Going Against The Flow..

"It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the heathen, who do not know God." (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5).

in the past, decades ago, a woman is despised and condemned when she gets pregnant without a husband. it is because during those times, virginity is something that society valued, marriage was something that they required before two people share physical intimacy. a woman's purity was a precious treasure that she and her family takes good care of. a woman who is not married but gets pregnant was a disgrace to the family and some of them left their homes, started a new life in a new place where no one knew them to save themselves from shame.

today, i am quite surprised of how people react when they learn that a woman is a virgin. they laugh at those who never had an experience, and i wonder what is so funny about that. suddenly the world and society changed.. now, virginity is laughed at and premarital sex has become accepted. society accuses the virgins of conservatism, impracticality, idealism and closed-mindedness.

purity is a word that needs to be refreshed and highlighted in a woman's vocabulary.

Sex and marriage go together. Sexual union is intended as an expression of a lifelong commitment, a symbol of the spiritual union that exists only within the unconditional commitment of marriage. Apart from marriage, the lasting commitment is absent and the sex act becomes a false expression, a lie.

Every act of sex outside of marriage cheapens both sex and marriage. Sex is a privilege inseparable from the responsibilities of the sacred marriage covenant. To exercise the privilege apart from the responsibility perverts God's intention for sex.

Sex is designed to be the joining of two persons, of two spirits, not just two bodies. Some say that marriage is just a piece of paper.. just for formalities sake and that it is not really important.. that what matters is that two people understand each other and love each other. For that, i beg to disagree. A man's ultimate public display of affection is when he asks you to be his wife, presents you as his bride to his family, to the government (you become the legal spouse and beneficiary of everything that is his), to the world and to the Lord as both of you promise to love and respect each other making Him the center and the foundation of your marriage. A guy who asks for physical intimacy outside marriage is disrespecting us and is not protecting us. A guy would need to protect us from themselves as well.. He who truly loves will know where he stands and keep his distance -- not go beyond it. He who truly loves will know the woman's worth, he will give her strength --- not take advantage of her weaknesses.

Even if two people truly love each other, still there is no bearing on the ethics of sexual intimacy—sex does not become permissible through subjective feelings, but through the objective lifelong commitment of marriage. We honor God with our everything including our bodies.

to women who are inexperienced: do not feel bad when people laugh at you.. do not take their challenges as well.. they can dare you to be like them, when they do that, dare them to be like you. do not be scared to be different --- you are beautifully different..

"You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor

God with your body" (I Corinthians 6:20).

It is a dead fish that goes with the flow, only a living fish can go against it. life is beautiful, you are beautiful, live the life! =)

to the one..

TO THE ONE

To the one for me,…

Hold on my love,…

I will wait for you,…

Wait for me,….

I am on my way to your arms

Where I belong

Wait for me my love,…

I will protect myself

From impostors

Who pretend to be you

Pray for me my love,….

That I might hold on to the faith

That someday I will see you

To the faith that there could never be

Any better man than you

Trust me my love,…
That i will only be yours
you will be my only love..

Take me my love,…

From where I am to where you are

I don’t want to get lost

Without you beside me,…

Carry me my love,…

To the place where you are,…

I don’t want to stay here,….

Forgive me my love,…

For my weaknesses

I am sometimes stubborn

I am sometimes vulnerable

Here I am my love,….

Where are you?

the team left

Wisconsin Team.. Brady, Danielle, Travis and Leslie

The team left the country today. They have been with us here for three months and it has been wonderful to have them. They worked on a lot of ministry stuff here. They went to the jails and to the schools.. joined us on Wednesday service and on Sundays for Youth bible study..

They have been so close to us and we had wonderful memories together.. it is just so sad that they are leaving.. but the thought that they will go back home with their family and friends is also a beautiful thing.. there really is no reason to be sad.. hehehe.. but we can't help it.. we will surely miss them..

We woke up early on the day that they left and we watched them walk down the stairs and get inside the van. It was just so sad.. we were all smiling but we were also in tears.. we tried to stop ourselves from crying.. but we gave in. heheh..

To the team, thank you very much for sharing your life with us.. you guys are a blessing to all of us.. we know you are happy to be back home.. we hope to see you again.. we love you! God bless!

hands and hearts..

Danielle and the girls in youth group studied the story of Jesus' visit in the house the sisters Martha and Mary. Here's what i learned..

Luke 10:38-42

Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.” And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”

Why Martha complained..

Who wouldn't? when you are left in the kitchen alone and need to prepare dinner for at least 16 people (Jesus and the 12 disciples, Mary and Martha and Lazarus), you don't have a gas stove, which means you need to blow the firewood, how many pans and pots do you need for 16 people? you need to set the table, prepare the chairs and everything related to the job.. and you are alone? who would not complain?

