Goodbye Blogspot :(

So, Blogspot has been my home for the longest time! I've had this blog for almost 5 years now. It was there for me through thick and thin-- allowing me to vent out about my happiest and saddest moments in life. Going through my old posts, I believe it can already somehow encapsulate how my life has been and how my life has truly changed because of some circumstances that happened in my life. 

And although, I am moving to Tumblr for personal reasons, I've decided to keep this for "reminiscing purposes". Hahaha! But please feel free to follow me on my Tumblr :)

Don't worry Blogspot, you'll always be my number 1 :) Hehee.

FOLLOW AND VISIT MY TUMBLR! :)

IGNITE: It Takes a Spark to Start a Fire!

I can't express how GRATEFUL and OVERWHELMED I am with my IGNITE experience! Last May 26-28, I was able to attend a 3 day campus conference for the very first time. Although I cut some of my classes (oh no), it was truly worth it!! :)

My ID! No ID, no entry!

It's not every day that I get to worship and praise God with 7000 other people! This experience has truly made me realize how many Christians there still are among this scary deceiving world. It has encouraged me to serve God even more. Truly, we can't do it alone and we need to surround ourselves with people who will bring out the best in us-- those who will spur us and and convict us to better Christians!

I am overwhelmed by the different campuses and I saw how God has truly been working in each and every one! We are a chosen generation and we are all called out to reach out to those who are in need of a Savior and lead them to the right path.

This was truly a powerful experience for me and I believe, for everyone else that attended! God was truly in the place and His grace and Holy Spirit was upon all! I had so many revelations and which has made me realize that my walk with God is just full of surprises! We will never have enough of His love because He reveals us new things every single day. We just need to continue to seek Him more no matter how far or how long you've already been a Christian. 

Here are just some take homes from the talks :)

"Do you wonder why "superhero movies" are such blockbuster hits? It's because people would love to have their own supernatural powers! And the usual story line of these movies is: from normal or ordinary people, they turn into superheroes! For example, in Spiderman, he was just a nerd or what other people regard as the "typical loser" but who knew that he will turn out to be a superhero? In the same context, we are all made for more! God will use each and every one of us no matter what or who we are. He will equip us with the Holy Spirit and give us spiritual gifts, which is our very own spiritual power!"

"People around you affect the flame inside you."

"God is glorious. And by definition, glory means weight. By seeing and experiencing God's glory, everything else becomes light-- all our worries, problems and doubts in life."

"Spread the good news! Tell your friends, relatives, classmates-- everyone!! Don't doubt and ask 'What if noone will listen?' -- I ask you, What if someone responds?"

"1 Corinthians 10:13: No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted,he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. -- God doesn't promise that once you're a Christian, you will be free of temptations but He promises that even if you do, He will provide you a way out of it."

"God, drugs ka ba? High na high na ako siyo eh! Nakaka adik ka!"

These are just some of the most striking things for me and if you're interested in listening to the actual talks, check out Ignite's podcasts! :)

With Kim and Belle!

During the last day of Ignite, the La Salle Cluster all gathered in Cafe Breton! I felt so blessed to have such a Christian family!  

WATCH OUT LA SALLE!! We've been IGNITED!!

I got goosebumps while watching these post Ignite videos! It did a great and wonderful job in capturing the powerful Ignite experience! But if you think the videos are amazing, it's not even half of the real experience :>

Psalm 47: 1-2 

Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy.For the LORD Most High is awesome, the great King over all the earth.

IGNITE for God: 9 More Days!

9 MORE DAYS UNTIL IGNITE!! 

To those who are wondering what IGNITE is, watch this promotional video for more information :)

I REALLY HOPE TO SEE YOU GUYS THERE!! :)

All for God and His Glory!

PFW: Candie's & DM

Watched PFW's Candie's Last Saturday which was unusually held at the ice skating rink! I felt so nostalgic being on the rink again! How I wish and pray I can skate again :(

Super cute set up! 

Cotton Candy booth

Fake tattoo booth

Maxene Magalona

Danica Magpantay! I'm such a fan of her :)

Oh, it's Tricia! My "look alike" raw. Too bad I don't have long hair anymore. Haha!
I love collection! So boho!

This made me miss ice skating so much :(

Sheer top - Vintage; Black denim shorts - Forever 21; Gray pumps - Forever 21

Credits to Chanel Misa for some of the pictures!

