God's Seal

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But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love

– Psalm 33:18

But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you. – Psalm 39:7

My soul faints with longing for your salvation, but I have put my hope in your word. – Psalm 119:81

I didn’t want to waste the opportunity. Of sharing God’s grace as the newly-incarcerated middle-aged man rested on the exam table. The newly-started IV continuing to drip in that transparent chamber hanging up from the metal pole that went to his vein. I slowly removed the sticky EKG pads and kept helping the other nurse who saw him. Complaining of chest pains that never went away, the nurse determined he was having true chest pains as the EKG returned abnormal. 

“Is it helping?” I asked as I pointed at the oxygen prongs going through each of his nostrils. A yellow aspirin I just handed with very little water prior.

“Yes, Ma’am,” he replied. The words barely let out from his opened mouth as he took a deep breath and tears started welling from the corners of his eyes.

“What’s wrong? Still having chest pain?” I assessed. The other nurse got up, leaving just the two of us behind in the exam room as I reassured her that I wouldn’t leave her patient so she could finish her charting as we waited for the summoned ambulance.

“I’m just afraid…”he uttered, this time, with his words mixed with what I thought were soft sobs.

I let him talked…

“I needed a heart transplant, Ma’am….I might not make it…” he added as he let the withheld tears fall and wet his cheeks. His face etched with lines on his forehead, clearly showing a much older age for what was stated in his medical chart.

I felt a nudging. It wasn’t painful. Coming from my own heart… A nudge sometimes I had struggle with before. Despite what was told…as I believed…That I must share what I knew. After being saved from my own heart cries. 

As I remembered what Spurgeon wrote:

“Quick must be the hand if an impression is to be made upon the wax…”

He was talking about putting a seal while the wax was hot…Otherwise, if allowed to cool off, the seal would be in vain…

There in front of me, this man with a heart softened by his heart cries… I knew He was there watching us…Giving me this eagerness to quickly share anything that he could easily understand… Not because of my mere words but the Truth that needed to be stamped on this man’s life like a wax that just got dropped, able to receive His impression while he has remaining breaths.

“Do you believe in God?” I asked. Surprised to the courage given at that moment. Not caring anymore even if another soul heard. Except…It remained…It was just plainly him and I in that tiny room. Surrounded with gauzes, antibacterial wipes, cotton balls and other medical supplies. As the cursor constantly blinked from the computer nestled on the wooden table.

“Yes, Ma’am…” he quickly acknowledged. 

I sensed I didn’t need to elaborate. His Word always never returned empty...It would accomplish what It desired at that time and would achieve its purpose…

He slowly raised his right arm, careful not to move the left one with the IV. Drying and wiping his tears, he took a deep breath as he continued to listen to what I would say next.

“Then pray…For nothing is impossible with God…”

“Yes…” he replied. As a smile appeared from his haggard face. 

I knew right there…In that unexpected moment… There was hope. This man needed hope more than a heart transplant. 

That’s the Truth…There is always hope whenever the divine Hands set the seal of His sacred love upon a broken man’s heart…If a man’s heart is broken, may it seek the stamp of His grace…

While there’s time…

No acts of pardon are ever passed on the other side of the grave, but pardons are plentiful on earth. Jesus suffered for the sins of all who trust him; so suffered that they can never be condemned, since Jesus was punished in their stead. He that believeth on Jesus hath set to his seal that God is true, and he shall receive God's seal, setting him apart as a choice and chosen spirit. Oh that the seal would fall upon you now, and impress the image of Jesus upon your heart forever! – Charles Spurgeon

Are We Listening?

I was upset…to see a young man who worked as a server in that favorite restaurant my friend and I frequented. This place offered healthy options in their menu. Taking advantage of a beautiful Sunday, I picked up my friend and took her there to make her forget her worries. Even for a few hours. I knew she always enjoyed the drive. As I always took the scenic drive by the beaches. Until I made that familiar turn in that corner where the restaurant was. We were both surprised to see a few parking spots that were usually filled and hard to get on weekdays.

“There’s no one here? No!!!” my friend uttered, not believing the calmness and the small throng of eaters outside that were usually busy and all tables occupied.

healthier quesadilla

the chocolate shake I had

Sipping the remaining delicious chocolate shake I ordered with my food, he walked by and I tried catching his attention.

“Excuse me!” 

“Would it be okay for my friend to get a refill of your passion iced tea?” I specifically asked as my friend requested for me to do so as she needed to do something.

“No problem,” was his quick response, with his steps barely stopping and not wanting to stop by our table it seemed.

