Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
- Psalm 139:16
before one of them came to be.
- Psalm 139:16
Place me like a seal over your heart,
like a seal on your arm;
for love is as strong as death,
its jealousy unyielding as the grave.
It burns like blazing fire,
like a mighty flame.
Many waters cannot quench love;
rivers cannot sweep it away.
If one were to give
all the wealth of one’s house for love,
it would be utterly scorned.
- Song of Songs 8:6, 7
“At that time,” declares the LORD,
“I will be the God of all the families of Israel, and they will be my people.”
Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.
He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
- Isaiah 40:28-31
Then Moses went up to God,
and the LORD called to him from the mountain and said,
“This is what you are to say to the descendants of Jacob
and what you are to tell the people of Israel:
‘You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt,
and how I carried you on eagles’ wings
and brought you to Myself.
Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant,
then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession.
Although the whole earth is mine,
you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’
These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.”
- Exodus 19:3-6
Tomorrow is my 59th birthday.
The 27th of March has always been a very special day, and March, a very special month for me.
I believe it is because ever since I was a little girl, this date has always been celebrated.
Yes, from the time I was born, my life has been celebrated.
I have seen pictures on my baby album... my mother and father beaming with pride over me their first born daughter. When I turned one year old, there was a huge birthday party, with over fifty guests present. There is even a handwritten list in my father's handwriting of all the gifts I received.
Then, every year thereafter, up to the time I turned 18, my birthday has been celebrated with a party.
I look back at all those years today... those years when I have been celebrated as a person. And I am humbled, and deeply touched.
Looking back, I can only feel my heart overflowing with thanksgiving for the kind of upbringing that God has provided for me.
As a child, just growing up and learning to find myself, I remember that I was a bit self-centered. Growing up, there were times when I felt I was merely being tolerated, not really fully loved, and often misunderstood. I remember that deep inside I had certain demands that life turn out for me as I wanted it to.
Well, I believe those feelings are normal of any young person.
My perspective began to change when God gradually revealed His plans for my life, revealed to me that He was my God and Creator... Redeemer and King.
In 1953, I was born into this world... but I know that God had conceived the idea of me and carried me in His heart for millenniums.
And so today, on the eve of my 59th year, my heart is brimming over with thanksgiving to God... for celebrating me.
He sent me parents, a sister, and aunts, uncles and cousins, dear friends... who celebrated and valued me as a person.
Then when the time was right, in 1978, He gave me a dear husband who celebrated me as well.
And today, on this my 59th birthday... I can say that I am surrounded by family members who love me and appreciate me: my two sons First Born and Worshiper, my daughter Obedient One, my daughters in love God-given and Chosen One, and my two grandsons Forerunner and Full of Hope/Mighty Warrior... and numerous friends who truly care.
I cannot ask for more, really.
My life may not be perfect in the eyes of some - but for me, the boundary lines have fallen in pleasant places!
Eagle's Wings
Hillsong
Here I am waiting
Abide in me I pray
Here I am longing for You
Hide me in Your love
Bring me to my knees
May I know Jesus more and more
Come live in me
All my life take over
Come breathe in me
And I will rise
On eagles wings
“plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
like a seal on your arm;
for love is as strong as death,
its jealousy unyielding as the grave.
It burns like blazing fire,
like a mighty flame.
Many waters cannot quench love;
rivers cannot sweep it away.
If one were to give
all the wealth of one’s house for love,
it would be utterly scorned.
- Song of Songs 8:6, 7
“At that time,” declares the LORD,
“I will be the God of all the families of Israel, and they will be my people.”
This is what the LORD says:
“The people who survive the sword
will find favor in the wilderness;
I will come to give rest to Israel.”
The LORD appeared to us in the past,saying:
“I have loved you with an everlasting love;
I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.
I will build you up again,
and you, Virgin Israel, will be rebuilt.
Again you will take up your timbrels
and go out to dance with the joyful.
Again you will plant vineyards
on the hills of Samaria;
the farmers will plant them
and enjoy their fruit.
There will be a day when watchmen cry out
on the hills of Ephraim,
‘Come, let us go up to Zion,
to the LORD our God.’”
Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.
He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
- Isaiah 40:28-31
Then Moses went up to God,
and the LORD called to him from the mountain and said,
“This is what you are to say to the descendants of Jacob
and what you are to tell the people of Israel:
‘You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt,
and how I carried you on eagles’ wings
and brought you to Myself.
Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant,
then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession.
Although the whole earth is mine,
you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’
These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.”
- Exodus 19:3-6
Tomorrow is my 59th birthday.
The 27th of March has always been a very special day, and March, a very special month for me.
I believe it is because ever since I was a little girl, this date has always been celebrated.
Yes, from the time I was born, my life has been celebrated.
I have seen pictures on my baby album... my mother and father beaming with pride over me their first born daughter. When I turned one year old, there was a huge birthday party, with over fifty guests present. There is even a handwritten list in my father's handwriting of all the gifts I received.
Then, every year thereafter, up to the time I turned 18, my birthday has been celebrated with a party.
I look back at all those years today... those years when I have been celebrated as a person. And I am humbled, and deeply touched.
Looking back, I can only feel my heart overflowing with thanksgiving for the kind of upbringing that God has provided for me.
As a child, just growing up and learning to find myself, I remember that I was a bit self-centered. Growing up, there were times when I felt I was merely being tolerated, not really fully loved, and often misunderstood. I remember that deep inside I had certain demands that life turn out for me as I wanted it to.
Well, I believe those feelings are normal of any young person.
My perspective began to change when God gradually revealed His plans for my life, revealed to me that He was my God and Creator... Redeemer and King.
In 1953, I was born into this world... but I know that God had conceived the idea of me and carried me in His heart for millenniums.
And so today, on the eve of my 59th year, my heart is brimming over with thanksgiving to God... for celebrating me.
He sent me parents, a sister, and aunts, uncles and cousins, dear friends... who celebrated and valued me as a person.
Then when the time was right, in 1978, He gave me a dear husband who celebrated me as well.
And today, on this my 59th birthday... I can say that I am surrounded by family members who love me and appreciate me: my two sons First Born and Worshiper, my daughter Obedient One, my daughters in love God-given and Chosen One, and my two grandsons Forerunner and Full of Hope/Mighty Warrior... and numerous friends who truly care.
I cannot ask for more, really.
My life may not be perfect in the eyes of some - but for me, the boundary lines have fallen in pleasant places!
O Lord You are the portion of my inheritance
and my cup,
You maintain my lot,
The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places;
Yes I have a good inheritance.
and my cup,
You maintain my lot,
The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places;
Yes I have a good inheritance.
This is the cry of praise that is on my heart this early morning as I write this post...
And today I will do something very special: I will put into writing my life metaphor. This is the first time I will ever do it, because I haven't really thought much about what my life metaphor is.
I didn't even know there was such a thing as a life metaphor. But a month or two ago, during one Sunday morning, the words of my pastor, Joe Ascalon, struck my heart deeply. As he was giving the message, he asked this question: "What is your life metaphor?"
Off and on, during the quiet moments in the midst of the busyness of these past two months, I have found myself contemplating this question.
I couldn't figure out what my life metaphor was.
Because, really... we don't start out in life with our life goals clearly spelled out for us. These things just somehow begin falling into place, not really intentionally, but more as a consequence of our life choices.
I realize now that we all have a life metaphor that may not be clearly spelled out, but it is there as a motivating, guiding force that leads us.
Without our knowing it, there is an underlying life metaphor that begins to define us... who we are, what goals we reach for.
I returned to my home city of Bacolod last Friday after having been in Manila for 35 days - more than a month. Really, I felt like staying longer in Manila... but there were a number of important things for me to do here at the end of this month.
Now I realize that above all my reasons for coming back on Friday God had an important line for me to hear on Sunday morning. Yesterday, at church, Pastor Joe during his sermon, mentioned one line that caught my attention.
He said, "Establish a life statement and live it out."
Wham! It hit my heart again. Yes Lord, I hear You.
So, last night, I spent time in God's presence... listening to worship music, and thinking of some of my favorite verses.
