These thoughts were meant to be broke down
Sticks and stones, may break my bones
Your words they surely kill
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Friday, July 29, 2011
Clouds & Shadows
I was quite disappointed.
But I refused to let that disappointment pull me down.
So I thank God for today's devotion...
For reminding me He's here...in my disappointment...in my sorrows...in my sufferings
PRAISE THE LORD!
WUHOO!!!
Danielle, you can do this!
But I refused to let that disappointment pull me down.
So I thank God for today's devotion...
For reminding me He's here...in my disappointment...in my sorrows...in my sufferings
PRAISE THE LORD!
WUHOO!!!
Danielle, you can do this!
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Between the Trees' Biography
Certainly there's much to appreciate in their words, from celebrations of love ("White Lines & Red Lights") to meditations on despair ("The Way She Feels" & "A Time for Yohe").
But an even greater truth stands Between the Trees ... literally.
It's in the name itself - specifically, in the space staked out by its suggestion of beginning and end.
"One tree represents where time and existence begins," ventures lead singer Ryan Kirkland. "The other is the end of everything. Between them is the time we're given on Earth. What matters is what we do with that time." - newreleasetuesday.com
But an even greater truth stands Between the Trees ... literally.
It's in the name itself - specifically, in the space staked out by its suggestion of beginning and end.
"One tree represents where time and existence begins," ventures lead singer Ryan Kirkland. "The other is the end of everything. Between them is the time we're given on Earth. What matters is what we do with that time." - newreleasetuesday.com
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
mind = blown
We tend to think that if Jesus Christ compels us to do something and we are obedient to Him, He will lead us to great success. We should never have the thought that our dreams of success are God’s purpose for us. In fact, His purpose may be exactly the opposite. We have the idea that God is leading us toward a particular end or a desired goal, but He is not. The question of whether or not we arrive at a particular goal is of little importance, and reaching it becomes merely an episode along the way. What we see as only the process of reaching a particular end, God sees as the goal itself.
What is my vision of God’s purpose for me? Whatever it may be, His purpose is for me to depend on Him and on His power now. If I can stay calm, faithful, and unconfused while in the middle of the turmoil of life, the goal of the purpose of God is being accomplished in me. God is not working toward a particular finish— His purpose is the process itself. What He desires for me is that I see “Him walking on the sea” with no shore, no success, nor goal in sight, but simply having the absolute certainty that everything is all right because I see “Him walking on the sea” (Mark 6:49). It is the process, not the outcome, that is glorifying to God.
God’s training is for now, not later. His purpose is for this very minute, not for sometime in the future. We have nothing to do with what will follow our obedience, and we are wrong to concern ourselves with it. What people call preparation, God sees as the goal itself.
God’s purpose is to enable me to see that He can walk on the storms of my life right now. If we have a further goal in mind, we are not paying enough attention to the present time. However, if we realize that moment-by-moment obedience is the goal, then each moment as it comes is precious.
As usual, grabbed from utmost.org... slightly different from the book but it's easier to understand from here...
I prayed that I will be constantly marveled and amazed at God's glory and power and love each day because I don't want to live a mundane life based on my own understanding. No.
If I see from my own eyes, my understanding is this... I can do nothing... well, I can draw a bit... sew a bit... and a little bit of this and that...where can I go from here? I dunno... I see myself as pathetic. But through God's eyes, I am His child and He enables me to use the gift I have to bless and impact people's lives. Truly amazing.
Therefore, it's ok if there is no shore, no success, nor goal in sight because I have the absolute certainty that everything is all right because I see “Him walking on the sea”
Even if I don't see things going the way they should, I know God has always been and will still be there for me. His goal is my goal. And that's all that matters!
What is my vision of God’s purpose for me? Whatever it may be, His purpose is for me to depend on Him and on His power now. If I can stay calm, faithful, and unconfused while in the middle of the turmoil of life, the goal of the purpose of God is being accomplished in me. God is not working toward a particular finish— His purpose is the process itself. What He desires for me is that I see “Him walking on the sea” with no shore, no success, nor goal in sight, but simply having the absolute certainty that everything is all right because I see “Him walking on the sea” (Mark 6:49). It is the process, not the outcome, that is glorifying to God.
