GRACE by: Laura Story

My heart is so proud
My mind is so unfocused
I see the things You do through me
As great things I have done
And now You gently break me,
Then lovingly You take me
And hold me as my father
And mold me as my maker.

Chorus:
I ask you: "How many times will you pick me up, when I
keep on letting you down?
And each time I will fall short of Your glory, how far
will forgiveness abound?"
And you answer: " My child, I love you.
And as long as you're seeking My face, You'll walk in
the pow'r of My daily sufficient grace."

At times I may grow weak
And feel a bit discouraged,
Knowing that someone,
Somewhere could do a better job.
For who am I to serve You?
I know I don't deserve You.
And that's the part that burns in my heart
And keeps me hanging on.

Chorus*
I ask you: "How many times will you pick me up, when I
keep on letting you down?
And each time I will fall short of Your glory, how far
will forgiveness abounds?"
And you answer: " My child, I love you.
And as long as you're seeking My face, You'll walk in
the pow'r of My daily sufficient grace."
You are so patient with me, Lord.

As I walk with You,
I'm learning what Your grace really means.
The price that I could never pay
Was paid at Calvary.
So, instead of trying to repay You,
I'm learning to simply obey You
By giving up my life to you
For all that You've given to me.

Chorus:
I ask you: "How many times will you pick me up, when I
keep on letting you down?
And each time I will fall short of Your glory, how far
will forgiveness abounds?"
And you answer: " My child, I love you.
And as long as you're seeking My face, You'll walk in
the pow'r of My daily sufficient grace.

***This song has been a great comfort to me.  When I listened to the verses of this song, it seems that it was my heart talking...praise be to God...Laura Story is really blessed with the gift of music writing..her songs are so inspiring..

Be blessed as I was.

Disciplines of a Godly Woman

A book by Barbara Hughes

I am starting to read another book for women.  The book talks about Discipline.  Barbara Hughes is a popular teacher of women's groups and is the author of Common-Sense Parenting, Liberating Ministry from the Success Syndrome, and Disciplines of a Godly Family.

This book that I am now reading, Disciplines of a Godly Woman, talks about a relationship with God and how that would be of great importance in the Christian walk.  I believe there is more to tell and I am so excited to finish reading this.

Lord I Need You

By : Chris Tomlin

Here is a song from Chris Tomlin, I've been singing this for the past months.  This song has become the prayer of my heart, because truly, I cannot stand without Jesus Christ.  He alone is the owner of my life and I need Him every hour of every day.  He is my One Defense, my Righteousness. 

Listen and be bless!

Lord I Need You
(Chris Tomlin)

Lord I come, I confess
Bowing here I find my rest
Without You I fall apart
You're the one that guides my heart

Chorus:
Lord, I need You, oh I need You
Every hour I need You
My one defense, my righteousness
Oh God, how I need You


Where sin runs deep, Your grace is more
Where grace is found is where You are
And where You are Lord I am free
Holiness is Christ in me
Yes where You are Lord I am free
Holiness is Christ in me

Bridge:
So teach my song to rise to You
When temptation comes my way
And when I cannot stand I'll fall on You
Jesus You're my hope and stay
And when I cannot stand I'll fall on You
Jesus You're my hope and stay

Lies Young Women Believe

 I bought this book which I think is very helpful in the ministry that I’m in.  It is entitled “LiesYoung Women Believe” by: Nancy Leigh DeMoss and Dannah Gresh.

The book talks about the 25 lies most commonly believed by today’s generation.  As a youth leader, I believe the insights of this book would be of great aid to me in interacting with the young people in church.  I too had my set of dark experiences before Christ found me. 

The authors of this book are passionate in reaching out to the young women who are in bondage to the lies that deceive them day by day.  There is freedom and that freedom is found in the truth…and the truth is in Jesus Christ alone.

The book is available in different christian bookstores.  or you may visit their website at www.liesyoungwomenbelieve.com

Starfield

Starfield has become one of my favorite christian bands.  After their concert on September 18, 2012 at J-Center Mall, A.S. Fortuna, Bakilid, Mandaue City Philippines, I started listening to their songs on youtube.

Their songs are very inspiring.  There is truth to the lyrics of their songs which I believe is very important in worshiping the Lord.  One heart-striking song that really hit me is "Rediscover You".  It tells about a Believer's passion drying out and the longing to be filled with the refreshing presence of Jesus Christ.

