Monday, December 28, 2009
..wishes...
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
My life at night!
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Your thoughts and YOU!.....
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Sister's Week Tag

Be the kind of women that when your feet hit the floor each morning,
The devil says "Oh Crap, She's Up."
So love the people who treat you right.
Love the ones who don't just because you can.
Believe in everything happens for a reason.
If you get a second chance, grab it with both hands.
If it changes your life, let it.
Kiss slowly. Forgive quickly.
God never said life would be easy.
He just promise it would be worth it.
Today is sister's day.
To the cool women that have touched my life.
this is for you.....LOVE U!!!
Rules:
Tag all your sisters, mothers, daughters, aunts, girlfriends,
Including me if I am like one. If you get tag back seven times, you are loved.
Happy sister's day! LOVE YA SISTA!!!
Girlfriend and sisters WEEK.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Some quote to ponder
Monday, October 26, 2009
Blog Hopping!
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Be Generous!
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Thank God t'was jus a dream!
Sunday, October 4, 2009
..what to do with...
Sunday, September 27, 2009
...When the oceans rise...
Saturday, September 19, 2009
What can we ask for?
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Friday, August 21, 2009
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
wedding pictures!
Last night I just can’t put myself to sleep, probably because of too much caffeine intake (I blame coffee?.. nah… I love coffee), or may be because of I think a lot which is stupidness as the Bible says; “do not fret” but just can help myself. So… because of that I look over our pictures.. wedding picture again, as I scroll down I can’t help but reminisce I love my wedding day because I saw most of the people I treasured much in my life. But as I went on looking I saw some faces that I don’t like too… some people that hurt my feelings soo deeply and badly, people that are insensitive, tackles, proud and all sort of things like that,. that up to the moment the thought of them makes me squirm (goodness I’m sinning… I hate this feelings but just can’t help it… so help me God.. and help me forgive and forget.)
And because of that I instantly close the album, I stop looking since they’re almost in every picture I love to look at…. Which makes me sad. So since I don’t like looking at the picture I instead listen to our wedding songs and wished that day to happen again.
God bless you guys!
Every Blessing that YOU poured out...turns back to Praise...!
Friday, July 17, 2009
Something to think about!
The Wooden Bowl
I guarantee you will remember the tale of the Wooden Bowl tomorrow, a week from now, a month from now,
a year from now.
A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in- law, and four-year-old grandson.
The old man's hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his step faltered
The family ate together at the table. But the elderly grandfather' s shaky hands and
failing sight made eating difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor.
When he grasped the glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth.
The son and daughter-in- law became irritated with the mess.
'We must do something about father,' said the son.
'I've had enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating, and food on the floor.'
So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner.
There, Grandfather ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner.
Since Grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl.
When the family glanced in Grandfather' s direction, sometimes he had a tear in his eye as he sat alone.
Still, the only words the couple had for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food.
The four-year-old watched it all in silence.
One evening before supper, the father noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor..
He asked the child sweetly, 'What are you making?' Just as sweetly, the boy responded,
'Oh, I am making a little bowl for you and Mama to eat your food in when I grow up.
' The four-year-old smiled and went back to work.
The words so struck the parents so that they were speechless. Then tears started to stream down their cheeks. Though no word was spoken, both knew what must be done.
That evening the husband took Grandfather' s hand and gently led him back to the family table.
For the remainder of his days he ate every meal with the family. And for some reason,
neither husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the tablecloth soiled.
On a positive note, I've learned that, no matter what happens, how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.
I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles four things:
a rainy day, the elderly, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.
I've learned that making a 'living' is not the same thing as making a 'life..'
I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.
I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands.You nee d to be able to throw something back sometimes.
I've learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you
But, if you focus on your family, your friends, the needs of others,
your work and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you
I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.
I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.
I've learned that every day, you should reach out and touch someone.
People love that human touch -- holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.
I've learned that I still have a lot to learn.
Every Blessing that YOU poured out...turns back to Praise...!
