Too Good To Be True

Just 3 weeks ago, a very close friend of mine introduced me to her brother's new venture: a cake business. I've been desiring to start a cake business again when I moved back to my hometown. It didn't materialize as planned (yet) because of the money I needed to start the business. In my head, I was planning to buy an oven first, and then buy baking equipment and utensils every payday.

Feeling peaceful, I accepted the business offer. Everything will be financed and provided by my bff's brother. He has his own place where we can bake, and make cakes. We bought ingredients, and all the things we needed for the business to push through. And to top it off, my close friend in church is also a business partner. The 4 of us will be sharing the profit equally. He trained us for additional knowledge for 3-4 days, and everything was just perfect. Everything was going smoothly.

I realized I didn't allow myself to be too excited about it. I was afraid that if I go too excited about it, something might go wrong. The business might not push through. I might not like my business partners eventually. I was afraid that I might lose my home-based job because I have this business in my life now.

Come December 12, I did my devotional, and God gave me a warning and a promise. 

Here is what I posted in my Facebook, "My WARNING for today: Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love. {1 Corinthians 16:13-14}"

Why was it a warning? Because it was God's warning to myself. I tend to think bad things might happen if I become too happy or too excited about something. That every time something good happens to me, there might be bad news later on. So I tend not to be too happy or too excited about everything. It is a warning that I should not think or feel this way, because of God's promise.

It's a promise at the same time.  I have to remember always that God wants to bless me, and wants to make me happy. My heart is for God to be happy all the time, yet I need to remind myself that this is not a one-sided relationship with Him. He also wants me to be happy so I don't have to be afraid of the good things that are happening in my life. I have to be on guard for any lies of the enemy that would tell me otherwise, and be firm in my faith that God is a God who blesses people & that includes me. I have to be strong and be courageous in my job when speaking with people, and with this new business venture. I will do it because I love what I do. God loves me, and that is important to me in my life. 

God is just fulfilling one of His promises in my life. And I remembered a leader's prophetic message to me during my God Encounter Weekend. Here it is:

The cakes we have baked during our training

With my sister-and-friend-in-Christ, Jade (plus the other owners who didn't want to show their faces.. ha-ha-ha!)

Our baking area

"But now, listen to me, Jacob my servant, Israel my chosen one.
The Lord who made you and helps you says:
Do not be afraid, O Jacob, my servant,
O dear Israel, my chosen one.
For I will pour out water to quench your thirst and to irrigate your parched fields.
And I will pour out my Spirit on your descendants, and my blessing on your children.
They will thrive like watered grass, like willows on a riverbank.
Some will proudly claim,'I belong to the Lord.'
Others will say,'I am a descendant of Jacob.'
Some will write the Lord's name on their hands and will take the name of Israel as their own."

Isiah 44:1-5 ~~ one of my God's promises that I received on one of my devotionals, and I believe this business is one of them happening now in my life. 

Hi, I'm Judee and I was a backslider!

Hi, I'm Judee and I was a backslider! How many of us are ready to admit that? Last night, our anniversary was a success! I thanked God that I was part of it all. Had I not decided, I would still be in Cebu right now, still in bondage with the shackles of shame & regret, feeling depressed and miserable. How many backsliders out there are being touched by God again? I stayed away from God for 10 years because I felt very condemned, but I wasted 10 years of my life for that! The enemy have celebrated long enough. I have decided to follow Jesus, that's what matters. It's not about me, it's about God. I want to thank my RIVER LifeSpring Center family & friends because they were able to grasp the real vision of God. When I shared my story, they didn't judge me nor condemned me. They made it sound like it was nothing, what was important was I came back to God. How many backsliders right now are hesitating to take a step forward and follow God again? Don't hesitate! Think of this, a mother who lost her daughter, still kept her daughter's room. The child's bed is still there, her favorite books and toys are still there, it was still ready in case the child is returned to her. Just like the story of the prodigal son, the father was waiting for his son to come back. How both rejoiced when they did come back! You know what? Your own room is still being maintained! You still have a place to go back and stay! The enemy has abducted you for a long time! Go back, God is waiting. You have a special place in your Father's house!

"Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father's home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?" (John 14:1-2)

How many backsliders right now are being touched by God? I know I did! I know someone else who did! Don't be condemned, be convicted! Don't be ashamed, be right with God again! Don't you know? Heavens will rejoice when you are in one again with God. Just take a little step forward. :)

(Luke 15:11-32)

Happy Birthday, Agnel Bon!

Birthdays come and go

Everyone grows up a year ever year

And gifts are opened and thrown.

But I want that my Birthday wishes

Stay with you forever!

So Happy Birthday to someone I hope is my friend even when we're too senile to remember each other's birthdays! 

I'm Crazy!

Photo Not Mine. 

1 Timothy 6:20-21 "Timothy (Judee), guard what God has entrusted you. Avoid godless, foolish discussions with those who oppose you with their so-called knowledge. Some people have wandered from their faith by following such foolishness. May God's grace be with you all."

LET US HOLD ON FAST TO GOD'S WORD no matter how many questions our faith or condemns us because of it. We answer to God only. 😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

Happy 1st Anniversary!

I almost forgot! Happy Anniversary to me! I survived A YEAR OF SINGLEHOOD! I was afraid of being alone, but here I am. 

I have a lot of time for myself, to improve, and to grow. The Lord has been faithful, & for this year I have a bucket list of things to do and learn!

THANK YOU, LORD, FOR MY NEW LIFE!

