The Sun and Me

I have been thinking negatively and worrying a lot these past few days. I know I am not supposed to be but I keep doing it. I wonder what happened to me. 

My friend, as she wrote on her latest blog post says something about the reasons people worry. The post is concluded with how worry can be turned into peace of mind while we change our focus -on God and not ourselves. 

I just happen to realize that it could be true. I have been thinking too much about myself. about what I want, what my future would be, what happened if I had done this instead of that. I make me the center of my whole existence. 

Thank God, God is still speaking through His Words and through people around me. The Words tell a whole different story. A story that demands me to go back to the real center, real core of my life. God. Jesus Christ. 

I imagine our galaxy when I think of God as the center. God is the Sun and we are the planets revolving around Him. For thousands or maybe million of years, the Sun has been able to sustain life on earth and to keep any other planet on their own track without crashing into each other. How awesome. The Sun has the power to that keeps everything in motion. 

And then, I think about how I have been unconsciously making me, and my little life, my worries, in the center of it all. I, let's say I am the Earth, replace the Sun. I suddenly feel so foolish, so stupid. I realize that I won't be able to sustain everything that's going on and has been going on for years. I don't have the power to keep it revolving. I guess, everything collapses in the absence of the Sun. 

Now, I try not to dare substituting the Sun with myself. Let Him be the core of my life and let Him have my focus and my devotion. 

In reply to this blog post of a good friend of mine. 

Power to Rise

No matter how dark the situation may be, God can turn it around. No matter how hopeless life seems, God brings hope. The same power that enabled Jesus Christ to rise from the dead will allow you to rise above your problems.

Rick Warren - The Power to Change Your Life

Lost Found

I lost my wallet today for a short while. Someone stole it but couldn't seem to find what she's looking for. I didn't have any money and credit cards in it. So, she threw it away. Fortunately, she didn't dispose it somewhere too far from the place where I think the stealing took place -- it was inside a store. The shop keepers held it before I came to retrieve it back.

For a moment, I wanted to cry. I was careless. I had been careless for too many times in my life. And now, I am traveling with my mom and brother in a tour across Europe -- I am responsible for the money keeping part -- and I lost my wallet. "How are we supposed to proceed with our journey? We haven't taken some cash out of the ATM." I thought.

Moreover, besides the disappointment to myself, I was more furious than ever. I kept rhetorically asking myself, "HOW did that happen?". I was vigil. So many times I remembered  telling my brother and mom to stay close and watch each other backs and bags. But truth to be told, I was the one who was reckless. Very reckless.

It was no way that I can say grace, or praise. I kept blaming and shouting; taking all my anger out. How in the world, one could do such a low deed of stealing. It is shameful!

In my hopelessness, I let go. I tried to prepare myself for the worst case scenario: dealing with banks and the town hall for issuing new debit card and residence permit. I didn't worry too much about card blocking or anything like credit card frauds. I didn't have any credit cards. At some points, before the wallet was found, I started to push myself to say thank you.

I thought to myself, "It should be the only right time to say thank you to God. Not only for his goodness but also for his works that are above and beyond my imaginations and expectations."

This incident reminded me that I don't own anything. Everything that I seem to have is not mine. It is the creator's. Whenever he wants to take it away from me, he is able and in full right. I don't have the right to claim that it's mine. It hurts to lose something that seems to be mine; how short the possession time is or to lose something that my heart grows super fond of. But ultimately, as I grow content in what I have and not in what I don't have. I do have everything!

Cheers,
Raissa

Jeremiah 17:14

Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed;
save me and I will be saved,
for you are the one I praise. (NIV)


This verse popped out from the rest of my Bible reading of the day. I'm not sure why: maybe I am sick or in need of His mercy, but surely I am dying and helpless without God.


God bless you, Friends! Praise Him all the way.

Chocolate & Help

Just like many other girls in the world, I cannot not say yes to chocolate. Though it seems so sinful, every time someone give me chocolates, I would say, "Ow, another one? OK. Thanks." even when my mind knows that I have had enough chocolate for the day.

Anyway, just like I cannot say no to chocolate, I cannot help not to share this message. It has appeared twice in 10 minutes right after I prayed, "God, I want to write something on my blog today."

So, here is the message: HELP IS ON THE WAY!

These are the web places where I saw the message:
- ODB: June 29, 2012
- Mercies (Israel Houghton ft. Kirk Franklin)

I hope the song and the devotion encourage you like it encourages me! Be strong and faithful 'til our help is here!

Cheers,
Raissa

Everywhere I look

Everywhere I look, I look at Your love.

To the right, I see Your goodness. 
To the left, I see Your mercy.
To the past, I see Your faithfulness. 
To the future, I see Your glory

At this very second, I see You're watching over me.

<3

Heels Heal

Shoes gave me strength to go to work this morning. Pretty strange, huh?