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Friday, March 28, 2014

"I Am your Ruth, You are my Naomi" -- A Closer Look at My Relationship with My Mother-In-Law (Conversations Before my Father-in-Law's Death)

Wowa on her latest birthday with our clan's youngest, our baby
Isabelle Veronica - March 3, 2014


My mother-in-law is one of the most, if not the most holy person I have ever had a chance to come in contact with. She is humble of heart, loving, kind and non-judgmental, and most of all she has a childlike and unwavering faith in God. Not many are given a chance to have such a godly relationship with their in-laws but I have been blessed to have found such a godly mother in Mommy Letty, whom we fondly call "Wowa" which is a bulol (mispronounced by a child) word for Lola which means Grandma in Filipino. I am blessed to have Wowa because I myself lost my Mama due to cancer, when I was just 17 years old.

My father-in-law whom we fondly call "Wowo" which is bulol (mispronounced by their first grandchild) for Lolo or Grandpa, died just a few days back, on March 22, 2014, after two months of being in and out of hospitals due to pneumonia, heart ailments, diabetes and other complications. He was 77.
Wowo and Wowa in healthier times - 2002

Wowo left behind six grown sons, and his saintly wife of 55 years, Wowa Letty.
Wowo and Wowa's 50th Wedding anniversary
From L-R at back: my husband Dong, Kuya Toby, Kuya Pochie, Kuya Egoy, Kuya Jojo. Kuya Gino
Note: "Kuya" is a Filipino term of respect for older siblings.

Below are some of our conversations that showed our great love for each other, bound by our even greater love for God.

Part of being a Peaceful Wife is also being a Peaceful Daughter-in-Law. Loving my husband means loving and honoring those whom he loves, especially his own mother.
At my sister's despedida - 2008

My texts are in red. Wowa's will be in blue.

These were some of our conversations (via text) leading up to Wowo's death....



Sat 2/1/14

How are you, Wowa? How are you holding up? How is Wowo?

I still have the strength to go on, praise God although my hyperacidity came back due to extreme tiredness and stress. I am full-time with Wowo, because he is now home, not like in the hospital where he had lots of nurses and attendants. Here, it's all me, but praise God, Wowo is improving little by little. Prayerfully, his recovery will continue. Amen. Thanks Nikka. God bless you all.


Tues 2/4/14

Wowa, why is Wowo calling all his sons? Does he feel the end is near?

Yes Nikka, he thought he was dying. He cheered up though when he saw all his sons.

What is he exactly feeling at the moment? Tightness of chest caused by heart problems? I thought that yesterday, you were dealing with insulin shock.

Yes, suddenly he had a heart attack.  He is now feeling weak.

I am at chapel. I will lift Daddy Fred to God. You as well. Dong will watch Wowo with you after he fetches the kids from school. God bless you and keep you both.

Thank you Nikka. Keep safe. God bless you all.
This was the last time we saw Wowo Fred healthy. We visited his sick sister (Tita Delia, the one to the lower right) who was terminally ill as part of our corporal works of mercy to the sick. A week after this, he suffered his first heart attack and from then on, his health down-spiraled all the way to his death. His sister, though still alive, is now still in hospital.
January 17, 2014



Wed 2/5/14

Hi Wowa. How are you and Wowo today? Dong said you have had some sleep since they started with shifts? (Note: The sons had round-the-clock shifts, watching over Wowo to let Wowa rest. Wowo, too, was restless when there was no son to be with him during that time.)

Yes Nikka. I am starting to recover inch by inch. Hopefully, we don't have to bring Wowo to the ICU. Let's keep on praying. Thanks a million for everything and God bless you a millionfold! Mwah. Love you all.

ICU? Why, Wowa?Are there some complications?

Yesterday, he had a heart attack longer than the first one. Hopefully though, we won't need to bring him to the ICU. Can your Kuya Egoy pass by for the payment of the Saint Peter's Memorial Plan? I don't want it to lapse. I am very sorry for the inconvenience. Don't worry. All this shall pass. Our chain of trials will end. The Lord allowed this to happen, and after this, He will bless us a millionfold.

It is our honor to help you and Wowo. Please do not hesitate to ask us for help in any way. We have discussed that whatever we can give, we will. Please do not feel ashamed.

Thank you so much, Nikka. God will never be outdone in generosity. Love you. Mwah.



Celebrating Wowa's 77th birthday. I baked her a cake. :) Wowo looks on.

Thu 2/6/14

Hi Wowa. How is Wowo today? Will he be going out already?

His vital signs are okay but still very weak. He cannot go home yet.

Dong senses that Wowo has lost his spirit to live. I told him I think Wowo still wants to fight. How would you assess his spirit? I am fasting today.I will lift up, Wowo.

Wowo expects to live longer. He ate breakfast and is trying to keep his head above the water.

Amen to that Wowa. Will continue to pray for his healing in all aspects. God bless you both.

Thank you Nikka. God bless you.


Wowa, may I share with you a verse from the Bible? I read it daily now since my conversion last year. It was shared to me by Erica (Note: my sister) just now too. From James 5:16

16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

It's beautiful, Nikka. Very appropriate. Wowo is being aware of it and is starting to admit most of his mistakes. Right now, he is getting better and might be discharged tomorrow or day after. Thank you so much Nikka. God bless you all.