And suddenly, I saw my life metaphor before me... not written in black and white, but in a picture - a picture of a long road... covered with clouds at some points, shrouded in mist at some points, many rocky places... a few rivers to cross over... meadows of beautiful flowers bathed with sunlight at some points... through valleys, through mountains... and at the end of it, so far away, was a place that filled my heart with such joyous anticipation.
It was my life metaphor... as clear as daylight to me.
Wow! I couldn't believe it. All I did was ask the Father to show me what my life metaphor was, and He showed me.
I woke up early this morning to write this post. I played my favorite worship songs...
And He is speaking to me now, not in audible words, but more as a truth realization, and as he "speaks" I am typing the words.
These are the impressions I am receiving:
Your whole life is a journey, a sacred pilgrimage that takes you nearer and closer to the heart of the One who loves you with an everlasting love... My heart!
Your life is a lifetime of drawing near to Me, longing for more of Me, hungering to know Me more, and seeking to obey Me.
And as you are seeking, you are receiving.
What you want, what you long for the most, is what you receive... in full measure, and way beyond what you ask or imagine.
For I am the God who sees your heart. I am the God of the multiplication... who rewards the one who seeks Me beyond what your eyes can see, or what your mind can comprehend.
Your life is a fragrant offering of worship to me. Imperfect as you think the circumstances of your life have been, I am the God who holds the imperfect pieces of your life in My eternal hands.
Your life is not a struggle or a striving... Your life is a river flowing... Your life is a dance... your life is a song.
I have created you not for striving... but for rest.
And indeed you are loved by others... because out of your heart flows My love and My compassion for them! In your eyes are reflected the love of My heart for this dying world. And yet it is never a burden for you... never too heavy for you to carry.
I want you to continue living and abiding in My love as you journey closer to your heavenly eternal home. You impart My peace... you impart My rest... you impart a sense of shalom... you create an atmosphere of worship... in the lives of people to whom I send you.
Amen and amen. So be it, dear Father. So be it, my Lord.
As I journey down this road, I want to be a voice of hope, a ray of light, a word of encouragement, a helping hand, a messenger of faith, a speaker of truth...
I want to be a reflection of the Father's heart...
At this very moment, out of my heart flows a response of love to His invitation for me to keep drawing near to Him!
His words are so clear, and minister deeply to my heart. Heaven is a topic so dear to my heart, it really is a place I am longing to see!
Below are three of my favorite songs for this season, in response to what God has spoken to me.
I pray that you will take time to listen to the songs, and that as you do so, your time spent today on this blog will be a time of personal encounter with the Living God, the One who loves you with an everlasting love.
And today I will do something very special: I will put into writing my life metaphor. This is the first time I will ever do it, because I haven't really thought much about what my life metaphor is.
I didn't even know there was such a thing as a life metaphor. But a month or two ago, during one Sunday morning, the words of my pastor, Joe Ascalon, struck my heart deeply. As he was giving the message, he asked this question: "What is your life metaphor?"
Off and on, during the quiet moments in the midst of the busyness of these past two months, I have found myself contemplating this question.
I couldn't figure out what my life metaphor was.
Because, really... we don't start out in life with our life goals clearly spelled out for us. These things just somehow begin falling into place, not really intentionally, but more as a consequence of our life choices.
I realize now that we all have a life metaphor that may not be clearly spelled out, but it is there as a motivating, guiding force that leads us.
Without our knowing it, there is an underlying life metaphor that begins to define us... who we are, what goals we reach for.
I returned to my home city of Bacolod last Friday after having been in Manila for 35 days - more than a month. Really, I felt like staying longer in Manila... but there were a number of important things for me to do here at the end of this month.
Now I realize that above all my reasons for coming back on Friday God had an important line for me to hear on Sunday morning. Yesterday, at church, Pastor Joe during his sermon, mentioned one line that caught my attention.
He said, "Establish a life statement and live it out."
Wham! It hit my heart again. Yes Lord, I hear You.
So, last night, I spent time in God's presence... listening to worship music, and thinking of some of my favorite verses.
