Trusting and Believing

“God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, so that even handkerchiefs

and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick,

and their illnesses were cured …”

Acts 19:11-12

Yesterday, an unusual occurrence happened at church. Our pastor was away so a replacement, his pastor friend from Australia, came to preach at our service. I first noticed him while we practiced for the morning’s worship time which I had the privilege to play the keyboard for. I saw him walking around the sanctuary praying at least 45 minutes before the service started. When he did speak, he followed his introduction by sharing that he received a word from the Lord about someone who was diagnosed recently with a brain tumor (or an aneurysm). He asked for that person to come forward to receive prayer. No one went up but even as he was describing the word he received, I couldn't help but remember my friend, Cor, who was just admitted to the hospital. Another friend who heard the same invitation thought of Cor as well. (This friend wrote me about her thoughts which had been very affirming!) I had sent her an email the day before, requesting for prayers for Cor. Cor’s a childhood friend. We grew up as neighbours in the Philippines so it’s a friendship that had spanned almost 40 years! She has always been a special friend, like a younger sister to me.

April 2011, just before her surgery to remove the
tumor behind her left eye. The tumor had been
pushing her left eye forward and downward.

Now she is in the palliative care of a hospital in Manila to relieve her of constant and intense pain in her head. She’s had a tumor begin at the back of her left eye but it had spread to 40% of her brain. This is why it’s a recently diagnosed brain tumor  Her condition is inoperable. All they are doing is relieving her of the pain. She is constantly sedated to give her some comfort. When I last spoke to her 2 weeks ago, she described her pain at 11, on a scale of 1-10. I also could barely hear her, she was so weak. It’s been heart breaking to know what she is going through. I’ve been praying because it’s all I know to do. What else could I do being here?

Two years ago, I was visiting in Manila when she had an operation to remove the tumor behind her eye (mentioned in the post “Land of Our Births”, April 13, 2011). They couldn't get rid of all the mass! They’d tried in the last two years to stop its growth (by diet and radiotherapy) but they’d obviously been unsuccessful. Yesterday, when I told the visiting pastor about Cor, he and the rest of the church prayed for her healing and he asked for a handkerchief to anoint. He then literally anointed the cloth with oil and instructed me to send it to Cor. It will be on its way tomorrow.

Just like in Acts 3:12, I know the power of healing isn't in the anointed handkerchief. Only Papa God’s power is able to help Cor physically or spiritually get well. As in the verse above, I don’t know why the Lord would choose to work in this way, now. I know I am acting in faith, trusting and believing, just as the visiting pastor did yesterday in calling out the person needing prayer for a brain tumor  He came from Australia to Thailand, prayed for a handkerchief that will soon be on its way to the Philippines. Be glorified, Papa God. We trust in your love, goodness, and faithfulness, and we praise and thank you for what you do.

If you are led, please pray for Cor, her husband Mon, and their five children: Miel, Claudia, Dominique, Diego, and Gus. I will post an update as I am made aware of her situation. This morning, her husband was told that Cor doesn't have much time left. Thank you for praying.

God's Suddenly

Keep your eyes on Me, not only for direction but also for empowerment.

I never lead you to do something without equipping you for the task.

Sarah Young writing for Jesus on (April 23^rd’s devotional entry) “Jesus Calling”

At this time of year, beautiful trees like the
above can be seen all over Chiang Mai.

Last Saturday, I was asked by two friends whether I would consider doing something that I actually already thought about doing. When the thought occurred to me, I only briefly considered the idea because I felt it was too preposterous for me to do. I quickly pushed it out of my mind thinking that there was no way I could do it. As the first person asked me if I thought of doing it, I actually admitted that it did cross my mind but I told her that I didn’t think I could do it. She immediately asked me why not and added that it was something she thought I would do well. Quickly adding and telling her that I wouldn't know how to go about doing it, I left her while shaking my head at the notion. Turning to my other friend who heard the earlier exchange, I added that I couldn't believe the first friend would make such a suggestion! The second friend then turned to me and expressed that she thought I could do it. Refusing to believe what I heard twice and choosing to discount it, I drove home bewildered but I couldn't shake off the absurdity of the whole discussion. “What was that about?” I asked myself, and why was it brought to my attention again? I then had a mental conversation with God. I began to wonder if the first time I thought of the idea was actually from Him. I argued (?) and tried to convince Him that He couldn’t possibly be serious in what He was telling me. Surely, He didn’t want me to do it, did He? I tried to tell Him that there was no way I could possibly do it well but He reminded me that with Him, I could do anything.