God’s training is for now, not later. His purpose is for this very minute, not for sometime in the future. We have nothing to do with what will follow our obedience, and we are wrong to concern ourselves with it. What people call preparation, God sees as the goal itself.
God’s purpose is to enable me to see that He can walk on the storms of my life right now. If we have a further goal in mind, we are not paying enough attention to the present time. However, if we realize that moment-by-moment obedience is the goal, then each moment as it comes is precious.
As usual, grabbed from utmost.org... slightly different from the book but it's easier to understand from here...
I prayed that I will be constantly marveled and amazed at God's glory and power and love each day because I don't want to live a mundane life based on my own understanding. No.
If I see from my own eyes, my understanding is this... I can do nothing... well, I can draw a bit... sew a bit... and a little bit of this and that...where can I go from here? I dunno... I see myself as pathetic. But through God's eyes, I am His child and He enables me to use the gift I have to bless and impact people's lives. Truly amazing.
Therefore, it's ok if there is no shore, no success, nor goal in sight because I have the absolute certainty that everything is all right because I see “Him walking on the sea”
Even if I don't see things going the way they should, I know God has always been and will still be there for me. His goal is my goal. And that's all that matters!
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
utmost.org
The golden rule to follow to obtain spiritual understanding is not one of intellectual pursuit, but one of obedience.
“Don’t say another word to me; first be obedient by making things right.”
Obedience. Obey. I must say I'm not good at that.
But I've made a decision to be a follower of Christ.
Therefore, I must put away my pride...and my laziness.
Danielle, you can do this!
When Jesus drives something home to you through His Word, don’t try to evade it. If you do, you will become a religious impostor. Examine the things you tend simply to shrug your shoulders about, and where you have refused to be obedient, and you will know why you are not growing spiritually. As Jesus said, “First . . . go . . ..” Even at the risk of being thought of as fanatical, you must obey what God tells you.
“Don’t say another word to me; first be obedient by making things right.”
Obedience. Obey. I must say I'm not good at that.
But I've made a decision to be a follower of Christ.
Therefore, I must put away my pride...and my laziness.
Danielle, you can do this!
When Jesus drives something home to you through His Word, don’t try to evade it. If you do, you will become a religious impostor. Examine the things you tend simply to shrug your shoulders about, and where you have refused to be obedient, and you will know why you are not growing spiritually. As Jesus said, “First . . . go . . ..” Even at the risk of being thought of as fanatical, you must obey what God tells you.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Everything - Tim Hughes
I love how I am constantly reminded that I cannot do ANYTHING without God in my life.
Because I strive to put God as my first priority.
And if I don't, He will nudge me........Thank YOU!
God in my living
There in my breathing
God in my waking
God in my sleeping
God in my resting
There in my working
God in my thinking
God in my speaking
Eventually I see less of me, but more of Him.
This is real Satisfaction.
14 “Because he[b] loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
15 He will call on me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.
16 With long life I will satisfy him
and show him my salvation.” [Psalm 91]
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
15 He will call on me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.
16 With long life I will satisfy him
and show him my salvation.” [Psalm 91]
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Sanctification
What is sanctification?
I searched on Google and found these...
*the state of growing in divine grace as a result of Christian commitment after baptism or conversion
*To set apart for sacred use; consecrate.
*To make holy; purify.
*The process by which a Christian believer is made holy through the action of the Holy Spirit.
*The act of sanctifying or making holy; the state of.
Question for the day... Can someone truly be made holy?
A few years back... while singing and worshiping in one of the youth service, both my hands were raised and I received a vision...I saw a hand wrote on the palm of my hand "holy"... right after that I had a lot of questions in my head. What are you trying to say to me, Lord? You want me to be holy? What? How? Can I?... What does it mean to be holy? what IS holy?
What I learned recently is that it is indeed God's will for us to be holy. The question is... are we willing?
See, the thing is...we can't be made holy by our own works no matter how hard we try!
I believe it is an act of dying to self AND letting God work IN me.
