Know God's Power In Quietness and Trust

Do not be in too much of a hurry to begin. Begin, but do not force the beginning if it is not time. The beginning God desires will arrive soon enough.
In quietness and trust - Wait, watch, and be willing. It will come with joy, with opportunity, and with a peaceful flow of God’s energy.

Do not be in too much of a hurry to finish. Don’t rush it! Give yourself fully to those moments till the very end - so that you may ponder the preciousness of all that God has intended.
In quietness and trust - Let the pace flow naturally toward its unforgettable God-ordained end.

Beginning or ending, planning or reflecting, hurting or healing, cherish each moment. Savor God’s guidance. Don’t rush, don’t hurry, don’t scramble.
In quietness and trust - Surrender your soul to the simple peace of God’s leading, to His beginning and ending.

Know God's Power in quietness and trust.

Author Unknown

"This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: "In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength…" Isaiah 30:15

Message From Autumn Trees

Thank God for Autumn. I just love everything about it - cold in the morning and evening, sunny but breeze during day time. It's just a perfect weather for me. I can get by with few layers of clothing just enough to be warm and still be able to feel the cool wind blowing on my face.

Trees are changing colors from green to fiery orange, golden yellow and earthly brown -- as if they are trying to capture the bright summer sun on their foliage and hold on to it as long as they could. But same as the sunset, it will give us the bright flame of farewell, and then serenely takes its awaited slumber. We can't stop the changing of the season -- leaves surely fall on the ground. But I commend their encouraging colors as they're signing off to sleep. They are prepared for the coming pressure of Winter by letting go of their past glorious leaves and completely trust the process of nature God has perfectly designed for them. They are at peace even during the severity of weather, and faithfully waiting to find favor in God's eyes when Springtime comes.



"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven." Ecclesiastes 3:1 It is a part of our life that we need to overcome. The presence of God is with us to strengthen and encourage us when we are under pressure. "But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair;"2 Corinthians 4: 7-8. In my weakness, God thought me to trust only Him and obey. When I have nothing, He thought me to be humble and to be wise. In the midst of difficulty, He thought me to be strong and to conquer my fear.

Through the changing of the seasons, our unwavering faith in God is our shield to protect our hopes and our visions from trials and all the uncertainty of time. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence. To achieve something requires faith, hard work, determination and dedication. "Everything is possible for him who believes." Mark 9:24

And when our spring time comes, our unwavering faith pleases Him. "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." Hebrews 11:6

We will find favor in our Savior's eyes and He will bless us more than we've ever known. "But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him." 1 Corinthians 2:9

By Mhel P

Not To Be Easily Offended

"Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense." Proverbs 19:11
Every action and reaction of a person, every words and deeds is the sum result of his or her total life experience. 
 
Mostly every time we get offended, it is actually just a misunderstanding. It is not personal. The conversation and dealings of majorities of people originates from their own conclusions, aspirations, survival, fears, and defenses. Most of it, even when aimed directly at us, has nothing to do with us. We are all sailing in the reflections and personal expressions of each other's life experiences. For our own peace of mind, when a person talks, accept it in a positive way -they meant well but sometimes incorrect choice of words. We should need to understand the situation and move on.
Since we know it is not about us, we should not be affected by what other people speak or act. Actually, it is for our own glory, our own advantage, and peace of mind not to be distressed by it.

Mhel P.

To Fear and Not to Fear!

Fear is a strong emotion. There are two kinds of fear, the fear on God, and the fear conceives from a memory and expectation of pain because of self-doubt, and uncertainty to the object of our faith.

NOT TO FEAR - The fear conceives from a memory and expectation of pain because of self-doubt and uncertainty to the object of our faith.
It's an emotional state of anxiety concerning the outcome of something, of our own safety or well-being of someone. It is a strong, uncontrollable, unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, possible to cause pain, or a threat. Fearful of not knowing -expectation of another painful experience because we don't know what to do.

