Getting to know the Bible

I'm not a religious person, I don't even go to church regularly but I'd like to take this opportunity to tell you about the bible. The bible is a gift from God. It is the only book who can give us genuine answers, from creation to a solution of our problems and anxieties. It does not tell us how to cure cancers or any illness but it tell us how we should take good care of our body. Here are some verses from the bible telling us how should we be watchful on our health:

Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God. Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong for anyone to make another stumble by what he eats. Romans 14:20 

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 

In addition, the bible does not teach us easy money or to become rich but it teaches us diligence and hard work. 

But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.1 Timothy 6:9-10

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men. Colossians 3:23

with my Korean friend
Rebecca

These are few of so many lessons, practical advice the Bible can tell us. Though I attended various Bible studies when I was a teenager and even took the initiative to read this when I was younger I don't have enough understanding on it not only because I was young but because King James version was so hard to comprehend. Then when we moved to another city, reading the bible has stopped. I had never set an eye again on this book not until I met a very good friend five years ago from South Korea. She was my student at first. When I learned that she was Christian, I did not hesitate to talk about God as examples on our lesson and when she went back to South Korea our communication never stopped. In fact we met twice a week via Skype to learn and talk about life. I remember when she asked me if I read the Bible, I told her I don't. I told her I don't understand it well. She then suggested to try the New International Version that I never know it existed. I found it easier to understand compared to the King James version I have.  Then in 2011, she suggested that we read the bible. I So every meeting, we read one chapter of the book and relate it to our life experiences, present and future plans. The result was a bliss. I discover the other side of her, she is full of wisdom. She has been my counselor. She taught me to be open-minded to numerous situation. She has been a listener to my many questions about God and life. She would give me significant verses from the Bible as answers. I am forever thankful that God sent her to me.

Online Bible study with Rebecca

Within five years we have already read the books of Psalm, Proverb, Ruth, Job and currently in the book of Isaiah Chapter 5. There are so much to read and learn about the Bible and like what my friend Rebecca did, I'm hoping to share it as well to my family and friends who wish to discover more about God.

Furthermore, please allow me to share with you my favorite worship song I learned when I was in the 6th grade.Whenever worries come crashing my mind, I keep singing this. It soothing, calming...

Man is just a pilgrim on earth

Such a touching song, isn't it? I love to sing this since the wake of my friend's husband. Whenever I felt tired and depressed, I hum it in my mind or play it from my tab. The lyrics are really enlightening and encouraging. I do wish, it would lighten whatever journey you're walking right now and it would encourage any soul that would come across this blog too.

A month ago, I had dinner with my two friends. We used to see each other once a month, play bowling and eat dinner but first quarter of 2015 made us pre-occupied with our work, studies and family. We were excited that night, we talked about life and how our friend Merlyn feel more than two months after her brother has departed ~ her brother one of the SAF members who bravely fight to death in Mamasapano. We talked about the summer and activities our children could do while waiting for the opening of the school year 2015-2016. We talked about our husbands and how we managed our home everyday. Then Jalyn, told us she and her family will travel to Tadian, Mt. Province the following day to witness the wedding ceremony of her brother-in-law (younger brother of her husband). I remembered how she told us how excited she was to see the Highest Point Philippine Highway System. Travelers bound to Buguias, Mankayan and Mt. Province will pass by the famous landmark found in Atok, Benguet. She told us that her sister-in-law asked her to prepare food that they will share together when they stop by that Highest Point. She told us that they planned to stop-by and have a picnic there. Merlyn and I can't help to smile, we were happy that they will see that place and at the same time amused because we both know there's no enough space to have a picnic there. We told her that the landmark is along the the busy road, behind the place is a ravine, there's a small waiting shed beside for sightseeing and in front is a parking space good for I guess, three vans. She was so disappointed hearing it, but I guess it's better knowing it beforehand to have a back-up plan.

 

We went home that night with joy in our heart, oh I remember that day was also Merlyn's birthday. So it was like double celebration. We wished Jalyn and her family would enjoy the trip. The following day Sunday, April 12 when I woke up at 8 in the morning I was thinking that probably at that time Jalyn's already hitting the road and might be enjoying the view already at the Highest Point Highway System. So I turned on my tab to asked how are they going. While in the kitchen I heard my tab beeped twice, I reckon it was Jalyn's update on their trip so I rush on the table to read it. Then I went numb... my body was shaking, my heart beats faster. Her text went like this...

" Mare, my husband's dead."

I froze for a while, then thought " Oh my, what a joke." But of course, I know Jalyn never cracked any joke on us even by texting. But still my mind was saying that probably because of what we talked about last night. Then I went to the second text message, it was from Merlyn...

" Sis, let's go to Pines Hospital. Jalyn's husband's dead."

Sweet photo of my friend Jalyn
and her husband Leon.

I went back to Jalyn's text message, I looked at it again and again. So it's real, it was not a joke. How should I tell myself that what I was reading was all real? I just remembered texting back a two letter word "Ha." I was scared to call her so I told my husband instead. He can't believe it either at first and asked me again who's husband is it. Then he told me to call Jalyn, so I dialed her number and had a short talk with her. There she was still in Pines Hospital, she said it was cardiac arrest or stroke.

This has reminded me again how vulnerable life is. No matter how we do our best to be healthy, death comes to us without warning. It never occurred to us that our friend Jalyn is going to be a widow at young age.Why so soon? They just celebrated their 11th wedding anniversary last April. Their kids are still very young, Xyrus 10 and Xanthea who just turned 7 last month. During the wake she told us that her husband was completely healthy, as a medical technologist it has been her habit to check their vital signs, perform blood test regularly.Which means that the passing of her husband was such a surprise. No farewell, no goodbyes.

During the wake, the Pilgrim Song truly touched my heart. I without any doubt agree with the song,we are just a pilgrim journeying the gift that God has given us ~ the life. Life that is temporary, someday somehow we will leave this worldly life. We are lucky enough if we will reach our ripe old age. See how our children grow and build their own life. But of course, that is God's only decision. I'm not very a religious person but I do believe that life here on earth is a preparation for something bigger and wonderful in heaven ~ that is the life after death. The everlasting life that God had promised to us if we believe and accept his son as our savior and redeemer. Remember the verse from John? 

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

For us who are still enjoying the breath of life that God has given us, we should always remember that, every time we open our eyes in the morning, let's not forget to thank God. Because of HIS grace we are still alive. We still have the chance to do something that is pleasing to Him. I'd always tell myself that everyday is a blessing. Whatever trouble we are in we must be grateful God has given us another day to undo our mistakes, to tell our love ones how much we love them, to enjoy every moment with our family and the nourish our soul on God's words ~ to prepare ourselves on the next life. The Bible, the answer to many questions clinging to our very confused mind. Let's try to open IT sometimes and find out more about God, you'll be surprise what does it do to you once you discover wonderful true to life stories of people who loved and hated God thousands of years ago. There are so many things to tell but nevertheless let's remove envy, greed and hatred from our heart and live simply  with our family and God.

The harsh truth is that nothing last forever, so when you have it, enjoy it, appreciate it. Don't take it for granted. ~ Unknown

Jalyn and her amazing family

To my friend Jalyn, I know how painful it is to lose someone you love dearly, but I know that keeping your faith to God would your lifeline as you live your life. God know you are strong woman, HE will not let things happen that you cannot conquer. Remember, that Leon is always be there with you helping you with your two little lovely, thoughtful kids ~ Xyrus and Xanthea and that is through God. HE will never leave you... and we will always be here for you.Stay strong and healthy!