[cassyceletaria]

Pray for Philippines

“Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your GOD. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 4:10)

Today, my hometown is being hit badly by typhoon ulysses.

Dear God, our faith is in you. No other name is mightier than YOURS. We take refuge in YOU. Our hearts may be tired, scared and anxious but YOU are the calm in our storms, our peace in this chaotic world.

“Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.” (Jeremiah 33:3)

We lift everything to you, Almighty Lord God, Amen.

[cassyceletaria]

Many years ago, I used to question myself a lot “bat ganun? I’m so tired. I kept on giving love and affection for the people around me pero di manlang maibalik sakin sincerely” or “I give so much love to my patients and my work, pero bat ganun, sometimes may complaints pa and hindi pa sila satisfied sa binibigay ko”.

And then years have passed. 

Mali pala ako.

My concept and vision of how and what love should be is very wrong. I drained myself so much by continuously giving but I’m not even filling my own cup with LOVE from the ONE who gives UNCONDITIONAL LOVE.

“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.” (1 John 4:7)

I realised, I didn’t know what is real love before. That’s because I took it all from myself, I didn’t fill my cup. I remember there were even nights before that I’d just cry myself to sleep because I’m so frustrated and tired. My job isn’t just work for me, I give my heart on it, and to see myself losing my passion and love for what I do because I felt that I didn’t have anymore left to give was really heartbreaking.

As a result, I felt that I had to save myself from totally losing my passion for a job that I worked so hard for. I resigned and took a job on another country. 

New country, new working environment, new specialisation, ALMOST everything is new.

But I didn’t felt recharged. I still felt that something was missing.

Along the way, I found out that the only way to give love is to get it from the greatest source of love, and that is Jesus Christ. The One who died at the cross to save us from our sins. “In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent His only Son into the world, so that we might live through Him.” (1 John 4:10)

I’m glad that GOD tapped me, He chose me and called me. I’m glad that I obediently turned to Him. Now my cup is filled. Overflowing with gladness and love for Him and from Him. “We love because He first Loved us.” (1 John 4:19).

Now I don’t have to ask the question “bakit walang bumabalik sakin?” because He is always there to give me unconditional and everlasting love.

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

Yakap sayo, Panginoon. Buong pusong sayo.

Amen.

[cassyceletaria]

God is never late

Many of us are confounded by the idea that we have to set our timelines and goals straight. 

By the time...

..I’m 21, I should have graduated and finished college.

..I’m 23, I should be a professional and planning to get married or I should be in a serious relationship already.

..that I reach 25, I should be married.

...that I’m 26, I should have my own house.

..that I’m 27 I should have my own kids.

and so on and so forth.

While planning and setting our timelines straight is actually okay, we shouldn’t actually be boxed in the idea that OUR timing SHOULD only be the thing that is solely to be followed.

So pag may hindi nasunod sa timing, iyak? hagulgol? or ask “why GOD pinlano ko naman po ng maayos ayaw nyo po ba akong sumaya?”

Sometimes, we set our timelines so definite that we forget to consult our Author. Pinaplano mo palang, gusto mo palang gawin pero naisulat nya na sa aklat ng buhay mo. Sometimes our story doesn’t go exactly as how we planned it. Maybe it’s about your career, your love life, your family etc that you have planned so nicely and beautifully. You planned to go straight, but you’re redirected to turn right, left or minsan U turn pa nga! There are times that you may feel so devastated thinking that all is in a mess, your timeline’s in a mess, nothing seems to be working and you may feel that you are not enough.

Let me tell you this, God wants you to know that you lack nothing when you have Him.

When everything seems to be failing, believe that God doesn’t fail. Wala syang mintis! He’s never late. His timing is always perfect. Sometimes we think that our plans are great but little do we know it’s actually gonna destroy us in the long run. You thought God destroyed your plans, but He actually saved you from misery and total destruction of yourself.

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)

To God be the glory!

