"Early Morning Sagada"
Sagada, Mountain Province, Philippines
by Jojo Nicdao
photo source
He has shown you, O man, what is good;
And what does the Lord require of you
But to do justly,
To love mercy,
And to walk humbly with your God?
- Micah 6:8
Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed,
Because His compassions fail not.
They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.
“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,
“Therefore I hope in Him!”
The Lord is good to those who wait for Him,
To the soul who seeks Him.
It is good that one should hope and wait quietly
For the salvation of the Lord.
“On that day I will raise up
The tabernacle of David, which has fallen down,
And repair its damages;
I will raise up its ruins,
And rebuild it as in the days of old;
That they may possess the remnant of Edom,
And all the Gentiles who are called by My name,”
says the Lord who does this thing.- Amos 9:11-15
Power of Your Name
written by Lincoln Brewster and Mia Fieldes
Surely children weren't made for the streets
And fathers were not made to leave
Surely this isn't how it should be
Let Your Kingdom come
Surely nations were not made for war
Or the broken meant to be ignored
Surely this just can't be what You saw
Let Your Kingdom come
Here in my heart
And I will live
To carry Your compassion
To love a world that's broken
To be Your hands and feet
And I will give
With the life that I've been given
And go beyond religion
To see the world be changed
By the power of Your name
The power of Your name
Surely life wasn't made to regret
And the lost were not made to forget
Surely faith without action is dead
Let Your Kingdom come
Lord break this heart
Oh, and I will live
To carry Your compassion
To love a world that's broken
To be Your hands and feet
And I will give
With the life that I've been given
And go beyond religion
To see the world be changed
By the power of Your name
Jesus Your name
Is a shelter for the hurting
and Your name
Is a refuge for the weak
Only Your name
Can redeem the undeserving
Jesus Your name
Holds everything I need
And I will live
To carry Your compassion
To love a world that's broken
To be Your hands and feet
And I will give
With the life that I've been given
And go beyond religion
To see this world be changed
By the power of Your name
And I will live
To carry Your compassion
To love a world that's broken
To be Your hands and feet
And I will give
With the life that I've been given
And go beyond religion
To see the world be changed
By the power of Your name
The power of Your name...
Sagada, Mountain Province, Philippines
by Jojo Nicdao
photo source
He has shown you, O man, what is good;
And what does the Lord require of you
But to do justly,
To love mercy,
And to walk humbly with your God?
- Micah 6:8
Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed,
Because His compassions fail not.
They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.
“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,
“Therefore I hope in Him!”
The Lord is good to those who wait for Him,
To the soul who seeks Him.
It is good that one should hope and wait quietly
For the salvation of the Lord.
- Lamentations 3:22-26
“On that day I will raise up
The tabernacle of David, which has fallen down,
And repair its damages;
I will raise up its ruins,
And rebuild it as in the days of old;
That they may possess the remnant of Edom,
And all the Gentiles who are called by My name,”
says the Lord who does this thing.
“Behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord,
“When the plowman shall overtake the reaper,
And the treader of grapes him who sows seed;
The mountains shall drip with sweet wine,
And all the hills shall flow with it.
I will bring back the captives of My people Israel;
They shall build the waste cities and inhabit them;
They shall plant vineyards and drink wine from them;
They shall also make gardens and eat fruit from them.
I will plant them in their land,
And no longer shall they be pulled up
From the land I have given them,”
Says the Lord your God.
My last entry for this weblog was written twenty days ago. It was my intention to write an end-of-the-month post to recapitulate the events of March, and to give the month a name, but I didn't want to force myself to do it then.
There were just too many things going on at that time, and as much as possible, I never want to do a hastily written, haphazard, half-baked blog post.
Now that I have more time, I can re-visit the events of the past weeks and share what God has been speaking to me.