1 Corinthians 1:30
New Living Translation (NLT)
30 God has united you with Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made him to be wisdom itself. Christ made us right with God; he made us pure and holy, and he freed us from sin.
The most wonderful secret of living a holy life does not lie in imitating Jesus, but in letting the perfect qualities of Jesus exhibit themselves in my human flesh.
Sanctification means the impartation of the holy qualities of Jesus Christ to me. It is the gift of His patience, love, holiness, faith, purity, and godliness that is exhibited in and through every sanctified soul.
The perfection of everything is in Jesus Christ, and the mystery of sanctification is that all the perfect qualities of Jesus are at my disposal.
Am I willing for God to make sanctification as real in me as it is in His Word? - Oswald Chambers [My Utmost for His Highest]
I searched on Google and found these...
*the state of growing in divine grace as a result of Christian commitment after baptism or conversion
*To set apart for sacred use; consecrate.
*To make holy; purify.
*The process by which a Christian believer is made holy through the action of the Holy Spirit.
*The act of sanctifying or making holy; the state of.
Question for the day... Can someone truly be made holy?
A few years back... while singing and worshiping in one of the youth service, both my hands were raised and I received a vision...I saw a hand wrote on the palm of my hand "holy"... right after that I had a lot of questions in my head. What are you trying to say to me, Lord? You want me to be holy? What? How? Can I?... What does it mean to be holy? what IS holy?
What I learned recently is that it is indeed God's will for us to be holy. The question is... are we willing?
See, the thing is...we can't be made holy by our own works no matter how hard we try!
I believe it is an act of dying to self AND letting God work IN me.
1 Corinthians 1:30
New Living Translation (NLT)
30 God has united you with Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made him to be wisdom itself. Christ made us right with God; he made us pure and holy, and he freed us from sin.
The most wonderful secret of living a holy life does not lie in imitating Jesus, but in letting the perfect qualities of Jesus exhibit themselves in my human flesh.
Sanctification means the impartation of the holy qualities of Jesus Christ to me. It is the gift of His patience, love, holiness, faith, purity, and godliness that is exhibited in and through every sanctified soul.
The perfection of everything is in Jesus Christ, and the mystery of sanctification is that all the perfect qualities of Jesus are at my disposal.
Am I willing for God to make sanctification as real in me as it is in His Word? - Oswald Chambers [My Utmost for His Highest]
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Ready?
Am I willing to reduce myself simply to "me", determinedly to strip myself of all my friends think of me, of all I think of myself, and to hand that simple naked self over to God?
Such a simple question yet so much to think about.
But only we can answer that to ourselves and to God.
One thing I learned from Jesus and Harry Potter(yes I'm still very sad it's over =() is that they're willing to risk their lives even for their enemies, except that Jesus actually DIED for all. And another thing...God usually uses the weak and the meek[patient, long-suffering, or submissive in disposition or nature; humble] to do such courageous[Not deterred by danger or pain; brave.] thing[yes, willing to die for their enemies].
If someone asks you, "are you willing to die for your country?" what would you say? Not just die for your homeland, but for all the people in the country, including the government and those with authorities[after all the nasty things you heard they did].
Matthew 5:5
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Such a simple question yet so much to think about.
But only we can answer that to ourselves and to God.
One thing I learned from Jesus and Harry Potter(yes I'm still very sad it's over =() is that they're willing to risk their lives even for their enemies, except that Jesus actually DIED for all. And another thing...God usually uses the weak and the meek[patient, long-suffering, or submissive in disposition or nature; humble] to do such courageous[Not deterred by danger or pain; brave.] thing[yes, willing to die for their enemies].
If someone asks you, "are you willing to die for your country?" what would you say? Not just die for your homeland, but for all the people in the country, including the government and those with authorities[after all the nasty things you heard they did].
Matthew 5:5
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Learning...
But when it comes to learning from the creator of the universe, we many times are very hardheaded, and I was wondering why? Oh yeah, because we are very stubborn, prideful, and its like we are so destined to create havoc in our life.
How true is that!?
Sometimes we think we know better...how embarrassing.
How true is that!?
Sometimes we think we know better...how embarrassing.
"Blessed are the poor in spirit..."