Few minutes went by. My friend came back to the table.

“Aww…You didn’t ask for my tea?”

“Of course, I did. But I don’t know what’s taking him a long time,” I replied.

My eyes began to wander. I saw him. The curly haired young man who said there was no problem getting the refill. He never came back. He started taking orders until the line became busy which was not there yet when I asked him.

“He’s right there!” I pointed to my friend, my index finger pointing at his direction. But the finger he wouldn’t be able to see as he wasn’t looking at our direction.

“That’s okay,” my friend said. As she quickly got up, holding her empty frosted glass and went by the cash register where he was. Still…No one was acknowledging her presence. 

Usually, I wouldn’t be upset knowing how busy that place could be. But at that moment, I knew I was feeling the treatment those servers were giving my friend. They were not paying attention. It seemed that guy didn’t even listen to me. Until I saw another young man asked my friend what she needed. And saw him gave her a fresh glass of the iced tea. It was quick…Because he listened…

I turned on the car’s engine and let go of that imminent dangerous “anger”. I wouldn’t let myself ruin this beautiful day. How grateful I was that my friend and I had that wonderful dinner together. Despite the mishap with the service. Suddenly, we were both enjoying the beautiful sunset. I heard the fast wheels of the bikers that came close. The cars stopping by the 4-way stops. The mild coming and going of the ocean waves. I didn’t notice that earlier as I was concentrating on my driving. But at that time, the more I enjoyed the scenery. Because my ears heard…as I paid attention…

the beautiful sunset I would have missed if I didn't pay attention...

ahhh...the cars...people...houses by the beach...the blue waters...

“Thank you so much,” a soft whisper my friend gave to me. But so audible because I was listening…

“You’re always welcome…”

Lots of times, I struggle with many trials. Wondering why God seems far away when I need Him the most. I question, too if He truly listens to my prayers…Then again, can it be me? Who doesn’t listen to what He is trying to tell me? I am busy looking and hearing what goes on with each storm that comes by in my life. Instead of paying attention, trying to listen to His Word that usually guides, comforts, strengthens, and encourages? Or maybe I am too busy to find my own solutions, using my own strength instead of letting Him show me the way to avoid a disaster, or to see the light in those dark areas, or His truth leading me out of the lies I grew up believing?

How about you? Are you and I listening to Him?

"Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.”- John 8:47

My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.- Proverbs 2:1-5

For God speaks in one way, and in two, though man does not perceive it. In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falls on men, while they slumber on their beds. - Job 33:14-15

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God." - Psalm 46:10

Death Is Not The End

Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints. - Psalm 116:15 (ESV)

"Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him." - 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 (NIV)


"Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?"" - John 11:25-26 (NIV)

"For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." - 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (NIV)

“Our cousin said that we can access the camera at the funeral and see it there,” suggested my brother. He called from thousands of miles away to share the news that our uncle, my mother’s first cousin, had passed away from pancreatic cancer. I remembered just talking with him about this disease few days earlier and I had told my brother that this kind of cancer was hard to cure. Most of the time, people diagnosed could die within a short amount of time.

He was the youngest cousin, his age equivalent to some of my older brothers. That instead of my brothers considering him as “an uncle” felt like he was more a brother and a friend to them. My other brother who grew up with him was devastated to hear the news.

I tried accessing the camera from the wake. I saw blurry images yet was able to identify some of familiar faces like a cousin and an aunt. I saw just a glimpse of his casket. Adorned with beautiful white flowers on the bottom. His huge picture with a big smile welcomed everyone paying respect. I couldn’t see his face but appeared like he was just sleeping. As the rest of his family seemed to be talking, some weeping, most with puffy eyebags perhaps from combination of lack of sleep and weeping. I knew some of his siblings must come from other parts of this world.

“I can’t believe it,” my brother added. 

“Kuya Willy is gone…” he ended as he remained silent.

As I returned the phone to its charging receiver, I knew…

How often people forget the truth. Death is not the end of this life. It’s just the beginning of a life that doesn’t end. But Jesus warns…Where do we choose to go? To the fiery end or His Kingdom? And to go to His mansion means we must believe in what Jesus had done. For there’s no other way. And that’s the painful truth…

That all of us must die here now….In order to live…

That such loss is not a loss if we surrender our lives to Jesus…

Every time I hear this song, "Broken Halelujah" by The Afters, I get encouraged no matter what's going on around me. The story behind this song:

 “Broken Hallelujah” is a tender and lyrically rich anthem about praising God in the times when we feel most broken. Inspired by wildfires in Colorado, photos from a friend of flames creeping toward his church urged The Afters to write a song that would minister in times of loss.