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“The Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.” (John 10:11)

“and Jesus cried out and said ‘whoever believes in me, believes not in me but in Him who sent me. And whoever sees me sees Him who sent me. I have come into this world as a light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness’.” (John 12:44)

I will forever glorify and honour you Jesus! Thank you for your sacrifices just to save us. 

[cassyceletaria]

God knew.

When we are in pain and in great devastation, oftentimes our first reaction is to call or visit our love ones, our parents our partners, our friends etc.

Because we know they can help.

But oftentimes we too fail to acknowledge the fact that besides seeking for our love ones' help, the first one that we should actually seek to confide our worries and anxieties to, is actually Him.

He already knew even before we say or think about it.

He knows our petitions.

He knows our hearts.

He’s just waiting for us to surrender everything to Him and let Him handle it.

In our greatest failures, our deepest pain, God is with us. His capabilities are limitless. He can move every mountain in our lives.

All our confidence should be with Him.

All on Him.

In the book of Exodus, the Israelites cried and groaned for help from the slavery of the Egyptians. God knew their sufferings. God helped them. The sweetest thing about God is that He protect what is His. With an outstretched arm, He promised to redeem the Israelites. He did.

“I will redeem you with an outstretched arm” (Exodus 6:6)

As I write this entry, I know that my dear home country, Philippines is facing a typhoon. My heart and prayers goes to my love ones back home and for the country to stay strong through these tough times. God is with us no matter what! His name is always stronger than any name of typhoon that may come in our lives. 

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)

When we go through so much sufferings, hold on to the fact that God is always with us. He never leaves us. He will never forsake us. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; He will never leave you or forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6). In this difficult times, know that God will pull us through! We may lose everything that we have, our job, our earthly possessions etc. But always bear in mind that God heals and God provides. His provisions are beyond what we can ever imagine!

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:33).

He is just waiting for you to surrender everything to Him. Let God do the work. He can handle what you can’t.

May you find peace with our Lord God.

Surrender everything to Him.

Let God carry it.

Put your trust in Him.

God bless.

[cassyceletaria]

God wants us to trust His ways no matter how difficult and frustrating our situation is. God is with us always.

The story of Joseph in Genesis reminds me that no matter how big our problems is, we have a bigger GOD that surpasses every valley in our lives. Joseph was almost killed by his brothers, was sold to the Egyptians, became a slave, was wrongfully accused of a sin that he didn't commit, and was imprisoned in Egypt. 

In spite of everything that Joseph went through, he never lose his faith in GOD.

God had a bigger plan for Joseph. When Pharaoh the most powerful man in Egypt, was looking for someone who could interpret his dream, his cupbearer remembered that Joseph had actually interpreted his dream before. Because Joseph managed to interpret Pharaoh’s dream that 7 years of famine is coming, he was given the position of as the second most powerful man in Egypt.

What does it taught me?

There are reasons as to why certain things and situation happens in our lives. He planned and laid out everything in our lives just how it should be. Imagine if Joseph’s brothers did not sold him to the Egyptians? or if he hadn’t been wrongfully accused? do you think Pharaoh would knew about him through his cupbearer?

hmmm.. Maybe yes, or maybe no. right?

But one thing is for sure, the bits and pieces in our lives are aligned so beautifully to make us who we are today. It’s like a puzzle set. No matter how uneven the shapes are, it’s meant to be like that to fit exactly on to the other piece. To create a beautiful big picture, we have to be uneven. Unequal sides, yet perfectly designed to fit each other to create that whole big picture that God pictured for us.

We are a masterpiece of God.

“Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD your God, He it is that does go with you; He will not fail you, nor forsake you.”(Deuteronomy 31:6)

[cassyceletaria]

The story of Jacob and Laban in Genesis reminds us that when we put our trust in God, no matter how much the world tries to deceive us, God will see us through.

