Please pray for our college classmate and friend, Mykel... That in his sickness, he may know and witness the greatness and the love of God... That he would come to know Him and find the strength, joy, and peace in Him... That He would continue to fight and be strong... That he would see everything in God's perspective... That his family would be strong as well and be a source of his endurance and hope...

...and that God's loving hands would touch Him and the healing waters that flow from His throne would wash away everything that is bad... physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually...

May Mykel's life become a living testimony of God's miracle...

*Mykel: from top row, 2nd grad picture.

I had a simple, yet memorable celebration of my 22nd birthday. ^_^

I'm on leave today, so I was able to hang out with my mom. We went together to the market to buy food for tonight's simple celebration. Then at home, we cooked together (which rarely happens because of our tight schedule in the workplace and in church). We had a huge steamed tilapia for lunch, matched with mixed veggies and mushroom in oyster sauce (ulalala...). Then for the rest of the afternoon, we prepared the fried chicken, the salsa, and the garlic mushroom...

In the evening, my parents joined our Youth Leaders' Fellowship in ICACF Pasig. They had to give us a ride because of all the yummy food that we were going to devour later that night.

Yum-yum-yum!!! Games... dinner... It was a simple, yet memorable night indeed.

Who I am now, where I am, and what I have... I owe it everything to the Lord. His unfailing love and His abounding grace sustained me through the cliffs, valleys, and plateaus of this life’s journey… His unending mercy and faithfulness always bring me back to my feet. His unfathomable greatness strengthens me wherever I go and whatever I do.

What more can I ask for…?

There’s still one more thing…

“One thing I ask of the Lord,

this is what I seek:

that I may dwell in the house of the Lord

all the days of my life,

to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord

and to seek him in his temple.”

I will always ask for more the Lord… more of the Lord to fill my life… more of His light to shine through me… more of revelation and wisdom from Him… more of His Spirit… more of His character… more of His love and compassion for the brethren… These I can receive as I dwell in His presence more and more, as I spend more of my days with Him…

Amidst everything, may I still burn passionately for Him. May I know Him more intimately, just as a sheep knows its shepherd.

Thank you Lord for your 22 years of faithfulness in my life. More of You, Father, in me.

Amen.

Praise God for His goodness and faithfulness in our church for the pass 29 years!

It has been a busy-busy-busy-busy-busy week for most of us... special mention to the creative arts team. hehe. :) Indeed, it was only by God's grace that we were able to accomplish the projects assigned to us...

Most of us slept early... early in the morning. And not to mention kuya PJ and Jay who did not sleep at all from the eve of the anniversary till the actual NIGHT itself!!! 48 hours... And yet, they still looked alive and awake the rest of the evening. They were able to play their part in the choir, in the skit, and in the rest of the post-event chores. Saludo ako sa inyo! Glory to God!!! And I'm sure, there were lots and lots and lots of people that sacrificed their time, their pockets, for the success of this event. The Lord knows you and will greatly reward you in eternity.

Hay... habang ginagawa ko nga ang newsletter last night around 11PM, I was thinking...

"Hindi rin madali itong ginagawa namin... pero, I'm sure, pag hindi na namin ginagawa itong ministry na ito, mamimiss din namin ito. So might as well cherish this very moment..."

And I just continued on with the newsletter with tired eyes and shoulders, yet with a smile in my heart... cherishing every moment.

It is a privilege to be an active part of God's Kingdom. It is an honor to be servants of the King. We don't just get busy and get productive, but we actually do a worship before the Lord. And, what is amazing, the Lord will always teach us somethings right during our tasks. The Lord will suddenly give us an impression or realization and it becomes a learning for us.

Thank you Lord for Your abounding grace and strength! Everything we have, everything we are, we owe it all to You. The least thing we can do is to use it to give You the utmost glory that You deserve...

The joy of the Lord is our strength! May we always have a cheerful heart in everything we do. Amen. :)

You we’re there when I was born

You’re eyes saw my helpless form

As I broke free from that hard shell

My future, my destiny, yet, you couldn’t tell

When I was young and quite a prey

For the beasts that were gone astray

Your wings stretched, your shadows hovered

In your presence, I was safely covered

As I grow up, getting wild and free

You taught me well and let me see

While snuggled for some time in this cozy nest

You brought out from me the very best

Then one day, I was no longer small

All this time, I thought I was still a fur-ball

You brought me to the edge of the cliff

And told me “Now it’s time for you to lift.”

I didn’t know what you were saying

I looked up at you and started asking

“What do you mean, it’s time for me to lift?”

“Trust me,” you said, “It’s about time, I believe”

Then you leaped off the cliff, wings stretched wide

As the air lifted you up, you gracefully glide

High above the sky, you soared up high

Then you returned to me and said, “Now, you try.”

“Wait! Wait! Wait! You must be mistaken!

Counting the months, I’m only seven!”

“No son. You are already eleven.

Now stretch those wings and meet the heavens!”

Reluctantly, I did obey

I could never forget that very day

You carried me off into the air

I was yet to experience my biggest scare

One moment I was on your back

The next moment, I was falling like a sack

I screamed as I picked up speed

A punishment for something wrong I did?

Just when I thought I’ll be dead

You swooped, caught me, and said

“Flap your wings; it’s time to fly!

Be brave, my boy! You shouldn’t cry!”

Once again you brought me up

I braced myself, when in midair you stopped

Again, the free fall of death

As I plummeted, I held my breath

The cycle went on, again and again

Darkness came rolling, covering the heaven

You never gave up, you were so determined

For me to learn to glide in the wind

Your perseverance inspired me

Your courage and strength was the key

To unlock the power hidden within

Of flapping, flying, gliding, and soaring

One more soar, one more drop

My fear would not make you stop

As I fall down I stretched each wing

And before I knew it, I was already soaring!

And just before the sun kiss the sea

You were soaring high together with me!

What joy! What freedom! What fun! What glee!

Bonding above the clouds just you and me.

We owe to our parents who we are today. If not for their selfless love, patience, and devoted prayers, who knows what could have become out of us?

So… thank you mom and dad! You taught us how to soar and fly. We thank God for giving you to us. Mwah!