This is the kind of fear that we should not have in our life although most people say that it is essential for survival. First of all it does not come from God. It is not an inborn reaction, nor it's necessary for survival. "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7 "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you... Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful" John 14:27
Our brain recorded all the memories of pain that we experienced or learned by observing others through the media or personal social interactions. An expectation of pain arises under any motivation that resembles the original pain. If uncontrolled, it will cause panic or completely paralyzed us.
Recognition of potential danger, Yes! But not fear. Be not afraid but rather educate our self. We should learn to calm our mind so we can think well. vigilance and carefulness is needed. The instinctive reaction of seeking a connection to something secure is necessary but should not be mistaken for fear. "Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. Joshua 1:9
Faith is the best defense and offense to fear. Believe in yourself and fully trust God. The Object of our faith is Tried and True; Strong and Faithful; He never fails and He is the same yesterday, today and forever. "Look unto Jesus the Author and the Finisher of our Faith." (Hebrews 12:2)

We need knowledge and wisdom to face every situations…and True Wisdom comes from God. "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding." Proverbs 9:10

TO FEAR - The fear on God

A feeling of profound respect with reverence and awe towards a Supreme Being or Deity. "Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him" Psalm 33:8

Fear that causes us to depart from evil and dislike sin completely( Proverbs 16:6). The fear that makes us trembled at the holiness of God, this is the kind of fear that all humanity needs.
People who have no fear on God are not afraid to sin. This moral condition is recorded in Romans 3:10-18 "there is no fear on God before their eyes." They do not reverence Him because they do not love Him. Where God is not regarded, human rights are disregarded.

Yes, God is a God of love but is He is also our Great Judge. "For we know him that hath said, vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." Hebrew 10:30-31

However, The fear of the Lord opens our understanding and gives us both knowledge and wisdom (Proverbs 1:7; 9:10). It help us properly prioritizes our values and produces good behavior.
Everyone who fears the Lord and walks in His ways will be blessed and happy, and will enjoy a stable home life. (Psalm 128). They who fear the Lord lack nothing (Psalm 34:9).

"Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter. Fear God, and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man" Ecclesiastes 12:13.

By MhelP.

Dusting My Art Box

After so many years, I found myself dusting my art box and gazing at my painting brushes again. I am a self-thought artist, and still learning. It's been a decade since my last work of art. I used to paint till' my youngest son attended preschool. Then, I started working and found myself in a rat race. Since then, I've been juggling my time and choose to put my love of painting in the box.

I confessed, I have a tendency to be fully immersed on what I'm doing, and a bit guilty of depriving time and attention from those I love, just to spend it to what I like. I easily get carried away and lose tract of time while painting. Seemed like I was in a different world just by myself and with what I am creating. I appreciate my husband and my children for their encouragement and support. Thank God, after all those years, art is still in my heart - and though my hand is not as steady as before, it can still coordinate with my mind.

Our expressive abilities affect the brain itself. Good ideas and creativity is like recreation of our mind. It is also good for our spirit. God is a Creative God - and we are formed in His likeness. Of all God's creations, we are privileged to make and enjoy art. It is in our soul to also create things, beautiful things of which we can say, "It is good."

However, like all other gifts given to us by God, it may be misused. Everything that we love or exalt more than God became our idol.

We should always check our self and always remember to put God first in our life. " Thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might." Deuteronomy 6:5


"… whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31

By Mhel P.

People Who Affected Our Life.

Aside from our family, God send people or allow them to come into our life either for a reason, a season or a lifetime.
"But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus." 2 Corinthians 7:6

Some were sent to us by God for a reason to help us, or for us to help them because support and guidance -spiritually, emotionally, or physically were needed by either them or us on that given time. Then, for some unexpected reason, they walked out of our life and faded into mystery.

Some allowed by God to come into our life for a season. They only came based on their planned agendas and their own intention. Maybe we need to share with them on growing and maturing in life. If things are good and in their favor, they may bring us peace or make us laugh. If the situation deals with changes, and stepping outside of comfort zones, they cut loose. In an inconvenient time, they walk away, uncaring and unwilling.
"For Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me (Paul) and has gone to Thessalonica…." 2 Tim 4:10
"But Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work." Acts 15:38

People come and go, and we know majority of them are just provisional people in our life. The happiness or pain they had caused enriched our character and compelled us to evaluate our life and helped us to know our self-better. If the experience brought pain, it is then in our own discretion to become bitter, or to use our experience to improve our self and become a better person. However, no matter who they were, what affects they had contributed - it might be significant or insignificant part in our life, we surely learned something from them. Consciously or unconsciously, they made us feel and think.