And suddenly, I saw my life metaphor before me... not written in black and white, but in a picture - a picture of a long road... covered with clouds at some points, shrouded in mist at some points, many rocky places... a few rivers to cross over... meadows of beautiful flowers bathed with sunlight at some points... through valleys, through mountains... and at the end of it, so far away, was a place that filled my heart with such joyous anticipation.
It was my life metaphor... as clear as daylight to me.
My life is a journey to the heart of the One Who loves me.
My life is a response of love to that love.
My life is a response of love to that love.
Wow! I couldn't believe it. All I did was ask the Father to show me what my life metaphor was, and He showed me.
I woke up early this morning to write this post. I played my favorite worship songs...
And He is speaking to me now, not in audible words, but more as a truth realization, and as he "speaks" I am typing the words.
These are the impressions I am receiving:
Your whole life is a journey, a sacred pilgrimage that takes you nearer and closer to the heart of the One who loves you with an everlasting love... My heart!
Your life is a lifetime of drawing near to Me, longing for more of Me, hungering to know Me more, and seeking to obey Me.
And as you are seeking, you are receiving.
What you want, what you long for the most, is what you receive... in full measure, and way beyond what you ask or imagine.
For I am the God who sees your heart. I am the God of the multiplication... who rewards the one who seeks Me beyond what your eyes can see, or what your mind can comprehend.
Your life is a fragrant offering of worship to me. Imperfect as you think the circumstances of your life have been, I am the God who holds the imperfect pieces of your life in My eternal hands.
Your life is not a struggle or a striving... Your life is a river flowing... Your life is a dance... your life is a song.
I have created you not for striving... but for rest.
And indeed you are loved by others... because out of your heart flows My love and My compassion for them! In your eyes are reflected the love of My heart for this dying world. And yet it is never a burden for you... never too heavy for you to carry.
I want you to continue living and abiding in My love as you journey closer to your heavenly eternal home. You impart My peace... you impart My rest... you impart a sense of shalom... you create an atmosphere of worship... in the lives of people to whom I send you.
As I journey down this road, I want to be a voice of hope, a ray of light, a word of encouragement, a helping hand, a messenger of faith, a speaker of truth...
I want to be a reflection of the Father's heart...
At this very moment, out of my heart flows a response of love to His invitation for me to keep drawing near to Him!
His words are so clear, and minister deeply to my heart. Heaven is a topic so dear to my heart, it really is a place I am longing to see!
Below are three of my favorite songs for this season, in response to what God has spoken to me.
I pray that you will take time to listen to the songs, and that as you do so, your time spent today on this blog will be a time of personal encounter with the Living God, the One who loves you with an everlasting love.
Oceans Will Part
by Hillsong
If my heart has grown cold
There Your love will unfold
As You open my eyes to the work of Your hand
When I'm blind to my way
There Your Spirit will pray
As You open my eyes to the work of Your hand
As You open my eyes to the work of Your hand
Oceans will part nations come
At the whisper of Your call
Hope will rise glory shown
In my life Your will be done
Present suffering may pass
Lord Your mercy will last
As You open my eyes to the work of Your hand
And my heart will find praise
I'll delight in Your way
As You open my eyes to the work of Your hand
As You open my eyes to the work of Your hand
by Hillsong
If my heart has grown cold
There Your love will unfold
As You open my eyes to the work of Your hand
When I'm blind to my way
There Your Spirit will pray
As You open my eyes to the work of Your hand
As You open my eyes to the work of Your hand
Oceans will part nations come
At the whisper of Your call
Hope will rise glory shown
In my life Your will be done
Present suffering may pass
Lord Your mercy will last
As You open my eyes to the work of Your hand
And my heart will find praise
I'll delight in Your way
As You open my eyes to the work of Your hand
As You open my eyes to the work of Your hand
Oceans Will Part
Eagle's Wings
Hillsong
Here I am waiting
Abide in me I pray
Here I am longing for You
Hide me in Your love
Bring me to my knees
May I know Jesus more and more
Come live in me
All my life take over
Come breathe in me
And I will rise
On eagles wings
Here In Your Presence
New Life Worship
Found in Your hands, fullness of joy
Every fear suddenly wiped away here in Your presence
All of my gains now fade away
Every crown no longer on display, here in Your presence
Heaven is trembling in awe of Your wonders
The kings and their kingdom arestanding amazed
Here in Your presence, we are undone
Here in Your presence, Heaven and Earth become one
Here in Your presence, all things are new
Here in Your presence, everything bows before You
Wonderful, beautiful, glorious, matchless in every way
Wonderful, beautiful, glorious, matchless in every way
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD,New Life Worship
Found in Your hands, fullness of joy
Every fear suddenly wiped away here in Your presence
All of my gains now fade away
Every crown no longer on display, here in Your presence
Heaven is trembling in awe of Your wonders
The kings and their kingdom arestanding amazed
Here in Your presence, we are undone
Here in Your presence, Heaven and Earth become one
Here in Your presence, all things are new
Here in Your presence, everything bows before You
Wonderful, beautiful, glorious, matchless in every way
Wonderful, beautiful, glorious, matchless in every way
“plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
- Jeremiah 29:11
This post is lovingly dedicated to my pastor, Joe Ascalon.
