Lesson # 3 : Reawaken The Child In You

Hello, once again, my friends. 🙂 I have come back to this site after a very long time. A lot of things have changed since then. I have gone through so much. And I believe this site was made not just for you, but for me as well.

I was reminded of the truth by my own words. When I reread lessons 1 and 2, I was comforted by my own insights.

I believe I have been lost for a while. I almost gave up on being my own friend, because all I could see were my own faults, imperfections and mistakes.

I suffered from constant self-depreciation. The whole world has been hailing me with words like, “Oh, you are very intelligent, beautiful and God-fearing. You are amazing!” I’m pretty sure so many people would want to hear words like that. 

I smiled, and was humbled. I sincerely thanked the people for being so kind. But truthfully, I felt like a very rich man who had everything in his arsenal; gold, silver, or any form of wealth. But also unhappy, as though something was terribly missing.

I realized that I began valuing the opinions of others so much. If someone said I wasn’t worth loving, I believed it. I have let myself down. And I feel bad for this.

I want to cry and share what I feel to my friends. But the moment I try to say something, I am lost for words. It’s like I can never explain to them the vastness of my pain. And I feel like I do not have to justify what I am going through, because I am entitled to feel whatever I want to feel, because I too, am human.

And then, I remembered Lesson # 1: Erase the self-doubt. I was doubting, and doubting, and doubting.

Why must we consider ourselves our greatest foes, when we are with ourselves all of the time? Our true self knows our true beauty and true imperfections. If God loves us just the way we are, and if He knows our hearts more than we do, why do we despise what we see? If the Perfect One sees beauty in us, why do we only see what hurts us?

And then, I remembered Lesson # 2: Share how you feel.

I think that if I just share what I feel and start what people call a “pity party,” I’d be making no use of my experiences. First of all, I am no fan of pity parties. But I am a big fan of compassion. Compassion means understanding someone out of love and patience. When I feel absolutely terrible, I pray. And then, miraculously, God sends my mom to me. I can never fully understand how a mother’s heart works. Mothers seem to know telepathically that their children are in immense pain. Perhaps God must have implanted that seed of compassion in my mom’s heart. Whenever I am in need of someone to listen to me, my mom has always been there.

This is why I pray that every child gets to have very loving parents.

My mom taught me Lesson # 3, to reawaken the child in me. I have not used the word, “awaken”, because the child in me had already been awoken. But I had put the child back to sleep. I must have told the child to shut up. The child must have cried.

I put myself to sleep. I told myself to shut up. I cried.

I gave up on the strongest part of me: me, as a child.

Children are not so easily intimidated by the opinions of others. They play, laugh, and have fun whenever they want to. They say what’s on their mind. They pursue happiness. They live in honesty, and they are so quick to say “Sorry.”  They are brave, and they do not think too much. THEY KNOW HOW TO TRUST.

Perhaps not all children are like that. But I used to be like that. 

I didn’t care if I had to play alone, because my childhood classmates didn’t want to play with me. I used to laugh out loud and see happiness even in the darkest of circumstances. I seldom used to be scared, because I would put my hands together in prayer and close my eyes and say, “Kuya (meaning “elder brother”) Jesus, please take care of us. I know everything will be okay. Amen.” 

Not all things about me as a child have changed. I am still quick to say, “Sorry” if I know I am wrong. And I still live in honesty. I have never let anyone stop me from being true to my words and deeds. 

But I have began thinking too much. I am not that brave anymore. And I have forgotten how to trust. I know I declare Jesus as my Lord. But I have forgotten what it means to say He is my Lord.

I have forgotten that He is indeed watching over me, and He is thinking of me and my safety all of the time. I forgot that He loved me. I thought He couldn’t love me because I couldn’t see myself as worth loving. I thought I didn’t deserve His love because I didn’t earn it.

We all try to earn love, nowadays. That is why we try to please others, often in staggering and excessive ways. There is excessive concern over what the perceptions of others may be to us, because we are so scared of losing the love we are trying to earn.