 Rediscover You

Starfield

I need to just admit my faith is paper thin

I'm feeling so burned out on religion

I say an empty prayer, I sing a tired song

I need to just admit that the passion's gone

And I wanna get it back

You told me, look for You and I will find

So I'm here like I'm searching for the first time

Revive me, Jesus, make this cold heart start to move

Help me rediscover

I wanna learn to pray the way that David prayed

I want my soul to burn when I hear Your name

I wanna feel like new, I wanna hunger for You

Bring me back to life like only You can do

'Cause I don't wanna stay the same

You told me, look for You and I will find

So I'm here like I'm searching for the first time

Revive me, Jesus, make this cold heart start to move

Help me rediscover You

Lord, I wanna be Yours today

I wanna know the passion of the saints

And how they were changed

You told me, look for You and I will find

So I'm here like I'm searching for the first time

Revive me, Jesus, make this cold heart start to move

I wanna burn for You, bring me back to life

Jesus, help me rediscover You

Another favorite is entitled "I Will Go".  The song talks about being open to where God sends His people.  There are places in the world that needs workers who will passionately serve Christ by reaching out to the lost, the poor, the hungry, and to the ends of the earth.

 I Will Go

Starfield

To the desperate eyes and reaching hands
To the suffering and the lean
To the ones the world has cast aside
Where you want me I will be

[Chorus:]
I will go, I will go
I will go, Lord send me
To the world, To the lost
To the poor and hungry
Take everything I am
I'm clay within your hands
I will go, I will go, send me

Let me not be blind with privilege
Give me eyes to see the pain
Let the blessing You've poured out on me
Not be spent on me in vain
Let this life be used for change

[Chorus]

I wanna live for you
Go where you lead me
I wanna follow you
[Repeat 3x]

[Chorus]

Send me! [4x]

All glory to Jesus Christ alone!

Summer Workshop 2012

This summer, the Young Adults Fellowship Ministry of Light of Life Fellowship Mandaue, Cebu, Philippines is spearheading a summer workshop for kids and the teens offering a lesson on guitar, keyboard, drums and tambourine for free. There are also tutorials on Reading and Spelling, and Mathematics.

Personally, I find this very overwhelming because I get the chance to teach the children and to motivate them to develop their God-given abilities. This is a one in a million opportunity to serve the Lord in the area of teaching.

On our third week, I praise and thank God for making things possible. All glory to Him alone!

Special thanks to the volunteer teachers: Pastor Philip Bihag, Geelrod Gerard Baba, Jason Inso, Timothy Aquino, Marie Cheressa Lyn Pezalbon, Sheila Sasing, and Lieza Gail Salaza.

माय 2012

A whole New Year. A whole new life. The challenge is what can this year bring?

As a head start for the year 2012, the message last Sunday was from Philippians 4:13 which says “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength…”

I don’t know what this year brings, I don’t know what tomorrow holds, but I have faith in Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior.

Happy New Year to all…We can do all things through CHRIST!

2011 Elderly Filipino Week

I had the chance to be involved in a very encouraging event attended by more than 2,000 Senior Citizens.

It was the opening celebration of the 2011 Elderly Filipino Week – Mandaue City. All the barangays of Mandaue participated and filled the Mandaue City Sports Complex. It was a half day of dancing, singing and listening to inspirational talks by the City officials.

The event was made possible by the support of the office of Mandaue City Mayor, Hon. Jonas Cortes and the City Councilors. It was organized by the Department of Social Welfare and Development and facilitated by Ms. Ana Dualos and her team.

Mandaue City officials were also there such as Vice Mayor Glenn Bercide, Councilor Nenita Layese, Councilor Daddy Suico and Councilor Emmarie “Lollipop” Ouano-Dizon.

I was really encouraged because the Elderly Filipinos who happen to be our grannies were very alive, alert, and enthusiastic. There was never a dull moment being with them. They had very wonderful presentations. Some groups were very prepared with all the choreography and costumes. I highly respect them and I love them so!

I consider the event unforgettable because I had the rare opportunity to be their Emcee. I say rare because I could never see myself bringing a very huge crowd. All glory belongs to God. The original master of the show wasn’t able to make it and so the spot was given to me. I praise God for such experience!