On March 30, just seven days after my return to Bacolod, I was back in Manila. My cousin Bobby was celebrating his 70th birthday on April 1, and he and his wife Girlie were celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary as well. Bobby is my first cousin on my father's side of the family; he and I are the only ones from our extended family residing here in the Philippines. The four other first cousins, including my only sister, live with their families in Canada and the USA.
Bobby and Girlie moved to the southern part of the Philippines with their two young children in 1971 when I was only 18 years old. That was over forty years ago. Since then we have seen one another only a few times.
Bobby and Girlie, on their 50th wedding anniversary
This was a good reason to return to Manila, and I am so glad I did.
Bobby and Girlie's eldest daughter Isabel, who is now a successful architect in Maryland, USA, was back home for the special occasion.
Isabel and her American husband, Tom
It was so good to be able to reconnect with her and with the rest of my nephews and cousins.
Three generations: Bobby, his son Jay, and Jay's son Gab.
Jay and Gab are almost carbon copies of Bobby. Amazing!
Bobby and Girlie with their whole family:
Nick (Isabel's son), Toni, Gab and Jay,
Isabel and Tom, Tommee ( youngest son of Bobby and Girlie),
Chinee and Tom-tom, children of Peggy and Butch (Bobby and Girlie's eldest son)
My first cousin Fred and his wife Leila who reside in British Columbia, Canada, were also in Manila. What a blessed opportunity it was for me to be with my side of the family again.
Obedient One, me, my first cousin Fred and his wife Leila
Three first cousins: me, Bobby, and Fred
Compassion...
Grace...
Mercy...
In the less than perfect circumstances of my life, God grants me many opportunities to experience His perfect grace and His abundant mercy.
My only sister was in Manila for almost four months and we had a special time of bonding and reconnecting with each other.
Having been with beloved members of my extended family is just one of the many gifts God has given me this month.
In mid March, Amber Smith, daughter of my blog friend Rebecca (of Life and Godliness) was in Manila for a ministry trip, and we met!
Amber and me
Also in mid March, my friend Louella who now lives in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, was in town for a few weeks, and we took time to see each other, even for just a few hours.
with Louella
When I arrived back in Bacolod on March 23 after my month-long stay in Manila, a garden in full bloom was waiting for me. The days had been sunny in the morning and rainy in the afternoon, providing the perfect combination that plants love. Worshiper and Chosen One had also started a small vegetable garden.
At the Bacolod Silay Airport
"I Love Bacolod" - where the sky is always blue and air is always fresh!
My family, and especially my grandsons Forerunner and Full of Hope, were so delighted to see me!
My dear dogs looked healthy and well cared for.
It felt so good to return to a home that was very clean, surrounded by an atmosphere of love and peace.
My best friend Melanie arrived from Virginia USA on the second week of March. It was a special treat to have her around on my 59th birthday.
The former president of Maejo University in Chiang Mai, Thailand, Dr. Thep Phongparnich, was in Bacolod City for a few days toward the end of March. He was conferred the degree Doctor of Humanities honoris causa by the West Negros University. My sister in law Sue gave a testimonial dinner in his honor and the evening was such a beautiful event, with Filipino dances, songs, and testimonial speeches.
Seated: Dr. Thep and his colleagues
Standing: me and Diana Jantakad, Dr. Thep's Filipina secretary
Our family really looks up to Dr. Thep, for it was during his term that Ernie served in Maejo University for a whole year as a foreign consultant, having set up the curriculum for the International MBA program for the university during that time.
On March 27, my birthday, I literally had a whole day celebration of my special day. My dear friends Melanie, Buddy, Trudi, and Pat came over for breakfast.
Melanie's birthday gift for me, a special necklace (see close up picture below)
My family celebrated the occasion with me by preparing a special lunch.
In the afternoon my friend Melanie, Miriam and I had coffee and pastry at our favorite coffee place, Starbucks.
And in the evening, my dear ministry team family prepared a special birthday dinner for me.
Nikki, Trudi, Ruby, Minerva
me and Pat
It really turns out this way almost each year - my birthday seems such a special event that is celebrated in a special way!