The trial is bringing out the best from your sons as well as bringing up some deep-seated resentments too against Wowo. May this be used by God to make you all closer to each other and to God. Nothing is wasted in His Greater Scheme of Things. Praise be to Him Who is sovereign and merciful.

Amen Nikka. May God's Purpose be fulfilled in trial. It has always been our prayer that all the brothers will be bonded in loving, caring and sharing, and I guess this is God's Way of answering our prayers.
Wowa and Wowo on their wedding day


Mon 3/3/14

Happy birthday, Wowa, It was lovely seeing you and Wowo yesterday and I was especially touched when Wowo held your head many times while saying your name. It spoke volumes how God is working in Wowo and your marriage! Praise Him for His Goodness!!! God bless you and may His Will be fulfilled in you. You are a great blessing to me personally and to the clan as a whole. It is my honor to be your daughter-in-law. Love you.
Our very last happy time with Wowo. On Wowa's 78th birthday
March 3, 2014
He was rushed again to the hospital for the 3rd time a few days after this pic was taken.

Thank you, Nikka. You are God's precious gift to me and Wowo. I thank Him for greatly for your presence in our lives and for being the mother of our grandkids and the loving wife of our son. We couldn't ask for more. Thank you and thank God for you.


Fri 3/14/14

Hi Wowa. Heard about Dad's scary episode last night from Kuya Poch. (Note: Wowo was delusional, flailing his arms, and extremely panicky.) The Enemy seems to be working full time on Daddy Fred. I do not know God's Plan for Wowo but I do feel that this is God's way of sanctifying and purifying him so let us just pray fervently because more than just the physical, this is spiritual warfare.

Yes, I believe so. It's a battle between good and evil. Good won because at the height of his struggle, I prayed the Jesus prayer shouting His Name out loud, nonstop till almost morning. His restlessness stopped. Now he is sleeping peacefully, his blood pressure is down to normal, his blood sugar back to what it was before and his excessive coughing has stopped. I praise and thank God for He is truly amazing, in His great power and mercy and love. Thanks, Nikka. God bless you and please take care of everybody. Love you.

I know it is not my place to suggest, since I have no authority over you or Wowo being much younger but I feel the Spirit's leaning to tell you that to counter the lies of the devil, you have have to read to him God's Word straight out of the Bible. I am sure he finds comfort in your prayers but nothing beats the power of the Word of God. Forgive me if I am out of line with my suggestion.

I am willing to be his Bible reader when we visit. Reading it daily after my regeneration and conversion has freed me from my bondages, Wowa. I am so thirsty for God's Word and I now know Who He is and who I am because of my daily commune with Him through His Word. It is not out of pride that I say this, but out of my desire for Dad to fully turn over his life now to the Lord, so his sufferings won't be for naught... God loves him so much!

No, Nikka, you are not out of line. That is true and proven very powerful. Unfortunately, in my haste to bring Wowo to the nearest hospital, I failed to grab my Bible. Good I memorized Psalm 91 and 23 which I frequently recite to him. It helped a lot.

Amen, Nikka. God is love and I pray that we too will feel and share that to everyone within reach and throughout the whole world.

Amen. I am your prayer warrior, Wowa.

Thank you Nikka for always being there for us. Thanks for being my prayer partner.


Newly weds and with only one child then - January 2006


10:13 pm, same day

Kuya Pochie said that Wowo is not doing okay. Praying for him to experience peace and rest in God's Arms amidst this trial. I am sensing his extreme fear of dying which is understandable. But I pray he relax and let go because God is in control. Praying and fasting still, Wowa.

Thank you, Nikka.



Sat 3/15/14

How is he today, Wowa? If you would allow me, I will read him something later when we visit. The Words were shown to me while I was lifting up Wowo. (Note: I read to him the whole of John 14, which my sister suggested, but that I was also led to read, even prior to her text message -- a sure sign that it was meant to be shared. Wowo was lying down with eyes closed, but tears fell from the sides of his eyes.)

By the grace of God, Wowo is better today than yesterday. We welcome God's Words, Nikka. Thanks lots. God bless you all.

There are major decisions that we have to make.  Kuya Jo will talk to you and Dong and Kuya Toby.  I have some messages from the Bible which I want you to read and confirm what it meant, and tell me ASAP. It's from Isaiah 45 and Isaiah 55.
Wowo, in our old house, happy and healthy - 2010

I am at chapel for my prayer and Bible time. I will get back to you. I will reflect on His Words based on what you felt inclined for me to read. God is good. Love you, Wowa. Good morning.

Hi Wowa. I have read both chapters in their entirety and have asked God to speak to me... God is telling us to not question Him in what He has allowed to happen to Wowo. He has allowed this 'calamity' to occur... He also tells all of us to listen to Him and by this, I feel that it means that we read His Word. The only way we can know Who He really is, is by reading His God-breathed Words in Scripture... 

