"Don't Let Your Hearts Be Troubled"

Working nightshift at this correction facility I've been in for nine years, it is expected that we see inmates who feel ill at night, time to time. It's hard sometimes as we don't have a doctor on board. We can consult an on-call physician if we need to.



So, one easy-going night can turn chaotic just like that, depending on requests received from different units whose inmates are requesting to be seen by the medical staff. Some are real, and some have fake complaints.



One night, I received a call from one of the units and this man was complaining of chest pain that just wouldn't go away after dinner. Escorted by the deputy, I saw the big man came through the double door. I motioned for him to go through a particular door that led to the clinic so I could start assessing him and start taking his vital signs. I had a small brown bottle of nitroglycerin nearby if I needed to give it depending on my assessment. So, as I was taking his blood pressure reading, I started asking him.


"How bad was your pain and where is it located?"


Inmate: "Really bad, ma'am. I can't sleep. It started after dinner. Right here. [while he started moving his right arm up and down pointing from the front of neck down to mid-abdomen where the stomach is located]."


"What did you have for dinner? Was there anything new that you might have eaten or anything irritable like too spicy kind of food?" [All the vital signs were normal at this time]...


Inmate: "Come to think of it, yes, I did have a lot of coffee."


"Hmmm....Did you have any history of heartburn or any problem with stomach from the past?"


Inmate: thinking for a while, "yes."


"I'm glad you said that because I see it from your chart that you do have a history of taking a pill specifically for heartburn. I know that it's not a heart problem now but more of your heartburn."


Inmate: "I'm sorry ma'am. I just didn't know what it was. I thought it was chest pain."


"That's okay. If you don't request to be seen, then we will never find out. That's why we're here is to help you with those kinds of things. Let me ask you further, if I may. Was there anything that happened in your unit or something today that might have precipitated to your stomach ache?"


Inmate: "What do you mean, ma'am?"


"I'm just saying that it's not only irritable foods that might give you an ache, but also any form of worrying or anxiety, like if someone was threatening you, I want to know, so I can have the custody staff help you in that aspect. Maybe have you be moved to another cell if needed."


Inmate: "Ma'am....paused....long sigh....You're right....I went to court this morning. I was so scared because I didn't know what the sentence would be like. I didn't want to be incarcerated for a very long time and so, I was worried the whole time until I saw the judge. We just started with the trial so I don't know the result yet." [I gave him a concoction of 3 kinds of liquid medicine that would help with his stomach pain at this time].


"Sir, that's understandable. To not know the outcome. But no amount of medications can help you not unless you help yourself first. Try to relax and just take it, one trial at a time. If you feel like you need something to help you calm down or sleep, you can ask for us to see you again or you can let me know now so I can get you the appropriate help that you need."


Inmate:appearing more relaxed at this time, "I feel better now. I think I want to go back to my unit now. Thank you so much, nurse."


"You're welcome and I hope that you will always feel better. Relax...Don't forget."

The haggard face gave me a smile back.



Are you like this person, feeling anxious for any uncertainties in your life? Worrying about the future? Scared about how you would come up with the mortgage payment now that the interest rate had gone higher? Fearful of not having enough income to pay for your bills? Worried about your failing health? Anxious about the future of your marriage? Worried about your children who are not heeding your advices? I can go on and on...



The problem with that inmate was not from something that he ate but "from what's eating him up."



We all have an on-call "Physician", too Who we can call on 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. He knows our needs and He can surely help what's ailing us. Hand over the storms in your life to the Hands Who will calm them for you.



Matthew 6:25 -""Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?



Matthew 6:27 -"Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life ?"


James 1:2 -"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds"



Psalm 94:19 -"When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul."



1 Peter 5:7 -"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."

The Potter's Clay

Sunday night, my son sat down to start with the book project he needs to finish for Language Arts. He finished the book report and then, he was supposed to make a doll depicting the character in his story.

Putting out his clay materials, plastic knife, aluminum foil and other things on the table, he sat down and I marvelled as the clay started taking its form. He was deeply concentrated as he pulled a wad of a particular colored clay and delicately, his hands applied it to the desired shape he wanted.

I started taking pictures. Watching him reminded me of how much love our Potter had poured in creating us after His own image. Here are the pictures:

Lord, You are our "Potter" and we are the "clay". What right do we have to question what You do? "Change our hearts, oh God, so we can be like You."

Reaching for Hope

Heard over the radio: "Unit 8 nurse, we got a mandown."

Medical: "Nurses en route."

2 pairs of hurried steps echoed all throughout the hallways from the clinic to Unit 8. A big bag with emergency kits was strapped over one shoulder of my co-worker. My hands were carrying an O2 Sat monitor [gadget that detects O2 saturation in the blood and checks the pulse], as my own teal stethoscope dangles around my neck. Unmindful of the weight of the radio hidden in my scrub uniform's left pocket.

The metal door opened and a waft of cold breeze hit both of us. We didn't get a chance to get the particular inmate's medical records. The deputies motioned us to enter an opened metal door housing the "downed"inmate. He wasn't responding, according to the other inmates housed with him in that particular unit. They got concerned and called the deputies.

A heavy-set man was lying on his back, with opened eyes that had a fixed stare. His skin was very cold, clammy and very diaphoretic. He was motionless, as his right arm seemed a little bit contracted. This life mingling with other inmates a while ago, now rested on both my co-worker's and my hands. To both of us, he was not just an "inmate." He was one of us, loved the same by our God, whose life was now in imminent danger. We had to make a quick yet accurate decision with our interventions as we felt like we were losing him. The other inmates laying on their own beds had their eyes glued to us as this drama began to unfold.

Noting that he was wearing a "yellow band" that medical staff put if they have a history of heart problems or diabetes, I noticed he was diabetic and has a history of hypertension. While my co-worker attempted to start an IV, I decided to check his blood sugar level. It was "31", a very low reading.

I found the small, orange plastic box that housed the small syringe with glucagon or sugar in it that I could inject to his muscle to make his blood sugar rise. With quick hands, I was praying softly in my head, "Lord, help us to do Your will. Guide us with Your wisdom and protect this precious life." I gave a shot to his right thigh.

The other nurse unsuccessfully found a vein as they all seemed to have collapsed. I checked the other vital signs, blood pressure was normal high and pulse was okay at 59-60 beats per minute. His respiration was not labored though slow and seemed to be shallow. I reached for another shot of "sugar" as we were not able to give the intravenous form. I aimed for the right deltoid muscle of the arm this time.

The wait seemed to be forever, as every minute passed by and we waited for the ambulance to come. It felt like everything was on a standstill. 10 minutes after the second shot I gave, miraculously, the man started talking and was revived. His contracted right arm started reaching for his blanket and he was answering appropriately to the other nurse's questions as if he just woke up from a dream. Accucheck went up to "55", still low but that's a lot better than the other reading. He sat up, thankful when he found out what we did to help him. [No! Thank You Lord for giving this man another chance!].

My co-worker and I sighed with a big relief! Our stiff and tensed faces were able to relax more and smiled as we kept on reassuring the man. That man's life needed the hope of being revived physically but I started wondering if that life remained dead with his inherited sins and desperately needed the spiritual renewal that Jesus offers to everyone who would humble themselves before Him and accept Him as Lord and Savior...