During my brief five-day return trip to Manila, I was able to treat my dear friends Tina, Rosemarie, and Donna to a delightful birthday lunch at our favorite restaurant, the Cyma Greek Taverna in Greenbelt, Makati City.
Clockwise: Rosemarie, Donna, me and Tina
Rosemarie's birthday gift for me, One New Man Bible
On the eve of my return to Bacolod, Rosemarie, Tina, Donna, and I, together with a few other friends spent a night of worship at Rosemarie's home. We listened to Ruth Fazal's anointed CD entitled Joy in the Night. We were on our knees as we worshiped our God and King. It was a wonderful ending to my brief stay in Manila.
On April 4 I returned once again to my home city of Bacolod. The next day my only daughter Obedient One arrived on the dawn flight from Manila. Although she had not yet slept, she joined our whole family for an early lunch at the local beach where we feasted on steamed baby oysters and grilled tilapia and young coconuts.
God given and Forerunner
Obedient One and Full of Hope
The local beach is not the best there is in this country, but I really love this beach for its memories.
Grandsons with their Nana
It is here where Ernie and I would go every Saturday... yes, that is right, we went to this beach E-V-E-R-Y Saturday for the first twelve years of our married life. At the start it was just the two of us, then First Born came into the picture... then Worshiper... and then Obedient One was born. Saturday was our special family beach outing day, and through the years we had acquired a wide assortment of beach paraphernalia like toy buckets, plastic shovels, beach chairs, hammocks, a portable radio, and beach tableware. Name it, we had it.
Worshiper and Chosen One
That local beach in Punta Taytay is indeed a place full of warm memories for me.
On Good Friday our family had our Passover meal. We were complete as a family, and my friend Melanie and her husband Edward were also with us.
Passover candles, Edward (Melanie's husband) in background
me and Melanie, after the Passover meal
On Resurrection Sunday morning we went to the early sunrise worship service at our church. The songs we sang were so meaningful, as was the word that was preached... then good coffee and breakfast for everyone were served after the service.
Obedient One with her two sisters in law
We had a Resurrection Sunday family lunch at the home of Ernie's sister Sue.
God given and First Born
My three children: First Born, Worshiper and Obedient One
Obedient One with her Aunt Lei
Indeed, that day was such a special time of remembering the Lord's resurrection.
The month of March was really beautiful... full of touching reminders of God's mercy and grace.
Compassion... This is the name of the road I have travelled on these past weeks.
There were just too many things going on at that time, and as much as possible, I never want to do a hastily written, haphazard, half-baked blog post.
Now that I have more time, I can re-visit the events of the past weeks and share what God has been speaking to me.
On March 30, just seven days after my return to Bacolod, I was back in Manila. My cousin Bobby was celebrating his 70th birthday on April 1, and he and his wife Girlie were celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary as well. Bobby is my first cousin on my father's side of the family; he and I are the only ones from our extended family residing here in the Philippines. The four other first cousins, including my only sister, live with their families in Canada and the USA.
Bobby and Girlie moved to the southern part of the Philippines with their two young children in 1971 when I was only 18 years old. That was over forty years ago. Since then we have seen one another only a few times.
Bobby and Girlie, on their 50th wedding anniversaryBobby and Girlie's eldest daughter Isabel, who is now a successful architect in Maryland, USA, was back home for the special occasion.
Isabel and her American husband, Tom
Three generations: Bobby, his son Jay, and Jay's son Gab.Jay and Gab are almost carbon copies of Bobby. Amazing!
Bobby and Girlie with their whole family:Nick (Isabel's son), Toni, Gab and Jay,
Isabel and Tom, Tommee ( youngest son of Bobby and Girlie),
Chinee and Tom-tom, children of Peggy and Butch (Bobby and Girlie's eldest son)
My first cousin Fred and his wife Leila who reside in British Columbia, Canada, were also in Manila. What a blessed opportunity it was for me to be with my side of the family again.