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
One Word Tag
1. Where is your cell phone? HOME
2. Your hair? CURLY
3. Your mother? HEAVEN
4. Your father? KIND
5. Your favorite food? CHICKEN
6. Your dream last night? FORGOT
7. Your favorite drink? COFFEE
8. Your dream/goal? TRAVELING
9. What room you are in? CUBICLE
10. Your hobby? FACEBOOKING
11. Your fear? TSUNAMI
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? SOMEWHERE
13. Where were you last night? CASH&CARRY
14. Something that you aren’t? TALL
15. Muffins? BERRY
16. Wish list item? CAR
17. Where you grew up? PROVINCE
18. Last thing you did? READ
19. What are you wearing? EARRINGS
20. Your TV? NONE
21. Your pets? BIRD
22. Friends? BEAUTIFUL
23. Your life? EXCITING
24. Your mood? THINKING
25. Missing someone? DEFINITELY
26. Car? WISHING
27. Something you’re not wearing? WATCH
28. Your favorite store? CASH&CARRY
29. Your favorite color? WHITE
30. When is the last time you laughed? AGO
31. Last time you cried? MORNING
32. Who will resend this? ME
33. One place that I go to over and over? OFFICE
34. One person who emails me regularly? IT
35. My favorite place to eat? JOLLIBEE
Thanks Racks for this tag. Want to tag everyone who likes it.
Every Blessing that YOU poured out...turns back to Praise...!
Monday, July 13, 2009
still waiting!
We’ve been thinking to move to another place since early this year. And its about six months now. Every time we pay our rent we always told each other each time to move because the place is way too expensive for us to keep. We’ve been looking and looking for a house that is cheaper but found nothing. So… since out rent was quite high… it drove me sending support letters to friends asking for financial support. Lo and behold the Lord answered our prayers and touched some peoples hearts to indeed give us the gift. As for now we are keeping the place and waiting for the go signal of the Lord to leave and find a new one of His approval.
Every Blessing that YOU poured out...turns back to Praise...!
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
How I wish...
And how I wish I'll be able to reach 1 on the page ranking thingy.
Anyways... I would like to thank the Lord for He is good and His mercy and love endures forever!
Every Blessing that YOU poured out...turns back to Praise...!
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Fun with friends.
One time after church a friend invited us to play games in their house... no matter how tired and burning hot we are because of the hotness in our place we still went and joined the group... and it was fun indeed.
So you guys and gals out there who are fond of friends presence you might as well consider this multiplayer games,8c1.net.http://www.8c1.net multiplayer and have crazy time with all your friends.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Another blessed year!




I've been busy this past few weeks. I've organized and coordinates our mid year team retreat. It was a rainy when we left Manila heading towards white beach resort, Puerto Galera, Mindoro because there was a low pressure and the boat we sail on was not that big and there was big waves and was scary. But the team inspite of that situation still laughing and giggling because of the jokes each one of us throws.
It was still raining when we got to the place and some of us probably thought our retreat was busted. But we just still love it. We played with the big waves and was the coolest thing ever. It drove us crazy rolling in the shore sands and one of my team mate brett lost his glasses (can you ever think of someone swimming in the beach playing with tsunami like waves wearing glasses? well... hahaha).
Our second day was a blast too, we played volleyball, play with the waves still and went land touring in the afternoon. goodness, God's beautifully amazing creation is indeed hidden only those who dares... finds.
Our last day... was also my birthday. I went swimming again... but this times was different because I consider... it was my treat with the Lord. I dove into the bottom of the shallow beach shore. And did it over and over again and thanking God for all my blessing; great or small, and praising HIM for He is immeasurably good. My team got me a cake...(don't know where did they get it, coz I dont see any goldilocks in there. hahahha).
Just lovin' the the goodness of life because of JESUS!
Every Blessing that YOU poured out...turns back to Praise...!
Sunday, June 7, 2009
God never forgets!
But still praisin' God for He is good and He never forgets. Two days had passed after the our wedding anniv and a pastor was moved by God to send us a gift. Praise God that today or at theis very moment we are planning to go out for a dinner with our very own ate raquel and dolf. The couple who helped us out before and after the wedding.
Thank you Lord for bringing awesome people to our lives.
You are great!
Every Blessing that YOU poured out...turns back to Praise...!
Saturday, June 6, 2009
First wedding anniversary!
We celebrate our first year wedding anniversary today. Praise God that through all these years He's been faithful to us as husband and wife. We've been through a lot of ups and down in our married life but still the vow we had on our wedding was like a bell that keep on ringing every time we felt frustrated to each other.
There were down moment when I have to remind myself that I chooses this and there's no turning back. hahahaha! I give God my deepest gratitude because I know that through Him my marriage will be good.
Thank you Lord for all your blessings!
Every Blessing that YOU poured out...turns back to Praise...!