Life is not easy in the jail. Some of these incarcerated people are deprived of God's knowledge, of His love, of His grace. How many of them are feeling hopeless inside those tiny, cramped cells? How can they reach out their hand if there was no source of light?

They are physically alive but remain spiritually dead, just like how we, born-again Christians once were. They need a rebirth, a new life in their spirit, like what we had received.

If you find yourself in a dark place with others, you could be representing that light that God reflects. Sometimes, that's all they need is to know that there is hope....through you...from God, the Source of Hope and Restoration. May God shine upon us so we can shine and be able to be seen by those reaching hands all around us.

Psalm 62:5 -"My soul, wait in silence for God only,For my hope is from Him."


Psalm 146:5 -"How blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob,Whose hope is in the LORD his God"

Romans 5:5 -"and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us"

1 Timothy 4:10 -"For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers."

1 Peter 1:3 -"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead."

You Are The One

You Are The One

You are the One Who changed my heart

You are the One Who made me whole

You are the One Who saved me

You are the One Who gave me life

And You, my Lord, You are the One [2x]

Who died for me...

You are the One Who comforted me

You are the One Who filled me up

You are the One Who set me free

You are the One Who loves me faithfully

And You, Jesus, You are the One [2x]

Who found a lost soul like me...

And You, my Lord, You are the One

And You, Jesus, You are the One

Who died for lost souls like me...

You're the One.....

-RRRS 11/02/06

Remember the "Titan" [No...Not the Movie]

I've been coughing since Thursday [from my sinus allergy]. So, I didn't feel like eating something heavy for dinner. Plus, I'm tired since I work weekend nights. I just made some "miso soup" and warmed up a piece of bread.

"Daddy!", my son yelled through the cracked open patio door. "Would you like some hotdog sandwich for dinner?"

My husband answered, "Okay, I think I'll have some. Thanks for asking." He returned to the slightly sloped soil in the backyard as he pulled some unwanted weeds and put some new mulch around the trees and other plants. My husband loves to do things around the house on days that he's off. I thank God for that.

"God is good. God is great. Thank You for the food and all the blessings. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

That's our family's prayer before we eat anything. I started sipping a tablespoon of my hot soup and took a small bite from the warmed-up bread. My son opened his mouth and as he attempted to take his first bite with the hotdog sandwich that he just made, I stopped him and asked him if we forgot anything.

Without answering, he slowly got up and went downstairs. Opened the patio door again and hollered, "Daddy! We're about to eat! Are you done? You wanna' eat with us now?"

I heard my husband, "No! Not yet! Thank you!" And kept on working with his chore.

When my son came back upstairs and sat next to me, I had shared that spiritually, we must also not forget our "Father" in heaven. That it's very important to remember Him not only when we are facing any trials but most of all, when we are enjoying the blessings that He always bestows on us. What a great feeling it would be to remember Him always:

-when we are overjoyed after bouts of feeling the lowest or mourning

- when we are healed with our pains or illnesses or we manage to be strong inspite of whatever weakens us

- when we are triumphant after life's failures

- when we conquered that highest mountain after getting lost in the valley

"God is good! And He is truly great! Thank You Lord for all the blessings You give us."

The soup never tasted better and I saw my son enjoying the hotdog sandwich with the mustard and ketchup. We smiled and looked at each other and with our hearts talking, [as we enjoy that special moment] saying : "Yes, Lord, it's good to remember You, the "Titan", Jehovah Jireh, Who is our Giant Giver of all things." Thank You Lord!"

Exodus 20:12 -""Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you."

Deuteronomy 5:16 -""Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the LORD your God is giving you."

Psalm 22:23 -"You who fear the LORD, praise him! All you descendants of Jacob, honor him! Revere him, all you descendants of Israel!"

Psalm 50:23 -"He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me, and he prepares the way so that I may show him the salvation of God."

We Are Christ's Ambassadors

I slowly pressed down on the gas pedal. Smokes like the kind you see from a movie poured out of my nostrils and ears. The car in front of me was only going 60-65 mph on a 70mph zone. I looked at the illuminated speedometer, I started accelerating more. Only a hairbreadth gap maybe between us, this car still would not merge into the slower lanes. Even worse, I have this car behind me now that was getting impatient. But no! the car in front of me just wouldn't get out of our ways!



Have you read that story about the "tortoise and the hare" race? It just doesn't make sense for a slow car and a fast car to be together in the same lane, in the same pathway, in the same road, in the same freeway....



"Okay, you wouldn't let me and the car behind me pass you up, then I will, " as more smokes came out of my nostrils. As I moved up ahead and had gotten so close to that car's bumper, I slowly merged into the third lane from the fourth lane. The car behind me turned on his spotlight and started flashing his strobe of red lights up on top of that car. My speed went back down similar to that tortoise's pace until my car completely stopped on the emergency side of the road.

How come our mouths don't close on its own if we are giving the lamest excuse?

Me: "Sorry officer. I needed to use the bathroom."

Officer: "Really? You had passed by 2 places where you could have gone. License and registration please?"

Me: Fumbling as I opened the glove compartment to look for the registration card, my backpack Bible stuck out from the upper compartment, gave him my license first.

Officer: How long have you been in this address?

Me: In the area, for 16 years, in my residence, for 6 years.

Officer: "Hmm..I live down the street from where you live."

Me: "waiting for the ticket to be written up now, stay "muted", turned red and heard my own"gulp."

Officer: "Tell you what, you may go but I just wanted to let you know that it was dangerous what you just did." "Be safe always."

Me: redder and stuttering, "I don't know what to tell you but thank you. I just want to be home now."

My husband moved and slightly woke up as he heard my tip toeing on the floor in the bedroom. I told him what happened but that I didn't get a ticket. Not sure if the reason was the officer was wondering if I was a Christian [seeing the Bible] or the nature of my husband and my work that I didn't get the ticket [No! Don't get me wrong! I don't mean for both to be my privilege at that time.]. I kissed him good night. "Daddy, I'm sorry."

As I laid down, I knew I needed to apologize to my Spiritual Daddy, too. He started speaking to my heart:

Me: "Daddy, thank You. Thank You that with my foolish actions, no one got hurt."

Dad: "Have you forgotten what I told you through your brother Paul, that your attitude should be like Mine?" [Philippians 2:5].

Me: "Yes, Daddy. I'm sorry. But that officer didn't give me a ticket. I'm not sure if it was because he saw the Bible and thought of me being Your child?"

Dad: "Yeah. I saw that. Doesn't mean anything that you are My child so he didn't give you a ticket. But I always remind you all, My children, not to keep on sinning after you came to know Me. Have you forgotten that when you became a Christian, you were baptized to become one with Me? For you died and were buried with Me in baptism." [Romans 6:1-4].

Me: "I'm sorry, Daddy. I love you. Good night."

