ONE

I am the one who knows you, I am the one who cares, I am the one who's always been there. I am the one whose helped you, and if you think that I just don't give a damn, well, you just don't know who I am. -I AM THE ONE (Next To Normal)

These are the lyrics to one of the best musicals to date. A Tony Award winning musical, nominated for 11 Tonys and won 3! It also won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. I know that this musical had its broadway premiere a few years ago, April 2009 to be exact, but it isn't until today that the gravity of this song was fully revealed to me. While listening to it, It just reminded me of how God acts in our lives. As human beings, we can be so selfish at times, well, to be honest, most of the time, we are generally selfish. We act like no one understands us, no one feels our pain, no one knows how we exactly feel whenever we have our down days, or when we have been ridiculed, persecuted, hurt, depressed and alone. We always isolate ourselves from our peers, especially to God. And at moments like these, this is when Satan starts plays an active part in our lives. This musical contains such a powerful message. The songs are really amazingly written and unfortunately, I haven't experienced the privilege of watching live broadway musicals, yet, but I'll get there, someday. It's part of my faith goals, so, someday. I'll watch broadways musicals live, and I'm holding on to that because nothing is impossible with God and without HIM, I'll never get to that point of my life without Him. But, before I get truly side tracked, let me go back to my point. I want to magnify the strong message of this song first. (For those who haven't watched the musical yet, this post might contain spoilers, so fair warning) Anyway, I expose myself to musicals because of online resources. Which is awesome for people like me. (I'll post another entry about faith soon)

As human beings, we have this tendency of being so self absorbed, this is why we feel neglected, depressed, insignificant, and insecure at times, hey, it happens, in at least one point in our lives, we feel these things,

why? Because satan is pathetic and devious. satan uses everything he can to steal the glory and light of God in us. And he uses this part of our character to his advantage, by making us feel that no one cares about us, that no one loves us as much as we love them, that no one cares, satan can make us feel as unimportant and insignificant if we allow him to. It's true, satan can just go as far as dangling temptations and whispering lies in our ears because he can't touch us, why? Because GOD is awesome and satan sucks. God is always with us and HIS glory and spirits lives in us, and now you're thinking that if this is so, then why are we still tempted? Well, because, we are human beings and sometimes, we ignore the promptings of the Holy Spirit because we're just too tempted. Let me just inject this topic a bit, being filled with the Holy Spirit is important, because our flesh is weak so our Spirit must be strong and fully backed up by the Holy Spirit. How do we do this? Talk to God, constantly. Hey, I'm not gonna be legalistic and tell you to do this and that to be filled with the Spirit. I strongly believe that our relationship with God is personal, so whatever and however way you communicate with God, do it as often as you can and of course, if in the time when you're deeply immersed in HIS presence, He asks you to open your bible, then do it. Your relationship with God is personal. So, however it works for you, I personally don't read my bible daily and memorize all the verses verbatimly, I don't but during what I call my "daily date" with God, when HE leads me to a verse, then, I open my bible and read it and tada, a revelation works, Sometimes, God is so awesomely spontaneous that during my chill time, like this, listening to a musical soundtrack, HE speaks and asks me to open up my bible for HIS revelation, then I do it. Your relationship with God is personal, so again, whatever works for you. Of course, make sure that whatever is revealed is backed up by the word of God. THAT IS IMPORTANT. It kinda validates the revelation in a way. I am sharing this because God speaks whenever HE wants to, so be sensitive to HIS Spirit and promptings.