I have been fasting, Wowa.. That not only Wowo but all of your children, all of us from your family,  accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior. I am hopeful that it can happen with God's Grace and Mercy through His Spirit.  I am hopeful that the Lord will not turn His Face away from me, as I ask Him to convict every one of us of hidden and apparent sins that grieve God's Heart... I know that with their God-ordained authority sick and helpless, God will use it for them to look within themselves and their own lives.. I am confident that the Lord will not turn His Ear from me, a sinner, Whom He called by name and was given a new self. The old is gone, the new has come!

I ask that Wowo be healed if it be God's Will. Or to NOT heal him if He so wills, for as long as Daddy Fred, finally, truly turn over his life to God, repent for his sins and be a new man in Christ.  In order that all see the glory of God through his own suffering and conversion of heart. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
With our extremely mischievous son, Reuben, whom Wowo finds so funny!
2013

While reading God's Words awhile ago, I saw a stampita of St. Padre Pio, a healing saint. It fell down from my Bible. As I picked it up, I had the urge to beg him to intercede for us for Wowo's healing. His prayer was heard because when Wowo woke up, he asked for Ensure and ate one piece of sausage. He took all medicines without hassle  then went back to sleep. Praise God. 

(Note: Wowo and Wowa are devout Catholics, as all the Alejars are, and the Catholic Church believes that the saints are in heaven and can intercede for us more powerfully because they are in God's Presence. We liken it to asking people to pray for us, except that Wowa asked Padre Pio, whom she believes to be alive in spirit and within God's Presence, to pray for Wowo. Not to say, she does not believe in going straight to Jesus, though, as you would read throughout our conversation. She believes in Jesus being our Mediator. Wowa just asked for more prayers or intercession for Wowo, via the healing saint, Padre Pio. To understand where this belief came from and whether or not it is Biblical, please click this.)


We will all emerge victorious from this trial, Wowa. I pray that we all focus on God, during these difficult times and not listen to the enemy who enjoys bringing up the past and condemning Dad. Jesus came for sinners, not the saints. I am sure our holy friends in heaven, including Padre Pio, want Dad to be saved and healed. Praise God for His Mercy!

Amen, Nikka.

Yes Nikka. It is the working of the enemy because we have always been praying for salvation, humility and holiness for the whole clan up to the last generation.

They all love Wowo. They just want to see him fight it like a man. It lowers their morale to see their father "act helpless." :(


With her "apos" or grandchildren, not complete though.


Tue 3/18/2014

Wowa, please read this to Wowo. I feel that God wants him to hear this.

Psalm 143 part

Answer me quickly, Lord;


    my spirit fails.

Do not hide your face from me

    or I will be like those who go down to the pit.

Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love,

    for I have put my trust in you.

Show me the way I should go,

    for to you I entrust my life.

Rescue me from my enemies, Lord,

    for I hide myself in you.
10 
Teach me to do your will,

    for you are my God;

may your good Spirit

    lead me on level ground.
11 
For your name’s sake, Lord, preserve my life;


    in your righteousness, bring me out of trouble.
12 
In your unfailing love, silence my enemies;

    destroy all my foes,

    for I am your servant.



Amen. Good pm Nikka. About 4 am today, I was led to read the Bible and after praying to the Holy Spirit, I opened it. I was led to read Isaiah 57 verses 15 to 21.Then, reading further, I came up to Chapter 60, read the whole of it, and was truly consoled. God is truly amazing in His Great Love. Let us praise and thank Him always.




At Fontana - Christmas 2011

Wed 3/19/14

Hi Wowa. How are all of you today? I will be the one to canvass for Wowo's oxygen. Dong is busy with our business.

Godwilling, we might be able to go out tomorrow from the hospital. I ask for your patience and understanding, Nikka for all the hassle. Do not worry, by God's Grace, we will all see an end to this. 

The Lord allowed this to test all of us -- Wowo, in his faith in God; you, in your selfless serving of your leader, us in our generosity of time and treasure. May the Lord's Spirit fill all of us with His Fruits in order that we be able to bear each other's burdens. We are all in this together, Wowa.

From the Book of Ruth, part:
“Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. 

Then the women of the town said to Naomi, “Praise the LORD, who has now provided a redeemer for your family! May this child be famous in Israel. 15May he restore your youth and care for you in your old age. For he is the son of your daughter-in-law who loves you and has been better to you than seven sons!”  

As long as I live, with God to help me, I will help you, Wowa. Love you. Good morning!

Thank you so much, Nikka for being the Ruth in my life, as she had been to Naomi. God bless you. Love you always Nikka. Have a Spirit-filled day.
At our old house, before we left for their wedding anniversary party - 2009

I told Dong the other day that Wowo is extremely loved by our Heavenly Father to have been given a wife like you. If I could be half the woman you are, God would be pleased with me.

God is already pleased with you as you are, Nikka. He loves you very much.


Kuya Jojo is the fifth of the six brothers. He is an actor/TV host/producer/etc. by profession.
Wowo spent his last two days in Kuya Jojo's home. His happiest since his whole ordeal happened.