But God has given all of us special people to be with for a lifetime. At first, they are hard to recognize. But through the test of times, they can be revealed. They are willing to support us unreservedly. They can make us smile or sometimes make us cry. With them our life seems complete. They take us as we are, and willing to go with us through thick and thin because they believe in us. In the moment of trials, they support and help us, and they can draw strength from us as well. "A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need." Proverbs 17:17
They walked with us through the changes of the seasons. Though we are far away from them, the connections are still strong. "And Jonathan made a solemn pact with David, because he loved him as he loved himself." 1 Samuel 18:3
The unconditional love of God binds them to us through lifetime. They are great influence that shapes our life. We call them our true friends!

By Mhel P.

Keep On Singing!

Did you take time to listen to ocean waves as it hit the rocks or even as it touches the shore; the ensemble of rain and thunder; the sounds of rushing river and water falls, or the breeze as it caresses the leaves and swifts through the intricate branches of trees? Music of nature…so refreshing! God has created humanity with an inborn connection to music and singing, especially in regard to worship.

Why people sing? People sing because talking can't convey the deep emotions they feel and experience. People sing about the things that capture their hearts and things that give them joy. It is their way to express their happiness, love, or even pain and sorrow.
Singing enhances your well-being; it relaxes you and reduces your feelings of pain. It also brings physical benefits. It is good for the brain, increased immunity and greater oxygenation of the blood. It improved lung capacity, decreased blood pressure, reduced stress and even prolongs your life.

Singing is not just for those who have good voices. It is our heart's deep expression. When our heart is brimming with joy and mere talking doesn’t work - we sing!

Are you a sinner saved by God's amazing grace? Did our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ turn your sorrow into joy? Did He answer your prayer? Do you have love and peace that no one in this world can give? Then you have more reasons to sing! You really should sing more. You should sing more worship songs not just in the church. You should sing in your car, while working in the yard, and in your home. And when you sing, you should do so with more than lungs and lips. You should sing with your heart, mind, and soul - because singing is one of the highest expressions of joy.

What does it sounds like when God sings over you? God created the universe with a spoken word – just a spoken word. Imagine what happens when He sings! "He will exult over you with loud singing." Zephaniah 3:17

As we trust in our Lord Jesus Christ, as He finds us faithful in the storms of life; ...He will exult (rejoice exceeding) over you with loud singing!

No matter what you feel, no matter where you are and what kind of situation you are in…Keep on singing! "Addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart," Ephesians 5:19

"I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever; With my mouth will I make known Your faithfulness to all generations." Psalm 89:1


By Mhel P.

What is Mother?

It takes a Mother's Love to make a house a home,
A place to be remembered, no matter where we roam.
It takes a Mother's Patience, to bring a child up right,
And her Courage and her Cheerfulness to make a dark day bright.





It takes a Mother's Thoughtfulness to mend the heart's deep "hurts,"
And her Skill and her Endurance to mend little socks and shirts.
It takes a Mother's Kindness to forgive us when we err,
To sympathize in trouble and bow her head in prayer.












It takes a Mother's Wisdom to recognize our needs
And to give us reassurance by her loving words and deeds.
It takes a Mother's Endless Faith, her Confidence and Trust
To guide us through the pitfalls of selfishness and lust.

And that is why in all this world there could not be another
Who could fulfill God's purpose as completely as a MOTHER!

