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by Brian McKnight

I really love this song. It talks about a person yearning to come back home...into the arms of the Father. At the same time, this song also reminded me of the promise that Jesus made to the apostles. We can imagine how Jesus' followers felt when he ascended into heaven. Their teacher, guide, leader, and comforter. The One for whom they had given up their old lives -- had left them.

But Jesus assured the disciples that he wouldn't leave them orphans but would ask God to send them the Holy Spirit to be with them always. I believe that the same Spirit lives in my heart, too, and gives me the strength to face any sadness, any loss. I know that I don't have to feel alone or abandoned because the Holy Spirit is always with me -- to comfort me, to guide me, and, most of all, to love me.

Throughout my life I have experienced the ebb and flow of faith; yet as I look back, I can see a steady forward movement toward home. One day, we will reach the end of our journey and find a place of rest in God, the origin of our existence.

Life as we know it, is never alone!

Jesus said, "I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you."
-John 14:18 (NIV)

Thinking back when we first met

I remember what you said

You said you'd never leave me

I let go of your hand

Built my castle in the sand

But now I'm reachin' out again

And I'm not letting go

Till you

Hold me

Mold me

Sometimes I feel so all alone

See, I gotta find me way back home

So why don't you

Shape me

make me

Wash me whiter than the snow

I gotta find my way

Back home

Master upon my knees I pray

I just want to be the clay

Put your arms around me

Place my life in your hands

Lord, I know I'm just a man

I know you understand

This time I'm not letting go

Till you

Anoint me

Appoint me

Somestimes I feel so alone

See, I gotta find my way back home

So why don't you

Chastise me

Baptize me

Wash me whiter than the snow

I gotta find my way

'Cause I'm lost and alone

I've been wandering

Long enough to know

Humbly I search for you

And I'm not gonna rest

Till you

Choose me

Use me

Sometimes I feel so alone

I'm on my way back home

So why don't you

Direct me

Bless me

Wash me whiter then the snow

I'm on my way

Back home

"I am just passing through"

ANOTHER day is about to end and here I am alone in my room. Reviewing previous text messages I received on my phone. One message that caught my attention was saying, "Pre, salamat. I am moving on now. Thanks for your advise." I suddenly thought of the past events that happened to me.

They say life is a series of unfortunate events. Either it is your destiny or it happened because of what you did. We all experience brokeness. We can listen to some advise and follow but in the end, the final decision is still ours. I realized that these are all just passing through. Events in our life will not stay. [Well, at least for me. :)]

It expressed my understanding that I wouldn't find myself in a challenging circumstance for long. I know that I would eventually get through it and go on to whatever God had in store for me next.

As scripture said, "If you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things that are above, not on things that are on earth." - Colossians 3:1-2

I have come to know Christ more personally, those words have taken on a new and deeper meaning. I realize suddenly that I'm not going to live on earth forever. I am "just passing through" this life on my way to a greater glory in the next. I have work to do while I'm here, a purpose to pursue in passing; but my sights are set on a world beyond the one where I live now.

Life as we know it, move on! :)

"Mistake"

Life is full of mistakes. Mistake in making a decision, mistake in doing things that you thought was right, mistake in hurting someone, mistake in choosing friends, and mistake in saying things that you will regret in the end.

I have made many mistakes in my life, and they are obvious to others, especially my friends. I agree with scripture that it is easier for us to see the specks in others' eyes than to see the log in our own eye.

My own devotional time gives me the opportunity to look at myself honestly. In these moments of silent reflection, I look back not only at my experiences but also at my responses. I reevaluate my choices and judgments. The presence of the Lord in my life not only helps me discover my errors but also brings me peace. I work out ways to make amends; hurt feelings are healed, and I experience greater growth in life.

However, there are some people not willing and open to make amends. They rather choose to stay away from you and simply ignore your effort when you make peace with them.

But God is not like that. When we come to Him with a personal mistake or sin. God does not throw us away because of a mistake. Instead, God works around our mistake and weaves it into the beautiful, colored tapestry of life.

We don't have to give up when we feel that we have failed God. When we come to God, admit our failing, and resolve to do better, God is ready to forgive.

"The Missing Piece"

One day while I was cleaning my room, I discovered one small piece of a cut-out picture of someone. I analyzed it for a few minutes, trying to imagine where did I get it and what the complete picture would look like. Then I realized it was impossible for me to understand the big picture by looking at only one piece.

(I wonder how is she right now!)

Sometimes events happen in our lives, and we can't understand why. We keep on asking why He let things happens. What’s the reason? We look at the situation like a piece to a puzzle and say, "This doesn't make sense, God. Why is this happening to me?"

Just like in Habakkuk 1:5, I had a hard time seeing the completed picture too, but God answered me by saying, "I am doing something in your days you would not believe if you were told." We show what we believe by trusting God when hard times come our way.

I am glad I did!

The LORD Almighty is always doing something in our lives. God sees the completed picture and knows how all the pieces fit together to bring us closer to Him.