Later that day:

Hi Nikka. Regarding the hospital bill, the brothers will give their share. Godwilling, it will not be so great. Do not worry. God will give back with good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, and He will always provide.  I think Kuya Jojo does not expect equal sharing. Only that which one could conveniently afford, then he would take care of the rest.

God bless Kuya Jojo for his leadership and generosity. That is why he is so financially blessed. I think the Lord planned Wowo's sickness at a time when most are financially sound. He is a God of Great Timing. Thank you too Wowa, for praying for us always. I have no doubt that most of the comfort we have now was due in part to your and Wowo's prayers.

Yes, Nikka. God is an answering God. He sees to it that the needs of His children are met. All we have to do is ask because He said, "Believe that you have already received what you prayed for and it shall be done unto you." Halleluiah! Anna (Note: my sister-in-law) will shoulder it first with her credit card, then she will pick us up and bring us to their home. He is our Great Provider, our Divine Healer, our Great Everything.

Amen! You have so many Ruths in your life, Wowa. You are very blessed to have Anna. :)
Anna, Kuya Jojo's wife is my sister-in-law and my sister in Christ.
Baptism of Isabelle - December 29, 2013


Yes Nikka. I am so blessed having you and Anna. I am sure the other daughters-in-law have their own roles to play under the circumstances. Praise and thank God for you all.

Everything that happens has its purpose. All we have to do is trust and praise Him, in ALL circumstances. By the way, God's message to me this 4 pm was Jeremiah 33.

I will read it now. :) His Message to me this morning at prayer time was John 6:43-45. It reads:

John 6:43-45

New International Version (NIV)
43 “Stop grumbling among yourselves,” Jesus answered. 44 “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day. 45 It is written in the Prophets: ‘They will all be taught by God.’[a]Everyone who has heard the Father and learned from him comes to me.

Wow. We are DRAWN and yet, who are we? Nothing. God is so good. Text you later on your own Reading. :)

We are God's children. Yehey!

Amen to Jeremiah 33, which echoes the NT verses that God wanted me to read! Peace, truth, restoration, holy cleansing, joy, praise and glory to Yahweh, our God. Amen. :)
Wowa with our second child, Andre, during his baptism - Dec 2008



* * * * * * *

A tarpaulin Dong and I had done for Wowo Fred for his wake.

Wowo Fred was buried on March 26, 2014.
These were the last moments before his coffin lid
was to be closed. Wowa kissed and embraced his
lifeless body for the last time.




On March 22, 2014 at 2:30 pm, Wowo Fred, passed away peacefully, joyfully, and without pain. His last spoken word was "Amen.", as an answer to Wowa's loud invocation of   "In Jesus' Name, you will be alright!" After saying this, he looked out of the window, coughed one last time, then finally closed his eyes. 




Alfredo M. Alejar
May 18, 1936 to March 22, 2014
R.I.P.

Wowo Fred, thank you for being my husband Dong's earthly father. For all your perceived and real flaws, the one thing nobody could fault you with, was your unconditional love for your children. Dong is a good husband and father because he learned how to be a good man from you. I am blessed to have known you, Wowo. May you now rest in peace. Enter now into Our Heavenly Father's Loving Arms.
At Daddy Fred's Wake
Though we are grieving, we are also "celebrating", thus the happy smiles, because
Wowo is no longer in pain and can now go back to our Creator. The Alejars opted to celebrate Wowo's life.









Friday, March 21, 2014

Jesus Take The Wheel (Salvation for 'Dummies')





"Jesus, take the wheel
Take it from my hands
Cause I can't do this on my own


I'm letting go
So give me one more chance
To save me from this road I'm on
Jesus, take the wheel!"

                                                         Carrie Underwood - Jesus, Take The Wheel 



I have shared with you the most quotable quotes from the movie, "Flywheel", in my previous blog post. I have also shared with you what a flywheel was and divulged to you that I could not distinguish it from any other spare car part, to save my life! :P

As per the movie, a flywheel was crucial to a vehicle in order for it to move. Without it, no matter how beautiful your car may be, it just won't get you anywhere. It will remain inert.

Comparing it to life, without Jesus, everything just seems senseless. Life has no meaning and no direction. You may be, from the outset "beautiful" and "successful", the way the world defines them, but without God in your life, you will still feel empty. Because it is only through, with, and in Christ, do we find our most authentic selves. It is only in submitting our lives to Him do we experience true peace and fulfillment.

I may not be able to identify what a flywheel is, but I do know how to drive. :) I was taught by our family driver, Mang Ramon, how to drive, when I was just 17. I used to be this sort of "reckless" and offensive driver who cut buses in their tracks and who enjoyed speeding up. However, after having children, I have now become this careful and defensive driver who sticks to her lane as much as possible, and already considers it "fast" when her speedometer goes a little above 60 kph! 