“There were times,” Havens recalls, “when we were in tears writing that song.  We opened the book of Job and saw a man who experienced more losses than we could ever fathom. In the midst of all that, he shaved his head and got rid of his clothes so that he had nothing left, and yet he still worshiped God. ‘Broken Hallelujah’ came out of that sense that when we’re broken, the only thing we have is our worship.”

May this song minister to you...

The Strong Gust Of Wind

“We’ll have a meeting in the Pharmacy in a few minutes,” whispered the Supervisor last night as she stood on my left side, making a phone call to summon the other nurse who always worked in a special housing unit across from Infirmary.

Slowly, one by one, the pharmacy was getting filled with bodies whose minds were curious what was going on and anticipating what the meeting would be about. A meeting we never had in a very long time. Curious minds who always thought about negative things were already busy trying to delve into past situations that could, perhaps, contributed to an impending talk.

“Good night everyone,” hollered one LVN whose evening shift was coming to a close.

“Drive carefully,” I replied as I just arrived few minutes earlier to start my 4 hours of work to help out the night crew.

“There were strong gusts of wind all over the road. So many rigs traveling so, ‘Be careful!’” I added.

She wove her right hand and acknowledged the warning and thanked me.

I remembered years ago. In 2006 in fact. When our area had strong, gusty winds. It always came. Here and there. Never had it in a long time. But with this winter weather seeming to be short, alternating hot and cold temps, the gusts were making a visit for the next 4 days. Challenging for those traveling a long distance. Like me. Between my home and workplace.

The form was getting full of signatures as each of us wrote our names to make our presence known in the meeting. The Supervisor, holding one radio on her hand, cleared her throat as the din of whispers and laughter mixed-in and eyes that were talking died down.

“I gathered all of us today to welcome the new nurse and introduce ourselves to her also.” All smiling faces declared their names to the new nurse who seemed to be already enjoying the crew and the ambiance of the challenging workplace.

“I wanted to talk to each one of you to let you know that if there’ s any problem, you can come and talk to me. I don’t want any negative talks going around especially if not true. It’s even worse when you tell someone and that someone tells me. I don’t want anyone making a rumor that “that person or persons are lazy!” No one is lazy in my crew. And that statement reflects on my performance also as your supervisor. You know how hard each one of us work and like what I said, ‘Come and talk with me if there’s any problem. Any situation.’”

Many bowed their heads down. I knew she was right. Of how some loved to start the grapevine and its fruit was sour and rotting. Most of the time, the story was not even true. 

The winds were very strong outside. Yet, we, prison medical staff was facing strong winds of rumor inside the thick walls. I was grateful for this new supervisor. She knew how to face that kind of winds and instead of letting the morale be affected, would confront problems right away. She was never afraid of such winds of gossiping and ill attitudes. 

Back in December 2006, I was getting afraid of the strong winds while driving on dark, unfamiliar roads while on my way to work. Giant tumbleweeds would appear from nowhere, threatening to cross my paths. But with prayers and faith, I found myself safely parked in the gated parking lot. Calm instead of panicking. Courageous instead of being fearful.

For in our life's journeys, we are facing opposing winds. Either we let the winds of evil blow us away or allow the winds of grace and mercy scatter us all around and be established where He wants us to be. To make known His precious gift of forgiveness and love to others who still don't know Jesus. And with Christ, no strong wind of adversity can ever stop God's power residing in the obedient heart whose desire is to share God's goodness and the Good News to those who are not aware of His mercy.

I Know (a song He gave me on 12/3/06)

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 closer 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

(Spoken):

Cause I know...You're the only way, the Truth and the Life... No one can go to the Father but through You...
 Jesus, I know...You're the Bread of Life... Whoever goes to You will not hunger nor thirsts...
 Jesus, I know...You're the Light of the world... Whoever walks with You will not have darkness but have the Light of life...
Jesus, I know... You're the Alpha and Omega...You're the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End...
(repeat Chorus)...Jesus, I know... By God's grace, "I am what I Am..."

Thank You Lord, for helping us overcome any strong gusts of trials in our journeys. Please help us Lord to remember to do things for Your glory. For our lives are not about us but about You. Help us reflect Your Light into the darkness. Thank You Lord for I know that with You, and only with You, we are able to go far, for more miles, despite the gusts of wind. Giving us courage to drive away any fear in our hearts. Thank You Lord.