Because God knows better than I do.. I will wait. :)

I am sharing to you this video that I saw on Miss Thammie's site. In spite of being sleepy and unimaginably tired from work. I can't let this newfound revelation unshared. So I hope that you guys will be moved like I did. Hopefully I could write a more detailed commentary about this video. As of now, I am blessed to stumble on a site wherein it contained the complete poem, so let's just watch and then break free..

"But those who hope in the Lord shall renew their strength, they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:31 NIV

So it seemed that it was cool, for everyone to be in a relationship but me.
So I took matters into my own hands, and ended up with him.
Him who displayed the characteristics of a cheater, a liar, an abuser, & a thief.

So why was I surprised when he broke into my heart?
I called 911, but I was cardiac arrested for aiding and abetting,
Cause it was me who let him in…
Claiming we were “just friends”.
It was already decided for me by the first date, that even if he wasn’t!
I was gonna make him ‘The One’
You know, I was tired of being alone.
And I simply made up in my mind, that it was about that time,

So I decided to drag him along for the ride,
Cause I was always the bridesmaid & never the bride.
A virgin in the physical, but mentally just a grown woman on the corner in heat!
Who was tired of the wait!
So I was gonna make him ‘The One’.
He had a… form of Godliness… but not much.
But hey, hey I can change him! So (honey) I’ll TAKE him, I mean he’s close… enough.
Ready to sell my aorta for a quarter, not knowing the value of its use to me.
Arties so clogged with my will, it blocked His will from flowing through me.
So, I thank Christ that His blood pressure gave this heart an attack,
That flatlined my obscured vision, put me flat on my back
Through my ignorance He sawed,
Through my sternum He sawed & cracked open my chest
To transplant Psalm 51:10
A new heart & a renewed right spirit within!

So now I fully understand,
Better yet I thoroughly comprehend,
How much I need to wait… for You.
See, the bad thing is that I knew he wasn’t you from the beginning..
Cause in the beginning was the Word
And he didn’t even sound or shine like Your Son
Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks,
And all he could whisper was sweet, empty nothings –
Which meant NOTHING.
He couldn’t even pray when I needed him to,
Asking him to fast would be absurd!
So forget about being cleansed & washed with water through the Word…
But I know You..
You were already praying for me.
Even never having met me,
Let me assure you, I will wait for you.

I will no longer date, socialize or communicate with carbon copies of you
To appease my boredom or to quench my thirstiness I have for attention
And short-lived compliments from ‘sorta kindas’.
You know….
He ‘sort kinda’ right, but ‘sorta kinda’ wrong?
His first name LUKE,
His last name WARM.
I, I won’t settle for false companionship
I won’t lay in the embrace of his arms,
Attempting to find some closeness,
But never feeling so far apart cause, I just wanna be held
Cause ”all I gotta do is Say” No!
No more ‘almost sessions’ of ‘almost coming close’
Passing winks & buying drinks,
I’ma, I’ma, I’ma flirt!
Who flirts with the ideology of,
‘Can you just tell me how much I can get away with & still be saved?’
NO more.
I’ll stay in my bed alone, and write poems, about how I will wait for you.
He won’t even come close,
Our fingers won’t even interlock
We won’t even exchange breath
Cause I have thoughts that I’ve ‘saved as’ in a file that God has only equipped you to open.

I will no longer get weighted down,
From so-called friends & family talks,
About the concern for my biological clock
When I serve the Author of Time.
Who is NOT subject to time,
But I’M subject to Him,
He has the ability to STOP, FAST FORWARD, PAUSE, or REWIND at any given time…

So if we could role play,
You would be Abraham & I would be Sara
Or you can be Isaac & I can be Rebecca – a servant’s answered prayer
I am bone of your bone, flesh of your flesh,
Made up of your rib Adam!
And once we meet, like electrons
I will be bound to your nucleus, completely indivisible atom.
We even speak the same math: 1 + 1 + 1 = 3, which really equals 1 if you add Him.
We were all created in His image,
But you have the ability to reflect, project & even detect the Son.
If I were to explain what you looked like,
You would have to look like a star,
A son of the Son..
I would gain energy simply from the light on me.
I would need you , in order to complete my photosynthesis
I await your revelation, but once again from the genesis, I will wait for you.

