A Better Me

Transformation Project I

A Better Me

ALL FOR GOD

September 23’11 – October 20’11

DISCIPLESHIP

1. Don’t leave home without finishing your devotion.

2. Don’t let a day pass without being able to share the good news even to just one unbeliever/nonbeliever.

3. Look for something good in every person you talk to and pronounce it.

4. Read Bible for 20 minutes during travel.

STUDENT LIFE

1. Read a school book (or school books) for 30 minutes every night. Read school books during vacant periods.

2. Say no to hang outs. (Exemption: special events)

3. No visits to any social-networking site. (Exemption: Blogger)

4. Don’t leave home without finishing your homework/projects.

HEALTH

1. Get up at 4:00 AM or earlier.

2. Drink 8 glasses or more of water a day.

3. Don’t skip meals. Drinks will do for breakfast. Bring a tumbler with you anywhere.

4. Go to bed at exactly 11:00 PM.

A Friend Who Cares

"When we honestly ask ourselves which person in our lives mean the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a warm and tender hand.  The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement, who can tolerate not knowing, not curing, not healing and face with us the reality of our powerlessness, that is a friend who cares."  


~Henri Nouwen


Awwww... I could cry. Hehe. :') It struck quite a chord in my heart, producing vibrations of sad melodies of the past. "..and face with us the reality of our powerlessness, that is a friend who cares." That last statement made me smile at the face of reality.

The Steadfast Tree

September 9, 2011 ♥ Friday 

DATE WITH GOD 126^th Devotion: The Steadfast Tree

Message from God (Ezekiel 29-32)

Vs. 31:5, Because it was well-watered, it grew taller than other trees. Its branches grew thick and long. Wow, how I long to grow taller to see a much wider view of the multitudes. How I want to grow thicker in knowledge of God’s Word and long in enduring the obstacles in life.Vs. 31:6, Every kind of bird built nests in its branches; the wild animals bore their young in its shelter; The nations of the world rested in its shade. That’s just how I want to be to fulfill my purpose: to be empowered by God to be able to accommodate different personalities, to take care of a nesting ground for true disciples of Christ, to be a mother of multitudes! And I will be constantly fortified by God, Vs. 31:7. He is my water, He is my life. That’s my ultimate dream: to live a life in whole dedication to the Lord.

Promise(s) to Claim

§ As long as I am well-watered by the power of God, there’s no limit in growth and reproduction.

§ As God shapes and prunes me to become a mother of multitudes, I will bear leaders of multitudes as well! :D

Command(s) to Follow

§ While I continue to grow taller, I should, at the same time, grow more and more humble. I must not lift my feet off the ground.

§ This is the right place for me so I must allow roots to reach down enough to strengthen my stand and absorb from deep-flowing streams.

Warning(s) to Remember

§ Pride will direct me to disgrace. Vs. 31:10-11 For everything comes from the Lord that all glory must be brought back to Him.

§ Ignorance brings shame, as well. Egypt was too ignorant of God-all-powerful.

Application and Commitment

§ Pride blocks the flow of God’s anointing and blessings. I will persist on banning foolish pride in my life.

- I’m doing my best to avoid fights and arguments but in case I get myself into one, I will initiate on the first move to say sorry. Sorry does not necessarily mean that it’s my fault; it just means valuing the relationship more than pride.

- I will keep my feet on the ground as God takes me to the highest peaks of a truly blessed life. I will always acknowledge that it’s all the work of the Lord Almighty.

Note to God

Dear Father,

Goooood morning! Seems like my devotion today is quite short and it’s all about pride. Just a while ago I was thinking of the reason why but as always, You’ve provided me with the answer in advance. God, You are amazing. I have greatly improved when it comes to letting go of my stubborn pride yet You’re telling me that a certain percentage of it is still remaining, and You’re right. *sigh* Thank You for reminding me that I have to completely wipe it out of my system. Strengthen my will and conviction to change to honor You, Lord.