Here are pictures I took from the event. They’re not so clear because I used my mobile phone in taking the shots.

Mentally Blocked

It's when you want to write but ends up staring at the monitor with an empty mind. I had no topic in mind. Totally blank.

There are days like that when I would be staring at the wall with basically nothing in mind. Last week was very unproductive. My blogs were not updated. I had no feature articles to make. No pictures to upload and talk about...Nothing at all...

They call it Mental Block-out...sad...sad...sad..

The Next Step

Was thinking of doing something worthwhile this year.

Like being a good wife to my husband and submitting to him, as the Lord wants me to. Being active in the ministry and encouraging others to do the same for the Lord God, as a response to the unconditional love He had for mankind. Was also planning to do gardening, which I haven't started yet...and much more.

Life as a full time wife, is different from being in the corporate world. I get to have the freedom to do what i want at any hour without the fear of deadlines and without the pressure of seeing anxious bosses around.

I admit this next step is a bit hard to adjust but God promises in the bible that He will teach me what is best for me and He will direct me in the way I should go...(Isaiah 48:17)...

And wouldn't it be great to publish a book and maybe have my photography studio...hopes...that's all...

Things in the past, All I've been through is for Your glory...

I had a good day, praise God! Started oh so well when I was confronted with some itchy stories of the past. My officemates started teasing and questioning me about the dark episodes of my life. Shooo! Shooo! Shooo! I cannot deny I was part of it but I praise God for the redemption. If not for Christ, I wouldn’t have gotten out… It was my Jesus who took away the bondage of the past and other ties.

Then I was silent. I felt so bad to be in the hot seat talking about why I was stuck into the stuff and all those experiences. I felt the blood rushed to my brain as I sat on my desk wanting to disappear.

But the Holy Spirit just placed a song in my heart and at that very instant, I started worshipping the Lord of lords…

Here is the song:
_____________________________________________________________________
Lord I offer my Life to You…

All that I am, all that I have
I lay them down before you, oh Lord
All my regrets, all my acclaims
The joy and the pain, I'm making them yours
(Chorus)
Lord, I offer my life to you
Everything I've been through
Use it for your glory
Lord I offer my days to you
Lifting my praise to you
As a pleasing sacrifice
Lord I offer you my life
(Verse 2)
Things in the past, things yet unseen
Wishes and dreams that are yet to come true
All of my heart, all of my praise
My heart and my hands are lifted to you
(Bridge)
What can we give
That you have not given?
And what do we have
That is not already yours?
All we possess
Are these lives we're living
That's what we give to you, Lord
(Chorus)
______________________________________________

It’s not about what you’ve been through,
It’s not about what you’ve done,
It’s about going back to your first love and surrendering your all to Him.
It’s all about Christ…How He died on the cross to save you from your sins…
It’s about His power that can break any hard shell and let you come out of it.
It is all about Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the world.

If you feel that you are in darkness. If you think that you can never get out from your bondage. If you are struggling to get out of an addiction and you feel that you cannot stop…pause…and call on the name of Jesus Christ.

Repent of your sins and ask Jesus to be your Saviour and Lord, and you will be FREED!
Been there…betcha! Things will be perfectly GREAT!

A glimpse of the past...

I scanned through my Blogs and one which was entitled “Learning the Hardest Possible Way” gave me a laugh. It was kind of my online diary where I poured out pain, confusion, depression, fantasies, happiness, victories, and all. Then I realized one thing, most of the posts were about loneliness. It started with a broken life that was shattered in pieces and scattered, and there I was slowly trying to pick up what has been splintered. There were also stories of a broken heart that was longing to be with somebody in the past while struggling to win over the bondage of an illegal substance.

It was a life trapped in darkness. It was a total messed-up life. But that was in the past.
Praise God for the new life He has given! “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Out of the tomb, He called my name and raised me up from death to life! Jesus Christ took me out of the bondage of sin and gave me love that is pure and unconditional. I’ve never felt so loved! He loved me when I was so unlovely and cleansed me by shedding his own blood to free me from my sins.
No more picking up of the scattered pieces because Jesus gave me a whole new life! I can’t stop praising Him!

