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May 11, 2013

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A Victorious Weekend

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:36

The scorching summer heat pierced through my skin as I moved toward the pool to position myself in the best spot for taking photos. I was assigned by our Victory group leader to take pictures that day for one of our members who will undergo water baptism. The searing heat did not douse my excitement for my friend who will be making a public declaration of her faith and love for Jesus.

As I took snapshots of MR and the other participants of this quarter’s Victory Weekend, I remembered myself feeling the same excitement after making a heartfelt decision to truly surrender my whole existence to God in May last year.

I participated in Victory Weekend just a few weeks after coming out of a challenging episode that wounded my heart as much as it wounded my soul. Back then, I already had my mind set that God would lead me out of the dark pit soon and that He has given me the grace to overcome the obstacles that He allowed in my life. I saw baptism as a first step into ‘sealing the agreement’ with God that He would deliver me from the pain and that I would come out of it polished and better in many aspects.
It has been a year since the challenge and God has been faithful with His promise of healing and restoration. Not only did I come out of it better off than I thought I would, there were bonuses and perks along the way. God is more than amazing. I wish I could illustrate how many times ‘He showed up in my life’ to comfort me and to assure me that I am loved. God ‘hugged me ’ several times through His word and through the loving words spoken by some friends.
Interestingly, God has increased my friends too. Truly, the Lord has several ways to make sure His plans will come to pass.

Victory Weekend is a two-day seminar or retreat that includes worship, Bible teaching, prayer, and personal ministry. One2One is the prerequisite for the Victory Weekend. One2One is a six-lesson discipleship guide that includes discussions on salvation, the Bible and Prayer and repentance. Water baptism is a public declaration that God now lives inside us and that we have allowed God to have control in our lives.

As MR descended into the pool, two Victory group leaders prayed over her prior to her water baptism. I am especially proud of Kai, who was one of the people who baptized MR. Kai has turned into one of the most innately beautiful persons I have known. Young as she is, Kai’s maturity in emotions and in the spiritual aspect inspires me.
MR and I are in the same Victory Group that gathers every Sunday to pray and encourage each other. Yes, we also talk a lot about girl stuff. (^_^)

I almost became emotional when it was MR’s turn to be baptized because I remembered my experiences last year.
At a time when I was still hurting and coping from the pain of a failed love, I saw Victory Weekend as the most logical and most important decision I have to make if I want to move on happily sans anger or emotional baggage.

After the leaders prayed over me and I was dipped in the pool, I imagined myself rising from the pain and receiving God’s healing, restoration and blessings. Back then, I was already certain that the day will come when I will be completely healed and restored. I knew in my heart that God will use my story to serve Him - that someday, I will help people who are going through the same dilemma.

Here is my photo after my baptism. I believe my smile made me look like the happiest girl in the world. MR, I also think these are our best photos - second to our future wedding photos. (^_^)

**if you have a twitter account, I’d like to connect with you at @I_will_flourish <3

Tags: victoryweekend victorychristianfellowship victorygroup MRAplaon kaibautista waterbaptism victorygroupleader one2one prayer repentance bornagainchristian faith christianblogger

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March 28, 2013

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I Love Sundays.

On Sundays, I am able to wake up late, that is 8 AM, so that I could attend the 10 AM church service.

On this day, I am able to just take it easy, unworried about deadlines and other stuff that torment my mind on a regular day. I don’t know if it’s just me but every Sunday, I feel like everyone is also unhurried and relaxed.

It is on Sundays that I am able to realize how crazy that week has been.

I recharge and I connect to the Father. I have more time for God. I have more time to listen to His voice and instructions.

This is why I look forward to Sundays.

***

I recently read a tweet that talked about idol worship in modern times.

When we hear about idols, our mind usually goes back to those mentioned in the Bible – the golden calf, the statues that were made to be worshipped as gods. But what does idol actually mean these days?

