August is a special month for me because it is the birthday month of two persons I have loved so dearly. My sister, Ding, was born on the 20th of August and my husband, Rey, on the 31st of the same month. My appreciation and thanksgiving to both of them have been so deep and long-lasting. In fact, I have made known to them these feelings in so many words and ways while they were still alive. Somehow, I feel it necessary to let my children and grandchildren know some of the reasons why they were special to me.
August 20, 2010 - A Tribute To My Sister, Ding
Dearest Ding, this humble tribute is so long overdue
To one who was a mother-figure pure and true
Someone from whom we sought guidance and help
Always willing to give time, treasure and self.
Totally committed, unselfish beyond words
Firm and constant as the umbilical cord
That seamless bond which ties siblings from one womb
To be loving, loyal to each other till the tomb.
So patient were you in helping us study
Develop good habits of work in life early
Your discipline for us was of a special tie
That we knew what you meant just by the look in your eye.
Some thought of you so strict in training young minds
As a teacher in school and at home by design
Yet your heart was soft, tender to those who came
For help, service and monetary gain.
It was not your nature to turn a deaf ear
To a pleading voice you allay all fear
You often told us about God and His Grace
We grew up seeing Him in your daily ways.
You stayed close to me at my darkest hour
When my family came to America stripped of all power
The abiding gift of love, concern and provision
You poured lavishly on us without hesitation.
Time and time again you reminded us often
To be alone with the Lord each day as a token
And honor, adore Him with praise and thanksgiving
For His merciful love, protection and blessing.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Thursday, August 26, 2010
PARIS - AT THE LOUVRE - JUNE 29 - 2010
PARIS & THE LOUVRE
June 29, 2010
True to my promise to take every grandchild to Paris and Lourdes as a gift for graduating from Grade VIII, I took Michael, the honoree, to the fascinating City of Light last June. Christian who has excelled in playing the piano deserved a reward so that he came with us along with my son, Bobby and Carla. In June 2003, Diana, my first grandchild, graduated Valedictorian at the Holy Spirit Catholic School in Fremont, California. We both joined a 16-day tour of France, Portugal and Spain. Last year, I took Joshua and Christina, both Grade VIII graduates from St. Ignatius Catholic School and Holy Spirit Catholic School, respectively, to Paris, Lourdes and Lisiuex, France. Tiffany joined us since she won awards in Gymnastics. Can you imagine a 78-year old woman roaming the streets of Paris with three children (12,13 and 14-year old) amid the teeming crowd of tourists, locals, gypsies, bag-snatchers, thieves, gaukers, etc.? To think that we often made use of the Metro (subway) as our means of transport in our visits to the most known tourist attractions in the city. Truly, there is a God Who takes care of us !
The visit to the Louvre is a must for any tourist in Paris since it has one of the most extensive art collections in the world. It is said that if one is to look at a painting, sculpture or any art form just for a few seconds (a studied glance), it would take seven months to view everything at the Louvre. Among its treasures is the famous Mona Lisa with her enigmatic smile painted by Leonardo da Vinci, the Venus de Milo and the sculptured Winged Victory of Samothrace from the 1600's. Several collections of paintings from acclaimed artists, Rembrandt, Reubens,
Van Gogh, Matisse, Dali, to name a few, adorn its walls. Egyptian, Italian and art from many countries abound in many rooms of the Louvre, a repository of man's limitless creativity.
Van Gogh, Matisse, Dali, to name a few, adorn its walls. Egyptian, Italian and art from many countries abound in many rooms of the Louvre, a repository of man's limitless creativity.
The attached picture was taken inside the Glass Pyramid of the Louvre which was designed by Mei Pei and constructed in the more recent 1900's. The Louvre was originally built as a palace by one of France's early kings, King Louis IX. Succeeding members of his dynasty continued to add major art collections and consequently enlarged the palace so that now it occupies enough land space to cover a whole town. It is that huge
I have visited the Louvre for a number of times so that I decided to let Bobby, Carla, Michael and Christian to go about the place principally to view the Mona Lisa and the painting of the Wedding Feast of Cana which is acknowledged as the biggest painting in the Louvre occupying a long wide wall from top to bottom. It took seven years to finish and hangs right in front of the original Mona Lisa across the hall. Besides, I was so drained from the daily hectic itinerary we had been following.