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Crazy...but...Fulfilling!
It was my first time to attend to two crying kids at the same time. So crazy... reason that during dinner time I had two cups of strong coffee to keep me going. hahaha. And during bed time the coffee got into my system and I was not able to sleep for a long time (poor me.)
It was indeed crazy but very fulfilling knowing those families who just lived in the street and they have no home and food is really a big problem to them reason that they snip solvent to avoid the need of food.... were able to come and experienced all the good things. The kids we were tending were all malnourished with big eyes, big tummies, and has diarrhea... oh goodness!
The food was buffet: so picture in your mind all these people getting a mountain full of food on their plates and try to get more after the first plate. To them it was a feast... if they could only eat today for the need of food for the other day... they would probably do.
We, the staff of MERCY MINISTRY stayed at the tent to give way of the families whom of the first time in their life experience a comfortable sleep at the cabin, with a nice bed and comforting sheets and pillows. We were uncomfortable... its hard to get sleep, but thinking of the families sleeping nicely makes it worth.
The owner of the camp did an amazing job too by understanding the people we minister. The rule of the camp was not to get food morethan you could eat... but these people get more than we expected and of course means more left overs, but the owner just smile at them and lovingly told us to remind them to get little anyways they can always go back to get more.
We come home sleepy and tired but happy and satisfied!
Every Blessing that YOU poured out...turns back to Praise...!
Monday, May 25, 2009
VISA: denied
The Lord my God will someday make things possible in His time. He will show people who doesnt believe in Him how blessed we are who depend on Him alone.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, the testing of your faith produces perseverance." - James 1:2-3
Every Blessing that YOU poured out...turns back to Praise...!
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Isn't it Ironic! (poor but rich!)
I was born in a family whose means of living is through rice planting or what we called "farmers". Seeing my family (I mean my Dad's side) toiling was hard for me and to me its means we a poor. A reason why I really strive hard to finish my studies because i don't want to be a farmer. When I was a child I used to dream that one day I will get rich and I will help my family and the homeless children. Someday I will help pay my grand parents debt and we will live happy. It didn't happen! until....
I came to know Jesus in my heart, and received/accept Him as my Lord and Saviour, and through His Words I became rich through faith.
Before with out Jesus in my life, riding an airplane and going to places here and abroad was just a dream... nothing but a dream. Now, that I have Jesus in my life I know that I am rich through faith and the dream that I have before come to completion. A year after I accepted Christ in my life God brought me to Bangkok, Thailand year 2000 and have brought me to some other places too here in the Philippines. And this year 2009 God brought me to Macau. But year 2003 I was invited by a friend to go to Chicago but I was not able to because I was not ready yet. But my friend had invested with that already by paying my visa application to no avail but we both believe that one day God will brought me there.
On July 25 will be her wedding day and.... we are invited! This is impossible... we have no means to be able to go there. But last Friday amidst of financial crisis and a lot of must paid due bills we were able to pay for our visa application. We say we don't have the means to pay or spend more because we have nothing to spend anymore. But every need we have after Friday was met because I know that I am rich in faith through Christ Jesus!
Every Blessing that YOU poured out...turns back to Praise...!
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Hearts desire!