Life as we know it!

"Via Con Dios, Ping!"

Paalam, bro. God bless all your plans and 'til we see you again! :)

"All my bags are pack ready to go..."

" Ping with Dad and Jeng"

"Departure Area"

"Jeng with her future in-laws, while waiting for the plane to take off"

Indeed, God Provides!

IT’s my 12th day of being unemployed. I remember it was cold, crisp, morning in my work place. I was sleepy and about to go home from my work. I had told a few friends that I was planning to resign on the second week of June. After a couple of weeks of discernment and seeking God’s guidance, I had finally made my decision to resign from work and start a new life. My heart was heavy with anxious thoughts not because of how I was going to manage with limited income after resigning, but because of the decision I made. What if this is a wrong move? What if this will not going to help me? Some questions, huh!

At home, with a cup of coffee in my hand, I looked out of our window. The early morning sunlight glittered as it bounced off the broken stained glass in our backyard.

I was momentarily lost in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I noticed a lone bird sitting near the fence. Facing the sun, the bird flew down, lowered its beak and picked up something scattered on the ground. It began to nibble peacefully on what had been provided for its need.

Suddenly, it struck me that my needs will be provided for if I trust God and leave my worries with Him. Just then, my heart was filled with hope and gratitude as I go back to my room.

Life as we know it!

TAGUBILIN AT HABILIN

DIG THIS: A very striking poem I found on Bianca Gonzales' blog (Thanks!). You might find it funny but somehow very true.

TAGUBILIN AT HABILIN
Ni Jose F. Lacaba

Mabuhay ka, kaibigan!
Mabuhay ka!
Iyan ang una't huli kong
Tagubilin at habilin:Mabuhay ka!

Sa edad kong ito, marami akong maibibigay na payo.
Mayaman ako sa payo.

Maghugas ka ng kamay bago kumain.
Maghugas ka ng kamay pagkatapos kumain.
Pero huwag kang maghuhugas ng kamay para lang makaiwas sa sisi.
Huwag kang maghuhugas ng kamay kung may inaapi
Na kaya mong tulungan.

Paupuin sa bus ang matatanda at ang mga may kalong na sanggol.
Magpasalamat sa nagmamagandang-loob.
Matuto sa karanasan ng matatanda
Pero huwag magpatali sa kaisipang makaluma.

Huwag piliting matulog kung ayaw kang dalawin ng antok.
Huwag pag-aksayahan ng panahon ang walang utang na loob.
Huwag makipagtalo sa bobo at baka ka mapagkamalang bobo.
Huwag bubulong-bulong sa mga panahong kailangang sumigaw.

Huwag kang manalig sa bulung-bulungan.
Huwag kang papatay-patay sa ilalim ng pabitin.
Huwag kang tutulog-tulog sa pansitan.

Umawit ka kung nag-iisa sa banyo.
Umawit ka sa piling ng barkada.
Umawit ka kung nalulungkot.
Umawit ka kung masaya.

Ingat lang.

Huwag kang aawit ng “My Way” sa videoke bar at baka ka mabaril.
Huwag kang magsindi ng sigarilyo sa gasolinahan.
Dahan-dahan sa matatarik na landas.
Dahan-dahan sa malulubak na daan.

Higit sa lahat, inuulit ko:

Mabuhay ka, kaibigan!
Mabuhay ka!
Iyan ang una't huli kong
Tagubilin at habilin:
Mabuhay ka!

Maraming bagay sa mundo na nakakadismaya.
Mabuhay ka.
Maraming problema ang mundo na wala na yatang lunas.
Mabuhay ka.

Sa hirap ng panahon, sa harap ng kabiguan,
Kung minsan ay gusto mo nang mamatay.
Gusto mong maglaslas ng pulso kung sawi sa pag-ibig.
Gusto mong uminom ng lason kung wala nang makain.
Gusto mong magbigti kung napakabigat ng mga pasanin.
Gusto mong pasabugin ang bungo mo kung maraming gumugulo sa utak.

Huwag kang patatalo. Huwag kang susuko.

Narinig mo ang sinasabi ng awitin:“Gising at magbangon sa pagkagupiling,
Sa pagkakatulog na lubhang mahimbing.”
Gumising ka kung hinaharana ka ng pag-ibig.
Bumangon ka kung nananawagan ang kapuspalad.

Ang sabi ng iba: “Ang matapang ay walang-takot lumaban.”
Ang sabi ko naman:
Ang tunay na matapang ay lumalaban

Kahit natatakot.
Lumaban ka kung inginungodngod ang nguso mo sa putik.
Bumalikwas ka kung tinatapak-tapakan ka.
Buong-tapang mong ipaglaban ang iyong mga prinsipyo
Kahit hindi ka sigurado na agad-agad kang mananalo.

Mabuhay ka, kaibigan!
Mabuhay ka!
Iyan ang una't huli kong
Tagubilin at habilin:
Mabuhay ka!