not only a year older

I was looking for a way  to celebrate another year of my life. I was thinking to reward myself for being stressed out and pressured working so hard. I needed a break or vacation. I deserved a gift or a treat. But what could it be? a new gadget? a pair of new shoes? fashionable clothes? or a salon makeover, perhaps? I know i needed something to make myself feel good for this once-a-year occasion. 

Actually..

A month ago, I was planning to climb a mountain with my friends as a gift to myself for my birthday. Though it was only my second time to climb, my whole system was determined to plan and set everything. I was excited because some of my friends confirmed to my invitation. So, i started setting all the stuffs to make the plan happened. But then 1 week before the set date of our climb, my friends back out. I feel saddened because i really really want to climb. If i could climb solo? i would, but it's not possible because it's too delicate. 

A few days before our supposed to be climb, i received a call from a friend who is a member of a mountaineering group. He was inviting me for an overnight hike the same date. So without a further ado, i said Yes! immediately. I thought it was a great way to celebrate my birthday and a best gift for myself as well. 

So here are some of the sneak peek..

Mount Pico De Loro at Ternate Cavite, Philippines

 

 

 

This is the very reason why i love to travel and explore my beloved country. 

I'll be sharing the other pictures and happenings on my next post.

After the full packed adventure, some realizations and reflections came to me. Yes, It was indeed a wonderful and ecstatic experience. I thought it was the greatest gift for myself this year. But as i was looking to my pictures and reminiscing my experiences, this question came to my mind, "what greater gifts can i received than the ones JESUS has already given me? 

The answer is, "there's no other greater gifts than Life and Salvation I have with JESUS". The Gift of Life and the Assurance of Salvation is the Greatest and Perfect Gift I've ever received in my whole life. 

In John 3:16 it says, "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."

After another year of God's faithfulness in my life, I'm not only a year older but a year wiser and a year stronger. I gained new friends, strengthened relationships and had my faith tested with my experiences. These are simply the only gifts i need to take with me to another year. 

feeling good at 22,

Lhen

Photo Diary : Vacation Bible School 2013

Random. Kids. Teachers. Bible Stories. Lessons. Memory Verse. Food. Fun. Laughter. Joy. Heartfelt smiles. Songs. Dance. Art. Devotion. Volunteers. Pictures. Priceless moments. God is good. Great Provision. Best experiences. 

Vacation Bible School. Sidekicks 2013. 

SHOCKWAVE 2013

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Last March 1, i and some of my co-youth members became part of Shockwave 2013, organized by Open Doors Youth Philippines. This is the annual and global youth prayer mobilization with the aim to simultaneously intercedes for persecuted Christians. The event was entitled "The Secret Meeting". 

The Photos were taken only using my Ipad, so expect some blurred shots. 

 

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The whole event was indeed great and heart-moving. By each activity we felt how it feels to be persecuted. We felt our fellow Brothers and Sisters in Christ who are being persecuted around the world. I really salute this kind of event which brought awareness to everyone and especially with the young ones to pray for the persecuted brothers and sisters around the globe. Another thing, we all reminded that PRAYERS are powerful, we'll never know the effect of our prayers to the people who really needs it. And of course,  never underestimate the Power of Prayer. 

Then after the heartfelt event, we had a little bonding time.

 

And as part of being One with the persecuted...

I wear this wristband in solidarity of my brothers and sisters in Christ who share my faith but not my freedom. I am One with them in Prayer. I am One with them in their suffering. And I am One with them everyday! 

Let's be One with the persecuted. 

Second Home, 27 years.

Last February 17 we celebrated the 27 years of God's faithfulness to our dear Church, Cornerstone Bible  Christian Fellowship. CBCF was originally established on January 11, 1986, however, we traditionally celebrate the Anniversary on the month of Feb. 

   

 So this is what the Sovereign LORD says: "See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who trusts will never be dismayed." Isaiah 28:16

This is my second home and this where i belong. This is where i found my true family in Christ. The place where i learned to love, encourage, respect, to be a leader, a follower, a teacher, and a servant. Serving the Lord in this Church is really an eternal joy for me and my love for this family is for life. 

This year and in the years to come, i know surely God will continue to show us His great faithfulness. 

Happy 27 years CBCF Family.

THANK YOU JESUS.