But we can never earn our Savior’s Love. We don’t have to earn it, because He gave it freely. But just because He gave it freely, doesn’t mean it’s cheap.

It’s actually a very free form of Love. That is why the best way to embrace it is with our whole selves. We must dedicate our whole beings to our Savior. But, oh my, that is very difficult.

I struggle with it everyday. When my prayers don’t get answered quickly, I wonder if my Savior is really paying attention to my needs.

But if I were to remember how I would take it all as a child, I would probably say the same words: “Kuya Jesus, please take care of us. I know everything will be okay. Amen.”

Oh, how I wish I could have the faith of a child.

That is why, my friends, I say that Lesson # 3 is to reawaken the child in you. Do not tell your Inner Child to shut up. Let him/her grow in the fullness of Christ.

I know I’ve practically spilled my guts over here. But I have noticed that when I spill my guts, something touches the hearts of my readers.

It’s like, I am letting you know that: “I am going through what you are going through, too. So do not believe the Devil’s lies when he tells you that you are all alone. You never are. I, as your friend, am going through it, too. And Jesus, our Friend, has been with us the whole time. He has never left our side. Hold on to Him. He always helps. He’s a Friend till the end.”

I hope I have helped you, if only a little bit.

Remember my mom’s advice: “Reawaken the child in you.”

God bless you all. 🙂

WOTD: Removing Distractions – Joyce Meyer

There is a lot of truth in this article. Please take time to read.

Word of the Day

One of Satan’s more cunning weapons is distraction. He knows if we become sidetracked by the cares of the world that, more than likely, we will begin to neglect our time with God.

To keep us faithful and in close fellowship and communion with Him, sometimes God wants us to remove distractions that are separating us from Him, even if it hurts.

For example, if our career or desire for money or social status are more important to us than pleasing God, we need to get our priorities straight. Or maybe a relationship is keeping you from spending time with God and you’re looking for that person’s attention and approval more than God’s. The bottom line is, any situation or desire in our life that keeps us from being led by the Holy Spirit or living for God is an unhealthy distraction that’s not good for us.

God wants us…

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WOTD: You Have a Relationship with Yourself- Joyce Meyer

Great. 🙂

Word of the Day

Did it ever occur to you that you have a relationship with yourself? You may have never given it much thought, but you spend more time with yourself than anyone else, and it’s vital that you get along well with you because you are the one person you never get away from.

We should love ourselves, not in a selfish, self-centered way that produces a lifestyle of self-indulgence, but in a balanced, godly way that affirms God’s creation as essentially good and right. We may be flawed by unfortunate experiences we’ve gone through, but that doesn’t mean we’re worthless and good-for-nothing.

We must have the kind of love for ourselves that says, “I know God loves me, so I can love what God chooses to love. I don’t love everything I do, but I accept myself because God accepts me.” We must develop the kind of mature love that says…

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WOTD: Who Is Your Real Enemy? – Joyce Meyer

Whenever I’m going through difficult times, I’ll try to keep these words in mind. I know it’ll be difficult. But I’ll do my best.

Word of the Day

Are you facing challenging circumstances? Are you in need of provision in some area and not sure where it’s going to come from? Many Christians today are dealing with serious hardships. Some have lost their jobs and benefits. Others struggle with critical health problems and live with constant concern about how to cover the cost of medicine and doctor visits in addition to simple necessities such as shelter, food and clothing.

There are many things in the world that threaten us. But our biggest enemy, fear, is not “out there.”

Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that we are at war not with flesh and blood, but with the enemy of our souls. We must not be confused about the identity of the enemy in our battles.

Thankfully, our unseen God is more than capable of dealing with our unseen enemy. When we come to a deep understanding of God’s unconditional love…

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Lesson # 2 : Share How You Feel

Good day, friend! I’m here again with another post. Since we’re already through with lesson number 1, which is all about erasing self-doubt, we’re now going to deal with feelings! Ultimately, man expresses his thoughts as feelings.

When your thoughts are happy, you smile. No matter what you’re going through, you enjoy your life! But when you’re sad, your relationships change. The ones you’ve always spoken to, are suddenly hard to talk to.

