I feel weak :(

Well just met my classes today. It's unfortunate that I wasn't in "fighting form" :( (I have the flu).

I opted to come to class even with my condition. I promised the Lord that I will give my 100% for Him in my work. That this simple ailment will not hinder me to worship the Lord my God. I'm thankful that he gave me the energy to talk to my class, that the fire that is inside me... the passion I have to teach my students was still there... the passion of doing my best for the honor of God.

My Prayer to the Lord

Lord God I feel weak... my mind and body is at its limits... but my heart Lord continues to work for Your glory. I pray Lord that you give me the strength to overcome this obstacle... that I maybe able to serve you even with this ailment. I love you Lord God, and this simple sacrifice of mine is not enough for what you have done for me 2000 years ago on that cross... by dying for my sins - You have saved me from the fires of hell. I know Lord God that I should not fear anyone or anything because You are my defender, my redeemer, my strength, my hope, my shield, my comforter... as you promised and as I have experienced... You're always am with me.

Have you?

Just woke up a few minutes ago... now I'm gonna get ready to go to the sunday service @ Republic of Malate. Hmmm, I have a sore throat (again!)... Wahhh! How will I sing for the Lord later at service? How will I talk to my students this week?

Usually we only get to appreciate things, senses, and talents given by God when you lose it. Think about this my friend... have you used the senses, talents He has given you at all? If so, another question... how did you use it? If not - why?

Below are a couple of stories from my life that I'd like to share with you guys

The Sketching Story

When I was in grade school I used to draw (pencil, pastels, charcoal)... I drew landscapes and people... in fact I even entered drawing contests - I can say that I was good at it! Then came a point where I simply given-up drawing (high school)... and one time while walking, I met my grade school art teacher; you can say that he's my mentor with regards to the drawing and painting. He asked me "Hello Norman, kamusta?" I replied "Ok lang sir" with a smile. He then asked me "O, nag-draw-drawing ka pa ba?" I then replied "Sir hindi na". With a sad face he said "Sayang naman". His words and the expression on his face still haunt my thoughts till this very day.

The Tae Kwon Do Varsity

In highschool, my friend Ligert asked me to join the Tae Kwon Do club. At first it was simply exercise but as the months past by my view on Tae Kwon Do transformed; from exercise to serious pursuit of the art. I can say the pursuit was because of my friend’s passion for the art and my respect and admiration to our mentor Mr. Rolly Paterno. Tae Kwon Do was my world was in everything that I do.

Then the last tournament that I and Ligert had for LSGH came, National Tae Kwon Do Championship (the biggest event in all of Philippine Tae Kwon Do events wherein there are 5 fighters and for the entire team to advance 3/5 must win their individual matches). After several months of training... after all the pain... here is the arena to prove myself... and to give honor to my school, my team mates and my mentor. But during that time I had to overcome adversity, there was an oversight on the weight category that I was in. I was overweight by 10lbs and had to remove those pounds in a week’s time. It was the lowest and the most painful time of my all highschool days - but my mentor stuck with me through that endeavor. With Sir Rolly's help I reached the required weight, but at a price. All the hardwork, the training has gone to waist... I was famished! I felt weak! The speed and power of my kicks, my reflexes have all been diminished due to that 1 week’s journey.

But I can't simply give-up! During the two days tournament - I fought with my all my heart! During the team huddle Sir Rolly even commented "I'd like to commend Norman, his attitude, kita nyo naman na wala syang lakas pero he still fought ang gave his all. Let's have that attitude, that heart". My friend Ligert also encouraged me. Our team won battle after battle but came the turning point of it all... we lost our bronze medal fight... the only time that me and Ligert lost. After the match Sir Rolly talked to me and Ligert. He said thanks for our effort and dedication; he encouraged us to continue our pursuit of Tae Kwon Do even in our college days... and even said that with hard work we might even end up in the Philippine team. (We were in tears as Sir Rolly said though encouraging words). It's sad that Ligert and I stopped Tae Kwon Do when we reached our 2nd year in college.