Lord: "Good night, My child. Always remember to be slow to anger like Me [Psalm 103:8]. I had loved you first [1 John 4:19]. Just because My grace had set you free, doesn't mean you can go on sinning [Romans 6:15]. Since you are surrounded by a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, strip off every weight that slows you down, specially the sin that so easily hinders your progress. Run with endurance the race that I had set from start to finish [Hebrews 12:1,2]. Like what the officer told you, just BE SAFE! so you can get home okay."

Readers, this is a hard thing for me to post knowing that my actions last night didn't glorify the Lord. But I must for His glory. There are so many great Christian writers/speakers, but how true are you in putting the words that you write or the words you say into your actions? We are representing Christ so we must be safe, be slow to anger and really take it seriously that we must finish the race He marked for each of us, from start to finish. I'm not proud of my actions at all! Because I forgot that I am Christ's ambassador that people around are watching.

But I'm glad that our God is "faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from every wrong" when we confess our wrongs! [1John 1:9].

The moral story of "The Tortoise and The Hare" is SLOW AND STEADY WINS THE RACE!!! God bless to you all. Glory to God!

The Journal

"Oh wow! This is neat!," exclaimed my visiting friend "Anna" to my son "Kris".



Kris: "I'm glad you liked it. I just wanted to show you that my mom did this for me from the time I was small."


My son proudly handed the journal to "Anna". He knew I made it specially for him. Page by page, it showed how I wrote about his achievements, of the time when he drew the little mice in different colors when he was 3 years old, or the first time he drew a rainbow with crayons with all those thin squiggly lines in red, yellow, purple, green, etc... Page "8" which showed a picture of him I pasted carefully showing how much he enjoyed his first bike and his first ride in the park or the first time he conquered his fear of using his "potty" that I was cheering for him using my pen to make it a part of that journal.

"Anna" turned to this page that showed "Kris's gift" for me on Mother's Day on May 13, 2007. "Anna" wasn't saying much but I saw little beads of tears welled in her eyes, as she tried to focus on that gift and read what was inside:



















But this journal wasn't only for my son. This was for me. How could I forget his "art work" that he immediately drew for me when my husband and I got him some "gel pens" in different colors for the first time?

How could I forget that excitement in his eyes when he removed the pens' caps and took the "stick note" nearby and wanted me to leave his room. He said that he wanted to be left alone so he could concentrate on his "art work".

Few minutes later, ten little fingers opened the door in his room slowly. This little child of mine came out and handed me a "green stick note, " as he pressed his lips on my cheek and gave me a "bear hug."


I don't have the right words to express nor write what his "art work" meant for me:

Up there, our only God is keeping a journal, too called the "Book of Life." We can be a part of His journal only by first accepting Him into our hearts. I'm eager to see and hear from my "Daddy" the journal He is keeping for me. I hope and pray that the pages will show that I am living this life to please no one but only Him.

I hope one page will show the "Father's Day Card" I drew and wrote "I love you Daddy" using the different colors of my life doing His will.

I made a "green stick note", too for Him and had drawn a little rainbow, [like how my son did it in his note]. I wanted to let Him know that the rainbow reminds me of His faithful love.

[Genesis 9:12-13 -"The rainbow that I have put in the sky will be my sign to you and to every living creature on earth. It will remind you that I will keep this promise forever." -CEV].

Yes, I can't wait for my "Daddy to open the Book of Life" and let me in into His house while saying, "You have made me glad! I'm proud of you! Well done, My child!"

So....what would be in His journal He's lovingly recording for you?"

Revelation 3:5 -"He who overcomes will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out his name from the book of life, but will acknowledge his name before my Father and his angels."

Revelation 20:12 -"And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books."

Revelation 20:15 -"If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire."

Revelation 21:27 -"Nothing unclean and no one who does shameful things or tells lies will ever go into it. Only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life will enter the city."

Stain Remover

"Oh, no!!!" I kept staring on the right-side pocket of my white lab coat. The marker I carried with me in that pocket, along with other pens I used for work, must have bled through that pocket without me knowing. The black ink just didn't looked good and marred the appearance of my whitish uniform.

I didn't really feel like buying another lab coat. It was still almost as new. I opened one of the shelves where I kept the "stain remover". I was mumbling softly to myself, "It's gotta' work...C'mon...You better work..." [Good thing there was no one around me. I don't think it looks great if someone sees me talking to myself :) ]... Keeping my faith on that "wonderful stain remover", down to the washer my lab coat went and added a half-scoop of the white laundry powder.

Waiting cycle after cycle of intermittent turning around and being re-rinsed again, I heard the washer stopped. With much anticipation of the outcome, I scooped up the white lab coat and immediately checked to see if the stain was gone on the right side of the pocket. "Yes!", I was rejoicing that I didn't need to buy one. My white lab coat looked renewed, minus that stain.

My mind wandered as I put the lab coat inside the dryer....

"Lord, You are our "stain remover!" If we have faith that You will remove our sins and take away the dark areas in our lives, Your cleansing power works! "It's free!" Our marred life tangled in sins is renewed because You erase those sins. Thank You Lord, the true Stain Remover of our souls!"

Ephesians 2:4-9 -"But God was merciful! We were dead because of our sins, but God loved us so much that He made us alive with Christ, and God's wonderful kindness is what saves you. God raised us from death to life with Christ Jesus, and He has given us a place beside Christ in heaven. God did this so that in the future world He could show how truly good and kind He is to us because of what Christ Jesus has done. You were saved by faith in God, who treats us much better than we deserve. This is God's gift to you, and not anything you have done on your own. It isn't something you have earned, so there is nothing you can brag about." [CEV].

In That Day

On September 25, 2003, I had a dream that I was sitting on a pile of clouds with a little boy [whom I didn't know] trying to comfort that boy and there was a huge Presence [no face, I just felt something next to me but couldn't see anything that seemed to comfort me in return]. The boy and I were looking at a small ball from a distance that looked like our planet Earth, with orange hue all around it [kind of like the picture here] and smokes were billowing from different parts.

I'm writing about this today, no! not to interpret that dream but to let you know of how joyful I am that when we trust in Jesus, we have that security that He gives that no matter what happens all around us, when He returns [the second time around] that it is something to look forward to. I was inspired to write this song the following day. The last part of the song, the Lord had given me a year later.

Isaiah 12:1-2 -"In that day you will sing: "Praise the Lord! He was angry with me, but now He comforts me. See, God has come to save me. I will trust in Him and not be afraid. The Lord God is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation." [Life Application Bible].

In That Day

Lord, despite me feeling low

When the trials seem too much to overcome

But I want the whole world to know

I'll be waiting 'til that time when You come

Chorus:

In that day, I will sing "Hallelujah" to my King

He will come to save me

I will put my trust only in Jesus Christ

He will soothe my pains

And I'll go home with Him

In that day....

Now, my heart is filled with joy

Knowing that You're always there for me

But whatever trial comes my way

I'll find my strength from You when I pray

[repeat Chorus]

He will soothe my pains

And I'll go home with Him....in that day....

No! Not 7 But "8"

After cleaning and making the house spic 'n span [I try...], off to the grocery my son and I went to get a few things. He's going back to school tomorrow. He's such a big help.