This used to happen to me most of the time, sadly. Whenever I used to have a problem pressing in my heart, I would try to find the words to express it. But, the more I would open my mouth and try to get it out, the more I would not like hearing myself speak about it. Maybe it’s because I would think that the person across me would never be able to understand me. And then, I’d end up feeling more miserable than ever.

It really sucks to bottle up all the pain.

Sometimes, I would go to the altar and try to speak with the Lord in my heart. But human as I am, there were times that I would not feel that much contentment. I would wish that God was beside me physically. I’d wish that I could see Him face to face, and hear His response with my own two ears!

However, there were also times when I would be really comforted by just feeling His presence in my heart. It’s like, He would be telling me that He would never leave me alone, because I was His beloved daughter. After a crying jag with my Heavenly Father, my heart would feel much lighter. But, yes. There were those days when my crosses were a bit too heavy for me. God, however, would always believe that I can triumph over my trials. But I would, sometimes, not believe in myself.

I wondered why I could comfort others and tell them to believe in the power of prayer, when at times, my own faith was very weak. I know that God never leaves us, and that He always loves us. But how is it that I’d always feel alone?

And then, one day, a good friend of mine came to me. She was crying. She said she had failed in an exam. I wanted to help her feel better, but I did not know what to say. And so, I just told her that God was always with us, and that failures serve to teach us a lesson. When we have failures, we become humble. We remember that we are not perfect. In fact, we learn more from our mistakes. We remember the Lord, whenever we have fallen. God gave us life for a purpose. He wants us to know that life goes on, and that one failure does not stop you from having the chance to live again.

I told her to pray. I told her that maybe, other people would not be able to understand what she was going through. But God always understands. I had also told her that whenever we approach God, we must leave our painful burdens of the past behind. God is a God of the new things. All the former things pass away, once we submit ourselves to God.

After I had told her all these, she said she felt much better. She went to the school chapel, and wrote a letter for God. I do not know where she had left the letter. But one thing I did learn that day is that God does not need to be present in body to be with us. He speaks through us! He uses other people as His instruments to deliver His message. He comes to us through our mothers, our fathers, our friends. He came through me, to reach out to His child, who is my friend. The words I had told her came out automatically! I did not even have to think much!

That was when I had realized that the gift the Lord had given to me was in reaching out to others. That day, when my friend had approached me, was a very tough day for me. I had also found out that I had failed in an exam. I felt really sad that day. But after I had cheered my friend up, I felt so much better. I had forgotten my pains, when I had seen someone else in pain. I’ve finally come to know that one of my missions in this world is to reach out to others. I must share my God-given wisdom to you. 🙂

Now, I no longer question God as to why no one comes to comfort me when I’m the one feeling down, because I know that He lives in me. He lives in all of us! I no longer desire for reassurance from others that I am loved, needed, and respected, because my God is with me.

Now, if I have to share what I feel, I do so straightaway. However, I do pause and analyze if sharing is the right thing to do or not. And I do not fail to consider the feelings of my listener. I talk knowledgeably, and I only discuss what is important. When I’m feeling happy, I share my happiness! I do not wonder if the person I’m sharing it to will appreciate it or not. I just do what my heart tells me to do. 🙂 I’ve learned to believe in myself. 🙂

When I’m sad, I do show that I am sad. But there are times when I try too hard to keep a smile on my face. And it doesn’t make me feel good. I feel like I’m trying to bottle two very different emotions, and I’ve learned that that’s not a good idea. So, sometimes, when I’m sad, I really show it. People then understand, and keep a little distance. But when I  feel better again, I go back to them. 🙂

Remember that lesson number 2 is all about sharing how you feel. 🙂 Express yourself! Try not to think too much before you do some things. Some things are best done on the spot.

But be cautious! Express yourself wisely. Ask God for wisdom. 🙂

Love God, love others, love yourself!

God bless you! Keep praying!