Since we are already on the subject of wheels, I would like to share with you a remarkable metaphor done by my sister in Christ, April Cassidy, the Peaceful Wife, on what it was like before she fully submitted to our Sovereign God, and after that, to her husband, Greg. She wrote about it in this post, on a fellow sister's journey with Christ 






"I shared in yesterday’s post about how at the beginning of this journey, I felt like I was pushing a car. That was me operating in my own strength. It was EXHAUSTING!!!  It took a long time for me to get into the car. I didn’t trust God at first. “God, how is this car ever going to move if I am not behind it pushing it?” Yes, I was THAT clueless! It took me a long time to get in and to sit down and to begin to have any understanding what the wheel and pedals and instruments were for. I am sure there are many instruments I still don’t know how to use! I have much to learn! To me, thinking about being tempted to disrespect Greg would be a lot like me being tempted to get out of the car and start pushing again instead of driving and allowing the car’s engine and fuel to do the real work. Not very tempting at this point. But it WAS tempting to get out and push earlier when I didn’t know how to use the gas pedal!! I sat still for a LONG, LONG time! I don’t usually even think the disrespectful things or hear the disrespectful things anymore in my head. God has been and is continuing to transform my mind. But when I do hear that voice of accusation against Greg, lights and alarms start going off to remind me not to go back to my old ways but to quickly repent. There are different temptations now, like I talked about yesterday. I pray that God might empower me to live in obedience to Him in ALL things! He is my hope!"    - April Cassidy

"April, the car metaphor was very good. I don’t know too what made me think that pushing the car could lead me anywhere. First of all, I was not that strong. Secondly, it didn’t make much sense, because the car was fully functional and all we needed to do was drive it, not push it! Just to take the metaphor further, since we are on the subject of metaphors… :)


In the past we have foolishly been pushing a state-of-the-art, fully-automated, full-tanked car to get it going; when all along what we should have done was to just get in the Car, buckle up, sit still in the passenger seat, let Jesus take the wheel and enjoy the Ride. He is our Driver. He is our Navigator. His Vehicle never runs out of gas. He never gets lost. He will always keep us safe. And most importantly, He knows how to bring us to the Ultimate Destination (Heaven) in a Way nobody ever could." :) --                                                                                                                                  Nikka Alejar


"Nikka,
YES! Being regenerated through God’s Spirit is the key!
I think that if we have never really seen a car running properly and all we have seen is people trying to push cars around – it seems normal to push our car. We don’t realize the capability and purpose of the car, so we continue trying to push it in our own strength.
I like how you continued the car metaphor.
          SO THANKFUL for all that Jesus gives to us. It is scary for us, we think at first, when we give all of ourselves and our resources fully to Him. But then, He gives all of Himself and His resources fully to us! There is no better place to be!"



I believe most of you would agree with me that at one time or another, you also did what April and I did -- that is, to "push cars around". Or to "carry the world on your shoulders". In Tagalog, "pinasan niyo ang daigdig". Life must have been soooooo hard for you then, or maybe life is soooooooooo tiring for you NOW. :(

Sometimes, I surprise myself with God's Wisdom speaking through and to me (at best, my own "wisdom" is still foolish) and I realize how the Spirit is really moving in my own life, ever since I gave up my life to Him last year. I just now "get" it. Things have fallen into place and what was hidden from me before, has now been revealed to me now, by no merits of my own. It's all a God Thing, not a Nikka thing. I was blind for so long, but now I can "see".

I will share with you what I wrote as a comment, in one of April's posts, this time on "My Demons."  This summarizes my own walk with Christ up to this point....

"This journey is really a constant struggle, but for me, though my demon is still noisy and annoying, he is not nearly as powerful nor welcome anymore in my heart and spirit, ever since I became regenerated in Christ in September 2013. :)

The enemy’s voice is still louder than God’s Whispers but his lies are easier to detect now, so it is easier to hold things captive for Christ, the moment the enemy taunts and provokes me to sin or to be worldly again. Sort of like a metal detector in the airports… He tells a lie and my spiritual alarm goes off.What is notable is that the devil’s voice is really easier to hear anytime, every time, wherever, whenever — in the middle of watching TV, while blogging, while driving, while using the toilet (!), even while praying — but God’s Voice is not nearly as “audible” as the enemy’s.

God’s Voice could only be heard CLEARLY when we are still, when we are silent, when we are not caught up with ourselves, and with our million and one chores… God’s Voice is also very much evident in the Scriptures and through other people and events in our lives… But, He also talks to us in that soft, loving Voice of His. However, we have to be aligned to His Frequency to hear Him.

John 10:27

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”

When it comes to TALKING and HEARING voices, the Enemy is waaaay more talkative than God. He is relentless!!! He doesn’t care if we are “busy”; he butts in all the time! He has no manners whatsover! But our God is a Gentleman. He will not force you to listen to Him unless you are ready to do so.

Before, when the world was still so much in me, and I “loved” it so much even though I professed to love the Lord, the devil could easily and without much effort piggy-back on all my daily struggles and issues — my obsession with weight, my obsession with career, my obsession with people’s approval — and I would easily fall into depression and despair. I was so easily oppressed! :(

Nowadays, after I have died to myself and constantly die every minute and second if need be, the journey though still not a walk in the park, is no longer a seemingly insurmountable task.