Author Unknown

Deep Calls Unto Deep

" Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me." Psalms 42:7
All humanity is created with a deep spiritual yearning that no worldly things and riches can satisfy. It cannot be found at the altars of money, or medals of worldly achievements - although most people often go to these false gods in order to find it. Our hunger for God is often suppressed by our cares of life, caused us further away from Him - until we do not know what we are looking for.
But the deep calls upon the deep. The deep feeling of emptiness inside us is longing to be filled by something unfathomable of which nothing under the sun can satisfy. The depth of our inner soul calls to the depth that is greater and much more powerful than the deepest ocean. It is the depth of God's love.
"That Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God." Ephesians 3:17-19
Through our Savior, He gives us the key to escape the wretchedness of the human condition and experience life in perfect harmony with God. The purpose of His coming is …"To give us life and have it more abundantly!" John 10:10 He died on the cross so that we might live forever. In his final words Jesus said, "It is finished!" Our Lord Jesus Christ conquered and destroyed death!
"But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel." 2 Timothy 1:10
Our Lord Jesus Christ delivers true happiness, lasting joy, peace that's beyond our own understanding, the eternal hope and most of all the freedom of forgiveness. He will give us purpose to live for and power to live on.

Mhel P.

Beauty to the Eye

BEAUTY TO THE EYE

In a world obsessed with celebrities, youthfulness and beauty, it is easy for a woman who has no self-assurance to be left out and feels undesirable. We all know that true beauty lies within our heart. However, we can't run away from the reality that for most people, physical appearance is the number one factor for selecting a life partner …But it's also true that the perception of beauty is different for each person, just like we are all unique in our own ways.

To be beautiful doesn't mean to have a perfect facial symmetry. Sometimes our physical characteristics that we despise and consider to be a flaw like the mole on our face, our forehead, lips, or that bent on our nose, surprisingly add uniqueness and make us more attractive!

Female beauty doesn't define by showbiz standards or how others perceive us! It's not about the color of our skin, hair or eyes; not by the shape of our face or our body - It is by embracing our femininity - accepting who we are; self - respect; positive attitude towards life; and feeling good about our self. These will create confidence that radiates the beauty we possess all along. We should learn to nurture our attractiveness from within.

1. Embracing our femininity - The female qualities make a woman fascinating. It is our greatest attraction. God created us to be a woman, and we need to embrace that role whole heartedly! In our house as well as in public, we must be feminine - with modesty in the way we dress, move and talk; with wisdom, propriety, and self control. It will not only add to our charm, it also pleases our Maker! - To be in our purest form, who God originally created us to be!
2. Respect yourself and others - Begin with yourself. Self-respect is the foundation of everything. If we respect our self, it's easy to respect others. Not only it's a good thing to do, surely it has a reciprocal effect- we will reap what we sow! "Treat others the same way you want them to treat you." Luke 6:31
3. Positive attitude towards life - A woman's beautiful heart and soul illuminates the face with an indescribable charm and radiance! Her facial expressions have been formed by the thoughts most entertained by her mind.
Remember - every thought of hate, envy, jealousy or revenge that we allow taking hold of our heart and mind destroy our feminine beauty. If you let your mind continue to hold ugly thoughts, your face will hold an ugly expression.
Happiness flows from gratitude. The more we are grateful, the happier we become. "Merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones." Proverbs 17:22
Find gratitude in everything possible - with your work, with your husband, your children, yourself and others, regardless of how small it is. If you let your mind entertains only pure, beautiful thoughts, your face will continually express that beauty.
"But let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious." 1 Peter 3:4

4. Feeling Good about yourself - True beauty lies within our heart and what's the intent of the heart reflects outside. If you do not like yourself you are conveying negative or unpleasant signals wherever you go. Be comfortable in being a woman. Think beautiful and you will move in that direction.

You can improve self- confidence by consciously working to improve who and what you are.

Make your conversation interesting and stimulating. You will be a fascinating companion. Be considerate of the feelings of others. Learn the art of listening. Everyone wanted to be heard.
Clothes and appearance are the most powerful nonverbal communicators - not only of our socioeconomic status, but also of our moral values. We should wear clothing that will provide us with humility, decency and propriety. It doesn't need to be expensive -- as long as the colors, prints and style complement your skin tone and the shape of your body. More attentive grooming helps immensely. "...women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control,..." ~1 Timothy 2:9-10

Do not compare yourself to others, nor be like them. "…measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.” 2 Corinthians 10:12. God fashioned you as you are.

Self confidence with a kind and gentle heart will naturally draw people to like you. You are created beautiful. Cultivate it from within.

"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Psalms 139:14

By Mhel P.

