HE is FAITHFUL

hey bloggers!

Hey hey! I know it has been roughly two months since my last post, and I do apologize because my schedule has been all sorts of crazy lately. Gosh, my last post was I think in January, now that's not good, is it? :( but anyway, in the past two months, I have had my share of ups and downs, and I know that I am not alone, everyday is a roller coaster ride, right? I know that a lot of us are going through different challenges everyday, but that does not mean that we should focus on the negatives and dismiss the good things that we experience. No, let us always remember to see everything through GOD's eyes.

Well, to start things off, I have a new job! (Yeyyy) seriously, I prayed for this, well, not this job in particular but I did pray for a job. I was really astounded by the fact that I am not doing anything, well that is not true, I am doing a few things, but I'm not like officially employed in one company until now. I have just graduated from the tedious and intense two-month training; and because of GOD's wisdom and grace, I survived! It was not easy, there were days when I had my share of sleepless nights due to assessments. It was crazy, crazy experience! I actually reached the point where I asked if this job was for me, but the fact that GOD made me pass means a LOT to me. It means that HE has a purpose, and who knows? this job might actually be the garden where GOD wants me to prosper and grow! But I have to say, now that I am in the real world, I now see the floodgates of temptation. My goodness, there are a LOT of things that I thought only existed in movies. It's kinda freaky. I du

nno, I guess I'm still getting that "culture shock" and my mind is still processing the fact that these things exists. I'm not judging, I'm just really surprised by how everything at work. It's definitely an overwhelming experience. Though I am also thankful to GOD that HE has blessed me with a good job and despite those unfamiliar things, HE made sure that I was surrounded by great and cool people. So, I guess getting this job was and is a new beginning for me, not just in my career but also in my faith. This is like another stretch of faith for me because HE is making me realize that the more temptation is around me, the more I should seek GOD. He is the only one who can keep me strong, still and wise. I'm telling you, this job is truly a challenge for me, It's new and unfamiliar and honestly, it is NOT my cup of tea, but GOD brought me here for a reason and I know that HE wants me to excel and give HIM the glory. I deserve better and GOD deserves more that is why I am determined to do my best because HE has got my back.

Another breaking news is that two of my faith goals this year were checked! Yes, indeed. My prayers were answered! YEYYY! Let me try to elaborate on that. This year, I have asked GOD for a few things and by faith, I know that GOD will grant them. There are a lot on that list and I am confident that in HIS tim

e, HE will give me my heart's desire. Faith Goals! One of them is to do covers. Cover a song and post it in youtube and TADAAAAA! HE did! I was able to do a cover of Pink's PERFECT and Simple Plan's JET LAG.

http://www.youtube.com/user/KokoTooLegit/videos

(btw, feel free to like, comment and subscribe! more videos are coming up soon! also, feel free to give out requests together with advice on what I can improve on)

(though I know it's not the best of quality but still! :D two songs covered!) I have wanted to do covers for a while now but I don't know anyone who's willing to do the same, so, it has remained a secret wish for me, but since GOD IS FAITHFUL, One of my friends, Mari was nice enough to do covers with me. see? isn't that a BLESSING! Another answered prayer is...my new look. For the longest time, I have also wanted to change my look and dye my hair. I haven't done it before because I did not have the guts nor the confidence to do it, second, I don't know what "look" should I do, I had no idea and third; I didn't have the financial resources to do that. That is until, GOD lead me to the "look" that was appropriate and right. I wanted a new look before my 22nd birthday, I actually thought that it was impossible but! His word said that...

"For nothing is impossible with God."-Luke 1:37 so, three days before my birthday...I had my new look!

here is a photo of the progression of my hair:

though I still haven't given up my curls (cause I just ironed my hair straight here) I still colored my hair, Something I thought

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." -Mattew 7:7 I would never get a chance to do, happened because of GOD's faithfulness. I got my new look! I have my new hair. It was such an AWESOME birthday present from GOD. He is so faithful! He provided and blessed me with the financial resource, the time, the right salon, the right head-dresser-everything. Truly, as long as you lift up everything to Him, even if it might be about something you want or something you need, as long as you ask for it from HIM, HE WILL GIVE YOU THE DESIRES OF YOUR HEART. All you have to do is ask.

