've told Him since the very day I accepted Jesus - I wanted to be pleasing in His eyes.

Now I'm updating my blog again. Not because of I just felt like posting nonsense but because God called me to do this for Him. This blog is dedicated for him. And I should work all my best for this blog. This is not just a blog but a living testimony of a teenage girl who cries for the name Jesus Christ in her life and the lives of others.

I won't let any thing hinder me on serving Him. I wanted to be in His mansion and to be powerful in the name of Jesus Christ before my 18th birthday.

I want to thank all my brothers and sister in Christ for showing me how great is our God. To our pastor who have told us that life with Jesus is full of hard things, but that's what really life is and a life that is worth living for you will gain an eternal prize.

To my discipler Chloe, who had shown us a heart that is burning for Jesus, that being a child of God you will do everything like simply telling them "Jesus loves you" even though people would stone you to death.

And to all of you guys who always check my blog and read my post. My blog won't have any worth if it didn't have any reader.

Help me spread the Good News, the message of the cross, and the Love of God for all His people!

Soli Deo Gloria!

First Tag In Year 2008

2008-01-09T17:07:00.000-08:00

I was tagged by Liza. Here it is!

The Rule: Remove 1 question from below, and add in your personal question, make it a total of 20 questions, then tag 10 people in your list, list them out at the end of this post. Notify them in their chat box that he/she has been tagged. Whoever does the tag will have blessings from all.

1. At what age do you wish to marry?

- when I finally met the guy God made for me..

2. What color do you like most?

- maroon.

3. If one of you’re friends will leave and migrate,what would be the last thing you’ll say to him/her?

- "Don't forget, God loves you. Any place you'll go, He's always there for you."

4. Where is the place that you want to go the most?

- Heaven..(^_^)

5. Which part of you that you love the most?

- I love the way God created me.

6. When you encounter a sad moment what would you do?

- Lift it to God and meditate on His Word.

7. What are you afraid to lose the most?

- My Faith.

8. Who is Jesus Christ in your life?

- My Lord and Savior. My Saving Grace. My Endless Love.

9. If you meet someone that you love, would you confess to him/her?

- I would.

10. Why are you answering this tag?

- It's my first tag in year 2008

11. How many children do you have when u get married?

- According to how many God would bless me.

12. Till now, what is the moment that you regret the most?

- Everything was wonderful for everything has a purpose.

13. Which type of person do you hate the most?

- Unbelievers. But I refuse to hate them. Instead, I challenge myself to reach them out and lead them to Christ.

14. If you had one wish what would you wish for?

- Everyone I love will dwell in heaven with our Master one day.

15. Song you hate?

- Worldly?? Peace out y'all!

17. Do you have any soul mates?

- Soul mates? I dunno. Haha.

18. It’s already 2008. Do you have a new year’s resolution?

- Check it out below!

19. Name of that someone you love.

- GOD.

20. What on earth are you here for?

- God made me for a special mission.

I'll tag:

Lutchi
Jackie
Bb_anne
Redlan
Gerald
Fjordz
Elay
Social Critic
Joice
Eniala

God bless you!

New Year's Resolutions

2008-01-01T11:56:00.000-08:00

My life in year 2007 was a great testimony of God's goodness in my life. It was such an amazing history. It was a story that I could carry the rest of my life, and the best highlight was that JESUS SET ME FREE and I'M SAVED. I became a new creation. I was born again. And I love the feeling of having God near.

Here I would like to present what I want to resolve for this year. The year 2007 for me was defeat-victory combined. But I was so glad that still I ended victorious through Christ! Read my resolutions and agree with me if you want to resolve the same thing as mine.

Live A Satisfied Life - I believe Jesus wants me to enjoy life and have it to the full.
"I have come that they may have life and have it to the full." John 10:10
I could see that the best way of living life is to give our lives away. I believe God has a purpose and a wonderful plan for my life and living with that plan results to the true fulfillment and true happiness.
Be A Giver By Putting Others First - It's like not focusing more on my wants and needs. I pray that God would teach me how to put others first than myself. And I would like to start it through this blog by lifting up people through my prayers, stories, and other words.
Live for God's Approval Alone - I know God loves me just the way I am. I pray that whenever I feel tempted on changing who I really am just to conform to this world, God would let me feel His strength. It's all I need. I want to live a year not relying to the opinions and approval of others. I want to live my life according to what God called me to be!
Overcome My World - I won't let my world overcome me this time. I've been too much of it, being overwhelmed with the pressures around me. I believe God wants me to be the victor all the time, through my faith in Him. God promises us victory in every area of our lives! Remember that!
Give Up My Addictions - I confess, I'm too hooked with my cellphone and with solving mathematical equations (I could live a day without eating just to solve mathematics). But I want my life this year free from all my addictions, give up what destroys me, and most importantly, give up what pulls me away from God - my true source of life and happiness.
Meditate More on God's Word - Meditating is not just reading the bible. It's more on living with it, digesting it, thinking about it all the time. God's Word is the sword of our spirit!
No Turning Back - This is it! Since I accepted Christ and decided to follow Him, there's no turning back! No turning back! No turning back! Why turn back????

A new year is a blessing from God. It's a new chance for us, a new hope, a new beginning, a new life. Remember, Jesus came to set us FREE! Let us not feel defeated. Let us not carry unnecessary burdens. Let's embrace the freedom Jesus paid for. Come on and join me with this prayer:

"Father, thank you for another year. Thank you for a new beginning. And thank You for sending Jesus to set me free. Lord, I embrace the freedom Jesus paid for on the cross. I release every burden and every baggage at the foot of the cross. I accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior. Lord, help me to understand Your plans for me. Help me to be strong as I walk with You this year. Thank You for Your unfailing love, Lord. In Jesus' name. Amen."

Happy New Year! Be a blessing starting now!

DO HARD THINGS book - They're Done!

2007-12-24T11:21:00.000-08:00

Wheee... Tapos na po yung book nina Brett and Alex Harris! Brett sent me an e-mail na 'Jazzy Dytes' daw ang name ko sa book since kilala ako sa blog at forum ng TheRebelution.com sa name na yan.

Hehe. The book will be out this April 15, 2008. Pero I guess di pa yan lalabas agad sa market dito sa Pinas. Hehehe. Anyway, I pray that a lot of teens will be blessed by such book. Kahit yung mga matatanda din.

Check out the book section of the web.

Nga pala, tapos na yung concert namin. Last December 21-22, 2007, 6:00Pm-6:00AM the Toril Interchurch Youth Fellowship (TIYF) with 18 youth bands from different churches, as well as teens coming from different parts of Davao City gathered at Toril District Hall Plaza for a "12-hours NON-STOP Prayer and Praise and Worship Concert Gathering". It was successful and we praise God more because of that!

Sobrang akong na'bless sa mga teens who joined us. They jammed talaga with heaven's melody. Lahat ng music genre meron! But syempre stand-out talaga ang pop-rock! hehe. The houseband of TIYF sang din and ang kinanta ko was Hosanna by Hillsong United. Hehe. Pakinggan niyo sa youtube.com!

I'll post more informations about the concert soon, together with the pictures! Happy Christmas to all! Christmas is all about remembering the reason why Jesus was born - it's because God loves us! God bless us all!

Statistics and Data Analysis Training

2007-12-15T17:00:00.000-08:00

I'm back! Whew! Finally nakabalik na ako. Missed you guyz!

I just came from that five-day training. Kakapagod talaga. But super fun at nakakatuwa kasi yung buong training ay puro MATH and economics! Super happy ko talaga and I really enjoyed it.

Ito ang ilan sa mga nangyari during the training:

Na'OP ako nung first day. (out-of-place talaga. wala akong kakilala nung dumating ako kaya umupo ako sa pinakadulo ng right side na long table. pero inisip ko nalang, "Jesus is with me. No need to be scared. God provides me strength and it's His plan why I'm here. 1 Timothy 4:12! 1 Timothy 4:12!")
I'm the only teen. (opo. ako ang pinakabata. siguro yung ibang participants' ages would range from 29-60+ year old. hahaha.)
My co-participants were government epmloyees. (mga nasa statistics section or database ng iba't ibang offices ng City Hall of Davao like City Planning and Development Coordinator, City Health Office, Department of Edcuation, PNP, City Social Services and Development Office, Local City Registrar, City Legal, and a lot more.)
Ako ang taga compute at taga-analyze sa group namin. (palusot ng mga kasama ko - from City Social Services Office o CSSDO, Kabataan Consortium Inc., and Balay Pasilungan Inc. - 15-20 years ago na daw nila natake-up yung statistics. Buti pa daw ako kasi fresh pa sakin. Ayun. Ako ang taga-compute, tas naging taga-analyze narin.)
Naging hingahan ako ng problem ng mga taga CSSDO. (nagkaroon kasi ng problem yung office nila about sa representatives nila sa training.)
Sakin nagpapacheck ng mga works ang ibang participants. (natatawa talaga ako sa ganito. ako yung pinakabata tas mas madami silang experience sakin pero sakin nila pinapa-check yung gawa nila. pag di kami pareho ng answers, hinahanap agad nila kung san sila nagkamali ... kahit na walang kasiguruhan na tama yung sagot ko. hehe.)
Gusto akong i-hire na magwork sa CSSDO. (wow. what a great opportunity! Thank you Lord! Natuwa ako sa news na ito from them. Bibigyan nalang daw nila ako ng job order. Hehe.)
Naging close ko ang mga participants. (this was the best part kasi aside from marami na akong natutunan, I gained friends from the City Government of Davao. buti nalang daw may youth participation.

The speaker on the first three days was Dr. Eduardo Cruz, Professor II, School of Applied Economics, University of Southeastern Philippines. He discussed the following topics on Statistics:

Basic Definitions and Elements of Statistics
Discrete and Continouos Numerical Data
Level of Measurement fro Numerical Data
Descriptive Graphs and Frequency Distribution
Various Types of Descriptive Measures
Measures of Central Tendency
Measures of Position
Grouped Data
Statistical Inference
Estimation and Statistical Hypothesis
One-tailed VS Two-tailed Means and Variances
Test concerning proportions

The last two days' topics were discussed by Ms. Estie Turingan, Regional Head, National Statistical Coordination Board, Region XI. Her topic was about Statistics on Local Development Planning, its indicators and the poverty mapping.

The program was ended by inspiring messages from Ms. Cresencia F. Dela Victoria, Economist IV, Division Chief, Research and Statistics Division of the Office of the City Planning and Development Coordinator; and Mr. Mario Luis J. Jacinto, Programme Coordinator of the City Planning and Development Coordinator, CPC - Country Programme for Children - VI.

As a whole, I really had fun and I really thanked God for the strength and the confidence. Truly His Word is too powerful!

"Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young but set an example for all the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity."
1 Timothy 4:12

Truly share your gifts for God's glory. I didn't expect that God would use me this way. I am just in my youth but praise Him for His great revelations each day. Thank you Lord for feeding me and for entrusting me to take care and use these gifts you have blessed me.

"Everything will soon come to an end. So be serious and be sensible enough to pray. Most important of all, you must sincerely love each other, because love wipes away many sins. Welcome people into your home and don't grumble about it. Each of you has been blessed with one of God's many wonderful gifts to be used in the service of others. So use your gift well. If you have the gift of speaking, preach God's message. If you have the gift of helping others, do it with the strength that God supplies. Everything should be done in a way that will bring honor to God because of Jesus Christ, who is glorious and powerful forever. Amen.
1 Peter 4:7-11

God bless you all. Use what God has given you. You don't know what God has for you next, but remember this, it's more than what you expected.

OUT for 5 Days . . .

2007-12-09T22:00:00.000-08:00

Di ako makakapagblog for 5 days. Huhu...

I am going to attend a 5-day Training on Statistics and Data Analysis on December 10-14, 2007 at Garden Oases Resort, Bo. Obrero, Porras St., Davao City.

This activity is set to implement by the City Government of Davao - Office of the City Planning and Development Coordinator with assistance from the UNICEF - 6th Countrywide Programme for Children (CPC 6).

The training will be participated in by member-agencies of the Inter-Agency Working Committee of the Country Programme for Children (CPC) VI of Davao City. And I was invited to join.

So yun nga. Di pa ako makakapagblog for these next days. I'll just report whatever man ang outcome ng training. I'll post some pics if necessary [toink!].

God bless everyone! Read my previous posts muna if you haven't yet. Be safe always!

Soli deo Gloria!

Powerful Gospel Skit Video: Own Interpretation

2007-12-08T22:00:00.000-08:00

Here is my own interpretation of the video. As I was watching it, I found myself with tears trickling down my cheeks. I placed myself on the girl. Oh God, how great You are!

It was just a skit. People may have different interpretations on what the video presented but one thing for sure, it was really powerful. Nanindig talaga balahibo ko while it was playing.

God made us, and we all know that [unless you don’t believe in Him]. He made us in His likeness. He gave us air to breathe, water to drink, land to live, foods and fruits, everything. He loved us so much. Kasayaw Niya tayo sa buhay natin, and we all love that. We feel His presence all the time. Nararamdaman natin ang sarap kapag kasayaw natin ang Panginoon.

But man was separated from God. We danced the wrong way. And in our dance, our partner was the enemy. Just like the girl, nahiwalay siya sa Panginoon. Nagsimula siyang sayawin ang buhay kasama ang kaaway. Nagsimula siyang di makontento sa kung ano ang ibinigay ng Panginoon sa kanya. She craved for money. More money. Nagsimula siyang mapabilang sa masamang samahan. Natutong uminom, gumimik, magkaroon ng mga bisyo. Nalungkot ang Panginoon. “Nasaan na ang anak ko? Bumalik ka na Sakin,” God said.

Natuto ang babae na mainggit sa iba. She was conscious with her beauty. Natuto siyang tumingin sa sarili niya na napakababa. Nawala siya sa landas niya. Until she reached the lowest part of her life. Sumayaw ang kaaway with her. Sirang-sira na ang babae. Ang layo-layo ng Panginoon sa kanya. Ginagaya niya ang mga gawain ng kaaway.

Isang araw, nakita niya ang sariling balak ng magpakamatay. Binigyan siya ng kaaway ng baril. Hinawakan ng babae yung baril, itinutok sa ulo at handa ng kalabitin ito. Nang biglang . . .itinapon niya ito at nais bumalik sa kanyang Ama, ang Panginoon.

Nahirapan siyang bumalik. Ang daming kasamaan ang pumipigil sa kanya. Hinihila siya nito pabalik. Pero pinilit ng babae na bumalik. Nasugatan siya, nabugbog, ginawa niya ang lahat para mapalapit ulit sa Panginoon. God wanted her back. Hinihila din siya nito pabalik. Ngunit sa dami ng kasalanan ng babae, maduming-maduni na ito, but God loves her so much.

God saved her! Siya ang pumalit sa kalagayan ng babae. God substituted Himself. Ang Panginoon ang sinasaktan ng mga kaaway. Ang Panginoon ang binugbog, nasugatan, nagpapako sa Krus para sa kanya. Guminhawa ang pakiramdam ng babae habang sinasaktan ang Panginoon. But God is mighty to save. Natalo Niya ang kaaway. Lumapit siya sa anak Niyang matagal Niyang hinanap at hinintay. Nang mgakita sila, niyakap ng Panginoon ang babae. “Anak ko, napakasaya ko at bumalik ka sakin. Halika, sundan mo Ko,” sabi ng Panginoon. Sobrang saya ng babae. Umiyak ito at ngumiti. And they went home – HEAVEN.

God loves us so much. He won’t allow us to be hurt. While we are hurting, God is crying. And if we don’t ask His help, God is so desperate to help us.

Suspended between heaven and earth, JESUS, the Son of God, substituted Himself for you!

Thank you for the cross, Lord. Thank you for the price You paid. Bearing all my sin and shame, in love you came and gave amazing grace. Thank you for this love Lord! Thank you for the nail-pierced hands. You washed me with Your cleansing blood. Now all I know is your forgiveness and embrace.

God loves you. God is so desperate to have you back!

“Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in rebellion” – Hebrews 3:15

Di niyo pa ba napapanood? C'mon! Watch it!

God bless friends!

I Cried Because Of This

2007-12-07T16:30:00.000-08:00

Naiyak ako sa video na ito. I found this sa The Rebelution, dun sa post nila entitled Powerful Gospel Skit. It showed the love of Jesus, our only Savior, for us. He really saved us. Please do watch poh. Please.... (T_T)

Sana ma-appreciate nio toh...

Tag and Award

2007-12-05T19:45:00.000-08:00

I changed my header. Period. Hehehe.

I got tagged by big sis Kero. *sweet* Here it is.

Two Things About Moi

1. Two names I go by : Justine & Jazzy
2. Two things I am wearing right now : UP P.E. Shirt and Jogging Pants
3. Two things I want (or have) in a relationship : Love & Trust
4. Two things I like to do : hmm... surfin' the net (includes blogging) and playing the piano
5. Two things I want very badly in this moment : to read 'i kissed dating goodbye' of Joshua Harris and to take a pic with a big cross (it's like me embracing the cross *sweet*)
6. Two things I did last night : phoned my friends and read 'Right & Wrong Expectations in Friendship' by Don Clowers
7. Two things I ate today : Tempura and Pringles
8. Two persons I last spoke to : my brothers Jarvis and Sean
9. Two things I am doing tomorrow : check the sched for my UNICEF Training next week and work with my book review (Biotech Century by Jeremy Rifkin)
10. Two favorite days of the week : Thursdays (wherein I hold a weekly bible study of young people) and Sunday (date with God)
11. Two favorite holidays : Christmas and New Year! Haha.
12. Two favorite beverages : fruit juice and iced tea
13. Two things about me that you may not have known : I am weird sometimes and I won't eat if I couldn't solve all my mathematical problems and equations.
14. Two jobs that I have had in my life : Documentor and Student Teacher
15. Two movies I would watch over and over : A Walk To Remember and A Beautiful Mind (John Nash aztig!)
16. Two places I have lived : Hanggang Pinas lang ako. - Davao City and Dumaguete
17. Two of my favorite food : macaroni salad and bulgogi. haha.
18. Two places I would rather be right now : Australia and any European Country

Christmas Meme

What are the 5 gifts you would buy for yourself this Christmas, if you had unlimited income?

