Fresh Start Daily

I made matcha cheesecake today. I used the bain marie method to avoid cracks. Then I put yogurt on top and sprinkled some matcha powder. Yum!

I looked outside the window while taking a bath and saw this. The first thing I saw from the cloud formation was a dog that is looking up (side view). I stepped out of the bathroom to get my phone and took a picture of this. I put my phone back outside and continued bathing. A few minutes later, I looked out again and saw another cloud formation. Guess what it was! A dog! Again!

I didn’t take a picture of it anymore because I wanted to finish bathing. Then I said a prayer for our dogs in the province–for God to give them long lives and to keep them healthy and happy.

I noticed that Boogie’s hair on the top of his head has turned white already. Mama said that his hearing isn’t that good anymore. He is already 11 years old (77 years in dog years). Our Boogie is a wowo…

(These pictures were taken 4 days ago before we left for the deer farm.)

Woke up at around 5, got ready, and left the house at 5:45. My brother and I went biking from San Felipe to Carolina, to Pacol, then to Panicuason. We were supposed to go to the foot of the mountain but I didn’t realize mountain biking requires high stamina.

Anyway, on our way back, we didn’t even have to pedal because our tires literally just rolled down the street. It was really just the way up that was difficult but the way down was a breeze. We were able to get home at 9.

Persecution has been a part of my life ever since I became a Christian. I understand that persecution is certain in the life of a believer and follower of Jesus but it’s always painful. When I got home tonight, I asked God to speak to me through His Word. I was led to Isaiah 43 and my eyes were glued on “Fear not”. I continued reading and saw “Fear not for I am with you.”

I read chapter 44 and again encountered “Fear not”. When I read chapter 41, “Fear not” was mentioned three times. The words that were repeated many times in those three chapters are:

“Fear not, for I am with you…”
“You are My witnesses…”
“You are My servant…”
“I have chosen you…”
“I will help you.”

I had goosebumps when I read those. I know it was God speaking to me. He wants to assure me that I should not fear persecution because He is with me and that He will help me as I witness to people. I broke down after reading the second “Fear not”. I know that God is real and that He knows everything that happens in my life but I can’t help being astonished every time I experience His manifest presence.

What an honor to be chosen by the Lord of lords and King of kings to be His servant—to be His witness. Just like the apostle Paul, I am not there yet. I am only able to press on because God continues to breathe life into me and give me strength and hope.

Guess who joined our group today? It’s Matty!!! I told him to join the other teacher’s group because I was thinking he would find it awkward to stay with me but he did stay with me. When he was four years old and he saw me wearing the NxtGen uniform, he was so surprised. He said he only wants me to be his aunt and not his Sunday school teacher. That was not possible at that time though because I was handling ten and eleven-year-old kids. Hehe!

The girls I used to teach in Sunday school have all grown up and are to graduate in March. I prayed about the next group of children I should teach this year and I was led by the Holy Spirit to start with six-year-olds. I plan to follow them as they grow up in Sunday school and as they grow in Christ.

Honestly, I had apprehensions in teaching young kids because they can be a handful. The first time I handled 6-year-olds this month, my throat hurt. I’m not used to raising my voice. However, since it’s a heterogeneous group who loves to play and run around, I have to exercise my vocal chords to be heard. I was overwhelmed by their number and their exuberance.

The second time, it was right after the prayer and fasting week, I did ask God to help me handle the children that He has entrusted to my care. I was surprised to know that our group was one of the most behaved. Praise God! Prayer always works! I cannot do this on my own. Kids are suuuper cute and cuddly but they can also be very challenging. I believe God is training me. I will learn and grow along with the kids. 😃