Oh, while writing this, I just remembered another answered prayer! Another wonderful thing HE granted. Though this was not part of my faith goals for this year, this was however something that I've always wanted to do, to sing in public, When I say sing in public, it's like having a gig in a way. This was something that I wanted to do ever since...ever! see, when I was younger, I was really outgoing, confident, and I always loved performing. But somehow, when I grew older, my confidence faded which lead to the point that I stopped singing. Until of course, I found GOD and realized that I just want to sing praises to HIM. He helped me find my love for music and for singing again, He made me want to grow into a better singer for HIS glory. I'd like to consider myself as a working progress because GOD continues to stretch the talent and gifts that HE has lent me; with that being said, last February (or as others call, the LOVE month) I was invited to sing in a event, it did not go as smoothly as I hoped but, it was something worthwhile. I enjoyed every part of it. It was fun! I got to sing two love songs (way back into love and Thank God I Found You) I've always wanted to sing both songs but I never thought that it would push through, Plus, I got to sing with one of the best voices I know! (my sister even edited it and placed it with Drew and Hugh's photo from the movie Music and Lyrics) It was definitely a huge privilege to sing with Aldrin because he is such a good singer! He is a seasoned singer with a golden voice. He shared a LOT of tips in order to improve in singing, another plus factor is that he is such a humble guy despite his extraordinarily GOD-given talent. I had loads of fun singing

and learning so much from this whole experience! it was really a night to remember, and I got to sing "Way Back Into Love" it was a cool and surreal moment, and I thank GOD for that! Honestly, as long as you lift up everything to HIM, and TRUST in HIM, He will surprise you in all the BEST ways possible!

"Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart."

-Psalm 37:4

See how faithful our GOD is? Whether that may be the shallowest thing or your deepest desire, He will grant them as long as it is according or in line with HIS will. There are so many things that I'd still like to share but I'll leave that for my next post since I have the weekend off! :D So remain faithful and obedient because GOD has got your back. Just continue to seek HIM and ask more of HIM!

Stay Blessed,

"For I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."-Philippians 4:13

My SIMPLE PLAN:Get Your Heart On Experience

hey bloggers!

Well, it was just the start of the new year; 2012 and I can definitely feel the love. I have been blessed early this year with so much already that I really couldn't help but be so grateful, thankful and in awe of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! He has given so many surprises and breakthroughs already! -and the year is just starting! WOW! Truly all glory to GOD alone! I am so happy! well, not just happy, I am filled with so much JOY!

Like one very specific example, two days ago; I was BLESSED with tickets to see my favorite band of all time, SIMPLE PLAN! I felt like I was in high school again, the fact that they came back here was such a blessing already, but to be given the privilege to see them live was such a surreal experience. Really,I cannot even manage to put my feelings into words. I am so happy and honestly, it was definitely one of the BEST NIGHTS OF MY LIFE! Music, Lyrics and AWESOMENESS! :) One of the things that I really really love about SIMPLE PLAN are their lyrics! How honest and real it is. Honestly, their songs helped me during high school, their lyrics were echoing the feelings of probably every teenager and helped me a lot and boosted my interest in music. Though yes, they are not a Christian band, but still, they are a part of my life. I have been blessed as well with the company of great friends who also happen to be my church-mates which made it extra special for me. I had so much fun that night, and it was my first time to attend a concert with friends. I really had such a blast!