1. a visit at Hillsong Church - Australia
2. a visit at Golgotha
3. stop dating the church and i kissed dating goodbye written by joshua harris
4. a new diary
5. a ticket for The Rebelution Conference Tour

and I'll pass this tag to:

I got an Award from Tita Tess. Much of thanks tita. *hugz*

Soli Deo Gloria! To all my friendsters, check my playlist! You want rock? Then let's rock for Jesus! He deserves our screams of faith!

AWARDS: Top Commentors

2007-12-03T19:41:00.000-08:00

I created this "Top Commentors" Award as a way of extending my gratitude to those bloggers who drop a comment every time I post an entry here. Thanks a lot guys for your thoughts, suggestions, and even comforting and inspiring words. You're part of the reasons why I continue on blogging. I am blessed by your comments. I really appreciate them all.

This is just the beginning. . .

I thank God for His daily revelations, that I'm always excited to post an entry here, reflecting what God has done for me on such precious day, may it be good or discouraging. And sometimes, His Words reflect on what you commented. You are really great blessings to me.

The following are the top commentors:

God bless you more. . . and more . . . and your blogs too. Daghang salamat jud!

"Do You Love Me?"

2007-11-30T12:06:00.000-08:00

I'm too busy now. Advocacy. School. Church. People and other stuffs. I can't refuse. I can't escape the works God has given me. These are all my duties. My DUTIES. And I'm doing this because I have to.

I should. I must. I ought. "I really have to do these even if these are all tiresome," I thought. In duty's debt. My God to please.

Until my eyes blundered to a verse, "Do you love me? . . . Feed my sheep." (John 21:17)
Love not duty? I cried. Cried and cried.
Evangelize, visit, a cup of water given, because of love?
Where's the reward for me, the "well done"?

But I saw it then, "Do you love me?"

I realized that what I'm doing is not an obligation, but an answer.
It is not an act of duty, but a gift of worship.
And it is not about me, but about HIM.

And LOVE? The grateful response from my overflowing heart.

I cried until I heard "I bled," Jesus said, "from LOVE, not debt. Come, follow me."

Oh, thank you, Lord! I can't stop falling in love with You. I'll never stop falling in love with You. Thank You for your immeasurable love! Just keep me in Your arms and never let me go.

(How about you, friend? What will be your answer when God asks you, "DO YOU LOVE ME?")

Just Got Tagged!

2007-11-27T18:55:00.000-08:00

Okey lang naman ang matagged eh. Kaso ibang usapan na ang ganito. Huhu. Super haba naman with matching copy-paste procedure. But I'm left with no choice at all kasi according sa taong nagtag sakin - The Social Critic - close na daw kami. Haha. Thanks for tagging anyway kasi marami rin ang matatag ko. And this is like "more of who I am".

What to do:
1. Mention the person who tagged you and create a link back to them.
2. Copy-paste the traits for all the twelve months (see below).
3. Pick your month of birth.
4. Highlight the traits that apply to you.
5. Tag 12 people and let them know by visiting their blogs and leaving a
comment for them.
6. Let the person who tagged you know when you’ve done it!

I was born on July 13, 1990. So here are the traits of the month of July.

Fun to be with. -> hehe... Yarnhoj can tell if I really am, but I guess so.
Secretive. -> Yeah. I really do.
Difficult to fathom and to be understood. -> Not really.
Quiet unless excited or tensed. -> Medyo din.
Takes pride in oneself. -> Noon. Haha.
Has reputation. -> Yep!
Easily consoled. -> Opo.
Honest. -> Syempre!
Concerned about people’s feelings. -> "Love your neighbor as yourself!"
Friendly. -> Yan talaga ako.
Approachable. -> Anytime especially for prayers!
Emotional temperamental and unpredictable. -> I would say...yes!
Moody and easily hurt. -> I'm not moody but sometimes I easily get hurt.
Witty and sparkly. -> Hehehe...
Not revengeful. -> hmm... yup.
Forgiving but never forgets. -> Totoo.
Dislikes nonsensical and unnecessary things. -> As I've said sa previous post ko, ang gusto ko kausap matatalino at matitino.
Sensitive and forms impressions carefully. -> Surely.
Caring and loving. -> Whoo.. ako yan. Haha.
Treats others equally. -> No discrimination ako.
Strong sense of sympathy. -> I'd rather say 'empathy'.
Judges people through observations. -> Hindi.
Hardworking. -> Ahm... basta alam ko I can handle multi-tasking.
No difficulties in studying. -> Hehe...
Loves to be alone. -> Di ko kaya yan, unless I'm super duper sad.
Always broods about the past and the old friends. -> Oo talaga.
Likes to be quiet. -> Sinabi ko rin sa past post ko, tahimik ako...sa simula.
Not aggressive unless provoked. -> Haha. Maybe.
Loves to be loved. -> Really!
Easily hurt but takes long to recover.-> Definitely.

Here are the months...

JANUARY: Stubborn and hard-hearted. Ambitious and serious. Loves to teach and be taught. Always looking at people’s flaws and weaknesses. Likes to criticize. Hardworking and productive. Smart, neat and organized. Sensitive and has deep thoughts. Knows how to make others happy. Quiet unless excited or tensed. Rather reserved. Highly attentive. Resistant to illnesses but prone to colds. Romantic but has difficulties expressing love. Loves children. Loyal. Has great social abilities yet easily jealous. Very stubborn and money cautious.

FEBRUARY: Abstract thoughts. Loves reality and abstract. Intelligent and clever. Changing personality. Attractive. Sexy. Temperamental. Quiet, shy and humble. Honest and loyal. Determined to reach goals. Loves freedom. Rebellious when restricted. Loves aggressiveness. Too sensitive and easily hurt. Gets angry really easily but does not show it. Dislikes unnecessary things. Loves making friends but rarely shows it. Daring and stubborn. Ambitious. Realizes dreams and hopes. Sharp. Loves entertainment and leisure. Romantic on the inside not outside. Superstitious and ludicrous. Spendthrift. Tries to learn to show emotions.

MARCH: Attractive personality. Sexy. Affectionate. Shy and reserved. Secretive. Naturally honest, generous and sympathetic. Loves peace and serenity. Sensitive to others. Loves to serve others. Easily angered. Trustworthy. Appreciative and returns kindness. Observant and assesses others. Revengeful. Loves to dream and fantasize. Loves traveling. Loves attention. Hasty decisions in choosing partners. Loves home decors. Musically talented. Loves special things. Moody.

APRIL: Active and dynamic. Decisive and hasty but tends to regret. Attractive and affectionate to oneself. Strong mentality. Loves attention. Diplomatic. Consoling, friendly and solves people’s problems. Brave and fearless. Adventurous. Loving and caring. Suave and generous. Emotional. Aggressive. Hasty. Good memory. Moving. Motivates oneself and others. Sickness usually of the head and chest. Sexy in a way that only their lover can see.

MAY: Stubborn and hard-hearted. Strong-willed and highly motivated. Sharp thoughts. Easily angered. Attracts others and loves attention. Deep feelings. Beautiful physically and mentally. Firm Standpoint. Needs no motivation. Easily consoled. Systematic (left brain). Loves to dream. Strong clairvoyance. Understanding. Sickness usually in the ear and neck. Good imagination. Good physical. Weak breathing. Loves literature and the arts. Loves traveling. Dislike being at home. Restless. Not having many children. Hardworking. High spirited. Spendthrift.

JUNE: Thinks far with vision. Easily influenced by kindness. Polite and soft-spoken. Having ideas. Sensitive. Active mind. Hesitating, tends to delay. Choosy and always wants the best. Temperamental. Funny and humorous. Loves to joke. Good debating skills. Talkative. Daydreamer. Friendly. Knows how to make friends. Able to show character. Easily hurt. Prone to getting colds. Loves to dress up. Easily bored. Fussy. Seldom shows emotions. Takes time to recover when hurt. Brand conscious. Executive. Stubborn.

JULY: Fun to be with. Secretive. Difficult to fathom and to be understood. Quiet unless excited or tensed. Takes pride in oneself. Has reputation. Easily consoled. Honest. Concerned about people’s feelings. Tactful. Friendly. Approachable. Emotional temperamental and unpredictable. Moody and easily hurt. Witty and sparkly. Not revengeful. Forgiving but never forgets. Dislikes nonsensical and unnecessary things. Guides others physically and mentally. Sensitive and forms impressions carefully. Caring and loving. Treats others equally. Strong sense of sympathy. Wary and sharp. Judges people through observations. Hardworking. No difficulties in studying. Loves to be alone. Always broods about the past and the old friends. Likes to be quiet. Homely person. Waits for friends. Never looks for friends. Not aggressive unless provoked. Prone to having stomach and dieting problems. Loves to be loved. Easily hurt but takes long to recover.

AUGUST: Loves to joke. Attractive. Suave and caring. Brave and fearless. Firm and has leadership qualities. Knows how to console others. Too generous and egoistic. Takes high pride in oneself. Thirsty for praises. Extraordinary spirit. Easily angered. Angry when provoked. Easily jealous. Observant. Careful and cautious. Thinks quickly. Independent thoughts. Loves to lead and to be led. Loves to dream. Talented in the arts, music and defense. Sensitive but not petty. Poor resistance against illnesses. Learns to relax. Hasty and trusty. Romantic. Loving and caring. Loves to make friends.

SEPTEMBER: Suave and compromising. Careful, cautious and organized. Likes to point out people’s mistakes. Likes to criticize. Stubborn. Quiet but able to talk well. Calm and cool. Kind and sympathetic. Concerned and detailed. Loyal but not always honest. Does work well. Very confident. Sensitive. Good memory. Clever and knowledgeable. Loves to look for information. Must control oneself when criticizing. Able to motivate oneself. Understanding. Fun to be around. Secretive. Loves leisure and traveling. Hardly shows emotions. Tends to bottle up feelings. Very choosy, especially in relationships. Systematic.

OCTOBER: Loves to chat. Loves those who loves them. Loves to take things at the center. Inner and physical beauty. Lies but doesn’t pretend. Gets angry often. Treats friends importantly. Always making friends. Easily hurt but recovers easily. Daydreamer. Opinionated. Does not care of what others think. Emotional. Decisive. Strong clairvoyance. Loves to travel, the arts and literature. Touchy and easily jealous. Concerned. Loves outdoors. Just and fair. Spendthrift. Easily influenced. Easily loses confidence. Loves children.

NOVEMBER: Has a lot of ideas. Difficult to fathom. Thinks forward. Unique and brilliant. Extraordinary ideas. Sharp thinking. Fine and strong clairvoyance. Can become good doctors. Dynamic in personality. Secretive. Inquisitive. Knows how to dig secrets. Always thinking. Less talkative but amiable. Brave and generous. Patient. Stubborn and hard-hearted. If there is a will, there is a way. Determined. Never give up. Hardly becomes angry unless provoked. Loves to be alone. Thinks differently from others. Sharp-minded. Motivates oneself. Does not appreciate praises. High-spirited. Well-built and tough. Deep love and emotions. Romantic. Uncertain in relationships. Homely. Hardworking. High abilities. Trustworthy. Honest and keeps secrets. Not able to control emotions. Unpredictable.

DECEMBER: Loyal and generous. Sexy. Patriotic. Active in games and interactions. Impatient and hasty. Ambitious. Influential in organizations. Fun to be with. Loves to socialize. Loves praises. Loves attention. Loves to be loved. Honest and trustworthy. Not pretending. Short tempered. Changing personality. Not egotistic. Take high pride in oneself. Hates restrictions. Loves to joke. Good sense of humor. Logical.

And now, I'm tagging the following bloggers:

Yan tapos na. God bless you all guys. And sa isang nagbabasa jan now, "Namiss kita. Sana namiss mo rin ako. Hehe."

The USED-To-Be's... & More Truths of Me!

2007-11-20T14:56:00.000-08:00

I had this texting moment with my bestfriend kagabi. We talked of the pasts, stuffs, life, school, love, God, blah..blah..blah.. Until I realized, super great ng paradigm shift na nangyari sa life ko. God is good then. But God is best now.

I remembered my used-to-be's which, in fact, part of being me. Yung iba madadala ko na for a lifetime, yung iba, I have to renounce na.

I used to be an essayist. Huh? Actually, hilig ko talaga ang magsulat. Essayist in the sense na wala akong ibang inatupag nun kundi ang magsulat ng magsulat hanggang sa nakuha ko ang Essayist of The Year award nung gumraduate ako nung high school. Napasali sa mga essay writing contests wherein by God's grace naipanalo ko naman. (Davao Historical Society Foundation Inc - 2nd place; SK Citywide Essay Writing Contest - 1st Place; Linggo ng Kabataan - 1st place, etc...) Dati lang yun. Ngayon di na. Wala ng contest eh. Ang best essays ko, may possibilities na makakuha ng grade na "5" sa school ko ngayun. Haayy.. Bat pa kasi ako dun nag-aral. Tsk tsk...

I used to be an orator. Opo. Mananalumpati. Ito ang main reason why tinawag ako ng classmate ko dati as "opportunity grabber". Huhu. Masakit din. Kasi daw chance na nila, kinuha ko pa. Eh dinaan naman yun sa eliminations kaya yun. Pero dapat di na daw ako sumali-sali pa. Naalala ko tuloy nung nagpapractice ako sa loob ng gym na walang mic o lapel. Utos ni coach eh. Ako nasa stage tapos siya nasa main door sa pinakadulo ng gym. Dapat marinig niya boses ko ng buo. 1 week din akong paos at walang boses nun. But thank God kasi he had given me special favors kaya naipanalo ko rin sa Pagpamatbat '06, Davao Historical Society Foundation Inc., Davao City Water District, etc. Minsan namimiss ko ang pagiging mananalumpati. Hehe.

I used to be a journalist. Campus journalist ako dati. Ngayon sa school, hmmm... pinag-iisipan ko pa ang offer. Hehe. OA kasi ako magsulat. I make words complicated. Nung mag-apply ako nung high school, natawa ako na muntikan naring umiyak. Halos di ako tanggapin dahil sa mga 'di maintindihang english words' ko. Pero nagmakaawa ako. Haha. Passion ko ang writing...dati. Hehe. Kaya ayun, ginawa nalang akong Associate Editor ng school publication. Di ako marunong gumawa ng news. Promise. Feature Writer ako. Ang hirap ng news writing! (May nakaaway din ako dahil sa paglalait ng school paper namin. Crush ko from other school. Sinuntok ko talaga sa sobrang inis. Nawala tuloy yung crush ko sa kanya. Di ko na siya tinext after nun. Pagdating sa UP, waaaahh... Present si TAO! Haaaii..)

I used to be a dancer. Dancer? Hahaha. May kahiligan din ako sa pagsasayaw. Folk dances (Habanera de Jovencita yung fave nila sakin. Toink!), Muslim (Singkil, Pangalay ha patong, at ang solo dance ko na Asik), Ethnic, Modern (most unforgettable was nung nakasama namin ang Manuevers.. ehe..), at ...wala na! Yun lang. Miss ko na magsayaw. Huhu.

I used to be an activist. Naikwento ko naman di ba? Napasali ako sa isang underground na grupo ng mga aktibista. Dati ako nakikita sa Freedom Park sa Davao City, o di kaya sa harap ng University of Mindanao - Bolton Campus, Davao City. Napabilang ako sa Kabataan Partylist. At may nakilala na akong mga NPA. Dati yun. Napasok ako dahil naging sorority girl ako. And confraternity namin ay puro aktibista. Kinuha at isinali ako dahil sa article na isinulat ko dati na nabasa nila. The article was all about my stand on ChaCha or Charter Change na ang title was "If It Ain't Broke, Don't Fix It". Haaaiii.

I used to be a Harry Potter addict. Nabasa ko lahat ng books except sa seventh. Mahilig akong mangolekta ng HP stuffs. Now di na. Witchcraft eh.

I used to be somebody admired by most. Haha. Hindi sa beauty ha... Wala naman ako nun. But dahil sa mga nagagawa ko at kaya kong gawin. Extraordinaryang weirdang engliserang isnaberang bata. Ay basta! Eto ang past ko. Nung gumawa ako ng kasalanan, kinalimutan ako ng lahat. But praise God kasi He allowed me to fall down to the deepest failure of my life. Hehe.

More facts of about me...

Ako'y isang AMathista (Apllied Mathematics). Kinakain ko ang math. Haha. Pero boba parin kasi I'm just a speck of dust compared to the cosmic weight of brainy students inside our beloved campus. Blah...Blah..

Nakaranas na akong ipaddle. Haha. Opo. 79 paddles all in all. May psychological warfare pang naganap. Sa confraternity namin during nung hazing. Totoo. Sabi kasi nila, sa school daw pag alang frat or soro, barbarian ka. Haaaiii. Gusto kong maging barbarian dati. kaso di ko matake ang pagbubuntot ng mga shadows sa likod ko. Nasilaw ako sa promise na Academic Excellence kaya napasali. Huhu. Now, medyo humina ang pagsasali-sali ko sa mga aktibidades nila. Focus sa ministry eh.

Mahilig akong mag-piano. My father is a pianist. Period.

Mahilig akong kumanta. Music team. Choir ako dati. Now, music ministry na. Yun lang.

Tahimik ako... sa umpisa.

Gusto kong mga kausap mga matatalino... para marami akong matutunan. (Namiss ko tuloy si Philip. Ang ka-debate ko sa loob ng jeep. Pag kasama ko yun, lahat ng pasahero makikinig talaga samin. Parang may debate show. Haha. Englisan ba naman ako. Hai! Genius nga naman. Vale namin eh.)

Hindi ako umiinom at naninigarilyo... I value my health kasi may sakit na ako. Hehe..

and lastly, I DESIRE TO BE PLEASING IN GOD'S EYES!

Basta... yan lang muna ang mini-description about me. Salamat Lord for these. Thank you for your spiritual gifts!

Soli Deo Gloria!