Conclussion

Now thinking about my past... here are men who believed in my skills, my talents... men who saw something in me, who encouraged me to use my skills & talents... and I simply put it to waste. I can simply imagine what could have happened if I continued with my drawing... my art work might already be in different art galleries... if I pursued Tae Kwon Do... I could be fighting right now for the glory of our nation.

In the past, I drew and fought to please my mentors and other people. The result is I gave-up. I started the race but never did I finish it. Yes I had passion... but never did I channel that passion to a greater pursuit... for a greater purpose. Yes I was out to please someone... but not THE ONE who gave me ALL the gifts and talents that I have.

When I think of my mentors right now... the sadness on their face knowing that I gave up... that I didn't use the skills and talents given to me... I think of how God must have been feeling all this time. From my birth until my adulthood I have a squandered what He has given. Me - not going to my full potential! Me limiting myself! Me not using his gifts for His glory. Me not doing what He has planned for me! Me not doing His will!

Open your Bible and read Matthew 25:14-30 (The Parable of the Talents).

God gave us all these gifts; the more you use the gifts that He gave can lead to new gifts... a grander purpose... I can imagine now that if I used my gift of drawing, I would have excelled and might have lead to me knowing how to paint and not simply sketch... it would be an instrument for me in advancing God's kingdom. Or if I pursued Tae Kwon Do, I might be in the Philippine Team right now and again... God would have used me for His purpose there.

I know God gave me the gift of teaching... he also gave me a talent for singing... and now, having this relationship with Jesus Christ - I get to appreciate the love that God have for me. Grabe bro! He's a very very loving God talaga! Everyday He shows me what he gave - and I didn't know that I had them all along pala. Bro, I'm simply am scratching the surface of His majesty... His gifts for me... and I'm ecstatic! C'mon! Now I'm going to use the gifts that I know I have... teaching and singing... unlike my younger years where I would do things to please people... this time... I'm going to please My God! When I said that I will follow you Lord... I made a covenant! I will finish this race! I will be God's champion! I will use everything that He has given me for His purpose for His kingdom for His Glory!

I will teach my students not only academics but what life is all about... about values... about faith... I will use God's gift of singing as I train under the Music Ministry and I know one day God will ask me to perform for Him and sing for Him in front of the children of God.

I will teach and sing with my heart and my soul... when I'm weak... I'll call upon the Lord to grant me the strength to overcome any obstacle... so that I can further His kingdom here on earth!

I encourage you to use it! It's God given!

Friend, what do you think you'll answer when God asks you when you're judged... what have you done with the gifts I given you? I pray it's not - "wala... I opted to watch TV and party all day and night"

Going back to my questions at the start of my post.

Usually we only get to appreciate things, senses, and talents given by God when you lose it. Think about this my friend... have you used the senses, talents He has given you at all? If so, another question... how did you use it? If not - why?

The BEST Decision!

Just came from Campus Harvest. What? You weren't there? I tell you... you missed alot! Talk about PASSION for Christ! Man! The best! Don't worry though... if you were unable to join this years "Harvest"... it's not too late... I believe next year's "Harvest" will be even more bountiful! Ei... last year I wasn't part of the event... and now... WOW! C'mon! :D

Now I wanna ask you something my bro/sis... What is the best decision you did in your entire life? Ok... wait and reflect... think... was it applying in school / course / job you wanted? Asking out the girl of your dreams (for guys)? Accepting a date from your crush (girls)? Getting married? Accepting a promotion? Going on a trip? Etc... etc... Now some/all of these might be "valid" decisions... some might even be life changing... but I tell you this bro/sis - for me... everything that the world can offer can't be compared to what the Lord has in store... The best decision for me is not... getting that dream job... it's not asking out and being accepted to a date from the girl of my dreams... etc... But rather... the best and I mean the BEST! Is accepting and surrendering my life to the Lord!

I was focussed on the wrong things... my life was work and/or relationships... and it led to depression & stress... talk about existing and walking through life not knowing what my purpose is... everything seemed "robotic".

But since the Lord has taken control of my life... He has shown me amazing things! He has opened my eyes to the TRUTH! By surrendering to His will... to His Lordship... I began to see changes in the way I think... the way I do things... the way I interact with people... even the way I "feel". Everything is so simple... he also has continually blessed me from day one! I can't imagine what He'll give me tomorrow... the day after... two years from now... etc... Exciting bro/sis!