Matthew 5:3
But when I am born again by the Spirit of God, I know that Jesus Christ did not come only to teach— He came to make me what He teaches I should be.
The underlying foundation of Jesus Christ’s kingdom is poverty, not possessions; not making decisions for Jesus, but having such a sense of absolute futility that we finally admit, “Lord, I cannot even begin to do it.”
After reading this I begin to feel the hunger in my spirit.....
But when I am born again by the Spirit of God, I know that Jesus Christ did not come only to teach— He came to make me what He teaches I should be.
The underlying foundation of Jesus Christ’s kingdom is poverty, not possessions; not making decisions for Jesus, but having such a sense of absolute futility that we finally admit, “Lord, I cannot even begin to do it.”
After reading this I begin to feel the hunger in my spirit.....
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Passion
I'm jobless. My excuse? I still haven't found something that I'm passionate about.
And there on FB Ps. Dave just posted a note "Be Passionate About Worthwhile Things"
It's as if God is nudging me. Hahaha
Sometimes or maybe many times on our search to discover something we can be passionate in, we actually end up finding ourselves being discouraged, so don’t let anything keep you from searching for that thing to be passionate about, in fact, why not let God be apart of your search, and trust that He will help you find something meaningful.
And when it’s something you believe in wholeheartedly, its so much easier to enjoy life, to celebrate life, which makes you feel better about life and yourself. 1 Corinthians 10:31 “Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
Colossians 3:23 “Whatever you do, do it wholeheartedly as though you were working for your real master and not merely for humans.”
And there on FB Ps. Dave just posted a note "Be Passionate About Worthwhile Things"
It's as if God is nudging me. Hahaha
Sometimes or maybe many times on our search to discover something we can be passionate in, we actually end up finding ourselves being discouraged, so don’t let anything keep you from searching for that thing to be passionate about, in fact, why not let God be apart of your search, and trust that He will help you find something meaningful.
And when it’s something you believe in wholeheartedly, its so much easier to enjoy life, to celebrate life, which makes you feel better about life and yourself. 1 Corinthians 10:31 “Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
Colossians 3:23 “Whatever you do, do it wholeheartedly as though you were working for your real master and not merely for humans.”
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
My Utmost For His Highest
"The reality of God's presence is not dependent on any place, but only dependent upon the determination to set the Lord always before us." -Oswald Chambers
Many times we forget this.
8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the LORD.
9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts. [Isaiah 55:8-9]
When problems arise, we always want 'em to be solved immediately. And God doesn't always answer our prayers immediately.
I have learned that whenever I pray to God saying, "Lord I lift up this matter to You...You know what's best", I must mean what I say. I mean, He's God! He's the one who created the universe, including you and I. Of course He knows what's best. Even though He may be slow to answering my prayers, I know I am in good hands. Therefore I must learn to be still and wait upon the Lord. Yes, even when the world is moving fast.
Sometimes, it is necessary to shut yourself from the world and tune in God's frequency THEN you will be able to hear so much clearer...
"we think we need so many useless things, when all we really need is time to breathe" Between The Trees - The Fort
Many times we forget this.
8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the LORD.
9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts. [Isaiah 55:8-9]
When problems arise, we always want 'em to be solved immediately. And God doesn't always answer our prayers immediately.
I have learned that whenever I pray to God saying, "Lord I lift up this matter to You...You know what's best", I must mean what I say. I mean, He's God! He's the one who created the universe, including you and I. Of course He knows what's best. Even though He may be slow to answering my prayers, I know I am in good hands. Therefore I must learn to be still and wait upon the Lord. Yes, even when the world is moving fast.
Sometimes, it is necessary to shut yourself from the world and tune in God's frequency THEN you will be able to hear so much clearer...
"we think we need so many useless things, when all we really need is time to breathe" Between The Trees - The Fort
At First Sight.
"What can't be seen, doesn't mean it doesn't exist."
This morning I came across a movie called At First Sight. It talks about a blind man and a lady who fall in love with each other. The lady then brings him to New York for surgery. The blind man regains his sight and has a hard time fitting in. Finding his place in a seeing world strains his relation with the lady. Then the retinal disease comes back and he's blind again...
