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.

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.