Encouraged and Examined

Waking up at 6AM in the morning isn’t so pleasant. I awoke with a stuffy nose and a cough that I previously had a couple days ago. I could not go back to sleep even though I had only slept for three hours since I couldn’t sleep at night either. I’ve been disturbing everyone with my coughing late at night and I even got my sister ill. So with nothing to do, I go online and look for remedies to get rid of this cold.

I end up reading peoples blogs. Many of which had to do with God. I am so pleased and encouraged to pray, read the bible, examine myself, and maybe even witness.

When I was in the Philippines I did not grow in God. And from what I remember what Kristine said, “If you’re not growing, you’re falling away also.” I brought my bible and I didn’t read it at all. Well its because I was caught up in going places and I had no time? Kuya Jeremy said, “We think we are busy, but we actually have plenty of time to spend time in the word.” (Something like that, I just worded it differently)

I was so encouraged though, by the hotel. Everywhere I turned there were laminated bible verses on every corner. There was even a board in front of the elevator that said that there was Christian Fellowship, and with me going out with my family seeing relatives everyday, I didn’t even try to go. On the last day I was there, eating breakfast, there was a praise and worship. I was singing along, praising! Then they stopped and said their testimonies, which was hard for me to understand since they used big Tagalog words I didn’t know, so I just ate and listened to my family’s conversation.

I guess I was complaining the whole trip and I realize that I shouldn’t be that way, that’s not how God would want me to be. And from what I remember Andrew saying, “There’s always going to be time where you won’t be satisfied.” I like blogging, it makes me examine myself.

Yesterday, I looked through my book of notes from bible study. The first page has Christ’s Authorities. Most importantly, he has authority over sin, which makes me glad! Think about what Christ had really done for us. He suffered and died for us. “In the same way, the Son of Man did not come to be served. He came to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many people.” (Mark 10:45)

I am so happy for the Amazing Encounter Retreaters. Even though it is catholic, you got close to God and were able to open up to others. God is working with you, work with Him. We are teenagers; we need to be informed about God because he is truly amazing. Grow in him.

The song currently playing in my head is 'Worthy is the Lamb'. Look up the lyrics. Thank you Lord for everything you have given for us; its been such a blessing to have you in my life.