"You mean my eyes are playing tricks on me?"
"What I'm trying to say is, you cannot just believe what you see. You have to experience it."
What I learned from this is... that blind man reminds me of myself. Reminds me how I was so comfortable in my comfort zone just like him being blind for so long, he didn't want to go through that surgery at first because he was afraid of change. Reminds me of how I simply throw tantrum and sulk when things don't go the way I want them to, just like how he snaps at his partner and already shows signs of giving up after the surgery because he expects people to treat him according to his needs.
So what I really learned is that we need to be patient and trust the Lord. Even when you feel like you have taken a step forward but you don't see God working...believe me, He is. Just wait upon the Lord.
*updated*
Right after I posted this, Ps. Dave posted a note called "We Need To Be Patient And Trust The Lord" on facebook. He said all the things I want to say.
One way at look at those impatient moments is to realize that God might be using that difficult moment to strengthen you for something coming your way tomorrow. God is equipping you. When we put God in the mix, we should trust and know that God helps make things grow and bear fruit. And if God is slow to answer your request, do not fret or get upset, because God is much wiser than you and I. God has some very big plans in store for us, so when we trust Him and wait patiently like we should, some really awesome things will start to unfold. And even thought it’s hard, but we need remember God’s timing is the best, so don’t allow yourself allow your frustration to upset you and discourage or distract you if things do not work out exactly as you wish. Instead of worrying about your future, its time to entrust your future to God, and trust that He knows what He is doing. I mean He did create the universe, and the only thing we create is chaos.
Definitely a reminder for myself.
This morning I came across a movie called At First Sight. It talks about a blind man and a lady who fall in love with each other. The lady then brings him to New York for surgery. The blind man regains his sight and has a hard time fitting in. Finding his place in a seeing world strains his relation with the lady. Then the retinal disease comes back and he's blind again...
"You mean my eyes are playing tricks on me?"
"What I'm trying to say is, you cannot just believe what you see. You have to experience it."
What I learned from this is... that blind man reminds me of myself. Reminds me how I was so comfortable in my comfort zone just like him being blind for so long, he didn't want to go through that surgery at first because he was afraid of change. Reminds me of how I simply throw tantrum and sulk when things don't go the way I want them to, just like how he snaps at his partner and already shows signs of giving up after the surgery because he expects people to treat him according to his needs.
So what I really learned is that we need to be patient and trust the Lord. Even when you feel like you have taken a step forward but you don't see God working...believe me, He is. Just wait upon the Lord.
*updated*
Right after I posted this, Ps. Dave posted a note called "We Need To Be Patient And Trust The Lord" on facebook. He said all the things I want to say.
One way at look at those impatient moments is to realize that God might be using that difficult moment to strengthen you for something coming your way tomorrow. God is equipping you. When we put God in the mix, we should trust and know that God helps make things grow and bear fruit. And if God is slow to answer your request, do not fret or get upset, because God is much wiser than you and I. God has some very big plans in store for us, so when we trust Him and wait patiently like we should, some really awesome things will start to unfold. And even thought it’s hard, but we need remember God’s timing is the best, so don’t allow yourself allow your frustration to upset you and discourage or distract you if things do not work out exactly as you wish. Instead of worrying about your future, its time to entrust your future to God, and trust that He knows what He is doing. I mean He did create the universe, and the only thing we create is chaos.
Definitely a reminder for myself.
190711
Hey guys!
It's good to be back in Bloggerrrrrrr
The reason for this new blog? Inspired to inspire, I guess =)
The previous blog has too much crap that I have to set it to private and create a new one. When I go through the old posts I realized how much I've changed, and how God really never changes and is still the same faithful God that He was. So I decided to record down and share my experiences with you here. Successes and failures.
Danielle
It's good to be back in Bloggerrrrrrr
The reason for this new blog? Inspired to inspire, I guess =)
The previous blog has too much crap that I have to set it to private and create a new one. When I go through the old posts I realized how much I've changed, and how God really never changes and is still the same faithful God that He was. So I decided to record down and share my experiences with you here. Successes and failures.
Danielle
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