Searching True Love

2007-11-19T11:46:00.000-08:00

~*Waiting for that day when I hear You say
"Here is the one I have created just for you."*~

Love this song, I Promise, by Jaci Velasquez. It reminds me that I should not bother anymore about finding that 'someone' coz God already has created that 'someone' for me.

God will give us someone suitable for us. While nasa womb tayo, God already has prepared the person destined for us. He knows everything about ourselves. He knows our capacities, our desires, our goals in life.

Di natin kailangan maghanap ng jowa. According to our Tita-in-Christ, "Jowa-jowa is Lust. It isn't God's will na mag-jowa-jowa kayo. It dwells sa flesh. Temptation is not a sin. Pero kung andyan na, wag mong labanan. Takbuhan mo!" Don't seek for it. True love waits. Kaya nga madalas pag nag-jowa, ayun, nag-fefail. Kaya nung ako dati, I thought everything's fine and Ok. Legal naman kami. Tas *poof*... gumising nalang ako na - - > wala nah.

Sometimes I feel lonely. Paminsan din naaalala ko yung mga nasa past ko [lam niyo yun?!]. Minsan nga itinatanong ko pa ke Lord kung bakit wala pa "siya". May times din na tinetext ko bestfriend ko na gusto ko ng makita "siya". But I always remind myself "Jazzy. Wait! Wait! And wait!".

Lately, may dalawang taong nanligaw sakin. Yung isa, I admire his leadership. Yung isa naman, I admire his being a Christian. One day, kinausap ko yung nauna. May mga things akong nalaman about him na kung magiging kami, I could accept them naman. But I prayed to God about him. I thought may nararamdaman na talaga ako for that guy, but God showed something to me. May pinakita siyang ugali ng guy na dati ipinagdasal ko kay God na ayokong maging ugali ng magiging partner ko. Kaya yun, I rejected him. But we're good friends now.

Yung pangalawa, he's a Christian. I could say he loves God a lot that everytime we text, we talk of God's work in our lives. Masasabi ko rin na potential spiritual youth leader siya. OK naman lahat between us. Pero siyempre lahat ng mga gagawin ko, I always consult God first. I prayed for and about him and about the feelings I felt in me. Alam ko there's something na. I prayed, "Lord, this feeling I have, is this right or not? If it's not part of Your will for me, please take it away." Three days after, nakita ko ang revelation ni God. Nawala na yung feelings. I told the guy about it and he understood me naman.

It's never easy when we talk about matters of the heart. You see, the heart is deceitful. Kaya nga yung mga sisters-in-Christ ko sa church, we always remind each other to "Guard our hearts". Mahirap pag akala mo "in-love" ka na, tas di pa pala yun. You'll end up heart-broken. I realized these things when I choose to live according to God's will. Guided ako sa lahat ng gagawin ko. Minsan talaga nagkakamali rin, kasi sinusunod ko ang gusto ko kahit na may revelation na si God na di ko yun dapat gawin.

I pray for you guys. I pray na sana, especially yung mga single jan, you'll ask God first before you'll take your step on committing yourself to someone. I'm doing that now 'cause I believe God knows who's best for us.

Remember this kind of love : "Love sees people not as they are right now, but as they will be by God's grace." How great it is if God could download that kind of love into our hearts!

As for me now, I'll wait and wait. I know God's preparing my love story. Hehe. At according din sa mga greatest love stories na narinig ko personally, mas nakakakilig pala talaga ang love stories ng mga Christians. Hehe.

At sa magiging partner ko in life - "Kamusta? Kung sino ka man... Don't worry. Andito talaga ako. And... uhmm... I'm already praying for you and us! God bless you always!"

[share ko sana tong song ni Jaci Velasquez - "I Promise"! Here's the lyrics.]

Lord, you know my heart and all my desires
And the secret things I never tell
Lord, You know them well
Though I maybe young
I see and understand
That at times like sheep
We go astray and things get out of hand

So I promise to be true to you
To live my life in purity
As unto you
Waiting for that day
When I her you say
"Here is the ONE I have created
just for you."

Until then O Lord
I will be content
Knowing that true love
Will come someday
And will only come from you

Cause I have seen the suffering
That loneliness can cause
When we choose to give our love away
Without a righteous cause

So I promise to be true to you
To live my life in purity
As unto you
Waiting for that day
When I her you say
"Here is the ONE I have created
just for you."

Blog Award!

2007-11-18T18:15:00.000-08:00

I received another Blog Award from Trizzzz. Thanks a lot for this sis! hehehe.. God bless you more and your blog as well!

Great thanks to you! I don't deserve this. Really! It's for my Master alone!
Jesus Christ!

Do Hard Things Book - Thank You Lord!

2007-11-15T15:15:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, while I was deleting some e-mails in my Yahoo!Mail Inbox, may bigla akong nareceive na e-mail. It was from Brett Harris of The Rebelution. Shock ako syempre. Minadali kong inopen at binasa yung e-mail. After reading it, hindi ko siya gaano naintindihan. Hindi nagsink-in agad yung news sakin. Binasa ko siya ulit then afterwards, napasigaw ako sa sobrang tuwa. "Waaaaahhh...Thank You Lord!!"

This was related to my post last September 20, 2007 entitled Being A Servant: Doing Hard Things. I often visit The Rebelution kasi since I am one of its members. Tinitingnan ko kung ano na ang mga updates. Last September 11, 2007, Brett and Alex Harris posted an entry sa blog nila entitled A Request For Your Stories. Dapat daw yung story contains the following:

Teens doing things that…

Go against the grain of culture or their peers. (Character)
Go beyond what is required or expected. (Competence)
Are very difficult or outside their comfort zone. (Courage)
Cannot be accomplished alone. (Collaboration)
Pay off later rather than now. (Commitment)

Nag-comment ako sa entry na ito and I shared them a bit about myself kung baka pwede ako mag-submit ng story or testimony ko.

By September 25, 2007, nag-email sakin si Alex.

To: jazzy_dytes@yahoo.com

From: "Alex Jordan Harris" View Contact Details Add Mobile Alert

Subject: Your Story

Date: Tue, 25 Sep 2007 11:22:38 -0700

Dear Jazzy,

I just noticed that you had left a comment asking whether your story was something that would be helpful for the book. This email is just to let you know that, yes, it would! I would love to hear all about the work you did in the past, the change God made in your approach to activism, and the work you're doing now as a child's rights advocate. Thank you so much for your faithful prayers and for living as a rebelutionary for Christ.

In Christ,
Alex

The Rebelution
www.therebelution.com

So by September 27, 2007, nag-respond ako at nag-email ng story ko. A day after, I e-mailed them if nareceive ba nila yung pinadala kong story.

Dear Alex,

I already had sent an e-mail to you about my story. I hope that it would be a help to you, guys. If you have questions or clarifications about it or if you needed more informations, please feel free to e-mail me.

Thanks a lot and God bless!

In His service,
Jazzy

Praise God nagrespond naman siya kaagad. Eto e-mail niya.

Dear Jazzy,

Yes, we received your story. It is such a blessing to hear how God has changed your heart over the past few years — and how He is using you to serve Him and your generation.

We may be getting back in touch with you with more questions. For now, could you explain how the ideas of the Rebelution have influenced your perspective on rebellion and the work you're doing now?

God bless you, sister!

In Christ,
Alex

By Septemeber 30, 2007, nag-email ulit ako sa kanila ng more infos about my story. After ng e-mail na uan, wala na akong narecieve na balita. September pa yan ah. Akala ko di na talaga makukuha story ko. Di nalang ako nag-expect but still I continued on praying na maging blessing talaga yung book sa mga teens around the globe.

So yun nga, kagabi may narecieve akong e-mail from them and here it is!

This message is not flagged. [ Flag Message - Mark as Unread ]

From:	"Brett Harris" Add to Address Book Add Mobile Alert Yahoo! DomainKeys has confirmed that this message was sent by gmail.com. Learn more
Subject:	Do Hard Things - Questions
Date:	Tue, 13 Nov 2007 17:16:02 -0800
To:	jazzy_dytes@yahoo.com


Dear Justine,

This is Brett Harris with The Rebelution.
Thank you so much for submitting your story to us
for inclusion in our book! It is such a wonderful
example of God's grace and love. My prayer is that
He will use your life to inspire thousands of
other teens to surrender their lives to God too. =)

I'm writing because I am working on your story
right now and realize that I don't have a
clear sense of how old you were at different points.
Would you (1) let me know your date of birth and
(2) be willing to go through the story you sent
us and insert dates (e.g. "It was November of
2005 that such-and-such happened")? That would be
so helpful!

Also, I was wondering if you would be willing
to share more details about the big sin you
committed. I realize that it may be very sensitive.
You certainly don't have to share anything more.
But ifyou would be willing I think that it might
helpmany young people who also feel that they
havedone something so wrong that God won't
forgive them.

If you could try to at least get the dates to
me within the next day or so I would really
appreciate it. We are leaving for Japan on
November 19th and we need to be done with
the book by then. Thanks so much!

In Christ Alone,
Brett Harris

Siyempre! Tuwang-tuwa ako. Grabeh! How great is our God! I didn't expect such a thing as this. Amazing talaga ang mga works ni Lord sa life ko. Despite those problems, the sleepless nights that I spend for some documentations and reports, the detrimental result of the elections, still He has given me more than those! God is really more than enough for me and his works move in mysterious ways.

Tinuruan ako ni Lord na maging humble. Salamat talaga sa kanya. Nag-prayer meeting kami kagabi at ang prayer request ko ay sana maraming teens ang mabebless at maiinspire ng book na DO HARD THINGS! Super good talaga ng Panginoon. Hindi mo talaga madedescribe o maintindihan ang pagmamahal na binibigay Niya sayo.

Lord, thank you for the amazing grace and thank You for showing Your magnificence to me. Truly You love is sufficient. I don't deserve this honor because I own nothing. All are Yours including me. Father, I lay this blessing back to the ONE who died there for me. Thank You Lord. Thank you for Your unfailing love.

Something to Share

2007-11-14T14:38:00.000-08:00

Due to the very tight schedules I faced, hindi na tuloy ako nakapagpost ng daily entries pati rin ang pagcocomment sa mga kwarto ng kapwa bloggers ko. I checked my blog, my tagboard, my drafts, dami ko pa palang di napapublish. I'll take this moment to post these updates out here. Baka makalimutan ko na naman.

1. PinkyzeL's Pretty Gift

I recieved this one ages ago. Haha. I really love it! Thanks a lot sissy! God bless you!

2. An Award from Tanom

Maraming maraming salamat sayo halaman. Toink! Really like this cute award!

I would like to share this award to *drum roll*: BB_anne, Gwapasila, Elay, Albert, and Joice.

3. Tagged by Kamskee

Tagal na niya akong tinag. October 26 pa. Huhu. Sorry sis sa late publish. Campaign period kasi to. Anyway, here it is!

7 Truths About Me

1. I am a servant of God for 5 months. I decided to follow Him when He changed me.
2. I am a child-rights advocate working as a member of the staff of an NGO which is the Davao Advocates for the Rights of the Child Incorporated. I'm the only minor in the staff, 17 years old, with evangelical pastors, religious leaders, and registered social workers as my co-workers.
3. I am insomniac. Can't sleep till 1-2am.
4. I love mathematics and writing.
5. I hold a cell group named P-IGCG or Purok Intergenerational Care Group wherein I handle more than 25 young people. This is a bible study course every thursday at 6pm.
6. I have 6 disciples named Lavern, Juliza, Zeeg, Rica, Ryan and Vincent. I'm still praying to disciple April, the newly elected SK Chairman, and I'm starting to disciple Jaryll, the number 1 SK Councilor in our barangay.
7. I am a sorority girl - Pi Sigma Delta Sorority and I used to be an activist. I am a member of Kabataan Partylist and a political party in our university - ANAK-UPMin. I used to be a Harry Potter addict. but di na ngayon. Hehe.

Now, I am tagging Ch13f, Daniel-Jr, Bob, Redlan, Ruffles, and Tita Tess.

4. Invitation from Emily.

I met Emily last friday when we had our Youth Trainor's Training on Child Pornography. Emily was a representative from Davao Teen Center. Monday night, she phoned Chloe. Ininvite niya kami as Guest Speakers for their Forum on Development Population with the Theme: Males as Partners and Parents. Sa November 28 daw yung forum. Si Chloe makakapunta but she can't speak about Parenting kasi di pa naman siya parent so yung i-sheshare niya lang is about the Biblical Perspective. Tapos nung kinausap ako ni Emily, I asked her kung sino ang participants ng forum. Students pala. I told her na ang speaker niyan should be a parent or yung nakapaghold na ng Parenting Seminars. Kahit na I used to facilitate parenting seminars, di ako pwede maging resource speaker nun. Don't have any experience pa eh. More on about studies and reasearch lang yung alam ko. She asked if I could attend, pero sagot ko naman di ko pa alam. Tambak na yung seminars na iiimplement namin starting November 21 to December 16. May four activities kami. I-checheck ko pa kasi kung kelan ang implementation date per activity. Kung pwede ako sa day ng forum nila, of course I could go. Hehe. But I have to prioritize those seminars kasi UNICEF funded. Lagot kami pag di nagawa. Tsk tsk..

Thank God for His faithfulness. Thank God for His loving mercy. Thank God for embracing me with His protection. Thank God for showering me with His blessings. I bless you, Lord.

God's work in my life is too amazing. And the more He shows me His magnificence, the more I fall deeper and deeper in love with Him. Thank you, Lord.

God's love never fails. Soli Deo Gloria!

UPDATES!! (sa panahon ng pagkawala)

2007-11-11T22:59:00.000-08:00

Kamusta na nga bah ako? Medyo natagalan ako sa hindi pag-popost ng mga entries dito. Super busy ang life ko these past few days. But praise God, di Niya ako pinabayaang manghina sa faith ko at siyempre He provided me the strength that I needed. Hallelujah!

1. Dirty Politics ng Election

Maraming nasaktan. Maraming nadismaya. Maraming nagalit. Hindi po sa dahil natalo ako at ang linya namin for SK but because of the massive vote-buying sa barangay namin. We didn’t expect na habang nangangampanya kami, nagbabayaran na pala sila. Medyo long-story din yung nangyari kaya di ko nalang ikukwento. During the election day, walang hurt akong na-feel. Alam ko na na matatalo ako but still we continued on praying. Natapos ang bilangan, happy naman ako sa results kahit na nag-vote-buy sila. I congratulated the newly elected SK Chairman and her SK Councilors. 15 years old yung nanalo. Natawa nalang ako nung sinabi nila na ako ang gagawing adviser ng buong SK Team since mga bata pa daw and since I work as a youth leader ng isang NGO. Haaay… God really has purposes. I believe di Niya ako nilagay sa position kasi may malaki pa Siyang ibinigay sakin. Kaya ngayon, if may problem ang SK team, takbo lang sila sakin and I was glad about it. Thank you Lord.

2. First Youth Fellowship of YACS

We had this First Youth Yellowship last November 4 sa TCCF Center. Pinaka-unang Youth Fellowship to ng Youth in Action for Community Service o YACS. We invited young people from our cell groups tapos yung sa SK rin. Sinigurado ko talaga na makapunta yung SK Chairman and SK Councilors para ma-bless naman sila at they would experience how great it is praising and worshipping God. During that night, I was so deeply blessed by the young people who attended. They had fun with our JAM and our games. We also prayed for the chairmanship ng mga SK at yung sa pasukan ng mga young people. We also discussed the current situation of the children and youth in Davao City, as well as the challenges for us as young Filipino citizens in our society. As a whole, we rated the fellowship from the range of 1-5 as 4. It was really a great starting step for us YACS.

3. Non-Violent and Positive Discipline on Children

I was hired as the documentor of this three-day seminar held last November 6-8 at Episcopal Mission Center, Matina, Davao City. Its participants were mostly evangelistic pastors, tapos guidance counselors and teachers from different private prep and high schools, and also other institutions working with children. The seminar was sponsored by Save the Children – Sweden. This seminar was in line with its campaign to combat child abuse and violence against children. This was implemented by Davao Advocates for the Rights of the Child Inc. or DARICH through the spearheading of Tambayan Center for Children’s Rights Inc. Yung speakers were from DARICH, Tambayan, tapos from Kabataan Consortium Inc., and Bantay Bata 163.

4. Youth Trainer’s Training on Child Pornography

After nung 3-day seminar wherein nag-document ako, nag-attend na naman ako ng Trainer’s Training as one of the 5 youth representatives ng NGO namin which is the Davao Advocates for the Rights of the Child Inc (DARICH). The training was held last November 9-10 at Kabataan Training Center in Sitio Cebohle, Los Amigos, Tugbok District, Davao City. Stay-in yung training kaya masaya at maganda ang place, peaceful at parang nasa abroad. Haha. Bonded kami lahat ng mga participants. They also came from different NGOs din. From Balay Pasilungan o BaPas, Tambayan Center for Children’s Rights, Davao Teen Center, Adolescent Health Advocates o AHA, and us. Super fun ang training and we were expected to re-echo it to our youth groups. Buti nalang madali ng itap yung SK sa place namin. Yeahey! May budget na kami. Haha.

5. SUN World

Nag-change na ako ng sim. Nag-switch na ako into SUN. Bakit? Wala lang. Dati nag-sa-SUn ako. Binalik ko lang ulit for special and important purposes. Hehehe.

6. Something from Joice

I recieved this blog award from her. Really nice! But to God be the glory and honor. This award is for Him alone. Just for my JESUS!

Salamat for this Sis Joice! I Love it a Lot!

So yan yung mga important updates na nagpa-busy sa life ko last few days. Masaya parin kahit nakakapagod. Thank God kasi within these events, may na win kaming souls to Christ Jesus. May 3 souls na from the SK, tapos 25 souls nung youth fellowship, at 3 souls din nung youth training. Praise God for these newly saved souls and for them accepting Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

Sa next post ulit. Soli Deo Gloria!

(Nga pala, namiz ko kayo lahat especially yung mga nag-cocomment. Love you all guys! God Bless!)

This Week: The 3 Things 2 Thank God

2007-10-21T17:22:00.000-07:00

I'd shared this testimony this morning when I attended church. I believe God wants me to say this, to witness how really great His works are in my life for this week. Wanna know? hehe..