Obedient One, me, my first cousin Fred and his wife Leila
Three first cousins: me, Bobby, and FredCompassion...
Grace...
Mercy...
In the less than perfect circumstances of my life, God grants me many opportunities to experience His perfect grace and His abundant mercy.
My only sister was in Manila for almost four months and we had a special time of bonding and reconnecting with each other.
Having been with beloved members of my extended family is just one of the many gifts God has given me this month.
In mid March, Amber Smith, daughter of my blog friend Rebecca (of Life and Godliness) was in Manila for a ministry trip, and we met!
Amber and meAlso in mid March, my friend Louella who now lives in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, was in town for a few weeks, and we took time to see each other, even for just a few hours.
with LouellaWhen I arrived back in Bacolod on March 23 after my month-long stay in Manila, a garden in full bloom was waiting for me. The days had been sunny in the morning and rainy in the afternoon, providing the perfect combination that plants love. Worshiper and Chosen One had also started a small vegetable garden.
At the Bacolod Silay Airport"I Love Bacolod" - where the sky is always blue and air is always fresh!
My family, and especially my grandsons Forerunner and Full of Hope, were so delighted to see me!
My dear dogs looked healthy and well cared for.
It felt so good to return to a home that was very clean, surrounded by an atmosphere of love and peace.
My best friend Melanie arrived from Virginia USA on the second week of March. It was a special treat to have her around on my 59th birthday.
The former president of Maejo University in Chiang Mai, Thailand, Dr. Thep Phongparnich, was in Bacolod City for a few days toward the end of March. He was conferred the degree Doctor of Humanities honoris causa by the West Negros University. My sister in law Sue gave a testimonial dinner in his honor and the evening was such a beautiful event, with Filipino dances, songs, and testimonial speeches.
Seated: Dr. Thep and his colleaguesStanding: me and Diana Jantakad, Dr. Thep's Filipina secretary
Melanie's birthday gift for me, a special necklace (see close up picture below)
My family celebrated the occasion with me by preparing a special lunch.
In the afternoon my friend Melanie, Miriam and I had coffee and pastry at our favorite coffee place, Starbucks.
And in the evening, my dear ministry team family prepared a special birthday dinner for me.
Nikki, Trudi, Ruby, Minervame and Pat
It really turns out this way almost each year - my birthday seems such a special event that is celebrated in a special way!
During my brief five-day return trip to Manila, I was able to treat my dear friends Tina, Rosemarie, and Donna to a delightful birthday lunch at our favorite restaurant, the Cyma Greek Taverna in Greenbelt, Makati City.
Clockwise: Rosemarie, Donna, me and Tina
Rosemarie's birthday gift for me, One New Man BibleOn the eve of my return to Bacolod, Rosemarie, Tina, Donna, and I, together with a few other friends spent a night of worship at Rosemarie's home. We listened to Ruth Fazal's anointed CD entitled Joy in the Night. We were on our knees as we worshiped our God and King. It was a wonderful ending to my brief stay in Manila.
On April 4 I returned once again to my home city of Bacolod. The next day my only daughter Obedient One arrived on the dawn flight from Manila. Although she had not yet slept, she joined our whole family for an early lunch at the local beach where we feasted on steamed baby oysters and grilled tilapia and young coconuts.
God given and Forerunner
Obedient One and Full of HopeThe local beach is not the best there is in this country, but I really love this beach for its memories.
Grandsons with their NanaIt is here where Ernie and I would go every Saturday... yes, that is right, we went to this beach E-V-E-R-Y Saturday for the first twelve years of our married life. At the start it was just the two of us, then First Born came into the picture... then Worshiper... and then Obedient One was born. Saturday was our special family beach outing day, and through the years we had acquired a wide assortment of beach paraphernalia like toy buckets, plastic shovels, beach chairs, hammocks, a portable radio, and beach tableware. Name it, we had it.