When I logged in and started reading some posts, sister Alleluiabelle had tagged me with her latest post! I wasn't sure at first if I wanted to do this, I think I just didn't know if I would come up with eight things. But I want to thank you sister Alleluiabelle for making me a part of it. I think it's a great way to know more about each other and the other bloggers. If you haven't passed by sister Alleluiabelle's blog site, please do so and be blessed with her deep thoughts and heartfelt journey as she humbly serves and seeks the Lord in her ways.

To do this "8 Things" Tag, you just:

- Mention the person who tagged you.

- Complete the list of 8's.

- Tag 8 of your wonderful blogging friends

- Go tell them that you tagged them.

"8" Things I Look Forward To:

1. To "retire" in the Kingdom where my citizenship belongs

2. To have a "godly" leader in all branches of government and other institutions

3. For more people to know about Christ and His gift of salvation

4. For the Lord to lead me where He really wants me so I can serve Him to my fullest capacity

5. For my neck pain [I had a neck injury from work in 1997] to vanish

6. To grow old with my dear husband gracefully as we watch our son grow up and mature

7. To enjoy each day knowing God is always there no matter what trials will come in my way

8. To be able to keep writing for the Lord and composing songs for His glory

"8" Things I Did Yesterday:

1. Woke up late and feeling that we would be late for the fellowship, had devotion with my family

2. After having 2 cups of caffeine, realizing yes, we could make it! [with hubby and son], rushed to get ready for the fellowship that started at 09:30 a.m.

3. Had lunch at Olive Garden. I ate a bowl of salad and almost finished my "Seafood Alfredo"

4. Too hot so I just relaxed with my family up in the loft and started reading a little bit from a new book I got the other day about writing Christian fictions

5. "zzz" - Just had a little nap, with the book almost falling on my face

6. Made coffee [decaf] for dinner. That was all I had because I ate too much for lunch. I love this decaf medium roast coffee from Ikea

7. Pulled a little bit of little weeds that grew through the cracks on the side yard

8. Blogged and read others' because they encourage me until my eyelids felt heavy

"8" Shows I Watch:

I'm not really much of a tv fanatic. I'm spending more time in the computer or playing with my guitar or reading the Bible and other books. But I do enjoy it so much when I visit my best friend and we watch shows at their house like:

1. American Idol

2. The Bachelor/ Bachelorette [if on]

3. CSI

4. Jeopardy

5. News

6. Movies [whatever good ones are showing]

7. Make over shows

8. Foodnetwork

"8" Bloggers Tagged:

Instead of mentioning my favorite bloggers [as I have a lot!], I welcome you instead, yes, "you" who's reading it right now and please feel free to join and be tagged by "me" because I want to know more about you.

Thank you for passing by and God bless all of you...Thanks again sister Alleluiabelle. This was fun.

Deceiving Look [The Blue Box]

Psalm 103:6 -"The LORD works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed."

Psalm 140:12 -"I know that the LORD secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy."

Luke 18:17 -"And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off?"

I received a nice gift box from my husband the other day. He said there was no reason for that but "just because..." No! It wasn't my birthday yet.

I stripped the nice ribbon slowly and opened the nice box, taking a peek with much anticipation and thrill. To my surprise! There was a rotten egg inside the box. It wasn't even funny. I got upset! Why would he do that? He said, "I don't know..."as he started scratching his head. My heart just sank when he said that. "How could you not know the reason before putting that egg inside that box?," I asked him in disbelief.

Looks can be deceiving. The nice gift box that I thought would have a nice surprise inside contained something that was "rotting".

Dear friends, the above event was only imaginary... But I was upset when I read this particular "true" story from sister Andrea's blog. Please check out her post about the "Blue Box" if you have an extra time.

The 11 year old boy who has dyslexia was punished by the teacher by putting him behind that "blue box" that seemed nice on the outside. This was done in front of the whole class and he was put on "silent lunch" and no recess for 2 days. When that boy's parents confronted the school, no reason was given up to this writing time why that punishment was done.

Like my imaginary story of opening a nice gift box and finding a "rotten egg" inside, this boy must have felt like that [rotten inside] because of this kind of harsh treatment. None of us will understand the kind of humiliation he had to endure. None of us will ever imagine what hurtful and damaging thoughts were going on in his mind. None of us will ever know the pain his heart was feeling.

Look at how it looked like behind that nice blue box:

When his parents brought him to the doctor, in tears, the boy told the doctor, "I am just retarded. There is no hope for me."

Dyslexia in psychology is a developmental disability in reading or spelling but it is not an intellectual disability. That boy doesn't have an incapacitated mental state! He might have difficulty reading or hearing but he has a mind that understands! But whether that boy has dyslexia or not and God knows how many other children were treated to sit behind that blue box, this is an act that is detrimental to these children's well-being.

As most of you already know about this, please continue lifting this family and that this form of punishment should be stopped. Pray that the boy's parents would get an answer to why the school resorted to this form of punishment. Most of all, pray for the boy, Colton, to be restored by the healing touch of our dear Lord.

Let the boy's words "There is no hope for me..." echo in your hearts so that we can continue to petition for him until our prayers are answered that "there is hope Colton...there is..." God bless.

Let the Spirit of the Lord

"I'll see you at our Human Resources. Bring your Union Rep with you."

Those were the words of this particular manager in a hospital where a dear friend of mine has been working for over 10 years. Not because I am her friend that's why I'm defending her, but it's even harder that I'm her friend yet I can't do anything to help her out except to lift her up in my prayers. Being a nurse like her, I knew in my heart that she didn't do anything wrong and that she saved someone's life. That's our job is to be an advocate for our patients, even if our actions will be against doctors' orders, in order for us to protect the patients' health status and provide them a safe, nurturing environment.

Last month, there was a patient with subarachnoid bleeding [bleeding in the brain]. His blood pressure started going higher and he constantly complained of unrelieved headache. The neurosurgeon had an order the day before to discharge this patient that morning, when Anna [my friend] took over from the night shift nurse to care for this patient.

She immediately called the Pain Team and had asked to evaluate the patient's need for pain relief. When the patient's pain subsided, she placed one phone call after another to the neurosurgeon's answering service [3x at least] to make him aware about the patient's change in his health status. But the doctor never called her back. The last time that she called, the answering service told her to hold the patient's discharge until the doctor was able to call her back.

With everything that had occurred, Anna wrote it in her nurse's notes. She had written an order for the doctor [which the doctor can sign later] to hold the patient's discharge.

When the other [medical] doctor came, he was the one who ordered for a CT scan [special x-ray that shows better results than an ordinary x-ray]. The result showed that the patient continued to bleed. That explained why he was having headache still.

The neurosurgeon showed up the following day, upset and wanted to know who the nurse was because within the nurse's scope of care, nurses can't write an order for the doctor without talking to them. The nurse manager added to this building up emotional displeasure [I say this was an "ego at its best!"].

The nurse manager decided to bring Anna to Human Resources because she felt that she violated that scope of care.