Dream Until Your Dreams Come True

WOTD: Passing Life’s Tests – Joyce Meyer

Wonderful. 🙂

Word of the Day

Life is filled with challenges that test our determination and our faith in God. Whether we’re faced with the impending threat of evil or with everyday hassles, the quality of our character is sure to be tested on a regular basis.

It would be a great mistake to overlook the fact that God tests our hearts, our emotions and our minds. What does it mean to test something? It means to put pressure on it to see if it will do what it says it will do. Will it hold up under stress? Can it perform at the level its maker says it can? Is it genuine when measured against a true standard of quality?

God does the same with us.

Are you being tested today? The key is to keep trusting God, even if you don’t understand. There is no such thing as trusting God without unanswered questions, but…

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C.S. Lewis Daily

The Critical Eye

“Christ died for men precisely because men are not worth dying for; to make them worth it.”

C.S. Lewis

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Lesson # 1 : Erase the Self-Doubt

Hello, dear friend! It’s good to have you here on my site. Thank you for taking some time out to read this entry. I know that you are a busy person, and that there must be so many things going on in your life right now. I understand, because I too have my crosses. However, you need a well-deserved break, to recharge and refuel the faith in you. ^_^

This blog is intended for the people who no longer love and believe in themselves as they used to. This is also for the people who have been beaten down by expectations and shut away by fears.

If only there was no such thing as self-doubt, every person would be happy.

Having no self-doubt does not mean overconfidence. Overconfidence is often the result of lack of planning. Actions are taken without thorough thinking, and lack of thorough thinking will almost always lead to a disaster. Overconfidence will make you lazy, because you will end up thinking that you can handle any situation at any time, especially if your successes are one after the other. And when a scenario comes when you actually fail to handle the situation, you will undergo a major psychological crisis. You’ll go into depression, for example. But more than depression is the fact that some innocent people may end up suffering because of your irresponsibility.

The right way to pick yourself up after a failure scenario is to try to correct your mistakes as much as you can, and learn from them. But know that some damages are irreparable. First thing is that you have to be brave enough to acknowledge your fault. When you cannot fix your mistake, the best thing you can do is to never repeat it again.

But if you cannot get over your mistake, you will feel even worse. You will notice that you will become more distant from those who are dear to you. The root of not overcoming and learning from mistakes is none other than the fear that the only reason why your loved ones actually love you is because of your successes only. You forget the true meaning of love. Love is something that exists for all time and all situations. Love should be there when you’re at your worst and at your best. If love is no longer there when you are at your worst, that is either because you were not truly loved after all, or you’ve abused the love given to you, or you simply refuse to acknowledge that you are loved. Of the three, the worst is refusing to acknowledge that you are loved. And that can happen when you assume no one’s going to love you anymore because you failed.

You know, trials in life are like filters. If you pass them, they filter out the negative things in you. Trials are scary because, in all essence, they are full of pain. Everybody is scared of getting hurt.

Imagine these scenarios.

1. You are partying. Everybody’s laughing and enjoying.

2. You are alone, crying.

In scenario number 1, your friends X, Y, and Z are with you at some newly opened club. You feel like you’re at the prime of your life, dancing, like nothing can ever go wrong. And then, all of a sudden, you get a phone call. Your mom is telling you to go home, because it’s already 3 in the morning. You choose to ignore her and party till you drop instead. X, Y and Z think you’re cool for that, and you feel proud.

You were not always like that. Before you turned sixteen, you were always obedient to your parents. You would not go out beyond curfew. Your grades were good. You were about to enter a prestigious college, and you did. You used to ace your exams, but you would also notice that none of your classmates were actually hanging out with you. You were dubbed as the class “nerd” and “loner.”

And so, you decided you would finally join the group of some girls named X, Y, and Z, so you can be in the “in” group.

X,Y, and Z knew you were intelligent. They told you that you could join them on the same table for lunch in the cafeteria if you would do their homework. You agree, because you know that if the people would see you with them, you’ll become cool. And so, your grades begin to drop. Your parents are concerned. But you just tell them that lessons were getting tougher, and that’s all. And that you were actually trying your best. And then, they believe you.