Worshiper and Chosen OneOn Good Friday our family had our Passover meal. We were complete as a family, and my friend Melanie and her husband Edward were also with us.
Passover candles, Edward (Melanie's husband) in background
me and Melanie, after the Passover mealOn Resurrection Sunday morning we went to the early sunrise worship service at our church. The songs we sang were so meaningful, as was the word that was preached... then good coffee and breakfast for everyone were served after the service.
Obedient One with her two sisters in lawWe had a Resurrection Sunday family lunch at the home of Ernie's sister Sue.
God given and First Born
My three children: First Born, Worshiper and Obedient One
Obedient One with her Aunt LeiIndeed, that day was such a special time of remembering the Lord's resurrection.
The month of March was really beautiful... full of touching reminders of God's mercy and grace.
Compassion... This is the name of the road I have travelled on these past weeks.
Our Creator God never designed us to carry heavy burdens. Whatever our life circumstances have been in the past, whatever painful experiences we have gone through, even if certain people have been unkind, unfaithful, or unfair to us... none of these is a statement of our true value in the eyes of God our Maker.
I am a person of eternal worth in my Father's eyes!
His heart is full of compassion for you and me. His heart is overflowing with love, and He is always finding ways to communicate that love to us.
Jesus invites us to come to Him, to cease from striving, and understand what it means to rest in Him.
The One New Man Bible puts it beautifully:
more birthday gifts and cards
from my sister in law Faith
handwritten card from Trudi
from my friend Buddy
My sister gave me a special birthday gift. My sister in law Sue gave a birthday dinner for me on Resurrection Monday. My sister in law Faith sent a gift all the way from California. There were text messages, email, electronic cards as well. Very many blog friends sent greetings.
It's not really about me. It's about me experiencing the goodness of God in the land of the living.
He has put a song in my heart... strewn fragrant petals of gladness along the way ... He has filled my mouth with laughter!
These splashes of joy that have touched my heart these past weeks are but a tiny glimpse of what God is like! I am truly grateful that He is my God, and that He has called me by name.
My heart rests secure in this truth: There is a coming season of restoration and rest.
Although I wasn't able to write an end of the month post for March, it's not too late to give it a name.
I name the month of March Compassion.
My song for this part of my journey is a beautiful and powerful song by Lincoln Brewster, Power of Your Name. The lyrics and video are posted below. In the instrumental intro, Lincoln's grandmother plays the piano after which the percussive rhythmic beat, the actual sound of the heartbeat of his son Liam taken during a sonogram, is heard. This same beat is once again distinctly heard toward the end of the song as Darlene Zschech sings the chorus.
It give me goose bumps to listen to this song. I can't listen to it just once... something in me wants to keep listening to it, especially as I realize that no human being can make our heart beat so rhythmically... pumping the blood to nourish every cell in our body. It is an act of divine compassion and mercy and grace...
This song is a powerful reminder to me. Every morning, I am to be thankful for the life that I have been given... never to waste a single moment of it, but to use all of it to accomplish the specific assignment and kingdom purpose that God has for me.
I am a person of eternal worth in my Father's eyes!
His heart is full of compassion for you and me. His heart is overflowing with love, and He is always finding ways to communicate that love to us.
Jesus invites us to come to Him, to cease from striving, and understand what it means to rest in Him.
The One New Man Bible puts it beautifully:
You must immediately take My yoke upon you,
and you must now learn from Me,
because I am gentle and humble in my heart,
and you will find rest in your lives:
for My yoke is pleasant and My burden is insignificant.
As March has come to an end, and April is almost halfway through, I am rejoicing for the way He has allowed me to experience His compassion. It's not that I have never felt it before... but somehow these past weeks I have seen God's kindness and generosity touching my life through the goodness of others!and you must now learn from Me,
because I am gentle and humble in my heart,
and you will find rest in your lives:
for My yoke is pleasant and My burden is insignificant.