Laban was deceived Jacob by asking him to work for him for a total of 14 years so he could marry Rachel, the love of his life. On the night that Laban was supposed to deliver Rachel to Jacob's tent because he already completed 7 years of serving Laban, he then delivered Leah instead, his first born. He explained that his firstborn should be given first according to tribal custom. However, Jacob is persistent and loves Rachel. Therefore Laban asked Jacob to work for him for another 7 years to get Rachel. (Genesis 29)

Jacob worked and completed the 7 years without complaining and eventually married Rachel (haaaay! a love like this that would pursue you no matter what! Haba ng buhok ni Rachel!) 

While reading this, I realised that waiting patiently for God’s perfect time may be uneasy and full of struggles but it’s all worth it. Look at Jacob, although he was deceived by Laban, he put his trust to God and still pursue and worked hard for Rachel! Amazing! 

In life, when we are facing too much struggles and deceitfulness, it’s so easy to just give up and turn our backs. I myself is guilty of this. There are times that I would just give up and let it be, it’s all “hmm, bahala na! not for me eh di wag” or when I knew a person is trying to deceive or is deceiving me, I would just walk away, well sino bang hindi aalis sa ganong situation diba? dati, no consultation and one on one conversation with God! so in the end I get frustrated so easily! but now... I try to talk to God first especially when situation gets too rough and shaky, I seek Him, I ask for His guidance. Then in the end after talking to Him, I don’t call it “giving up on the situation” or “seeing the negatives” only anymore, but rather “God’s way of redirecting my life and my perspectives”. 

It feels soooo good when God is directing your life and when you are following it! Because no matter how many “No’s”, missed opportunities and heartaches you’ll face, you can simply smile and say this.. “God is redirecting my life and changing my perspectives for a purpose and I’m glad. I may not understand everything now, but I put my trust in Him no matter what.”

May The Lord God of Peace bless you, my friend.

Amen.

[cassyceletaria]

I came across this stationary shop earlier today as I was casually walking around this mall in town.

My eye went straight to this whole shelves of notebooks and planners.

2021 planner

2021 diary

2021 calendar.

It hit me that 2021 is fast approaching, and suddenly, I felt hopeful. I felt that calm tap behind me that says "everything will be alright, just be still, I am doing the work."

In the end, I bought that yellow happy-cheerful looking planner (and a yellow pen! 😆)

2020 gave us a heartbreak all over the world, but because of everything that happened and is still happening, I learned to count my blessings more than my shortcomings.

The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.” (Exodus 14:14)

He is fighting for us! Soon, in His perfect time all of this will be over, we only need to trust Him.

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Love, thank you for reminding me about this today. i love you

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Dear Lord, I may feel down sometimes and sad that my plans didn't go my way but you've been so faithful to me and your promises. You've showered me with so much blessings! Thank you so much Dear God for always being there for me. I trust your ways. Shower me with your guidance Dear Lord. Lead me to what pleases you. I will glorify and honour you in whatever season of my life I'm in.

Amen.

[cassyceletaria]

Before I sleep tonight and before another week (work) start, I’d like to just do a reflection.

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.”  (2 Corinthians 5:7)

My faith in Jesus Christ have grown for the past few months. This I’d say is the greatest blessing of my 2020. I remember praying earnestly years ago, asking God to guide me and save me because I’m just too exhausted and feeling hopeless that my life was all about work/study-home and repeat. I used to drag myself going to church before. I felt that church was an obligation because if I don’t go to church, there are consequences that I may face. 

I dragged myself to church.

I dragged myself to work.

and I was too cranky at home.

CYCLE.

and I repeat that everyday in my life thinking “oh, I’m exhausted, I need a break”.

I would end up visiting different countries back then on my annual leaves. I travelled to different places thinking that travelling would release the burden that I feel with my daily life cycle. 

Then I finish my annual leave for a week or two or maybe three.

AND the cycle repeat.

dragging and dragging and cranky and cranky.