Ei bro/sis... when God makes a promise... He means it... just like my post last April 3... He'll give those who are faithful to Him the desires of their heart. I never thought that God is this giving! Cool! Hmmm, I can babble all day long and you won't understand what I'm saying... but I know! You're questioning my post right this very moment... "totoo ba yan?"... "wushu"... "bola"... "stir".... "ano ba yan mga desires nya?"... “malamang hindi mangyayari mga sinasabi nya”… “dreamer”

I tell you… don’t take my word for it... you have to experience it yourself! I challenge you! To take that leap of faith... focus your energies to having THE relationship… a relationship with Jesus Christ... If you think you know him… think again! Bro/Sis you have nothing to lose... but all to gain! Believe me it'll be the best decision you’ve done! :)

If you need help on how to start a relationship with Jesus... feel free to send an email through norman.g.lee@gmail.com or through my cell number 09178552066.

All glory and honor to the Lord Jesus Christ! :D

Campus Harvest!

Wahoo! Today is the start of Campus Harvest! :D Change the campus... Change the world! I'll be attending todays Teachers and Administrators Seminar at the ENLI Building at the Global City.

May the Lord fill us today with his grace so that we can further glorify his name!

Psalm 145:10-12

10 All you have made will praise you, O LORD;
your saints will extol you.
11 They will tell of the glory of your kingdom
and speak of your might,
12 so that all men may know of your mighty acts
and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.

CONCON? Charter Change? Leadership?

For the past years, our politicians have been talking about charter change - presidential to a parliamentary form of government and just last night I heard news that congress is planning to push the CONCON.

How sad that our "leaders" and some sectors of the public think that changing the form of government will improve life, solve poverty and destroy corruption - basing their views on the success of governments that follow the parliamentary form. I can see it now where "leaders" will go on TV, radio, print and the internet... justifying the need to change the charter.

My brothers and sisters... the problem with our government is not the structure but rather the people who "run"... who "lead". What's the use of changing the form of government if the "leaders" that will be in the new form of government are the same people who run the current one?

If we're serious in changing our lives! There is only one answer - Jesus! Surrender to his Lordship and follow his teaching of loving God above all and loving your brothers as you love yourself. The world we live in - blinds us to the truth. It blinds us to the point that we put money as our god. That my friends is the problem. Yes money is a nessesity to survive... but it shouldn't rule our lives! God should be our ruler! And this world has also blinded us to look-out for ourselves... self-love... selfishness... which is a contradiction of Jesus' teaching of loving your brothers as yourself.

Leadership in this world equates to Position, Power and Privilege... but REAL LEADERSHIP is becoming a servant and being subservient - just like the greatest leader of all time! Jesus Christ!

Leadership is moving people onto God's agenda, not ours! We are nothing without him! All glory and honor should be for him alone.

Matthew 20: 24 - 28

²⁴When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers. ²⁵Jesus called them together and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. ²⁶Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, ²⁷and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— ²⁸just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

More Praises!

Just bought the Hillsong CD's yesterday :) with our hearts and God's grace the fire will continue burning! Fan the flames Lord! Glory be to God!

One Way

I lay my life down at Your feet.
You're the only one I need.
I turn to You and You are always there.
In troubled times, it's You I seek.
I put You first that's all I need .
I humble all I am, all to You.

One way, Jesus.
You're the only One that I could live for.
One way, Jesus.
You're the only One that I could live for.

You are always, always there.
Every how and everywhere.
Your grace abounds so deeply within me.
You will never, ever change.
Yesterday, today the same. Forever 'til forever meets no end.

One way, Jesus.
You're the only One that I could live for.
One way, Jesus.
You're the only One that I could live for.

You are the Way, the Truth, and the Life, we live by faith and not by sight.
For You, we're living all for You.

All Day! For the Lord!

When I was young, people kept on saying to me that there is a "proper" time to worship God and read the Bible. I was also taught that God is this Almighty God... to be feared! A God who punishes! Hmm, let's say as a kid... I felt God was so distant and hard to reach... I was worshiping out of fear.

