One Step At a Time

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But My servant Caleb,
because he has a different spirit in him
and has followed Me fully,
I will bring into the land where he went, 
and his descendants shall inherit it.
- Numbers 14:24




... but the people who know their God shall be strong,
and carry out great exploits.
- Daniel 11:32

My grandson Full of Hope (Mighty Warrior) turned five years old on November 13. 

This little man brings so much delight to my heart. He has been given excellent parenting by his mother and father, and at this young age, the positive results of his upbringing are evident.

Before I give my birthday blessing for him, I want to share one of my favorite stories in the Old Testament.

Within the exodus story of the Israelites from Egypt to Canaan is an account of one courageous man that has really inspired me. It is the story of Caleb.

After the Israelites left Egypt, Moses sent out twelve spies to search out the land of Canaan to give him first hand information about the situation there. Caleb and Joshua were among them. 

Forty days later, the spies returned, bringing with them some samples of the produce of the land, such as figs, pomegranates, and a cluster of grapes so large two men were needed to carry it between them on a pole.

They were also ready with their report. Ten of the search party gave a discouraging report about the land and its inhabitants. Yes, the land was desirable, a land "flowing with milk and honey," but they found the walled cities formidable and the people, like giants. Intimidated, the ten spies said they felt like grasshoppers compared to the sons of Anak.

Joshua and Caleb, however, saw things from a different perspective. 

God describes Caleb as a man having a different spirit in him. Indeed, this was evident in the way he and Joshua presented their observations of the land.

When the people began to murmur and complain after the negative report of the ten spies...

Caleb quieted the people before Moses, and said,

"Let us go up at once and take possession,

for we are well able to overcome it."

- Numbers 13:30

Men of deep and exceptional faith, Joshua and Caleb were one in urging the Israelites to go immediately to the promised land: 

If the LORD delights in us,

then He will bring us into this land

and give it to us,

'a land which flows with milk and honey.'

Only do not rebel against the LORD,

nor fear the people of the land,

for they are our bread;

their protection has departed from them,

and the LORD is with us.

Do not fear them.

- Numbers 14:8, 9

Such beautiful faith filled words! But they fell on deaf ears.

One important principle of faith is found in Matthew 9:29 -

According to your faith let it be to you.

The cowardly, faint-hearted Israelites chose to put their faith in the bad report of the ten spies. They looked back on the shallow security of their Egyptian slavery instead of the promise that was within their reach. All they needed to do was to believe in it.

Having no deep abiding faith to strengthen their hearts, they allowed the negative report of the ten spies to determine their actions. Having given unbelief the upper hand, there was no room in their hearts to believe the encouraging account from Caleb and Joshua, and even sought to stone them to death.

According to their faith, the Israelites never saw Canaan. Instead, they spent forty years wandering in the desert wilderness, when the Promised Land was a mere two-week journey from where they started out. 

A land flowing with milk and honey was waiting for them, but because they preferred the memory of their lowly existence as slaves in a land that could never have been theirs, they remained that way until their last breath.

There is no room for unbelief in God's plan. All who left Egypt, except Joshua and Caleb, passed away in the wilderness. Unbelief had to be purged out before a new generation of Israelites could be allowed to enter the Promised Land.

Joshua and Caleb, who believed that they could take possession of the land, were commissioned by God to lead the young generation of Israelites into Canaan.

As a reward for their faith, God promised that they and their children would enter and possess the land.

Under the able leadership of Joshua, the young generation of Israelites conquered Canaan. 

They accomplished what they believed they could.

According to your faith be it done to you.

Forty-five years after the twelve spies returned from surveying the promised land,  when this new generation had already conquered most of Canaan, Caleb said to Joshua: 

You know the word which the LORD said to Moses the man of God concerning you and me in Kadesh Barnea. I was forty years old when Moses the servant of the Lord sent me from Kadesh Barnea to spy out the land, and I brought back word to him as it was in my heart. Nevertheless my brethren who went up with me made the heart of the people melt, but I wholly followed the LORD my God. So Moses swore on that day, saying, "Surely the land where your foot has trodden shall be your inheritance and your children's forever, because you have wholly followed the Lord my God."

And now, behold, the LORD has kept me alive, as He said, these forty-five years, ever since the LORD spoke this word to Moses while Israel wandered in the wilderness; and now, here I am this day, eighty-five years old. As yet I am as strong this day as on the day that Moses sent me; just as my strength was then, no now is my strength for war, both for going out and coming in.