 The chorus of the song "I AM THE ONE" from the Tony Award Winning musical Next To Normal reminded me of, of course, THE ONE, GOD. At our darkest moments and times, we always feel that we are alone, that no one understands us and no one is ever there for us. He knows us, and He is "I am the one "And provide for those who grieve in Zion- to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning and the garment of praise instead of a spirit of dispair. The will be called oaks of Righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His SPLENDOR"- Isaiah61:3) God is the one who never leaves us, who loves us unconditionally that HE sent HIS sinless son to save, restore and renew us. Yes, it is possible to be build up again, He never leaves, no matter how disgraceful, hideous, dirty and unforgivable we think we may be, God still loves us. He still cares, He is still willing to forgive us, to grant us peace, to comfort us, to be with us as we grieve and rejoice. Even if we choose the dark side at times, He will always be by our side until we choose to see HIS light, isn't that sweet? He, the GOD of everything stays with us in our darkest moments and patiently waits for us to choose HIM and to see HIM- just like the song says "I am the one who holds you. I am the one who'll stay, I am the one who won't walk away". Even if we turn our backs at HIM, He would never do that to us, No matter how badly we hurt and disappoint HIM, He will never make us feel even one fourth of the pain that HE felt when we damaged HIS heart. No one knows pain as much as God, and still, despite us blaming HIM at times, HE still loves us, He still forgives and HE still choose to help and heal us. Yes, HE IS that PERFECT. Our merciful, loving, heavenly and benevolent God. That is just how HE is, Who HE IS. And whenever we doubt that, well, as the song goes "Well, you just don't know who I am."
who holds you, I am the one who stays, I am the one who won't walk away, I am the one who'll heal you, and now you tell me that I won't give a damn, well, you just don't know who I am... Cause I'm holding on and I won't let go" These words are so powerfully strong because it embodies how much God cares for us, and whenever HE tells us these things but still believe the lies of satan as he says that he is the one who cares for us just because he keeps us in our comfort zones and lures us to a place where we can find temporary peace and boosts our endorphines that makes us temporarily happy, LIES. We are human, yes, and we do give-in to these temptations, why? because we are weak, then after we give in, guilt comes in, then we become more depressed and sad than before, plus, we're suddenly filled with this gut wreching shame that we let go of the one who truly cares and love us because, satan is done having his fun with us, so, he will just bombard us with more and more shame that we would sometimes hide our faces from God. Pull away from HIM. This is a stupid gesture because we all know that we can never hide from God, He created everything so HE knows exactly where to find us, and unlike satan, God cleanses our sin, He can build us up again and restore the true being that we are in HIM. ("The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; HE delivers them from all their troubles." -Psalm 34:17)

Our GOD has and will forever be this way, so whenever we feel like we've done something so unforgivable, so filthy, so damaging, remember that HE is the one who knows you, HE is the one who cares, HE is the one who's always been there, HE is the one whose helped you...HE is the one is the one who holds you, He is the one who'll stay, He is the one who won't walk away. and whenever we think that God doesn't hear our cry, or know how we feel, well, the MORE we have to seek HIM that we may be reminded that HE knows and hears every cry of our hearts ("Before they will call, I will answer; while they are still speaking, I will hear" - Isaiah 65:24)

We are never alone, because God is ALWAYS with us, through our highlights and plot twists, HE is with us, HE IS THE ONLY ONE who will always be constant in our lives, never failing, never fading, but ALWAYS REIGNING.

Crossroads

Before my mind starts to throw-up; let me share this poem that I wrote that pretty much sums it up:

http://sassyintrepid.blogspot.com/2014/02/crossroads.html

Feel free to visit this page, I also handle and manage it. All the works there are mine. It's just more on the artistic side of me, anyway, I know that it is indeed Valentine's Day or the day of Love as some people may call it, but this post is NOT about love at all. No, it is not about relationships, or love or romance-- nothing like that in this post, rather, this is something that most Singles, INCLUDING myself longs to have, and NO it is NOT a lifetime partner or a love life; but DIRECTION.

For the longest time, this is what I have been praying constantly for. DIRECTION. Yeah, it seems like a normal word that we all hear, but do we all realize the gravity of its meaning? Think about it, I don't mean to break the chain of what Singles normally obsess about which is being with someone, being in a relationship and getting married, that's fine, if that is for you, but before that season of your life comes, what have you been doing so far? Don't get me wrong, I am not against relationships, whatever. But, shout out to Singles out there, do you spend the same amount of time praying for God's direction in your life? In terms of your career? Have you really achieved EVERYTHING you wanted in life before praying for your lifetime partner? and more importantly, are you really ready for a relationship? For a commitment? or better yet, to settle down and have a family? The fact that you still have this want to be with someone just so you could feel contented, happy and fulfilled only indicates how unready and unstable you are. Sometimes we might think that we need to be with people in order to make the right decision or even to know how to pray properly for the things that we "want" --this is true, to a fault. There are times when we need to just distance ourselves from people that we may hear the real calling of God, that we may know how and what to pray for without the influence of others. I admit that I was one of the people who was influenced by others on what to pray for. It's sad but it's true, I used to pray for my partner because everyone was doing it, because there were influential people in my life who were doing it and advised me to do it. I thought that I was ready for a commitment, to be in a relationship because I was praying for my life partner, but while I was doing this, something just felt...OFF. I wasn't ready and I really didn't want to. It took me several years to realize that. To genuinely know that I am not ready to commit or submit to a man, not because I don't want to (that's partly the reason) but because there are still many things that I want to do with and in my life. I came to this epiphany when I got the healthy amount of DISTANCE from people and focused my everything on to God. He spoke with my soul. I realized that I don't really like to be with someone, I prefer to be alone, to have my thoughts to myself and be sold out to God. I am not saying that I have the gift of blessed singleness, but at this point of my life, being in a relationship is not my priority. There are still things that God wants me to do and fulfill and as of now, that is my priority--to fulfill HIS purpose for me. Remember that just because you are single, it does not mean that you cannot be happy, the truth is you do not need anyone to make you happy, you have a soul so beautifully crafted by our Creator, a soul that has been made whole and well, trust your soul, trust God and dwell in HIS presence; that is the only way to find true happiness and contentment.