After the show, I went straight to Cafe Breton to have our weekly Discipleship Meeting with my Victory family. I didn't get to take pictures but this night was amazing as my long time prayer has also been answered through my conversation with my good friend, Angel Dela Flor :) I woke up the next day feeling so overwhelmed with His unfailing love! GOD, YOU ARE SO AMAZING!! :)

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

PFW: Forever 21

Last Thursday, I was able to attend Philippine Fashion Week and watched Forever 21's show :) Thank you to my cousin for the tickets!

With my cousins, Della De Leos and Via Serranilla!

With Chanel Misa and Bianca Ignacio :)

With my BTIC (bestfriend in Christ), Louie Yao♥

Denim top - Pink Manila; Denim Skirt - Zara; Brown Clogs - Parisan; Turquoise bag - SM  

I don't really have a proper solo picture outfit and this is the best I could find. Hehee :)

Credits to Chanel Misa for some of the pictures!

After the show, I rushed back to school to meet up with my Victory family as we prepared a video for IGNITE representing our DLSU-CSB Cluster! Please watch out for that!! :) We "slept over" at Kuya Jay's place and was up the whole night! Good job, video crew especially to Louie Yao and Kuya Jay who had no sleep at all just to finish editing the video! :)

Coffee and fries kept us up!

My Prince

It's my first painting (besides the ones I do for school) so I apologize to those who think it's bad. Haha!

"My Prince" by Kara De Leos

I am God's princess;

waiting patiently for her godly prince.

From the overflow of my heart, my mouth will speak;

I will utter "You're my answered prayer and you're definitely worth the wait".

Our first kiss will be at the altar before His glory and bestowed blessings.

He will be my second love next to God;

 and we live in a Kingdom and be blessed with beautiful babies.

He will make me realize that fairytales do come true;

and we will live happily ever after!

My New Heart

"My New Heart" by Kara De Leos

My heart was broken and shattered into pieces,

crushed to the bones and left with no hope.

Days were longer and nights took forever.

Sleeping was unbearable and waking up was torture.

Life made no sense;

 living was dragging.

Everyone else around me blurred in the distance;

knowing no one can completely understand my distress and heartache.

My friends, relatives and parents?

No one knew how it was like to see her life crash before her own eyes.

Or, so I thought.

I was at the edge of the cliff, 50-50;

so helpless and weak, I would have fallen so easily.

But on that same cliff was a pathway made of wood that led to somewhere I wasn't so sure of.

One thing was certain, light filled the place;

 and simply looking at it from a distance sparked a new hope in me.

I wasn't sure what it was or who was on the other side

but I knew that's the place where I wanted to be.

Among the vast of radiance,

a Man with open arms came running towards me.

I fell down to my knees as He took me by His gentle hands

and wrapped me in His comforting arms.

He took my shattered heart from my chest

and gave me a new one.

From that moment on, it was all clear to me.

I was blind and now I can see;

I was deaf and now I can hear;

I was mute and now I can speak.

I was enslaved by sin but now I AM FREE! 

I surrender my whole life to You, O God;

to You who raised me up from the dead!

This new life is all for You and all for Your glory!

Thank you, God.

I love you forever!

Crucifying Your Old Life and Resurrecting With a New Life!

Before anything else, I just want to greet everyone a HAPPY EASTER SUNDAY!! Besides all the easter egg hunts and celebrations, we have to rejoice that Jesus Christ has finally risen up from death! :)

Anyway, this year's Holy Week for me is very special and extraordinary for many reasons. Only this year did I fully appreciate and understand Salvation and His death on the Cross. I also learned so many things that I never knew about such as the countless temptations and sufferings He had to endure.

Oftentimes, people take the cross for granted-- being oblivious to what it's really for and about. Why He had to die and go through all the agony when as a God, He could have just "magically" swept our sins away. I can't deny for a fact that I used to be one of those people. One of those people who took Salvation for granted and thought my knowledge about the Cross was enough.

But there's more to it. There's more to the cross. We have to understand that Jesus Christ was just like one of us-- God manifested as a human being who felt the same pain, endured the same human emotions, tempted by the same devil and who had His own freewill, which by all means He could have used to keep Himself from being crucified on the cross. In fact, He knew about His death and even plead and prayed to God "if it's possible, may this cup be taken from me" (Matthew 26:39) Just like everyone else, we are sometimes hesitant to follow His will because we know how hard it'll be and how painful it will be for us. We get blinded and deafened of His purpose and why He wants us to go through it. For every tunnel, there's a light that's waiting for us in the end and truly, if we just believe and keep our faith in Him, we will reach the end of the tunnel with joy in our hearts :) And this is the same thing that was revealed to Jesus for He said, "if it's not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may Your will be done" (Matthew 26:42). This is the attitude I pray for all of us to have. That we may just be willing to surrender our lives to His will whatever it may cost us because once we get through it, it will be for His greater glory and we will be filled with joy and assurance that indeed, we can do anything as long as we're with Him.