And just as how the cedar tree was described, I know you’ll shape me into a much better one, the best that I can be with a God to constantly empower me. Thank You for Your unfailing love and grace, Father. Thank You for Your reminder.

Guide me all throughout the day and let me carry Your transforming presence wherever I go. J I love You, Lord! This is my prayer in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Devotion 101

It's been months since I last posted here, to exempt my 125th Devotion and the one about the wind of my life. But I'm back to blogging, finally. Harhar. Starting now, one thing is for sure, I'll be able to update this blog everyday because I'll be posting my daily devotionals. I follow the pattern of the G12 Vision's (Google it if you don't have any idea about it). I'll be talking about more of that on future entries. But for now, let me just share how a devotional is done. If there's one thing that has helped me way, way a lot, it's my devotions everyday so I urge you to try it. Why? Continue reading. :P

DEVOTION 101

WHAT: Devotion is keeping in touch with God by spending time in His holy presence.

WHY: God created the universe for 6 days and rested on the 7^th day. The last one in His creations was man, so the official first day of man on earth was rest day. “Work first then rest.” is applicable only to God. (The 'rest' I mean here is spending time with the Lord first before anything else.) We’re not God so we need strength and empowerment before facing the battle in every day. This also allows us to establish a deeper relationship with our Lord resulting in an unstoppable and unbreakable commitment to do His will and live righteously.

WHEN: This is done every morning to strengthen and equip us with the power of the Scriptures. Keep in mind that knowledge of God’s word and faith in God is our best weapon and defense against the enemy. And it is only in the presence of the Lord that we are able to listen to God, so we also are being guided through devotions.

HOW: Read the Bible and choose a story or verse which strikes you the most. Then, follow this pattern: MPCWA.

53^rd Devotion * June 27, 2011 * Monday

M – Message from God: where you will write your chosen story or verse with your own explanation and understanding

Bible Reading > Psalm 16

My confidence is in the Lord. All things that bring good outcomes come from Him. One of which are His people, my siblings in faith. They add nothing but riches to my life. They are the best company because with them, I feel the everlasting promise of paradise in God’s presence.

The Lord is all I have and He is not all I need but even more than just enough. I live in confidence and peace because I know God is in control of what will happen next so what else do I need? Nothing bad can happen for I am safe in God’s embrace.

P – Promise(s) to Claim: extracted promise of God from  the chosen story or verse.

§ Anything that comes from the Lord leads to a happy ending.

§ I am safe in God’s loving embrace.

§ Nothing and no one can stand on my way, I know the secret passages, I have the map, I am equipped for battle.

C – Command(s) to Follow: commandments of the Lord according to the chosen story or verse

§ Stay in God’s embrace, in His territory.

§ I should surround myself with His people, because we’re on the same track, we walk the same walk, and so I’ll never be lost.

W – Warning(s) to Remember: things you need to refrain from doing or be aware of

§ I am guided by God’s Spirit but if I don’t practice listening, I’ll get used to it and gradually weaken my hearing. I will be numb to God’s holy guidance. L

A – Application and Commitment:  actions you will commit to do in application to what you’ve learned so far

·    I will not let go of God’s embrace. C:

·    Each day, I will testify to at least one member of my family on how amazing my ride had been since I let God take the steering wheel.

·    I will stay on track and allow my spiritual mother to hold my hand as we walk together on journeys to the same destination. I don’t want to be lost.

·    Each cell meeting, I will ask my disciples on how they have felt God’s hand working in their life through the week to constantly have and give them an assurance that God never abandons His faithful sons and daughters.

Prayer: open up yourself to God

Father, thank You for giving me the chance to make You the Lord of my life! My life is amazing, it’s awesome, all because You’re the one who’s driving. Although I don’t have my parents to guide me in every step I take, You let Your Spirit be my guide and sent a second mother to look after the road I’m taking.

I may have been wounded with a lot of broken friendships, but I thank You, O Father, for the angels I’ve met in Your Home whom I know I can always walk with side by side.