According to the author, idols are those that we hold on to for security and comfort. These could be our jobs, friends, fame, money and all earthly possessions.

I actually forgot reading about this until I ran into a minor misunderstanding with a friend. After I had agonized about it for about an hour, this tweet came to mind and I suddenly thought that I may be putting much of my trust in some friendships because they are making me comfortable. Some friendships seem to give me the ‘assurance’ that I should seek only from God.

My friend and I were able to sort things out in a matter of two hours but the whole experience had me thinking I should assess my relationships and be especially mindful about how I look at them.

I felt sad upon realizing this and I immediately asked God to forgive me and to show me areas in my life where I may have been turning to idols unknowingly. God is faithful and has been walking me through this issue.

How about you? Ask God to reveal what’s in your heart so may know if you are also having the same issues in your life.

“You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below.” Exodus 20:3-4 (NIV)

*If you want to read more scriptures about idols, I recommend the books of Ezekiel and Deuteronomy

*You could follow us on twitter: @I_will_flourish and in Facebook: www.facebook.com/mannaforjenny

(Source: surfyouthprojects, via mmmchild)

Tags: idols worshipping Bible verses on Idol worship Exodus Sundays jenny F. manongdo friendship holyweek Filipino Christian Blogger Blogger tumblr blogger christian

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March 09, 2013

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Inspiration for the busy soul

(Image from tumblr)

Have you ever been squeezed into a really busy week that you keep putting off some tasks for the weekend? I would not even recognize I had fallen into this situation until I realized I have several backlog articles for my blog. My weekday evenings are now largely spent on watching TV (which is unusual for me) and then my quiet time with the Lord before I sleep. I suspect the daily pressures of work could be creeping into my system turning me into a TV-watching person which I no longer am.

Today, I have taken a few minutes to share with you a wonderful news that I have received from the mother of the boy that we were able to bless last December. Here is an excerpt of the SMS she sent me recently.

“kamusta na po? Nag-normal na po yung 2d-echo ni Lemuel…Sobrang miracle po yun…pakisabi po sa lahat ng tumulong marami pong salamat sa inyong lahat and God Bless (How are you? Lemuel’s 2D-echo is now normal…it is truly a miracle. Thank you to everyone who helped and God Bless).”

If you are interested to read Lemuel’s story, click here.

Aling Nenita’s text message was the best message I received that day. It truly shows how God is at work in our lives even though we don’t see it in the natural.

What are you asking God for? Do you have the patience to wait for His timing?

***

I recently watched a show that featured people who are living victorious lives despite their health conditions.

There were three of them that were featured in that particular episode but one teenage guy with a medical condition on his spinal cord easily won my admiration.

Patrick was almost a year old when he was run over by a car leaving one of his legs paralyzed. However, it seemed that Patrick had no room for the words ‘pity’ and ‘misery’ as he strives to live a normal life. He religiously attends his physical therapy sessions and even finds time to bond with his friends. He also spends some of his time by surfing, through the help of the Life Rolls on foundation. When I saw him on TV, I saw a teenager who is full of hope and expectancy in life. How I wish everyone has the same attitude in whatever battle they face in life.

Tags: Life rolls on foundation spinal cord surfing for those with spinal cord injuries lemuel copioso faith christian blogger Filipino christian blogger

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February 11, 2013

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On courage and faith - Bethany Hamilton's story

I found an incredibly inspiring video on Youtube last week. It’s about an interview with a female surfer who lost her arm in a shark attack.

Bethany Hamilton was 13 when she lost an arm after a gruelling experience with a ferocious shark in the sea. Reflecting on it, I believe many of us could not imagine living a life with one arm – especially when you’re a teenager. ‘Awkward’ has become a common phrase among teenagers today. Can you imagine yourself going out with friends sporting a prosthetic arm?

But I loved what Bethany said when the host asked her how she was able to live through it. I finally understood how she overcame the trials when she spoke about her faith.