That's what the Cross was all for. It was for God's greater glory for through the Cross, He depicted His love for us as He sent His only Son to die for all of our sins. We are all sinners and we deserve to be punished with eternal death in Hell. God is just and He won't let any sins go unpunished. But He's also a loving God that He can't bear to take His wrath for our sins upon us. He sacrificed Himself to die pay for our sins. 

By this, we are free! And the gates of Heaven are opened for us! As He died, our sins died with Him too. He is our refuge and strength. Don't hesitate to surrender everything to Him-- all your sins, worries and pains and just let Him take care of it all :) And just as He resurrected, we are born to new life for your old life is gone, and the new has come! (2 Corinthians 5:17) 

Again, Happy Easter Sunday, everyone!! God has risen up from the dead and His Will is fulfilled. We can now all enter the Heaven and enjoy eternal life with Him :) And indeed, it is possible to have a new life-- free from all your past mistakes, decisions, sins and worries. No more BITTERNESS, LIES, ANGER, LUST AND UNFORGIVENESS that hinder you from experiencing the wholeness of God's love and grace :)

2 Corinthians 5:21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Credits to Louie Yao for the picture :) Thank you, love!

Rare Jewels

As an advanced birthday gift for myself, I bought a new Bible and it's just not any Bible!! I believe it speaks very much of my personality. Hahaha! I ♥ it! It's the best thing I spent my own money on! And it's very handy too! :)

It's so girly, I know. Hahaha!

I just finished rereading the book of Proverbs and WOW. Indeed, the Word will never get old for every time I read it, I discover new things and revelations! :) Here are just some of my personal favorites :)

Proverbs 8:17

Proverbs 16:17

Proverbs 23:17

Proverbs 31:30

Proverbs 20:15

Have a blessed Holy Week, everyone!! :)

Lies about Sex, Dating and How Far is Too Far

I believe this is worth sharing. Nowadays, sex is everywhere. It's portrayed in tv shows, movies, billboards, books or just everywhere! Sex as God has designed is slowly deteriorating :( That's the alarming and sad reality.

Got this from I Will Trust in You.

--

10 LIES CHRISTIAN TEENS TELL THEMSELVES ABOUT SEX, DATINGAND HOW FAR IS TOO FAR

So, how far is too far? Is that a valid question to ask? In a world where sex is seen in every medium and condoms are being handed out in schools, what is a Christian teen to do when confronted with conflicting advice about what constitutes a sexual activity or abstinence? Here are the top 10 lies Christian teens tell themselves when it comes to answering the question, “How far is too far?”

1. EVERYBODY DOES IT
Everybody? No. Not everybody is having sex. While the media and people in school may make it seem like everyone is having sex, there are just as many Christian teens (and non-Christians, too) waiting until marriage. Doing something just because everyone else is doing it is just giving into peer pressure. It takes a stronger person, or a person backed up by the strength of God, to resist temptation. When you stand up to peer pressure you are actually saving yourself from committing sin while being a good Christian witness to other teens around you.

2. IT’S NO BIG DEAL
Sex is a big deal. Ask any Christian teen who struggles with having had sex before. There are a lot of emotions and spiritual struggles that come from having had sex outside of marriage. It is one of the reasons God placed such an emphasis on sex and relationships in the Bible. Sex is a beautiful act that comes out of the marriage covenant, and it means more than just an action.

3. VIRGINITY IS A STATE OF MIND
Some people use the term “technical virgin” when describing their sexual status. Usually this means that the person has not had a sexual act that involved penetration. Virginity is more than that. Virginity is not a state of mind, but it is the conscious choice to not involve oneself in sexual acts until after marriage. Usually this excuse is used if someone wants to justify participating in sexual activity.

4. SEX AND LOVE ARE THE SAME THING
Sex and love are very different, but they are meant to complement one another. If you are in love it does not mean you should have sex. Sex is an act. Love is an emotion. They are very different, and it can be dangerous to mix them up. You should never feel like you have to have sex with someone just because you want to show them you love them. There are plenty of non-sexual ways to show your love to someone.