Jeremiah 29:11

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord. “They are plans to prosper and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope."

photograph taken by yanee, at the Butterfly Sanctuary, Bohol Province

STROKE IDENTIFICATION:

During a BBQ a friend stumbled and took a little fall - she assured everyone that she was fine (they offered to call paramedics) and just tripped over a brick because of her new shoes. They got her cleaned up and got her a new plate of food - while she appeared a bit shaken up, Ingrid went about enjoying herself the rest of the evening.

Ingrid's husband called later telling everyone that his wife had been taken to the hospital - (at 6:00pm, Ingrid passed away.) She had suffered a stroke at the BBQ - had they known how to identify the signs of a stroke perhaps Ingrid would be with us today.

It only takes a minute to read this-

Recognizing a Stroke
A neurologist says that if he can get to a stroke victim within 3 hours he can totally reverse the effects of a stroke...totally. He said the trick was getting a stroke recognized, diagnosed and getting to the patient within 3 hours which is tough.

RECOGNIZING A STROKE
Thank God for the sense to remember the "3" steps. Read and Learn!

Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster. The stroke victim may suffer brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke.

Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions:

1. *Ask the individual to SMILE.

2. *Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS.

3. *Ask the person to SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE (Coherently) (i.e. . . It is sunny out today). If he or she has trouble with any of these tasks, call paramedics immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.

After discovering that a group of non-medical volunteers could identify facial weakness, arm weakness and speech problems, researchers urged the general public to learn the three questions. They presented their conclusions at the American Stroke Association's annual meetin. Widespread use of this test could result in prompt diagnosis and treatment of the stroke and prevent brain damage.

BE A FRIEND AND SHARE THIS ARTICLE WITH AS MANY FRIENDS AS POSSIBLE, you could save their lives.

Things I know that Angels wish they knew…

The song Angel’s Wish by Steven Curtis Chapman really struck me.
It talks about the things that Angels know about heaven…
Things that no people have seen…on the other hand, it talks about the things that the angels haven’t experienced such as the love of the Savior and the grace of God.

I lived in darkness for years and spent half of my lifetime sinning.
I’ve been in bondage with endless transgressions. It was a murky world where I was…
But God gave His only begotten Son to come down to earth and save me from damnation. I was bathed with the blood of Jesus who took my place at the cross and sacrificed his life…
The grace that God has given to me…The gift of love and salvation…
The overflowing mercies…and how God carried me on the lowliest part of my life…
These are things that angels can only wish they knew…

Here is the song:

Angel’s Wish
Steven Curtis Chapman

Was God smiling when He spoke the word and made the world?
And did He cry about the flood?
What does God's voice sound like when He sings, when He's angry?
These are just a few things that the angels have on me
Well, I can't fly at least not yet
I've got no halo on my head
And I can't even start to picture heaven's beauty
But I've been shown the Savior's love
The Grace of God has raised me up
To show me things the angels long to look into
And I know things the Angels only wish they knew
I have seen the dark and desperate place where sin will take you
I've felt loneliness and shame
And I have watched the blinding light of grace
Come breaking through with a sweetness only tasted
By the forgiven and redeemed
And someday I'll sit down with my angel friends
Up in heaven
And they'll tell me about Creation
And I'll tell them a story of Grace
Well, I can't fly at least not yet
I've got no halo on my head
And I can't even start to picture heaven's beauty
But I've been shown a Savior's love
The Grace of God has raised me up
To show me things the angels long to look into
And I know things the Angels only wish they knew

a hundred and one hairfall...

99, 100, 101...THAT'S IT!!!
Am I on my way to being bald? The crown of glory I once am proud of is vanishing…WHAT SHOULD I DO? (now on my panic mode)…

The once long, shiny, straight and celebrity-like hair I have was cut off up to the shoulder level due to the thinning of the strands and lessening of the hair count each and every waking day…
__________________________
Causes of hair fall

Stress and Tension
Over worked
Missing Meals
Poor Diet
Over exposure to the sun
Perming
Use of hair colors
Over styling

Prevention of Hair Fall

•Shampoo regularly by using mild shampoo and conditioner
•Proper diet : Fruits and green vegetables, dairy products
•Vitamins intake : Iron, Zinc, Vitamin B, Vitamin E
•Drink lots of water
•Proper rest
__________________
References:

* Hair Fall by: Meenal
* Prevent Hair Fall and Dandruff the Natural Way By Ravikumar Uppaluri

Perfect

I'm never gonna forget what happened last night...
So here's a song that exactly fits it!