Here is a short transcript of Bethany’s interview at the Tavis Smiley show for the film ‘Soul Surfer’:

Bethany: “When I was about five, I gave my heart to Jesus Christ and since then, it’s just been a stronghold in my life and really thought the shark attack and all the times that my family and I went through, He gave us unity and perseverance to push through all these crazy stuff that we never knew would happen. Just being able to have a good outlook in life and having a positive perspective on things has been really encouraging to share to people.”

Host: “Was there a time that you questioned God?”

Bethany: “God really just gave me a sense of peace through everything. My question was more like ‘God why did you allow this to happen and what are we gonna do from here’ and not just dwell on what happened or have a pity party on everything.”

Bethany lost her arm but she has gained tremendous admiration from people all over the world with her awesome confidence and faith in the Lord. I believe she’s living a happy and fulfilled life. It’s like she never lost anything. God is awesome.

Tags: soul surfer bethany hamilton on courage and faith christian blogger christian blog Jesus mannaforjenny Filipino blog Philippine blog Youtube Tavis smiley Bethany hamilton interview

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February 01, 2013

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Wait

I’m always in a hurry.

This I found to be true.

Maybe it is because I work on deadlines every single day or that’s just my personality…Just like the rabbit with the watch in ‘Alice in Wonderland’, I feel as though the clock is ticking fast and I need to do something. I’m always in a hurry and this makes me feel confused and frustrated sometimes.

When I was young, I was in a hurry to grow up. When I was in College, I was in a hurry to graduate. When I entered the media industry, I joined reporters who are bound with daily deadlines. This set-up added hurried mindset.

This all changed when I encountered a huge challenge last year.

It made me realize that waiting on God truly produces good results.

First, it made me patient and appreciative of the people in my life - my family and friends.

Second, I knew myself better – my strengths and weaknesses.

Third, I learned to depend on the grace of God and rely on God’s timetable to work out the issues in my life.

Initially, I was in a hurry to get over the pain and start a new life. But as my relationship with the Lord progressed, I learned to relax and just allow God to work in me. It wasn’t easy but I understood why everything happened.

Today, the pain is gone and I am living a happier and more productive life.

In my journey toward healing, I encountered a poem by Russel Kelfer that reinforced my attitude on waiting in the Lord. I sincerely hope you’ll find inspiration in this beautiful poem as you wait for the Lord’s deliverance.

Wait

Desperately, helplessly, longingly, I cried:

Quietly, patiently, loving God replied.

I pled and I wept for a clue to my fate,

And the Master so gently said,

“Child, you must wait.”

“Wait? You say, wait! My indignant reply.

“Lord, I need answers, I need to know why!

Is your hand shortened? Or have you not heard?

By faith, I have asked, and am claiming your word.

“My future and all to which I can relate

Hangs in the balance, You tell me to WAIT?

I’m needing a ‘Yes,’ a go-ahead sign,

Or even a ‘No’ to which I can resign.

“And Lord, You promised that if we believe

We need but to ask, and we shall receive.

And, Lord, I’ve been asking, and this is my cry:

‘I’m weary of asking! I need a reply!”

Then quietly, softly, I learned of my fate

As my master replied once again, “You must wait.”

So, I slumped in my chair and defeated and taut

And grumbled to God, “So, I’m waiting…for what?”

He seemed, then, to kneel

And His eyes wept with mine,

And He tenderly said, “I could give you a sign.

I could shake the heavens and darken the sun.

I could raise the dead and cause mountains to run.

“All you seek, I could give, and pleased you would be.

You would have what you want –

But, you wouldn’t know Me.

You’d not know the depth of My love for each saint;

You’d not know the power I give to the faint;

“You’d not learn to see through the clouds of despair;

You’d not learn to trust just by knowing I’m there;

You’d not know the joy of resting in Me;

When darkness and silence were all you could see.