Today, I want to say that I love you, and I honor you, and I respect the kingdom assignment that God has called you to do.
Today, I want to say that I love you, and I honor you, and I respect the kingdom assignment that God has called you to do.
30 comments:
I've never heard of a life metaphor, but it really makes sense. I love what God showed you - such a lovely metaphor for your life.
Happy Birthday Lidj!
what a touching post lidj...i love the way you loved jesus...you have a very sweet spirit..i love your posts...they speak so much to me...thank you for being my friend and following my blog i dont have that much to say on blogs...i do have a space and tagged.com also...but only when i have time i check...have a very blessed birthday friend...loves soraya
Happy Birthday sister Lidia!!! Praying God's divine wisdom to continue to guide you and His richest blessings be upon you!
I never heard about "life metaphor" but what a beautiful revelation the Lord had given you! Glory be to God! Of course, it's a perfect symbol as it was drawn by His scarred Hands!!!
I love His faithful promises and I needed to hear particularly the one that strengthen me all the time from Isa. 40. I enjoy the songs you shared with us. The lyrics are all beautiful but what makes it beautiful is because they are also part of your special time with the Lord. I don't even want to say anything but "Thank You Lord." God bless you sister and may you have a wonderful time not only on your birthday but on each day God had planned for you!!! Love to you sister!
Dear Lidia,
I really don't know what my life metaphor is. I know I asked for guidance when choosing an education and I went 4 years after gymnasium to be educated as a nurse and a teacher for the mentally challenged.Even after I was stuck with illness myself, most of my life has been used to help, carry and nurse other ill and in need. My education has been used every day.
I have fallen and sinned more often than I can bare to remember. I am amongst other things hot tempered, and struggle to master my tongue. Just how many unfortunate things have happened because of that, only my forgiving Lord knows.
I also tend to be arrogant, even I very well know I don't have anything I haven't gotten, and that it can be taken away from me in a split second.
But metaphor???
I really can't tell.
I know I once received the word you quoted as a special promise and comfort.
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD,
“plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Looking back I can see I have been richly blessed.Just now, it's tough.
Happy Birthday, Lidia!Wishing you a new year of blessing, joy and sweet surprises from God!
I will have to think on the metaphor of my life - Yours is so beautiful, "a journeyto the heart ofone who loves me. . . a response" of that love."
My heart leaped when you said: "because out of your heart flows My love and My compassion for them! In your eyes are reflected the love of My heart for this dying world. And yet it is never a burden for you... never too heavy for you to carry."
Loving others, letting others know His love is not a burden for you - no never a burden! That all would love like that!
Happy!Happy! Birthday!
Maryleigh
Happy Birthday my dear friend Lidia:O) May God even have a bigger year ahead for you with many more wonderful blessings . . . may your life story be even more adventurous. The beautiful part of your future is that God will be at your side cheering you on. God Bless You, Sandy xox
Happy Birthday Lidj, May the Lord provide you with many opportunities to serve Him while on your life journey.