Pa

When I look at this picture, I thank the Lord for His goodness. He gave me a time to spend time with my papa. I remember our emails, and texts. God has humbled my heart. I forgave my papa, & I was free from all anger and bitterness towards him.

The most important thing is, I have freed him, too. I saw through my dad's sadness and fears and struggles. It must have been harder on him when he had a daughter who misjudged him and couldn't (and wouldn't) understand him. God made sure that I told my dad that I was sorry, and appreciated him months before he died. Thank you, Lord!

Papa belated happy birthday, & I love you very much! I miss you always...again, thank you for everything, Pa.

Keep On Praying!

Yesterday, I cried out to the Lord.
I let junk fill me up these past few weeks, and I can feel them mounting over me.
I was telling Him my frustrations, my "ifs" and "whys".

I have understood how to pray, what to pray, but I just let out everything to God.
Told Him how disappointed I am, all the heaviness that I felt.
I questioned why He was not able to protect me from getting pregnant at an early age, just as He had protected my cousin and my twin sister.
I am already 30 years old, and I felt like I haven't accomplished anything.
I opened my heart to Him, asking for forgiveness because I did not trust Him enough, and I lost the confidence in prayer. I lost confidence in Him.

For the past few weeks, I felt dead inside. I did not feel the fire that have burnt in my heart because I felt disappointed with everything that has happened after I started my relationship with God. There were things that the enemy put in my way, and I have allowed him to do it. The only thing that I was holding on was the promise I made to God, and I remembered how He showed His love for me.

As I did my devotional, what was impressed on me was about prayer. That was the message for me all throughout the day. To continue praying. Pray without ceasing. Keep on asking. I believe the Lord is telling me to continue to pray about my dreams, about my wishes, about my needs & wants. The Lord's plans for me will prevail. All I have to do is humble down, and pray, pray, and pray.

And as I started to pray, I became comforted. I became stronger. I was refreshed.
I again believe in the promises He has for me, and my life.
There are times that we cannot even open our mouths to pray, too tired, too discouraged to even talk to God. It is okay, don't feel condemned.
The walk with God isn't always a bed of roses.
Along the way, you feel weary, discouraged, desperate, frustrated, angry, disappointed.. But still, continue your walk with God. Let us not give up, and PRAY. Prayer helps us in telling God what we feel, how we feel, what we think.
He wants to listen to what we have to say.

I want to share with you the scripture that He lead me to read yesterday.
"And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened." LUKE 11:9-10

"And I remember how You found me,
In that very same place
All my failing surely would've drowned me
But You made a way
You are my freedom
Jesus you're the reason
I'm kneeling again at Your throne
Where would I be without You
Here in my life, here in my life?"

-copied lyrics from the song "Here in My Life" by Hillsong

Before the day ended, I came across Victoria Osteen's post in Facebook, and it was very encouraging. At ll:58PM, God gave me another reminder, another encouragement.

"Today I pray for those who are waiting to see the fulfillment of a dream. I pray that you don’t grow weary but lean into Him and let Him direct your steps!"

On Reset.

On reset... because I have given my life to JESUS.

Whatever my past was, it's just a past now. 

Everything started when I went back from Cebu to Davao.

I have made a decision, not knowing if I can hold on to that decision.

But favor was shown by someone who loved me, who still loves me despite what I have done, what I have been in the past.

It all started with my experience of God's love. He never gave up on me.

He sent people, he used people, he used His words to let me know how much I am loved.

There are a lot I could tell on how God has reached out for me, but I want to post some of the highlights of my year 2013.

I joined the Encounter God Retreat last Sept 20-22, 2013. If you want to know what this is, better ask your Pastors about it. I promise you, it is not just knowing Jesus' love for you, but actually understanding it and experiencing it. A fire will be set in your heart, for sure! :) At this time, you focus on yourself only. Believe me, you better attend one. 

I received a certificate, and believe it or not, a CONGRATULATORY art made by those who were done with the ENCOUNTER GOD RETREAT. I am so blessed and amazed by these young people who at their age, given their life to Christ. Their faith is still so incredible to me, they have become my inspiration to continue my walk with God. They are a challenge to me! 

My journey continued on with the water baptism last Sept 20, 2013. I have been baptized in water before, but now, I have understood the purpose of the water baptism. It is not a simple act of just being submerged in water, but it is an act of promise to God. IT IS A LIFETIME PROMISE of letting GOD in your life, and letting go of your past life. Below is a picture that we have celebrated our new life after the baptism.

My life definitely has not been the same, because after all these, I have found a new perception in life. Yes, I've got to be honest that it is not easy living the life God wants me to in order for me to become totally new, but I am pursuing Him now, not allowing the enemy to bring me down. There are still some struggles, but I am always surprised by God on how I see life now. I am a lot, lot different from how I was before. 

So, I want to end this blog to bring back all the glory to God. Your love has truly made a big impact in my life. Your grace is awesome, Lord... JOHN 3:16 is a truly beautiful, and powerful verse. LET GO, and LET GOD.

JOHN 3:16

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Scandal of Grace (Hillsong United)

With Churchmates

Grace, what have you done?
Murdered for me on that cross
Accused in absence of wrong
My sin washed away in your blood

Too much to make sense of it all
I know that your love breaks my fall
The scandal of grace, you died in my place
So my soul will live

Oh to be like you
(To) Give all I have just to know you
Jesus, there's no one besides you
Forever the hope in my heart

And it's all because of you, Jesus
It's all because of you, Jesus
It's all because of your love
And my soul will live