Why Mary did not help..

Mary sat on the feet of Jesus (this was the teacher-student position) and listened to him all the while. If so, Jesus could have mentioned to Mary that he was going to die. Mary thinks there is no other time to be with Jesus and so she spends every minute that she can to be with him. She did not want to waste any minute.. she wanted to be with Jesus because she knows that time is limited.. and then.. Martha finally lost her temper and asked Jesus to tell Mary to help her. Jesus gently told her that everything is okay and that she is so worried about many things. I imagined it like Jesus is surprised how Martha overreacts. Martha was just being accommodating -- and there is nothing wrong about that. but dinner is not as important as listening to what Jesus has to say. I am not saying that not helping is okay.. we are called to help each other.. but there is a time for everything.. first things first.. in this story, we will learn that Mary knew what was more important.

Hands versus Hearts

Serving others is wonderful! but the reason why we serve is most important. Some workers become very busy of doing work for the Lord but forget to keep a healthy relationship with Jesus. A hand who does the right thing without the right heart is not right at all. Above all, we should focus on Jesus. We need to keep a sweet relationship with Him. When we serve others, we serve for God's glory. We sit at the feet of Jesus first before we stand and reach out to others.. most importantly, we need to have Martha's hand with Mary's heart.

goodbye audio adrenaline..

After 15 years, Audio Adrenaline says "Adios". I was browsing the net to look for the name of the AudioA member who sang "Leaving 99". Then i found this article about them leaving the music industry. The news could have been so long ago but i just found out about it.. i felt so sad.. here is the article..


The Story of a Band… Audio Adrenaline ADIOS: The Greatest Hits AudioA’s Farewell

During 15 years together, the members of Audio Adrenaline have more than lived up to their super-charged moniker both on stage and off. Whether inviting an arena full of fans to sing along on such chart topping hits as “Big House” or riding ATVs in the Nevada desert, the guys have—to coin a phrase from bassist Will McGinniss—“sucked every ounce of marrow” from each experience.

Sadly much of that comes to a close with the stellar collection, ADIOS: The Greatest Hits as the band prepares to say farewell to its successful recording career and life on the road. Why would a GRAMMY-winning rock ‘n roll band quit at the peak of its success? “The real reason we are giving it up is because our lead singer, Mark Stuart’s voice is going,” says drummer Ben Cissell. “If he was still singing like an angel we’d probably keep going. A lot of people ask, ‘Why don’t we just find a new lead singer?’ It just wouldn’t be Audio Adrenaline anymore. Mark, is the best front man in Christian music, and for us to go out there with another singer and try to be Audio Adrenaline, it just wouldn’t be the same.”

Indeed with any other singer, it wouldn’t be Audio Adrenaline. Stuart and band mates McGinniss, Cissell and Tyler Burkum are exiting at the peak of their game, and they can proudly walk away having accomplished much. The band has sold more than three million records and scored 18 No. 1 radio hits, among them “Ocean Floor,” “Big House,” “Never Gonna Be As Big As Jesus,” “Leaving 99,” “Hands and Feet,” and “Some Kind of Zombie.” They won two consecutive GRAMMY awards in the rock gospel album of the year category for Worldwide in 2004 and for Until My Heart Caves In in 2006. They’ve captured four Gospel Music Association Dove Awards, including rock album of the year in 2003 for “Lift.” The band’s Bloom disc was certified Gold by the RIAA in 1999, signifying sales of more than 500,000 units, and they were awarded the prestigious “Song of the Decade” in the 90s for “Big House” by CCM magazine.

All that is not bad for a bunch of guys that have always considered themselves the underdogs of the Christian music industry. But even more important than the hit records and accolades have been the lives that have been touched by the music and ministry of Audio Adrenaline. Countless young people have looked to the band for encouragement and inspiration and have found a template for their own lives. Audio Adrenaline has always been known as a band that is heavily into missions, and they’ve encouraged young people to follow in their footsteps. Through their Hands and Feet Project, they’ve brought attention to the plight of orphans in Haiti and have opened a window to the world that showed their fans a new way to serve God.

The band members admit that it’s a bittersweet time, but in hindsight, Stuart says he wouldn’t have changed a thing. “I don’t have regrets about the way that I performed or sang,” he says. “I think you have to go out and be who you have to be and if you lose your voice, you lose your voice. I think if I was to sing differently or done it differently, it wouldn’t have been the same.”