The whole concert was superb from the beginning, middle and end! it was EPIC! They started with Shut Up, followed by Addicted, My Alien, Can't keep my hands off you, Jump, then the party mash up songs, Loser of the Year, You Suck at love, Your love is such a lie, Welcome to my life, Jet Lag, I'd Do Anything, Summer Paradise, Astronaut, This Song saved my life, I'm Just a Kid and perfectly ended with PERFECT! (I'm not sure if I got the sequence right but I think that's basically it? haha! hey, I was rockin' out the entire night! hope I didn't forget any songs though :P) but I have to say one,( and yes, ONE) of my favorite parts is when they did a mash up of Forget You, I Gotta Feeling, Dynamite and Raise Your Glass! that was such a party rockin' moment! I really couldn't help but jump and rock on! Though I have to say, David's vocal chops were superb! and the way he hit that HIGH NOTE! was just! ahhhh! But I did have a hard time singing along with Jet Lag because they somehow changed the key cause David did the duet part with Pierre so it was super low for me, but hey! I didn't care! it was JET LAG! I truly had one of the BEST nights of my life and I know that there will be more "best nights"! I am really excited! very very grateful! Pierre, David, Sebastian, Chuck and Jeff were all really great and I could really feel the love and energy that they were giving (even if I was sooo far from them, too bad that I was in the Gen-Ad section that I wasn't able to get any of the towels, bottles, guitar picks and drum sticks that they were throwing!) I was really pumped up! That even when I got home, I was still thinking of the concert and I'm really having a hard time grasping the fact that I did watch them LIVE! I heard Pierre's voice LIVE, he was talking to the crowd, LIVE! Which reminds me of another thing that I absolutely love about them! -they were soo sincere! The interaction with the audience was really cool! They're not like the superficial bands who has this "air" of "i'm too cool for you, im a rockstar blah blah" they don't have that, they are really cool people. You know what, I know that this dream seems impossible, but I hope that I get to meet them one day, maybe even jam with them :P haha! I know that it's a one in a million chance for me, but hey, I thought watching them live in concert was impossible too, but Tada! I did! haha! So, we'll see ;) if it happens, then WOW! (Nothing is impossible with GOD!)

I am very thankful that GOD provided the time, money and energy for me to attend this concert, I really am in awe of HIM because I know that everything comes from HIM alone! I'm glad that God is constantly reminding me to be faithful to HIM and be patient because in HIS perfect time, HE will grant all the desires of my heart. This experience is just one out of the many many blessings that GOD has given me, and HE never fails to exceed my expectations of HIM and leave me speechless. I am so blessed to be surrounded by HIS GLORY!

Father, I thank you for everything!

Remain Faithful and Stay BLESSED,

"For I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."-Philippians 4:13

2012

hey bloggers!
HAPPY NEW YEAR! well, this is officially my first post this year! Welcome 2012. So how's your 2012 so far? Well, I dunno about you guys but somehow, I have this strong gut feeling that this year will be...different. In a way that it is gonna be a year of revelations and breakthroughs. I dunno why I am overly optimistic about this year, but I do believe that it is GOD's way of assuring me that this year will really be great.

I know it sounds too superficial for me to be this positive about certain things, but there are things that you just know. And this is what I know. God certainly wrestled with me last year, there were so many things that happened last year that tested me and my faith. there were moments when I stumbled, fell, there were even moments when I felt so cold and numb, like someone was pulling me back in darkness and I was once again in a struggle to get out. It was a battle... but I think that that is really what life is about, it is a battle. Call it a cliche but again, a cliche is called a cliche for a reason. Life is really a battle. A never ending battle in fact. Everyday we are facing new enemies to conquer and it is really difficult for all of us. Each day is a revelation that we are indeed vulnerable. We are weak. This is real. We have no strength, no confidence every time we stand alone. Everyday new enemies are born, and we have no choice to face them, and face it, we are only human. We do get defeated, --especially when we are unprepared and facing them alone. Picture it this way, imagine yourself as a soldier in a war. that is life, but how can you be called a real soldier if:
1. You do not have any gear-meaning, you aren't dressed appropriately
2. you do not have any bullets with you.
3.You are not strong enough.
Sounds like you do not have any chances to win, right? Wrong. the truth is, we can win, we can get through every day, if and only if, we rely on GOD.

