Sonya's Garden, Tagaytay City, Philippines
January 2012
Photo by Lidia Arbolario
January 2012
Photo by Lidia Arbolario
“...For the mountains shall depart
And the hills be removed,
But My kindness shall not depart from you,
Nor shall My covenant of peace be removed,”
Says the Lord, who has mercy on you.
- Isaiah 54:10
Peace I leave with you,
My peace I give to you;
not as the world gives do I give to you.
Let not your heart be troubled,
neither let it be afraid.
- John 14:27
The Lord will give strength to His people;
The Lord will bless His people with peace.
- Isaiah 29:11
The Lord will bless His people with peace.
- Isaiah 29:11
Today the month of April ends.
It's been two months since I last posted a blog entry.
A few friends have asked me why my posts have been slow in coming these days.
I do want to be more intentional about writing, it's just that there simply hasn't been enough time these past weeks to do that.
I'll explain more in the subsequent paragraphs. But first, let me share a few thoughts about writing.
Luc Niebergall, in his book A Timeless Journey, wrote about times of mandate and invitation in our lives. This struck me because it gives me a deeper understanding of how God our Father is personally involved in each and every circumstance we go through. Nothing that touches us is a matter of coincidence. Even what the enemy intends for evil can be turned around for good.
Writing, for me, is both a mandate, and an invitation.
There are certain divine encounters that Father is commissioning me to write about, that others may share in my experience. My words become a mirror that reflect back to them the lessons I have learned in the context of their own lives.
At the same time, Father gives me the invitation to be a pro-active participant in what He is doing in the world, through my life. Because it is an invitation, I have the freedom to decline. But really, how could anyone say no to such a royal request?
Therefore, I write in response to an invitation. It's an honor and a privilege.
And under those terms, to write a blog post hurriedly is quite unthinkable.
Because writing is a sacred art.
When I write, I want my physical and spiritual senses, together with my mind, will, and emotions, to be fully engaged.
The art of writing requires the right frame of mind, environment, emotional state, spiritual condition, and motivation for it.A few friends have asked me why my posts have been slow in coming these days.
I do want to be more intentional about writing, it's just that there simply hasn't been enough time these past weeks to do that.
I'll explain more in the subsequent paragraphs. But first, let me share a few thoughts about writing.
Luc Niebergall, in his book A Timeless Journey, wrote about times of mandate and invitation in our lives. This struck me because it gives me a deeper understanding of how God our Father is personally involved in each and every circumstance we go through. Nothing that touches us is a matter of coincidence. Even what the enemy intends for evil can be turned around for good.
Writing, for me, is both a mandate, and an invitation.
There are certain divine encounters that Father is commissioning me to write about, that others may share in my experience. My words become a mirror that reflect back to them the lessons I have learned in the context of their own lives.
At the same time, Father gives me the invitation to be a pro-active participant in what He is doing in the world, through my life. Because it is an invitation, I have the freedom to decline. But really, how could anyone say no to such a royal request?
Therefore, I write in response to an invitation. It's an honor and a privilege.
Because writing is a sacred art.
When I write, I want my physical and spiritual senses, together with my mind, will, and emotions, to be fully engaged.
It goes without saying that writing not only requires sufficient time within which to do it, the unction or divine grace for it must be flowing as well. The intellect is involved, but it is definitely not a mere intellectual exercise, or we might as well close shop and go home.
Having said all that, I hasten to acknowledge my humble limits as a writer. I know where I stand. There are books, blogs, and articles that just take my breath away. I'm nowhere near.
But I'm okay with that. After all, I never write to prove anything, much less to impress anyone.
Words are just a handle for my thoughts and my emotions. Not to get in the way, or draw attention to itself, but to articulate and give expression to what is inside.
I write what I can, in a style I'm comfortable in... mostly to keep a record of the events, what the Lord is doing in my life, together with my emotional interpretation and response. The new lessons I am learning. The fresh insights I am gaining.
Here's a beautiful quote from Luc Niebergall's book:
True art is birthed through experience. Art is not only something that should be appealing to the eye, or a simple production of excellence. It is to be a manifestation of one's soul and spirit... Art preserves an encounter for others to experience. An artist's job is to use art as a sign post for their experience... Art is an open heaven. It is an invitation into the soul and spirit of the one who created it.
As such, I desire for my words to bring healing and courage to those in need, to help someone passing by be in touch with his or her true identity, the persons God created them to be.
To be a sign post and an open heaven, in the way that Luc Niebergall so beautifully describes it.
It has also been said that writing is an act of faith.
There's no telling how a blog post will end. Most of the time all I have to start with is a word, a phrase, a photograph, or a Bible verse. Then the thoughts or emotions begin to surface. Sometimes there is a flow... at times just a trickle of inspiration, one word at a time.