“You’d never experience that fullness of love

As the peace of My Spirit descends like a dove;

You’d know that I give and save, for a start,

But you’d not know the depth of the beat of My heart.

“The glow of My comfort late into the night,

The faith that I give when you walk without sight,

The depth that’s beyond getting just what you asked

Of an infinite God, who makes what you have last.

“You’d never know, should your pain quickly flee,

What it means that, ‘My grace is sufficient for thee.’

Yes, your dreams for your loved one overnight would come true,

But, oh, the loss if I lost that what I’m doing in you!

“So be silent, My child, and in time you will see

That the greatest of gifts is to get to know Me.

And thought oft’ may My answers seem terribly late,

My most precious answer of all is still, ‘Wait.’”

(Source: mannaforjenny, via hermuse)

Tags: Wait Christianity Christian blog Filipino christian blogger Russel Kelfer how to wait on God how to heal a broken heart how to move on from broken heart Philippines blog for advice

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January 19, 2013

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Last December, we were able to help a 17-year old boy who needed a reclining hospital bed as he sleeps in a sitting position owing to his medical condition.

His mother, Nenita Copioso, asked for the bed but God was faithful enough to provide them with more than what she asked for.

Through the help of donors, aling Nenita received the hospital bed, bags of groceries and Christmas food. We were also able to buy medicines for Lemuel and there was still money left for the family’s other needs.

What an amazing way for the Lord to demonstrate what He meant by Ephesians 3:20!

I will always be grateful to the donors who believed in this cause.

In the beginning, I thought how could I ever raise such money? Would my friends join me in this endeavor?

Truly, God is in control. He has aligned the right people and He gave them the right hearts to answer His call.

To everyone who helped Lemuel, God knows who you are and He will bring your own victories in life. Thank you very much.

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us” Ephesians 3:20

P.S.

It was a tiring day scouring the Bambang area to get the best-priced hospital bed. After an hour of searching and praying, I found the store with the right bed.

I watched how aling Nenita’s eyes twinkled as the bed was being assembled in front of her.

To her, it was a bed that would give her son better sleep as he recovers from his illness.

But as I stood there, I saw not just a bed but a dream.

A dream was birthed in my mind and I heard a familiar call in my heart.

And this time, I answered and I committed myself for the Lord’s assignment…

Tags: charity drive christmas christian blog Filipino christian blogger Lemuel Copioso Though I'm not worthy Kari jobe reclining hospital bed Ephesians 3:30

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December 29, 2012

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Sharing with you a video of my recent trip to Switzerland.

This beautiful region has become my second favorite country in the world - next to Tokyo.

The Alps are more than magnificent.

Spending a few days here will certainly refresh your mind and recharge your spirit.

Enjoy watching!

Tags: Switzerland Europe travel to Europe travel blogger

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December 28, 2012

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‘Spring cleaning’ your mind for the New Year and having a positive mindset

It is a few days away before the New Year. Have you done some spring cleaning in your closet?

image from tumblr

(image from tumblr)

Remember what they say: if you have not worn it for six months or so, give it away so other people may enjoy it. Of course, it goes without saying that you should also be mindful of what you give. I think tattered clothes should be relegated to the trash bin. Those that are missing one sleeve or are torn beyond repair are good candidates for rags.

But there is another type of cleaning that we have to do before the New Year sets in. We must also rid our minds with past hurts and worries.

In the coming year, I encourage everyone to forgive people, make new friends and dream new dreams. Rid yourself of negative thoughts and emotions and stay positive and hopeful. Do a ‘spring cleaning’ of your mind. Mentally note the people you need to forgive, the things you need to work on in yourself and the worries that you have kept in your system for the whole 2012. Remember what the Bible said in Matthew 6:33-34: “Seek first God’s Kingdom and what God wants. Then all your other needs will be met as well. So don’t worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will have its own worries. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

In the recent seminar conducted by wealth and life coach Chinkee Tan, he clearly pointed out the role of possessing a positive mindset in order to live the best life.