But then one day, I found Jesus. I learned about Him in a different way. Not in a punishing way, not in a way that “oh when you don’t go to church you’d face these consequences or, if you don’t do this, this would happen to you.. etc..”

In the most unexpected time, God made a way. He tapped me and said, “I am here, stop that bad cycle and focus on me.” I thank God for His ways and His infinite love for us! I can talk to Him every single time and ask Him “will what I’m doing please you oh Lord? am I doing things which are according to your will?” Sometimes God answers me with a firm NO or not yet but I find comfort that His ways are faaaaaar greater than mine/us. He has greater and bigger plans for us..

..and my life has never been so meaningful! Suddenly, even with repeat and cycles in my life, I see hope. I find interesting and amazing things through Jesus Christ. No more dragging of myself, no more being so cranky.

“One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.” (John 9:25)

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“The peace I give is a gift the world cannot give.” (John 14:27)

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God orchestrates everything. The book of Esther reminds me that there are reasons for everything that is happening in our life. There may be times that we feel that some things doesn’t make sense at all but God wants us to trust His ways. He knows everything and He has reasons for everything.

Esther was adopted by Mordecai, her cousin and was selected to become a queen. At this point, you’ll ask why? why was she selected? she seems like a typical woman. But then as the story goes by, you’ll realise, ah! it’s actually to save the Jews!

Indeed, when things doesn’t make sense, TRUST that there are reasons behind it. Maybe God is using you to complete a picture or to make a certain situation better. And then you’ll say, “Aha! that’s why it happened!”

God bless, faithful servant of Christ! 

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“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end.” (Revelation 21:6)

After reading the last book of New testament, the book of revelation, I immediately had this mix emotion feeling but mostly excited of Jesus’ come back.

I am excited to see you again Oh, Lord. Draw me closer to you. Let your words be etched in my heart and remind me to always walk in the right path.

And I couldn’t be more excited to start reading the Old testament. 

[cassyceletaria]

It is still a struggle for me to focus and read the bible everyday. Many times it’s all because I’m still consumed with “I am too sleepy” or “maybe a little later after whatever that I am doing”. Therefore I decided to not to just continue reading the bible from where I’ve last read it but rather, randomly pick some bible verses from my bible app or browse through my devotion book and do my reflection. I find it much more effective. Then devote my weekends to read the bible from where I’ve last read it.

Today, as I came across the book of Psalms, I read this verse “All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep His covenant and His testimonies.” (Psalm 25:10). Sometimes there are days that’s really difficult to handle (at work or at home). In difficult situations, the old me would react like this-slamming the doors and silently treating people. And although I am a quiet person, inside of me, I am raging with frustration and anger already!

What has changed?

Now I do this, when I’m in a very challenging situation, I’d find solution and try not to react first. I tackle the fact that not all things can be done only in my way and I should learn to adapt to other ways. When I started to be conscious on how I should react, boom!- not only I get to understand deeply other people’s feelings, but I also learned new things like solving the problem first or modifying the situation first before I react. With this, I don’t end up frustrated and angry and I get to save my relationship with another person (eg. colleagues/family).

What has not changed?

I am still silent when I’m in a challenging situation. “let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God”. (James 1: 19-20)

One fact though, I did not learn this over a short period of time.

In fact, just a month ago, I struggled dealing with a colleague of mine. But the fact that I tried to focus on how God wants me to react made a huge difference! To cut the story short, now I am confident that my colleague is slowly making a good progress, and I am happy! I may still slip at times to the old me, but hey! I’m a work in progress! I think it’s okay as long as I’m learning and I don’t let the old me consume me.

Practice kindness and compassion, God wants you to walk with His faith, not a grumpy one! God wants us to love one another  “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35). 

Continue loving and spread kindness, always!

[cassyceletaria]

“and this is the confidence that we have toward Him, that if we ask anything according to His will he hears us.” (1 John 5:14)

Have you ever had a dream that you really wanted to pursue but you just can’t get it? 

