Sisters In Faith

This is Part 2 of "Life of the Beloved". So now we know that we are God’s chosen people. What’s next? We go to Nouwen’s second main point: BLESSED. What does it mean to bless someone? People usually associate blessings with the material things one receives. But then, Nouwen pointed out that blessings are not always tangible. Words can become blessings. When someone gives us compliments, doesn’t it feel good? When someone, tells you you’re cool, isn’t it awesome? Saying “Thank you.” to these people doesn’t mean we are being proud or lofty. These are blessings in form of words. There are people who like speaking good things to others as a way of blessing them. But are we still being humble if we take people’s compliments? Yes, if we give credit to whom the credit is due – and that is to God. We thank the people for the appreciation but we thank God even more. Accepting the good things people say about us is not arrogance. And if we give God credit and recogniz...

Have you ever felt like running away from God because you don’t want to hurt Him anymore? How about a deep remorse from doing something against the Lord? I felt the same way too. In fact, I was about to leave my faith behind when someone stopped me, JESUS.  That’s when I realized what Joel Osteen said was true:  “When we fall, God doesn’t run away from us,  He runs towards us." Why would a Holy God run after a sinner? It is because of His unfailing love. When we expect judgment and condemnation, He gives us mercy to be forgiven and grace to start again. He is the God of the imperfect people. He came in this world to bring healing and new life to those who are sick and dying. He came to break the chains of spiritual bondage with sins. He came and paid all our sins in full. Why does He still love us despite all the mistakes we’ve made? It is because He has called us to be His Sons and Daughters. He cannot disown us even though we have wronged Him. Never h...

After reading “Life of the Beloved” by Henri Nouwen and talking to some people, I can’t help but put my thoughts into writing. I want to help you realize who you are and who God wants you to be. I am not yet there as well, so let us take on this journey together. I will take on Nouwen’s four key words – taken, blessed, broken and given – and many other things which I read from the book. Part 1: TAKEN Nouwen said in his book that being “taken” is being “chosen by God”. It is true that even before you were conceived, God knew you already. Before your parents have met (and even way before that), God knew exactly who you are.  And not only does God know you, He has chosen you. He has set you apart.* The fact that you are reading this is no accident. God wants you to know that you are special in His sight.  Yes, you are chosen by God ; you are special . Even if you feel or think that you are not, I tell you and I will keep on telling you that you ARE. You have ...

Judie and I are both teachers. We met last April 2011. I was a fresh graduate and she... well, it's complicated. (Right, sister?) Here's a short background about this sisterhood. PRE-TEACHING: APRIL: Before I graduated from college, I asked the Lord where I should go. I asked and asked and still found myself so worried about the future. Yet, as I kept on asking, God gave me the direction to get a job which is not just about money, fame nor worldly success - a job which will enable me to have positive impact and influence on people. And so I had two options in my mind: (1) to work in the government (which will allow me to give back to the Filipino people who financed my education) or (2) to teach. God moved and gave me the opportunity to teach. He has blessed me with a great platform to share His words to the young generation. In the same way, it is a great privilege for me to stand in front of young people, teach them and represent Jesus. Throughout my life's journey, ...