I want to help those who are suffering in a life I have once lived before. Allow me to be their guide, Lord God. Help me to teach them to walk on the road that leads to true life. Help me do Your will, O God.

Let my life and my character reflect Your love and greatness for Your people so that all may know that there is a Father whom they can run to who paints nothing but the best pictures for His children. This is my prayer in Jesus’ most precious name, Amen!

NOTES: Notice that every part was personalized. For example, in Promises to Claim, you are supposed to write,  “God promises me…” not “God promises us…”

Suggested Bible text to read each day: 3 Chapters of the New Testament (start with Mark, Acts, then Romans), a Psalm and a Proverb

·    No devotion, no breakfast

·    Pray first and ask God for wisdom and understanding

·    Enjoy the presence of God! :D

There, enjoy your time with the Lord! C: Don’t hesitate to ask questions if you’re confused with something or need any help,

contact: clarennhalee@yahoo.com | +639279617623

Here is another example: 54^th Devotion * June 28, 2011 * Tuesday

Message from God:

Bible Reading > Psalm 18

The Lord is my light, my weapon and shield, my everything. He has seen my shame and misery and grabbed my hand since that day I chose to surrender. That was all I had done, choose Him above myself and above everything else. From then on, He gave me the power to overcome my enemies who were too strong for me. Doubts and fears surely sprouted but He washed them all away. I wouldn’t have survived if it weren’t for the Lord. I chose to obey, I chose life. I only had to decide, it is beyond belief how He had made it all so easy and swiftly. I sure still make mistakes, but because the Lord knows the desire of my heart, He is ever loving and forgiving.

Promise(s) to Claim:

§ Take God’s side and He will do the rest!

§ I am weak and fragile yet the extreme opposite when paired with the Lord Almighty.

§ God will pave the way as long as I remain still in His embrace.

Command(s) to Follow:

§ Submit and choose God. :D

§ Don’t ever doubt nor fear. If God is in control, then what can bring me down?

§ I shall earn God’s favor in my desire and obedience to His Word.

Warning(s) to Remember:

§ I will make mistakes, I am no perfect woman. Satan will use this to defeat me with guilt. But I must oppose, for it is the will of my heart that the Lord is after.

Application and Commitment:

§ I will stand firm for God without fear! When guilt arises, or any negative feeling, I will cry out to the Lord and He will forgive and save me from it. He will take over me and nothing can ever stop me.

§ I will be the persuasion and motivation as well for my future disciples and all the members of my family to choose God’s track.

§ I will remain in submission to my leader.

Prayer:

Lord God, I am deeply overwhelmed for bringing me back to that scenario on how You saved me when I was once lost. Every day, Father, I become grow more and more gratified because each new day, You do something in my life that proves how very blessed I am for having been chosen and spared by You. I love You, Lord! I will give You praises with all my heart in every way possible. I believe You will give me power and a strong will to stand firm in Your presence till the end of age. I pray in the mighty name of Jesus, Amen. :D

The Chef of God's Provisions

September 8, 2011 ♥ Thursday 

DATE WITH GOD 125^th Devotion: The Chef of God's Provisions

Message from God (Ezekiel 25-28)

Vs. 28:4-5 Learning to use wisely what God has given me will really give me success because everything God gives is for something good. Reading all the accomplishments of the King of Tyre, it’s really such an encouragement to scrutinize what I have and chain them all to be used as instruments and platforms to beat the status quo and reach a higher level. But in the case of the King of Tyre, there was quite a problem. Vs. 28:6-7 He has been overwhelmed with his power and victory which eventually lead to his downfall. He stepped off limits that in all of a sudden, all his wealth and achievements were taken by the Lord. He was so triumphant that he thought he was God. It’s just most of the time, people are put to test whenever they experience the sweet taste of success: whether they will claim all the glory or give it back to the One who deserves it all. Vs. 28:8-9 So then, he was doomed to destruction. He was too much of a fool; God had to cut off his pride and arrogance. One more thing, all the while I was wondering why such a beautiful city as Tyre would be destroyed so harshly (Chapter 27), and then I knew it was all because of the failure of a leader that a nation came to devastation.