Now therefore,, give me this mountain of which the LORD spoke in that day; for you heard in that day how the Anakim were there and the cities were great and fortified. It may be that the LORD will be with me, and I shall be able to drive them out as the LORD said.

And  Joshua blessed him, and gave Hebron to Caleb the son of Jephunneh as an inheritance. Hebron therefore became the inheritance of Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite to this day, because he wholly followed the LORD God of Israel. And the name of Hebron formerly was Kirjath Arba (Arba was the greatest man among the Anakim). 

Then the land had rest from war.

The faith lesson found in that story never ceases to astound me.

Caleb was as strong at 85 years of age as he was when he was 40 years old. He believed he could conquer the land, God gave him the strength to do it.

And he asked Joshua to give him a mountain, for he wanted to fight the sons of Anak, the giants that the ten spies were so afraid of.

Caleb got his mountain, and he got the victory.


Here is my blessing for my grandson:

My dearest Full of Hope, my Mighty Warrior,

I bless your heart today with a heart like Caleb's.

You will be fearless, courageous, and strong... possessing a different spirit just like Caleb did.

In the midst of  negative circumstances, I declare that your spiritual eyes will see what heaven sees, and you will not speak from what your physical eyes see, but from what the eyes of your heart perceive.

I pray that as you grow up your faith will grow even stronger. But faith only grows with each step of obedience that we take.

Therefore, dearest grandson, I pray that your obedience will be consistent. 

Just as Daniel says, 

.. but the people who know their God shall be strong,
and carry out great exploits.

I decree and declare that you will do great exploits for the Kingdom of God... you will ask God for mountains to climb and giants to slay... and you will receive your mountain, and you will overcome.

And because of your obedience, the land of your heart will have rest from war.

Great will be your peace within, and without.

Father let these blessings come true in this young boy's life...

Love always,

Nana

A song for my grandson:

Hope that Doesn't Disappoint

Autumn

view from my bedroom window this morning

November 12, 2013

Return to your fortress,

you prisoners of hope;

even now I announce that I will restore

twice as much to you.

- Zechariah 9:12

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength;

they shall mount up with wings as eagles;

they shall run, and not be weary;

and they shall walk, and not faint.

- Isaiah 40:31

There, having been justified by faith,

we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

through whom also we have access by faith

into this grace in which we stand,

and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

And not only that,

but we also glory in tribulations,

knowing that tribulation produces perseverance;

and perseverance, character;

and character, hope.

Now hope does not disappoint,

because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts

by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

- Romans 5:1-5

If the world hates you,

keep in mind that it hated Me first.

If you belonged to the world,

it would love you as its own.

- John 15:18

It's been about ten weeks since I arrived here in the USA. 

During the long flight from Manila and layovers at several airports on my way here, I had enough time to ponder on this new journey I was embarking on. 

Our life is never really lived at the mere physical level, whether we are aware of it or not. 

This life is always about the spiritual.  

What happens externally gives an indication of what is going on internally. 

Thus, making a physical "location statement" from time to time helps me be aware of where I am spiritually.

Every choice I make affects me at the spiritual level.

It has taken me years before I finally understood this, but living my life as a spiritual being has helped me go through my daily circumstances with peace and acceptance.

I also believe that my life story did not begin only when I was conceived in my mother's womb; there are many events dating from the past that contribute to who I am.

Somewhere in the past, choices and investments were made that have contributed to my spiritual DNA and given shape to the person I am today. 

What the psalmist wrote in Psalm 139:16 has spoken to me countless times before:

Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.

And in Your book they all were written,

The days fashioned for me,

When as yet there were none of them.

There is a divine plan for my life, a story unfolding.

However, it also requires my active participation in this plan, somewhat like an interactive program where I can input my own responses and choices. I am not a mere pawn in God's scheme of things; He has a plan for my life... a story that has been written before I was even born. 

At the same time, I am an active contributor to my own life story, and in that sense the story is also being written right this very moment.

I make choices, choices that determine how I live. God has a plan, but I can be a willing and obedient partner with Him in this plan... because I am not a robot or a puppet, but a being with a free will. God respects my choices and will not violate my will. 

He does not ram His plan down my throat, even if He knows it is the best plan for me.

He guides, He leads, He opens opportunities.