But your grades came in and you flunked everything. Your mom began to cry. You actually felt sad because you flunked and that your mom was crying. Seeking comfort, you call X, Y, and Z. You tell them that you flunked, and they tell you not to worry because they flunked too! And that you were all in it together! Then, they say that there’s a new club in town. They invite you for drinks. You go, of course.

After five shots of tequila, you feel high. You feel like all of your problems have gone out the window! You dance, and wink at the cute guy checking you out. You look for X, Y, and Z, but you can’t find them anywhere. You wonder where they could have gone.

Thanks to all the drinks you had, Mr. Cute guy led you somewhere. Suffice to say, you woke up the next morning in a room which was definitely NOT your bedroom, and you have no memory whatsoever of the previous night.

You meet X,Y, and Z the next day, and they tell you that they’re really sorry for not being with you throughout the night. They said that they had to leave ahead because their boyfriends were looking for them. And since you were having lots of fun at the party, they said that they preferred to just leave ahead and not interrupt you.

A month later, you start vomiting in the morning. You skipped your period. You got a home pregnancy test, and the result was positive. You, the once hardworking, intelligent, wise girl, got pregnant. What’s worse is, you do not even know the father of the child you are carrying.

You get scared, because you do not know what to tell your parents. You call X,Y, and Z again. But the moment they find out that you are pregnant, they tell you that they have something else to do, or that their phones were running low on battery, and that they had to turn their phones off. You feel terrible about yourself. You begin to cry. Remember Scenario 2? The part where you cry?

You cry alone. You want to call your parents, but you’re too scared to tell them the truth.

Let’s analyze the story now.

1. True friends stick to you through thick and thin.

– X, Y, and Z were there for you when you were smart. But, take note that they would be with you if you would do their assignments for them. Their sticking to you was “conditional.” True friendship does not hold conditions. True friendship should be unconditional. 

2. True friends are there for you when you’re at your worst.

-True, X, Y, and Z were with you at your worst. When you told them that you flunked, they suggested that you go for drinks with them! They didn’t abandon you. But then again, think, and tell me if what they did for you was right. Did they bring you closer to the right path, like what true friends do? Or did they completely destroy you?

Sometimes, instead of taking the phrase “with you at your worst” literally, one should consider if the presence of the person was positive or negative. You should learn to pick your friends wisely. A good friend would have given you advice while you were sober! A good friend would not have imbibed in you the need for alcohol to forget your problems! Forgetting your problems is not synonymous with solving them. Remember that.

A good friend brings you closer to the Lord. A good friend reminds you that you must love your parents. A good friend appreciates the way you are. Sure, you may fight sometimes. But the fights just build your friendship stronger, not weaken it.

3. None of these problems would have existed, if the lady in the story I’ve just shared was brave enough to be in the right path, even if everyone was casting her away for it. Her qualities were once very admirable. But because she placed her value on how others perceived her, she doubted herself. That was where all the destruction began. So, there you have it. You must erase self-doubt.

-This world is in need of bravery. We must be brave enough to be good. So what if the path of righteousness is lonely? Not everyone is wise enough to take it. But, if you take it, you may encourage others to be with you. And the path of righteousness will become even more lively and fun. The fun will be innocent, and pure. Relationships built on the path of righteousness are never selfish. The world will become a happier place. The only reason why the path of righteousness is lonely is because not a lot of people are taking it. Only very few are brave enough to walk in it, or give it a shot. Sometimes, it’s not the trials that make the right path hard. It’s the loneliness.

And so, if you feel lonely in the right path, bring someone with you! Make that person see the beauty of being on the right path! Show them the wonders of praying to the Lord, of keeping your faithn, of loving your parents, of working hard! You will notice that a little step like this can go a long way. And this little step may lead to change throughout the world. 🙂

Awaken the angel in you. You deserve to be happy.

Learn to love yourself again. Fill yourself with so much love, that others will begin to love themselves too. 🙂

Keep serving the Lord! God bless you!