Promise(s) to Claim

§ What God has given me now: if put together and used wisely will lead to success. Because every bit of my personality, God has chained together like pieces of Lego, to form a masterpiece as exemplary as a true disciple. Everything God gives—the good and what I may think is bad— works together for good.

§ God has already equipped me the ingredients to success, all I have to do is cook. He has made me chef over the blessings He has provided me with.

§ As His child, God has given me the power to lead people to Him—to repentance, salvation, the world of discipleship, etc.

Command(s) to Follow

§ To use God’s provisions wisely is to remember, too, all the time that everything came from Him; that everything is well all because of His mercy and grace. I must keep in mind especially at the peak of every victory that all glory goes back to God who made everything possible.   

§ Just as God has given all the ingredients I need, He has also given the recipe I must keenly learn and follow.

Warning(s) to Remember

§ Without recognition for the hand of God working in my life and leading me to triumph, I will gradually come to destruction.

§ God gives the best ingredients. But the problem is, even with the best ingredients, a meal can still be a failure. And that will always be the case whenever I will refuse to learn God’s recipe. I must be wary not to make too many experiments that I’m already cooking in my own way, which of course will result to an inedible food.

§ As a leader, I can lead my disciples to either of the two different destinations: failure or success. I must be careful that if I can direct them to succeed, I can also direct them to fail. I am responsible of what will happen to them along the journey because I am the one whom they are following; I am their guide.

Application and Commitment

§ I’m challenged to inspect what I have and use them to glorify my Father. J Even the outwardly dire ones I will use to make a fine meal out of God’s blessings.

- Since I know this already, I will be a blessing to my siblings, disciples, and friends in helping them know what they have and use them altogether to achieve success and bring glory to God.

§ Everything works together for good so might as well, every people God has put in my life work together for good, even those I previously disliked who had already taught me to not be judgmental. Just as they do their role, I will, too, do my role on people’s lives: to be of help and a blessing to them.

- From now on, I will be a help to my siblings. To my younger sister, I will initiate and start to offer help on any of her homework and projects. To my older sisters and brothers, I’ll help them with their problems. I will be an encouragement to them and I will lead them to God’s way. I’ll also continue to help my Ate Sasa with the household chores.

- I will continue to do my best in being a support to others instead of a discouragement. I will continue with constructive words, anointed statements.

§ I will be more careful of the path where I’m guiding my disciples. I will keep in mind that they are my responsibility to the Lord.

- I will continue to let God fix and shape me as I want to show the best example to them.

§ I will follow the leading of my leader in cooking. She has better experience and the best tips. Haha. :D

Note to God

Dear Father,

Thank you for a session of encouragement! J I’m on fire and ready to fill people’s minds with Your transforming words of powerful positivity. Spill over your love in my heart as I extend it to all.

Father, help me use what you’ve given me wisely. May I not be blinded by the light accomplishments but let me use it to glorify Your Name. Allow me to utilize everything all for a higher calling, all for Your purpose. 

Allow me to learn all of your ways and be able to live them every day. And in this entire Lord, train me to be consistently excellent as much as everything is possible with You. Truly use me, Lord, as an ambassador of Your will and purpose. To live my life to please and honor You is my greatest satisfaction, the greatest legacy that I want to leave as I run to finish this race on earth. I love You so much, Father! I pray all these in Jesus’ most precious name, Amen.

What's flies your kite? Who's the wind of your life?

I just spent at least several minutes flying my kite at the freedom park of our school. We were practicing there for our tableau in Filipino (which is entitled "Ang Guryon" or "The Kite" in english; this explains why I have a kite with me at school), so at minute-breaks, I took the time to run in the open space and fly my kite. I didn't mind the rest of the students in the surrounding areas who were so busy with their own lives. I didn't care who would tease me for my childlike act. I enjoyed the breeze of the wind to my heart's content. At least, in my own little way, I was able to make them smile or even laugh. I chased the wind to fuel my kite to fly. I walked and I ran while I enthusiastically turned around from time to time according to signal of the wind to give my kite a sudden lift when it seemed to lose altitude. At times, I could run straight with speed whenever I followed the direction of the wind. The whole time, I held the string with determination and swung my arm to the path of the wind as if signalling my kite to follow it. Everytime, I looked up at the sky, at a height I wanted my kite to reach. It was fantastic, it felt blissful, I felt so free... It was as if I had flown with the kite all along.