There is nothing wrong with being alone. In fact, it is even healthier, you get to think for yourself, have your own thoughts and you have this wonderful opportunity of knowing yourself and reinventing yourself. Singleness is the wonderful season of possibilities, of turning dreams into realities, of doing what makes you happy, of enjoying life to the fullest, enjoying and exploring the wonderful world that God has created. Enjoy it. You get to make your own DECISION. Deciding and Standing firmly for what you believe in takes courage and bravery and these abilities only comes from GOD. I tell you, decisions won't be easy, in fact it is just one of the hardest thing to do in life, but once you make a decision, stick with it and of course, allow the Holy Spirit to guide you through it.

I suggest that you'd lessen the effort you're currently giving praying for your partner and redirect your attention in earnestly seeking God in leading you towards HIS will and direction for your life. I mean, ENJOY life being single. Travel, make lots of song covers, go to the beach, heck, go to Paris for crying out loud! Explore and Experience. Let GOD fulfill HIS promises for you, focus on your career, buy the cars you want, the outfits that you want, go star gazing, go for a picnic. ENJOY your life, Stop holding yourself captive to finding "The One". Life is not meant to be lived like that, what, you think that when "The One" comes, you'll be living Happily Ever After? of course not! that doesnt even exist. SINGLEHOOD is the BEST time to know yourself, know the things you want and DO the things you want, Allow GOD to lead you in fulfilling HIS purpose for your life, be a BLESSING to other people, go on Mission Trips, Go mountain climbing, hiking, sky diving--Do all the things that you want to do because this is YOUR time, the season where you are free to discover who you really are and who you want to be. The season when GOD's voice would constantly remind you to trust HIM as you go through different crossroads in life. Pray for HIS direction and seek HIS attention.

DIRECTION. This is something that every person needs, direction. Well, who can best direct us to our purpose and plan but God. Allow HIM to direct us on where to go and what to do. He knows what HE is doing. The funny thing about society and media's picture of Singleness is desperation, and the worst part, we succumb to that picture that society painted and tampered for us. We become so obsessed with being with someone that it more often than not leads to brokeness and destruction rather than the opposite which is peace and contentment. Think about it, when we're single, we can do whatever we want, we have no commitments, and that is one of the BEST feelings ever in my opinion because there is NOTHING holding us back. So for those serial daters, get your crap together first, you do not need anyone to fill the void in your heart, you have to find your inner peace and learn to love yourself. Feel and BE whole. You should stop looking for your better half because you do not need someone who's half anyway, you should work on making yourself whole to attract another whole person to grow together. Now is the time to figure out what you want to do with your life. Stop rushing into relationships and dating. It isnt healthy and it is VERY MUCH OKAY TO BE SINGLE. ENJOY IT while it lasts.

Now, for those who are still struggling from being a serial dater, dont panic. It isnt too late to change that, nothing is written in stone, there is always room for new beginnings, clean slates, and start overs. 

This Valentines Day, make it different. Instead of moping and feeling sorry for yourself because you don't have anyone with you, who cares? Stop conforming into society and enjoy this season. Love the people around you. 

"You make known to me the path of life;you will fill me with joy in your presence,with eternal pleasures at your right hand." -Psalm 16:11

FORGET

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.

– Isaiah 43:18-19

      One of the things that really struck me in this verse is when it said "FORGET THE former things; do NOT dwell on the past" --Easier said than done, right? Of course! It's easier to forgive rather than to forget, others may say otherwise, but stay with me on this, what is the main reason why we cannot seem to forgive? The answer is because we can't forget. We can never forget why certain people did such things, why certain things and instances happened to us, it's hard to forget those people who wronged and offended us. It is, and this is the reason why we cannot forgive, why for some reason, even if these people already said their sorry, already paid their dues, are already living a new and peaceful life that is so far from how he/she was before; we still cannot find it in ourselves to forgive them, why? because we cant' forget. No, scratch that, we choose not to forget. That is why we have these burdens, these anger, these grudges within us that holds us prisoners to unforgiveness, this happens; to the best and worst of us. 