I could see if Anna had written an order for a medication that was lethal or some intervention that hurt the patient. She actually saved the patient's life and actually saved that doctor's improper lack of care as he hasn't responded to the calls placed to his answering service at a time when the patient was undergoing a change in his status. The patient ended up being hospitalized for a few more days. The whole time, the nurse manager told her bigger boss about Anna "writing the order without the doctor's knowledge" but didn't really give the whole picture of what precipitated her action.

Despite all the mixed emotions of fear, confusion, being angry about an accusation that has no basis at all, and feeling harassed, I knew that God would protect her when we started praying together and to God's hands, she placed all those emotions.

Nothing happened when her manager brought her to Human Resources. She was telling me that though it was expected that the Management would not say anything against their managers, they had a look like this case should not have been brought up to their desk.

There are so many injustices in this world. Even us, as Christians, sometimes, we wish for a quick judgment and destruction on wicked people. We forget that God is always merciful, slow to anger, always with unfailing love. He is just.

"Jonah got upset when the people of Nineveh came into mourning and repentance when he warned them, as he was sent by the Lord for He wanted this "great city" to be saved. He was so upset that he went to the east side of the city and made a shelter to sit under and waited to see if anything would happen to Nineveh and its people."

God made a leafy plant to grow to protect him from the heat of the sun. The next day, He prepared a worm that ate the stem so the plant died and Jonah grew faint and wished to die when the sun got so hot. "Death is better than this!," exclaimed Jonah. When God asked him if it was right for him to be angry because the plant died, Jonah replied, "Yes, even angry enough to die."

The Lord said, "You feel sorry about the plant, though you did nothing to put it there. And a plant is only, at best, short lived. But Nineveh has more than 120,000 people living in spiritual darkness, not to mention all the animals. Shouldn't I feel sorry for such a great city?" [Jonah 4:1-10; Life Application Bible].

We can only hope for the Lord's actions on things. Though our hearts might feel heavy with the evilness that surround us, we must allow Him to do His part in finishing the work that He started in each of us. When we feel like quitting, spiritually drained out, bruised, beaten, remember that we can accomplish everything "only by His might and grace"....

I wrote this song on 8/7/03. As I got transferred from one detention center to another one. I felt heavy because I didn't want to get out of my comfort zone. Until I let go and "let God..."

Spirit of Lord

Lord, how can I go on?
How can I do Your will
Without backing out on my own?
It's hard, Oh Lord,
I cry for everyone
Who does not follow Your plans

Chorus:

Spirit of Lord, come and fill our hearts
Let Your love overflow and guide us
Spirit of Lord, come and live in us
Let Your Works shine
Glory is Yours always, Spirit of Lord...

Lord, sometimes I don't understand
But I want Your will
So give me the strength
It's hard, Oh Lord
But I wanna' be a servant to Your plans

[repeat Chorus]...

rrrs 8/7/03 1109 hrs.

Sisterhood Award

Are you like me, who started blogging and was not really sure why but just to do something for the Lord? Hoping that many who don't know Who "Jesus Christ" is, will happen to read your blog and know more about His love and gift of salvation?

Little did I know, aside from that purpose, I didn't have a clue that I would get to meet a lot of brothers and sisters in Christ in a very short amount of time. Through that brotherhood, sisterhood unity, I just got more inspired in doing what I wanted to do for the Lord. I just felt that "kind of unity" that comes from the Lord and how blessed I am right now to have that opportunity to know a lot of you.

The other day, sister Alleluiabelle had passed on this "Sisterhood Award.". Thank you sister Alleluiabelle for sharing that with me. It's not so much about receiving recognitions and awards, but it's the love that you feel when you receive those that came with it that truly touches me. If you haven't gone by sister Alleluiabelle's blog site, please do so. You will be encouraged by her writing because you will feel her humble spirit who is after God in all of her ways.

Colossians 3:14 -"And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."

God's blessings work by us, sharing it with others, instead of keeping it to ourselves. I would like to share this award with you ["sorry guys! :)]..., if you're reading this site now. That's what I feel...is that I love you all with the love that comes from the Lord. It's a pleasure to meet you and know that we are One in Spirit! God bless all of you!

["If I could speak in any language in heaven or on earth but didn't love others, I would only be making meaningless noise like a loud gong or a clanging cymbal. If I had the gift of prophecy and if I knew all the mysteries of the future and knew everything about everything, but didn't love others, what good would I be? And if I had the gift of faith so that I could speak to a mountain an dmake it move, without love I would be no good to anybody. If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it but if I didn't love others, I would be of no value whatsoever..." -1Corinthians 13:1-3; Life Application Bible].

Thank You Lord

Operator: "9-1-1 Emergency?"

Me: "Yes, we need someone now as my husband and I can't control my son's nosebleeding."

Operator: "I'll send help right away, Ma'am!"

Me: "[nervously speaking].....Yes, thank you so much!"





Our bedroom was almost empty. All of our things were already placed in a rented storage at this time. The date was June 10, 2003. We were about to move to another new house.

My son has a history of allergic rhinitis. The doctor had given him a nasal spray few weeks prior to this incident to help him breathe. For a while, it was helping him not to have swollen nasal membranes.

Before dawn, my son got up and sleepily said, "Mom, my nose is bleeding..." My husband heard it, too so he got up to get some paper towels. As we turned on the light, we were shocked to see how much he was bleeding from the nose. It was like a faucet that was running continuously.


Despite my knowledge of nursing, I was enveloped with fear. Trying to be calm, I instructed him to put pressure on his nose as I instructed my husband to get a cold pack. 15 minutes later, he was still bleeding....And that was when I placed that phone call to 911 services.

As the operator hung up, feeling desperate to control that bleeding, my husband and I looked at each other feeling each other's pain gnawing deep inside our hearts. To see our son in that state, we were just dumbfounded! That desperation led me to think, "Wait a minute! I haven't called this special 9-1-1 services that is also open 24/7".

I took my husband's hand, knelt down and bowed our heads. We started to pray...

"Ding-dong..." Three tall firemen were by our front door, dressed up in dark blue uniforms. One of them was carrying a heavy bag full of emergency supplies. I saw the firetruck with its flashing lights flooding our street. As I let them in to the room where my son was, my son who was tired putting pressure on his nose by then, looked up and said, "Mom, I'm not bleeding anymore..."

I didn't know what to tell these firemen. All I knew was that our prayers were answered! Deep in my heart as I was apologizing to them, I was praising God! They gave a pat to my husband and my shoulders and said, "It's okay. Glad that your son is okay now!"

The following day, I wanted to praise the Lord and He inspired me to write this song. My son making his own chocolate-chip pancake added, "I wanted to thank Him, too, Mom. Thank You Lord for healing me. Thank You, You're always there for me..." I wanted to thank the Lord and yet, He was the One Who gave me the song and the lyrics through my son that we can offer back to Him. How great is our God!!!

Thank You Lord

It doesn't matter what we do
It doesn't matter where we are
When we bow down and call our God
He's always there for us

Whenever you are feeling weak
And you think there's no way
But the Lord when we seek
He'll surely find a way

CHORUS:

Thank You Lord for Your gift of love
And all the blessings that come from up above
Thank You Lord for healing me
Thank You Lord, You're always there....for me....