Philippians 4:13

13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

And whereas before when I felt as though the world was on my shoulders and life was such a drag, a chore and even a curse, now I have realized and experienced for myself that it is beautiful, a joy, and a blessing. :)Yes, this road that we tread is never easy and will never be easy in the worldly sense of the word, but it becomes so when we only carry burdens that the Lord had intended for us to carry. When I told the Lord that I would submit to Him then to my husband, I relinquished all forms and desires of control in all aspects on my life… and it has freed me and removed me from bondage! Bondages that have chained me for 37 years of my life!!! Praise God!!!!!I now understand what the Lord meant when he said in Matthew 11:28-30

28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

It never is really easy, in the “Wow, I could do this with my eyes closed” sort of way. :) But, it is “easy’ in the “God’s grace is sufficient” way. Every suffering, every trial, every temptation is tailor-made just for us. We can overcome it; we can survive it and thrive in it; we can resist it. It’s custom-fit just right to make us more like Christ as we share in His Sufferings. :)

* * *

Are you tired of being constantly afraid, anxious, worried, angry, depressed, envious, jealous, bitter, and all those other adjectives that just prove how much the "world" still resides in your soul?

Are you tired of controlling everything and everyone around you and still not "achieving" results? Do you find yourself feeling very frustrated, as though nothing is going right? Do you want things to change or to make yourself change but feel overwhelmed and even hopeless? Is your spirit willing; but your flesh, weak?  :(
Me, as an eternally depressed and sometimes suicidal teenager
1990


Do not despair! (Psalm 27:14) When we are weak, then we are strong. (2 Cor 12:10)  We can do all things through Christ Who strengthens us! (Phil 4:13)  Our sacrifices are broken spirits, because humble and contrite hearts, God does not despise. (Psalms 51:17)

When we are broken, at the end of our ropes, and have fallen flat to our faces, that is when the Lord is nearest us. In our brokenness, the Lord finds the chance to carry us in His Loving Arms. Just when things seem to be out of control is when the Lord comes in to take control, and save us.



But you have got to answer His Call. (Jn 6:44)
You have got to let Him in your heart. (Col 3:15)
Christ wants YOU to choose Him. (Deut 10:12-13)
He will not enter your heart uninvited. (Rev 3:20) 

This question then begs to be answered:

Are you ready to accept Jesus in your heart, sister? Are you willing to let Jesus take the wheel? 

After experiencing the following in 2013:

- shaking of my Catholic faith because of perceived and real religious persecution
- resignation from my broadcasting job and eventual standstill of my career
- being pregnant (at first an "unwanted" pregnancy) and eventually giving birth to our 4th child
- selling and disposing of the only left inheritance I had of my parents (property)
- being tired of leading the family and feeling fearful of the future all the time
- rifts with certain family members

and a whole lot more...

I felt that everything I believed in, found comfort and familiarity in, held on to, or that was in any way associated with my identity, was shattered or taken away from me -- religion, career, my "sexy" body, last memento of my parents, marriage views and obsession with control, family relations --  I felt "naked" and "helpless". It was just God Who could comfort me. I was so broken. I was forced to face myself, and get into my very core.

I was forced to ask myself,

"What am I on earth for?" 
"What is my purpose?" 
"Is this all there is to life?"

It was only then, in my broken state did the Lord find the tiny opening to call me again by name, and this time around, "naked" and "defenseless", I answered Him.  And life has never been the same again. You could not pay me a million dollars to go back to my former self. I would rather physically die than go back to my old prideful self!

John 6:44-45
 44 “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day. 45 It is written in the Prophets: ‘They will all be taught by God.’[a] Everyone who has heard the Father and learned from him comes to me."

Here are some tips on how to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior and on how to let Him take over.  I am sure every experience of ours is unique and there are really no set rules or steps to it. What I will cite then are based on my own spiritual conversion.
A SALVATION FOR 'DUMMIES' List,
so to speak. Here it goes:


1. Talk to Jesus with all honesty and sincerity.


You don't need to say memorized prayers. You don't need a lengthy speech with hifalutin words.  All you need to have is humility and total honesty. The Lord opposes the proud and is angered by hypocrites. In talking to Jesus, all you need is something as simple, short and heartfelt as:

 "Lord, I cannot go on like this anymore. I am tired. I feel hopeless. I need You. Help me please."

"Lord, I am tired of feeling scared all the time. I do not want to be scared anymore."

"Lord, I give up. I do not want to control things and people anymore. It is all an illusion. I do not want to feel angry, frustrated and bitter every single day. I do not think I can continue for another day being this negative!"


Actually even before you think the thought, even before you utter the word, even before you do the deed, the Lord already knows what is in your mind, your tongue and your heart, but that does not change the fact that He still wants you to say it and He wants you to show it. God desires for you to communicate to Him what is truly in your heart. 
If there is One Person we cannot fool, it is God.


Psalm 139 part

1O LORD, you have examined my heart
and know everything about me.
2You know when I sit down or stand up.
You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.
3You see me when I travel
and when I rest at home.
You know everything I do.
4You know what I am going to say
even before I say it, LORD.
5You go before me and follow me.
You place your hand of blessing on my head.
6Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too great for me to understand!
7I can never escape from your Spirit!
I can never get away from your presence!  