From the Inside out
A thousand times I've failed
Still Your mercy remains And should I stumble again
I'm caught in Your grace
Everlasting
Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending
Your glory goes beyond all fame
Your will above all else
My purpose remains
The art of losing myself
In bringing You praise
Everlasting
Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending
Your glory goes beyond all fame
In my heart and my soul
Lord I give You control
Consume me from the inside out
Lord let justice and praise
Become my embrace
To love you from the inside out
Everlasting
Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending
Your glory goes beyond all fame
And the cry of my heart
Is to bring You praise
From the inside out
Lord my soul cries out
Friday, May 8, 2009
100 truths
100 truths tag
001. Name → Carmel Tisado Suarez
002. Nickname(s)→ Carmel
004. Zodiac sign → none (sorry)
005. Male or female → Female
006. Elementary → Balocawe Elementary School
008. High School → Abuyog Academy High School
009. College School → Philippine Christian University
010. Hair color → Black
011. Long or short → short
012. Loud or Quiet → Quiet and loud (depends)
013. Jumpers or Jeans → Jeans
014. Phone or Camera → Phone
015. Health freak → not really
016. Drink or Smoke? → drink ofcourse (water and juice)
017. Do you have a crush on someone? → yes ! my hubby
018. Eat or Drink →both.. but actually more on eating. (hahaha)
019. Piercings → my ears... and would like to have some on my tongue
020. Tattoos → none! not a fan.
021. Social or Anti-Social → both.
022. Righty or Lefty → righty
FIRSTS:
023. First piercing → when i was a little girl.
024. First best friend → Martin (childhood)
025. First award → deserving Honor (Grade One)
026. First crush → Efren my school mate (elementary)
027. First relationship → Joel is the name
028. First pet → cats and dogs
029. First big vacation → Baclaran
030. First big birthday → First year college
032. First Surgery → 2008 (2nd day)
033. First sport you joined → dont know. i think none
034. Orange or Apple juice → orange juice
035. Rock or Rap → mix of both
036. Country or Screamo → country
037. NSYNC or Backstreet boys → both
038. Britney spears or Christina Aguilera → Christina
039. Night or Day → both
040. Sun or Moon → both
041. TV or Internet → internet
042. Playstation or Xbox → play station
043. Kiss or hug → both
044. Iguana or turtle → dont know
045. Spider or bee → dont know
046. Fall or spring → both
047. Limewire or iTunes → none
048. Soccer or baseball → both
CURRENTLY:
049. Eating → wish i dont eat alot
050. Drinking → none
051. Excitement Level → average
052. I’m about to → attend a bridal shower
053. Listening to → hubby's rants
054. Plans for today → go home and just be home.
055. Waiting for → everything to be over
056. Energy Level → mixed
057. Thinking of someone → hubby to stop ranting.
YOUR FUTURE:
058. Want kids? → yes!!!!!!
059. Want to get married? → already
060. When? → June 06, 2008
061. How many kids do you want → 4
062. Any name on the mind → a lot (can't figure yet)
063. What did you want to be when you were little → A hotel Manager
064. Careers in mind → victorious missionary
065. Mellow future or wild → a mix of mellow future and wild
066. Something you would never try → cant think of something now
067. When do you want to die → God only knows
(WHICH IS BETTER IN THE BOY/GIRL YOU LIKE?
068. Lips or eyes → both (kissable lips and he has funny eyes. hahaha)
069. Romantic or Funny → both (but more funny than romantic)
070. Shorter or taller → taller and skinny
071. Protective or Caring → both (sometimes annoying.)
072. Romantic or spontaneous → both
073. Nice stomach or nice arms → hahahaha. very skinny. but just love him just the same.
074. Sensitive or loud → sensitive and loud
075. Hook-up or relationship → relationship
076. Trouble maker or hesitant → neither
077. Muscular or Normal → normal
078. Kissed a stranger → nope
079. Broken a bone → nope
HAVE YOU EVER:
080. Lost glasses/contacts → not yet ( dont wear those)
081. Ran away from home → yup! when I was young and crazy
082. Held a gun/knife for self defense → nope... but a pen. hahaha
083. Killed somebody → no!
084. Broke someone’s heart → I dont know
085. Been arrested → no... and hopefully never
087. Cried when someone died → oh yes.
088. Liked a friend more than a friend → yes
DO YOU BELIEVE IN:
089. Yourself → ofcourse! specially when i am angry
090. Miracles → definitely yes
091. Love at first sight → nope.
092. Heaven → absolutely
093. Santa Claus → no
094. Tooth Fairy → no
095. Kiss on the first date → yes.
096. Angels → definitely!
ANSWER TRUTHFULLY:
097. Is there one person you want to be with right now → none but my husband.
098. Are you seriously happy with where you are in life → yes...yes...yes!
099. Do you believe in God → dont know what to do without HIM!
100. Post as 100 truths and tag 20 people- I'm tagging anyone who would like to have this.
THANK YOU te raks FOR THIS TAG. I REALLY AHD FUN DOING IT!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Prized!
Thursday, April 9, 2009
saddend!
Our laptop wifi is not working... so its means that I can't update or do things with my computer specially those I need to do with internet. Our laptop is still considered new since its only 6 months old. I am frustrated. Hubby will going to bring it back to the store where we bought it. Goodness, I just hope and pray they can still fix it.
Sorry can't EC drop that much. I'm in a vacation mood still... hahaha! (this week only) but I will be soooo supper busy next week! Hubby and I will be heading down south 12 hours drive to do mission work which we called it touch trip for a week!
I will get back to you guys as soon I am free and available again.
