Year 2010, is an unforgettable year for me. Because I learned a lot, I woke up from the bad things that I’m doing and most of all, I made the most important decision in my life and that is when I decided to turn 180 degrees to my Creator, my Savior Jesus Christ.

Year 2010, on the 1^st and 2^nd quarter of the year my world is turning for the things that I do, to the people that I thought I was important but I learned that I am not important to them in the end. God taught me to be strong, to be dependent on Him and to only Him, to feel secure in Him, and to build my life around Him, to keep on believing and doing things for Him.

God is a jealous God; He wants my attention just on Him. To make everything easier, He removed my love life, because I was so focus on it that I forgot to spend time and even talk to Him. Of course I was hurt, but I learned to be dependent and be secured on Him. His presence is so alive in my life, that even the smallest thing that I want to do I want to let Him know. I learned to find my happiness in Him. While I was doing the “move on” thing, I didn’t know that God is re-arranging my life. He made me see the people who are worth keeping and those who are not. And most of all, my references in a man becomes biblical that I want someone who has a personal relationship with my God.

I want a man who will pray for me, who will care for me, who will love me unconditionally and someone who will claim me from my God because he wants me to be the only woman that he will cherish for the rest of his life. God taught me to choose a man based on what the bible says and not on what other people says.

Obedience is something that I do because I don’t want to hurt Him, and I don’t want the wrath of God to be upon me. And with obedience, comes blessings. Before 2010 ended God showered me with His blessings, something that’s unexpected. So for 2011, I will start to count my blessings first from 2010:

Blessings from 2010:

• God provided for:

ü  Cebu Marathon

ü  TNF Baguio

ü  Calaguas Trip with college friends

ü  Cebu – Bohol Trip with my family

ü  Camsur Marathon – Naga/Legaspi Trip

ü  Sagada Trip with college friends

ü  New Job (without my own effort)

ü  Iphone 3g – from my mom

And when I’ve decided to prioritize my Victory Weekend last November 21, 2010, God gave me a new job. I didn’t apply for the position but the HR told me that she just saw my resume at best jobs. So I just went to attend the interviews but after my Victory Weekend, I got the job offer! God is so good, that the blessings just kept on pouring in that I don’t have to really work hard for it.

As what He promised on His word:

But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. – Matthew 6:33

As 2011 begins, I will start my year right. I will align my path with God. I will be expectant for more blessings, more wisdom and knowledge from Him. And I know that His grace is always sufficient, more of blessings too at the ministry. Because I know that this is just the beginning of my journey with Him.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. – Jeremiah 29:11

November 19-20, 2010

Victory Weekend what’s in it? It is a life changing experience, it’s the best decision that I’ve ever made. Now I understand the excitement, fulfillment, importance of having a personal relationship with my God.

The Process:

Victory Weekend is the most unique “retreat” that I’ve ever attended. It struck me straight to my heart, and God made me see how sinful and selfish I am. To be able to participate, you must be:

1.       A member of “Victory Group”.

2.       You must finish the “One to One” booklet with your Victory Group Leader.

3.       Register to be able to participate.

4.       Do “3 days fasting” before Victory Weekend.

5.       Answer the “Preparing for Victory” manual one week before Victory Weekend.

6.       Buy the “Experiencing Victory” manual to be able to understand the topics on Victory Weekend.

7. The Water Baptismal.

 

A week before Victory Weekend, the attacks of the enemy was stronger that I’ve ever thought. That was the 1^st time that I really experienced it that the enemy disturbed me through my family and work. At first I used to think that it was normal. Then, I remembered, “oo nga pala Victory Weekend na sa Friday.” Then I prayed to God and He told me that I have to be strong and never lose my focus this time. The enemy keeps on putting lies on my head and hatred in my heart to be able to lose focus on God. And then I told myself, “This is it! There’s no turning back!” So I hold on to God, and prayed to give me strength, keep me on track, to be sensitive and hear Him during my quiet time. And by God’s grace I survived all the trials a week before the event.

 

The Event:

The “Experiencing Victory” Manual showed me the most painful event in my life. In Section One, there’s a topic: “The Cross: What God did for me”, I realized how selfish I am. That God loves me so much, and God sent His only son to give me LIFE. Jesus is perfect and holy but He was crucified on the cross because of my sins. Now I fully understand the meaning of the Cross in my life. It’s not just a Cross, BUT because of the cross I have my life to live with God. He’s so amazing because He never grew tired of reaching out to sinners like me. When I saw the materials that the Romans used to crucify my Savior I was humiliated in front of Him. Because I know if not for Jesus, I am the one who needs to be crucified to pay for my sins. And I must say that I would be dead by now. I can’t even ask God for anything at that time. I was crying, and all I can say is “God please forgive me for all of my sins”. That was the first time in my life that I cried out to God and humbled myself in front of Him. Because I know, I am not worth of anything if His Son was not crucified on the Cross. I am blessed and thankful for the gift of salvation. And I will never forget what Pastor John said, “Never underestimate your value as a Christian, because you were bought at a HIGH PRICE”.