Thus, faith is required to keep at it.
As an act of faith, writing is like having a conversation with myself, and with God. There have been times when I would re-read what I have written and realize that the lines I penned were practically dictated to me by Abba Father, or Holy Spirit!
Simply put, I write to understand what God is doing.
Flannery O'Connor says, "I write because I don't know what I think until I read what I say."
That quote really expresses what's on my heart about writing.
Through the changing seasons of my life, I have learned that obedience comes first. Understanding follows.
The obedience to trust, when the road is dark...
This is the same as writing. Oftentimes I only have a vague idea of where to begin.
Trust Me, the Father says. I'll show you the way.
Sure enough, clarity comes as Father sheds more light. That is how my writing becomes a response of obedience to God's call.
Then understanding comes. And my faith is strengthened.
Your life... my life... is an ongoing story, with a beginning and an ending. We are not products of time plus chance plus matter.
The God who created me did so with a purpose and a destination in mind.
How I reach my destination constitutes the chapters of my story. Writing the story as the plot unfolds helps me gain a deeper understanding of my life purpose, and how I can glorify Father God in my choices and responses.
If I am to align with the vision God has for my life, I need to understand purpose.
Craig Hill defines vision as the ability to perceive the end from the beginning, a glimpse of the destination.
Habakkuk 2:2 says:
And the LORD answered me: “Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it."
That is a mandate I want to obey.
Sharing my life story on my blog as it unfolds is my way of writing the vision, making it plain and easy to understand for whoever passes by to stop and read.
March was significant for me because it was the month I turned 64. My birthday month is usually a month that feels so special, but somehow this year, it was different.
On the last day of February I arrived in Manila to spend a few days with my only sister who was in the country for her sapphire high school reunion earlier that month. I was grateful for our time together. Short but sweet... just enough time to bond and reconnect with each other. She lives in the US, and I live in Asia, living our separate lives, yet never forgetting that there is a common upbringing and family history that binds our hearts as one.
After a week, I went to Cebu City to be part of a ministry team for an Ancient Paths seminar, one of the seminars being offered by Family Foundations International. My participation in this seminar once again confirmed that God has called me to be a redemptive voice and agent of healing to the end times bridal generation, helping sons and daughters of the heavenly King be released from shackles that have hindered them from walking in their true identity.
For too long, the enemy has tricked us into believing we are orphans. The seminars we conduct help impart a revelation of the Father's love that we may grow up to maturity as His sons and daughters.
By the second week of March I was back in Bacolod City.
A huge change was waiting for me when I returned home. My trusted domestic helper who has served me and my family for the past twelve years could no longer continue working for me. She had to be a stay at home nanny for her newborn granddaughter while her daughter went to work as a baker for a food establishment.
Naturally this is a major adjustment for me, since I have become quite dependent on her efficient services in my home. She took care of everything, from keeping my garden and home clean, doing the laundry, feeding my three large dogs, and doing some basic marketing.
Now, all of that responsibility falls on my shoulders.
Summer is here, and on some days, the heat is oppressive, the temps being in the mid 30s Celsius (86-95 F). I water my garden before sunrise, but by mid morning, the moisture has already evaporated.
I need not go into details. Suffice it to say, I feel tired on most days.
Getting a new housekeeper is out of the question at this point, because times have changed and finding another dependable person is next to impossible.
Most Filipino homes have one or more domestic helpers living with the family to do the chores. This is the way our culture works, but I know that in most western countries this is not the case. Generally speaking, Filipino homes are not automated. We wash dishes by hand, we sweep the floors with a broom. We hang our clothes on the clothesline under the sun to dry.
Gone are the days when I could sit at my desk for long hours like I have been used to, reading a book, or Scriptures, doing Bible study, praying, listening to worship music, or doing a blog post for one of the three blogs that I have.
I'm not complaining. I do understand that this is a fork in the road, and I must choose which way to go. But I did ask the Lord what lessons He has for me in this season I'm in.
The answers are clear.
I am in a transition point, a season of obscurity, of being hidden.
Of learning (again!) to be wise in my use of time... redeeming the time because the days are evil (Ephesians 5:16).
Now, more than ever, every precious minute counts.
There are also other circumstances that I find myself in... and I am pleading with God to be my Redeemer, to assure me of victory in this battle that is not of my own making, yet I find myself in the midst of it.
Almost everyday these past weeks, I have been awakened while it is still dark. In the past, I would be at my prayer desk at that early hour. Sadly, these days, my first impulse is to say a quick prayer, then start to do my daily chores.
My spirit hungers for extended times of intimate worship and uninterrupted heart to heart communion with Abba Father.
I am seeking for more creative ways of communing with Him in the midst of my mundane activities.
Really, there is no acceptable excuse. And you will seek Me and you will find Me if you seek Me with all your heart.