There are mountains usually seen on the horizon behind
the homes in the picture. Unfortunately, Thais
burn their fields to clear it, causing the unhealthy pollution.

It also grieved me when I realized that He would have to raise another person to do it because I wouldn’t obey Him. I reluctantly agreed but I asked if He could have five conditions happen first. Eng and our sons gave me their blessings which immediately satisfied the first condition. By the evening, the second condition was met after "Skyping" with a good friend. She affirmed that it was a good fit for me. The next day, I talked to a friend I don't normally visit with after church. She shared some news that could easily satisfy the third and fourth conditions so I wrestled with the whole idea again. All of this happened in one day! How could it be happening so quickly? And Eng and my friend sounded exactly the same! Also, how could the friend I was talking to be aware of the information that I needed to hear? Surely, it was God; I could no longer deny it! I began to feel badly about my conditions because I knew that if I was sure it was what He wanted me to do, then why would I need to have my conditions met before I obeyed? Repenting, I rescinded my remaining conditions. I acted on what was suggested and sure enough, the 3^rd and 4^th conditions were answered.

God’s suddenly comes from nowhere. It happens so fast that it overwhelms and we are left understanding but unbelieving. It’s just so hard to believe! Yet, situations happen and there is no denying His handiwork. After one week, I am amazed that my life will be taking on a new direction in the near future. I’m still getting used to the idea. I choose to trust that the Lord knows what He is doing. I know that whatever my reservations are, He knows best!

We serve an awesome God and He transforms and changes us in a blink of an eye. His suddenly has the tendency to suck our breath out from us (this happened twice to me this past week!) but He is always up to something good. I believe it is best for us to just go along for the ride. We can trust His love and His goodness. =) And, it is disconcerting and scary, but exciting nonetheless! I guess you can say, I would have it no other way.

Post About the Boston Marathon Incident

Our oldest son, Evan, wrote an excellent post on his blog entitled below. In light of what happened recently during the Boston Marathon, I decided to encourage you to read what he wrote instead of using the possible little time you have to read my post this week. I believe the Lord is using what he wrote to encourage those who read it to respond appropriately with regards to incidents like Boston’s and others like it. Please go check it out. It will be worth the read.

I Don’t Know If Anyone’s Said This About Boston Yet

Posted on April 19, 2013 by Evan |

http://culturewarreporters.com/2013/04/19/i-dont-know-if-anyones-said-this-about-boston-ye/

Unending Love

Ethan, Eli, Eng, and Linda at "The Pines".

A sunrise shot at the beach in front of "The Pines"
at Prachuap Khiri Khan, Thailand

In keeping with the days of rest, I’m taking it easy and will not do much writing. However, I couldn’t resist not sharing what the Lord revealed in the way He loves. While walking along the beach during our vacation at Prachuap Khiri Khan in Thailand, He told me that His love for me (us, I’m sure!) was as much as the number of grains of sand on the beach, the number of times the waves hit the shore, and the number of drops of salt water that made up the sea in front of me. I couldn’t help but be overwhelmed with His love!  =)

I love you, too, Papa God!!! Thank you for your love.

An overcast day, just before the sun
peaked out.

Eng and I hanging out.

Days of Rest

The view from the hammock under the pine trees.

This time last year, we were busy cleaning and packing our rented house in Markham, Ontario as we prepared to return to Chiang Mai. Our lives were so busy and it was terribly tiring. Since then, our lives had considerably changed in many ways and believe it or not, even sped up. We now have designated family nights (usually Sundays) and at least a once a month stay-home-week-end so that we regularly are all home at the same time to see and relate with each another. =) This is something we are committed to doing and try our best to protect.