And I will know you… because when you speak I will be reminded of Solomon’s wisdom,
Your ability to lead will remind me of Moses,
Your faith will remind me of Abraham,
Your confidence in God’s Word will remind me of Daniel,
Your inspiration will remind me of Paul,
Your heart for God will remind me of David,
Your attention to detail will remind me of Noah,
Your integrity will remind me of Joseph,
And your ability to abandon your own will, will remind me of the disciples,
But your ability to love selflessly & unconditionally will remind me of Christ.
But I won’t need to identify you by any special Matthews or any special Marks,
Cause His word will be tatted all over your heart.

And you will know me, and you will find me,
Where… the boldness of Esther meets the warm closeness of Ruth.
Where the hospitality of Lydia is aligned with the submission of Mary,
Which is engulfed in the tears of a praying Hanna.
I will be the one, drenched in Proverbs 31… waiting for you.

But to my Father, my Father who has known me before I was birthed into this earth
Only if you should see fit…
I desire Your will above mine,
So even if you call me to a life of singleness,
My heart is content with YOU – the One who was sent.
YOU are the greatest love story ever told,
The greatest story ever known
You are forever my judge & I’m forever Your witness
And I pray that I’m always found on a mission about my Father’s business
Oh, I will always be Yours!
And I will always wait for You Lord, more than the watchmen wait for the morning
More than the watchmen wait for the morning…

I will wait.

"I will be your confidence.."

For everything that happened for the past 5 days... Questions were asked. Emotions shattered. Up to now, no one can answer all the why, how, what, when of everyone who are affected by this calamity. Yet one thing is sure and it's been said... "I will be your confidence."

In Proverbs 3:25-26 (NIV) "Have NO fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared."

If there is one thing that I am certain, my God is bigger than all this. I will continue to TRUST in His power and glory, for He continues to show that He is Sovereign among them all.

Luke 8:23-25 (ESV)

"And as they sailed he fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water and were in danger. And they went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” And he awoke and rebuked the wind and the raging waves, and they ceased, and there was a calm. He said to them, “Where is your faith?” And they were afraid, and they marveled, saying to one another, “Who then is this, that he commands even winds and water, and they obey him?”

Let's all continue to pray for this country. I pray not just for the country's recovery but I do pray that every nation will continue to reach out to the Master who governs this earth, recognize Him that apart from Him we can do nothing.

Secret Garden

Finally!! (let me hear a round of applause please.. hehehe!) Donna and I were able to finish this Korean series. I for the first time and then Donna, well, for the second time.. hopefully, going for third, then fourth... hahaha! We have finished so many Asian-novelas but I think this is the first-ever series that I would make a review.

But before I state the reasons why I love this Koreanovela, let me give you a bit of synopsis that I got from the internet, as much as possible, I would try my very best not to disclose any spoilers..

"The drama tells the story of Kim Joo Won (Hyun Bin), an arrogant and eccentric CEO who maintains the image of seeming perfection, and Gil Ra Im (Ha Ji Won), a poor and humble stuntwoman whose beauty and body are the object of envy amongst top actresses. Their accidental meeting, when Joo Won mistakes Ra Im for actress Park Chae Rin, marks the beginning of a tense, bickering relationship, through which Joo Won tries to hide a growing attraction to Ra Im that both confuses and disturbs him. To complicate matters further, a strange sequence of events results in them swapping bodies."

I have to say that the complication involving herein is quite similar to a Hollywood movie. But in spite of this, this show caters brand new takes which are far different from other korean novelas that I have seen. I'm afraid elaborating such things would require me to spill a lot of scenes in this series, so I must really be brief and restricted to describe them.

1. A love-pentagon. It was the first time I have seen that there are five characters involved and romantically chained in respect to the other.

2. The supporting casts have their own thing. Naku baka ma-spoiler ako, hehe. Basta it's not the usual scenario that the supporting female lead is out to snatch the lead actor and same with the supporting male lead. It's kind of growing tired that the lead casts' relationship is in threat of the selfishness of the supporting casts. hahaha! Bakit parang may anger ako? hehehe! :D

3. Honoring the marriage bed. Do I have to say more? For a series that is fresh and young, premarital sex is not encouraged; all the more I would like others to watch this.

4. Of course, the scenery, the house of Kim Joo Woon. Just simply breath-taking.

5. And of course how can I forget. Ang super crush kong Koreanong super galing mag-English!!!! I was even asking Donna to rewind his scene when he was conversing in english. Na-amaze talaga kame. hehehe!