1st Thing: SK Campaign

Kapagod. Kakaloka. Kakakaba. But still, I was having fun. We started our campaign last Friday. Bigay ng handbills, lagay din sila ng streamers and tarpaulins, tapos handshake with the people around. Pero dami nagtaka sakin. Lahat daw ng matatanda, kahit di ko kilala, nagmamano ako. Natutuwa lang ako na marinig ko silang nagsasabi ng "God Bless". It's like nabebless talaga ako. Hehe..

Mainit sa daan. Maalikabok. Super. Pwedeng pamulbos. Hahaha. Nakakatagpo ko rin yung mga opponents ko sa pagka-SK Chairman. Mukhang maiinit ang mga ulo. Pero di ba, we should always wear our smiles. Hehe. Di ako pwedeng magreklamo. You know naman, candidata eh. And I believe, God's with me. God's protection is upon me. I always pray for the continuous supply of strength and the great movement of the Holy Spirit in me. God is just there watching us. God knows my deepest desire for my fellow youth. I hope He'll grant my special favor.

2nd Thing: The Lesson of Patience

Kahapon during the campaign, God tested my patience. Lahat ng tao minamadali ako. I was busy doing some stuffs, may nangungulit na naman. Tapos, yung dalawa kong SK Councilors, ang babagal maglakad. Yung patience thermometer ko, naku, sobrang bumaba. Pero, inhale, exhale, plus prayer, Prise God! Survived. Munitkan narin nga pala akong nainis sa ibang mga young people dito sa place. Daming humihingi ng number ko. Sobrang kulit. Buti God provided me patience. Di ako pwedeng mag-wala dun noh?!! Hehehe..

3rd Thing: Bunso Won!

Our bunso, Jarvis, hmmm... 11 years old na First Year High School, won the Division Level of DaMath Competition. All over Davao City, he placed second. *Clap Clap Clap* Sumusunod siguro sa yapak ni Ate. Haha. Di.. Praise God for this great achievement. Di ko akalain, nanalo siya. Kaya pala late na nakauwi. Hehehe. Nasali sa awarding. Natalo niya ang 40 plus public and private schools all over Davao City, siyempre except sa isa. Yung naka-first place (Davao City National High School... as usual). Pero I'm still so happy for my beloved brother. Great Job dahil sa work ni God sa life niya. Hallelujah!

Praise God for everything na work Niya sa buhay natin. Kaya through ups and downs, praise Him. Never stop praising Him. Don't give up on God because He will never give up on us. He deserves the glory and the honor forever and ever. AMEN!

(At patuloy parin ako sa pangangampanya. Please do pray for me and for our team. Salamat and God bless you guys!)

Start Of The Race... Hectic Sched... SK... HEADACHE!

2007-10-18T15:50:00.000-07:00

Simula na ng matindi at mainit na labanan. At simula na ng pagsasakit ng ulo ko. I don't want to have migraine ulit! Huhu.. Di ko yun kayang itake. Sapat na ang High School at UP lives migraine. Arrrgghhh...

Sobrang natest ang patience ko today. Thank God for that. Kelangan kasi naming magmadali sa mga bagay-bagay. Super dami pa ng mga gagawin tapos start na ng campaign tomorrow. Nasira pa yung dalawang printers kaninang morning but praise God, sabi ko "In Jesus name, mag-work ka na!" Ayun nag-work. Amazing di ba?

Anyway, lito na ako! Waaahhh... Bakit?? Kasi tomorrow nga, start na ng campaign, tapos may seminar pa pala akong aatenan tomorrow. Sa Kabataan Consortium. In line with the celebration ng Children's Month, since October is Children's Month! Haaayyy... Nakakaloka na!

In God I trust and to the cross I lay all my baggages and burdens. Wag sana akong magka-migraine ulit! Wala akong super powers for that.

Good luck samin at good luck sa inyo! Dahil lito ako now, the best I can do is to pray and ask for God's wisdom kung ano ba talaga ang will Niya, kung ano ang dapat kong gawin. I would also pray for God's guidance, protection and strength. Yun ang super need ko at this point of time.

God bless everybody. If di man ako makapag-post ng entry everyday, super hectic na talaga ng sched ko niyan. You know naman, CANDIDATA! Ahe! Pray for me and for us, mga ka-line up ko. We're asking God's favor on our sides.

Ingat kayo lagi. I guess I'm gonna be out for 10 days. 10 days?? Campaign period daw po. Basta. I'll try to sneek sa mga kwarto niyo if I'll have time. Mamimiss ko kayo. Huhu... Take Care always!

SK Chairman: Why Will I Run?

2007-10-17T14:10:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, we filed our Certificates of Candidacy as candidates for the incoming Barangay and SK Elections this October 29, 2007. Super dami ng mga tao sa COMELEC. I was with my SK Councilors. Thank God natapos naman namin by 5:00pm. Haha. Tapos diretso sa airport.

Anyway, BAKIT NGA BA AKO TATAKBO? Why did I decide to run for the polls? Do I have any reasons why and did I think I have the capacity to lead these young citizens in our Barangay?

The idea of running started April 2007 pa. Nag-usap yung mom ko and my Tita Lorena together with a former Barangay Official, si Mang Raul (who happened to be my Tita Lorena's uncle) about the Barangay and SK Elections. People wanted Mang Raul to run for Barangay Captain kaso sabi niya di siya tatakbo hangga't walang signal si Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, Mayor of Davao City. If ever man na tatakbo siya, sabi ni Tita Lorena, ako daw yung gagawing SK Chair. (lagot..) Kasi daw ganito ako, ganyan ako, may mga ganito ako, nagawa ko na yan. Mga nonsense achievements na nagawa ko dati pa (nung di pa ako Christian... kasi I hunger achievements dati eh para sikat ako... haha.. now di na, I want to achieve something para sumikat SIYA - si Lord.. hehe..).

Pag-uwi ni Mamsie sa house, ayun, kinuwento niya sakin. Sabi ko naman ayoko. Ang hirap kaya nun. At wala rin akong reason why will I run. Baka di ko kayang i-handle ang mga young people dito sa amin.

June 2007. Lumakas na ang mga rumors kung sino ang mga tatakbo for the elections. Yung iba confirmed na. Ako? Di talaga. Ayoko. Wala naman kasi akong dahilan bakit ako tatakbo eh. But I prayed. Sabi ko, "Lord, patatakbuhin po nila ako. Pero hindi ko po alam bakit ako tatakbo. Lord, if I will run, it's because You want me to run. It's because of Your will and it's because You have a work for me to do. God, please give me a reason or reasons bakit ako tatakbo. Give me a desire or a goal na dapat kong makamit para tumakbo ako. Thank you for that, Lord."

Last week of June. May narinig akong news about sa mga young people ng place namin. Naku! Gangsterism. Drug addicts. Ang daming pang CNSP (Children in Need for Special Protection). Sabi ko, "Lord, bakit ganito ang scenario na ipinakita mo? But thank you Lord, you've shown me the need."

July 7, 2007. Nag-attend kami ni Chloe ng 9th Anniversary ng Philippine Jesus Disciples Movement. Siyempre di mawawala ang Praise and Worship. I saw the perfect picture na ipinakita ni Lord sakin. A CROWD OF YOUNG PEOPLE UNITED IN PRAISING AND WORSHIPING GOD. Na-inspire ako. Sabi ko sa Kanya, "God, thank you for this special event. Nakikita ko na po kung ano yung gusto niyong ipagawa sakin. Thank you Lord. Thank you for the desire you've given me."

July 12-13, 2007. Life Skills Seminar. Nakasama ko yung mga gangsters, mga drug addicts, mga sexually exploited young people. Through that event, God had shown me that it's not impossible na magbago ang mga young people na tulad nila. And again, sign mula ke God. (July 13, 2007 - unforgettable birthday... hehehe...)

Plus! Natuwa pa ako nung napasok na ako sa DARICH or Davao Advocates for the Rights of the Child Inc. Daming mga seminars na yung ibinigay ni Lord para mas magkaroon pa ako ng deeper knowledge about the needs of the children and youth, as well as how to serve them. I've met a lot of BIG people in the government, people's organizations, faith-based organizations, non-government organizations, and funding agencies. I was so blessed by these confirmations from God and by the fact na isa na akong Child Rights Advocate ngayon. But of course, our advocacy will be in vain without God. Praise Him for His love.

Now, firm na yung stand ko. I'll run. I'll run for this desire. I'll run because there is a need. I'll run because God has a work for me to do. I'll run because I want to serve them, the young people. I want to see crowds of young people together in praising and worshiping God, witnessing for Christ, testifying how great life works when it is lived with our Lord God Almighty. Ang saya talaga! Can you see the picture?

Great is the measure of the love of our God. Whatever man yung results ng polls, God's will na yun. But I pray that the God will give enough wisdom and knowledge to His people para malaman nila kung sino ang dapat na iboto.

When the righteous are in authority the people rejoice but when the wicked beareth rule the people mourn." (Proverbs 29:2 - KJV)

God is at work and in Him I trust. I pray for a clean election. I hope na wala ding dirty politics between the SK Candidates kasi dirty na yung way mga Barangay Officials na takbuhan as based sa mga nakikita at naririnig ko dito samin. Mahirap na fight din to kasi 7 kami maglalaban-laban sa SK Chairmanship. But that's OK. Whoever will be in position, magtulungan parin sana. Di man ako yun, I'm still part of the community kaya it's still my responsibility to serve.

God bless you! Soli deo Gloria!

Filing of SK Chairmanship Candidacy

2007-10-16T09:48:00.000-07:00

Waaahh... now kami mag-fafile ng candidacy sa COMELEC..

share ko lang.. ahe! I pray for God's guidance and bLessing upon our advocacy and goal.

Whoever man ang manalo, God's will talaga. But thank God for the desire He has given us. Thank God for His work na binigay niya sakin.

It's 9:42AM na. Wala pa yung mga kasama ko. Si Aimee palang andito. Hehe..

Anyway, here's my platform of governance:

Help all young people to have a full, fair, and equitable access to education and strengthen the promotion of youth and children’s rights.

Organize and mobilize the youth’s abilities, talents, skills, and capacities that the youth realize their potentials to do great things for God’s glory.

Protection of the physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, and social well-being of the youth

Encouragement of youth involvement in character building and community development activities to ensure youth and children participation.

So, any comments po? Hehehe.. God bless all. I hope mapatupad tong platform. Godwilling. God bless po sa inyo.

I Want You To Watch This

2007-10-14T21:32:00.000-07:00

I really love this video that's why I wanted to share it with you guys! Please do watch it! Great message! It is The Rebelution Tour: Promo Video. Being a rebelutionary, it is a great privilege for me to share this.

Comment kayo sakin after watching this video. I'll feature your comments later... Hehe! Try to be a Rebelutionary after you get the message of the video. Here's the site: The Rebelution. Thanks a lot!

"Together we'll do hard things for God's Glory!"

Praise God! He Heard My Prayer!

2007-10-13T15:02:00.000-07:00

Psalm 55:1-3 "Give ear to my prayer, O God! and hide not thyself from my supplication. Attend unto me, and answer me. I will wail in my address, and make a noise. 3. By reason of the voice of the enemy, under the affliction of the wicked: for they cast iniquity upon me, and in wrath they fight against me.

Psalm 116:1-2 "I love the LORD, who listened to my voice in supplication, Who turned an ear to me on the day I called.

Psalm 116:4 "Then I called on the name of the LORD, "O LORD, save my life!"

Praise God for His greatness. Praise God for His mercy. Praise God for being so faithful in my life! Kahapon, super down ako. I know ang laki ng kasalanan ko sa Kanya. But He still heard my prayer. He listened. And I was comforted by this song Blessed by Hillsong.

Psalm 84: 4-5 "Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you. Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage."

Now, I have great reasons to be happy. God never failed me. His grace is truly sufficient and His power works best in my weaknesses.

I want to thank God for the following:

1. Healing Me Sa Sakit Ko

Yup, may sakit po ako. Di ko nalang muna ishare. Hehe.. Medyo private pa kasi. Thankful parin ako sa Kanya coz even if I was not totally healed, still He has given me more days to live. Praise God for every wonderful morning and precious night. He always remind me that my days here on earth are numbered.

2. Blog Award

Got this Blog Award from Big Sis Kero. Thanks Ate! Hehehe... To God be the glory! I lift this award for Him alone. Hehe..

I would like to share this award to the following persons:

Daniel-Jr, Bb_Anne, Redlan, Ruff, Ron, Engz

3. Got Tagged

I got tagged by Big Sis Lutchi. Nasurprise ako. I didn't know I was tagged pala. Thanks ate! Praise God for this again!

I am tagging: Ch13f, Elay, and Hanakz.

Thank you guys! Maraming slamat po talaga! I'm so blessed sa inyo! Continue sharing your stories for God's glory!

Break Me, Lord! Break Me!

2007-10-12T12:03:00.000-07:00

Forgive me, God. I am so unworthy. I am so unworthy of Your love. I am so undeserving to be called Your servant. I failed you. I failed you.

Jesus, I am so sorry! (T_T) These tears aren't enough to ease Your pain. These tears aren't enough for the forgiveness I ask. I'm sorry, Lord. I'm sorry.

God, I'm sorry if sometimes I don't obey You. I'm sorry if I didn't do what I know is right. I'm sorry if I get angry with those people who have done nothing to me. I'm sorry for I am being "me".

Lord, it's too hard. It's too hard to be humble. It's too hard to be good. It's too hard being criticized by my friends. It's too hard being persecuted by my parents because of my service to You.

Lord, I failed You. Patawad kung nagrereklamo ako. I'm just too good to share Your Name, but inside me. . . . . . . Lord, break me! Break me!

Jesus, I'm so unworthy. I'm so unworthy to be washed by Your blood. I'm sorry God. I'm sorry if sometimes I am being me. It's just too hrad. I'm sorry.

Father God, I'm sorry if I can't just be like Jesus. Lord, break me. I'm crying down at Your feet. Break me! I don't deserve it.

But God, thank You! Thank You for choosing me. Thank You for Your unfailing love. Thank You for Your precious promises. Despite all my sins, You continue to be faithful. God, I wanted to be like You, but it's too hard. Help me Lord. Teach me. Show me. Instruct me. Give me more passion. Keep the fire burning in me. I don't want to be alone. I want to be with You!

Please don't harden my heart whenever I fail You. Lord, You know how much I love You. I won't stop asking forgiveness if I'll sin. God, forgive me. Forgive me please. I love you so much, Lord. I love you! Deeper and deeper, I seek Your face and I keep falling in love with You.

I surrender everything and lay them all down at the cross. Embrace me, God. Comfort me whenever my spirit is weak. Remind me that I can do nothing without You.

Forgive me for breaking Your heart. Do your will or break me Lord! Break me!

The Song I Love The Most

2007-10-11T19:29:00.000-07:00

I did this as an experiment. Ginawa kong background music and song na to. If hindi siya nagpeplay, kindly Click the Link below:

Saving Grace by Hillsong

I really love this song. Ate Bb_anne, eto po yung Christian song na sinasabi kong nadiscover ako ng music ministry namin. Here's the story:

When I accepted Christ, I found Christian music really great! Lalo na yung Hillsongs (Hillsong, Hillsong United, Hillsong Kids), Casting Crowns, Jeremy Camp, at Planetshakers. May pinaborrow sakin na Audio CD yung discipler ko. This happened ages ago na. Hehehe... I listened to the songs pero yung song na sobrang nakarelate at natouch ako was this song - Saving Grace. So, ayun! Minemorize ko yung kanta tas kinabisado. One time, we had this Life Skills Training Workshop for three days. Pag wala akong ginagawa o kung meron din, kinakanta ko to. Di ko akalain, one of my friends (taga-kabilang church) heard me singing habang nasa CR kami. Sabi niya maganda daw boses ko. Nahiya naman ako dun. So yun ang nangyari.

Pagbalik namin sa Funciton Hall, di ko alam pinagsabi niya na pala na kaboses ko si Michelle Fragar - yung singer nito. Nahiya tuloy ako. Pero nag-request sila na kantahin ko ang Saving Grace. Mejo nakakahiya rin kung mag-aayaw ako. God-given gift din tong boses ko kaya kumanta ako with the band (hindi to yung band ng church namin). So dun nagsimula ang singing career ko sa music ministry. Ini-vite na nila akong magsanay for the Youth Jams at sa gagawing Youth Concert dito sa Davao City.

Fast forward. Sa church, nag-practice yung mga churchmates ko sa music team ng church namin. Nasa may gilid lang ako. Hindi ako kasali. Tapos, bigla nila akong tinawag, nag-ask if may alam ba akong Christian Song na maganda para pwedeng kantahin. Kaya yun ang nirecommend ko. Kinanta ko siya. Same parin reaction - kaboses ko si Michelle. Eeerrrrr.... Di naman. Hillsong kaya yun. At yun ang reason why napasok na ako sa music team. Praise God for that!

Now, ang song na ito ang laging By-Request sakin. Hahahaha... Ang song na ito ang reason why nadiscover ako. Sa song na ito ako nakilala (sikat?? ahe!) Ang song rin na ito ang isa sa mga main reasons why I continue to love the Lord.

Hope you'll listen to it guyz. Salamat! Comment me if may reaction kayo or ayaw niyo ipalagay sa BG yung song nato.

Soli Deo Gloria!

Ask Yourself -> "Who Am I?"

2007-10-11T14:49:00.000-07:00

WHO AM I?

