Worry-Flavored Bubble Gums by Charmaine Chammag
I press on in this joyful journey and I share with you His love, grace, and truth. I am in a race and it is not yet finished. And as I run, I will stand witness to God's faith, hope, and love. :) With this, I hope you get inspired to get to know more about God, to dwell in His word, and know that He loves you so. :)
Sunday, December 27, 2009
God's Best
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Comfort Zone
Thank You and Farewell Note Turns Testimony
1 November 2009 Sunday
Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails. – Proverbs 19:21
Leaving one’s comfort zone is not an easy decision to make. But my Lord told me I should. And so I did…
I am not leaving because I harbor bitterness towards anyone. Nor is it because I need more blah, blah, blah. My stay was a delight and I stand witness that with my stay in this company, God’s grace is sufficient especially in times of weaknesses. [2 Corinthians 12:9] J There were trying times, but as I look back, I must say God was at work thru it all. So now I step-out in courage and see what God has yet in store for me. J
How could I forget? J The Long-hours, the tight deadlines, the pressure... I was always on the verge of blaming people each time I get tired, sleepless, and sick. But each time I was tempted, God’s quiet voice always said ‘No. Don’t.’ I wanted out, but gently, He kept reminding me ‘in My time, not yours’.
I did not know what else to do but take work one day at a time and more than that, to trust Him [only]. He proved to be faithful. J I have learned much and now, cherished much. J
Obedience was the key. He showed me what my real dreams were. He truly searched my heart and revealed the best plans He has for me. I knew point-blank that the professional world is a melting pot of pressures, tight deadlines, and high expectations; and this fact stands wherever place you choose to work. But the dreams that I have were not of rank, nor of position. My dream was to see the world and I knew that having a stable job would allow me that. J My long-term plan – if I stayed – was to take long vacation leaves. I have actually laid out a 2-year plan on traveling. J I planned to go for a
When God told me that I can scout for a new job, I was expecting I would find work abroad. I don’t really like living in Metro Manila. I was born and raised in
I shared this dream and plan with my disciple-r at church. One time she prayed for me and told me to read Acts 1. The whole chapter centered on waiting on God’s promised gift before leaving [Acts 1:4]. And so I wondered what was God up to this time and what exactly is the gift He wanted me to receive before leaving…
Later did it dawn on me that my heart was not right to see the world – at least not yet. J When I came up with plan A and B, I was thinking of what I want. I was thinking of my dreams. God did not exactly like the self-centered way I viewed my dreams. In the back of my mind, I also thought, that the opportunity to travel abroad will also give me the opportunity to share God’s love with my relatives. But God knew I was not yet ready for that opportunity, for in that matter, my heart was not yet made right before Him. God wanted me to stay and humble myself.
Working in a new firm means new challenges, new personalities, new work, and back-to-zero leave credits. J God lead me to a new firm not so I will face more difficulty. He also did not lead me to a new firm so He can ban me from traveling and bonding with my love ones in the other side of the world. My dream of seeing the world still holds true in my heart. But for now, I lay down this dream to unfold in His appointed and perfect time. J For now, God wants to bless me with new lessons to learn, less stressful travel time from house to office (vice-versa), J and most importantly a higher compensation which I can use to help and bless my family and relatives ‘here and now’. My God is blessing me so much and He wants me to do the same for my love ones. J
After telling the disciples to wait on God’s gift, Jesus continued to tell them that they would be witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth [Acts 1:8]. I will still have to wait to go the ends of the earth J, but I know that I can already start being a witness of God’s love to the people who are a part of my life now.
God really does have a bigger and better view of things. I, on the other hand, only have a glimpse. But a glimpse is all I need to get thru one day at a time, one challenge at a time, and yes, one dream at a time. J He is in control and I will continuously hope and trust in Him. He holds my future and I can’t help but get more excited for what He has in store for me. J
Praise God! J
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Saturday, September 19, 2009
Level Ground
Level Ground
9 September 2009 Wednesday 12:21 AM
"Teach me to do your will, for You are my God; may Your good Spirit lead me on level ground" - Psalm 143:10. On level ground – that caught my attention. The first thought that entered my mind was 'be humble', and it has been a struggle. But in the midst of all the challenges and temptations to take myself up… God has been more than faithful and more than graceful to teach me His ways.
I can be arrogant if I want to. It's just a choice away. At this point in my life I can say that I have gained enough bragging rights to be mayabang. Promotion, a number of friends, an active ministry, a fulfilling relationship with God, and much, much more blessings! I can even brag about the wisdom God has shared with me thru His word. I have never been so close with the Word of God ever in my life; so I can easily brag about that too. But no. To Him and to Him alone be all the glory, honor, and praise. Without Him, I am stripped of everything. No blessings, no family, no friends, no job… I am nothing without my Savior and King in my life.
"Teach me to do your will, for You are my God…" He is. He is my God. For my plans are doomed to fail but His are steadfast and good – pleasing and perfect. "No one has ever imagined what God has prepared for those who love Him" – 1 Corinthians 2:9. Whoaw! Mystery and romance all in one! God has always been the best selling author of love and romance stories. J He doesn't even sell it. He gives it for free! J Who wouldn't want such a lovely surprise? J I do! So to His will alone, will I submit. J
This I have learned. I am not perfect but God loves me. I fail but God still loves me. His spirit leads me, and He won't stop till I become like His son – my King and my Savior – Jesus Christ.
You
You
12 September 2009 Saturday
You always sweep me off my feet
You allow me to fall, only to find myself in the midst of Your embrace…
You fulfill all promises…
A hope and a future
All the best plans…
There is none like You…
You love me, even before I realized that I love you too
I am written in the palm of Your hand
You know me
I am Yours…
How can I thank You more?
How can I love You more?
All else comes from You
I am by You and for You
I am nothing else without You…
You…
You…
You…
Jesus…
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Tonight, it's just me and my God
I am blessed…
To be a living testimony is what I want to be. Pastor Joseph Prince once preached, ‘lives will not be radically changed, if we don’t radically share the gospel’. With this, I declare John 3:16 to the world. ‘God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son.’ A common knowledge to all, yet brings so much meaning to our lives…
Your Will
Still I pray. I will always pray. I will do my best to put a smile on Your face. You do the same for me everyday. J My efforts are nothing compared to Yours, but still You delight in me. :-) Such blessings! Such wonder! :-) I am much grateful, Father. :-)
Patience First
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Now I see. God is concern with my career. God is concern with my relationships more than I do. God is concern with my heart. My concerns are His. My desires are His. And He is patient enough to wait on me, as I slowly let go my worldly and selfish desires. :-) Gracious is our God. :-)