Happy Birthday Lidia.. may God continue to shower you with his blessings. All the scriptures you have quoted are heart felt. So lovely. And your have been a blessing to all from the moment of your birth. I have not had much ever done for my birthday. It is 3 days prior Christmas and it was a rushed day..only the last couple have been nicer and special. Much love sent your way.. OH..My daughter knows Darlene from Hillsong personally, She was their photographer for many years. xxx
Happy Birthday Lidia! May you feel God even closer and deeper today as you look forward to all the good things in life to come.. blessings.. x :)
Happy birthday to you ou the Netherlands. God bless you. I like your story and blog.
Dear Lidia,
I meant to return March 27th to congratulate you.
Alas my good intentions were not enough.
They simply slipped through my blogging brain mind.
I hope you had a marvelous celebration with your family and that you will enjoy this last year of your young fifties.
Lucky you doesn't look more than forty. I envy those genes. It also has something to do with the peace and inner glow your are filled with.
May you stay forever that harmonically young.
A journey to the heart of the One who loves us...
I'm on the road with you, sister, not clearly seeing the steps ahead but always knowing where they're heading.
Straight home to Jesus. Keep to it, birthday girl. You are celebrated in heaven and in my heart.
peace~elaine
Lidj, I have not popped by in a long time and what a time to do so, in time for your birthday and this incredible post. Much resonates with me..
"Your life is a lifetime of drawing near to Me, longing for more of Me, hungering to know Me more, and seeking to obey Me."
"...Your life is a fragrant offering of worship to me. Imperfect as you think the circumstances of your life have been, I am the God who holds the imperfect pieces of your life in My eternal hands."
Thank you for sharing this with us.
And, Happy Birthday!
Your life is not a struggle or a striving... Your life is a river flowing... Your life is a dance... your life is a song.
Lidia....this post...your post....washed over me like a river of love. I needed to read this....to drink in His love....and feel His awesome touch. Your whole post oozes His love. And it's connected me to you in a way I can't explain in words but my heart knows.....My life was never celebrated until I met Him.....I love that your parents taught you that your life was a celebration. How awesome is that and I pray I'll do that for my girls. I want them to know that they're lives are an amazing celebration. Lidia...I wish you the happiest sweetest day tomorrow and if you can feel my heart....you would feel the love I'm sending you. ☺☺ Happy Birthday!!!
I love what The LORD showed you, Lidia. Thank you for sharing that!
I have a life mission statement. Here is the link to that page on my blog if you'd like to read it:
http://www.warmtheheart.blogspot.com/p/lifes-mission-statement.html
P.S. Happy Birthday, Lidia. All God's blessings to you!
Happy birthday Lidj, I am so encouraged by this post.
Hello Sweet Lidia,
A very heartfelt, yet belated, Happy Birthday to you!! I haven't looked at other blogs much lately, so I apologize for being late for your special day and event!
I'm so thankful the Lord gave you to the world, and to all of us! You are truly a gift to me, and my life is so enriched by you, your journaling, and your reflection of Christ!!
Please let me know if there's anything special from Canada that you'd like to have in the Philippines! Maple syrup perhaps :-)?
By the way, I think one of my life metaphors is a transplated rose bush. We've moved over 35 times in our lives, and even now, as you, divide our lives between several places. So I often feel like a rose bush which has been transplanted a few too many times. But with the Lord's loving hands and the watering of other believers, my roots tend to heal and I begin to thrive wherever I'm placed!
Thank you for sharing your heart and songs with us today! All my love, Linda
I hope your birthday was blessed, Lidia. May God continue to guide you as you seek the truth in Jesus Christ.
HELLO, there Lidia!
Glad to find you at Diane's. I have to come visit you too. We are next door neighbors separated only by channels and seas in this archipelago.
I am from Cebu City. My husband is from Manila but we now reside here in Cebu.
Glad to know you, and I am convinced there is so much insight here in you blog.
I will come back to read more soon. Praise God for your family.. such a picture of joy.
Thanks for going to Diane's and leaving there your comments.
First of all ...happy birthday to you! I know I'm writing this comment a bit late but I've visited and read this post several times and am now just getting to write.
It is wonderful that your family is so good at celebrating your birthday. I think that is such a good thing to do.