Giving audiences 110% every night is the way the members of Audio Adrenaline approached every show, and it’s that commitment to serving God with passion and unbridled energy that have helped shape the Christian music community, as well as impacted individuals around the world. “When we went on stage, we wanted to give the best show we could and with a lot of passion musically and spiritually,” says McGinniss. “We just wanted to impact as deep as we could and really not waste time.”

The members of the band see Audio Adrenaline as an example of how God can use people who are obedient. “I think that it’s a testimony to any one out there if you are willing to turn your heart and life over to God, that you can do many things,” says Stuart. “We certainly aren’t the best band. We have our weaknesses spiritually and we’re not the best musicians, but I think He works outside of all those things. He just uses you. I don’t think we ever really thought we could have gone this long, but we just wanted to be humble and serve God in a faithful way and He’s used us.”

That humble, self-effacing view of their own talents has spawned an underdog mentality among the members of the band that has made them work harder and never rest on their laurels. “The last fifteen years of music, ministry and mayhem have been an incredible blessing,” says Stuart. “In fact, we look at the existence of Audio adrenaline as nothing short of a miracle. Everyday we spent writing, recording, traveling and performing together are dear memories. And to be able to live out our dreams together with the greatest fans on the planet was indeed a privilege. To say ‘goodbye’ is never easy, but knowing were God has brought us from makes us so excited about where He's taking us.”

For Audio Adrenaline it all started in Bible college. Stuart and McGinniss met at Kentucky Christian College (now Kentucky Christian University). Stuart and his brother David were putting together a rock band and McGinniss’ mother told Stuart he needed to meet her son. The two struck up a friendship and along with David and Barry Blair launched the band, originally called A-180. The band recorded two independent albums and eventually the single, “My God,” along with Bob Herdman, which garnered the band a record contract with ForeFront Records and launched the band Audio Adrenaline.

Known as some of the music industry’s most dedicated road warriors, the band grew its fan base early on by touring with dcTalk and Steven Curtis Chapman, before they began headlining their own gigs. “I really felt like the first Jesus Freak tour was a pretty eye opening experience for us,” Stuart recalls of the band’s outing with dcTalk. “We were playing sold out shows in front of 15,000 to 20,000 people. When we played the first couple of notes of ‘Big House,’ you could just hold the mic out and see everybody singing. That was the very first time we experienced having a hit song and that’s when I knew we were in for a pretty good ride, just to see the reaction from that song and how people sang to it.”

Audio Adrenaline isn’t just a band; it’s a brotherhood. They all admit, the night they take their final bow and walk off the stage together for the last time will be hard.

“It feels weird,” Cissell says of trying to process emotions as they are winding down. “It feels like you’ve graduated high school, like you’re ready for a new chapter in your life, but you are also kind of scared to death because you don’t know what you are supposed to be for the rest of your life. We all know strongly that we were called to do Audio Adrenaline. I don’t think there’s any of us that could say without a doubt that they feel like they were called to do something else.”

It’s obvious with one listen to ADIOS: The Greatest Hits that the band is leaving behind a powerful musical legacy that will be enjoyed for decades to come, but what do they think they’ll most be remembered for? “I hope people remember us for being real,” says Stuart. “I think we were a band who lifted up the hands of those who were weak; who encouraged those kids who thought they had nothing to offer. Singing about our shortcomings helped connect us to a generation that needed hope, and we were able to point to them to grace.”

Addressing his fellow band members Tyler adds, “It’s an honor to even had the chance to be a part of this. All I can say is it’s been a pleasure. I love you guys!”

when i get the chance to see Audio Adrenaline's farewell concert, i will surely cry. It is really dramatic to see a group of guys saying goodbye to something that they really love. I really want to see their video.. if i only could.. i want to see their final bow on the stage that made them who they are and made them grow for 15 years.. i and the rest of our youth group will surely miss them..

Wherever this bittersweet experience is bringing them, i am also sure that God has wonderful plans for them and that this should happen for God to fulfill His plans for all of them. When a door closes, it does not mean that it's over.. it inly means that something new is going to start.. God bless guys! now, i can say.. I love you! =) wahahaha! seriously, i really do. I will still listen to your songs and sing them, and also try to play them to the best that i can..

Audio Adrenaline..

holding on..

The day is about to end.. the stars are beautifully arranged on the sky but the moon is not around.. maybe the moon is sick.. like some of us here...

nathan has fever and dad just recovered from flu and fever. mom has not rested well. she needs to monitor the temperature of the patients and check if it is time for medicine.. for dad, taking meds was alright, he can perfectly swallow the tablets but for nathan, every dose was terrible! we kept on using our sales talent to convince him to take the medicine.. later, Michael had fever too.. days before, my couzins Jijie and Ruth were taken to the lab for examination. Junrey and Tita had fever too. Across the street, Jai-jai and Jezrah got sick too and Kuya Rey also which means someone else has to lead worship tomorrow.. i am beginning to feel that the word fever is overused in a paragraph..

