What would it be like to have Christ within?

To have my voice, but Him speaking
My Steps, but Christ leading
My heart, but His love beating
in me, through me, with me
What’s it like to have Christ on the inside?

To tap His strength when mine expires
or feel the force of heaven’s fires
raging, purging wrong desires
Could Christ become my entire self?

So much Him, so little me
that in my eyes it’s Him they see
What’s it like to a Mary be?
No longer I, but Christ in me.

- Max Lucado

Click here for the complete devotion.

Tuesday Tips: Make the Bible a Bigger Part of Your Life

Reblogged from OMF Literature:

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Make the Bible the first and last thing you read everyday. Most of us reach for our mobile phones first thing in the morning and read a book before we go to sleep. Making the Bible your first and last read everyday will help instill a dependence on God's Word. Make a once a week date with your Bible. Aside from reading it everyday, choose a special day and choose a special place you love, whether it's a quiet coffee shop, a scenic park or an out-of-the-way restaurant. You will bring nothing else except …

Reblogged from OMF Literature:

• 
• 
• 
• 

Make the Bible the first and last thing you read everyday. Most of us reach for our mobile phones first thing in the morning and read a book before we go to sleep. Making the Bible your first and last read everyday will help instill a dependence on God's Word. Make a once a week date with your Bible. Aside from reading it everyday, choose a special day and choose a special place you love, whether it's a quiet coffee shop, a scenic park or an out-of-the-way restaurant. You will bring nothing else except …

If you had access to a time machine, where and when would be the first place you travel to?

Garden of Eden at the beginning of time.

Got a question? You can ask me anything.

What’s your biggest phobia?

Not the biggest but I’m scared of frogs. Haha.

Got a question? You can ask me anything.

How many countries have you traveled to?

I’m not sure. Around 5, I guess. Gosh, that was a very loooong time ago. Haha.

Got a question? You can ask me anything.

If you could only watch one TV show what would it be?

Uhmm, I barely watch TV since we don’t have any in our apartment. But if I have a choice, I’d love to watch Dog Whisperer. =)

Got a question? You can ask me anything.

Balik Tanaw

Wala akong ibang nagawa kundi magbalik tanaw nang una kong makita ang mga larawan sa baba. Nakakatawa pa nga dahil kung hindi pa siguro nilinis ng aking kaibigan ang kanyang mga lumang gamit, malamang ngayon ay hindi ko pa rin alam na may isang pahina sa aming org logbook na naglalaman ng ganito.

I-click ang bawat larawan sa baba kung nais basahin ng mas “malinaw”.

Ang bilis nagbago ng mga pangyayari. Halu-halo ang aking naramdaman. Halong tamis at lungkot. Lungkot nang mapagtanto na ibang-iba na ang kalagayan ko ngayon mula sa araw na iyon. Hindi man sinasadya, parang isinabay ng panahon sa aking paglalakad tungo sa kinabukasan ang tila ay pagbaon ng aking nakaraan. Tamis dahil unti-unting bumalik sa aking alaala kung gaano naging matagumpay ang araw na iyon. At habang binabasa ko ang mga linyang nakasulat sa mga pahina, wala akong ibang kayang banggitin kundi “wow”.

Paano nga ba nangyari lahat ng iyon? Galing pa lamang ako noon sa dengue at bakas pa ang kahinaan sa resistensiya ng katawan pero madaling na isang tabi dahil sa hindi mapigilang takot at kaba. Ngunit nang ibinukas ko ang aking bibig para umawit, pakiramdam ko’y hindi ako ang nasa entablado kundi isang anghel na may malambing at malamig na tinig. Napakaganda. Napakasarap kumanta.

Tinuturing ko itong isa sa mga pinakamahalagang pangyayari sa buhay ko. Salamat. Ang sarap balik-balikan. Ayoko nang kalimutan pa.

JPIA Gives Back: What Better Way to Spend Christmas

It was a rainy Sunday last December 18, 2011 when JPIA UE Manila together with UE Christian Community Program (CCP) led by Rev. Fr. Bernard Martin, SSC and professor adviser Teresa De Jesus expressed the real meaning of Christmas by giving back. Known for the years of service to Tala Leprosarium as one of the partner organizations’ official beneficiaries, this year was not an exception.

The team gathered at 6:30 a.m. at the school gate to set up and organize the activities prepared for the day. Sacks of goods and clothes, some musical instruments and other things were then loaded to the bus. With about 50 people traveling together, the laughter and excitement felt by everyone was almost uncontrollable. However, this was immediately followed by a prayer to accompany the trip and the long day ahead.

JPIA representatives with accounting professors Teresa De Jesus and Gerald Miciano.

Upon arriving at the venue, the team was welcomed by a nurse for a short orientation. Tala Leprosarium, as they were told, is now better known as Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital. It is no longer just a home for Hansen patients but a public hospital offering services to the community as well. In addition, the nurse also enlightened the team especially the first timers about the causes and symptoms of leprosy. She emphasized that leprosy is curable nowadays and that it is nothing to be afraid of. A short while after the orientation, the team attended a mass led by Rev. Fr. Bernard Martin which was then followed by lunch.

The former Tala Leprosarium.

The whole afternoon was dedicated to spend time with the patients – interacting with them and inspiring them with the Christmas message of hope. The team divided into two smaller groups, each visited two wards of Hansen patients with singing of carols, giving of gifts and sharing personal stories. After the Hansen wards, the team as a whole also went to see the children in the hospital.

What better way is there to celebrate Christmas than by sharing? More than the giving itself, it was heartwarming to see patients smile with glow as the team offered not only material things but more importantly the love that they have so longed. And yes, the team didn’t leave without being blessed themselves because by giving they also reaped love in return. After all, we are blessed by God in order that we might be a blessing to others. Have a blessed warm Christmas everyone! :)

The team wearing their big smile after the wonderful experience.

To the sweetest birthday girl. :)

I remember you saying that sometimes you think of me as the Ate because I ‘act’ more mature than you do. Well, here are some reasons why you shouldn’t think that way.

You taught me that real friendship overrides age and distance. You taught me that being a child doesn’t always mean immaturity; sometimes it’s better to be an ignorant child than to pretend to know more than you really do. You taught me to see the beauty even in the simplest things usually taken for granted. You taught me to smile in the midst of what-seems-to-be-endless problems. You taught me that family isn’t always about blood relationships. You taught me so much than you think. Thank you. :)

Again, happy birthday (Ate) Marga! :) We love you. <3

Don’t give up!

You don’t lose when you fall. You lose when you give up.