Being a counselor is both rewarding and tiring. The last time I was a counselor in a Youth Conference was way back in 2009. My family and I were in a different city and different church where my husband served as a pastor. Back in 2009, instead of gaining the trust of my group mates, I have made enemies. It was a sad experience and I have carried that moment in my heart for years to come. I guess that is the reason why I've opted to stay away from counseling until last week.
As the 35th FCCF Youth Conference was announced sometime in 2012, my husband had decided that I will be one of the counselors. I gave him reasons after reasons just to prove to him that it will be difficult for me to take part in the Youth Conferences, but he insisted and he won. I've struggled and prayed and hoped that God will make a difference this time, both in the lives of my group mates and mine.
Four wonderful things had happened in that youth conference (in my perspective):
1. The Speaker for our theme messages. The Lord has been merciful and gracious upon the life of our speaker through out the conference. Two days before the conference started, he fell ill with fever and a slight cough, but on the day of the conference, his illness got worse. According to the FCCF Chairman, when he visited our speaker, he was shaking from chills and yet when he stands in front of God's people, he stood firmly and without any hint that he's sick except of slight coughing. Our speaker is truly a man of God and he uses the Word to encourage, not just the youth, but more so the leaders.
2. My Children. They were the reasons that I gave to my husband so that I can "escape". But God had proven me wrong. Yes, I believe my children had fought and shouted at each other while they were "locked" up in the hotel room, but they've proven themselves able to take care of each other. I said "locked" up, well, they were not really locked in, they can leave the room whenever they wanted to, but I believe we've instill in them the capability to obey. If I were to check the hotel's CCTV, I might see my kids poking their heads out once in a while, or even walk down the hallway, but nevertheless, whenever I go the room and give a surprise check, they're always there, inside, and playing =)
3. My Group Mates. When I first realized who my group mates were, I quickly asked the Lord "why this age group?" From our city, we've got ages 14-26, but God had given to me those who are 14-16. I could have handled the older ones, but no, God said. And as the days of the conference draws to the end, I now realize why. It's never easy to deal with other people's problems, hey, its never easy to DEAL WITH OUR OWN PROBLEMS, how much more other's, right? It's not that I'm more able or more matured in dealing with these younger people's problems; it's not that I'm more able to relate to them since I'm a mom; it's not that I'm good and know a lot of things...it's just simply God wanted me to care for them. I hope I've gained their trust, instead of gaining more enemies. But one thing will always stay the same, God will send me wherever the need is.
4. My Old Friends in the other city. Remember the enemies I mentioned at the start of this blog? Well, the Lord has been good and gracious, we still have good friends back there and meeting them on this conference was truly a good and rewarding experience! One particularly whom I used to perceive as grumpy and always negative is now a beautiful and matured lady! The Lord had changed her heart and is now in the process of maturity! If you are able to read this blog, I just wanna let you know that we'll continue to pray for you. I've also talked to my disciple whose heart is so into the ministry! Praise God for you life, my dear disciple! Keep up the good work!
With all these things that God had allowed me to experience and see, there's only one response I can give...PRAISE BE TO HIM FOREVER AND EVER!
Will I do this again? If the Lord wants me to, why not =)
Will I give up? Whenever I get betrayed, I always complain to God. So my answer is this, whenever God sees it right to put me down and be betrayed, so be it. May God have mercy on me when I complain and wallow in the pit of misery.
In everything, SOLI DEO GLORIA!
Showing posts with label providence. Show all posts
Showing posts with label providence. Show all posts
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Friday, September 14, 2012
Life as It Is...
There are times when feeling of boredom and dissatisfaction comes to one's mind...how do you deal with that?
One of the greatest struggle of a housewife is the feeling of boredom and the sense of uselessness. As one goes through the mundane of daily chores, and taking care of the family, a housewife tends to loose her connection to the world of technology, business and to the world itself. She only gets to connect through the television or the gossips that goes around her. But she does not have the opportunity to "feel" life anymore.
With what had mentioned above, a housewife tends to take her value for granted. And once she does this, the family members will start doing it as well. The family will think that "ah, she will always be there" and the words "thank you" & "I love you" flies out the door.
Have I felt this way? Oh Yes! But by God's mercies, my family has not reached the point yet where they have taken me for granted. Once in a while, the Lord will show them my worth and they give importance to whatever I do for them.
One of the greatest key in battling boredom is not television nor radio nor gossips. It's the Word of God. Whenever these feelings attacks me, I would pick up my Bible and reflect on God's grace. Do I have a specific passage or book that I turn to? No, I don't. I find solace in the whole Counsel of God. Wherever I turn, whatever book I read, whichever Testament it might be, I always find my place in God. That's the beauty of being a housewife...you'll find your true value not in money that you earn, nor in the praises and rewards of man, but in God!
One of the greatest struggle of a housewife is the feeling of boredom and the sense of uselessness. As one goes through the mundane of daily chores, and taking care of the family, a housewife tends to loose her connection to the world of technology, business and to the world itself. She only gets to connect through the television or the gossips that goes around her. But she does not have the opportunity to "feel" life anymore.
With what had mentioned above, a housewife tends to take her value for granted. And once she does this, the family members will start doing it as well. The family will think that "ah, she will always be there" and the words "thank you" & "I love you" flies out the door.
Have I felt this way? Oh Yes! But by God's mercies, my family has not reached the point yet where they have taken me for granted. Once in a while, the Lord will show them my worth and they give importance to whatever I do for them.
One of the greatest key in battling boredom is not television nor radio nor gossips. It's the Word of God. Whenever these feelings attacks me, I would pick up my Bible and reflect on God's grace. Do I have a specific passage or book that I turn to? No, I don't. I find solace in the whole Counsel of God. Wherever I turn, whatever book I read, whichever Testament it might be, I always find my place in God. That's the beauty of being a housewife...you'll find your true value not in money that you earn, nor in the praises and rewards of man, but in God!