2. Ask God to convict you for your sins.



Before you ask God to show you your sins, you must first humble yourself before Him. You also have to want for Him to show you every one of your sins, faults and weaknesses. This was for me, not only humbling, but humiliating. :( But, by that time, I was ready to "see" myself for what and who I really was, -- a great sinner. 

I remember telling God, "Lord, please search my heart. Show me what I am doing wrong. Help me to look within myself and not put the blame on anyone. Help me to change. I cannot do this on my own. I need Your Spirit to do it. I cannot love people on my own. Help me to love them. I cannot forgive people on my own. Help me to forgive."

It was then that the Lord, little by little, and then all at once, showed me the enormity of my sins. And my, they were so many!!!!  :( All along I thought I was "good" and "kind" and "righteous"! Imagine, how I felt when He opened my spiritual eyes for me to "see" what I really was inside -- a self-righteous, prideful, envious, judgmental person -- who was in great need of His Mercy! I thought I have nailed being a "good Christian"! I prayed a lot and was "positive" at most times. I even was generous with my money and had no vices whatsoever -- did not drink, did not smoke, of course, did not do drugs. Heavens, I did not even shop! I was so thrifty

But, when the Lord convicted me of my sins, I saw that my heart was full of filth which were already rotting and stinky. I was not "holy" at all! I was sinful and yucky!!! :(

Jeremiah 17:10

But I, the LORD, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve."

1 Samuel 16:7

But the LORD said to Samuel, "Don't judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The LORD doesn't see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."



3. Ask God for forgiveness and mercy.

After the Lord's Conviction, I was dumbfounded and couldn't speak for days. I was crying from shame. I was appalled by my years of wrongful thinking, my malicious and slanderous speech, and my prideful behavior. :( I asked the Lord for His Forgiveness, and meant every word. (Note: I am a Catholic and we are encouraged to confess our sins to a priest, but in this particular instance, when I asked for forgiveness in September 2013 after the Lord showed me my sins, I just basically cried out to the Lord, straight from my heart, in the comfort of my room.)

Hebrew 4:16
Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

It was so shameful that I would sometimes stop to say out of the blue wherever it "hit" me:            "Oh my. I should make reparation! I should apologize to people I have wronged!" It was so humiliating. :(

I then asked for forgiveness from a LOT of people, starting with my husband. I was doing things so wrong and yet all that time, I felt so in the right! Yikes. :(

I am still in the process of asking for forgiveness from people I have misled or hurt, repairing relationships and forgiving those who have wronged me. It was excruciating in the beginning, but it is not as difficult now; although I still need God's Grace every minute of the day, because there is still a LOT of forgiving and asking for forgiveness to be done. I have sinned GREATLY against God. :(  I have grieved His Heart for so long. :(

But I am strengthened by His Love for me, and I know He came for sinners like me, and not the righteous. In fact, He died for me.

1 John 1:9

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.


Romans 5:8


But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.



 4. Allow God to enter your heart.



After talking to God, being convicted of your sins and asking for forgiveness for them, it is now time to open your heart to the Lord.

By this, I mean, minus all the filthy sins in it, your heart will now be a "clean" place for the Lord to reside in. So, this is the time to tell God that He can now enter your heart and hold His Throne in it. Make room for God. Invite Him in.  Remember He is a Gentleman, He won't come in uninvited.


Isn't it that when we have house visitors, we clean the house beforehand? We make sure there are no scattered litter around, we kill the pests or rodents, we even buy new furnishings if the guests are really important to us!

How much more so with God?

We cannot invite Him into our hearts when there is still so much "trash" lying around, in the form of sins. Of course, nobody is really sinless, for only Christ Jesus did not sin, but nevertheless, we should do our best to make our hearts as immaculate as possible! It is no excuse to just let the filth stink just because by our fallen nature, we are stinky anyway!

Bitterness? Throw that away. Envy? Dispose of it. Anger? No can do. Pride? Disgusting! Burn it. Self-righteousness?  Bury it. Unforgiveness? Eeew..Nasty! Incinerate it.... Till none is left but humility, heart-felt grief over offending and grieving God's Heart, the desire to please God, and love for Him.

1 Corinthians 6:20


20 for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

Psalm 51:17
My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.


Just as we find out beforehand what our visitors like or dislike -- loves soft pillows, is allergic to peanuts, likes scents and perfumes, etc. -- in order to make their stay pleasant; so too should we find out What the One Who is going to not only visit, but reside in our hearts, likes or loves, by getting to know Him through His Word -- the Bible. Surely, we do not want to offend our Eternal Resident!


Before I became convicted by Christ and turned over a new leaf, I only glanced at my daily Bible verses, which were in a book -- (Didache or Daily Bread or The Word). I liked reading the stories accompanying them, than the Bible verses themselves. I was used to hearing the Words of God at Mass, as a form of worship. I even was/am part of the Holy Spirit Associates, a lay ministry of the SSpS Community founded by Father Arnold Janssen, but for some reason, His Word still failed to transform me. :( But when Christ resided in my heart in September 1, 2013, it was the start of a hunger and thirst for His Word, that I have never experienced before! It was like I couldn't get enough of it! I kept on asking for more! 