Who am I, that the Lord of all the earth
Would care to know my name
Would care to feel my hurt
Who am I, that the Bright and Morning Star
Would choose to light the way
For my ever wandering heart

Not because of who I am
But because of what You've done, Not because of what I've done, But because of who You are

I am a flower quickly fading
Here today and gone tomorrow, A wave tossed in the ocean, Vapor in the wind, Still You hear me when I'm calling, Lord, You catch me when I'm falling, And You've told me who I am, I am Yours, I am Yours

Who am I, that the eyes that see my sin, Would look on me with love and watch me rise again, Who am I, that the voice that calmed the sea, Would call out through the rain, And calm the storm in me

Not because of who I am, But because of what You've done, Not because of what I've done, But because of who You are

I am a flower quickly fading, Here today and gone tomorrow,A wave tossed in the ocean, Vapor in the wind, Still You hear me when I'm calling, Lord, You catch me when I'm falling, And You've told me who I am, I am Yours

Whom shall I fear, Whom shall I fear, 'Cause I am Yours, I am Yours

I really love this song from Casting Crowns. Check it out at Radioblogclub.com! Casting Crowns - who am i. Naiinspire ako lagi dahil sa song na ito... I'm so blessed by the message it offers. When I first heard this song, naiyak ako. Naaalala ko lang ang ginawa ni Jesus for my life.

WHO AM I? Sino nga ba ako? I always ask myself this way before. I thought "malas" ako sa family namin. I even tried to cease my existence believing that I only have this useless life. But when I get to know God, when I had this personal encounter with Him, everything changed. Nakakatuwa lahat. Bakit nga ba?

I believe each and everyone of us are Lost Sons and Daughters. We thought we own our lives kaya tayo yung nagdedecide kung anong gagawin natin sa buhay natin. But still, admit it or not, we stumble. Nagkakamali tayo sa mga decisions natin. Bakit? Cause we don't include our on and only Father in everything that we do, we decide - GOD. We always get into trouble! We always live our lives by just doing whatever feels good at the time. Oo, pwede nating sabihin "Yes, I love God. Yes, nagsisimba ako. Yes, I always pray. Yes, I know Him." But are all of these enough? Even if we are all great sinners, God wants your time. God wants your things. God wants your mind and heart. God wants YOU! Why? Because you are His creation, you are His son/daughter, you are His! Aren't you glad about this? He created you because He loves you. He wants all of yourself. Kahit na how great sinners we are, how many times natin na-break ang puso Niya, He is still having this OPEN ARMS for you. He waits for you to be reunited to Him. He's just there, waiting...

Our lives are not that perfect kaya we are always unsatisfied. Living life without God, we find ourselves getting wasted. After loving everything on our fingertips, living large, the life and soul of the party, eventually our music stops. The music always stops sooner or later. Tandaan niyo yan. And it's just then we start to realize the emptiness inside us. Right? David said:

"The Lord is my shepherd; I have everything in need" (Psalm 23:1 NCV)

And when our lives could go no lower, dun tayo nagsisisi. God has an amazing way of bringing those moments to us. Desperado Siyang magkaroon tayo ng personal relationship with Him. He calls out "My daughter, My son, I love you, come home!"

"Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts..." (Hebrews 3:15 NIV)

Hindi pa huli ang lahat. Sa Parable of the Prodigal Son, it wasn't too late for the guy in the story; and it's not too late for you too! When he came home his father opened his arms, welcomed him home and threw a big party.

And God will do the same for you too, if you let Him.

More Reasons To Blog. . .♥

2007-10-10T20:52:00.000-07:00

At first blogging is just an experiment for me. I tried using blogging as a way of witnessing along the cyber plexus. It's a form of E-Witnessing. Witnessing for Christ. But praise God, He has given me more reasons why I should continue on blogging.

1st Reason: Approved by Co-Bloggers.

Naiinspire ako sa mga messages nila sa mga entries ko. I want to thank the following bloggers for their comments on my blog. Maraming salamat po talaga.

Brett Harris - Thanks Brett and to your brother Alex for being an example to us teens that we are the ones who can make the change in the world today.
Alyssa C. - salamat fellow rebelutionary! Together we'll create a roaring blaze of faith here in the Philippines.
Daisy - thanks for saying that God is truly wonderful.
Kyleian - thanks for the inspiring messages you had given me when I posted a topic at The Rebelution Forum about How To Deal With Your Godly Crushes. It really had helped me. God bless fellow rebelutionary!
Daniel -Jr - salamat po talaga sa pag-promote ng blog ko especially dun sa post ko about LOVE. Thanks a lot!
Redlan - salamat sa patuloy na pagdaan sa blog ko. Na-inspire ako nung sinabi mong my blog entries are worth reading for. I will really show God's love to my readers. By God's grace, everything will be sufficient.
Ch13F - salamat sa mga kakatuwa mong comments... hehehe...
Allen - thanks din... I forgot to ask, what pala yung perspective mo after you and your ex-gf broke up?
Bb_Anne - I'm glad to share my religious teachings, as you said. Salamat ulit ah.. ehehe.. Keep the flame of faith burning inside you.
Ruff Nurse-du-jour - I'm glad po na nag-eenjoy ka sa pagbabasa ng mga blog entries ko. Salamat ulit.
Bob - I was inspired by what you had said na at a young age, may foundation na ang faith ko. Si God kasi eh, sobra magmahal. Kaya yun, inlove din ako sa Kanya! Hehehe...
Elay - sayo ako sobrang nainspire when you said na naging blessing ako sa blog world. To God be the Glory! Praise God for that.
Engz - I was blessed when you said that you truly love our Father! Continue feeding the fire burning inside you. Don't forget Him. Just pray always and He will be just there.
Hanakz - don't be discouraged. You could be strong as long as you really have faith in you. Don't forget, being God's Knight, we should have faith as our shield.
Rain - salamat cause you feel God everywhere in my blog. Sana not just in my blog, but in every aspect in your everyday life everywhere.
Other Bloggers - salamat sa patuloy na pagdaan sa blog ko. Malaking bagay talaga sakin yun. God bless those people who read this entry.

♥To all these guys, salamat! Maraming salamat for commenting and for constantly visiting my page. I'm planning to create my own blog awards din, but I still need to pray for that. Hehe...

2nd Reason: Approve ni Pastor

I told him about this blog thing and showed him the responses/comments of the people who visit my blog. I was so happy! Approved! He confirmed na blogging is a great way of witnessing for Christ Jesus. He's glad kasi I have found a way to evangelize along the cyber plexus or Internet. Hehehe... Kasi naman as based on my observation, daming young people na-aaddict sa internet. And, high-tech na ang mga tao ngayon. I believe God allow these things to happen, as well as these techie stuffs to be "uso" because mas better din ang way ng pagpapalaganap ng story niya to the ends of the earth. Kung may ways ang enemy (devil), God has better ways!

3rd Reason: Conviction of the Holy Spirit

I thank the Holy Spirit for always on the move whenever I write entries out here. All of the good things I've done, as well as the inspiring words na tinatype ko came from the Holy Spirit. It's good to be filled with it. It helped me to be just like Jesus. That's why I constantly pray that God would continue to pour out His Spirit in me, as well as teaching me on how to move on ways "not by might, nor by power, but by the Spirit" (Zechariah 4:6).

♥♥ Thank God for speaking into my heart that I should continue my blogging. Thank you blogmates for dropping by to read my posts. All of you are blessings to me. Marami din akong na-learn. And this blog is truly a blessing for me. God bless us all.

In Christ alone,
JAZZY

Don't Want To Go To Heaven Alone

2007-10-09T21:02:00.000-07:00

I don't want to go to heaven alone, I want to bring somebody with me.

Before this story, my three friends named Rica, Ryan, and Vincent had a texting conversation with me months and months ago. They told me how lonely and incomplete their lives were, how hopeless they were, how unsatisfied they were with their situations in life. Only one thought rushed inside my mind, "If they only know Jesus, I believe they will be complete". I burst into tears for they were my friends. And I prayed that God would give a day for us to meet again so that I could share the story of Jesus and let them accept Him as a ticket to heaven. Sobrang busy na daw kasi nila. Busyness is not an excuse of not serving God. Simply surrendering yourself to Him, confessing that you're a sinner and accepting Christ as your Lord and Savior are big things to God. And they're my friends. I don't want to go to heaven alone. I want to bring them with me in heaven. Ang saya nun. Kita-kita ulit sa Real Home natin, parang grand reunion with our Real Father.

Months later, na-shock nalang ako. "Jazzy, magkikita kami nila Ryan at Vincent sa house ko. Punta ka ha." Rica texted. At ang unang idea na pumasok sa isip ko, I would really evangelize. Yun din kasi ang challenge samin ng Youth Pastor namin. Church Planting. Scattering. Soul - Winning. Again, friends ko nga sila kaya I really have to win their souls. Schedule: October 7, 2007, 6:00pm, Sunday.

When we met there, usap-usap about life, kamustahan, tawanan, biruan, at sharing din. Later, ayun, I started evangelizing. Dami rin akong nashare. I introduced R623 sa kanila.

Roman 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."

I told them that the real ticket to heaven is through accepting Christ kasi sapat na ang ginawa ni Jesus Christ sa cross for us to be saved and His blood that cleanse our sins para makapasok tayo sa heaven. He is the way!

John 14:6 "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

And then later I asked: Do you want to accept Jesus?

Rica: Yes, I really will accept Him knowing that He died on the cross for me.
Ryan: Later nalang siguro. I'm not yet ready to serve Him. But I know that Jesus died for me.
Vincent: Wag muna ngayon. Di pa ako sigurado eh. Natatakot akong pag in-aacept ko na Siya, magkasala ako ulit.

If not now, when? Don't you know that when you accept Jesus and believe in His name, God has given you the right to become children of God? (John 1:12) At kung natatakot kayong magkasala, don't worry. God promised that if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). We have all the benefits. At Jesus will connect us to the Father. He is the way.

May pinabasa ako na verse. "This is the right time to be saved." I forgot kung anong verse yun. At isa pang verse na sobrang nakarelate si Vince. Dahil dun, He believed me. He got Jesus' assurance. Same as sina Ryan at Rica. We prayed. They accepted Jesus as their Master and Savior and they were so happy. Contentment filled their beings. The best talaga si Lord.

Natapos yung conversation namin by 12:00AM. Madaling araw na akong nakauwi sa bahay. Puyat pero sulit naman. I'm so happy. I'm so blessed. I'm so overpowered with God's embrace. I don't want to enter God's gate alone. Kaya I would win loads of souls to Christ through evangelism. I will do that till the end of my life.

Being busy is not an excuse. Pag namatay ka, madadala mo kaya ang pagiging busy mo ngayon dun sa pupuntahan mo? Tsk Tsk... Lalo na kung di mo pa dala ang ticket mo to heaven. Make sure you have God in your heart kundi, lagot ka. Di joke lang! Don't worry. I'm here. I'll help you if you have doubts. And also, God is just right there. Pray to Him that He will touch you and open your mind so that whatever doubts you have, it will be a lot easier to understand whenever you'll read His Word.

Be happy. Don't get discouraged with whatever problems you have now, o kung di mo pa siya nakikilala. I challenge all of you. Kahit busy man kayo, just utter a little prayer, malaking bagay na yun. Through that you'll feel God is in you.

Get ready, guys! Soon, we'll be in heaven together with our Father. We will be singing praises and there will be complete happiness forever.

Soli Deo Gloria!

Pictures: ChLoe's B-day

2007-10-08T20:59:00.000-07:00

(October 6 pics)

Minadalian ko na talaga ang paglagay ng mga pics na to. Tomorrow, may forum pa kasi kami for Non-Violent and Positive Discipline on Children. I'm quite busy right now for the preparation of the slides. Hehe..

Photos: Courtesy of Astrid, sister ni Chloe. Hehehe.. To God be the glory. What happened during that night was totally fun and we were so blessed by the message that had been shown us by our One and Only Master - GOD.

~*I got this from Oni Haze... The Word 4U 2Day -> Redeem the Airwaves (The Edge Radio)*~

~*Rev. Ernest Slappey during his Exhortation*~

~*Kuya Jim-jim and Te Apple*~

~* Oni Hazel, Oni Jing, & Manghud Jazzy... Hehe.. *He *~

~*Toril Interchurch Youth Fellowship (TIYF) Samahan*~

~*Oni Hazel, Oni Jing, Manghud Jazzy, & Te Apple*~

~*Ya Tata, Oni Jing, Te Honey, Jazz, Oni Hazel, Te Apple*~

~*Dencio & Jim-jim: Drummers for Christ.. The former has given Chloe Godly Insights on living.. Isn't that amazing?*~

I'm blessed to have these Holy-Spirit empowered friends. Blessed to have Chloe din in my life. Of course, discipler ko eh! God bless to all and goodnyt!

Don't forget to pray before you'll take your rests, guyz!

ChLoe's Birthday: Beinte

2007-10-07T19:00:00.000-07:00

First of all, I just want to thank those people who had sent a birthday greeting to Chloe. I'll check out soon who those people were. SALAMAT PO TALAGA. May God continue to pour out His blessings upon you, guys! I'm so blessed to have blogmates like you.

Hmm... anyway, Chloe's birthday was so fun. Many were blessed because of such very unusual birthday celebration. It was more of a fellowship with music team and a guest speaker. Ang mga invited that time mostly yung mga classmates ni Chloe na nagrequest ng One Way Jesus, mga young people from our different Cell Groups, and a lot more.

Masaya ang birthday. Yung Speaker, si Pastor Sloppy, lolo ni Chloe.. hehehe... Don't ask why. Basta Lolo tawag niya dun. His message was too inspiring. It's about scattering. Scattering the church, evangelizing the Good News, sharing God's story to the ends of the earth. We don't have to stay inside the church only. We have to win souls. That's the challenge there. Don't go to heaven alone. Bring somebody with you!

After ng message, kainan nah! While kumakain yung mga visitors, the band played continually. Of course, Christian Pop Rock Songs. Hehehe..

I'm so blessed to meet God-fearing friends during that night. May nakausap pa ako, si Ate Apple. She shared about the book na ipinahiram niya ke Oni Hazel. (Oni - korean term for Ate) The book's title is He Came To Set The Captives Free. Super ganda daw ng story. It was a battle between a satanist named Elaine from California who served her master - Satan. The good side is Dr. Rebecca Brown who served her Master too - Jesus. But later, nareform talaga si Elaine who was once a member of a Cult. When she accepted Christ, there she found real freedom and peace and complete joy. Na-share din niya sakin na sobrang laki ng influence ng book sa kanya sa music field. Why? She was once an avid fan of Rock Music. But when she learned dun na before any recording ng mga rock bands, may curses or rituals pa silang ginagawa na makapag-attract sa mga listeners to lust, or wild emotions. Di katulad sa paggawa ng mga Christian Songs, before any recording, we pray that the people may feel the presence of God and that a lot of souls will be saved or ma-ignite yung faith nila. From those facts, na-alarm siya. Anong ginawa niya? Ayun, sinira ang mga rock music na CDs at tinapon. Now, she only have Pop Rock Christian Songs like sa Hillsong United. And what's amazing is, nagcocompose na siya ng mga Christian songs. So far, nanalo siya ng first place so Christian songwriting contest at nag-recording narin daw sa The Edge Radio - Davao. Blessed talaga.

I was so happy rin kasi nakarecieve ako ng July-Agust-September issue ng The Word 4U 2Day. hehehe... Malaki din naging influence nun sakin. Si Oni Hazel yung nagbigay. Galing pa daw yun sa The Edge Radio nung nagrecording sila. I'm planning to get a subscription per year. Sabay nalang siguro kami ni Chloe. Get one too!

I thank God for the wonderful revelations He had shown me so that I will know Him better. I thank God for the wonderful stories I had heard from the different lives I met during that night. And I thank God for the wonderful friends He has given me, friends that'll help me ignite my faith and grow as a mature Christian and servant. To God be the glory.

Pictures will be posted after this post. Ahe... ngatz po kayo lahat!

God bless and be a blessing!

Practice

2007-10-06T12:30:00.000-07:00

Daan lang po ako.

Practice pa kami..

Ahehe... Salamat sa mga nag-send ng b-day greetings kay Chloe. Keep on sending.

Thank you ulit!

God bless..

(I've got lots of stories in store. Check them out soon...)

Got Loaded

2007-10-05T00:32:00.000-07:00

(2nd informal post)

To all those persons who had hit me a comment on my last post, THANKS a lot!

Anyway, I've got lots of stuffs to do for the following days. I'm afraid I can't post everyday. I planned that I should kasi but I'll try. But a "lot" of stuffs means a "lot" of posts or stories to tell. I hope you would still care to visit my room out here. I would really appreciate that!

I've got a request to you out here. I hope you'll grant it as soon as possible. Puh-leeaasseee...

Here are the stuffs that I needed to do. I still keep on praying that God would dress me the right strength and right spirit for the following days. I won't quit on whatever things He wants me to do. I'll be doing them for His glory.

1.) CHLOE'S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION (October 6, 2007)

Chloe is the eldest daughter of our pastor. She's also my discipler. Actually, yung birthday niya is today, October 5, 2007 but since may pasok siya and medyo busy-busyhan yung mga people during weekdays, mahirap magprepare agad. So, tomorrow will be the celebration at 6:00pm. It will not be a mere birthday party. Ang request kasi ni Chloe is may exhortation about evangelism, Gospel, or simply igniting our faith. Parang Youth Jam. Ay hindi pala "parang", Youth Jam pala talaga with full band. I need to assist for the preparation of the activity. I still keep on praying that there will be a great movement of the Holy Spirit throughout the event. Mostly daw kasi sa ininvite ni Chloe, mga friends at classmates niya na unchurched.

My concern is, gusto kong isurprise siya sa e-mail adds niya. Guys, request naman oh! PLEASE SEND HER A BIRTHDAY E-MAIL GREETING. Eto po e-adds niya: kalachuchi_chloe@hotmail.com and southpark_chloe@yahoo.com. PLEASE!! Subject niyo lang: Happy Birthday from and Jazzy.

I hope matulungan niyo ako dito. I'll check kung sinong nag-email sa kanya. SuhLamaht uLit. E-mail niyo rin sakin yung greeting niyo so that I'll know. Thanks in advance!

2.) A GET-TOGETHER MEETING WITH MY LONG LOST FRIENDS (October 7, 2007 - 1:00pm)

I have this "get together" date with my long lost three friends (the happy three friends??.. ahehe..). We haven't seen each other for quite some time. I guess 9 months already. But I was so glad when they informed me that they had arranged a date for us four. Masaya talaga ako. Finally magkikita kami ulit. Their names are Rica, Vincent, and Ryan.