I am free to choose the path on which I want to travel, although God in His divine providence, sends warnings and even hindrances, when I am really on my way to grave danger.

For the most part, it is really up to me whether I want to live for the temporal -- making choices that gratify my earthbound and physical desires... or to live for the eternal -- and make choices that contribute to my spiritual growth and maturation.

It goes without saying that the physical component of my life is essential to my fulfilling the eternal, divine purposes of my Creator for me.

We have jobs, buy groceries, cook our meals, eat good food, do the laundry, mow the lawn. We pay our bills, and plan ahead for contingencies. That is good stewardship.

But, the physical side of me is not the master... it is the servant. 

The physical requirements of living in this world does not dictate to me how I should live my life for eternity.

There is a much higher, supernatural dimension to life that is the basis of what I believe.

What I believe determines how I live... the choices I make... the words I speak.

And this is what I believe: that I was not created to live forever here on earth. I was created to live in heaven. 

Earth is only a shadow, a dim reflection of the beauty that heaven is.

If I live my life on earth with this heavenly perspective, investing my time, efforts, and resources in my "treasures in heaven bank account," as Craig Hill, the senior leader of Family Foundations International, calls it... then I actually begin living in heaven right here on earth.

Even the adversities, injustices, and reversals we encounter serve a higher purpose.

Forgiving someone who has wronged or disappointed us becomes a privilege, not a duty.

We can live in the midst of uncertainties with genuine joy.

The physical serves the spiritual.

As I look around me, it is obvious that this world is on its way to self-destruction. But that doesn't fill my heart with fear or dread, for I know who holds my life in His hands. I have a vital relationship with a supernatural Being, Almighty God Himself, who sits on the throne and knows all the answers.

The belief that "heaven helps those who help themselves" is a deadly mindset that leads to eternal doom. If this were true, what about the case of the widow of Zarephath?

For indeed there are times when we have done our best, and still all our physical resources will run out. We have to put our trust in a Power higher than ourselves. 

I believe that there are no ifs and buts to genuine faith in God.

The widow of Zarephath thought all she depended on to live were a handful of flour and a little oil, and that when all she had was exhausted, she and her son would surely die.

That is living on a purely physical plane.

Unknown to the widow, she was about to be elevated to the level of the supernatural... way beyond her human comprehension. And she saw for herself how the meager supply of flour and oil never ran out... and she and her son never got hungry.

I am learning to look at life from the vantage point of that widow.

On the plane coming here, I had an experience of God's peace when I surrendered this new journey to Him, telling Him that this trip may not have been on my original agenda for this year, but I was willing to submit to His higher agenda for me in this season.

I have to remind myself of what He spoke to me as this year was just starting:

You are leaving your season of grief and loss, and entering into a season of replacement.

I translate that into words of Scripture that I have come to know by heart, and personalize them to fit my present situation. I take it to mean that God is saying these specific words of promise to me:

I will repay you for all the years that the locust has eaten.

You will proclaim the year of My favor... and the day of My vengeance.

That you may comfort all who mourn...

That you may console those who grieve in Zion...

I am giving you beauty for ashes, 

the oil of joy instead of mourning

the garment of praise instead of the spirit of heaviness...

because I want you to be among those who are called "trees of righteousness," the planting of the Lord, that I may be glorified.

This specific word has such an impact on my heart, so powerful I cannot describe the hope that surges up from deep within.

Abba Father continues to speak:

Do not fear, for you will not be ashamed...

Neither will you be disgraced...

You will not be humiliated...

For you will forget the shame of your youth...

And will not remember the reproach of your widowhood anymore...

FOR YOUR MAKER IS YOUR HUSBAND,

THE LORD OF HOSTS IS HIS NAME

AND YOUR REDEEMER IS THE HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL...

HE IS CALLED THE GOD OF THE WHOLE EARTH.

So, this life is not about how well I can fend for myself.

It is how well I can trust Him in the midst of my circumstances.

Because if I will be honest... every joy that this life has to offer is short-lived.

The new car loses its novelty. The washing machine breaks down. The new laptop is soon outmoded. The money eventually runs out. My body becomes sick. A relationship in which I had invested and believed disappoints me in the end. 

Life lived on the purely physical plane soon becomes meaningless and boring. 

And tiring. 

Because to sustain my "joy" at living on this plane, I constantly have to look for something more.

