Jesus Calling: A bible series, Day 204/365

 

Good afternoon Lord,

Today is Thursday, my life is quiet. I didn't have the chance to run this morning because I feel like I wanted to sleep more. 

Yesterday, Paul and I ordered pizza for dinner. While we were waiting, I did my strength training for 30 minutes and I felt energized. 

I suddenly felt annoyed and upset again after realising that Paul didn't change the bulb on the hallway and when he told me that he will sort out his old clothes and throw them. None of it happened. I'm so disappointed. My cheeks flushed and my blood rose. I was ironing his uniforms relentlessly and angry. I felt like I'm in the movies, a bothered wife, a slave, a helper in a relationship, abused and taken for granted. Like bro? Other husbands help their wives, they cook, they clean but after hearing a story from a friend who is a Filipina too, I was thinking that I am still blessed in any other way. One Filipina is struggling with her finances as she is just doing part time and her finances will just sustain her needs and her two kids from her previous relationship. I feel bad for her because I know the feeling that I couldn't ask money from Paul as well. But Paul always offer his help when I need most and Paul is very patient to me amidst all my mood swings. I feel happy to my friend as well because she found a part time job and that's a source of her daily allowance. Another Filipina, I knew she converted to another religion which is Islam, her husband's religion and she opened up that her in-laws is against her. I have a gut feel that it's because she is a Christian before and that's why she converted to Islam to make her in-laws impressed. For me, I would never ever convert to any religion not recognizing Jesus as my Lord and Saviour. In reality, there are so many struggles we are facing today. Everyone has their own story and challenges. But what keeps me from rising up these challenges it's because I keep on coming back to Jesus, who always there at my back, my side and before me. Jesus, my one true King. And thinking about people's stories always make me rethink that I am still blessed. With my husband, my status, my life, my career , my in-laws even my parents. God is always been so good to me. All these years, He is been so faithful. 

Today's verse is a wonderful verse from the book of Ephesians. This verse is part of a broader section of scripture in the Bible where the Apostle Paul encourages believers to turn away from sinful, secret behaviour (the ''deeds of darkness'') and instead live as ''children of light''.

Exposure. When God's truth and light shine upon secret or hidden actions, those actions are revealed for what they truly are.

Transformation. Once something is illuminated by the light, it is transformed into light itself. This suggests that the light not only exposes wrongdoing but also has the power to change and purify what it touches.

Lord, I pray that you always constantly protect me and my family to evil. Bind us with your love and shield us from all temptation. Envelope us with your strength and wisdom so may not fall to sin. Give me with a grateful heart and always give thanks to all your goodness and faithfulness. Intercede for me Mother Mary that I may always follow you as an example for being a faithful wife and a committed wife. Thank you Lord for all your never-ending blessings. I praise you and worship you in every thing I do and think. Teach us always to turn to you when we feel down, anxious and afraid. Forgive us for all the sins we have committed and ask you to lift all our worries and pain. In Jesus name. 

Amen.

Jesus Calling: A bible series, Day 201/365

 

Good morning Lord!

Thank you for the great weekend I had. Last Saturday, I had an amazing 12km run and it felt hard, I wore a fitted shoe and the back of my lower right leg sore but overall I had a good run. The weather was amazing. Not too hot nor cold just a cloudy morning with a bit of sunshine and it was perfect. Also yesterday, I joined my cousin, Madel and went to his brother's house in Aylesbury and the place was so nice. Not too crowded, an exclusive estate away from the busy city life in London. Their house was pleasant and lovely. Kelly, my other nephew is already a big boy and very cheery. But he's not that warm and welcome yet to me as I was just introduced and not fairly close to him so I know it takes time for him to accept me but he's so lovely, full of energy and lively but he's temper is so short hahaha. He doesn't want to be laughed or teased. I know he's just a baby still a toddler and he'll grow up soon and understand things more mature. We had Filipino pork style barbecue, grilled milkfish, I also made some ensalada (which is a combination of tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, half ripen mangoes and they added grilled eggplant. It was so colourful and tasty, so healthy and the best pair for the grilled meats. It was so fun as we also sang as Filipino gathering is not complete without KTV with singing and dancing. It was a happy and fun Sunday. Catching up with my immediate family members and eating together our staple Filipino comfort foods. It really felt home. 