I planned too na magshare about Christ to them. I will really grab this opportunity. I've been praying for it din kasi. Thank God He granted me this prayer. Lahat ng prayers may sagot talaga si God, either "yes", or "no", but mostly, "wait". I will let them accept Christ on that very day. They are suffering emotional problems kasi now, or some struggles in life. I believe pag nalaman nila ang Truth, the Truth will set them free. Just like what Jesus did to my life.

3.) WORKSHOP ON EVANGELISM TECHNIQUES (October 7, 2007 -5:00pm)

Sunday parin. This will be the continuation ng nasimulan namin last Saturday which is R623 (Roman 6:23) at yung Tract Distribution namin last Sunday. I will soon post here the issues of Tract Distribution soon. I'll spill all the struggles we had during that afternoon. At ishishare ko din kung ano ang mga reactions ng mga tao on such tracts (Main issue - Religion).

4.) FORUM ON POSITIVE AND NON-VIOLENT DISCIPLINE (October 9-10, 2007 )

I'll document this coming forum. tsk tsk... Ang mga participants nito ay : October 9 - Barangay Officials and Functionaries of Barangay Lubogan, Toril, Davao City; and October 10 - Parents from 20 Puroks of Barangay Lubogan. The Forum will be about Non-Violent and Positive Discipline on Children. This is funded by the Save The Children Foundation USA through Tambayan Center at yung NGO namin which is Davao Advocates for the Rights of the Child Inc. (DARICH) and pina-implement. This is part of our advocacy which is mainly the strengthening of the BCPC or Barangay Council for the Protection of Children. Forum to kaya of course, daming bibig talaga ang magsasalita on how to discipline our young people nowadays lalo na ngayong may batas na on Juvenile Justice System. Let's just talk about this matter soon. Hehe..

5.) MONTHLY YOUTH FELLOWSHIP (October 14, 2007 )

This is our monthly youth fellowship wherein we invite unchurched young people or unbelievers para ma-ignite yung faith nila. Under YACS, yung youth group namin (Youth in Action for Community Service). Part to sa main goal namin na soul-winning to Christ. I pray that God would give us the annointment on such day. We will live for His glory alone.

6.) DRUG TEST AND FILING OF CANDIDACY (October 8 and 15, 2007 )

Opo. Kelangan ko pong magpa-drug test kasi tatakbo po ang inyong lingkod as SK Chairman. Di pa man sure kung may election talaga, but we're already preparing. Bat nga ba ako tatakbo? Soon I'll answer that. Medyo mahabang storya din kasi. Hehe.

♥And so it's just now that I realized ang dami ko pa palang gagawin. But praise God kasi coz He supplies me everything that I need. His grace is sufficient and His power works best in my weaknesses. Sa inyo din. Alam ko super busy ng mga buhay natin. But we should not forget that without God, everything will be in vain. We must acknowledge His presence sa lahat ng mga decisions or undertakings natin. We don't know, maybe tomorrow rapture na. (may story din ako sa rapture thing. Check it out soon...) Hindi man natin Siya maalala sa mga ginagawa natin now (I guess you're thinking of God at this very moment, right?), please don't ever forget to pray kahit sa umaga lang paggising niyo (surrender everything sa Kanya na Siya ang maging driver ng life niyo on that certain day) o sa gabi before you'll go to sleep (mamaya, magdasal tayo sa goodness Niya for this day).

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart. And do not rely on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths smooth” (Proverbs 3:5, CJR)

See, I got loaded, but still I'm happy. Di na ako masyado nagrereklamo ngayon knowing that these stuffs na gagawain ko, I do it for Him. He has reasons why nag-eexist ang mga ganitong bagay. Thankful lang talaga ako kasi God shows me what are those needed to be done. At my young age, blessed na talaga ako. But still I admit, I'm unworthy to be called "grounded" kasi dami ko pang mga dapat malaman. Madami nga rin akong mga kasalanan. I disappoint God too. But thanks for this verse:

But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from every wrong.(1 John 1:9)

I hope may nashare akong good news ngayon. Hehe... salamat po sa pagbasa nitong post ko. God bless those who cared to read this.

♥Pahabol: Yung request ko po ah.. wag niyo pong kalimutan. God bless those who will send their e-mails. Ahehe.. Salamat po in advance.

Soli Deo Gloria!

Have I Moved On?

2007-10-03T23:02:00.000-07:00

This would be my first entry out here that's going to be informal. Informal in a sense that I'll be writing with this "Tag-Lish" Lingo. TagaLog-English for pinahaba dating.

Anyway, HAVE I MOVED ON?

I don't know. Share ko lang po sa inyo baka may makarelate sa mga dadaan dito sa blog ko.

I had this bf. Pero wala na kami. Obvious naman siguro ang meaning ng "had" di ba? But... (may "but" pa talaga) hindi pa ako ganun ka-sure if I have moved on. We broke up april..may..june.. ... 5months ago na. O di ba tagal na.. (matagal na ba yun?) We broke up through text lang.. tsk tsk... labo.. pero sure na akong "break up" talaga yun. After nun, wala na. No meet-ups, no communication, no paramdam... (ewan ko kung no paramdam talaga.. dami kasi tumetext sakin.. mga anonymous...) Basta yun.

Tapos, may nalaman ako by August. He has this new girlfriend na pala. Nahurt ba ako?, you may ask. I must admit na may bit of ache inside me talaga pero I have to move on na nga. I just wonder kasi everywhere, may traces of him. I mean, kung saan man ako magpunta, naaalala ko siya. (Hirap din noh? May nakarelate bah?) But di ko lang fino-focus yung thoughts ko on such things. Mahirap na. Part of moving on na nga kasi. 13 months din kami ng nilalang na yun pero alam ko may purpose lahat. (--> nalaman ko, thru text niya lang gf yung "gf daw". May "daw" kasi nalaman ko rin, bakla pala yung textmate niya na yun. Forgive me God. Tsismis na ba toh?? Lord, forgive me on this. *1 John 1:9*)

Now, the must-know part here is... teka, wait muna, bat ko ba tinatype to?? May sense ba to?? Ano bang lesson ang makukuha niyo sa post na ito? Magbasa na lang po kayo.

Must-Know Part:

I admitted that he is just part of my past. At ang past na yun ay yung past na ayoko nang balikan pa. Why? Too many kalokohan, too many failures, I thought real freedom but it's not. Yung past life ko, the old me, my old self ay puno ng mga bagay na hindi nag-intersect sa plan ni God para sa buhay ko (for my story, CLICK HERE!) At ang guy na yun, part siya ng past na yun. Sa mga bisdak pa, "GRABE AKONG BUOT-BUOT o nag-GBB jud ko sa una".

Alam ko na may purpose at reason si God kung bakit kami naghiwalay. Wala akong magagawa but to accept that fact. And when I know God, na-realize ko na may mas mahalaga pa akong purpose kesa sa mag-bf-bf. May dapat akong gawin. I must admit na I was happy with that guy, pero now with God, everything is complete joy. Total satisfaction. Glory to God for that! Noon nahihiya pa akong i-admit how a loser I am, at mejo natopak din dahil sa in-love. Pero now, di na. Bat ko ikakahiya?? Yun ang reason why nakilala ko si Lord. Yun ang best life testimony ko. If I have to tell my failures to each person I bump along the way, I would. Why? Cause through all those failures, now I'm victorious na coz Christ gives me strength (Philippians 4:13)

Now, I don't really have time to think of my past with that guy. Hindi ko na nga siya nakikita eh at wala na akong nababalitaan sa kanya. But I still pray for him na sana God would continue to guide him in everything. Sa part ko naman, heto, nagpopost sa blog as a way of witnessing for Christ. I won't stop telling people how great the Lord is in my life, how wonderful life works when it is lived in the Kingdom of God.

About lovelife? Hmm.. I'm just praying for that "right man" that God created just for me. Love can wait. We don't have to rush. Why? 'Cause God is never late. He's always on time! Hehe. At nag-iba na nga pala yung standards ko for guys. Hmm... wala man akong bf, may crush naman ako. Haha. Pero God is still above all. God is my first priority. Share ko lang later yung story about may crush. (♥Patikim: Naging crush ko siya dahil sa deep love niya sa Panginoon. Amazing no? I really admire guys who choose to follow Christ. Yan ang totoong lalaki! Taking up the greatest challenge!)

So, the question again... Have I moved on? hmm... YES! Cause God showed me that I could really move on. There are lot of things to look up to. Things that are needed to be done NOW! And kasi I have God who can satisfy my deepest longing. It's just Him. His love satisfies me already.

(Pahabol: Comment naman kayo kung ayos lang ba na informal ako magshare. I just tried. Hindi ba too informal na masyado?? Non-blogger users, sa Tagboard nalang po kayo mag-comment..)

Salamat poh! Thanks a lot. God bless us all!

In Christ aLone -
jazzy

Health / Addiction

2007-10-02T22:00:00.000-07:00

"My friends smoke... how can I be part of the group?"

"Why didn't he tell me before?"

"What is going to happen now?"

HEALTH AND ADDICTION. Drugs. Pornography. Alcohol. Cigarettes. At first they seem like the cool thing to do. So you try some, and then some more. And before you know it, what began for fun has become a "have to have" that seems impossible to shake. It's out of control and you're hooked.

If that describes you (or someone close to you), you don't have an addiction - it has you.

The good news is that God never declares any situation hopeless. Jesus said, "There are some things that people cannot do, but God can do anything."

He can give you friends to talk to, along with teachers, family members, and counselors to help you break your addiction. But he can and wants to do even more than that. He offers to become your source of strength.

Jesus has the power to enable you to break free from the chins of addiction, just like he set free those who were held captive by demons. It starts by establishing a relationship in him.

Click Here and take the next step to total freedom.

Prayer:

Oh Lord, Thank You for the body you gave me. Help me to take care of it, living according to Your plan. And help me to avoid the things that will damage it. I realize that You will always provide for me. Thank You that I do not need to worry about my sickness or disease because You are my Father and want to give me hope and joy.

Sex: What's Your Choice?

2007-10-02T20:11:00.000-07:00

♥There's a lot of confusion about sex. But God's plan is clear. He made sex for a husband and wife. The physical union is part of the commitment these two people share.

God's desire is for you to be pure in every area of your life, including your sexuality.

♥If you make the choice to wait to have sex until you are married, you will find that God is in the business of keeping you pure and helping you out when you are tempted. He offers strength and places in your heart the desire to do what's right.

♥If you have already had sex outside of marriage, God is in the business of restoring what has been stolen from you. He offers healing and freedom from the pain of the past.

♥Here's the way to help you with your commitment of purity. Copy and paste it out with your name in the comment section and I will publish it as a constant reminder of your promise to God.

"Believing that the God who created me loves me and wants what is the absolute best for my life, I commit to God and my future marriage partner to maintain sexual purity from this day forward."

Signed: (your name) - (your email) - (homepage)

Sex

2007-10-02T02:37:00.000-07:00

"If it feels good do it, right? Besides, we're in love."

SEX. It's on billboards and TV, in magazines and movies. Advertisers use it to sell us their goods. It's in the music we listen to, and floods the internet. Sex is suggested by style of dress. It's been used to destroy the innocence and has made a mess of way too many lives.

Sex is definitely here to stay. Easy to get, anytime with whomever, no commitment, and no responsibility.

But sex has come a long way from the original design God intended. That's right - believe it or not, sex was designed by God. He created men and women different physically for the purpose of sexual intimacy. Although one purpose for the sexual relationship is for bringing children into the world, God also planned for sex to be pleasurable.

Everything that God created has purpose. But it also has order. God's design for sex, then, must be enjoyed within the boundaries of marriage, love, and a lifetime of commitment. Beyond this, sex results in confusion, conflict and chaos.

Outside of marriage, sex does not build up self-worth, but rather destroys it. Those who use it as currency to "buy" things they want emotionally or physically end up bankrupt. Couples who choose not to wait until marriage bring the weight of guilt, loss of respect, and mistrust into their relationship.

Sex that is practiced outside of God's plan has long term consequences, like the heartache of unwanted pregnancies, abortion, rape and other forms of sexual abuse. Then there is the long list of tragic sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV/AIDS.

God's design for sex is something quite the opposite and a whole lot better! Those who wait until marriage not only avoid the dangers of premarital sex, they are also setting themselves up for a lifetime of discovery, satisfaction, and fulfillment within marital love. And that's something worth waiting for!

Prayer:

Loving Father, I thank You for creating me with purpose and order. Today I choose to live my sexual life in accordance with Your plans and will keep myself pure until marriage. Keep me from impure thoughts and temptations and help me to make right choices based on Your Word and to not be influenced by what I hear and see in the world around me.

Love

2007-10-02T02:19:00.000-07:00

"I really love that song."
"I'm in love!"
"Let's make love."

There's a lot of talk about love. But what is it, really?

Love. According to psychologists, the most basic human need is to love and be loved. There is no power greater than love. It can motivate people to do things for others they wouldn't normally do. Some even give up everything for the sake of the one they love.

But if love is such a beautiful thing, so essential to life, why is there so little of it in the world? Why is there so much hate? The answer is simple. True love is more than a sentimental, gushy feeling. Love is a decision, a choice we each must make. The greatest demonstration of love is to give our life for the person we love. God did that. Even before we were born, he demonstrated his great love for us when he gave his only son Jesus to die on the cross for our sins so we could have forgiveness and eternal life in him. That is what love is. It gives, selflessly, even sacrificially. It unconditionally provides for the one that is loved.

This kind of love comes only from God, for God's very being is love. So when men and women rebel against God by setting up their own value system, rejecting the authority of God, they lose the very source of true love, that is, God.

Away from the source, love becomes temporary rather than lasting. It becomes selfish and demanding. It seeks what it wants rather than the good of the one that is loved. It takes, rather than gives.

But when we connect with God, his love enables us to love others as he loves, even our enemies. We can love others without expecting or demanding anything in return. God's love gives and forgives. It is constant, dependable, and lasting. It fulfills and it satisfies the deepest need.

This kind of love is free and available. We only need to come and connect with God through his son Jesus Christ, and that love will flow freely in and through our hearts to others.

Prayer:

Thank you Father God for loving me. I accept the demonstration of love You expressed through Jesus Christ. Change my heart to be more loving of others and help me to show that love to others.

Success

2007-10-02T02:01:00.000-07:00

Education/Possessions/Money/Popularity/Fame
"What? Is this all there is to life?"

Who doesn't want to be successful? But what is success really? And how do you get it?

SUCCESS. Jesus said that the reason he came to earth was so that everyone would have the fullest life possible. Isn't that you what you want want? The fullest life possible!

Another time he promised that when we make obedience to God our first priority, all of the things we need will be provided for us. God is all about success - including your success!

Too often the standards are measured by the level of education we have attained, the amount of money we have in the bank, the size of our house, or how much material possessions we own.

Education is important; we should go for all that is available to us. And there's nothing wrong with a good job and wealth. But in reality, it is how we treat others and what we do with our education and money that people will remember long after we are gone.

True success can only be measured at the end of our lives by how we used what we had to serve society and honor God. This is only kind of success that can never be taken away from you.

Prayer:

God, at the end of my life, when I come face to face with you, I want you to be pleased with my life. I will study and work hard to be successful in this world. But I realize that I have to use my knowledge and my possessions to help others who are less fortunate than me. Give me all the help I need, and the wisdom to manage well all the resources and abilities that I have, and the humility to treat others the same way I want to be treated.

Self - Esteem

2007-10-02T01:40:00.000-07:00

"You're not good for anything." - Have you ever been told this?
"I'm ugly."
"I'm no good at sports. Not good in school either."

"How can anyone love me? I'm not worth it." - Have you ever thought this?

SELF - ESTEEM. Have you ever looked in the mirror and wished you were someone else? If you answer yes, you're in the majority. Probably everyone who has ever lived wished that they could change at least one thing about themselves: their nose, their height, their personality - something.

Looks. Money. Possessions. Popularity. They all have one thing in common: they're not guaranteed. Even if we have them, they're all temporary. When our self-worth relies on the outward aspects of our life, happiness and fulfillment will always be short lived.

True worth can only be measured by seeing ourselves through our God our Creator's eyes. How much value does he place in your life? Did you know that God loves you just as He loves His own Son Jesus?! You can't get any more valuable than that!

Prayer:

Thank you God for creating me in your image, with a body, with a soul, and a spirit. I choose to develop friendships that will help me focus on inward beauty of character. Help me to understand your purposes for my life that will bring true and lasting promises.

Injustice

2007-09-25T22:41:00.000-07:00

"Who cares about what I'm going through?"

"It's not fair!"

INJUSTICE. Lots of things in life are not fair. Maybe your parents' marriage has fallen apart. Or one of them is living away from the family in order to earn more money. Maybe you've lost a parent through death.

Is there alcoholism or some other addiction in your home? Has someone you love been victimized by the corruption and greed of others?

Circumstances like these leave you feeling like there's no way out and no one to understand your hurts and confusion. But the fact is, God cares. He sent Jesus to show you his love and he sent his Holy Spirit to be your wise counselor, your constant companion, and your source of comfort.

Because of the presence of the Holy Spirit, Jesus was able to reassure his followers that no matter what happened he would always be with them and see them through any difficulty - clear up to the end! He makes the same promise to you.

Blessed!

2007-09-24T22:14:00.000-07:00

I was so blessed by the young people who had participated in our Peer Counselors Training Workshop last September 14-15, 2007. It was a two-day live-in seminar held at Mergrande Ocean Resort, Davao City, Philippines. There were 35 participants who came from six public high schools: Doña Carmen Denia National High School; Daniel R. Aguinaldo National High School; Crossing Bayabas National High School; A.L. Navarro National High School; J.V. Ferriols National High School; and F. Bustamante National High School. They were all junior high school students who are being sponsored by the World Vision Development Foundation Inc. - Philippines. They all came from low-income families who couldn't afford to pay for their studies and sustain their school needs.

I really had a great time with them. They were all participative, cooperative, and very entertaining. And what's amazing was that these young peers own great ideas and they were all smart. Through their presentations, plans, and the discussions we had, there I really was impressed by the power the youth can do for the betterment of the society.