So that's it guys, this is a great series for those who want to get giddied up inside again. hehehe! Sabay sabay tayo! "Yikeeeee!!!" :D

BE-YOU-TIFUL

I’ve been meaning to write a blog about this for a long time. I’m just waiting for the right moment to do this, when I say right moment I meant, it means that as I write this blog, it would strike both of us. Yes. You and me.

When I was a kid, I’m very fond of pretty things; pretty clothes, pretty shoes, pretty hairclips, pretty toys, pretty everything. I remember having one of those Barbie dolls that I begged for as a Christmas present. Yung Barbie doll na mahaba ang hair, and it comes with this hairspray that creates pink stars on the hair. It was the coolest thing. I loved that Barbie. Because Barbie is just a pretty thing, more than that, She’s screams PERFECT! Oh boy, heartbeat na lang ang kulang. Hahaha! So as you can see, being born as a girl who has this innate aptitude that we are drawn pretty things, we strive to be like one. We strive to own one. We strive to be just like a perfect someone, someone as perfect as Barbie so people will love us or appreciate us.

I’m not generalizing here. I’m just saying for experience, that growing up, one of the reasons why women don’t feel beautiful is because they kept striving to be looking and acting like someone else. It’s too technical I know but in reality that’s it. It’s being beautiful, in every aspect that really matters.

It’s just sad that sometimes the world has given the word a different meaning. It’s like there were built-in preferences. That men would always choose the one who’s taller than those who lack in height; those who are fair-skinned than the in-born morena; those who have supermodel body than those who are full-figured and voluptuous; It’s what magazines, media, and sad to say, even in our families and friends dictate.

This is why women who has been influenced, poisoned with these kinds of standards are repressed to blossom. If they could only have what others’ have, then they feel beautiful. There will always be comparison from other people and sometimes from within.

I for one had gone through this.

I am part of the women who is far busy comparing myself to others, and even up to now, it's a daily struggle. It started during my younger days at school and even at church. It was basically a difficult situation wherein I reacted two different ways, one is being all-too-defensive about it when I do know that I really have self-esteem issues, the other is simply wallowing myself in self-pity. So I would read self-help books, listen to articles in magazines about feeling good about yourself, yes I would be empowered but only for a short-while.

Here’s why.

I remember back on Friendster days, I posted a profile picture enclosing a caption that says: “I feel beautiful.” An acquaintance (I really wouldn’t say the word “friend” hahaha!) replied to that caption by saying “Ngyeee!” Okaaaay!!! Ikaw na pogi! Hahaha! Maybe it was a joke but for me, I know when a banter implies something, and that banter qualifies as one. But seriously, I wrote that caption for I read once that you have to start telling yourself kind words than bashing yourself in front of the mirror. I’ve read that confidence is the best accessory for you to be beautiful. That’s what planted in my head. So I was really surprised that having that kind of mindset, you can still get misinterpreted.

I’m not saying that what I’ve read is not totally right, I just feel that something is really off. You can’t fake confidence. I realized that I needed something more than just filling my mind that I am beautiful to be able to feel beautiful.

I remembered one quote Pastor Chinkee shared on one of his podcast. It’s a good mantra to live by. It’s true and it’s logical.

WRONG MINDSET LEADS TO WRONG ACTIONS.

Like I said, telling yourself that you’re beautiful is a great habit to practice. But how can we make it long-term? How can we make this feeling last forever? There is a deeper explanation than repeatedly saying those words each day. The sense of security which no one, and nothing could ever give, It’s with Christ.

We have to realize, that because God took the great effort to plan our existence, to wire us according to His purpose and will, to show the perfect kind of love by dying on the cross, then I AM BEAUTIFUL.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. – Psalms 139:14 (NIV)

It’s not the clothes that we buy, but how God clothed us with His grace and passion. It’s not the color that we put on our face, but what God’s wisdom and provision that He adds color to our lives. That if you could see yourself in the mirror right now, God looks at you on a special way, loves you dearly that you are worth shedding of His blood. I am certain that is more than enough. It is not just long-term, but eternal.

