The Wind

It fascinates me –the wind that we cannot see nor touch but yet we can feel. How I love the tender breeze caressing my face. But I sense its strength if I go against it. It’s hard to go against the wind. Every step forward is a struggle. The wind may come in different directions and in various manners. Sometimes it is silent, patiently holding its breath. Sometimes it is a soft whisper embracing us with care. There are times it is playful, trying to push us wherever it pleases. But when it unleashes its rage, it strikes without mercy –it will destroy everything on its path. We cannot fight it; nothing in this world can stop it. However, it has a Master. The wind also listens and obeys. “And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.” Mark 4:39 I know the Master of the Wind, He is also my Lord! Our Lord Jesus Christ commanded even the winds and water, and they obey him. –Luke 8:25 “That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:10-11 By MhelP.

Life is a Series of Events

When things happen, the natural reaction is to ask questions. What? How? Why? "What" can be easily answered by observation. "How" needs more thinking to process and satisfy the question. "Why" produces different answers from different people, depends on their beliefs and reasoning. Life is a series of events, and because we are constrained by time our view is so limited. It's hard to know exactly why things are happening. But our God knows everything. The way we handle the situation and how it affects our heart, our mind and our faith matter most to God. He does not send bad things to punish us or test us. We are just living in a world corrupted by sins. However, it's comforting to know that He is in control. He gives us peace that passes all understanding, joy to lighten up our journey, hope and strength to finish our course. -MhelP.

Perfect and Complete - Lacking Nothing!

In the midst of affliction, it's easy for any of us to fall in desolation. But remember; when things get tough…Stay the Course! Even in the midst of affliction and desolation, God is with us and He has given us sufficient grace to endure. "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. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Corinthians 12:9-12 For affliction grinds the complacency of our standard concept of reality. It forces us to awaken our good judgment to feel deeply, to see differently, and to think creatively. It is nearly a time of rejoicing for by faith, the perfect work of patience will again add virtue in our stature -"Perfect and complete, lacking nothing." "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." James 1:2-4 By MhelP. ________________

Changes and Life

Why are we having a hard time to accept changes? Is it because it interrupts our peace and comfort; fear of the unknown or of not being in-control?
The thought of pain, hard work and not be able to adjust make us resist the unpredictable changes in our life. But the more we fight and oppose the change, the more painful and frightening it will be.

Life is continually changing whether we like it or not. As long as there is life, there's movement and transformation. Change is constant. It's either we accept it and by the help of God, use it in our advantage; or it will make us fearful, and miserable.
There were changes that at first frightened me. But through God's help with faith and determination, with my husband besides me, we were able to blaze the uncharted trail that was set before us. Whenever I look back, despite uncertainty, thorns and rugged terrains, it reminds me that we were blessed to embrace the challenge.

Solomon said in Ecclesiastes 3 that there was a "time" for everything under the sun and all have to do with change - birth, death, sowing and reaping, building and tearing down, weep and laugh, war and peace. However, it is refreshing to know that from the beginning to end, God made everything beautiful in His time.

If we understand that everything around us is temporary and change is a part of our life; and we know that God holds the future, then we can easily accept what our tomorrow brings. Yes, it's not easy and sometimes it's painful. But our Great God and Savior promised us that He will never leave us nor forsake us. "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 He will guide us and will be with us even unto the end of the world. -Matthew 28:20 Cast all your cares upon Him. Nothing is too difficult for God. He is aware of every changes in our life and how it affects us. Trust in Him for He is in control.
Remember, if we are in Christ, we are not of this world, we are just passing by. Through our life’s journey -from birth to eternity, changes are certain. Face it with steadfast faith and great courage -for God is making us ready and worthy for a great and absolute change (1 John 3:2-3) - to be like Him. "… we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord." Thessalonians 4:17- Our mortal bodies will be transformed into glorious ones. We will be with our Great God and Savior Jesus Christ forever. …And then no more change. -By MhelP.