But my life story being written and lived out in partnership with the One writing it brings so much meaning and joy that doesn't get depleted with every new disappointment that I face.

It is not what I want... but what He wants.

My opinion of practically anything here on earth is not the final say on the matter. I could very well be wrong. I need not position myself as the final arbiter and judge of people's motives and characters, as well as of the current world events and personal circumstances confronting me on a daily basis.

I can bend, adjust, and accept what changes there are to the way I thought my life was supposed to be.

Life's disappointments may catch me off guard momentarily... but it can turn out to be a beautiful surprise after all!

A door of hope stands open before me, and I have entered that door. This new journey I have embarked on ... is a continuation of the story that God has written long before I was born. 

A few days ago, my country was hit by catastrophic storm Haiyan whose fury and power have been described as "off the charts." 

This too, is part of my life story. What affects my land and people affects me. We stand as one nation under our flag. 

photo source

Never before has anything of this magnitude happened to us. In the face of such a calamity, my humble opinion is that no amount of preparation could have been good enough. 

Tacloban, capital of Leyte, once a beautiful quiet coastal city...

photo source

 reduced to ruins by monster storm Haiyan

photo source 

Entire communities, beautiful coastal areas and fishing villages, washed away in six islands where the super typhoon made landfall. In the island of Leyte, the capital city of Tacloban was said to be 95 percent destroyed by two bodies of water powerfully surging inland on top of the 235 kph winds mercilessly battering down the island for at least four hours.

And they say this storm was fast moving. It could have been much worse.

As more news reach us of the widespread devastation that Haiyan/Yolanda left in its wake, we as a nation have two choices before us: to look up in hope, living out our inner nobility, or to wring our hands in fear and despair, and go the path that hopeless mortals take.

My heart breaks for my countrymen. A deep compassion is stirred up within me. If I were back in my own homeland, I would not have second thoughts about joining a mercy team to offer what little help I could -- be it as a relief volunteer, or as a grief counselor lending a compassionate embrace to someone so emotionally wounded and bruised.

Nevertheless I am aware that as mere humans, we can only do so much.

Our ultimate help is in the name of the Lord.

Being so far away from home, I have spent sleepless nights crying before my God Whom I know to be merciful and wise beyond human comprehension, 

...praying in a language the Spirit alone understands because human words at this point cannot express what I feel, 

...asking Abba Father to come draw near my people, and open their eyes to the true nobility that is in them, no matter what their present circumstances may say.

This storm is definitely not a chance event. Destructive as it may have been, Abba Father was not asleep in the boat while the fierce winds blew. 

We all know that out of the ashes and ruins will rise something glorious and eternally beautiful.

But for now, my countrymen do not need to hear any religious platitudes.

More than 10,000 are believed to have died. Those who survived are not really better off, in a manner of speaking.

Grieving the loss of loved ones and homes, the stench of decomposing bodies around them is inescapable.  

More than mere words, they need something more tangible... food, clothing, drinking water, a roof above their heads. 

They need bathrooms for their personal necessities. They haven't had a decent bath, much less, a decent meal, in days.

It will be that way for many more days to come.

They have been severely physically and emotionally battered. When the shock wears off, they face a more painful reality.

Those whose homes were left standing are in grave danger of mob rule; lawlessness is the name of the game in areas where the local government is no longer able to function. 

Policemen in uniform also lie dead on the streets littered with debris. Soldiers' barracks were washed off to sea, and several of them have not been accounted for.

On another island a huge power barge slammed inland and sprung an oil leak -- threatening the once beautiful pristine shores and waters of that place.

It is clearly not an easy task our government is facing.

We are truly grateful as a people, the response from the rest of the world is swift. But even this will be short lived.

Our ultimate help is in the name of the Lord alone. 

And as I read between the lines of this story, I see HOPE written in big, bold letters.

I have no doubt Abba Father will come and rescue... provide a way of healing and restoration.

It is a national cleansing, so to speak. Exposing our nation's faulty foundations, redeeming the twisted mindset and conscience that we have come to embrace as a people.

Abba Father is renewing the core of our belief system, for there is a prophetic destiny that is on its way to being fulfilled. 

But there is a price to pay. 

Are we willing to pay the high cost of pain and sacrifice... willing to humble ourselves... to seek the heart of God... and align ourselves with His purposes for us?  

Maybe it is easier said than done, but may Abba Father help me as I say, "Yes, I am willing."