Our school has a two-week April break so we are now at OMF’s vacation home in Prachuap Khiri Khan (12-13 hours south of Chiang Mai). We missed being here last year because we were in Canada but since we’re back in Thailand, we are spending some of our vacation days here. Aaahhh, the water, the waves, the skies, the sunshine, and the sea make such a wonderful combination. We are so grateful to be here for a week! And, this is deliberately short to make great use of this time of rest. =)

Sunrise at the Beach

10,000 Reasons

Bless the Lord, O my soul,

O my soul, Worship His holy name.

Sing like never before, O my soul,

I’ll worship Your holy name.

From the song “10,000 Reasons” by Matt Redman

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXDGE_lRI0E

Tonight, we sang the song above just at the tail end of our time with four friends who came over for dinner. (We had a delicious and wonderful meal cooked by Eng. Their compliments about the food were so affirming in light of his future responsibility of managing restaurants.)   I also had a scheduled Skype call with a friend whom I used to sing and worship with so it was great that we sang as she listened. It felt so good that we could have an impromptu time to worship and thank God for loving us so much that He sent His son Jesus to suffer and die for our sins. When we prayed and then realized that we were all together on pre-Resurrection Day, or Easter Eve, we rejoiced that the Lord brought us together. We didn’t plan on being with one another because of the occasion; it was just the convenient time for all of us. Given the choice, though, we all felt that we had rather be with friends on Easter Eve, than not. The Lord, who knew us more than we knew ourselves, blessed us with our sweet fellowship. What a blessing!  =)

Mark 16:1-8 
When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus' body. Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb and they asked each other, "Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?"

But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed.

"Don't be alarmed," he said. "You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter, 'He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.'"

Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb.

Happy Resurrection Day, Everyone!!!

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! 

In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope 

through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead...

1 Peter 1:3 

How He Loves

He loves us, oh how He loves us,

Oh how He loves us, Oh how He loves

From the song “How He Loves” by David Crowder

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCunuL58odQ

Eric turned 20 on the 20th of March. This was taken while
he shared a birthday Thai lunch with his college friends.

Tonight, while I listened to the song above, I couldn’t help but reflect on God’s love for us. Oh, how He loves! Papa God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are all so amazingly loving! It touches me. Sometimes I realize how much He blesses and just loves on us and it is simply baffling. There is no explaining Him. He doesn’t make sense. He just loves, and loves, and loves some more. We have no other reaction but to fall in love with Him, too. In fact, the more we see Him love us, the more we cannot help but love Him even more. At times, I end up getting so touched that I cry as I understand what He had allowed to happen. Other times, I’d hear a song about His faithfulness for example, and I would have a hard time stopping my tears from falling. It gets embarrassing sometimes because I’d leave a chapel meeting, for example, and everyone else’s eyes would be dry whereas mine would be all wet and I’d still be tearing up! I guess it’s a small price to pay for “seeing” and “understanding” His goodness and love. Thank you, Lord! I cannot help but picture myself running into your arms.

Oh, I’m running to your arms,
I’m running to your arms.

The riches of your love will always be enough.

Nothing compares to your embrace

Light of the world forever reign.

From the song, “Forever Reign” by Hillsong

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_O1GleGicNg

Ethan's basketball recreation
league team, the Miami Heats
won their tournament on
March 14, 2013.
He turned 12 on February 27.

Evan will finish his six weeks of probation at the end of next week. He's been enjoying working as a full-time writer for a Divorce and Family magazine. =)

On January 19, Eli turned 17. A few weeks ago, he volunteered to also be the Timothy Project Bible Study leader for the next school year. He would be leading a group of students younger than him. He started doing that this year with his best friend who is a senior. Next year, he’ll be the senior! He has matured spiritually and continues to try to live with integrity.

Eng turned 53 on January 22. Tomorrow, the restaurant he will manage while our friends are away will be dedicated and prayed for. It will have its grand opening next week. As indicated in a post two weeks ago, Eng had always dreamed to own a restaurant. This is a partial dream come true for him! Today, he was excitedly saying that all he could think about was preparing all kinds of food in his head. =) He will be learning how to manage our friend’s two restaurants and then will take over completely in June, in their absence.

We celebrated our 26^th wedding and 29^th going out anniversaries on February 28. We still argue as most couples do but there has been a breakthrough and we are relating and communicating much better than ever. This is such an answer to prayer. Thank you, Papa God for everything you do! We love you!!!