- Matthew 11:29, 30
My yoke is pleasant.
My burden is insignificant.
This burden spoken of by Jesus is literally described "light as a feather" in the original Greek.
As I look back over the past weeks the impression I am receiving is that God's heart is brimming over with compassion for me, and His desire is to let me, His daughter, be keenly aware of the goodness flowing out of His heart.
Whatever conflicts or difficulties we may have experienced in life are definitely not part of His plan or His design. These come possibly as a consequence of our own disobedience or wrong choices... or of other people's wrong decisions that have somehow affected us. Difficulties could also come because of a demonic attack or assignment against us or our loved ones, but never does affliction or adversity come from the heart of God.
He may allow hardships for a season, but always... always... for a divine reason. And I have learned not to give doubt or bitterness any room in my heart when the going gets rough. God is ever near, and His hand of compassion is always reaching out to me!
Yes, indeed... my heavenly Father's heart overflows with compassion! How He desires nothing but the best for each one of us who is called by His name!
And as a result, I am indeed thankful for how God continues to help me simplify my outlook in life. Travelling light... grateful for simple joys... and made happy by simple desires!
My burden is insignificant.
This burden spoken of by Jesus is literally described "light as a feather" in the original Greek.
As I look back over the past weeks the impression I am receiving is that God's heart is brimming over with compassion for me, and His desire is to let me, His daughter, be keenly aware of the goodness flowing out of His heart.
Whatever conflicts or difficulties we may have experienced in life are definitely not part of His plan or His design. These come possibly as a consequence of our own disobedience or wrong choices... or of other people's wrong decisions that have somehow affected us. Difficulties could also come because of a demonic attack or assignment against us or our loved ones, but never does affliction or adversity come from the heart of God.
He may allow hardships for a season, but always... always... for a divine reason. And I have learned not to give doubt or bitterness any room in my heart when the going gets rough. God is ever near, and His hand of compassion is always reaching out to me!
Yes, indeed... my heavenly Father's heart overflows with compassion! How He desires nothing but the best for each one of us who is called by His name!
And as a result, I am indeed thankful for how God continues to help me simplify my outlook in life. Travelling light... grateful for simple joys... and made happy by simple desires!
more birthday gifts and cards
from my sister in law Faith
handwritten card from Trudi
from First Born and God given
from my friend BuddyIt's not really about me. It's about me experiencing the goodness of God in the land of the living.
He has put a song in my heart... strewn fragrant petals of gladness along the way ... He has filled my mouth with laughter!
These splashes of joy that have touched my heart these past weeks are but a tiny glimpse of what God is like! I am truly grateful that He is my God, and that He has called me by name.
My heart rests secure in this truth: There is a coming season of restoration and rest.
Although I wasn't able to write an end of the month post for March, it's not too late to give it a name.
I name the month of March Compassion.
My song for this part of my journey is a beautiful and powerful song by Lincoln Brewster, Power of Your Name. The lyrics and video are posted below. In the instrumental intro, Lincoln's grandmother plays the piano after which the percussive rhythmic beat, the actual sound of the heartbeat of his son Liam taken during a sonogram, is heard. This same beat is once again distinctly heard toward the end of the song as Darlene Zschech sings the chorus.
It give me goose bumps to listen to this song. I can't listen to it just once... something in me wants to keep listening to it, especially as I realize that no human being can make our heart beat so rhythmically... pumping the blood to nourish every cell in our body. It is an act of divine compassion and mercy and grace...
This song is a powerful reminder to me. Every morning, I am to be thankful for the life that I have been given... never to waste a single moment of it, but to use all of it to accomplish the specific assignment and kingdom purpose that God has for me.