Let me sow seeds of hope that will impact this nation's destiny. 

Of this I am sure: the Philippines will rise again - in honor and dignity.

I close my ears to the deceiving voices of the enemy that say otherwise.

"For a mere moment I have forsaken you,

But with great mercies I will gather you.

With a little wrath I hid my face from you for a moment;

But with everlasting kindness I will have mercy on you,"

says the LORD, your Redeemer.

- Isaiah 54:8

Today my second grandson, Andre Elijah, whom I have named Full of Hope (and also named Mighty Warrior by my blog friend Stephanie), celebrates his third birthday.

Inspired by the recent events affecting our nation today, here is my birthday blessing and faith declaration for this precious boy.

Full of Hope looking so grown up at his third birthday party

Three years ago today you came into this world, dear Full of Hope.

I still remember the circumstances of your birth. We were trusting God to intervene in your behalf. 

You were battling for your life, for you had to be resuscitated when you came out of your mother's womb, and pneumonia had set in.

Those were days and nights of kneeling before God's throne, and I was sure of only one thing that God Himself had spoken to me as my friend Trudi and I were praying together, waiting for your arrival: that God does all things well.

"I do all things well." Those were God's assuring words for me when I had no idea what was going to happen at your birth.

And today, that promise has never been forgotten by me, dear grandson.

Abba Father led me to choose a name for you. "He shall be named Elijah." But I said nothing about this to your parents. I treasured it in my heart.

I had just arrived from Manila, a few days before your birth. Your Papa and I were having a quiet meal together when he said, "Mom, my wife and I have already decided on a name for the baby. She wants to name him Andre, and I have chosen Elijah for his second name."

I remember leaping from my chair and hugging your father with joy. Even if I had never mentioned it to him, God spoke it to his heart as well.

You will also be called "Full of Hope" - because that is what you are. 

And "Mighty Warrior" - because you do not easily give up in the face of seeming defeat.

As we were waiting for you to recover in the neonatal ICU, your mom would hold you close to her heart, and speak life to your little body. And I would also look at you through the glass, so tiny, so fragile... "You will live and fulfill your destiny, Full of Hope. You will live from the standpoint of victory, Mighty Warrior."

Today, your third birthday, I speak the same things to you. As your name implies... you will be a bringer of hope to everyone you encounter.

You will look at the seeming rock bottoms and dead ends of life, and yet you will not see despair, but hope shining in the darkness.

Forerunner and Full of Hope

In the midst of the desperation around us today, the devastation and the ruin... I speak to your little heart that you will be in touch with your true nobility as a child of the King.

Your heart will be filled with faith even in the face of an impossible situation. For with God nothing is impossible.

I declare that you will be an agent of hope, a speaker of truth, wherever you go.

You will be schooled early in life to make choices that develop perseverance and patience.

The world defines hope as something desired but not certain.

But Abba Father points us to a different kind of hope... hope in Him as a promise keeper, hope in Him as a trustworthy God.

Hope that is certain, because He who made the promise is dependable.

Who hopes for what they already have?

But if we hope for what we do not yet have,

we wait for it patiently.

- Romans 8:24-25

Live your life in light of God's hope, because God's hope doesn't disappoint!

Arise and fulfill your destiny, little one.

Blessings abound as you enter your third year of life!

Much love,

Nana

At Full of Hope's third birthday party, with Aunt God-given, Uncle First Born, cousin Forerunner, mom Chosen One, maternal grandma Nanay Po, and dad Worshiper

Hidden Strength

photo source

This is what the Sovereign Lord,

the Holy One of Israel, says:

"In repentance and rest is your salvation,

in quietness and trust is your strength..."

- Isaiah 30:15

The word of the Lord came to me, saying:
"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you
Before you were born I set you apart
I appointed you as a prophet to the nations...."

Then the Lord reached out His hand
and touched my mouth, and said to me:
"I have put my words in your mouth.
See today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms
to uproot them and tear down,
to destroy and overthrow,
to build and to plant."

- Jeremiah 1:4-5, 9-10

Today is my second grandson's birthday. His given name is Andre Elijah, but I have conferred the spiritual name Full of Hope and Mighty Warrior upon him.

He was born two years ago under difficult circumstances. After hours of dry labor, his mother Chosen One gave birth to him by C-section.

He had to be resuscitated, and was immediately placed in an incubator upon birth.