5. SEX IS A MINOR SIN
Pre-marital sex is sin. Sin is sin. However, it is dangerous to think that sex is a minor or equal sin to all others, because it can put you in a frame of mind to make bad choices. Sexual sin is still a defiance of God, and no sin is acceptable to God. Yes, you can be forgiven, but you will have to live with the sin you have committed, which can be difficult if you are not prepared to deal with sex emotionally.

6. ORAL SEX ISN’T REALLY SEX
Oral sex is a sexual act. Just because Christian teens are not having sex in the textbook fashion, it is still a sexual act that bonds a man and a woman together.

7. THIRD BASE ISN’T A BIG DEAL
Third base, also known as “heavy petting,” is a big deal, because it can lead to other things. Not only is it a form of sexual action, but it can lead to sexual intercourse. It is very easy for Christian teens to get caught up in the moment and forget about any desire to stay abstinent. Sin is very tempting, and it does not always come with warning or stop signs. Going to Third Base can be a danger zone.

8. MY WILL CAN OVERCOME ANY TEMPTATION
God’s will can overcome any temptation. If you feel you have the strength alone to conquer any temptation, you are setting yourself up for trouble. Man is known for falling into sin, especially when there is an overconfidence in the self. Christian teens need to keep their eyes on God, and allow God to help set boundaries so they can resist the temptation. The Bible is full of helpful advice when it comes to coping with temptation, and it can be a useful tool.

9. WATCHING PORN OR MASTURBATING IS LESS OF A SIN THAN HAVING SEX
A lot of people believe that pornography and masturbation are helpful in preventing a person from having sex. However, having sex is not just about the act, but it is about the frame of mind. If you have lust in your heart while you are watching pornographic movies or masturbating, then there is sin there.

10. I’VE ALREADY HAD SEX, SO IT’S TOO LATE FOR ME
It is never too late. While the idea of “born-again virgin” may seem a little like “technical virgin,” it is not the same thing. Many Christian teens that have already had sex choose to act as if they have never had sex and vow to wait until marriage. Having sex is not the end of the world. God is very forgiving, and He smiles at those who return to Him with a desire to do His will. While the temptation for someone who has had sex can be even stronger than the virgin, it can be overcome with God’s help. God is waiting to welcome you with open arms.

Matthew 5:27-30 

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.

1 Corinthians 6:13-20

The body, however, is not meant for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. By his power God raised the Lord from the dead, and he will raise us also. Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself? Shall I then take the members of Christ and unite them with a prostitute? Never! Do you not know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, “The two will become one flesh.” But whoever is united with the Lord is one with him in spirit. Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body. Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.

It's worth the wait :)

Ma Soeur Clothing

I feel privileged and blessed to be able to help my cousins out with their new online store! For the whole summer, they've been asking me for business ideas and I believe this is a God-given blessing.

I was a stylist, make up artist and photographer for a day! Three in one! Hahaha! And they trusted me enough to design their website too :) Throughout the whole shoot and our sleepovers, we were able to minister each other and just vest in the goodness of life :)

Please support my cousins as they officially launch their first collection at 7pm today! :)

Here are some teasers:

MA SOEUR CLOTHING

Angel: Tiffany Iris' Story

Although we weren't able to meet Angel's mom ourselves, my aunt was able to. My Aunt visited DSWD and met Angel and her Mom. They didn't reside there instead they lived around the streets of Luneta with just pieces of carton to sleep on. The Mom has 4 children: the eldest's with her mother, the second one got lost and they didn't bother looking for her anymore, the 3rd one's two years old one while the youngest is Angel. Initially, she wanted to have her two children adopted but the people suggested that she just keeps the 3rd one for company because she really has noone else to be with. She works as a dishwasher in random restaurants in Quiapo, Recto, etc. During Angel's early months, she lived with her Grandmother but was physically abused so her Mom decided to take her back. You can really tell how traumatized she is with the abuses because up until now she cries "Ayaw ko, ayaw ko" while covering her mouth everytime we try to discipline her.

When my Mom first got hold of Angel, she was lifeless and looked really mature. She never smiled and would constantly stare at a vast space. That's one of the reasons why my Mom was hesitant to adopt her. She "was ugly" and seemed insentient. But my Mom brought her in anyway and took her to a pedia. We then found out that she was sick with worms in her stomach. She underwent purga (I don't really know the english term for it. Haha!) and Mom saw right before her own eyes a looooong and fat worm together with "its babies". That's probably why she was really quiet-- she wasn't feeling well. Not only that, she was ungroomed. Her nails were long and were really dirty! In other words, she wasn't presentable and appealing at all! But yes, who were we to refuse a blessing? :) It's been almost 4 weeks since that decision and we don't regret it. As days pass, she's growing up to become a beautiful, God-fearing and independent girl :) 

Btw, she's bald cause I think her Mom shaved her hair off.