I thought to myself... is God really this "punisher"? I remember my teachers say "Naku bad yan... magagalit si God!" (Translation: "That's bad... God will get angry!"). In a sense yes God will get angry if we do things that are against His commandments but... I think my teachers in religion class should have explained or showed the reasons behind the commands. I thought the commands were too "restrictive" or "harsh" but now; having my eyes opened, having my brain... WASHED! (Like Pastor Nixon shared "I'm happy they are brainwashing me... because my brain is full of dirt and I needed it washed!") I know God is a caring and loving God, and that the commandments are there because of love and concern. Thus, now I'm doing and following the commands not because of fear... but because I love God! They are not at all restrictive or harsh... infact they freed me from the bondage of this world! Wahooo!

Oh by the way, with regards to having a "proper" time for God... I say, EVERYTIME is a "proper" time for God! He should be part of our daily activities... from the time we open our eyes until we close them to sleep... wait... even in sleep! He's still part of it, hehehe... well the song below can help explain. Glory be to God!

This one is for the Lord! It's from the Hillsong Praise and Worship CD.

All Day

I don't care what they say about me
It's alright, alright
I don't care they think about me
It's alright, they'll get it one day

I love you, I'll follow you
You are my, my life
I will read my bible and pray
I will follow you all day

I don't care what it costs anymore
Cos' you gave it all and I'm following you
I don't care what it takes anymore
No matter what happens I'm going your way

All Day
All Day now
All Day

Anyone around can see
just how good you've been to me
For all my friends that don't know you
I pray that you would save them too

Love moves in mysterious ways

Been listening to this song (Nina Version) for couple of weeks now... ei Bethel (sa kanya yun playlist kasi and lagi tugtog hehehe) na-last song syndrome ako! Wahhh! Pero nice song nga eto.

Love Moves in Mysterious Ways

Who'd have thought this how the pieces fit
You and I shouldn't even try making sense of it
I forgot how we ever came this far,
I believe we had reasons but I don't know what they are,
So I blame it on my heart oh...

[Chorus:]
Love moves in mysterious ways
It's always so surprising
How love appears over the horizon
I love you for the rest of my days
But still it's a mystery
Of how you ever came to me
Which only proves, love moves in mysterious ways

Heaven knows, Love is just a chance we take
We make plans, but then love demands of leap of faith
So hold me close and never ever let me go
'Coz even though we think we know which way the river flows
That's not the way love goes, no..

[Chorus:]
Love moves in mysterious ways
It's always so surprising
How love appears over the horizon
I love you for the rest of my days
But still it's a mystery
Of how you ever came to me
Which only proves, love moves in mysterious ways

Bridge:
Like the ticking of the clock, two hearts beat as one
But I'll never understand the way it;s done, oh

[Chorus:]
Love moves in mysterious ways
It's always so surprising
How love appears over the horizon
I love you for the rest of my days
But still it's a mysteryOf how you ever came to me
Which only proves, love moves in mysterious ways

Love moves in mysterious...ways.....

Yep I agree that love do move in mysterious ways! :D *dreamy eyed* ei... guys can be mushy too! Hehehe :D

On Fire! Wahoo!

I'm very happy to say that I've been a Christian for a month now. I have accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior and everything and I mean bro... Everything is different! :) Everything is clearer... Simpler... Life is definitely worth living... living for Christ.

The world we live in today constantly bombard us with ideas that blind us to the truth. No wonder why our nation our world is like this. :(

"Lord I have been so blinded by this world that I was going through life as a daily routine... Simply existing for the sake of existing. I know that I am young in my faith and that with all my iniquities I am very capable of failing... But I know I can overcome any obstacle any test since I have you by my side. Nothing is impossible to you Lord! Mold me Lord to who I should be... Lead me Lord to what I should be doing... Change my heart so that I can serve you better, your will be done."

I'm excited to see and do what the Lord asks of me. Hmmm, I just joined "Campus Harvest" cool! We believe that the youth is/are the future of this nation / the world and if you want to change the world/nation you change their lives through Christ.

For more information you can email campusharvestasia@vli.edu.ph