     But the thing is, God's word tells us to forget  the former things. Believe me, when I first read this, I was like "Whaaaat? forget? it isn't that easy. This happened, and that happened, he did this and she did that..." blah...blah...blah... Yes. It did happen. This person offended you. That person spoke ill of you. They hurt you. She judged you. He did spread false things about you. It did happen. But, hello. Have you noticed something? They're all in PAST tense. It happened. It was done. It's in the PAST. Do you live in the past? of course not! We live in the present. I am not saying that we should just easily forget the past, because well, the past is indeed part of us, but it is not the whole of us. "Do NOT dwell on the past" --this can easily be said that we should stop living in the past and live in the now, in the present, in what's currently happened. Hey, I am not saying that this is an easy thing to do, it's not and believe me, I know how hard it is, I actually spoke to God about this-and I bluntly told Him that it is not that easy and that it was close to impossible,but you know what HE said to me? He just lovingly answered, 

"I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more." -Isaiah 43:25

   That was such a boom and pow moment for me. I felt both insignificant and so significant at the same time. It's true, Our Father, chose to FORGET our SINS. He who is blameless, and who is being hurt and forgotten by us everyday chose to forgive and forget about our sins. He sees us as the person we are NOW not who we are a year ago, a month ago, a week, a day, an hour or even a few minutes ago. That is not how HE sees us, He sees us for who we are now, kneeling and worshiping HIM now. In the present. Living and dwelling in HIS present. This is how HE sees us, this is how HE sees us. He sees HIS children now. He who is blameless and sinless, He who tells us our unpleasant actions, He who is hurt deeply by our unpleasant actions, He who has the right and the true license to judge us remembers our sins no more. Isn't that just humbling? I mean, out of everyone else in all the worlds combined, He should choose to remember everything, every single moment that we hurt, disappointed, betrayed, cursed, slapped, punched, poked, and snapped -He has the right to remember all of those things and hold it against us, but He didn't. He remembers our sins no more. He chose to forget every single wrongdoing that we did. He chooses to place all those things as part of our past. I cannot even begin to describe how it feels to be so cleansed and to be looked with so much joy and love. I could feel my soul leaping with so much joy because of this. Friends, it isn't impossible to forgive and forget, nothing is ever impossible with God after all, it is impossible if we would rely on our own strength, but if we will rely and lean on our Heavenly Father for strength, wisdom, will and power--Nothing is Impossible with God :D He wants us to be reflections of His glory, and forgiveness is definitely part of His majestic glory. 

The Challenge: 

Learn to Forget. Time to Forgive. Step into Freedom.

Here's to NEW BEGINNINGS! STAY BLESSED FRIENDS! 

First Post

      At last I have created a blog that truly expresses HIM in me. I am a worship blogger. A worship writer. Though this may sound weird because we've heard about worship leaders, worship intercessors but no one has been called a worship writer. This is one of HIS many many revelations to me. 
     As I get to know my Father every day, HE reveals more of who HE created me to be. The more I discover things about HIM, the more clearer He becomes in me. I see worship as a lifestyle and not just a ministry. I do not want to limit GOD's capabilities when it comes to HIS leading, anointing and ministry. Normally, when we hear the term worship, we think of it as a ministry, or we think of songs, or people who are gifted in music. Yes, that is part of worship. But work with me here. Try seeing worship as a lifestyle wherein we can magnify HIS greatness and GLORIFY HIS name through our actions. Worship is about living a life passionate for GOD. It is an overflow of the passion that HE has given us all. This can be through speaking, smiling, singing, dancing, acting, writing, calculating, designing, --whatever. GOD has placed a certain and specific talent in each of us. This talent is uniquely yours, own it. It is HIS gift to you specifically wherein HE has planned, molded and thought of this talent for you (I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;your works are wonderful,I know that full well. -Psalm 139:14) that is in tuned in our hearts in which is linked into HIS. Why? That we may use this passion in glorifying HIS greatness. I strongl y believe that everything has a reason and everyone has a purpose. If there is something that you are so undeniably passionate about, but are too afraid to admit it because you have this fear that it might not be accepted by others, by friend, I know that this is GOD's way of telling you to embrace that passion. Embrace and own it. It is GOD's gift to you. Sure, your talent and passion may be peculiar to what society dictates, so what? You understand it, and GOD knows it, isn't that enough? Remember that your passion is a manifestation of HIS identity in you. We are all created in different ways and with individual purposes "Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone." - 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 
       Now, isn't that awesome? Friends, if there is anything that OUR FATHER has recently revealed to is, it is that HE created us with individual purposes but with one goal, to GLORIFY HIS NAME. And what is the best way to glorify HIS name? Reflect HIS glory. How? Worship.