This was a picture taken when I first met her. You can just see the sorrow and pain in her eyes.... But look at her now! :) She looks really different!

And here's a video I want to share to everyone! Angel praying and giving praise :)

Who knew that this "once a kid in the streets" can save our family? :)

An Angel

As promised in my "Blessing in Disguise" entry, I'm going to finally reveal to everyone the biggest blessing our family just recently received! Our family has been really blessed and we never thought of anything like this! God is really good and He never fails to surprise us :)

We never thought of adopting. Although I've always wanted a baby in the family, we never thought of anything like it and if ever it did cross our minds, we'd adopt a new born baby! But as I've said, God had other plans for the family :)

3 weeks ago, my aunt visited DSWD and found this little angel. She found herself attracted to it and with the kid's Mom pleading to have her adopted, my aunt brought her home. My aunt then asked my Mom if she wanted to keep it because my aunt couldn't really support the kid financially. At first my Mom was hesitant for many reasons. When the kid was brought home, she was really untidy. She was ungroomed and she looked so lifeless. But she decided to keep her anyway because she knew she could support the kid more than my aunt. It took her at least 5 days to get drawn to the kid. And I believe with God's intervention, she had many revelations. She then thought that it's not everyday that we're given a kid, with no money in exchange or anything and she believed that it was God's way to keep the family together and closer :)

When I heard about the news, I was both hesitant and excited! I was hesitant because she's a year and a half already when I wanted a new born but excited because I finally have a sister! It took a while for this thought to sink in but right after I met her, I was already so fond of her! I thought of the many things I can teach her and how I just can act as a big sister. Being an only child, I longed for this moment. I never thought this would happen but it did :)

We initially named her Angel because truly, she's such a blessing and an angel! But just recently we thought of the perfect full name for her.

Everyone, meet Tiffany Iris Almero De Leos ♥

Tiffany-- in Greek means God's appearance;

Iris-- in Greek means rainbow and messenger of God.

She sparked a new hope for the family despite the storms that came our way and through her, God's grace is testified yet again.

Right now, she's super hyper and always so happy!! I guess she looked lifeless at first because she was trying to adapt to the new environment. She's really smart too! For a one year old, she can already feed herself! Yes, she doesn't like to be fed. She also never forgets to pray every before meal and sleep. She's so cute when she puts her hands together and even closes her eyes! Hahahaha! :)

I'll post another entry for her background and where she came from. It's super heartwarming but I have yet to filter some information for her own good too :)

She's as vain as Ate. Oh noes.

Mom and Angel :)

That's her favorite pose :*

Ephesians 1:16-18: I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people.

Victory Weekend

I've had several retreats in my life-- the yearly retreat at school during highschool and whatnot. It's undeniable that I do feel God's presence during opportunities like these but it would just usually keep me in fire for a couple of days then bam, I'm back to my old life and ways. Is that the way it should be-- a one time, big time thing? 

Victory Weekend was exceptional. Totally different experience-- life changing, literally. VW undeniably strengthened my foundation as a Christian for it taught me the core of Salvation and the Cross. Truly, how can you set a house with no foundation? It will eventually crumble down just like what happened to my past retreats. Why Jesus Christ died and resurrected for me. I will blog about that some other time but for now, I just want to post pictures from my weekend and some realizations briefly :)

I've been looking forward to this day!! That I just officially and publicly proclaim my love for God and my surrender to Him! Just as He has not only healed my heart but gave me a new one; new life! Thank you so much!

Acts 2:41 Those who accepted His message were baptized and about three thousand were added to their number that day

During Baptism! 

 *during Louie's baptism*

Ate Paula and Louie -- still in awe with how God has blessed me with these women!! :)

My turn! :)

My first kiss was from an Angel :) Meet my new sister, everyone!

Matthew 4:19 Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

Lord God, I know this is just the beginning of my journey. There are still so much things and revelations that are yet to unfold. But above all what's most important is how you died on the Cross for my sins and resurrected to give me a new life! And what that, I am forever grateful and I just surrender my whole life to you! Use me, mold me and send me for Your Glory! You're truly awesome!!!!!!!! :)

... And now, I'm speechless :)