But of course, we introduced Christ to them and we were so glad when they'd accepted Christ as their Savior and decided to follow Him. Through a brief message a I delivered to them, I emphasized that without Christ, everything will be in vain.

Jazzy: "...It's great to be a Holy Spirit-empowered leader! Peer Counseling is quite hard but it will be possible and more successful when you have Christ in you. Ask God to instruct you in everything you'll do. Let the Holy Spirit move within yourselves because when you counsel your schoolmates, the mighty words coming from your mouth are not yours, they came from the Holy Spirit living in you. Be grateful and be faithful. God has a wonderful plan and purpose in your lives. And your work starts today. There is a reason why you're here. He has chosen you, guys! I believe God will equip you to be the Peer Counselors He wanted you to be. Be a blessing to others!..."

We ended up organizing a club name "HKDI Campus Life" for these young people. They will serve as the peer counselors in their respective campuses. Now, we are initiating follow-ups for them. May they bless other teens too just like them being blessings to me.

~.Group Activity.~

~.the facilitators - Chloe and I.~

~.Jhulber as he accepts Christ.~

~.Christine.~

~.Group Work.~

~.Frezelle writing the lyrics of One Way.~

Wisdom

2007-09-23T23:08:00.000-07:00

"Sometimes I wonder how I could be stupid."

If you could magically ask for one thing in life, what would it be? To be rich? To be famous? It's certainly not wrong to be rich or famous. But there is something that is much more valuable than these things. And that is WISDOM.

How does someone become wise? It certainly isn't something we can buy or inherit. Jesus gives us the best teaching we can find on how to become wise. The Bible tells us that as a child He grew in wisdom, and stature, and favour with God and man. He knew the importance of honoring his parents, of putting God first in his life, and of understanding the principles in God's Word, the Bible.

Jesus taught that wisdom comes by building one's house on a firm foundation. A wise person builds his life on rock, rather than on sand. When troubles come, and undoubtedly, we will all face trials in our lives, our house will stand if it is built on the foundation of God and a relationship with Jesus Christ.

As we grow in wisdom, we will learn to make right choices that will have lifelong results. A person does not have to be old to be wise, and being older does not necessarily mean that one is wise. But a young person is wise if he or she always asks for and respects the advice of older people who have more experiences.

Wisdom is not just knowing with our minds, but understanding with our hearts. Many of the teachings of Jesus were hard for the religious leaders of his day to understand, because they tried to figure everything out with their minds. He taught that if our hearts are hardened, we will never understand even the most basic of spiritual truths. If you commit yourself to studying God's Word, the Bible, and keep your hearts open to the message it contains, you will become wise.

Prayer:

Dear God, I realize how important it is to be wise. Help me to understand life with a spiritual perspective and not just with my mind. Thank You.

Hope

2007-09-23T22:56:00.000-07:00

"What? Are you kidding?"

"What do I have to look forward to?"

HOPE. Having a hard time feeling hopeful about the future? With all the violence, craziness, and uncertainty in the world today, that's understandable. If we had been placed on this earth and left to work it all out on our own we would be in for some serious trouble!

But we're not here on our own. That's why Jesus came. He came to offer us hope, both in this world and the world to come.

Jesus assures that he is going to prepare a place for each of us. The "place' he talks about is heaven, which is being with God after you die here on earth. Your life in heaven with him will last forever - free from tears and anything that causes fear or pain. Now that's something to look forward to!

That's great, but what about right now? What about tomorrow?

Jesus said that only people who don't know God worry about their future. On the other hand, he promised that for those who get to know him, God himself would see to it that all their needs are met!

When you put your hope in him, God promises to live with you today on earth and one day in heaven as well. All you need to do to get this kind of hope is to put your trust in him. You take the first step - God will do the rest. Want to know how? CLICK HERE.

Friendship

2007-09-23T22:18:00.000-07:00

"If only I had a close friend."

"Who cares?"

"Who can I trust?"

FRIENDSHIP. What is a friend? There are acquaintances, casual friendships, close friendships, and intimate friendships. We all have acquaintances, faces we recognize and people we greet by name. Casual friendships happen through continued contact. Close friendships are developed through sharing of interests and spending time together in certain activities.

But intimate friendships are what everyone desires and needs. These are friends that stay with us no matter what. They listen to us and are genuinely interested in what is best for us. They always tell us the truth, even if it hurts sometimes. But that's okay because they are interested in our well-being.

When you're in trouble or facing a difficult situation, who do you depend on to help you sort it all out? Who do you wish you could turn to? Everyone wants the kind of friend that will be there for them no matter what.

Who are your friends? Are they just acquaintances, or intimate friends? Sometimes even our friends may let us down, but there is one thing that is sure - Jesus wants to be your friend. When you accept his friendship, you will never be disappointed.

Prayer:

Lord, I need a friend that I can cunt on no matter what. You said in the Bible that You would be our friend and would never leave us. Would You be that friend that I so desperately need? Thank You, Jesus, for the assurance of that promise.

Before You Marry

2007-09-23T20:58:00.000-07:00

♥Be at peace with your own family.

♥Make loving God the first priority in your life

♥Establish clear career goals and the steps you will take to reach those goals.

♥When you fall in love, use your mind as well as the heart.

♥Seek guidance and affirmation from your family, friends and spiritual leaders.

♥Commit to sexual purity until marriage.

Family

2007-09-23T20:23:00.000-07:00

"I just can't get along with my family."

"I can't wait to leave home"

FAMILY. The family is the most important social structure in the society. The choice of a lifetime marriage partner is certainly one of the most important decisions a person can make.

Every family is unique, with each marriage partner bringing experiences and values from his or her own family. Unfortunately, there is no such thing as perfect marriage, "a marriage made in heaven." There are, however, principles that, if followed, will help each family to be all that God intended it to be.

First, is the foundation of love. Jesus demonstrated this principle by laying down his "rights" when he came to earth to live as a man and died on the cross. If truly love our spouse and our children, we would be willing to lay down our lives so that they might live in some emergency situation. The true test, however, is if we lay down our rights and demand on others in the everyday situations of life. Love is proven not just by the words we say, but also by our actions.

Second, is the foundation of respect. Family members must show respect for each other, even when there is disagreement on a particular matter. This is where healthy communication plays an important role. If we offend in any way, we need to quickly ask forgiveness.

Third, is the foundation of commitment. No matter what happens, commitment is necessary for a family to survive. There are many voices in contemporary society that tell us if marriage is not working, just get out. But this is not the solution. God is the solution and help can be found through prayer, studying God's Word, and the wise counsel of those who love God.

Fourth, before you marry, be at peace with your own family as much as it's possible. Unresolved conflicts will often be reflected later in the relationship you have with your husband/wife, children, and in-laws. Ask forgiveness of those you have offended, and forgive those who have offended you, no matter how deeply you have been hurt. Freedom comes when we learn to forgive others in the same way that God has forgiven us.

Prayer:

God, I realize how important it is to have a healthy family. Help me to be at peace with my parents and my brothers and sisters. I choose to take seriously the responsibility of establishing my own family in a way that is pleasing to You.

Being a Servant: Doing Hard Things

2007-09-20T19:50:00.000-07:00

I am so thankful to God for everything that He has done in my life. Never had I imagined that from an activist, He will guide me towards the place where I'm standing now - a servant gladly serving the people God entrusted me to take care. I am just so amazed of the greatness, power, love and mercy of our wonderful Father. The ways He kissed my life and used me are just wonderful evidences of our Creator.

God gave me this desire - to reach out to my fellow young people and introduce them to Christ. But I admit it is hard. Can you imagine yourself convincing a gang member to join you for a one-on-one conversation? Can you dare yourself asking the life story of a drug addict? Can you heal a wounded being of a sexually exploited young lady? Can you take an interview with a young man in conflict with the law? Can you convince these young people to participate a seminar wherein they will get to know God?

For me, NO! A big no. I just can't. I'm even scared to mingle with them and afraid to see their looks. I couldn't even dare to look straight in their eyes. But hey! I've done it - with God. Everything is made possible through Him. It isn't me working but the Spirit working in me 'coz if it's just me, I would rather say "No thanks. You can look for someone better than I."

But it's God asking me! Do I need to turn back from Him because I'm just scared? Do I have to disappoint my God again? Am I going to waste the price Jesus paid on the cross for my life? Am I going to refuse God's calling because of the anxiety, the weaknesses, the doubts, the fear of rejection, and the pride I have in me. Hey! Who am I? I am just a dust molded and created because of God's love. I am just a "nothing" created by an "extraordinary". I am just a weak child dependent of the care of my infinitely strong Father. So why refuse Him? I am not the owner of myself - it's Him!

But why them? I can serve a different type of clientèle - those neat, smart, acknowledged, and intrepid ones. But why these dull, ignorant, sin-stained, filthy kind of youngsters? I don't know. But God gave my heart to them. God gave me the initiative to do this "holy work". Yes, I am young but I believe that God wants to use me to make a difference in this world. These young people - neglected, judged, rejected by the society - are the people who need to experience God's love. We all know that God is mighty to save their broken lives! If you only know and hear their life messages, they have the greatest stories.

Choosing this way, this advocacy, is not easy. But I love this; I love the work God entrusted me to do. Even though I don't have any salary on this, the happiness I feel in my heart is enough. Leading lives to God is right enough. I'm glad I had all my painful experiences because these are the stories I use to help encourage the teens. I admit that I always find people who don't understand my service. They criticize me and try to get me to conform to what they think I should be doing. I just ignore them and trust God. It isn't I working. It's Him through me.

There's only one message I have for myself when it comes to SERVING - "Jazzy, this is a great privilege of doing great things to be pleasing in God's eyes. Never mind the problems that'll come your way. When Satan knocks you down, your Master will pick you up! Just do what God assigned you to do. Do it for His glory."

Reaching out these young people is a miracle for me. I just couldn't believe that I'm one of the instruments God used to let them know Christ. And this brings satisfaction and great happiness to me. I am so glad of God's work in my life, as well as to the lives of the youngsters I meet.

The bliss of serving God cannot be compared. The joy in me is truly complete when I made God my first priority. The sources of my smiles now are too different from what I had in my old life. My smiles came from serving these young witnesses sharing their life testimonies of having a personal encounter with God. My smiles are from them who are happy of accepting Christ as their Savior. And my smiles are their smiles that reflect their deep love to our God who reformed them to become great individuals who are ready to accept God's work for them.

As a servant, I will never give up 'cause I know God will never give up on me. He has a purpose in my being where I am. All of these in my life can be trainings for one shot, one opportunity, and one moment.

Let God's will and work be done!

Learning To Fly: God's Test

2007-09-19T20:49:00.000-07:00

"Consider yourself a caterpillar...
The ones who love you are the nourishing leaves...
The ones who hurt you are the cocoons...

Remember that you won't be a butterfly without nourishment and you won't develop wings without the cocoon.

There are no heroes nor villains in life...
Just people with different roles to teach one great lesson..

and that is...

TO FLY...!

I received this text message from a churchmate last night. As I was reading this, I realized the goodness of one great person has for me. The one who taught me how to fly - GOD.

God teaches us lessons through a TEST - something that manifests a person's real character. It may be a physical test, a spiritual, or a supernatural one. But one thing for sure, God will never give us a test beyond our capacities. He knows our strengths, and so as our weaknesses.

What's great behind every tests is that God has a purpose for your life. Every time I encounter any problems, I just think that God has something in store for me. And problems are meant to be solved. I thank God that in times of trials, He provides me the positive mind. He helps me see times of problems as times of opportunities - opportunities to perform things for the glory of God, opportunities to let others see Christ in me, opportunities to become more and more of the person God created me to be.

As life walking with God passes, I learned to see His purposes of tests: to test our obedience, to learn God's will, to accept good diet, to refute Satan's claims, and to destroy idolatry.

Isn't that amazing? God just molds us to become the individuals we will be in His Kingdom. We must not worry. Facing and conquering difficulties cause us to grow and be strengthened. And as we grow in our strength, we bring glory to God as He demonstrates His faithfulness and that His grace is sufficient for every need.

"And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."

- 2 Corinthians 12:9

Be happy when you've got problems. You've got God so why worry? Just witness how God is at work in your life.

Embracing His Love

2007-09-16T20:44:00.000-07:00

It was really a pain, an unforgettable nightmare. But God is so good! Now, I'm no longer imprisoned inside my past's den. JESUS SET ME FREE!

From grade school to high school, I was known as one of the best brains in town. People around me believed that I'm a brilliant child. My schoolmates would look at me as an "extraordinary teenage girl". My friends would call me "Idol". My teachers would have me as their favorite "school's representative" for inter-school activities and competitions because they always thought that wherever I'm placed, I excel and I win. I was the essayist, the orator, the journalist, the debater, the mathematician. Everything was on my fingertips. As the world was spinning, I kept on winning praises. It was like the spotlight was always on me. And I loved it. I was famous, I was great, I had everything! Although I believed there's God, GOD wasn't my first priority. My priority was myself and I had that mindset that someday people would look up on me as more than extraordinary. I had to do this, I believe, for this would only be the way for me to have freedom from my parents. I was tired of meeting their standards, tired of intersecting with their expectations. I had brain, and I believe I could live independently. And so I continued on my business.

When I entered college, I found the freedom that I'd always wanted. I enjoyed the release from my parent's grip. My mindset went worse. I was totally blinded by the fact that I was a no ordinary student anymore. I was studying at the University of the Philippines - the premier State University of the country. And since I was beyond ordinary, I had to stand on that belief. I had to find ways to be more than that, more than I was before. I took up BS Applied Mathematics. I joined a sorority and undertook hazing. I became a political activist and joined an underground organization. I had shouted, fought, screamed on streets fighting for the rights of the students, rebuking the dirty system of the government , condemning the administration's repressive and anti-student policies, and denouncing the commercialization of education. This was my view of standing for my generation - rebellion. And I was proud, so sure and so spoiled of myself. I fought for what I believe was right. I fought because I had that dream for the betterment of my country.

I even committed myself into a boy-girl relationship. I thought I could never live without him. He's my once in a lifetime. I argued with my parents because of him. I left my friends because of him. And failed to do my other responsibilities because of him.

I was also driven by the cosmic pressure of technology. The internet, the cellphone, the ipod. I had always them as part of my life. And with all these stuffs, these worldly deeds, the pleasures, I forgot God. He was never on my mind even just a second. What mattered most was feeding my desires. Nobody could stop me - not even my parents. I was happy. I believed I was free.

But one day, everything was lost. I had done a sin that made people cry. The praises were gone. The spotlight turned off. My friends turned away from me. My cellphone got confiscated, and there was no internet, no ipod. I became the subject of the town's gossips. Nobody could believe that I'd done such things. My boyfriend and I broke up. My mom didn't say a word to me for weeks. My world stopped spinning. And I was so ashamed of myself.

Because of the shame, I tried to hide myself inside the four corners of my room. I didn't want people to see me. I was scared of what they're going to say. I cried a river. I didn't have anybody. I only got a pillow but still it wasn't enough. I thought everybody would never forgive me. Even me, I could never forgive myself. I didn't even have the guts to look myself at the mirror. I hated myself.

From then, I began to have severe emotional problems. I became frightened and isolated. I was so disappointed with myself. My agony couldn't be compared to anybody's pain. The thought that God won't show me mercy because I committed something hideous kept running through my bodily plexus. My soul weakened. I thought that it was not a problem anymore. It was a punishment larger than life. And with that, I tried to cease my existence. I gave up. I became the greatest loser ever lived. My life was too down and I only busied myself on writing, reading, and solving mathematical problems.

One day, a friend came to visit me. She is a daughter of a pastor. We talked about stuffs until we landed about God. She invited me to church and gave me Christian readables. I opened the first magazine and read:

"It's possible to be so concerned with what happened in the past, or so caught up in what's happening in the present - that we pay no attention to what God has for us next."

- The Word 4U 2day

Ouch! That was too moving. I guess God really planned to let me bump on this statement. And it opened my way of thinking. I was so concerned about yesterday, not thinking what God has prepared for me tomorrow. It gave me a clearer understanding of my matter.

Two days after, I started to think of things. My past, my present, my future. I began to read the Bible and wrote an entry to my deserted journal. The entry was entitled "God Loves Me". After which, my smile came back. I was aware of the presence of God. I was filled with contentment, peace and joy. I forgave myself and the hurt was gone. God healed my wounded being. I started to gaze the bright sun, inhaled fresh air and shouted, "This is my new life!" That moment, I made the greatest decision of my life - to use what God had given me, to serve and follow Him forever. I began my wonderful new journey of having a walk with God. I found the real freedom I wanted - and it was through Him.

"Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

- John 8:32

Now, as a 17-year old teen, I choose to stand for my generation. Not as an activist, never will I be again. It still won't work if it is really not the will of God. I am now a Child-Rights Advocate promoting the rights of my fellow youth and children. I work in two non-government organizations namely Davao Advocates for the Rights of the Child(DARICH) and Davao Ministerial Interfaith (DMI). I work with evangelical pastors and other religious leaders all over our city. And I admit I still feel uneasy when we'll have our meetings because I' m the one and only young people involved.

I thought I could not use my abilities anymore but God provided ways. He used me to be an example to my fellow youth. Our organizations conduct life skills trainings and seminars for those young people who are gang members, drug addicts, Out-of-School Youths (OSYs), Children In Conflict with the Law (CICL), and Commercially and Sexually Exploited Youth, and other young people who don't know God yet. At first, it was never easy to deal with them, I would really admit that. I was scared to work with this kind of advocacy. I had never reached out with this kind of young people before. But God gave me the desire in my heart. He gave me the desire to see these young people change and surrender their lives to God. To see them accept Christ and to see them praising and worshiping God.

And there came the challenge to me. I experienced the hurts these young people have but I could be an example to them as being a witness for Christ, for what He has done in my life. I want them to see how great life works when it is lived in God's Kingdom.

Now, there are lots of these kind of young people who already work together with me. They have their own great testimonies. They said they will never be the same again. Their words are so powerful that every time they share to a crowd of gangsters and drug addicts, I cry. It's just because of the goodness of the Lord. I am so amazed of how really great God's love is. How He loves His people.