Whenever you are hungry
Just eat the Bread of Life
Oh come and taste that His Words
Are sweeter than honey

Whenever you are in the dark
And you keep on falling
Just let the Light of the World
Brighten your way...

CHORUS:

Thank You Lord for Your gift of love
And all the blessings that come from up above
Thank You Lord for setting me free
Thank You Lord, for Your love and.........mercy.....

-rrrs/jks 07/09/04

Friendship?

Ecclesiastes 4:10: -"If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!"




My teenage son was asking me a few days ago if he could invite a friend over. Though I knew who the friend was, he hasn't really been over our house and my husband and I haven't met his parents.

Being on his Spring break for another week, I was torn between just us going out and doing things together [spending quality time so to speak] vs. him inviting his friend. But because my son had been studying hard, I decided to let him do so and let him relax and have a good time with his friend...

So, he placed a phone call to that specific friend and before they hung up with each other, I overheard my son, "Yeah, let's have our moms talk to each other before you come over."

I can't tell you how proud I was of my son and that friend for being responsible despite their age, and for the respect they both had shown to us, their parents. 5 minutes later, my cell phone rang and it was K's mom. First, it was an awkward conversation since we didn't know each other, so I decided to introduce a little bit about myself and my husband. She did the same with me after that. All of a sudden, there was just a weird feeling like we were comfortable though we had not met each other. So, she said she would bring her son the following day.

The palm trees were swaying back and forth as they were being rocked by the gusts of wind in our front yard. A white big truck parked in front of the curb and out came, K and his mom. My son and I were waiting at the door and we both hollered, "Good morning."

I invited Mrs. K. and showed her around the house, showed her some family pics and offered her to sit down. She started telling me she was a cancer survivor and through that, when she was feeling left alone by everyone even her best friend, that was when she came to know Christ! She is a teacher here in our district.

We had talked a little bit but I could tell, we were more comfortable now that we had met each other in person. The 2 boys had a great time playing together. I asked them, "What do you guys think happened that you both were just comfortable with each other yet you only have 1 class where you both go together?" Both of them said, they had the same interests, my son in designing cars and the other boy in designing airplanes, etc. etc...

I was trying to not interrupt the boys' answers, because before I even asked them that question, I already had a fixed answer in my mind...I blurted it out, "you both are brothers in Christ and that's why your friendship is neat because God had brought you together." My son goes, "thank You, Lord." K said, "Amen!"

When the night came and I was reflecting about us meeting this family, my heart was speaking with the Lord, saying, "To think that I almost didn't allow my son to invite his friend, not only that I, myself, would have missed out meeting a sister in Christ, Lord, I almost missed out on an answered prayer."

You see, during some of my own devotions, I always pray for my son for the Lord to always guide and protect him and most of all, give him Christian friends."...

"Lord, mighty are Your works! Thank You for Your friendship. It's not about finding true friends...It's about being one...."

Sponge Bob

[Image from markgorman.wordpress.com].

[Sponge Bob cartoon created by Stephen Hillenburg]

I was still half concious and woke up to a soft "aaaaaaaahhhhhh". My son just turned on the tv and I saw this square sponge cartoon flipping burgers.

Lots of kids adore this character. Where can you find a "cute sponge" who works in a restaurant, flipping the best burger and whose recipe"Plankton" tried to steal in many failed attempts?" The restaurant owned by "Mr. Krabs" who just loves "money!money!"

Sponge Bob has a starfish "Patrick" for his best friend. The show projecting "Patrick" as dumb in his ways as starfishes don't have brains.

As we live our Christian lives, I believe we must be careful with everything that attracts our interests. If we are not careful, it is so easy to have our minds polluted with worldly things and such things do not help in aiding with our spiritual walk with the Lord.

I told my son that I do have an obligation to share the Lord and His ways with him. With our daily devotions, I tell him how important it is to start and end the day with the Lord. There is no wisdom that can aid us with our spiritual walk, none better than His Word. Man's wisdom is just foolishness to the Lord. What's foolish to us, the Lord can use in mighty ways when He chooses to.

My son smiled, turned off the tv and grabbed his devotion book. I heard him whispered, "I'm sorry Lord."

Oh Lord, help us to be like Sponge Bob....like a "sponge" ready to absorb Your Word daily. May the words of our mouths and the thoughts of our hearts be pleasing to You today oh Lord. Help us to trust in You, and not with our own understanding. We commit all of our ways to You Lord for we know that when we do, You help our paths smooth.

Lord help us see things through Your eyes. For Your ways and thoughts are higher than ours. Please remove anything that is hindering our walks with You Lord.

Thank You for Your love, Your wisdom, Your grace and mercy. Thank You for always being with us as we battle in choosing the right road to take. Thank You for being our Shepherd Who loves us so much though we don't deserve that. Thank You for rescuing us when we are lost, afraid, confused, angry, miserable, in pain and weak. I love You Lord, yet thank You for loving me first.

Lord, I pray for many who don't know Your gift of salvation. That when they happen to peek at your blogging children's sites, may their hearts be open, their eyes able to see and their ears able to hear. May they come to absorb Your gift of forgiveness and offer of a personal relationship as they read our posts Lord. It's all about You...In Jesus' Name. Amen.

The Gardener

The Gardener

There was a gardener busy tending in the garden

Started pruning bushes and one of them complained

"Why did you cut my thick branches when I tried to grow?"

"And a lot of foliage sprung and you just had to prune them, too?"

The gardener replied, "Sorry but I had to prune

the thick branches will soon make you fall."

"If I don't cut carefully

Your roots will be uplifted and you'll drop to the ground."

"I am trimming you the way I want you to be"

"I don't want you to be so thick, I want the foliage with just the right amount"

"I don't want you to grow so tall, I want you to be strong"

"I am your gardener and you will understand"

"One day when you're rich with the life's experiences,

You will understand why I have to cut your branches."

The gardener moved into another location

Hired by another, thinking about promotion

But the promotion never came, to his dismay

Started asking God, "Why, oh why didn't You help me at all?"

And God answered, "Do you remember son?"

"When you spoke to the bush and you tried to make him understand?"

"That when you pruned him, you had better reasons than what he was thinking"

"You wanted him to be his best by cutting his branches?"

"I am your Gardener, I hope you will understand"

"That I didn't mean to make your life full of trials"

"For every suffering, you will grow wiser"

"For every breaking of your heart, you will grow stronger"

"Someday, you will understand"

"When you're full of life's experiences you will not get mad"

"That I pruned you the way you pruned that plant"

"Someday, you'll be a proud bush in my own garden, I hope you understand..."

rrrs 5/8/00

Son and Mommy's Song 4 Jesus

Back in 2003, my family and I were busy putting away things into boxes and later stored them in the storage space that we rented. We were in the process of moving into another house. It was a very tedious process yet, the three of us were very excited. We knew there was a great reward after that hard labor - a new house or a new place.

Just like our life's journey, still not easy even if we had accepted Jesus into our hearts. The hard work does not end. There are always trials but He is going through those trials with us.
And when this journey is over, there is a nice reward at the end - His promise of an everlasting life.