Victory at My Doorstep

Victory at My Doorstep

Adversaries, problems, hardships,

where are your stings?

You are stronger and merciless than before

But distress I feel no more

I am neither trembling nor crying

I can confront you without fretting

Though in great numbers, you came

I find strength in my Savior's Name

I thank God and rejoice for this moment

For my faith will again be strengthen

Walk above you with confident steps

Joyful - for another victory at my doorstep

By MhelP.

"My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing." James 1:2-4

She is a Pastor's Wife

She is a wife, a mother, a friend and sometimes an employee. She tries to live a holy life to be a living sacrifice for the Lord, a wife that will not bring shame to her husband and her children; to be an example child of God to the congregation. But she is not perfect. She also has weaknesses. She understands she cannot please everyone, no matter how hard she tries; she experienced how to be rejected and become the object of criticism. But she learned that what others think of her or speak about her, neither determines her worth nor validates it as truth. She knows that holding grudges and bitterness hurt only her and her relationship with the Lord. She understands that people are people and each person is growing in Christ on God’s timetable-not hers. That's why the warm greetings and smile she gave is genuine, for she's doing it for the Lord, for the sake of fellowship and love for the souls, because she is called along with her husband to minister. - She is a Pastor's wife.

She truly cares for the congregation. She rejoices in its victory and feels the pain when it's in the valley.

She serves with love from deep within; with a sincere heart, she listens and lends a hand. In addition to her own trials, she also carries your burdens. But nobody knows the intensity of the weight she bears. She learned to encourage herself to the Lord for she doesn't want to add for her husband's heavy load. She knows the pastor's twenty-four-seven profession and she's always there to support, to encourage and to pray for him. She is not immune from hardship, failures and discouragement, but she learned to give it to the Lord. She sometimes cries the whole night through and pours all her troubles at her Saviors feet; for she knew - her strength and help comes only from above. She knew God will see her through.

She is her husband's soul mate and confidant. She knows well that her husband is not perfect. Pastor is just an ordinary man who has a willing heart to be used by God, given with a Divine Vocation. She needs to be strong in the Lord, to grow in wisdom and in the knowledge of Gods divine words for herself, her husband, her family and for the congregations.

But before she became a pastor's wife, she was first called to be a faithful servant of the Lord; to first be a child of God - having a right relationship with her Creator, to be lead by His Holy Spirit in every step she takes. Like every children of God, she wants to follow her FATHER's will. She longs to finish the race that God set before her and to hear her Savior's words, "Well done my good and faithful servant." - She is just an ordinary woman, a sinner saved by her Saviors Amazing Grace with a willingness to be use in God's Kingdom. - She is a Pastor's wife.

By Mhel P.

A Gentle Whisper

The Lord said, "Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by." Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire, And after the fire came a gentle whisper." I Kings 19:11-12

God is not always in the loud and showy events of history. Yes, God had brought fire from the sky; He parted the sea and brought the storm to a halt. But, that is not the only way God works. Sometimes He is heard unexpectedly in the soft voice and subtle sounds of life. We must be willing to listen, intently.

In many areas of life, great victories are often followed by times of loneliness. Feeling depressed, discouraged, anxious, or feeling like "I've had enough," are not necessarily signs of spiritual relapse. Likewise, feeling good and being happy are not good measures of commitment to God. Often, these feelings are totally unrelated to our spiritual commitment. Sometimes it's due to individual personalities, physical fatigue, body chemistry, genetic makeup and other factors. They are simply the result of being human.

People committed to God are not immune to being human. Whether positive or negative, emotions are part of that humanity and are plugged into the biological and chemical parts of our bodies, which sometimes uncontrollable.

That is why using our human emotions as a yardstick for our spiritual condition is dangerous. "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?" Jeremiah 17:8

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6

He knows the intent of our heart. He hears our prayers and He is faithful to fulfill it according to His will.

"Be still and know that I am God..." Psalm 46:10

He is devotedly waiting for you. In the stillness of the night where the clamor of worldly cares subsided and the cry of your emotions settled; after you have exhausted all your strength, when nothing left for you to do but to keep still, and humbly draw near to God who really cares for you, only then, you can know and hear His sweet voice.