When I was still in college, I always know what I wanted to do after, and that is to get a stable job and to get my diploma after. After graduating my 2 years college vocational course, I had a stable job as what I wanted, then eventually had myself working on my diploma in nursing.

Right before I finished my diploma, I knew exactly what I wanted again, and that is to finish my degree while working as a full-time nurse. Again, I did everything I could and I managed to finish my degree.

While I was working, I slowly got so burned out and exhausted, to the point that I don’t even know if nursing is still the career that I wanted. I planned on leaving Singapore, and again I managed to pass all the exams and I went to UK. There were ups and downs throughout the process of me moving in to another country but then, I managed to pull through everything. I thought I had everything all planned. I told myself “yeah the next one’s gonna be this, I’ll stay in the UK, get a part time agency nurse job while working as a full time nurse, save up, travel the world, find another hospital to work at and live nearby my best friend, and eventually settle down”.

I had planned everything so flawlessly. My timelines were all set. My motto in life was this: as long as there is still a letter in the alphabet, I can go on from plan A to Z, no worries.

Then God tapped me and told me “Dear, look, beyond your plan A-Z, I have a bigger plan for you.”

I surrendered and let Him lead me.

Little did I know is this-I have now the colleagues and the management that I have always been praying for. A stable working environment with just the right amount of stress and job satisfaction. All in a perfect balance.

Looking back now, if I didn’t let God lead me, where will I be? If I’ve kept MY plans and I pushed through it although it didn’t felt right already, would I be happier?-I don’t think so.

My life learning is this, and maybe this can be an eye opener to you too- let God lead you, anchor your life to Him. You may have your plans for yourself all set and with timelines but if it’s not meant for you and if it’s not meant to happen, it wouldn’t all fit in. “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11). Don’t get me wrong, planning for your life and your future is good, it actually set you straight with a direction and a goal, BUT the main important thing is that with those plans, don’t exclude HIM. His ways are far better than ours. He can do the unimaginable. 

“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” (Psalm 23:1-6).

Let your cup overflow with His goodness. have a blessed Sunday!

[cassyceletaria]

“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life which God has promised to those who love Him.” (James 1:12)

For how many years it has been a huge struggle for me to build an intimate relationship with God. All these years, it felt as if there’s something missing. Although I used to pray everyday as I wake up and at night before I sleep, I find those prayers very subtle. It always goes like this-”thank you Lord for another day of blessing and please grant this request..”. I know that it’s actually good that I acknowledge his goodness to me everyday, but there is no personal relationship. It was so subtle that it felt like just an obligation to say thank you to Him everyday.

And then these past few months hit me so hard that my prayers doesn’t just include thank you’s and telling Him my requests. It suddenly felt like I am talking to my best friend. I can now finally tell Him how my day went by. I tell Him everything now, my victories, hardships and difficult days. It’s like telling your bff how was your day went by and seeking for advise.

My failures and successes I lift up to Him. My worries, I surrender to Him.

And everyday as I walk to and from work, as I attend to my patients and deal with difficult situations, it suddenly all felt that He is present, that he is guiding me. 

I feel so honoured to be given this chance to know Him, to praise Him and to walk with Him.

And now I am reading the bible slowly. 

I used to struggle a lot in finishing just a few paragraphs in the bible. I remember how I used to ask God to guide me and give me that perseverance to finish reading the bible. I read other books and it puzzled me a lot why I can’t even concentrate in reading the scriptures before! 

Now I’m in the last few books of the new testament can you believe it?! (I started reading first the new testament then the old testament as advised by my good friend rach).

I am still a work in progress but I know now that God will never ever leave me and will always guide me. Through the Holy Spirit and Jesus Christ His son, I know I am not alone.

“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. the old has passed away; behold the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

“One thing I do know though, I was blind, now I see.” (John 9:25)

To God be the Glory.