As we were storing things into boxes, I got stuck writing the song and asked my son if he wanted to add something. This song was very special to me because not only my son gave his input, but it was a special time for us to "sing a new song to the Lord" Who is the "Giver of all good gifts." Thank You Lord for everything!





Son and Mommy's Song for Jesus

I thought that I won't need anyone
But my life has long been gone
Jesus, thank You for finding me
Your love fills me up completely

Chorus:

May Your love on me grow
For all people to know
Don't want to be lost again
Help me be strong against all sins


Thank You for dying on the cross
But on the third day You rose
My life with You won't be the same
Right path I'm walking on today

jks/rrrs 06/07/03 1755 hrs.

Spiritual Surgery

"Scalpel please..." "Okay, here we go! I'm cutting the tissue now carefully." The surgeon adeptly cut the tissue layer by layer, aided with a small microscope- like gadget on one of his eyes. He pulled the bright light up on his head and made it shine toward that particular area he was working on.

The patient's arthritic hip was slowly exposed until the problem area of that particular joint was visible to the surgeon's eye. He finally hit his target that he needed to replace with a metal kind of joint, to give that patient a new life; from disability to being enable to walk again without too much pain and stiffness on that joint.

That was 20 something years ago. I thought I was going to pass out with what I was witnessing, being new in the field of Nursing. I was one of those avid students who volunteered to see the actions inside an operating room and learn more of what truly happens there prior to nurses caring for the patients after their surgery. To see the tissues pried open until the bone was exposed and some bleeding controlled with the sponges and some arteries or veins cauterized, if needed to prevent further bleeding, was a new experience for me and those students. My nausea was replaced with the hunger to learn, to understand the disease and treatment process, and to know the interventions much later post-operatively.

Back into the recovery area, the patient slowly woke up after the effects of anesthesia started wearing off. The nurse made sure that he was fully alert and oriented and gave something for pain. Once able to breathe on own and more alert, he was given a couple of ice chips to moisten his oral cavity. He didn't see what the surgeon did to fix that new hip [and I wouldn't discuss it here so as not to offend some :)]. As part of my nursing project, I followed up with that patient until he had his physical therapy. A few days later, the surgical wound was healing and he was walking with a steady gait and normal pace, as if he didn't have a surgery. His face painted with happiness as he regained his freedom to walk without a debilitating hip limiting him before.






We all need that kind of surgery, too! We all need "spiritual surgery"- particulary a surgery of our hearts. For those of you who still don't believe in Jesus, don't think that you can get away with the things you do here on earth. Like that scalpel that cut the tissues to expose the arthritic bone, God's Word does the same.

"For the word of God is full of living power. It is sharper than the sharpest knife, cutting deep into our innermost thoughts and desires.

It exposes us for what we really are.

Nothing in all creation can hide from Him.

Everything is naked and exposed before His eyes.

This is the God to Whom we must explain all that we have done."

-Hebrews 4: 12-13 [Life Application Bible]

If you are feeling limited with your walking in this life's journey, there is still hope if you trust the Master Surgeon. When you trust Him, you will come out like "new" after His surgery. Only Jesus can fix that life of yours which is actually dead- - - dead because of your sins. Only Jesus can give you a new life and I guarantee you, if you let Him do this surgery on you, you will be walking without any problem and that's for eternity.

From Contemporary English Version of the Bible:

Deuteronomy 30:6 -"You and your descendants are stubborn, but the LORD will make you willing to obey him and love him with all your heart and soul, and you will enjoy a long life."

Job 11:13 -"Surrender your heart to God, turn to him in prayer."

Psalm 51:17 -"The way to please you is to feel sorrow deep in our hearts. This is the kind of sacrifice you won't refuse."

Psalm 53:1 -"Only a fool would say, "There is no God!" People like that are worthless! They are heartless and cruel and never do right."

Ezekiel 36:26 -"I will take away your stubborn heart and give you a new heart and a desire to be faithful. You will have only pure thoughts."

The Good News

Father, I pray that You will open the hearts and minds of people who will happen to visit this blog. May they come to know Your love and forgiveness. Lord, thank You that today, Resurrection Sunday, reminds us that we will be in "paradise with you" when we believe in Jesus. Thank You for Your love and mercy. In Jesus' Name. Amen.





Hands raised, sometimes clapping to the powerful lyrics of Christian worship songs, everyone yelled, "He is risen! Indeed!" Our pastor talked about those two criminals crucified with Jesus. While the former deserved it, Jesus didn't. One kept on mocking Jesus, and the other had a change of heart, ending up believing that Jesus was truly the Son of God.

From Life Application Bible:

"One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, "So you're the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself - and us, too, while you're at it!" [Luke 23:39]

"But the other criminal protested, "Don't you fear God even when you are dying? We deserve to die for our evil deeds, but this man hasn't done anything wrong. Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom." And Jesus replied, "I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise." [Luke 23:40-43].

To have that faith in Jesus, even up to the last minute, saved that man's life and granted him an eternal life that replaced his destination of what would have been eternal anguish.

As I sang the worship songs with a joyful heart, part of me was sad for a lot of people still don't know who Jesus is.

Jesus is the reason why I'm writing today. Jesus is the reason why I'm sharing my life's adventures and songs I had written. Jesus is the reason why I know I have to share the "Good News" because I was once arrogant like you, thinking that I can do everything on my own. I don't need anyone. I'm able to provide for myself. I don't need to spend time with God because I know I'm going to heaven anyway because I'm trying to be a "good person" whenever I can.

Friends, don't be fooled by our own foolish wisdom and actions. There is nothing we can do in our own works that will save us and guarantee us that we are going to heaven. Jesus is the only way, the truth and the life. He said, "No one can go to the Father but through Him". [John 14:6].

If you have, even that littlest amount of faith, I pray that God will give you a heart of repentance and realize that you do need Jesus into your hearts. How do you get saved by Jesus and be given an eternal life? If the condition of your heart is willing to accept Jesus as your only Lord and Savior, kindly click on my side bar where it says "Roman Road to Salvation". It will direct you how this road leads to Jesus Christ.

It's great that a lot of people are trying to share the Good News, like my blog, but let's not forget that it is the Lord Who gave His life and without that sacrificial act, there wouldn't be any Good News in the first place."

Hands clapping, up in the air, voices singing and worshipping the only "God Who loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that we who believe in Him will not perish but have eternal life; the God Who did not send His Son into the world to condemn it, but to save it." [John 3:16,17]. C'mon friends, join us and we will have a great celebration "with Him". God bless.

Psalm 98:1,2 -"Sing a new song to the Lord, for he has done wonderful deeds. He has won a mighty victory by his power and holiness. The Lord has announced his victory and has revealed his righteousness to every nation!"

The Good News

How will people know about You?

How will people know Your love is true?

How will they learn that the word is on their mouths

And hearts if only will believe...

Chorus:

How beautiful are the feet of those who bring

The Good News to all the ends of earth

You have done wonderful things for us Lord

And victory is ours when You opened Your arms and gave Your life on the cross

Lots of souls don't know You

Some don't care You're the Son of God

But when they surrender and place their faith in You

The Good News, their hearts will surely know

[repeat Chorus]

-RRRS 12/31/03

I Know

I love 1 Corinthians 15:19. Why? Because it reminds me that if Christ had not been resurrected from the dead, Christians would not be forgiven with their sins or have any hope of eternal life.