I too was born in 1953. When you wrote that you were turning 59, my immediate reaction was ...no I'm 58. I have to laugh because I had to calculate and yes you are so right. I guess I don't pay attention to the years as I'm getting older. LOL
I love your life metaphor. I used to think I needed to be used in a mighty way by the Lord and that I was failing at it. But since then I realize that it's all about relationship with Him and growing closer in my walk with Him. As I rest in Him, He will work in me and through me to impact others. I don't need to figure it all out. I think that comes with learning life lessons and making mistakes. Trusting the Lord in all things has been something that I have learned but continue to learn on this journey.
I had to laugh because since moving into this small condo, I kept waking up with a song in my head. It was "this is not where I belong. Take this world and give me Jesus." My home is with Him. He can take me wherever He chooses. I know He will never leave me and the physical place is not so important anymore. Thank you for your kind email. It meant so much to me. In the midst of this move, I've been offline much so I'm behind in my correspondence.
Thank you for writing from your heart. I learn much from you and value you greatly.
Blessings and love,
Debbie
A little late to the party - but a very Happy Birthday nonetheless!
Lidia, I so enjoyed this beautiful post. There were so many things that touched me. I loved your image of God conceiving the idea of us - long before the foundations of the earth. Is that the most wonder-full thing ever?
And I really liked what you had to say about the life metaphor. I'm going to contemplate this idea. I'd like God to reveal to me my life metaphor - and I believe He will. Your thoughts on your journey, your life as a pilgrimage were awesome. You are a blessing to so many people - including me.
Thank you for your faithful witness to our loving God.
And may this year be another delightful leg of your beautiful journey to His heart.
GOD BLESS!
Dear, dear sister in Christ....
I met Amber on Monday to return two of her children to her. She handed me the sweet pocket full of treasure from you. How special and beautiful! I plan to wear them this Sunday - Resurrection Sunday. You shall be very close to me in thought and prayer though an ocean separates us.
Thank you so much for your generosity extended to both me and my daughter.
May God bless you and your special family in unique and unmistakeable ways.
♥Rebecca
I'm so sorry I'm late to the party, Lidia. I wish you a very happy year ahead filled with God's favor for all the new endeavors He places in your life to encourage and love others. You are a treasure not only to Him, but to me!
Love,
Mary
A wonder-full Easter Sunday blessing to you and yours!
May you experience the joy of the Truth this Resurrection Day – that we serve the Risen Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!
Praise His name for His gift of salvation, and for the hope and promise of eternal life.
GOD BLESS!
Dear Lydia, I not had no time to read, now I am back through your blog. Thank you for the good news! God bless you and your family.
Greetings from Cosima.
The Lord is risen!
He is risen indeed!
Lidia,
As I read the words the Lord gave you the Holy Spirit quickened within me. We have often both mentioned how the Lord is speaking us, calling us to similar things along this way, and He has spoken to me again through His words to you. I, too, am finding the more I hunger and hunger for him,the striving begins to cease and I am more fully able to enter into His rest. I'm learning this. I'm learning faith in what He says. Just as He has said these things to you, to accept them as faith even when the circumstances around us do not match up with His word and promises.
May the Lord dwell in you richly this day! Love to you today in the Lord!
Good Morning, Lidia! Just came over to say hello and let you know I'm thinking of you. I hope all is well!
God bless you! Diane
Manang Lidj,
Your journey and walk has been a great inspiration.
I miss you!
I know you wrote this awhile back, Lidia, but I've been so busy that I haven't been over here in awhile! I'm so glad I read it!
I haven't ever really heard of this or thought of it... yet there is a clear picture that God gave me a few years ago that still speaks to me. For me, it is that of a small boat, out on a wide ocean. At the time that He gave me that image, He told me that it was time for me to move away from the crowds and into uncharted territory. It's uncharted territory because there is no one leading me here. It’s just me and God. More meaning has been added to this picture as the last three years have gone by, specifically that getting into the boat with Him also means learning to get out...and walk on water (which is walking in the Spirit, according to His leading no matter how little sense it makes in the natural).
Anyway, I liked reading this post. Thank you for sharing.
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