“Everything that is happening on the outside is only a manifestation of what is happening on the inside…For every problem there is a solution. One thing I learned, you may have a bad experience, a bad past, you may have no supportive parents, and they may have said hurtful words instead of encouraging you. One thing I learned, we cannot change our past mistakes but we can change our future by making a right decision today.”

In his seminar ‘The Power of Mindset’, ‘Mr. Chink + (Chink positive) clearly enunciated how we can rid ourselves of the ‘victim mindset’ because we have a choice in life.

“Do you know that our life is a product of choices. We have a choice what to do and a choice what we feed our mind. Nobody inside this room is actually a victim. You can become a victim once but you can never be a victim forever. People can treat you…they may say hurtful things to you but you have a choice to stay away from them,” he said.

Chinkee Tan emphasized how we should stop entertaining bad thoughts because it wears us down. He also offered four ways to stay positive all the time.

“Choose the people you associate with. The attitudes of people are very infectious. Stop going around with people who always talk at the back of other people…Choose the entertainment you watch. Choose the seminars you attend, the books you read. Not every information is good information. Choose and you process. Choose to focus on the positive and not the negative. Let us be careful what we feed our minds every single day because we will withdraw what we deposit.”

*follow us on twitter at: @I_will_flourish

*Please like our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/mannaforjenny

Tags: 2013 Chinkee tan New Year's Eve New Year's eve celebration Positive mindset seminar Spring cleaning The power of mindset chink + Christianity Christian blog

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December 23, 2012

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Cultivate your relationship with family members

“There is no use enjoying anything if you have no one to share it with.”

This made a strong mark in my mind as Pastor Joey Bonifacio was making his talk about relationships which is the central theme of his book, The Lego Principle.

In the second round of the Caring Cup Conversations held at the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf in Robinsons Magnolia one fine Saturday, Pastor Joey echoed what I have felt in my recent Europe trip.

There I was enjoying all the beautiful sights in my recent travels in Europe: Vienna, Switzerland and Berlin but more than once I caught myself wishing that the experience would have been better if my whole family was there. Sure, my sister and my mother and my brother-in-law were with me but I thought it could be more fun if my two other sisters and my father enjoyed the sights too.

“The overarching theme of life is all about relationships,” Pastor Joey said.

He went on to say that in our last days, we will be surrounded by our close family members – the ones whom we should cultivate love the most.

Think about it, we are too busy doing so many things during the day and sometimes, when we get home, we are overly fatigued. We nod at our family members, take a quick dinner, perhaps make a short chat with one of them and head straight to bed (or in some cases, watch some mindless TV). We don’t even have time to really bond with them. We know we need to invest in our relationships with our loved ones but due to the demands of life, many of us find little time to achieve this.

I think this is something many of us really have to work on in the coming year.

(Source: oohcamila)

Tags: coffee bean&tea leaf CBTL Pastor Joey Bonifacio Caring cup conversations Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf in Robinsons Magnolia The Lego Principle Vienna Switzerland and Berlin Vienna Switzerland Berlin travels in Europe

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December 21, 2012

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God’s Christmas gifts

In my mind I’m doing cartwheels because I am ecstatic after receiving a gift from a friend.

That is how thoughtful The Father is. He knows just what to give us even before we ask Him, even before we forget to ask Him.

I travel a lot and I’ve made a mental note to buy a universal adaptor for about five times in the last three years.

Electrical outlets abroad are different from ours and more than once I have experienced having difficulty charging my gadgets because I failed to bring an adaptor.

God has faithfully given me a gadget that I have prayed for in the last five months. I received it as a grand prize in a raffle draw in one of the Christmas Parties I attended.

But He didn’t stop there.

A week later, God surprised me again.

I laughed and became teary-eyed when I opened a package that revealed a beautiful white adaptor – much prettier than the one I was planning to buy in the last three years.