The joy I felt then lasted long enough for me to still think of it on my way home. In the midst of my pool of thoughts, I came to realize something. "Life is much like a kite.", I told myself. At first, I was arguing ideas whether I should be the kite while God holds the string or let the kite be my life while I hold the string. But I finally decided the kite is my life and I hold the string. Because if the kite was me and God held the string, then I would be just like one toy or robot manipulated by its creator without a sense of free will. So life is a kite... Wondering how and why? Let me go back to the details of my story.

"I took the time to run in the open space and fly my kite." If you want to really live, take the time to really live. How is it anyway to really live? You've got to get out of your cage and run in the open space. It's not just about breaking barriers and breaking free, you've got to soar high in the sky.

"I didn't mind the rest of the students in the surrounding areas who were so busy with their own lives. I didn't care who would tease me for my childlike act. I enjoyed the breeze of the wind to my heart's content." To be able to live life to the fullest, you have to go against the current, go against the crowd. Amidst the busyness of every person's life, be the difference by taking stops and breathing God's breath of life. You have to stop trying to impress others. Don't ever fear of being laughed at because you're not missing anything. You're enjoying while all they can do is laugh lamely with your success as they continue to be mere spectators never knowing how to make their own blockbuster life story. You only have One you need to please, just God. He's the only one worthy of it and when He is pleased, blessings flow ceaselessly. If there's one reason people seem to forget how to live and not merely exist, is that they've forgotten to be like a child. Take a look at what the Bible says: And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 18:3) 

"I chased the wind to fuel my kite to fly." Here it comes, what or who fuels your life? The kite has the wind that enables it to fly along the horizon and raises it to the skies with a gentle breeze. Without the wind, the kite has no use, it wouldn't fly. God is the wind of my life. Without Him, I'm simply motionless... lifeless. So I chase God, because to be able to live in my dreams and live out my purpose, I need Him to fuel my heart and soul. I've got to cling to Him and be like Him. So what drives your life? Is it money? So you look like money now? Is it your dreams or ambitions, friends, partner, family,...? But those are all temporal, don't you realize? How can you live eternally if what fuels you is transitory?

"I walked and I ran while I enthusiastically turned around from time to time according to signal of the wind to give my kite a sudden lift when it seemed to lose altitude." There's a time for everything. A time to walk and a time to run. Don't rush, but don't waste time. And don't just do things, do them enthusiastically out of love. In life, you have to take time to turn around and have a glance of the past to see how far God has taken you already. Just to rekindle the fire within and strengthen your faith--you've already reached that far, why stop and give up? God has been with you all the way, why fear and surrender now? Remember, you're not meant to dwell in the past, that's why I took nothing but quick turns when trying to prevent my kite from losing momentum. It has to be quick, so just take a peek whenever you feel down and continue on your way. 

"At times, I could run straight with speed whenever I followed the direction of the wind." When you follow God's direction, you are as sure-footed as a horse. "..Led by the Lord, they were as sure-footed as wild horses, and never stumbled." (Isaiah 63:13) When God drives your life, there's no stumbling and falling, just a smooth and swift ride to your destiny. He has everything under control, so obey. But don't get it wrong, sometimes, failures still occur. And it's all because, sometimes, we still disobey.

"The whole time, I held the string with determination and swung my arm to the path of the wind as if signalling my kite to follow it."  Don't let emotions, failures, or other earthly matters dictate what it is that you must do. Take over them and signal them to God's direction. Let God reign whenever and however. You were blessed to have been given the power to choose, you better be a good kite flyer by leading your life to God's path and not to your own foolish ways or what the world suggests.