Power of Your Name
written by Lincoln Brewster and Mia Fieldes
Surely children weren't made for the streets
And fathers were not made to leave
Surely this isn't how it should be
Let Your Kingdom come
Surely nations were not made for war
Or the broken meant to be ignored
Surely this just can't be what You saw
Let Your Kingdom come
Here in my heart
And I will live
To carry Your compassion
To love a world that's broken
To be Your hands and feet
And I will give
With the life that I've been given
And go beyond religion
To see the world be changed
By the power of Your name
The power of Your name
Surely life wasn't made to regret
And the lost were not made to forget
Surely faith without action is dead
Let Your Kingdom come
Lord break this heart
Oh, and I will live
To carry Your compassion
To love a world that's broken
To be Your hands and feet
And I will give
With the life that I've been given
And go beyond religion
To see the world be changed
By the power of Your name
Jesus Your name
Is a shelter for the hurting
and Your name
Is a refuge for the weak
Only Your name
Can redeem the undeserving
Jesus Your name
Holds everything I need
And I will live
To carry Your compassion
To love a world that's broken
To be Your hands and feet
And I will give
With the life that I've been given
And go beyond religion
To see this world be changed
By the power of Your name
And I will live
To carry Your compassion
To love a world that's broken
To be Your hands and feet
And I will give
With the life that I've been given
And go beyond religion
To see the world be changed
By the power of Your name
The power of Your name...
22 comments:
Lidia,
It's beautiful to see your pictures. I see grace through people, all around the world, whom the Lord has placed her on earth to bless you, having been blessed by you in the Lord. It's good to see you back. I, too, have not written quiet as frequently over the winter months as I have worked full time again and the Lord was taking me to a place of rest in Him. I don't blog just to have something in space, and I know you don't either. Blessings to you and you leave a month of blessing! Thank you for sharing
What a wonderful recap of so many great times with family and friends! I'm glad you got to see so many people and celebrate with those you have seen for a long time and also your dear family!
Hi sister Lidia! It's always awesome to hear from you, knowing that with every post brings what God is doing in you! What a busy past few days for you but each one overflows with His love, evident by the bond you share with your family & friends. I always enjoy the pics you share and makes me feel as if I'm there. I have to come back to listen to the song you included as I can't access for now. I agree with you that our good God always has the best for us & even through adversities He makes His presence known & always wants us to feel His love & faithfulness. My own battle at work proves how He turns things around & people who wants to see me suffer often wonder why I remain joyful. I can use that situation now to mention His love, grace, & mercy. His compassion that never ends.
Thank you for your encouragement always. Whether you visit me or through your posts! We may be wounded but He is always quick to come to our rescue...We can do everything because of Christ's strength. Glory be to God! God bless & protect you & your family always.
I enjoyed reading about your "month of memories"...such special ones to hold in your heart forever...the pictures were nice and I loved the name for March...
I am so glad I came to visit you this morning. I always feel so peaceful when I read your words. It's wonderful that you had such a beautiful birthday celebration and enjoyed many friends and family.
I loved what you wrote:
"Our Creator God never designed us to carry heavy burdens. Whatever our life circumstances have been in the past, whatever painful experiences we have gone through, even if certain people have been unkind, unfaithful, or unfair to us... none of these is a statement of our true value in the eyes of God our Maker."
Yes, He is a God of compassion. Sometimes life seems so hard and heavy and I must remember the Matthew 11:29-30 verses. I want to rest in Him.
Blessings and love,
Debbie
PS. I love that song too. I listen to it often.
To begin...Happy Birthday! It warms my heart to see you enjoying yourself with family and friends. You are truly blessed in so many ways. ♥
Lidj,
Already I am looking forward to living
April's happenings through your eyes, words and photos. What a GLORIOUS and 'fun' read of those several weeks of March until now.
Of all the wonderful and treasured moments I read these past few minutes here, one lovely thought sticks in my brain. It is hiding in the card that Trudi sent you. She entitled you with the words "Favored One"!
MOST APPROPRIATE! And when I read that, I smiled...And God smiled!
And so Lidj...you favor US!!!