The Glass Pyramid is in the courtyard framed by a huge pond with the dancing waters of several fountains. It houses the receiving and exiting area of musuem visitors. Hence, it is a proverbial beehive! Low rectangular platforms which can serve both as table and bench line some walls. I espied one such platform where a woman was lying down asleep. I was emboldened to follow suit despite the crowd in unstoppable movement around. I felt secure in my anonymity!
As God willed it, I saw a platform undisturbed by any occupant seemingly saying, "This one is for you!" God knew I needed to replenish my energy! I tried to lay flat decently and proper making sure that I wound my purse handles around my arm close to my chest. Then I was off to Dreamland - right at the Louvre! After almost two hours, Michael and Christian woke me up. I opened my eyes and saw the backs of a row of people sitting around me. Feeling so refreshed after the much-needed nap, I just smiled with the funny thought that now I can honestly say,"
" I slept at the Louvre!"
Sunday, August 15, 2010
August 15, 2010 - Assumption of Our Blessed Mother
Today is the Feast of the Assumption of Our Blessed Mother. This is the oldest liturgical feast devoted to our Blessed Mother Mary having been instituted in the 3rdCentury.This honor given to Mary, Mother of God was bestowed on her asserts that, " Mary, the Mother of Jesus, upon the end of her earthly life, was assumed, body and soul, into heaven and there , now, reigns in glory with Her Son."
Our honor of Mary is based on God's significant grace given Her who was to be the Mother of His Son. Do you remember the time a woman told Jesus, "Blessed is the womb that bore you?" and Jesus answered, "Blessed is he who hears my Word and keeps it." Well, Mary, being the first who believed in Him- the first Christian- heard Jesus' Word and kept it alive in Her heart. Hence, She brings everyone to Christ. We venerate Her. So, devotion to Mary inevitably leads to complete worship and adoration of Jesus Christ. Her every act from the care she gave to the Infant Child, watching Him make His first steps to Her suffering with Him on the Via Dolorosa and at the foot of the Cross reasonate for years, nay, ages to come. Her every act flow through limitless time, nourishing and regenerating whoever She touches. She gives us all the unique gift to bend, grow and change in the illuminating light of Christ. She is the beacon of faith for us. She encourages us to have faith, deep, unshakable faith for it is the channel through which we receive God's Grace. Therefore, let us all accept Her gift and be transformed to the true likeness of God upon which we were created.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
August 14, 2010 - Feast of St. Maximillian Kolbe
Today is the Feast of St. Maximilian Kolbe, the Martyr of Auschwitz. He gave true meaning to Jesus' words, "BLESSED IS HE WHO LAYS DOWN HIS LIFE TO A FRIEND."
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
August 11, 2010 - Feast of St. Clare of Assisi
Today is the Feast of St. Clare of Assisi, one of my Guardian Angels and hard-working intercessors in heaven! She has such a listening ear and a willing heart to help that I practically grew up with her, so to speak. Since my elementary school years, I remember my visits to the Santa Clara Monastery with my mother who was so close to St. Clare. Mother had always something for the nuns and on some occasions, we brought dozens of eggs. I thought that eggs were the nuns' favorite food until my Mom explained that it was a traditional offering when a devotee to Santa Clara wants to request "good weather" for an up and coming family celebration. It really worked! I guess my mother's devotion to her rubbed on me and was made "perfect" by my visits to the picturesque medieval hill town of Assisi.
