February 2009 Calendar

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOEL, MONTY, BETH and MILA
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January Calendar

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PASTOR JUN & ELMER!
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Tagaytay Retreat

We were truly blessed when we went to Tagaytay for evaluation and planning. It wasn't all work, but we had plenty of time for bonding with each other and the kids.
Caleb Monty shared with us the District-wide plans, projects and activities for 2009. We are excited about the upcoming couples "hearts day" celebration in February where we will have the privilege to fellowship with couples from other cell groups within Marikina I District. It is our desire to share with them our wonderful experiences as a couples group and let them know the benefits of husbands and wives growing together in Christ. We thank God for this opportunity.
Elmer shared about "Highway of Holiness," the need for us to clothe ourselves with Christ-likeness in our journey as believers, Jesus being our guide. We do not take the journey only by ourselves. We take it together with our brothers and sisters in Christ. We are accountable of each other's Christian walk. We should then uplift, encourage and edify each other, while we rebuke in love. Questions were thrown and got the group thinking about own weaknesses and strengths and that of each others'. The wonderful thing about this is we are open to accept rebuke and correction. Every one always has a space for spiritual growth and should welcome such an opportunity. What a blessing to be in a group where members are willing to "mend and blend."

The stay in Tagaytay also gave the Dads a chance to play with their kids at the basketball court. It was an awesome experience to be laughing, running and playing ball, and a realization at the same time that the dads are not getting any younger. In no time daddies were gasping for breath while the kids were just warming up! It was a fun moment, though, that we believe the kids themselves enjoyed.

We thank God for the lovely opportunity of fellowship in a beautiful place, (thanks to Kuya Monty's friend, Steve) and we look forward to a closer and warmer relationship with each other, knowing this is what God desires of us.

Things to Consider in 2009

1. Wake Up!!
Decide to have a good day. "Today is the day the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalms 118:24

2. Dress Up!!
The best way to dress up is to put on a smile. A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks. "The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at outward appearance; but the Lord looks at the heart." I Samuel 16:7

3. Shut Up!!
Say nice things and learn to listen. God gave us two ears and one mouth, so He must have meant for us to do twice as much listening as talking. "He who guards his lips guards his soul." Proverbs 13:3

4 Stand Up!!... For what you believe in.
Stand for something or you will fall for anything.. "Let us not be weary in doing good; for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good..." Galatians 6:9-10

5. Look Up!!... To the Lord.
"I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

6. Reach Up!!... For something higher. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, And He will direct your path." Proverbs 3:5-6

7. Lift Up!!... Your Prayers.
"Do not worry about anything; instead PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING."
Philippians 4:6

God answers PRAYERS…..

A BLESSED NEW YEAR 2009………………

Message forwarded by Ate Dydze

Sienna's Year-ender

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Parties are not the same for Sienna without LJ and LA's presence, so we say, but God has been good... it went well and yes, nakaraos naman!
Theme was scarves. Everyone wore jeans with white tops, accentuated with colorful scarves to feel the cool spirit of the yuletide season. Simple, but cool!
We had with us Pastor Brent and Sis Kim, Pastor Ed and Sis Esther, and Pastors Jun and Ginger.

We also welcomed the new addition to our family: (from left) Mike and Arlene, Cathy and Archie, Maricar and Gene.
The party started with about 5 opening remarks, since it was not at all planned (haha). And what do you know... with or without plans, the party began and flowed unexpectedly very well!
As usual, Joel and Chris (our official emcees)saw to it that there was enough moment of fun, laughter, games and "appropriate" music! Ever tried doing the trip to Bethlehem with "Close to You" as controlling song? "Why do birds..." di ba naman hirap hanapan ng steps? But it was fun... really... after about 3 times of "Close to You"s, we tried "Celebration" and there, the beat was finally caught! Everyone danced with Woohoos and Yahoos! Saya!




Who could forget the kissing game (O ha!)? This game is fun and sweet for partners... Husband holds the lipstick using his mouth and applies it to wife's lips. Wife now kisses the husband and leaves as many kiss marks as possible... anywhere... no rules... hanggang kaya ng konsensiya haha! and the winners (janjararaaan)... Pastors Jun and Ginger!!! Yehey! MMMMhmmmm... kissable and irresistible ba o gigil lang yan?


One of the highlights of the gathering (as always) was the "kodakan" moments. Siempre feeling giniginaw... thanks to the scarves we were wearing... it really seemed like it was soooo cold!
Ayun! ok naman, not so bad! We had fun... We had big smiles, loud laughters and kabag as bonus!
It's amazing to see how time flies so fast. 2008 is over and another year has begun. What is in store for Sienna? Whatever God has for us, we are but sure it's always for the good of everyone!

And so, all the best to the group... and may the Good Lord be our Guide through the year 2009 and onwards!!!

Hope in the Lord

“Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (Isaiah 40:30-31, NIV).

Everyone has times when they feel tired and overwhelmed by the pressures of life. But notice, this scripture gives us a clear remedy: Hope in the Lord. It’s easy to put your hope in other things; maybe you had hope in a relationship, hope in a job, hope in the stock market. It’s time to redirect your hope to the One who will never let you down; the One who never changes, the Rock of Ages.

When you’re tempted to give up on your dreams, when you’re tempted to just settle where you are, listen to that still, small voice of hope on the inside that says, “No way. This is not who I am. I was created to live in victory. I was created to overcome this sickness. I was created to rise above these problems.” Put your hope and trust in the Lord because He is faithful! As you do, He will renew your strength. He’ll cause you to soar on wings like the eagle, and you’ll be empowered to move forward confidently into the victory He has for you!

A Prayer for Today

Father in heaven, today I choose to put my hope in You. I know You have good plans for me. Thank You for renewing my strength and keeping me close to You. Fill me with Your peace and joy today. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Devotion shared by LJ