Those who are not sick needed to take care of the sick and do the things that they need to do and do the things that the sick were supposed to do.. this gives us the "not sick" tired. they needed to do more things..

today, i hardly heard people laugh aloud and talk a lot... a smile from everyone no matter how little they were is a big help for all of us.. various reactions arise.. some lose their patience, some lose control, some try to laugh at very "not funny" things and some lose focus -- like giving wrong answers to wrong questions. hahah!

well, this reminds me that we are one body.. we get affected by the tiniest thing that a part feels.. but we are called to endure.. it could be difficult but we could win if we don't quit. just a little more time and everything will be back to normal or it could be better.. we just need wait a little.. just hold on..

the best thing that i learned today.. OBEDIENCE is always better than sacrifice.. hugs everyone! take care! =)

little travis..

hey guys,... we have a picture of little Travis.. we once put this bandanna on his head because the sun was up and when we tied the bandanna, the baby boy laughed and said "Travis" (coz Travis always have a bandanna).. so we took a picture of him with the bandanna again.. we think it is cute.. =)

consent..

here is another song..

CONSENT

1st verse

When i wake up in the morning
and the sunlight hurts my eyes
i close them and i say
a little prayer for you..

as i touch the cold water
and pour it on my face
i can feel the sweet embrace

of the God who gives us grace

Chorus
Would you mind..
if i ask your Maker to give you to me?
Would it be alright..
if i'd be the one with you to eternity?
Would it be alright
if i ask God for you and me?

2nd Verse

As i lie in bed at night
before i close my eyes
i put my hands together
and i pray you'd be alright
and in the dark i start to sing
this thing i have for you
then i hug my pillow tight
and then i whisper to the wind
"good night"




Chorus

Would you mind..
if i ask your Maker to give you to me?
Would it be alright..
if i'd be the one with you to eternity?
Would it be alright
if i ask God for you and me?




Oh Lord..
You know my heart..
If i ask you of us,
would it be alright?



THE END..

heaven in his eyes

This song was written not so long ago...

HEAVEN IN HIS EYES

1st Verse
He was sitting on a white chair
Bowing his head
Then he closed his eyes
Then he stood up
Lifted his hands up high
And then tears fell down
From his beautiful eyes

Chorus
It's my lifelong wish to pray with him
Lift our hands together
I pray that someday
I could sing with him
Worship at God's feet together
Cry with him, walk with him
Hold him tight..
Coz i see heaven in his eyes

2nd Verse
Then he picked up his guitar
and sang his songs of love..
his sweet, sweet love songs for Jesus
The he stopped to pray
then i felt the cold wind blow
a man who kneels before the Lord
and lives his life for God alone


Chorus

It's my lifelong wish to pray with him
Lift our hands together
I pray that someday
I could sing with him
Worship at God's feet together
Cry with him, walk with him
Hold him tight..
Coz i see heaven in his eyes


i see heaven in his eyes.. =)

THE END

his love for Jesus makes him so much more wonderful..

friends

two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their work:
if one falls down,

his friend can help him up.

But pity the man who falls

and has no one to help him up!

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

i feel so blessed that i have friends who lift me up when i am down.. during the lowest portions of my life, there are some who give me pieces of advice and comfort me with words of encouragement.. there are some who do not say a word -- they just look at me, watch me cry, hold my hand and listen.. the warm touch, the time that they spend with me is enough comfort to my broken heart..

i realize that i am blessed because i have such wonderful people.. those gifted with humor make me laugh even when i am in tears, those who have the gift of music sing to me or play to me a good song to put a smile on my face.

it is amazing how friends understand each other even in the absence of words. however, we do not teach friends how to love us.. we all have ways to express love.. we should not expect other people to love is our way.. let us allow them to love us their way..

a friend will protect you even if it means laying down his or her life for you. a friend will not talk about your weaknesses and faults behind your back because a friend will correct you in a loving way. a friend will not keep grudges in his or her heart against you.. because love covers all wrongs.

a friend loves at all times (Proverbs 17:17). when misunderstandings arise, a friend will still love you. still love you even when you are at your most unlovely self. a friend will not take advantage of you, will not use your words against you, does not celebrate your failures but shares your grief to make it half..

friends are God's gifts to us.. they give us more reasons to breathe, more reasons to smile.. more reasons to love ourselves more and more reasons to share the love inside us.. wonderful! isn't it?

to the people who touched my life.. i praise God for you.. thank you very much for sharing your lives with me.