I started devouring every book from the Bible, and the more I read it, the more I got to know God. The more I got to know God, the more I got to know myself. The more, I got to know myself, the more I realized how distorted and wimpy my picture was of God! (I fit Him in my tiny pea-sized brain. No wonder I was very controlling and negative! I did not know Who He was -- sovereign and mighty. I acted like I was "more knowing" of what to do with my life and that I was "in control", and He was not. Yikes!) The more I got to know myself, the more I was blown away by how loving and amazing our God really is! I am nothing! And yet, He loves me! WOW!

Psalm 8:4
"What are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them?"

Again, you need not say very lengthy prayers or memorized ones. Just a simple,
"Lord, enter my heart now. I accept you as my Lord and my Savior. Reside in my heart, o Lord." will do.

5. Let go and let God rule your life.



So, you have told God what your innermost thoughts and feelings are; you have asked Him to make you "see" your sins; you have grieved over them and have asked for forgiveness; you have opened your heart to Him; so it is now time for the true TEST of your faith.

It is time to let go and let God. 

This was something I liken to jumping off a very, very high cliff. It was really a leap of faith. I was terrified. I was scared to my wits. I was going into unchartered territory!!! I was going out of my comfort zone, the one wherein I "controlled" everything and everyone around me!!! And yet, looking at what I was leaving behind -- the debilitating fear of the future, all the depressive episodes and the hyper-ventilating anxiety, all the pride and envy, etc -- I felt that they were not much to keep me from taking the leap. I HATED what I went through daily. I HATED being scared and anxious and worried and bitter and condescending and self-righteous nearly all the time. I would rather DIE than continue living that kind of life and being that kind of person!!! Waaaaaaah!!!!!

And so, I JUMPED.

And, guess what?

I am still alive!!!! :D
To my godly mentor in this journey, my Titus 2 elder, April Cassidy,
Happy birthday, sis! :) We love you. God bless you more!
May 19, 2014


Actually, I have never felt more alive, than now. :) I was spiritually DEAD all those years. Okay, maybe not all the time, for there were glimpses of LIFE every now and then. But for most of my 37 years, I have been so chained to the world and to my bondages, that God had a difficult time getting through to me. I was very "busy" being a zombie. 

But now, after my conversion, I have experienced for myself, FREEDOM and LIBERATION from my sinful flesh and the oppressions of the enemy!!! Who would have thought that to be even possible?! Not me!!! I thought I was doomed to be depressed and scared FOREVER! 


John 8:34-36

34 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. 35 Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

I am also in the process of  finding my most authentic self.  Minus my bondages, I am now peaceful, joyful, and hopeful... almost 24/7.  The Lord strengthens me daily, as "we" champion against the world, the flesh, and the devil. I still get tempted, I still sin, but I no longer dwell in the sin. I rise again and again. Whereas before, I would have stayed fallen. Nowadays, I hold every thought captive for Christ! 

Feeling sad over another's good fortune? Gotcha, envy! Feeling scared over finances? Gotcha, senseless worry! Wanting to gloat over being so "holy"? Gotcha, pride! Feeling disappointed over other people's seeming lack of faith in God (by one's standards)? Gotcha self-righteousness! No way are those pesky "flies" gonna take root now in my soul. I have to always remember, I no longer rule it. It is now God Who resides in it. My old self has been evicted; there's a new landLord now.  So, they better stay away because "we" have no room for them! "Shoo fly! Don't bother me! For I belong to Somebody!"

2 Corinthians 5:17


17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:[a] The old has gone, the new is here!


Once you have let go and let God rule in every area of my life, make sure that you mean it. You have turned over the key. Act like you mean it; and mean it like you said it. He is the BOSS now. Not you, not your ambitions. Not your pleasures. Not your fears. And certainly not satan!

Family picture at Holy Spirit convent
March 16, 2014
* * *

Rest now and cast your cares to the Lord; He has got you covered. Jesus has now taken the wheel. Do not wrestle it again from Him, because the results of that would be disastrous! Stay in the passenger seat. Rest and relax. The Road ahead may not be smooth; it may even be a bit bumpy or dangerous, but with Jesus as your Driver, you have nothing to fear. You are safe. He knows Where you are going and how to bring you There. Isn't it, that He said, that He is "the Way"?  You can never get lost. You will never lose your Way, as long as you trust in Him fully. So, sit back, buckle up and enjoy the Ride. I promise you, it is a thrill of a lifetime! This Journey is both exciting and glorious! On His mark, get set, go! Hope and pray to see you at the Destination! :)




"Si Hesus ang Tsuper ng buhay
Dito ka sumakay
Gasolina'y pang-habambuhay
Biyahe mo ay sulit
Pagka't patungong Langit
Hindi pwede ang sumabit!"


                                           - Papuri Singers

Roughly Translated:

He is the Driver of our Lives
Ride here (in His Vehicle)
Gasoline never runs out
The Ride is worth it
Because it goes straight to Heaven
But you cannot ride without *"paying"! 

(Note: * One cannot be a freeloader. You have got to be either in it, or not. You cannot sit on the fence. And you cannot just "hitch" a ride! ;)