Fresh Start Daily

~Successes~

I am learning that we should enjoy our successes—big or small—because God allows them. God wants His children to prosper in what they do.

There are many characters in the Bible that God prospered because they loved Him. Joseph (the dreamer), for example, became successful because God was with Him (Genesis 39:2). King Solomon said in Ecclesiastes that we should enjoy the fruits of our labor.

“This is what I have observed to be good: that it is appropriate for a person to eat, to drink and to find satisfaction in their toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given them—for this is their lot. Moreover, when God gives someone wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot and be happy in their toil—this is a gift of God.” – Ecclesiastes 5:18-19

It’s not pride to want to celebrate when we’ve achieved something on earth, especially if we worked hard for it. God teaches us hard work and discipline. At the same time, He gives us the strength to work and to prosper.

“But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.” – Deuteronomy 8:18

“Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest—and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man.” – Proverbs 6:6-11

~Failures~

I am learning to rejoice in my failures—because God allows them. The apostle Paul was given a thorn in the flesh by the enemy and he asked God to take it away but God did not grant his request. It’s not because Paul didn’t love Him or He didn’t love Paul. To keep the apostle from becoming conceited, and to keep him always dependent on Him, the Lord allowed it to stay.

“…I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.’” – 2 Corinthians 12:7-9

Oftentimes, when the situation is too painful, we want to avoid it or end it right away. However, there are situations that are not within our control. I am learning to lift up to God problems I cannot solve. I am learning to go through them WITH GOD. He reminds me time and time again to ask what the situation is teaching me and how I should respond.

God allows the good and the bad for a reason. HE knows why things happen—or don’t happen—and we will not always understand it. Our job is to trust Him because He is sovereign. I am learning to praise Him in good times, and trust Him in bad times. God is good whether I succeed or fail. His character does not change based on my circumstance. It says in James 1:17 that He “does not change like shifting shadows”. My life is in His hands. I offer everything (successes and failures) to Him. It’s all about God. We are created by Him, for Him. It’s all for His glory.

“For in Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” – Colossians 1:16-17

I constantly need to be reminded that I am merely a sojourner in this world. Having that perspective helps me to hold things lightly. Everything He gives, I give back to Him. Just like what Paul said, I am what I am because of the grace of God (1 Corinthians 15:10).

“In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: surely God has appointed the one as well as the other, so that man can find out nothing that will come after him.” – Ecclesiastes 7:14

I love Joseph Benson’s commentary on this verse:

“In the day of prosperity be joyful — Enjoy God’s favours with thankfulness. In the day of adversity consider — Namely, God’s work, that it is his hand, and therefore submit to it: consider also why he sends it: for what sins, and with what design? God also hath set the one against the other — Hath wisely ordained, that prosperity and adversity should succeed one another; that man should find nothing after him — Or, rather, after it, as it may be rendered; that is, after his present condition, whether it be prosperous or afflictive: that no man might be able to foresee what shall befall him afterward; and therefore might live in a constant dependence upon God, and neither despair in trouble, nor be secure or presumptuous in prosperity.”

I remember hearing a celebrity say in her vlog that she felt that she has arrived when she bought her dream house. I was, like, “Wow”. I can’t say that about my life. Then I realized, I don’t want to feel that I’ve arrived—ever. I always want to be dependent on God in everything. It’s not an excuse to not work hard because I believe in hard work. However, as I pondered, I realized life’s sweeter knowing that God is with me in all of my decisions and in the consequences of the decisions for which I failed to seek God’s guidance. I prefer a life with Jesus even if it’s not always a smooth ride than a life without Him.

Also, if we believe that we’ve arrived, we won’t look to God anymore for anything because we’ve become self-sufficient. Worldly success is exactly what it is: success in this world. It’s not something we can take with us in eternity. Genuine and perpetual success is remaining steadfast in our faith in God.