The Experience:

I know my value now, because with God I am precious. I am His Princess. I am His loving daughter. I am worth of everything. With God I know that I can never go wrong. He’s someone that will never go back on my past, because with Him I am a new creation. Being a Christian is not easy. Because being a human we are born with the sins of our ancestors (sin that started from Adam and Eve). And the curse of sin will run down from generation to generation, and only Jesus can stop and cut the curse from my family. My heart is full of joy that I can relax and believe in faith that God cut the curse of sin in my life. Only God’s grace can sustain me, and can give strength in my walk with Him. Yes, there are still temptations BUT if I hold on to God his grace is always sufficient. Everyday, He has revelations. His words are more meaningful in my life.

 

The BIBLE is the best book that we can ever have. Before, this book is just an ordinary book for me, a book that will tell me the miracles, good things that God has done. But now, I realized that God’s commandments and His principles never changed. It started from Adam and Eve and until now all of His commandments, His character never changed. God is consistent. He is 100% percent sure of everything that was written in the Bible. Wonder what the BIBLE means? It’s “Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth”.

The Realizations:

Now, I know I am on the right path. Yes, I still make mistakes but the fact that I am willing to exert an effort to live for my God is the best thing in my life. I couldn’t ask for more, because the wall of sins in my life was torn. Now I can come to God without hesitations, and I know that He loves me so much! I realized, that He never changed even though we are fickle minded. His love is consistent, it never fades. He is 100% faithful in my life, because if he’s not I will not be saved. And right now, I am not afraid to say that death is just a part of my life that will come anytime soon and it is the only way to be with my God. Death will kill my body but not my soul and spirit that belong to my Creator.

 

I would like to thank Thine Mojica, Yko Olandez, Kim Mijares, Joyce Habitan, Kath Azarias and Abhie Timajo for standing by my side, for all the prayers and support, for your overflowing passion and love.

And also to KG Sanchez, Elaine Buhain and Diana for being my classmates.

To all the pastors, facilitators and participants of Victory Weekend Alabang,

We are all VICTORIOUS in CHRIST!

The Water Baptismal

Kim, Elaine, KG, Me, Yko and Diana

Pastors, Participants and Facilitators of Victory Weekend

Lunch Time after Water Baptismal

Special Thanks to Kim Mijares for the photos 🙂

Every Nation 2010 was an awesome experience for me. It was my first time to attend a conference with 20, 000 attendees. At first I wonder how we’ll fit at the SMX Convention Center. But God made it all possible! According to His word “All things are possible! –Luke 18:27”

It was three great days of praise and worship, sharing how God works in our lives and praying for each other. There are different speakers from Africa, China, Iraq, Philippines, Laos, etc. as they share their experiences and speak about God; you can see how God transformed their lives.

One speaker from Iran was a communist and now he’s a believer. He used to kill people without pity. But as God revealed Himself to Him, he can’t do anything but to hunger for more for God’s presence. He was caught in Iran for sharing the gospel, and was prisoner for 135 days and he fasted for 132 days. Even in trials and tribulations he praised God. Because he’s in good faith that God is at work and in control of everything. And if ever he’ll die, he’ll die for his “Jesus”. He’s a brave man, with an incredible faith!

Then, I realized how lucky I am because I can serve and praise God anytime. I should be thankful enough that I don’t have to experience that kind of persecution in praising God. As we sing worship songs for Him, I can’t help myself but cry because I am forever grateful how God take good care of me and won’t allow me to experience that. He loves me and I am so lucky to have the freedom to express my faith.

I believe that God revealed Himself to me and to other people in different ways. God knows the best way to reveal Himself for us to see how powerful, grateful and faithful He is in our lives. I believe that God is very unique in making ways for us to experience His love and understanding. No words can define how matchless He is. My heart is filled with overflowing joy because I am a part of a congregation that “Honors God and make disciples”. He called us for us to make fishers of man. He called us for a purpose and to be a part of His kingdom. I know that time will come that I’ll be walking with my God in heaven. I am so excited for His plans for me, and how I experience Him in my life right now.

My favorite words from a few speakers at EN2010:

“I don’t endorse a politician, I only endorse JESUS” – Efren Penaflorida

“God made a way to me through McDonald hamburgers” – Jackie from China

“We’re not here to receive glory but to give glory” – Darlene Zschech

To Honor GOD . . . and make Disciples

Countdown

Darlene Zschech

Victory Group One

Victory Group Two