A few days before the year 2016 came to an end, I woke up one morning with Isaiah 54:10 burning, as it were, on my heart.
“...For the mountains shall depart
And the hills be removed,
But My kindness shall not depart from you,
Nor shall My covenant of peace be removed,”
Says the Lord, who has mercy on you.
- Isaiah 54:10
This same passage has been very much on my heart these past weeks.
It has really been quite reassuring, to sense that God is not angry at me for failing to measure up to my own expectations.
My kindness shall not depart from you...
My covenant of peace shall not be removed...
I know Father is teaching me in this season what it means to be in covenant with him, a covenant of peace, no matter what circumstances I find myself in.
Suddenly, all the peace passages that I found comfort in during my early days as a born-again Christian are coming back to life.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything
by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving,
let your requests be made known to God;
and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding,
will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
- Philippians 4:6-7
Peace I leave with you,
My peace I give to you;
not as the world gives do I give to you.
Let not your heart be troubled,
neither let it be afraid.
- John 14:27
O you afflicted one,
Tossed with tempest, and not comforted,
Behold, I will lay your stones with colorful gems,
And lay your foundations with sapphires.
I will make your pinnacles of rubies,
Your gates of crystal,
And all your walls of precious stones.
All your children shall be taught by the Lord,
And great shall be the peace of your children.
- Isaiah 54:11-13
That last passage really got me. Not only does Father have a covenant of peace with me... He has a covenant of peace with my whole family! Great shall be the peace of your children...
On March 18, my sister in law Sue prepared a special anniversary dinner to celebrate the day Ernie and I were married, 39 years ago!
Somewhere along the way, my 64th birthday came and went. It was celebrated by family and friends for several days...
My dear friend Trudi arrived for the School of Ministry, her first visit since she left five years ago.
In early April, our ministry hosted the School of Ministry for Coordinators, Nearly fifty participants arrived in Bacolod to be part of this training. Craig and Jan Hill arrived to be part of this significant milestone in the history of Family Foundations, International - Philasia.
Indeed, there were plenty of memorable events the past two months.
But it seemed like they all went by very quickly, and that there was something else that the Lord was drawing my attention to.
In early April, our ministry hosted the School of Ministry for Coordinators, Nearly fifty participants arrived in Bacolod to be part of this training. Craig and Jan Hill arrived to be part of this significant milestone in the history of Family Foundations, International - Philasia.
But it seemed like they all went by very quickly, and that there was something else that the Lord was drawing my attention to.
What's going on, Lord? I found myself asking.
God is quick to respond. These verses immediately came to mind.
God is quick to respond. These verses immediately came to mind.
He made my mouth like a sharp sword;
in the shadow of his hand he hid me;
he made me a polished arrow;
in his quiver he hid me away.
- Isaiah 49:2
The Lord GOD has given me
the tongue of those who are taught,
that I may know how to sustain with a word
him who is weary.
Morning by morning he awakens;
he awakens my ear to hear
as those who are taught.
- Isaiah 50:4
He made my mouth like a sharp sword.
He made me a polished arrow and hid me in His quiver.
He has given me the tongue of those who are taught.
He awakens my ear to hear as those who are taught.
Those are specific words.
He is bringing me to a new place. Sharpening my mouth as a sharp sword. Polishing me as His arrow. That I might be His mouthpiece. That I might hit the targets.
This is the preparation for it. To watch... and to pray. To develop a deeper spiritual awareness, to be a sharpshooter. To deal with distractions, to get rid of unnecessary burdens.
It is a season of cleansing, the old wineskins are being replaced in preparation for the new wine.
Learning to operate from a position of peace and inner rest.
In this season of hiddenness, like Moses in the plains of Midian, or Paul in the deserts of Arabia, God is calling me to silence and stillness.
I can be physically active, yet my soul can find its rest in God.
Father is teaching me what it means to practice the presence of God moment by moment.
Shalom is the Hebrew word for peace, yet it has a depth of meaning that extends beyond simply peace. It means total or complete peace.
According to Strong's Concordance (7965) shalom means completeness, wholeness, health, peace, welfare, safety, soundness, tranquility, prosperity, perfectness, fullness, rest, harmony, the absence of agitation or discord. Shalom comes from the root verb shalom meaning to be complete, perfect and full. In modern Hebrew the obviously related word Shelem means to pay for, and Shulam means to be fully paid. source
The implications are awesome. Yeshua HaMashiach is Shalom personified, the Prince of Peace who died on the cross to give full payment, shulam, for mankind's debt of sin.
Learn from Me, Jesus says in Matthew 11:28-30, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
Indeed, these are valuable lessons to learn. In God's wisdom, He knows there is no other way.
These are times of invitation. The choice is mine to respond.