Meantime, when my cousin, Michael called his parents while we were eating, I just noticed my aunt, Mary Ann who didn't even said hi or hello to Kuya Mark, Yui's dad. It really hurt me, I felt bad and sorry for him. I just realised that until now, my aunt wouldn't accept Mark and their relationship which is really bad for Ate Madel's mental health which is true. Imagine your own mother would not even dare to ask how you were doing or how they were settling in. Nothing. It was so ruthless, heartless mother!!! Today, my cousin just left a message to me saying that it's just now, today that it was finally sucked in her thoughts and mind. That her own mother was cruel and mean. I just gave her a real life advice that no matter what happen, the Lord is not sleeping. He is listening, he knows everything, every heartache, every tear, everything. She is not alone. I also told her that we are thankful that we are not living in our own parents anymore and we are lucky we are already here living our life. Cherishing our life. She already has her own family which I know that she is a good mum, she does everything for Yui, her daughter and her happiness is now. The present. We are the generation that will stop the cycle. Making sure history will not repeat itself. We will make sure our children are loved, understood and feel home. Not abandoned, not judged, not left or forsaken. Just pure and unconditional love. We will make sure our children are free to choose who they want to love and be with for the rest of their lives. We will make sure our children are treated right, not feeling insecure with their siblings, no favourites. 

Today is a very beautiful verse from Matthew. This verse forms the conclusion to Jesus' metaphor in the Sermon on the Mount, contrasting the demanding path of righteousness with the easier road that leads to destruction. 

''Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way..'' The path to salvation and true life in God's kingdom requires intentionality, discipline and adherence to Christ's teachings, which often go against natural human desires and cultural norms.

''which leads to life'' the difficult journey has a supremely rewarding destination: eternal life and communion with God.

''and there are few who find it'' Jesus acknowledges that because the path is rigorous, the majority of people will opt for the seemingly easier, wider road that ultimately leads to ruin. 

Lord, I pray that you will always keep us safe, keep us away from harm, evil, bad vibes and temptation. Protect my family, my close family and friends even my immediate family members here in The UK. Please provide us with support, love and care always and we lift to you all our worries and pain. May you turn them into blessings and thank you for providing us an unconditional love always. We love you and we give everything to you in your most highest name. 

Amen.

Jesus Calling: A bible series, Day 198/365

 

Good morning Lord,

Thank God it's Friday again. I felt so energized today because I woke up and run for a short 5km and I never felt so energized and boosted today. The sun is shining bright, no sunscreen, no filter just pure sunshine. It was a little breezy and cold but it was bright and sunny. The fresh air was whipping in my face, no pace pressure just an easy 5km inside a 30-minute workout. I felt so amazed and grateful, it was actually my first time to do a workout in the morning before work, it was so fulfilling. I felt proud. Tomorrow, it's weekend, it's Saturday so meaning we're going to do a long run. I am currently thinking if I will do a 12km run just like last weekend or a half mary(21km). I am still undecided but one thing is for sure I am committed. 

The air conditioner is pretty cold in the office. Always a 23 degrees and it's pretty cold actually. I forgot to get a cardigan, next time I'll bring a cozy one which I can wear and leave for office. It was pretty amazing that it will a few days before my 1st month with the company. It felt unreal. But, there are so much I need to learn and do as I am looking forward to my training at Canada these coming weeks. I just wished that the visa has an expedite option so I can see a decision quickly. As the days go by, our holiday is coming too soon. I am also looking forward going to Cornwall, the beach side, specifically in St. Ives. So today I have a moment, I will do some sample itineraries on where to eat and things to do in St. Ives. 

Today's verse is one of my favourite verses in regards in finding strength with God. It serves as a powerful reminder that in times of chaos, distress, or uncertainty, God provides a safe sanctuary, the power to endure, and immediate assistance.

Refuge. A safe hiding place or shelter where you can run for protection from life's storms.

Strength. The divine power and endurance provided to you when your own physical or emotional strength is depleted. 

Ever-present help. The promise that God is not distant or unreachable, but immediately available right when you face hardships.

Because of this constant protection, the psalm often continues in verse two to state, ''Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.'' 

God bless us all!