St. Clare was born in Assisi, Italy on July 16, 1194, died on August 11, 1253 and was canonized on September 26, 1255. She was the eldest daughter of a noble family who owned a castle in the town. Early in life, she was devoted to prayer. She was 18 when St. Francis preached the Lenten course in church. The words of St. Francis kindled a flame in her heart. She began to seek counsel from St. Francis who helped her in her chosen vocation. On the night of Palm Sunday, March 20, 1212, Clare with her aunt, Bianca and a friend went to the Porziuncula, the little chapel and headquarters of St. Francis. She laid aside her fine clothes. St. Francis, having cut her hair, clothed her with with a rough tunic and a thick veil. Pilgrims can still see today, the beautifully embroidered beige dress Clare wore to church that Palm Sunday as well as her wonderfully preserved locks of blond hair in a room in the Basilica of Santa Chiara in Assisi. The San Damiano crucifix which "spoke" to St. Francis is also in this room.
St. Francis brought Clare to the Benedictine nuns where her father tried several times to take her back. Part of her initiation was to go begging for food for forty days. She did the task without any remorse. Some 16 days after her own flight, Clare was joined by her younger sister, Agnes, whom she was instrumental in delivering from their infuriated relatives. It is said that relatives came to forcibly get Agnes but they could not lift her. Agnes became so heavy so that even several men could not move her an inch. Many attributed the miracle to Clare and her prayers. Clare and her group remained with the Benedictine nuns until they were established by St. Francis in a crude dwelling adjacent to the Chapel of San Damiano which he repaired. Thus was founded the first Community of Poor Clares as they came to be called. Clare had the consolation of not only seeing her other sister, Beatrix, her mother Ortolana, and her aunt Bianca follow Agnes into the Order but also of witnessing monasteries of Poor Clares all over Europe. St. Clare's Rule of Order followed the Franciscan character of absolute poverty - a complete renunciation of all property, even holding property in common. St. Clare was the living copy of the poverty, humility and mortification of St. Francis whose Rule of Chastity, Poverty and Obedience, she followed to the letter.
She was devoted to the Holy Eucharist such that she subsisted on the Sacred Host only for weeks and months. She is often depicted in art as carrying the monstrance with the Sacred Host because of an incident which happened in 1234 - The Miracle of the Eucharist in Assisi.
Frederick II of Germany had disagreements with the Pope. He recruited a band of Saracens (Muslims) to march against Assisi, a Catholic stronghold. The virgin nuns appealed to them so that they decided to attack San Damiano first. The invaders were ready to scale the walls when in terror the nuns informed St. Clare on her sickbed. With some help and in fervent prayer, St. Clare got the monstrance from their little chapel, proceeded to an open window facing the courtyard where the Saracens had already entered. She raised the monstrance with the Sacred Host. The Saracens froze in their tracks, turned back and fled. They never set foot in the town. Assisi was saved!
Do you know the origin of "Hot Cross Buns?" In 1228, Pope Gregory IX went to Assisi for the canonization of St. Francis. He visited St. Clare and her community. By noontime, the nuns laid out the only provision they had for lunch - pieces of stale bread. St. Clare asked the Pope to bless the bread who declined. The Pope asked her to do the honors. Out of humility, she said she was a sinner and could not possibly bless the bread in the presence of the Pope. So, she was "ordered" to give the blessing. With shut eyes, the assembly prayed. Afterwards, they gasped in amazement for a cross had formed on each piece of bread. Thus, we have Hot Cross Buns!
During my second visit to Assisi in 1997 with my friends Vangie Chaves and Gloria Reyes (may she rest in peace) something happened which, to me, was a miracle. The tour bus trip from Rome to Assisi was delayed by more than four hours due to a construction work on the freeway. We arrived early evening when the churches were about to close. Despite the unforeseen emergency, the tour guide insisted that our bus would still leave at 8 AM the next morning as scheduled. Protests from pilgrims went wild. I took up the issue with him until he agreed to stay at least till 9 o'clock in the morning. Adherence to time was a must!