"Everytime, I looked up at the sky, at a height I wanted my kite to reach. It was fantastic, it felt blissful, I felt so free... It was as if I had flown with the kite all along."  To aim high and make your dreams a reality, always look up to God and make Him the initial ingredient in everything. Don't get left over by people and by time, fly with your life and know what it means to be in paradise. C: The kite is your life. The string is your lifeline. On and on, the wind will blow and on and on, you'll fly with your life. Tempests may come, rains may fall, because God always gives tests to train you to be more steadfast and teach you a lesson that if you won't follow the path of His breeze, you will fall.

Let God sit on the throne of your heart. Let Him take over Your life. Let Him fly you to your highest and farthest dreams. He'll take you to the peak of true life.

Fly your life, fly it right. Start living and let the Lord be your wind. 

Start with God, because that way, you're starting right. ♥

Be Conquered by Him

She woke up at 4:30 a.m. and thought she may read the Bible first, take a bath,then prepare for church but decided it was too early so she slept again and got up at 7 o'clock. Her cellphone rang every minute for every message that asked for information about the mass. She was delighted at how her invited friends were so eager to attend. So she took a bath, dressed, yada yada. And she was off to the meeting place with her sister who finally agreed to go with her to the church. They also had to hurry and run with time, since they were getting late. Meeting time: 8:40 a.m. -- the same time they were able to ride the jeepney. When they arrived, they were lucky that they weren't the last, they still had to wait for two more friends. One of the friends soon came and surprisingly gave her a brown paper bag with a sketch book inside! She was so thankful and hugged her friend from the back.

And that's how her extraordinarily blessed day started--with the not-getting-up-right-away, the race with time, and the unexpected gift. It was followed by praise and worship at the church which was truly rewarding to her and her friends, of course, as ever it has been. One of her friends talked about going out after the mass for a lunch which was to be followed by a movie marathon. And everything happened as everyone wished it would have. She came home with a smile on her face and a feeling of deep gratitide and joy in her heart.

But that's not where the day ends. When she arrived home, she decided to take the time to confess to her dad her feelings and thoughts through e-mail. So she did, and her dad was amazingly able to send a long reply immediately. She read the mail, read the mail, read the mail, read the mail... As she read it over and over again, her dad's words sank deeper and deeper into her heart which made her realize that she actually misses him. Things between her and him were then settled, and she never felt so free and relieved.

We can do something to make life not be a roller coaster ride where sometimes we're up, sometimes we're down,sometimes we're turned upside down, sometimes we're stuck, sometimes it just gets a little too faster, sometimes we just want to scream and run away...

Life can be made simple by living life with His light. As the wife of a pastor once said, "God did not say that life would be a roller coaster ride but an abundant one. Obstacles shall come and go, but we'll remain strong and guided if we let our hearts be conquered by Him.

The Air We Breathe

They say that finding a true friend is like looking for a needle in the middle of the sea--too tough and complicated. It's really hard, because we're not supposed to look for a true friend. The best way to have true friends in our grasps is to be true friends ourselves. But how do we become as such then? What exactly is a friend?

The use of the word friend has been too common and popular that someone you met yesterday and got a 'Hi' or 'Hello' from today or someone you regularly talk to is already a friend. People have given it a shallow meaning that the word true has to be placed on the left of the word 'friend' to clarify meaning and give emphasis.

With all the things that can be compared to a real friend, the air fits best. It doesn't take visibility for us to know that it's there. We feel it's presence anywhere because it never truly leaves our sides. It's there for us from sunrise to sunset, rain or shine. At times, it stays quiet, but during the hardest trials, it is always ready to blow a cool breeze that refreshes our minds, kisses our face and our hearts--drying the tears of sadness and healing the scars of hardships. When our friendship is tested and doomed, whatever impediment it is that separates us, it always finds its way back to us.

A friend--a true one--is truly precious and rare that we can spend a lifetime unceasingly thanking them. A friend is the air we breathe and without it, we just can't live.