Perfect
by: Simple Plan


Hey Dad look at me
Think back and talk to me
Did I grow up according
To plan?
Do you think I’m wasting
My time doing things I
Wanna do?
But it hurts when you
Disapprove all along


And now I try hard to make it
I just want to make you proud
I’m never gonna be good
Enough for you
I can’t pretend that
I’m alright
And you can’t change me


‘Cuz we lost it all
Nothing lasts forever
I’m sorry
I can’t be Perfect
Now it’s just too late
And we can’t go back
I’m sorry
I can’t be Perfect


I try not to think
About the pain I feel inside
Did you know you used to be
My hero?
All the days
You spent with me
Now seem so far away
And it feels like you don’t
Care anymore


And now I try hard to make it
I just want to make you proud
I’m never gonna be good
Enough for you
I can’t stand another fight
And nothing’ alright


‘Cuz we lost it all
Nothing lasts forever
I’m sorry
I can’t be Perfect
Now it’s just too late
And we can’t go back
I’m sorry
I can’t be Perfect


Nothing’s gonna change
The things that you said
Nothing’s gonna make this
Right again
Please don’t turn your back
I can’t believe it’s hard
Just to talk to you
But you don’t understand


‘Cuz we lost it all
Nothing lasts forever
I’m sorry
I can’t be Perfect
Now it’s just too late
And we can’t go back
I’m sorry
I can’t be Perfect


‘Cuz we lost it all
Nothing lasts forever
I’m sorry
I can’t be Perfect
Now it’s just too late
And we can’t go back
I’m sorry
I can’t be Perfect

closing doors again...

they were all against me...

she beat me...she slapped me
he almost punch me
she nagged at me
he accused me

she started all of it
she wanted me to understand her
she wanted me to listen
she wanted me to be there...

she is like that when she's filled
she cannot control herself
she wants me to carry her burden
but i had enough!

now, they're pointing everything at me
all fault is mine
everything...
i'm used to this anyway!

it's time to close the doors...
to her...
to him...
to them...
to everyone...

Cinderella disorder...

I honestly have nothing in mind. At 1:30am, I have no choice but to emerge myself into cyberspace, the only resort I have when sleep is far away. This sleeping disorder started years back and up until now I have this sickness of not being able to sleep when it is already past 12 midnight. I have to be snoring in bed before 11:59 or else I will be awake the rest of the dawn.

Health professionals describe this disorder as insomnia which is characterized by an inability to sleep and/or inability to remain asleep for a reasonable period. Insomniacs typically complain of being unable to close their eyes or "rest their mind" for more than a few minutes at a time. It is often caused by fear, stress, anxiety, medications, herbs, caffeine, depression or sometimes for no apparent reason. An overactive mind or physical pain may also be causes. Finding the underlying cause of insomnia is usually necessary to cure it.

As I was browsing thru Wikipedia, I learned that there are three types of Insomnia, they are:

1. Transient Insomnia lasts from one night to a few weeks but it seems longer. Most people occasionally suffer from transient insomnia due to such causes as jet lag or short-term anxiety. If this form of insomnia continues to occur from time to time, the insomnia is classified as intermittent.
2. Acute Insomnia is the inability to consistently sleep well for a period of between three weeks to six months.
3. Chronic Insomnia is regarded as the most serious; persists almost nightly for at least a month.

Hmmm…so mine is not insomnia at all…hehehe…it’s more like the Cinderella type of disorder, if I don’t sleep before the clock strikes 12 the drowsiness will evaporate and leave me with eyes wide open until I hear the morning welcome song of my uncle’s rooster.

Oh well it doesn’t matter to me at all, knowing that all Cinderellas have happy endings…hehehe!

Check out my photography at yaneephotos.wordpress.com

Cover Girls...

Taken at Pandanon Island Beach Resort...

Shifted from a busy HR Officer to a Fashion photographer...I would love to give up the human resource career in exchange for a SLR camera...

Photography has always been my passion...(sigh)...


Models (from left): Hope Ocampo, Liplip Segarra, Kylie Bacolod and Maricel Jalang.