Remember Jesus' Last Words

When I was young, this time of the year impacted my life deeply. I had no bible before, and I only knew little of my Savior Jesus Christ. Most of my knowledge about Him I learned through watching movies about His life and death, His suffering and His resurrection. But in my young heart, it was just enough to awaken the longing of my soul to know Him more. If we are really seeking for the truth, our God will guide us to the right path. God knows my heart and he led me to the path He wanted me to be. I was 17 years old when I accepted Him in my heart. I was baptized in His wonderful name and was filled with His Spirit (Acts 2:38). It was a grand day when He saved me by His grace. It's a wonderful life to have a personal relationship with our Great God. Since then, I learned more about Him and still learning through His divine words. "But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." Matthew 4:4
Although the Holy Scriptures were written more than two thousand years ago, there's always a fresh revelation for us whenever we read the Holy Bible. The proceeding words of God are our daily eye opener to direct us and guide us to what He wanted us to be. He never stops speaking to us.
Christ's resurrection means that we have a living God who, by dying on the cross, has washed our sins by His blood. He became the perfect sacrifice and whosoever believes in Him will have everlasting life.
Jesus' last words are not "Father, into Thy hands I commit my spirit." His death is just the beginning of the greatest redemption of humanity. He overcame the grave and the thick veil from the Holy of the Holiest was torn apart - giving all the humanity the greatest privilege to access the throne of Grace whenever our desperate soul needs it.
Jesus' last words: "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." After He said this, He was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid Him from their sight." Acts 1:8-9
Believers, remember Jesus' last words…"You shall be my witnesses…to the end of the world."
It's because of this joyous message our lives and ministries were transformed and directed by our Savior's last words. Tell the world He is Risen! He is alive forevermore! -By Mhel P.

The World Cannot Take It Away

Everyone wants to be happy. We love the delight and pleasure it brings. We are happy if we are with someone we love, if we have the things we need, and our life situation is going well. We feel good because of what's happening around us. But nothing is permanent in this world, and happiness based on what the world gives also will not last.

-People that we love will not always be with us.
-New and beautiful things will give us just a moment of bliss; and if we're not careful, it will create a deeper craving for more things.
-Life's situation …as we all know, it changes quickly, right before our eyes.

What our soul need is joy - the intense happiness that is not cause by external motivation. It cannot be bought and cannot be found in the world. It comes from within. It is one of the fruits of God's spirit produces within us. Knowing Him and having a personal connection with Him brings joy deep within our heart. Obedience and complete trust in Him brings great peace and contentment. In the good times and the bad, in prosperity and having nothing, even when we're alone, the joy that His Spirit gives will remain; it will stay regardless of what happen. It is God's gift to every believer and the world cannot take it away. “Rejoice in the Lord always!”

By MhelP.

What Is True Love?

What Is True Love? Is it when you catch sight of your beloved and your heart starts racing? The increased heart rate is because of the adrenaline rush. The brain sends signals to the adrenal gland, which secretes hormones that flow through the blood and cause the heart to beat faster and stronger. The brain produces the neurotransmitter dopamine which gives you that focused attention, the euphoria, the energy and the motivation; as well as a stress hormone that makes you feel weak in the knees. It feels that this person is the source of your good feelings and brings the best out of you! You feel alive and you'll do everything for that person because you want that feelings to last forever. In this stage you are in what we called Romantic love.

However, like happiness, romantic love will fade because good feelings only depend on what happen. Hormones production will decline. And because you see the other person as the source of your good feelings, you blame them when you don't feel good. It sometimes feels like love is dying. Respect and appreciation might even disappear because of hurt feelings and neglect. At this point, it's easy to give in to hopelessness and despair.

Love is not just a strong emotion; it is also a personal connection, a commitment that needs nurturing.
The truth is all couple who has been happily married also went through the rough times. In this stage, you consciously and intentionally learn to better your relationship. You'll gain insights about yourself, about your partner and the nature of your relationship. And both of you will learn to accept each other as a unique individuals. You'll see your partner as your best friend. It is a partnership with deep love, respect and trust. You are satisfied and secured to be with that person no matter what. You are not under the influence of hormones. You are consciously aware that you love your partner for better or for worst. God's unconditional love flows through both of you and helps you see beyond faults and saw each other's needs. This is what we called "True Love"!

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

By Mhel P.