As I was having my daily date with GOD, just a few moments ago, I was suddenly reminded by HIS word, A sudden revelation happened. Another stunning moment with GOD. HE lead me toPhilippians 3:9 which states that "Be found in HIM, not having righteousness on my own that comes from the law but which is through faith in Christ-the righteousness that comes from GOD and is by faith"
I believe that GOD wants us to rely on HIM, He wants us to be with HIM and call on HIM every day. He is the one who wants us to tell HIM everything, even if He already knows, He is always patiently waiting for us to call unto Him so that we may realize that we always have someone to listen to us, someone who could wrestle with us in every battle. God is truly someone who will always be there to catch us, someone who will never get sick of our praises, rants and complaints. Someone to rely on, someone who we can fall back on. He is the only one who has immeasurable patience, and who doesn’t want that? Someone who will never tire of helping you, someone to pick you up every time you fall, someone to catch you, someone to give you a comforting embrace, someone who will dry your tears, --only GOD can do that. Only GOD is like that. Only GOD can listen to you 24/7. He will never grow tired of you. All you have to do is ask for His help, especially in times of vulnerability . it is incredible important for all of us to maintain our relationship with GOD because there are so many breakthroughs and surprises that will happen. GOD is actually the BEST best friend that we can ever have.

This year will be a GREAT YEAR! let's just focus and rely on GOD at all times. You know what, let's just find the comfort of reconnecting with GOD everyday, because for sure, God wants to know how you feel. God wants to hear what's in your heart. I pray for intimacy with you and GOD this year :)

Stay Blessed Everyone,

"For I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."-Philippians 4:13

I want YOU

This is probably one of the most overwhelming experience in my life. I have just been offended, hurt and mad. Just now. It just ended. I know that this is one of those moments where the enemy is trying to discourage me. Why? Because GOD has prepared a beautiful revelation for me.

In my willingness to feel alive and uplifted again, I tried making the most out of the net. I searched. I searched for encouragement. I searched for HIS words. I searched for HIS wisdom. I want to have that heart of worship again. I don't want to be this cold and dry coal. I want GOD's fire in me. It is funny that this is happening in just the start of the week. But you know, the thing that motivates me even further is knowing that GOD has a revelation for me today. And HE really does. Every moment of experience is equal to teachable moments. That is what GOD wants from me. He wants to teach me. He wants me to grow in HIM.

Anyway, in my search to find GOD's message, I landed on youtube wherein Kim Walker was speaking and teaching everyone how to have a lifestyle of worship. She's pointing out that worship is not music nor songs, Worship is our personal and individual connection to HIM. Songs and other mediums are just expressions of our worship with GOD. They are just expressions because we are so overwhelmed with HIS presence; songs, music, poems etc are created by and for HIM alone.

Temptations will always be there. ALWAYS. That is why we need to be guarded by HIS armor. We need HIM. We should make a habit out of it, to make each waking moment a worship moment with Christ. Usually, temptations and doubts appear during the day, during the time when we are not doing anything, when we are quiet, alone and vulnerable. Remember that we are always always vulnerable. That is when we usually think of the situation that we are facing, think of the problems that could happen, making the best decision for everyone, or even entertaining the doubts in our mind. We tend to ask, "Why is this happening?" "why" "why" "why" then you'd depend on yourself to find all the answers that will eventually lead you astray. Which really should not be the case. We should have this automatic response that whenever the enemy tries to tempt or lure us towards his side, we should remember GOD's promises, God's word because those are the only things that are real and true. The rest are all lies. So whenever you feel scared, or in doubt or when you have all these rushing unanswered questions; surrender everything to Him. He knows your needs, He knows your situation. Realize that you should want GOD more than the answers. You should care more about your relationship with HIM rather than finding solutions. Don't you get it? with God, everything is solved. Just surrender, let go and want to know HIM more.

This actually kinda goes in contrast of the ever-so-famous quote, "Let God worry about your future" -I honestly disagree. It should be rephrased as "Let God take care of your future" God does not need to worry, He made you, He knows you, He made your future, surely He knows what will happen, and that is the reason why He makes HIS promises because He took care of it already.

"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" -Jeremiah 29:11 -

He said it, so for sure, He will fulfill it. All you have to do is let it go, give it up and surrender everything to HIM. Trust HIM. HE KNOWS WHAT HE IS DOING.