Out of Assisi has blossomed the sanctity of two known saints, St. Francis and St. Clare. As such, two imposing basilicas in their honor receive the millions of pilgrims
who visit yearly. It became evident that our group would only be able to visit the Basilica of St Francis and his tomb in the crypt. We would also miss the chance of seeing the incorrupt body of St. Clare and the cross which "spoke" to St. Francis in the Basilica of Santa Chiara. I did not like that! I was resolved to take Vangie and Gloria to the end of the hilltown where the basilica stood- happen what may! Gloria asked to be excused from my planned "adventure." Anita Tremolada and husband joined us.
Hence, very early the next morning, the "adventurers" left our hotel to walk uphill towards the resting place of St. Clare. My prayers for help were unceasing as we trekked the rocky main thoroughfare of Assisi. It dawned on me that at the pace we were going it would be impossible to accomplish our plan in time for the departure of the tour bus. To think that I had a heated argument with the tour guide! My heartbeat went wild like the Indian drums on a warpath! I called on all my intercessors in heaven especially St. Clare. Then I hoped for a car or any vehicle to pass by so that we could request for a ride. To show that we were appreciative of the ride anyone would give us, I held a crispy $10 bill in my hand. No sooner had I tucked the bill between my fingers when a small car made a turn on the road towards us. I immediately waved to the lady who obligingly took us to the basilica. My monetary offer was vehemently declined. We were very grateful!
The early morning hymns of the nuns which sounded like a choir of angels filled the empty, dimly lit basilica. I showed them the huge San Damiano Cross, the Palm Sunday dress of St. Clare, her crop of wavy blond hair and the other museum pieces. Then we walked towards the stairs leading down to the crypt where the incorrupt body of St. Clare has lain for more than 600 years. We peered down but it was pitch black. Completely overwhelmed with anxiety and unmindful of the singing which was still going on, I said in a loud voice, " Lights, please." We waited. I made my request again. No response but the hymns went on. After the third try, we had to give up because the return trip on foot would still require some time. Never have I valued Time as a prized commodity as then! We took double-steps hurriedly towards the main door while I prayed and brazed myself to the shame and utter defeat when I would face an angry, arrogant and "triumphant" tour guide.
We had just stepped out of the basilica when something made me turn my head to the right. What did I see? A lone taxi was there with a smiling driver leaning against it almost ready to open the door for us! An exceedingly wide grin graced my pleasantly-surprised, wide-eyed face as I ran to him. "Oh, you are God-send," I declared with unquestionable truth. This acclamation acquired a degree of certainty when, during the ride, the driver said that he had never gone to Santa Chiara at such time ever before! He added that he woke up very early and just thought of coming over. With incredible awe and adoration, I prayed a litany of praise and thanksgiving to God! My thanks were also directed to our Blessed Mother, St. Clare and the communion of saints in heaven...my prayer " warriors."
We managed to get some breakfast before boarding the bus. We were on time!
St. Clare was born in Assisi, Italy on July 16, 1194, died on August 11, 1253 and was canonized on September 26, 1255. She was the eldest daughter of a noble family who owned a castle in the town. Early in life, she was devoted to prayer. She was 18 when St. Francis preached the Lenten course in church. The words of St. Francis kindled a flame in her heart. She began to seek counsel from St. Francis who helped her in her chosen vocation. On the night of Palm Sunday, March 20, 1212, Clare with her aunt, Bianca and a friend went to the Porziuncula, the little chapel and headquarters of St. Francis. She laid aside her fine clothes. St. Francis, having cut her hair, clothed her with with a rough tunic and a thick veil. Pilgrims can still see today, the beautifully embroidered beige dress Clare wore to church that Palm Sunday as well as her wonderfully preserved locks of blond hair in a room in the Basilica of Santa Chiara in Assisi. The San Damiano crucifix which "spoke" to St. Francis is also in this room.