I will never stop seeking young people who don't know God yet. I will never stop chasing them, winning their souls to Christ. I believe God will equip me with the strength and the right spirit. He gave me this desire. Even I am just a young lady - a small voice in a big world - I believe I could do great things for God's glory. I am just His servant who is geared up to face any challenges my Master would let me do.

I will never stop embracing His love and will never stop reaching the unreached and let them embrace God's love too. His love endures forever.

Facing The Future

2007-09-13T23:30:00.000-07:00

"Who will I marry?"

"What career should I choose?"

"What happens after I die?"

"I'll get around to it tomorrow." "I'll worry about that later." "The future is our of my hands." "I'm going to get out of life what I can today, because I may not be able tomorrow."

This is the way most people think today. Scientists warn of the dangers facing our world. Yet we still pollute and endanger our ecosystem. Physicians warn of the results of smoking to our bodies, and people still smoke. Why is this? Because people want instant gratification and do not often think of the consequences of their actions for the future.

Everyone likes to think about the future. Astrology and its horoscopes are popular with lots of people around the world. But the best way to prepare for the future is to live each day so that later in life there won't have to be regrets. It is not just the major decisions and choices in our lives that affect our future. Often it is a whole series of small choices that we make daily that will determine what our future will be like.

Of course, there are many things that will take place in our future that we cannot control. Circumstances play a major role. However, if we focus on the things we can control, such as our attitude, the friends we choose, studying and working to the best of our ability and potential, we can help guide the course of our future.

Perhaps the one thing that mankind has not been able to control about the future is his or her time of death. Nevertheless, by trusting God, one can be assured of His care and control over his or her future. If we follow Christ and His teachings, there is a promise that He made to His early followers that is still true for us.

"I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Prayer:

Dear God, I realize that there are many things about the future that I can't control. Help me to live daily with the knowledge that how I live today will affect my future. I trust You with tomorrow and place my trust and faith in Your hands.

A Call To All Filipino Youth

2007-09-11T01:55:00.000-07:00

"Are the Filipino youth of today geared up to face the challenges of the new age?" A mass of response can be gathered upon one's inquiry of this.

In this age, the world is so chaotic that it leads to a lot of misunderstandings because nobody seems to take the time in opening their minds. Admit it or not, majority of the young people now are so wrapped up with technological bliss, teens desecrating their sacred beings, our friends wallowing in the rut of ignorance. Their lives are totally driven by something - guilt, anger, fear, insecurity, judgment, and even the pressure of globalization. They believe that life is a pack of responsibilities hooked and placed nowhere else. Some think that life is what they have to live for with no choice at all. Others complain that since life ends, why do they still have to live when all human beings in the end will die. And sad to say, many stick to that mindset that the youth cannot do anything, their voices are not heard and they were all having this useless existence.

Yes, my friend! Even you, yourself, could testify as you look around you and perhaps, at yourself. Hide it not this is the reality. The Filipino youth have messed up at almost all the line of its existence. No, this is not an exaggeration. This is the cold hard fact.

THE FIRE WITHIN EACH FILIPINO YOUTH HAS BEEN DOUSED.

This concern is no picnic under a mango tree. It shook my normal functioning. The fast pace kind of living today is not an excuse. But I believe this is not yet the end of everything.

This may just be the beginning.

DO YOU DARE TO CLOSE YOUR EYES AND JUST JOIN THEIR APATHY?

I am young but I understand. I see them - MY OWN KIND oblivious of their real purpose on earth, so sure of themselves, so spoiled by this indulgence. So SPOILED, that it is now high time to ourselves a jolt and wake up to a harsh reality. The future is in OUR GRASP. But do you want to have such future an irony?

LET US TAKE THE INITIATIVE.

Let us meet head-on. Let us not wait that our apathy devours us. Let us kill ignorance before it has the chance to rear its ugly head. Let us start a renaissance, a reawakening. Some of us are still unlearned, but we can learn.

GOD has a WORD, a PLAN, a ,PURPOSE, a DESTINY and a FUTURE in our LIVES!

"The Philippines has a prophetic destiny which is already coming into existence... We are believing God to raise up an army of young Filipinos who will lead this nation into a new day of righteousness and progress."

- Chuck Quinley
www.theedgeradio.net

Fellow young Filipino, time is too precious to be wasted. If we misuse it, we lose more opportunities than we know.

"Everything on earth has its own time and its own season."

- Ecclesiastes 3:1

Let us not yield into indifference. The youth has the strength to stand out, be different and speak about what we believe. Let us be the carriers of God's Word to the generation next to us. And we, more than anybody else, have the right to claim this honor. We are the models of our younger brothers and sisters, for in them will the task be also given when the right time comes.

LET THIS BE A PART OF OUR MISSION.

"God is at work in the world, and He wants you to join Him."

- Rick Warren
The Purpose-Driven Life

The FIRE of the youth may have been doused, but God created us to be KNIGHTS who shall not rest until we have a roaring blaze in the hearts of everyone.

BE A KNIGHT. BE INVOLVED.
"Ignite the Faith of the Filipino Youth"

"'Ah, Sovereign Lord... I do not know how to speak; I am only a youth.' But the Lord said... 'Do not say - I am only a youth. You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for i am with you and will rescue you,' declares the Lord."

- Jeremiah 1:6-8

"Do not let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example to all the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity."

- 1 Timothy 4:12

The Challenges of Faith

2007-09-05T01:25:00.000-07:00

I had a casual conversation with my discipler last night. We talk about matters of the heart, spirit, and of being a Christian. I told her that trials are chasing me these days. She only told me that God has qualifications too if I wanted to follow Him - and these qualifications are not that easy, they're too high and extraordinary.

TRIALS WITHIN THE FAMILY

My brother got sick and he was admitted at the hospital for almost a week. It was never easy because my mom wasn't used to it. She'd easily got anxious and worried whenever one of the members in our family would be sick. I thought I could do nothing about it, but praise God 'cause He used me to be the comforter of my mom. My dad was abroad so he couldn't cheer up my mom. I just kept on praying those times. There's nothing to trust but God alone. He created my brother and so He knows how to make him well. Glad God is always at work. He's never late.

TRIALS WITH MY FRIENDS

When you change, people can't understand your changes quickly. That happened to me after I accepted Christ. My friends got angry with me 'cause I didn't have enough time to hang out with them. I didn't have time to talk with them thru texting. They hated me 'cause I got addicted on reading the Bible. They even teased me 'cause they said I was going too Godly already. Some thought that it's better to break our friendship than having a different me. I admit I was hurt. But better have no friends than leaving my one and only love - GOD. Better not have them if they will be the reason why I will be thrown to hell.

But hey, I prayed! I prayed for them that they may see Jesus in me. I prayed that they may realize too how great life works when it is lived with God. I prayed that they may understand my changes not for worse but for good. I prayed that God will use me to introduce Christ to them. I prayed and my prayer was answered. Although not all, but some of my friends accepted Christ through my testimony to them. I was glad God is always there whenever I need Him.

FAITH

My only shield! Through faith I am saved by God's grace. Through faith my brother was healed. Through faith God used me to comfort my mom. Through faith, God used me to introduce my friends to Christ. Through faith, everything is possible. Challenges are used to test your Faith. But trust God! Then you will never be defeated.

How Can I Be Sure That God Loves Me?

2007-09-03T00:47:00.000-07:00

Q. "How can I be sure that God loves me?"

A. You already know that God loves you. Picture on your mind all the ways you can make God love you more. Go ahead. Think about it. What do you come up with?

The truth is you can think all day, but there is not one thing you can do to make God your Creator love you more. That's because he can't love you any more than he already does. He loves you with a forever love. It's a love that goes way beyond any love you could ever imagine or hope for. If you haven't already, CLICK HERE to get to know his love for yourself.

How Do You Measure Success?

2007-09-03T00:38:00.000-07:00

Q. "How do you measure success?"

A. Let's say you had a lot of money. Anything you wanted, you could buy. Now, you'd probably have a pretty long shopping list. And with all that money, many people would say that you are successful.

But what about the other list? The real list of things that money can't buy. The list that comes from the heart. That real list includes: you long to be loved; you want your family to get along; you need to be accepted just the way you are. And you want that hole in your heart filled, which only God can do.

So, work for true success - success of the heart. Seek God.

What Am I Here For Anyway?

2007-09-03T00:29:00.000-07:00

Q. "What am I here for anyway?"

A. God created you with a purpose. You might not know that purpose yet, and that's okay. God created you with a special set of skills and talents. When he looks at you, he sees endless possibilities! One of God's purposes for you is to have a relationship with Jesus. That relationship opens up many more possibilities for your life. Connect with Jesus by CLICKING HERE and get in on a main purpose for you!

Heart Of A REBELUTIONARY

2007-08-30T23:42:00.000-07:00

The Rebelution was something that I only heard from the daughter of our pastor named Chloe. As based on her descriptions about such website, it really sounded too encouraging to join. One night, I decided to surf along the cyber plexus and searched for this THE REBELUTION thing. And my life as a teenager began to change when I finally cruised along its web pages.

A TEENAGE REBELLION

Rebellion of what? You may ask. I told myself that I'd been to rebellion my whole teenage life. I was once an activist fighting for the rights of my fellow students. I was more like a political activist since I was always found to scream along the streets rebuking the dirty way of the nations governance. But this "rebellion" is too far from what I used to believe.

The official definition of the 'rebelution' is "a teenage rebellion against the low expectations of an ungodly culture." When you look around today, in terms of godly character and practical competence, our culture does not expect much of us young people. We are not only expected to do very little that is wise or good, but we're expected to do the opposite. Our media-saturated youth culture is constantly reinforcing lower and lower standards and expectations.

The Rebelution

UPRISING AGAINST SOCIAL NORMS

Uprising - I'd been too much on this. But The Rebelution is making a stand to rebel or revolt against communal customs.

The word 'rebelution' is a combination of the words "rebellion" and "revolution." So it carries a sense of an uprising against social norms. But in this case, it's not a rebellion against God-established authority, but against the low expectations of our society. It's a refusal to be defined by our ungodly, rebellious culture. Actually, we like to think of it as rebelling against rebellion.

The Rebelution

THE BATTLE CRY

And this is one great battle we have. A battle where we believe we will be victorious!

The battle cry of The Rebelution is just three words, but it's an explosive concept: Do Hard Things. That's it. And "do hard things" is a mentality. It's a mentality that flies right in the face of our culture's low expectations.

The Rebelution

These were the very words I had read while surfing the whole page. It had brought a great challenge to me that even if I am just a young citizen of this country, I could make a change and I could create a great roar of faith.

I had sent the team an application form 'cause deep within me there cries that The Rebelution is what I've been looking for as a DREAM TEAM.

The Rebelution: Why do you want to join the Forum and how will you contribute to it?

Jazzy: God finally answered my prayer!!!

I'm so glad I've already found my "DREAM TEAM" and I believe this is really it - The Rebelution. I've been praying for it ever since God touched me with a desire of mobilizing the youth in pursuing their purpose here on earth. I firmly stand on your visions since I am one of you - small voices in this big world- who believe that God dressed us with our spiritual gifts as our armor. Yes, we may have a small voice, but with God's grace, this voice will create a ripple - a ripple that will spread throughout the land.

With shared visions, I could share my own views and insights to the team, as well as helping to push the initiative of the forum ahead. I believe God created us for a mission, and I'm so desperate to be part of it. I could spread the GOOD NEWS to my fellow Filipino youth who wished to join a forum as this, that they could also impart their own voices to the team.

God made the youth to be His knights that will assault sin as it creeps up on us from behind and subdue evil thoughts and unrighteous desires up front through a special weapon - the Word of God.

I want to rebel.

I WANT TO BE INVOLVED!!!

By August 04, 2007, The Rebelution Team accepted my application and I was so glad about it!

On behalf of the entire Forum Team,
I am happy to inform youthat
your application has been
reviewed and that you have been
accepted as a member of the
Rebelution Forum.

As you know, the Rebelution Forum
is not a traditional discussion
board. It is a community of
sold-out Christian young
people from around the world who are
committed to doing hard things for the
glory of God. From reading your
application,we are confident you
share that committment.

Welcome to the Forum! May God bless you.

--
In Christ Alone,

The Forum Team

   email from: forum@rebelution.com

I believe deep inside me flows the DNA of being a REBELUTIONARY.

Connect With Jesus

2007-08-25T01:06:00.000-07:00

THERE IS A LONGING INSIDE EACH OF US. It is a longing that no one or nothing in this world can fill. It is a need that God created inside your heart from the very beginning. Only God can fill this longing. Only God can show you love like you've never been shown.

God can make you whole, and it begins with a relationship with Jesus. God sent Jesus as our Savior. "Savior" might be a new word for you. A savior is someone who rescues you.

We all need rescuing from the wrong and immoral things we do, which is sin. We all fall short of the standard of holiness set by God. We can try to achieve it by being good, but what is like reaching for the unreachable. It's impossible. We cannot save ourselves.

The good news is that God is not waiting around for you to clean yourself up; that is something He will help you with.

God sent Jesus to earth to save us. Jesus took the judgment and punishment we deserve when He died on the cross. Even while we were sinners, Jesus died for us. That's how much He loves us. And, He came back to life in three days, proving He has all authority, even over death. He was sent by God, and He is with us now, even though we do not see Him.

Jesus' part was to take the punishment on the cross. Your part is to believe and act on what Jesus did by admitting your sin, going to Him for forgiveness, and asking Him to be your Savior, your Rescuer. If you are saying "yes"to these things, then tell Jesus. Just turn your mind and heart to Him and talk. If you need help in what to say, you can pray along as you read this:

"Jesus, I believe you were sent by God to take the punishment I deserved and to be my Savior. Please forgive me and free me from my sin. Come into my life and fulfill the longing in my heart that I have had for so long. Guide me to understand and follow your ways. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. I love you, Jesus. In your name I pray. Amen."

Source: Book of Hope

Your Most Important Decision

2007-08-25T00:01:00.000-07:00

Have you ever felt that you were alone, with no one who really understood you?

Would you like to have a good friends who would never leave you, who could help you whenever you needed it?

You can meet a friend like this right now. His name is Jesus. He has written you a "letter" to let you know about Him, about who He is and what He did to try to become your friend. The most personal part of that letter is the post you reading now.

Jesus wants to be with you all the time, but there is a problem. He cannot stay where there is sin. Every time we lie, cheat, disobey, or do other wrong things, we move further from Jesus. We must remember He cannot stay where there is sin.

But Jesus loved everyone in the world just as they were, and He keeps loving us the same way today, even though we have sinned.

"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16)

In His letter Jesus tells us the best way a person can show his love is to be willing to even die for his friend.

"Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends."
(John 15:13)

That's just what Jesus did for us. But why did He have to die? In order to show us just how much He wanted to be our friend, Jesus decided to take our punishment for us. That way we could be forgiven without having to pay for our own sin. God could treat us just as is we had never sinned, and Jesus His Son could be our friend forever.

So do we have to die too? Not for our sins, because Jesus died for them so we wouldn't have to. And not forever, because Jesus died and resurrected so we could live forever with Him. In the letter He says:

"In my Father's house are many rooms . . . . I am going there to prepare a place for you . . . . I will come back and take you to be with Me that you also may be where I am." (John 14:2,3)

That is what "eternal life" means in His letter.

"Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life." (John 3:36)

What do we have to do to get rid of our sin so Jesus can be our friend? It's really easy. First we have to believe that what He wrote us in His letter is true. And then all we have to do is ask him to do what He said He would do. In the letter it is called "praying." Some of Jesus' closest friends once asked Him to teach them how to pray. They had seen Him doing it all the time, so they wanted Him to show them how to pray. He taught them to pray to their Heavenly Father and ask Him to forgive their sins. So He taught them to pray:

"Our Father in heaven, . . . forgive us our sins, for we also forgive those who sinned against us." (Matthew 6:9, Luke 11:4)

So why not do it right now? Just say:

"Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Son Jesus to die for my sins. Please forgive me for all the bad things I've ever done. I want Jesus to be my Savior and Friend, now and forever. Amen.

A Composed Song For My Master

2007-08-23T23:46:00.000-07:00

My Life

Lord, I thank you for giving me the light of Your love
Lord, I thank you for lending me the warmth of Your hands
Jesus You are beyond compare
When I call You You're always there
I am saved because of You've done for my life

Chorus:
I surrender my all
I would give up my everything
And lift them all to You
You're the source of my strength
You're the air that crush my breath
Jesus You're my life

Lord, I'm longing to see the sunshine of Your face
All I want is to give You my sweet sweet embrace
Jesus You came to comfort me
You protect me and set me free
I will live my days to share Your name

(repeat chorus)

I hope God will be pleased with this simple song.

The Blog

2007-08-15T23:04:00.000-07:00

About the BLOG

I already had blogs before but I had decided to shut them since their stories were all about the old me. When I accepted Christ, I told myself that I would never be the same again. I want to make a change and to stand for my fellow Filipino youth, doing what's ought to be done to please my Creator. I believe that God designed every person for a specific purpose and role, and that's what I want to accomplish - to perform the tasks assigned to me and to do them for His glory.

EMBRACING HIS LOVE is a blog of a teenage girl who's a witness of God's immeasurable love towards His children and all His creations. I want to share how God's love can reform a sin-stained individual into a child of God desiring to live a life for her Master alone.

This blog is dedicated to all who are walking in the same path as mine. A walk with God. A journey beyond compare. This is also for those who are walking in the darkness. May you discover God's love today as He will embrace you inside His arms.

From:	"Kenny Montano"
To:	jazzy_dytes@yahoo.com
Subject:	Interview
Date:	Tue, 1 Apr 2008 12:29:37 -0700

Subject:	Sending copies of 'Do Hard Things'
From:	"Alex Jordan Harris"
Date:	Thu, 20 Mar 2008 07:08:59 -0700

To:	jazzy_dytes@yahoo.com
From:	"Alex Jordan Harris" View Contact Details Add Mobile Alert
Subject:	Your Story
Date:	Tue, 25 Sep 2007 11:22:38 -0700