Please pray for us!
Thursday, April 2, 2009
TT-Hope
* I have a huge HOPE that the Lord will grant us the desire of our hearts as we delight ourselves in HIM. I am hoping that Hubby and I will be granted a US visa as we are desiring to attend our friends wedding this coming July 2009 in Chicago, Illinois . The possibilities as we see it is very very thin for us to be granted but we know that our God is big enough than those giants of needs we faced and with HIM nothing is impossible.
* I am hopeful that the Lord will be able to give us financial help as we have a lot of expenses to face this month. I hope next time I will be able to write in here all my praises to all our answered prayers. I know GOD is able!
* I am hoping that we will be able to pay for our house rent and pay also our mission trip contribute. (just cant say no to the mission trip because we need to be there coz we have a very important role.) I am hoping that we will be able to give financial help to my Dad.
May the Lord bless me/us and you!
Please pray with us and for us!
we need: money for visa application, house rent, mission trip contribution, friends outing contribution, extended family in need help.
Questions to answer...
Questions of the Week #52
1. What are you grateful for today?– I'm grateful for the beautiful morning I had today!
2. Do you form your own opinions of others before you ever get the chance to meet them in person?
– it depends on the conversation we have.
3. What would be your personalized, or vanity, license plate?
-EST18 - my name's initials and birthdate.
4. What’s the best thing about the village/town/city you live in?
– It's close to the office where we work.
5. Have you ever been a victim of prejudice?
-hahahaha! is all I can say.
6. What is your ideal vacation?
-Spending a vacation with close friends whenever, wherever and whatever.
7. Does someone else’s routine force you to create your own?
-Yes, whatever is agreed by my team.
8. Are you planning any pranks for April Fool’s Day?
-I have none, sorry!.
9. What has been your biggest coincidence?
- I believed that God destined everything.
10. What do you have to say for yourself?
-I am RICH through God's grace!
'Te Rocks thank you!
Every Blessing that YOU poured out...turns back to Praise...!
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
I am a book giveaway winner!


Thanks kuya Kevin for this huge privilege, for choosing me as a winner of your bloggers, win my book . May the Lord bless you more.
so to all blogger out there and would like to avail his free and empowering book just visit his website or click any of the links here or the picture.
Every Blessing that YOU poured out...turns back to Praise...!
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Wordless Wednesday!
TT-prasing God for He is good!

Last tuesday night was my third Bible Study with the girls and there were only four who showed up but mostly they were ten. But nevertheless I did not thought of canceling it because in spite of a busy and tiring day my spirit would still like to do it. So, when we were doing it and discussing Genesis chapter three which in NIV version its entitled as "the fall of man". It is a hard chapter kind of to teach but I use the simplest words and examples plus testimonies so that the girls could understand. And to my surprised the girls were opening up themselves to me... their struggles and stuff... and tonight I even have a counseling to one of them.
To be a leader is quite scary if you do it your own but knowing God is there with you who would be against us anyway?!
I praise God for He is good and will always be.
I thank ate Rocks and Lynn for this.
Every Blessing that YOU poured out...turns back to Praise...!
Sunday, March 22, 2009
P. Blogger!
Ate Raquel pass this award to me and though I feel that I dont deserved this too because I sometimes neglect my blogging for the reasons that I became busy and if i'm not... our internet connection fails. But she is just very nice.
Thank you te Rocks!
Now, the rules said I should pass this to fellow bloggers who i think deserve it too and to follow such rules I'm gonna give this to :
Abelle - I love visiting and reading as well her post... they are funny and interesting. It made me smile!
Gila - though I dont know really what she is posting on her blog because its written in her own language. But she always visit my blog and somehow I felt like were friends. hope we are though.
And to everybody who would like to grab this. Its all yours too!
Have a beautiful Sunday everyone!
Every Blessing that YOU poured out...turns back to Praise...!
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
A glimps of Macau
Thank you Lord
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Friendship Award!
I got this Let’s be Friends Award below from Abelle and I am so thankful to her. It took a while to post this though too because of busy schedule and down internet access. thanks to smartbro. hahaha!, but I never forget wonderful things like this.
The rule says to pass it along to eight people and tell why you chose them, so here goes.
Rocks - for being an extraordinaire kind of person and friend. I got into blogging because of all her encouragement and help.
Abelle - for always being so nice and friendly. I tagged you again. but you don't need to get this again anyways... just wanted to tell you are you really appreciated.