"Worship is a LIFESTYLE. True Worship is not in the words of a song; but carried upon the heart of the singer. It is an outward expression of an inward reality."-http://lifestyleofworship.blogspot.com

WORSHIP HIM. Stay BLESSED,

"For I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."-Philippians 4:13

An Epiphany

hey bloggers,

here's the thing. You know the old sayings "life is short" or "make the most out of life" and others that are similar to those meanings. Well, I recently decided to venture on going in the "online world". My perception of meeting people online seems incredibly very silly to me at first. I have always thought that it is a weird thing and that you cannot be friends with someone you do not know or do not even see or talk to personally. I really found it silly. -and for some reason, I wanted to prove myself right. In my twenty one years of existence; I have always just gone online in friendster and facebook and just added the people whom I know personally. I never added people I do not know. (that also goes with twitter and myspace and youtube) but recently, I chose to take on a role. A different role and really get my personal glimpse of the online world by...TADA entering various chatrooms.

Before going through the whole thing, I honestly prayed. I asked for the penetration of the Holy Spirit to keep me clean because I have found out through movies and sitcoms that there are so many perverts in the online world. So, with that being done, I went. It was freaky at first, indeed there are so many people who are exposing things that are just supposed to be in seen in private or not at all. It was crazy. At first I started with just observing/reading their chats and I honestly could not keep up. It is crazy how people can even understand each other in chatrooms, everything is like super fast, pop ups here and there. I was truly overwhelmed by the whole thing. I honestly could not stomach it at all. It was something that was completely bizarre for me. I jumped from site to site because I couldn't understand it. I was really creeped out by the whole thing, especially when people pops into chats and ask for "ASL" and I had no idea what it stands for at that time, then they'd open up about their lives. It's weird. It is like online therapy, because people, random people would pour out their inner most desires/hate/pain and all their emotions at that moment. I guess it is a good thing that I'm interested in psychology, and I have a degree in Special Education with minor in Exceptional Psychology so more or less, I guess I was able to help in a way. Every site was the same, and its a good thing that I didn't use my real name while I was in those chatrooms because it was a mixture of good and different people. It was really overwhelming.

At first, my mind was set into blogging that online sites are a no, no. but when I somehow reached this one particular site, it was different. It was like a poor version of facebook. I honestly met decent and real people. Some of them seem to be really pleasant and friendly. That site was alright and it actually made me keep my account there and personalize it. My point is... I was wrong. There are indeed good and decent people that we can meet online. Some of em are even inspiring people. They are really great and friendly. It's kind of nice to know that there are still decent people whom we can talk to and get to know online. One even gave me a shout out and one is studying in bible school-Come on, talk about good, right? It's just amazing how Christ works in our lives :)

My epiphony; The world wide web is just like the "real world" sure there are so many ungodly and unclean stuff around you but life is still basically about perspective. Choose to see the good things and it will be shown to you. Not everything in this world is bad. Just like a clean and blank white sheet of cloth, we should stop focusing on that one dot-like stain that is on it and see the bigger and cleaner cloth. It is all about perspective. Choose to see the good in everyone. Choose to see the light in the darkest of days for that is the time when Christ will reveal himself to you, HE is the true light.

For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.-2 Corinthians 4:6

STAY BLESSED,

"For I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."-Philippians 4:13

HE'S JUST NOT THAT INTO YOU

hey bloggers,

I am a huge sucker for chick flicks. honestly, I can watch them all day and have the best day ever. Seriously, fine-yes I am a girly girl. Whatever. The point is, out of all the chick flicks that I have watched over and over and over again, I think the one that tops my list is "He's just not that into you".