Full of Hope, a few minutes after he was born

Hours later, his pediatrician ran a series of tests on him which confirmed that the newborn baby had pneumonia. He was confined in the NICU for the next eleven days under the care of two neonatal specialists.


It was not an easy time for our family, but we held on to hope.

Eleven days later, asleep in his own bed, completely healed

Today Full of Hope is an energetic and talkative little boy, a constant reminder of the goodness and faithfulness of God.

The enemy tried to steal his destiny, but God had other plans. It is good to remember, and never forget what God has done in your life.

I am praying for you today, dear grandson. My prayer is that you will grow up to be a young man of noble character.

Humble.

Being worthy of esteem and respect.

May you develop a wisdom and maturity beyond your years.

Sensible, and full of discernment.

These are the character traits of nobility, one born with royal blood.

You will grow up to be a man who is "quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry."

You will not be easily offended, but rather know how to overlook an offense.

You will choose which battles are worth fighting.


You will not sweat the small stuff.

Rather, you will know instinctively what your kingdom priorities are.

You will reserve your energies for greater things.

Your speech will be gracious and well chosen, not coarse.

Your manners will be refined and gentle.

You will conduct your affairs with integrity, never greedy for selfish gain.

You will not compromise your convictions, and will not be afraid to stand up for the truth.

Your character will be molded and shaped as that of a prince who has been well trained in the courts of the King.

At an early age, your heart will be ready to call Jesus your Lord, Savior, and King.

Hidden strength, that is what I am declaring for you today.

Grow in stature, in wisdom, and in favor with God and man.

This is my prayer for you today, your second birthday. Grow up in the fear of the Lord, and fulfill your destiny, my dear grandson.

A Faith That Endures

Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.

- Proverbs 3:5-6




Therefore the Lord said:
“ Inasmuch as these people draw near with their mouths
And honor Me with their lips,
But have removed their hearts far from Me,
And their fear toward Me is taught by the commandment of men....”

Isaiah 29:14

November has become a very meaningful month for me.

There are many reasons for the special place that this month holds in my heart... and I want to write about them in my end of the month post.

But on this post I will share one important event that our family will be celebrating each time this month comes around.

Twelve months ago today, my second grandson Elijah was born.

We celebrated this little boy's birthday with a bang.

We have many reasons for doing so.

A year ago, just a day after Elijah was born, this was part of the post I wrote on this blog:

November 14, 2010

Chosen One gave birth by Caesarian section last night.

The doctor decided to perform the operation after hours of dry labor, as the baby showed signs of distress.

We welcomed Andre Elijah, my second grandson, into this world at exactly 7:31 p.m. on November 13, 2010.

He had to be resuscitated, and was immediately placed in an incubator and given oxygen.

Early this morning, at about 1:30 a.m., the baby's pediatrician informed us that the baby's respiratory rate was very fast. Pneumonia is suspected. A chest x-ray will be done if rate doesn't improve. Signs of infection was seen in the blood test, so the baby is also being given anti-biotics.

I have named this baby Full of Hope, and my hope is built on nothing less than the solid rock on which I stand!

Last night as my friend Trudi and I prayed for this baby, this word was impressed upon my heart, I do all things well.

My faith declaration:
Yes... faith arises in my heart my dear Father. My heart is full of hope...for You are the God who does all things well.

Dear friends, please stand and pray with us as we believe for a mighty and glorious display of God's glory.

Full of Hope
taken at 7:43 p.m. last night, 12 minutes after he was born

Update:
A chest x-ray was taken and it is confirmed that the baby has pneumonia. Three kinds of antibiotics are being administered through an IV drip. In addition to his pediatrician, we have also availed of the services of a neonatal specialist to help in the medical management of his condition. As of 4 p.m. today, the baby's respiratory rate has dropped from 90 to 70 per minute, which is a marked improvement. He was also taken out of the incubator, although he is still in the natal Intensive Care unit.

Beginning tomorrow, Chosen One will be strong enough to be wheeled to the Nursery where she will be able to hold her baby and begin breastfeeding him. I agree with Dr. Diane Nandwani, our very sweet pediatrician, this is the healing touch and human connection that will speed up the healing process. Chosen One will also speak words of affirmation over her son. Please continue to pray for Full of Hope's speedy recovery and complete healing.

Elijah was released from the natal intensive care unit eleven days later.