Friday, October 1, 2010
On Receving God's Graciousness and Generosity
Motherhood posts a great challenge to every single woman in this world. From the time of Eve up until now, women were never spared from the difficulties and pains of pregnancy down to giving birth. This is one of the major punishment of God for Eve when she disobeyed.
Most people say that children are gifts from God. And yet, most people take these gifts for granted. For people who practices pre-marital sex and got pregnant, they will simply go through abortion in order to "take-away" the shame of being pregnant outside of marriage. While others try to get these blessings through artificial insemination.
In my case, however, the Lord has been extra generous and gracious. Gracious because He allowed me to be pregnant (in both cases) at the right moment. Generous because He has not withheld the joy of having a son and a daughter.
One of the things that most couple aspire to have when they get married is to have children. But sadly, in most cases, those who are not capable of becoming parents received more while those who are able receives either less or none at all. Which one am I? I don't know...but...
The graciousness of the Lord has been bestowed upon me and my family. On the 1st month of our marriage, I found out that I was pregnant with our son. I was not able to work due to my delicate pregnancy and was even hospitalized. But God was gracious in meeting all of our needs. After giving birth, I was not able to go back to work, because it was too difficult to look for a nanny... and yet, God was gracious to meet all of our needs.
A few months before my son's 1st birthday, the Lord has called us to leave our place of ministry and to transfer to a provincial church...again, the graciousness of God. When His ministers are no longer bearing fruit in a certain place, He shall call him out and put him in another place where he will bear fruit. And that's what has happened to us. We were no longer bearing fruit in that place, so God has called us out and put us in another location.
We served in this place for 4years until the Lord asked us to move again. And throughout these 4 years we've witnessed and experienced God's grace and generous giving through the people we're serving. And the biggest gift came when I became pregnant for our 2nd child. Everything was in God's timing. Everything was in God's control.
When I realized I was pregnant, my son was only 2years and 7months old. He witnessed the growth of my tummy and felt the movements of the baby. Although we've been praying for a girl, we're also praying that God gives us what He knows is best for the family. And God has answered our prayers...we have a daughter.
The usual problem with a new baby is rivalry between siblings. And that's what I've been afraid of ever since i knew I was pregnant. At first, my son had a hard time coping with his sister's incessant demand for my attention. But slowly, as he gets to share in the responsibility of taking care of his sister did he finally realized the difficulty I was in. He started having more patience and tolerance. And he also has become more protective of his sister. But of course, the jealousy is still there. And I think in order for him to get some attention for himself, he has started copying his sister's actions.
It was a trying 2 years before I was able to get some sense into my son's head. He's almost 6year old now and he's getting better to being an older brother. In his actions and words, it's evident that he loves his sister dearly. We're truly blessed by God! And we'r continually experiencing His goodness and grace as we go through the rough roads of this life.
May you experience Him as we have and still having! To God be the glory forever and ever...AMEN!
Most people say that children are gifts from God. And yet, most people take these gifts for granted. For people who practices pre-marital sex and got pregnant, they will simply go through abortion in order to "take-away" the shame of being pregnant outside of marriage. While others try to get these blessings through artificial insemination.
In my case, however, the Lord has been extra generous and gracious. Gracious because He allowed me to be pregnant (in both cases) at the right moment. Generous because He has not withheld the joy of having a son and a daughter.
One of the things that most couple aspire to have when they get married is to have children. But sadly, in most cases, those who are not capable of becoming parents received more while those who are able receives either less or none at all. Which one am I? I don't know...but...
The graciousness of the Lord has been bestowed upon me and my family. On the 1st month of our marriage, I found out that I was pregnant with our son. I was not able to work due to my delicate pregnancy and was even hospitalized. But God was gracious in meeting all of our needs. After giving birth, I was not able to go back to work, because it was too difficult to look for a nanny... and yet, God was gracious to meet all of our needs.
A few months before my son's 1st birthday, the Lord has called us to leave our place of ministry and to transfer to a provincial church...again, the graciousness of God. When His ministers are no longer bearing fruit in a certain place, He shall call him out and put him in another place where he will bear fruit. And that's what has happened to us. We were no longer bearing fruit in that place, so God has called us out and put us in another location.
We served in this place for 4years until the Lord asked us to move again. And throughout these 4 years we've witnessed and experienced God's grace and generous giving through the people we're serving. And the biggest gift came when I became pregnant for our 2nd child. Everything was in God's timing. Everything was in God's control.
When I realized I was pregnant, my son was only 2years and 7months old. He witnessed the growth of my tummy and felt the movements of the baby. Although we've been praying for a girl, we're also praying that God gives us what He knows is best for the family. And God has answered our prayers...we have a daughter.
The usual problem with a new baby is rivalry between siblings. And that's what I've been afraid of ever since i knew I was pregnant. At first, my son had a hard time coping with his sister's incessant demand for my attention. But slowly, as he gets to share in the responsibility of taking care of his sister did he finally realized the difficulty I was in. He started having more patience and tolerance. And he also has become more protective of his sister. But of course, the jealousy is still there. And I think in order for him to get some attention for himself, he has started copying his sister's actions.
It was a trying 2 years before I was able to get some sense into my son's head. He's almost 6year old now and he's getting better to being an older brother. In his actions and words, it's evident that he loves his sister dearly. We're truly blessed by God! And we'r continually experiencing His goodness and grace as we go through the rough roads of this life.
May you experience Him as we have and still having! To God be the glory forever and ever...AMEN!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)