This movie is the only chick flick that I have really learned a lot from. Honestly, I really learned a LOT from this movie. Sure, I haven't been a girlfriend to anyone and I am in no rush, the thing is that before watching this movie, I was one of the losers who believed all the"signs" and stuff. That if I guys acts like a total jerk to you it only means that he is craving for your attention, if he breaks up with you it is because blah blah and blah. Sure, I haven't had any first hand encounters to being in a relationship but I was one of those girls who said everything to make my girl friend feel better. I thought that it was true. It is really funny how different men and women are. man, "he's just not that into you" I have to say that after watching that; it changed how I dealt with my broken-hearted friends. I believe that somehow, I've grown. I usually now ask what really happened and I can see the petty mistakes that girls and guys make. -the good thing about it is that I can tell them what they did wrong. It really helps. Weird.

I now understand what it means to be the rule and the exception. Everyone wants to be an exception. That is what we all want. The great thing about this is how beautifully it was written. Instead of going with the ever-so-cliche "you are the one" it became "you are the exception" and it is about time, we all have been using "the one" since-ever. I have to read the book. It's weird that I was able to understand the dynamics of being in a relationship knowing the fact that when it comes to a relationship, I am just an outsider looking in. I honestly relate the mot to Gigi because of how naive she is, but at the same time I don't because she has been in a relationship and she goes on dates. I however, do not. I am however the one who people talk to after the date-if it went well or not, if they fought. I am like the ultimate relationship confidant. Even at work, I was still the confidant. My friends come to me for relationship advice. That was and is who I am in high school and to this day, that is still my role The confidant, the bridge that patches the LQ. I don't mind, I just find it kind of odd. Being a single person, I tend to enjoy reading articles about "how to know if a guy likes you" "how to read the sign if..." and so on, you get the picture, right? whatever. I read articles like that but if a guy is not that into you, even if you scored a perfect 10 in the quiz on how to be the best girlfriend, you will never have him. UGH! Such a good movie! I wanna watch it now! haha! But you know, while writing this, this question dawned on me, can still be an exception to someone? Or will I ever be an exception to someone someday. It just kept me thinking. Maybe. Maybe not. No one on earth really knows. I so badly want to watch "He's just not that into you" right now, but I couldn't find the dvd. I lent in to one of my friends but I couldn't remember who. Grr. I hate it when that happens. haha!

Anyway, I hope that one day. Someone will be able to tell me "You are my exception" until that day comes, I'm gonna wait. :) and continue watching chick flicks! :) HE'S JUST NOT THAT INTO YOU IS THE BEST CHICK FLICK OF ALL TIME! :)

"For I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."-Philippians 4:13

It isn't fair.

hey bloggers,

Okay, so I know that I'm not supposed to think about negativity at all. But there are times that I really just got to rant.

Sometimes it isn't fair. It isn't fair that life hands you these obstacles that seems to be so difficult that it overwhelms a lot of people. It actually leads you into feeling, numb of some sort. Negativity is a very funny thing, how it can badly affect your day. How it can change your view point in life, you suddenly think of the things that you haven't thought of in ages just because of that one thing that put you down. It isn't fair. It isn't fair to your faith, it isn't fair to you and more enormously, it isn't fair to GOD. He never gave up on me, nor on you and just because of this one random negative thought that the enemy attempted to inject in you, you'd feel blown away and overwhelmed, come on, that is just plain silly. The main point is you should NEVER allow the enemy to take over you and your thoughts. You know that words are very powerful, whether it is being said or heard, words are powerful. Remember that, so when a random thought of negativity comes into mind, focus on the one and only living word alone. Never allow the plots of the enemy take you over. GOD is your strength, HE is yours and you are HIS. No one and NOTHING can ever take you away from that. Whenever you feel lonely, helpless, overwhelmed and discouraged, focus on GOD. Talk to the only being who understands you because for sure, HE will know EXACTLY what to say. HE IS ALWAYS ON TIME.

So no matter what anyone else around you tells you, judges you, insults you or hurts you that may lead to your discouragement, turn to GOD, HE will uplift you in so many ways that is beyond your imagination and expectations. Chill, Relax and be Still. Hold on to HIS promises and hold on to the fact that HE created everything in just seven days; imagine what HE can do in the next week, month, year-even decade. GOD was and is AMAZING. He'll take care of everything :)

Stay Blessed,

"For I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."-Philippians 4:13