I love The Message’s version of this verse:

"Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. He had equal status with God but didn't think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn't claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death—and the worst kind of death at that—a crucifixion." – Philippians 2:5-8

So whenever you feel like you’re not pretty, or lacking something because of the standards that were set into this world, think about such things that happened 2,000 years ago, paint that picture in your head, because how God sees you is far greater than how you see yourself. He has proven that. And we must believe in that, because nothing can snatch us away from that kind of love.

God bless you guys. Feel God's warm embrace each day. <3

(c) tumblr.com

Because I'm a proud sister...

Just sharing this pic from my Donna's blog. I was really happy and excited as she and Buddy Joy are doing the 30 for 30 fashion challenge. Since I'm just cheering from the sidelines, I can't be anymore appreciative and enthusiastic on how they come up with their outfits.

I can still remember the days I was coaching her back then. But all I can say now, she really has the gift. It was now different actually that I ask her fashion advice now. Hahaha. Continue inspiring others with how you dress my dear sister. More importantly, continue to be a reminder, that a good outfit is a great accessory of a woman who is complete in Christ.

(c) donnafresco.blogspot.com

And Divine's Best Dressed for Oscars goes to...

This is really just me trying to persuade you guys that I am still sane and not yet buried with my pile of work, which awaits me tomorrow and the next 14 days if I might be exact. Since Oscars is a big hoopla nowadays, I decided to make a short photoblog for this. As much as I hate to say it. Hindi ko siya napanood!! kasalukuyan akong nakababad sa laptop that time and I didn't get any chance to watch it even on re-runs. Buti na lang andyan si kumpareng google at mareng yahoo. hahaha! They made feel like I'm on the backstage and after-party.

Of course, congratulations to the winners. I didn't get to see Natalie Portman's speech when she came up on stage, but since I've heard so many great reviews for Black Swan, I'm glad she bagged the Best Actress Award. Achievement for such a young actress.

But since we are talking about Oscars, we can't let the best-dressed women pass by. These are just some pics that I saw from yahoo and google, randomly chosen and posted. Some of these pics are graded by fashion critiques really really low low low low.... hehehe! But for me, they're simply winners. :)


Mandy Moore. I think a celebrity site graded her D+ but she's just stunning in this simple gown.

Helen Mirren. Queen na queen talaga dating niya, specially when she spoke French! I was like "ikaw na.. ikaw na talaga ang magaling mag french." hahahaha! But seriously, if I would age just like her, I would really want to look as beautiful as her.

Halle Berry. Yeap, it's Halle Berry. She gave birth and all but she regained her ideal body. I love how the color of her dress complimented her color. And the most compelling thing was, she was proud of it.

Cate Blanchett. I think her gown is simply effortless. You can see the details and that made the dress unique. I love its simplicity. It made her look a few years younger. Making her fresh and radiant. She carried it well don't you think?



Last but not the least, Anne Hathaway. Maybe a lot would say that including her on the list is for formality, but she really dresses high-end couture well. Among all the outfit changes that she had, this is my favorite. She's versatile enough to even carry a tuxedo. Way to go Anne. :)

It's nice to see actors and actresses all glammed up. I just name a few that stole my eye. So who are your best dressed picks?

I am just thankful..

Yes. I am thankful.

Because yesterday, I was able to preach to the Teens and was able to deliver the message that God wants me to deliver. I was really praying that He will guide me since I was preparing on a very limited time. It was the first time that I accepted the task to speak on a very short notice. May I emphasize again the word "very". But evidently, without hesitation, I said Yes! Sobrang grabe talaga grace ni God. It's really proven. It's really not by my might but by His Spirit. I'm just an avenue for His greater blessing which is ready for all. Even if it took longer than I expected, I never really knew that I was speaking for 1 hour!!! hehehe! Pero dama ko kasi ang sakit na sa panga at nakakatuyo na ng lalamunan. hahaha! But then again, very grateful for what God has done.

And for today! I was really craving good food and I got the chance to eat at CPK. I really love the Barbeque Chicken chopped salad something something. hehehe! We stayed there from 11am to 5pm. So imagine na naliligo na ako sa Iced tea and the food just kept on overflowing. hehehe! Thank God for the blessing talaga.

I'm always thankful for each day God gives. Just blogging a lot of bonuses that He gave to my life for the past 48 hours. Yay! Apir!

Lamentations 3:22-23 "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning, great is your faithfulness."

How about you? what are the things that made you thankful today? :)