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.

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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 :)

Summer Reads

I'm looking through a couple of Christian must read books and these are just some books that caught my attention based on the rates, reviews and topics itself. I wanted to purchase all three but the website's an international online store so I can't imagine the total cost would be for taxes, shipping and customs fee. So yes, this is partly my way of making parinig to those reading this to buy me one of these books for my birthday ♥ Hahaha!

Sex. Discovering Real Love in a World of Counterfeits by Dave Bordon

"Living in a culture imbued with an if-it-feels-good-do-it mentality, youth and young adults need a tool to help them discern true love from lust, and healthy from unhealthy relationships. Sex cuts through the world's exploitive and destructive false messages and shines God's light on topics such as purity, lust, homosexuality, marriage, and others. With more than 180 "The World Says" vs. "God Says" statements with supporting scripture and teachings to guide readers down the right path, Sex. is an invaluable aide for youth and young adults who are striving to live-and love-God's way."

The cover's so deceiving, I know.

Boundaries in Dating by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend

"Dating scene got you down? Try a new approach! Discover how to take responsibility for your life, behavior, and values as God intended. Organized by principles such as honesty, freedom, and respect, this guide helps you develop self-control and intimacy in healthy dating relationships so you're better able to find and commit to a marriage partner."

Sex is Not the Problem (Lust Is) by Joshua Harris

"Lust has become pervasive in our culture to the point that sexuality has become a negative - contaminating what God intended as a gift. Learn how to reclaim sexuality and sex as God originally planned as you cut through the deceptive lies of lust. See through new eyes enjoy a life of purity as you follow the steps in this countercultural guide."

I just ADORE Joshua Harris. I have two of his books already: I Kissed Dating Goodbye and Boy Meets Girl (which I have yet to read!)

Here are some of the other books that I've read already and which I really recommend! :)

I Kissed Dating Goodbye by Joshua Harris

"Many single Christians feel frustrated with culture's expectations and patterns of dating. Youth pastors and parents find themselves dealing with young adults who fall into sexual temptation or spend more energy on dating than on following God. I Kissed Dating Goodbye offers an all-new approach to dating relationships, calling young adults away from playing the dating game and revealing how they can live a lifestyle of sincere love, true purity, and purposeful singleness. Honest and practical, this powerful book will inspire teens and young adults to remap their romantic lives in the light of God's Word. Not just a book of theory, I Kissed Dating Goodbye includes healthy challenges to today's cultural assumptions about relationships and provides solid, biblical alternatives to society's norm."

Don't let the title deceive you although personally, there are some views I don't really agree with, what I like about it is how it helps you appreciate and make the most out of your singleness :)

Do Hard Things by Alex and Brett Harris

"Combating the idea of adolescence as a vacation from responsibility, the authors weave together biblical insights, history, and modern examples to redefine the teen years as the launching pad of life and map a clear trajectory for long-term fulfillment and eternal impact.  Written by teens for teens, Do Hard Things is packed with humorous personal anecdotes, practical examples, and stories of real-life rebelutionaries in action. This rallying cry from the heart of revolution already in progress challenges the next generation to lay claim to a brighter future, starting today."

I love the Harrises! They're all such blessed inspiring writers :) And by the way, Joshua's an older brother of Alex and Brett!

Adjustment Bureau

I just really love this picture of her.

A Reflection Paper I did on the movie Adjustment Bureau for Humalit class :)

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Matthew 24:45 “Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time?”

There is time for everything. This is the first thing that came into my head after watching the movie. I personally really loved the movie because of its genius analogy with God. I admire how the story was able to relate it to Him and explain His concept of right timing in a more interesting way through the perspective of romantic love between a man and a woman.

More often than not, people tend to focus on the present-- present desires or pleasures. They usually involve themselves in situations without reflecting on its long term effects. We are too stubborn and impatient that we yearn for instant gratifications without wanting to go through pain and suffering. We tend to choose the easy way out with things that we refuse to see the wisdom behind all these "unfortunate things" that happen to us. In the case of David Norris, he focused too much on being with Elise that he was blinded by the possibility that being with her will be a distraction for his career, which in turn may affect her dancing as well. He was then wise enough to understand and accept this "decree" that he chose to let her go-- for their own sakes. After 11 months though, after being able experience the best of his career, he finds himself still yearning for her. He then takes extra measures and great efforts just to get her back. His tenacity was able to revise "the plan" and his love for her evoked hidden emotions among the people part of the Bureau.

In the same way, God allows things for these things to happen because He knows what's best for us. Chairman, which can be similar to God in the real life context, is the author of our stories. And just like all storybooks, bad things are bound to happen because if it’s not for these things, our life won’t be as interesting and we won’t have any lessons to learn from. It’s all about right timing. Personally, I am in faith with this promise. I believe that the right man is just out there and is willing to wait for me until I get to mold myself and become the right woman for him by establishing a strong foundation and relationship with God. Sometimes I would myself having an urge to get into a relationship with someone and gratify my present pleasures but with stronger faith and enough blessings, I am able to control myself. I realized that having a boyfriend now would just distract me from performing at my best at school and serving God. I believe that I have a lot of time of that after college and whoever who is willing to wait and pursue me is someone who’s deserving of my love. On the other hand, we sometimes also need to climb the mountains and soar the skies for what or who we love. As we start to understand that everything’s about perfect timing, we have to continually seek God and lead our hearts to Him so as to know when the right time is. Although once it comes, we have to be ready to fight for it. It’s a test whether or not we really want something because more often than not, we are infatuated with things not because they’re right for us but because it’s easy for us. Things that are right for us require perseverance and sacrifice. It’s also during these times that the prize is sweeter because we know for a fact how much we’ve gone through. Just as a diamond can’t be polished without friction, we won’t be able to experience life at its fullest and how God designed it to be if we refuse to acknowledge these unfortunate events as blessings. Meanwhile, we can’t also let other people dictate our lives just as the people “in the bureau” have tried did by setting this certain plan for David. By the end of the day, it’s our personal relationship with God that matters.

Blessing in Disguise

TRULY!! God is good! :) I can't wait to blog about it and post pictures! But as for now, I just want testify on how God can really surprise us!

Hebrews 12:28

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.

Here's a clue:

Me, Dad, Mom and Kuya

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Guess who? :)