St. Francis brought Clare to the Benedictine nuns where her father tried several times to take her back. Part of her initiation was to go begging for food for forty days. She did the task without any remorse. Some 16 days after her own flight, Clare was joined by her younger sister, Agnes, whom she was instrumental in delivering from their infuriated relatives. It is said that relatives came to forcibly get Agnes but they could not lift her. Agnes became so heavy so that even several men could not move her an inch. Many attributed the miracle to Clare and her prayers. Clare and her group remained with the Benedictine nuns until they were established by St. Francis in a crude dwelling adjacent to the Chapel of San Damiano which he repaired. Thus was founded the first Community of Poor Clares as they came to be called. Clare had the consolation of not only seeing her other sister, Beatrix, her mother Ortolana, and her aunt Bianca follow Agnes into the Order but also of witnessing monasteries of Poor Clares all over Europe. St. Clare's Rule of Order followed the Franciscan character of absolute poverty - a complete renunciation of all property, even holding property in common. St. Clare was the living copy of the poverty, humility and mortification of St. Francis whose Rule of Chastity, Poverty and Obedience, she followed to the letter.
She was devoted to the Holy Eucharist such that she subsisted on the Sacred Host only for weeks and months. She is often depicted in art as carrying the monstrance with the Sacred Host because of an incident which happened in 1234 - The Miracle of the Eucharist in Assisi.
Frederick II of Germany had disagreements with the Pope. He recruited a band of Saracens (Muslims) to march against Assisi, a Catholic stronghold. The virgin nuns appealed to them so that they decided to attack San Damiano first. The invaders were ready to scale the walls when in terror the nuns informed St. Clare on her sickbed. With some help and in fervent prayer, St. Clare got the monstrance from their little chapel, proceeded to an open window facing the courtyard where the Saracens had already entered. She raised the monstrance with the Sacred Host. The Saracens froze in their tracks, turned back and fled. They never set foot in the town. Assisi was saved!
Do you know the origin of "Hot Cross Buns?" In 1228, Pope Gregory IX went to Assisi for the canonization of St. Francis. He visited St. Clare and her community. By noontime, the nuns laid out the only provision they had for lunch - pieces of stale bread. St. Clare asked the Pope to bless the bread who declined. The Pope asked her to do the honors. Out of humility, she said she was a sinner and could not possibly bless the bread in the presence of the Pope. So, she was "ordered" to give the blessing. With shut eyes, the assembly prayed. Afterwards, they gasped in amazement for a cross had formed on each piece of bread. Thus, we have Hot Cross Buns!
During my second visit to Assisi in 1997 with my friends Vangie Chaves and Gloria Reyes (may she rest in peace) something happened which, to me, was a miracle. The tour bus trip from Rome to Assisi was delayed by more than four hours due to a construction work on the freeway. We arrived early evening when the churches were about to close. Despite the unforeseen emergency, the tour guide insisted that our bus would still leave at 8 AM the next morning as scheduled. Protests from pilgrims went wild. I took up the issue with him until he agreed to stay at least till 9 o'clock in the morning. Adherence to time was a must!
Out of Assisi has blossomed the sanctity of two known saints, St. Francis and St. Clare. As such, two imposing basilicas in their honor receive the millions of pilgrims
who visit yearly. It became evident that our group would only be able to visit the Basilica of St Francis and his tomb in the crypt. We would also miss the chance of seeing the incorrupt body of St. Clare and the cross which "spoke" to St. Francis in the Basilica of Santa Chiara. I did not like that! I was resolved to take Vangie and Gloria to the end of the hilltown where the basilica stood- happen what may! Gloria asked to be excused from my planned "adventure." Anita Tremolada and husband joined us.
Hence, very early the next morning, the "adventurers" left our hotel to walk uphill towards the resting place of St. Clare. My prayers for help were unceasing as we trekked the rocky main thoroughfare of Assisi. It dawned on me that at the pace we were going it would be impossible to accomplish our plan in time for the departure of the tour bus. To think that I had a heated argument with the tour guide! My heartbeat went wild like the Indian drums on a warpath! I called on all my intercessors in heaven especially St. Clare. Then I hoped for a car or any vehicle to pass by so that we could request for a ride. To show that we were appreciative of the ride anyone would give us, I held a crispy $10 bill in my hand. No sooner had I tucked the bill between my fingers when a small car made a turn on the road towards us. I immediately waved to the lady who obligingly took us to the basilica. My monetary offer was vehemently declined. We were very grateful!