It was a journey of faith for our family. I am truly grateful for the faith lessons that we all learned during the part of our journey. We clung to God in hope and in full assurance that this baby's life was in His hands.

Beloved family members and friends, including my dear blog friends, rallied behind us, supporting us in prayer and encouragement.


Today, twelve months later, Elijah... Full of Hope and Mighty Warrior... is a healthy, vibrant, robust, energetic one year old little boy!




His birthday party began with a dedication ceremony. Worshiper and Chosen One had asked a dear family friend, Max Hughes, to officiate at the ceremony.

It was such a moving occasion, that many of us could not help but shed tears as we listened to Max speaking the words that God had placed on his heart to share with us.

Indeed it was another milestone for our family, a day worth remembering... a day to offer praise and thanksgiving to God.


I truly praise God for this special day. Today Elijah's parents offered their son back to God in a special dedication ceremony. Blessings were prayed over him, and today was doubly speical because his name "Andre Elijah" was officially conferred upon him.

Andre means "Courage." Its spiritual connotation is "Enduring."

Elijah literally means, "My God is Lord." The spiritual connotation of this name is "Spiritual Champion."

My prayer blessing:

Today as you mark the first year of your life, dear Elijah, I declare that you will live up to the name that you have been given.

The Elijah in the Bible was known as a prophet of fire, and he was a man truly on fire for God. He was passionate about his faith, and he stood fearless before the evil king and queen of his day, challenged the prophets of Baal up on Mount Carmel, and God honored the kind of faith that he had.

I declare that you will grow up to be an Elijah, and you will stand fearless and strong in your faith and convictions. You will never give way to fear or compromise.

As your name Andre implies, you will be a person of enduring faith. Your faith will keep growing stronger, and you will indeed be a person to reckon with.

Young men with these qualifications will be badly needed in these last days. Never waver in your stand, dear grandson. I pray that God will hone and shape you in the months to come - even as your personality and inner character are being formed.

May the rich spiritual deposits of the generations that have come before you not be wasted in these crucial days as God is advancing His kingdom reign, and the bride, the Church, is being prepared for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ.

It is my prayer that you will not be motivated by earthly goals, but rather keep your focus on what will last for eternity. Live up to the spiritual qualities associated with your name - Spiritual Champion... Enduring.

Such beautiful qualities, dear grandson!

May you grow up to be a man of enduring faith, may your character be heavy with spiritual substance.

Honor God not with mere words, Elijah... but with your whole heart. May you learn what it means to offer God a whole-hearted devotion... inspiring many others to do the same.

You have quite a strong will and determined spirit, already so evident at this young age. May this strength and determination be put to good use, harnessed by God for His glory and honor.

This is my prayer and desire for you today as we celebrate your first year of life.

Love,

Nana

God's special gift for Elijah: this flower in my garden was in full bloom in time for his birthday, a loving message of life, beauty and hope!

Max, giving words of inspiration

My second son, Worshiper and his son

Standing tall!

A father's blessing: "Give my son a heart that is passionate for your kingdom, dear God."

A mother's blessing: "Shine in his life despite our imperfect parenting, Father."

Grandpa Max, giving Andre a special blessing. Max used to carry Worshiper when he was a baby... and now Max is carrying Worshiper's son! It was a tearful moment for many of us.

The party fare was prepared by Madora, Chosen One's mom, who arrived from Manila on the eve of Elijah's birthday. Thank you, Madora, for your labor of love.

pasta with a special pesto sauce

baked franks, kebabs, and bruschetta...

crunchy spring rolls and fried chicken...

lots of yummy condiments for nachos...

blowing his birthday candle...

Eleventh Month: Teachable - Becoming a New Wineskin

Tenth Month: Honor, Valor, Courage

Ninth Month: Pilgrim Status

Eighth Month: Understanding the Times - Becoming a Son of Issachar

Seventh Month: Wisdom from Above

Sixth Month: Grace Under Pressure - Grace

Fifth Month: A Kingdom that Cannot Be Shaken - Faith

Fourth Month: Love Covers - Love

Third Month: Like a Tender Shoot - Obedience

Second Month: Elijah's Second Month - Humility

First Month: Giving Thanks - Thankfulness

Eleven Days Old: New Life

First Week: Hand to the Plow

The Day of Birth: Full of Hope

Linking up with Leah Adams' blog theme for November
"Living Thankful"



This post is dedicated to Stephanie of Truthsharer.