Tomorrow is Resurrection Sunday, marking that time when the tomb where Jesus was kept was empty. Jesus was nowhere in the tomb. He had risen! He lives!

From Life Application Bible:

"Early on Sunday morning, as the new day was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to see the tomb. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, because an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and rolled aside the stone and sat on it. His face shone like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. The guards shook with fear when they saw him, and they fell into a dead faint." [Matthew 28:1-4].

"Then the angel spoke to the women, "Don't be afraid!" he said. "I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified." He isn't here! He has been raised from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying. And now, go quickly and tell his disciples he has been raised from the dead, and he is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there. Remember, I have told you." [Matthew 28:5-7].

I wrote this song on 12/3/06 when the wind was so gusty as I was driving, on my way to work. Inside the car, I wasn't even terrified as the words of this song was forming in my mind. That's peace and joy that we can find only in Jesus despite turbulent times.

The same thing today as we celebrate His resurrection. I know that I shouldn't be afraid even of death because He promised "eternal life" to those who will believe in His resurrection. Just like that angel's message, we are not to be afraid because Jesus is not dead! He lives! [Amen!]. And that we are to tell others about this [just as the angel told the women to tell the disciples]. Lord, thank You for Your gift of eternal life!

I Know

I know with You I'm completely new

And I know that Your Word is forever true

I know that You're Lord and Savior of all

And I know, Jesus, You love my soul

CHORUS:

I'm able to stand as You hold my hand

Please draw me nearer to You

You took away all of my fears

Jesus, to me, please be near

I know on the cross You died for all

And I know, what You did is immeasurable

I know, that Your grace and love rained on me

And I know, Jesus, You had set me free

[repeat chorus]

'Cause I know.......You're the only way, the truth and the life. No one can go to the Father but through You [John 14:6]

Jesus, I know....You're the bread of life. Whoever goes to You will not hunger nor thirst [John 6:35]

Jesus, I know....You're the light of the world. Whoever walks with You will not have darkness but have the light of life [John 8:12]

Jesus, I know....You're the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last [Revelation 22:13]

[repeat chorus]

Jesus, I know..........[By God's grace, I am what I am....]

-rrrs 12/3/06

Happy Resurrection Sunday everyone! To God be the glory!

Patience and Contentment

"Hurry! I think they're only open half-day today," I told my son who was needing a haircut. His daddy was running errands and I felt bad if he would still be the one to take our son to the barber shop.

Waiting to be called, my son and I sat on the green, plastic chairs and as he started reading a car magazine, two little boys with their daddy caught my attention.

The first tyke just got done with his haircut and as his father rose from the barber's chair, he started looking at the glass shelves where some baseball cards and little toy cars were neatly arranged to be sold. He started peering at the baseball cards on top and yelled, "I want one now!". The daddy made some suggestion and gave the names on the baseball cards to which the toddler said, "No!" The father carried him on his arms and he started bawling, "I want one daddy! Waaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh," the crying started to fade as the door closed behind them. Everyone was just smiling after witnessing what had just transpired.

Another cute little boy emerged from the other barber's seat. With a little grin on his face, he calmly approached a green chair at the waiting area, as he waited for his daddy to get done with his haircut, too. He got up and like a big man, carefully held a magazine and walked back to where he was sitting, smiling the whole time and as quiet as a mouse. His little fingers were combing his newly-cut locks on the back of his head. He got up again and walked quietly toward the shelf where the magazines were laid out. He closed the magazine he was reading and neatly put it back on top. His daddy got up from the chair and smiling, the little toddler approached his daddy and out they went towards the door. He didn't even ask his father to buy him anything from the shelf. Everyone was smiling again and talking with our eyes, we seemed to agree that this little boy was the complete opposite of the other one. It wasn't the haircut that made him cuter but his gentle, quiet ways in him and that contented smile on his face.

When waiting for our Daddy to answer our requests [prayers], are we impatient like the first tot or are we willing to be calm to patiently wait for His answers? Should we get upset and bawl out when our answers don't get answered? What if our Daddy says:

1. "Okay, you can have it!"

2. "No! I won't give it to you."

3. "Not at this time."

4. "Maybe later."

How do we respond to those answers from the One Who truly knows what's good and bad for us?

Can we keep smiling like that second toddler, not even asking for anything but just contented that he had a haircut like his daddy; that he and his daddy had a great time together that morning?

Father, help us remember that when we learn to become impatient as we wait for our prayers to be answered, we must also learn to trust You, our heavenly Father, for You always have our best interests in mind. Give us a heart that doesn't conform to worldly things but help us set our minds on heavenly things. Help us dear Lord to be contented and be joyful with Your presence in our lives.

Forgive us for the times that when we want something, we tend to turn our backs on You when You don't answer our prayers. Forgive us when we become impatient and when we forget that everything happens in Your perfect time, a time that is completely different from the kind that we have.

Thank You Lord for the times that You carry us in Your arms when we cry for things that we don't even truly need. Thank you for providing us all of our needs. Thank you for making us co-heirs with Christ. Thank You for loving us unconditionally. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

[Contemporary English Version]:

Psalm 27:14 - "Trust the LORD! Be brave and strong and trust the LORD."

Proverbs 14:29 -"It's smart to be patient, but it's stupid to lose your temper."

Romans 12:12 -"Let your hope make you glad. Be patient in time of trouble and never stop praying."

Isaiah 40:31 -" But those who trust the LORD will find new strength. They will be strong like eagles soaring upward on wings; they will walk and run without getting tired."

Jesus is the Shepherd

Isaiah 40:11 -"Like a shepherd He will tend His flock,In His arm He will gather the lambs and carry them in His bosom;He will gently lead the nursing ewes."

Ezekiel 34:12 -"As a shepherd cares for his herd in the day when he is among his scattered sheep, so I will care for My sheep and will deliver them from all the places to which they were scattered on a cloudy and gloomy day."

Matthew 25:32 -"All the nations will be gathered before Him; and He will separate them from one another, as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats."

John 10:11 -"I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep."

John 10:14 -"I am the good shepherd, and I know My own and My own know Me."


John 10:16 -"I have other sheep, which are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will hear My voice; and they will become one flock with one shepherd."

1Peter 5:4 -"And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory."

Jesus is the Shepherd

I was once lost like you, not knowing Christ

Every struggle means pain and I get deeply hurt

But please listen to me and to all the things I say

Jesus is the only life, the truth and the way

How long are you gonna' be lost like a sheep?

For when Christ finds you, you just have to believe

Oh, Jesus is the Shepherd Who will lead us all

Salvation comes from Him and from Him alone

Chorus:

Oh Jesus has so much love

All you need to do is open up your heart

Turn away from all of your sins

And love and joy will grow within

If your life is ever found don't let it go

Stop your wandering, let your faith grow

For Jesus is the Shepherd Who will guide your way

Nothing will go wrong, in your heart He'll stay

[repeat Chorus]

RRRS 07/29/03