“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” 1 John 2:15-17

Ingredients:

• whole chicken
• EV olive oil
• lemons (about 6 pcs.)
• ground cumin
• rosemary
• thyme
• garlic, grated (I used A LOT!)
• red chili flakes (optional)
• salt
• black pepper, crushed
• water (1 c.)

Method:

• Squeeze 4-5 lemons into a bowl
• Add 1 cup of olive oil into the bowl of lemon juice
• Add the grated garlic and mix
• Mix the salt, pepper, cumin, rosemary, and thyme, then add them to the liquid ingredients
• Add 1 cup of water
• Put the chicken in a pan then pour the marinade into the pan
• Fill the chicken cavity with the marinade plus 1 lemon (sliced) and garlic bulbs (I put 2)
• Sprinkle chili flakes, black pepper, rosemary, and thyme
• Truss the hind legs (with foil or thread)
• Add sliced lemon and garlic bulbs around the chicken for extra flavor (I added corn, too!)
• Bake at 250 degrees C for 1 hour, or until the chicken is golden brown

I was looking for roasted chicken recipes online and came across Mrs. Barretto’s recipe. I read the comments and some of them who tried it said it was delicious, so I decided to use her recipe. She didn’t give exact measurements so I just adjusted according to my liking. 👍🏻 I also wanted to add more corn in the pan but they didn’t fit so I didn’t put everything. The recipe didn’t disappoint. It was really good.

Here’s a snippet of our hybrid convocation ceremony. Those who could not make it in person had to attend virtually—like in our regular classes.

I’m happy that my sleepless nights paid off. The journey hadn’t been easy but I am grateful. While others lost jobs because of the pandemic, I was given the chance to continue working and even study at the same time. I am grateful and humbled to be given this opportunity to study internationally, and to graduate with honours.

When I received the letters in February and June this year informing that I am on the dean’s list for the fall and winter semester, I was surprised. Suddenly, I remembered my prayer before starting the program. I wrote on my prayer request journal last year that I finish with flying colors but I completely forgot about it because the courses were not easy. Our reading materials seemed endless and there were lots of things we had to submit almost every day. I just did my best consistently.

My acceptance in the program is a favor from God. My classmates are very smart. Most of them are licensed teachers in their own countries. Some are musician, director, retired lawyer, etc. I am not a teacher by profession. It was experiential learning for me. Whatever knowledge I have in teaching is from years of experience. Now I understand the rationale behind different methodologies. I discovered there’s so much more behind the practice. I hope I won’t forget them.

I’m happy that God answered my prayer. I was really amazed when I remembered the request I made last year. It’s not a big deal if I graduate without honours. It’s not necessary. I just wanted to do my best to give God glory. Plus, I didn’t want to waste the time, effort, and money invested in it.

I’m not one who aspires scholastic awards. When I was a young student, I didn’t aim to be a valedictorian, magna/summa cum laude, what have you. I just wanted to finish my studies and get on with my life. 😅😂 Of course, I’m happy with my learning but I didn’t stress over achieving school recognitions. It’s nice to receive an award, for sure, but it’s not the most important thing in life. I’m not dismissing people’s hard work and discipline to reach their goals. I’m aware of the sacrifices people have to make to succeed. It’s very admirable and inspiring. 🙂

As for me, it is my offering to God. He deserves all the credit. I couldn’t have done it without Him. I wouldn’t even have the chance if He did not allow it. I cannot accomplish anything without His help. He is my source of strength, wisdom, confidence, and hope. All praises belong to God and to God alone.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters…”– Colossians 3:23

Ingredients:
4 c grated cassava (Do not drain)
2 c coconut milk
1 c condensed milk
1 can evaporated milk
3 eggs
2 tbsp melted butter
2 tsp vanilla

Topping:
3/4 c coconut milk
3/4 c condensed milk
1/4 c butter
2 egg yolks
2-3 c grated cheese

Method:

• Combine all the ingredients and bake at 150-180 C for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
• Mix the ingredients for the topping and add it to the cake, then broil for 15-20 minutes.