The early morning hymns of the nuns which sounded like a choir of angels filled the empty, dimly lit basilica. I showed them the huge San Damiano Cross, the Palm Sunday dress of St. Clare, her crop of wavy blond hair and the other museum pieces. Then we walked towards the stairs leading down to the crypt where the incorrupt body of St. Clare has lain for more than 600 years. We peered down but it was pitch black. Completely overwhelmed with anxiety and unmindful of the singing which was still going on, I said in a loud voice, " Lights, please." We waited. I made my request again. No response but the hymns went on. After the third try, we had to give up because the return trip on foot would still require some time. Never have I valued Time as a prized commodity as then! We took double-steps hurriedly towards the main door while I prayed and brazed myself to the shame and utter defeat when I would face an angry, arrogant and "triumphant" tour guide.
We had just stepped out of the basilica when something made me turn my head to the right. What did I see? A lone taxi was there with a smiling driver leaning against it almost ready to open the door for us! An exceedingly wide grin graced my pleasantly-surprised, wide-eyed face as I ran to him. "Oh, you are God-send," I declared with unquestionable truth. This acclamation acquired a degree of certainty when, during the ride, the driver said that he had never gone to Santa Chiara at such time ever before! He added that he woke up very early and just thought of coming over. With incredible awe and adoration, I prayed a litany of praise and thanksgiving to God! My thanks were also directed to our Blessed Mother, St. Clare and the communion of saints in heaven...my prayer " warriors."
We managed to get some breakfast before boarding the bus. We were on time!
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
August 10, 2010 - End Times - Help Me, Lord !
The Gospel last Sunday was on the End Times - the time when at the call of our Lord our mortal bodies give way to our immortal souls to reign in the timelessness of Eternity. Has the thought of God's call coming when we least expect it ever graced our minds? Have we allowed the daily grind of keeping house, office routine, kids' school activities and sports fests, etc. fill every minute of our waking hours? Have we ever found meaning in Jesus' words, " Much will be required of the person entrusted with much and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more. "
Pondering over End Times, I scribbled this poem:
Help Me, Lord !
My Lord says, " Take up your cross and follow me. "
Jesus' words to believers all born free
With the free will to make choices between right and wrong
A gift given to everyone, be thou weak or strong.
Do you know what it entails to follow him
A willing heart, total trust, hope to the brim
Be equipped with these to fight the devil's fangs
Of doubt, fear, despair and cajoling tongues.
Help me, Lord, I need to change my priorities
To put You, Number I in my lifelong duties
I realize now I do not have the passion
For Jesus in my consistent daily action.
Yes, I know I give only a pittance of my time, talent and treasure
Which after all come from Him, given without pressure
Long do I stay before the TV or computer
But not even half an hour in prayer with my Maker.
I often shun invitation to say the Rosary
Too involved with fun things I like to do earnestly
Just why instant gratification govern my life
Than moments with Mary, a never-ending rite.
How blind have I been to the futility of it all
The thrill of the present consumes me, oblivious of the fall
Which like wealth, power and fame are lost
When God calls me to account for what I did most.
A long struggle to change my ways
Will require focus, energy, commitment base
Help me, Lord, to follow your bid
Renew my faith, make of me, your seed.
Then I would have done my part
What someone said about life's " sowing " time smart
To cherish the thought that life is continuity
So live every moment as a seed of eternity.
Pondering over End Times, I scribbled this poem:
Help Me, Lord !
My Lord says, " Take up your cross and follow me. "
Jesus' words to believers all born free
With the free will to make choices between right and wrong
A gift given to everyone, be thou weak or strong.
Do you know what it entails to follow him
A willing heart, total trust, hope to the brim
Be equipped with these to fight the devil's fangs
Of doubt, fear, despair and cajoling tongues.
