I'm not a rocker but I just recently discovered this Christian alternative/rock band, Addison Road and I totally loved their song, "Sticking With You."
Today I am reminded that I am very blessed... I am safe and healthy and I have a loving family. Sometimes I look too much at my little problems and forget that I have tons of reasons to thank God. What happened in our country last Monday was very heartbreaking. I feel sorry for the lives lost... I am very sad that it ended that way. One wrong decision from one man has affected millions of people.
One person can really make a difference. Our actions count. Our choices matter because it can affect the world around us. People being branded as 'nobody' or 'somebody' can do significant things. One person in our country made a 'big wrong decision,' but the rest have a chance to do what is right. More than ever I realize the importance of the choices I make. I pray that I'll have the wisdom to make the right decisions!
Life can be tough, but we can be as tough as our problem. By God's grace and mercy, we can overcome difficult times. We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God lovesus, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. - Romans 5:3-5 (NLT)
Song for the moment: For All You've Done Words and Music by: Don Moen My favorite line: ".....for by faith, we know your grace will see us through" Click here to listen to the song
I've always loved The Corrs. Their song, "Runaway" is really one of my favorite songs. It's sad they've already disbanded. (hmmm... but I thought they were family?!) It must have been fun growing up in their house. But maybe they also had to practice hard to get that good. I didn't like piano lessons when I was growing up. But now, I wish I took time to practice and listen to my piano teacher!
Guys, this is my online piano teacher. ;p I stumbled upon this and downloaded the MIDI format from Kisstunes.com. :) Ain't this amazing? I turned my QWERTY keyboard into a Grand Piano and I was able to download and record my own tunes! :) I'm not sharing my tunes as of the moment. Not just yet... :)
I blogged a few months ago about finishing the book, "True Beauty," by Andrea Stephens. Because of that book, I realized how superficial and shallow my idea of beauty can be sometimes. True beauty is really what's inside. It's more than the clothes or make-up we wear. I like the book for reminding me that Christlikeness makes us beautiful. Beauty is found in our character and in how we strive to bear the fruit of the Spirit mentioned in Galatians 5:22: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control.
Today, I read a blog by one of my favorite gospel singers, Nichole Nordeman, about how she felt in one of her photo shoots when she had to fit herself in a Cinderella dress that didn't really show who she was. The article was also featured at CCM Magazine back in April, 2007. In that article, she also asked some famous gospel singers such as Bethany Dillon, Chris Tomlin, Natalie Grant, and veteran gospel singer Amy Grant how important beauty and self-image was to them (yes, even Chris Tomlin commented!). Amy Grant said some words of wisdom that I found note-worthy. She emphasized that while some worry about their hair, or what nail color they will have, those who are sick or starving may not really care at all. Her rhetorical question, "Does it really matter?" struck me. Amy Grant also quoted famous Hollywood star and a former UNICEF ambassador Audrey Hepburn for a real beauty tip...
“For attractive lips, speak words of kindness. For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people. For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry. For beautiful hair, let a child run his or her fingers through it once a day. For poise, walk with the knowledge that you’ll never walk alone.” – Audrey Hepburn
True beauty is really more than meets the eye. Thank God that at the end of the day, I know I have a Heavenly Father who looks at me with love, and who sees me as one of His beautiful and priceless creations.
Hello to all the members (especially the youth and the kids) of Wakas IEMELIF Church (Kawit, Cavite). Mikko Maducdoc, Faith Caronan, Jemimah Manalo-Pecardal, and I had a concert there yesterday (June 13, 2010). It was thrilling to visit the same city where the Independence of the Philippines was declared. Ang kewl pala ng bahay ni Emilio Aguinaldo! hehe. Hello also to Joanne, Levi, China, Angelica, Cherry, Dianne, JJ (Rock and Roll!), and Pastor Solizer and his wife. You inspired me to keep singing for the Lord. Sa mga youth, lay down your dreams and desires to God because only He can make it possible. By serving the church and serving others, you will experience joy and have a more meaningful life. Thank you for such a warm welcome! May God bless your church even more. Happy 110th year anniversary!
God really never fails. And though it's a line we commonly say, it had a whole new meaning to me as I think about the weeks passed and the concert that took place yesterday. I have been thinking about the things I'm doing now and was asking God to show me His plan. And I think I got His answer loud and clear. Before I sang my song, I shared to the congregation that I used to be an instrumentalist because I always lose my voice. In Filipino, laging paos. hhehehe. God never fails to remind me that He is the giver of my voice and that all the glory belongs to HIM. He never fails to encourage me when I'm losing myself, at my lowest and about to give up. God never fails to humble me by all the talent that surround me. God never fails to bless me, provide for me, and grant me my heart's desire. I realized that serving in the church really helps me grow and mature. It is when God speaks to me and it's when I'm reminded of His amazing grace. And my answer to His call to serve Him in this way is definitely "Yes Lord, I will keep going."
Mikko, thank you for the new songs! You are a huge huge blessing to everyone around you. You're our maestro. Ang dami ko pang nakalimutan sabihin when I introduced you, and I feel bad! I could have done a better job. But Congrats Tings! You're the best!
Here in my blog I share my music and my life. I’m a candy addict and a chocolate lover. To me, unwrapping my favorite bar is as exciting as picking a song, hitting the high notes, and singing out loud! Thank God ‘coz there's always a song that I can remember life's sweet moments by.