I never heard the song you shared...Beautiful...True...Please pray for the incarcerated people. Lots of broken hearts surround us. Lots of souls not living in freedom. Thank you for this song sister and love you in Christ.
Truly, no other name but Jesus saves!
What a month of celebration you have had .. and I'm so glad that the Lord has blessed you ABUNDANTLY with good friends, family and your faith. This post was worth the wait :)
Wow, Lidia, what an abundant month full of grace and celebration for who you are!
Thank you for sharing your family with all of us!
I agree with Steve E. "Favored One". You are a Vessel of Honor unto our God and He poured out His blessings upon your head.
Sigh...
You have a beautiful family and it sounds like, a beautiful way of celebrating your birthday. Mine kind of came and went without much fanfare. I'm so glad that many friends took the time to honor you with their love.
You are a beautiful woman of grace! I pray that God continues to bless this new year of living with his compassion and grace.
And how cool is it that you were able to meet Rebecca's daughter?! Let me know when you're in town:) I'll take you to lunch!!!
peace~elaine
Lidia-
Compassion is such an apt name for the month of March, which was highlighted by your birthday celebration. (Belated Happy Birthday, dear Lidia).
It is good to see all those pictures, celebrations and re-unions. Indeed, you are surrounded by beautiful people and a gift of an extended family.
May your cup overflow, as you continue with your walk with Him and bless others along the way.
My love and wishes for you.
Lolita
Love the 'Early Morning Sagada' ... hope one day I can visit Philippines.
It's wonderful to see that you were very happy during your time back in Philippines ... with a special birthday celebration among dearest family and friends.
Thank you for sharing such wonderful moments :)
Compassion...
Grace...
Mercy...without which I'd be nowhere...nothing....no life...no hope....no reason to live.
YOu got an amazing spirit....Stay strong always.
It was a blessing to be able to spend so much time with family.
Thanks for sharing the scripture. It is a wonderful thing to know that his burden for me is light as a feather, especially considering how heavy mine is for him.
Hi Lidia, I'm so sorry I have not been blogging too much as of late. Life has been a little crazy for me and challenging as well. Your post reminds me of the love God shares for us and is expressed often through others kindness. Our God is a big God and it's all good . . always loving and peaceful. I see you have been doing alot of celebrating lately. The pic of Nana and Grandsons has so much love in it . . . definitely one that should be framed. Your children look very happy too. I need those powerful prayers of yours in my life right now. Blessings, Sandy xo
Happy Belated Birthday!
Loved stopping by and reading your blog...your photos are beautiful!
Sending prayers and love your way.
Lis
I'm so happy for you that you got to visit with your family! (((hugs))) I like how you name your months, too... I don't know if I've ever told you that.
I don't... I'm not disciplined enough...but I do name my journal entries. Like a one-word title. It sort of helps me crystallize what God is either doing in me or leading me through each time I record something.
Dear Lidia,
Happy belated birthday. I has been a treat to be allowed to follow you through the month of Mars, which I know is your special month of the year.
I love your warm smile in all the pictures, you are spreading light to all people standing near to you.Your gratitude is contagious and I can feel it all across the seas.
I think what Trude wrote made greatest impression on my. This is how and who you are.
I also am thrilled about the good news concerning your sister.
You're so wonderful straightforward and giving the Lord all honor at Mount Tabor,I can only admire your joy and peace.
Enjoy "the goodness of God in the land of the living".
You surely are deserving it.
I thank you for being such a faithful friend. I feel blessed through you.
From Felisol
A beautiful song for a beautiful lady. As all the others, I pray for a wonderful year ahead for you. May His compassion fill every single day ahead. Your family is beautiful and I can feel the love all the way here in Arizona!
New every morning!
If your way is fresh and bright,
If your way is dank and strange,
If you move from gloom to light
His compassions never change.
http://dcbverse.blogspot.co.uk/2011/12/compassions.html
Happy Belated Birthday Lidia. How blessed to be loved and celebrated by so many...Big Hugs my friend.
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