Help me, Lord, I need to change my priorities
To put You, Number I in my lifelong duties
I realize now I do not have the passion
For Jesus in my consistent daily action.
Yes, I know I give only a pittance of my time, talent and treasure
Which after all come from Him, given without pressure
Long do I stay before the TV or computer
But not even half an hour in prayer with my Maker.
I often shun invitation to say the Rosary
Too involved with fun things I like to do earnestly
Just why instant gratification govern my life
Than moments with Mary, a never-ending rite.
How blind have I been to the futility of it all
The thrill of the present consumes me, oblivious of the fall
Which like wealth, power and fame are lost
When God calls me to account for what I did most.
A long struggle to change my ways
Will require focus, energy, commitment base
Help me, Lord, to follow your bid
Renew my faith, make of me, your seed.
Then I would have done my part
What someone said about life's " sowing " time smart
To cherish the thought that life is continuity
So live every moment as a seed of eternity.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
August 8, 2010 ABRAHAM & HIS FAITH
The Second Reading today centers on Faith as exemplified by Abraham whose total trust in God remain unequaled in the Bible. From the beginning of his journey to parts unknown to the test of giving up his only son to obey God's will, Abraham proved to be a faith-ful disciple. Hebrews 11:1 says, "Faith is the substance of things to be hoped for, the evidence (conviction)of things that are not seen. By faith, Abraham obeyed by going out into a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out not knowing where he was going." What kind of faith did he have so as to earn him a covenant and its accompanying reward with his Creator?
1. Abraham had total trust in God. He cast down reasonings. He believed the proverb, "Be not wise in your own eyes." He did not have to figure out everything according to his own timing.
2. Abraham did not make compromises. "You, O Lord is my discernment." He knew that God will always do whatever He promises.
3. Abraham had the patience to wait on the Lord. Waiting upon the Lord gave him hope. He believed that God acts in His time.
4. Abraham had an obedient heart not only a believing heart. An obedient heart with the right attitude is rewarded by God. A reverential fear and awe to our Lord brings about the right attitude.
5. Abraham was aware of the discipline of God. He bore the sufferings that came his way because he knew what Hebrews 12:5 says, "My son, neglect not the discipline of the Lord, neither be thou weary when thou art rebuked by Him. For whom the Lord loves, He chastises."
Faith is purified by being tested just as gold is tested by fire. Tests will show how we react and how far we can go. Tests put our weaknesses and attitude in the open showing how deep our faith is. God uses the difficult experiences in life to lead us to spiritual maturity and to shape our character. We will discover how we can grow closer to God as we let Him transform us to be the man or woman He can call His friend. As you see your life through God's eyes, you will be encouraged, strengthened, motivated and more importantly, be at peace!
1. Abraham had total trust in God. He cast down reasonings. He believed the proverb, "Be not wise in your own eyes." He did not have to figure out everything according to his own timing.
2. Abraham did not make compromises. "You, O Lord is my discernment." He knew that God will always do whatever He promises.
3. Abraham had the patience to wait on the Lord. Waiting upon the Lord gave him hope. He believed that God acts in His time.
4. Abraham had an obedient heart not only a believing heart. An obedient heart with the right attitude is rewarded by God. A reverential fear and awe to our Lord brings about the right attitude.
5. Abraham was aware of the discipline of God. He bore the sufferings that came his way because he knew what Hebrews 12:5 says, "My son, neglect not the discipline of the Lord, neither be thou weary when thou art rebuked by Him. For whom the Lord loves, He chastises."
Faith is purified by being tested just as gold is tested by fire. Tests will show how we react and how far we can go. Tests put our weaknesses and attitude in the open showing how deep our faith is. God uses the difficult experiences in life to lead us to spiritual maturity and to shape our character. We will discover how we can grow closer to God as we let Him transform us to be the man or woman He can call His friend. As you see your life through God's eyes, you will be encouraged, strengthened, motivated and more importantly, be at peace!
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