Lyla - for always dropping by to say hello!
Glenda - another wonderful person I met here.
Lisa - for being nice and wonderful.
And for all who visits my blog. Just get this! You deserve this because you are all wonderful and nice and friendly. I would love to tag you all... but I am too lazy busy. Sorry!
Hope you all are doing the greatest!
Friday, March 6, 2009
An Interview with Rick Warren (REMEMBER, HE WROTE 'PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE')
I got this from a friend and thought if would also inspire others!
You will enjoy the new insights that Rick Warren has, with his wife now having cancer and him having 'wealth' from the book sales. This is an absolutely incredible short interview with Rick Warren, 'Purpose Driven Life ' author and pastor of Saddleback Church in California
In the interview by Paul Bradshaw with Rick Warren, Rick said:
People ask me, What is the purpose of life?
And I respond: In a nutshell, life is preparation for eternity. We were not made to last forever, and God wants us to be with Him in Heaven.
One day my heart is going to stop, and that will be the end of my body-- but not the end of me. I may live 60 to 100 years on earth, but I am going to spend trillions of years in eternity. This is the warm-up act - the dress rehearsal. God wants us to practice on earth what we will do forever in eternity.
We were made by God and for God, and until you figure that out, life isn't going to make sense.
Life is a series of problems: Either you are in one now, you're just coming out of one, or you're getting ready to go into another one. The reason for this is that God is more interested in your character than your comfort; God is more interested in making your life holy than He is in making your life happy.
We can be reasonably happy here on earth, but that's not the goal of life. The goal is to grow in character, in Christ likeness. This past year has been the greatest year of my life but also the toughest, with my wife, Kay, getting cancer.
I used to think that life was hills and valleys - you go through a dark time, then you go to the mountaintop, back and forth. I don't believe that anymore. Rather than life being hills and valleys, I believe that it's kind of like two rails on a railroad track, and at all times you have something good and something bad in your life. No matter how good things are in your life, there is always something bad that needs to be worked on. And no matter how bad things are in your life, there is always something good you can thank God for.
You can focus on your purposes, or you can focus on your problems: If you focus on your problems, you're going into self-centeredness, which is my problem, my issues, my pain.' But one of the easiest ways to get rid of pain is to get your focus off yourself and onto God and others.
We discovered quickly that in spite of the prayers of hundreds of thousands of people, God was not going to heal Kay or make it easy for her- It has been very difficult for her, and yet God has strengthened her character, given her a ministry of helping other people, given her a testimony, drawn her closer to Him and to people.
You have to learn to deal with both the good and the bad of life.
Actually, sometimes learning to deal with the good is harder. For instance, this past year, all of a sudden, when the book sold 15 million copies, it made me instantly very wealthy. It also brought a lot of notoriety that I had never had to deal with before. I don't think God gives you money or notoriety for your own ego or for you to live a life of ease.
So I began to ask God what He wanted me to do with this money, notoriety and influence. He gave me two different passages that helped me decide what to do, II Corinthians 9 and Psalm 72.
First, in spite of all the money coming in, we would not change our lifestyle one bit.. We made no major purchases.
Second, about midway through last year, I stopped taking a salary from the church.
Third, we set up foundations to fund an initiative we call The Peace Plan to plant churches, equip leaders, assist the poor, care for the sick, and educate the next generation.
Fourth, I added up all that the church had paid me in the 24 years since I started the church, and I gave it all back. It was liberating to be able to serve God for free.
We need to ask ourselves: Am I going to live for possessions? Popularity? Am I going to be driven by pressures? Guilt? Bitterness? Materialism? Or am I going to be driven by God's purposes (for my life)?
When I get up in the morning, I sit on the side of my bed and say, God, if I don't get anything else done today, I want to know You more and love You better. God didn't put me on earth just to fulfill a to-do list. He's more interested in what I am than what I do. That's why we're called human beings, not human doings.
Happy moments, PRAISE GOD.
Difficult moments, SEEK GOD.
Quiet moments, WORSHIP GOD.
Painful moments, TRUST GOD.
Every moment, THANK GOD.
If you do not pass it on, nothing will happen. But it will just be nice to pass it on to a friend...just like I have done.
God's Blessings?
Think of ways to encourage one another to outbursts of love and good deeds. Hebrews 10:24
Every Blessing that YOU poured out...turns back to Praise...!