It’s a matter of choice!

Sometimes we face challenges in life that we end up having the need to decide a step or path to take. We hear people say, “I didn’t have a choice!” thus, the unrighteous act. But this is never a case. We always have a choice. Choices are part of God’s plan in our lives. From the very start, God has always offered us choices. We were never forced to do anything against our will—though He made us aware, that in every choice we make, there is a corresponding consequence. (A man reaps what he sows - Gal 6:7)

 Deut 30:19-20 “This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to His voice, and hold fast to Him. For the LORD is your life, and He will give you many years in the land He swore to give you to your father, Abram, Isaac and Jacob.”

 Are you in a situation today where you need to make a choice? Choose life, choose God! 

 Prov 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

JANUARY 2011 CALENDAR

LOVE ONE ANOTHER, Jan 21, 2011

Lesson: Love One Another so that Others May Know that We are His Disciples

We, people naturally take pride of owning expensive brand items like Penguin, Hermes, Lacoste, Steffano Ricci, Armani, etc. We take pride in our favorite sports team, universities or even hometowns. We make these things "known" to others by wearing or using stuffs that carry the names of these faves of ours, to the extent, at times, of looking like "walking advertisements."

As Christians, do we ever take pride of being so? How do we let others know that we are faithful followers of Christ?

John 13:34-35 say: A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.

What makes us different from non-believers? LOVE is the answer.It is the ability to love by the grace we have received through the Christ & by the power of the Holy Spirit. Others will know we are Christians because we are able to LOVE even the unlikable ones.

Ephesians 5:22-32 tells of how husbands ought to love their wives. It is likened to how Christ loves His Church (us).

Sacrificial Love (v25) Christ gave himself up for the church.
Purifying love (v26) He made the church holy, cleansing her with water through the word
Caring love (v29) Christ feeds and cares for His Church.
Love that unites (v 31-32) Christ unites himself with the church.

DISCUSSION/APPLICATION:
1. How can we, as Church/cell group members show sacrificial love? Come on time, prepared. Set aside this special time to meet with God. Pray and spend time alone with God before coming to the cell meeting and ask God that you will be used to bless and minister to others during the group study.

2. What can we do to keep ourselves clean and holy? Do regular devotions. Refrain from activities that may lead you astray. Be accountable to one another. Communicate regularly with your accountability/prayer partner.

3. How can we show that we care for others? Reach out. Minister to others. Become a blessing.
Praise God for the line-up of ministries planned by Sienna for 2011:
Water Baptism and membership processing of new members of our daughter cells
Visit to at least 2 ECC house churches
Visit to a group of cancer patients (kids)
sponsor a student from Villa Corazon
Visit/share a "specialty" (pang-kabuhayan) to the kababaihan of Villa Corazon.
join a medical mission (c/o Chic)
*** May the Good Lord allow us to go through these activities according to His Will. His plan and will still prevail

4. How do we keep ourselves united? LOVE with the love of the Lord. God's love is the only way to keep us together. If we love and see through God's eyes, we will be able to overlook at others' weaknesses. We will have compassion on everyone, knowing that we, ourselves, are nothing without Christ, and it is only by grace that we have been saved.

LET US THEN LOVE ONE ANOTHER WITH THE LOVE OF THE LORD!

(Bible Study facilitated by Elmer- Jan 21, 2011)

Glory be to God!

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

DECEMBER CELEBRATIONS:

4 - WOMEN OF FAITH CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION
10- MARIKINA I DISTRICT CHRISTMAS PARTY
11- SIENNA AND THE BURDICK COUPLES CHRISTMAS PARTY
15- ***HAPPY BIRTHDAY KUYA DANNY***
17- SIENNA COUPLES PAJAMA PARTY (TO SEND OFF LJ & LA)
18- VILA CORAZON MINISTRY CHRISTMAS OUTREACH/PARTY
21- ***HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHRIS***
24- ***HAPPY BIRTHDAY PASTOR ED***
25- MERRY CHRISTMAS **************
26- ***HAPPY BIRTHDAY KIM***

DaySpring E-Cards

DaySpring E-Cards

Abounding Grace, Quiet Time; DaysSprings Devotion

God is able to make all grace abound toward you. 2 Corinthians 9:8

Grace. What a wonderful word! The very sound of it brings health and healing, comfort and reassurance, encouragement and hope. What does this wonderful word mean to us who have trusted in Christ?

First of all, we need to understand what grace does not mean. It does not mean that God looks at us through rose colored glasses; that He turns His head away and hides His eyes whenever we sin; that He lets us do whatever we please, whenever we please, while assuring us that all is well. Grace is not a permission slip that lets us do our own thing or skip out on our responsibilities. Grace is not a free pass that allows us to break the rules or a “Get Out of Jail Free” card that allows us to escape correction. Grace is not a license to sin.

What is Grace? Here are some helpful and wonderful definitions that have been written and spoken through the years:

Grace is God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense.
Grace is God’s unmerited favor.
Grace is God working in us the will and the desire to do the things that please Him.
Grace is receiving from God what we do not deserve, freely, without money or price.
Grace is God’s influence upon us resulting in happiness and thankfulness.
Grace is amazing!

He giveth more grace as our burdens grow greater,
He sendeth more strength as our labors increase;
To added afflictions He addeth His mercy,
To multiplied trials He multiplies peace.
When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources
Our Father’s full giving is only begun.
Fear not that thy need shall exceed His provision,
Our God ever yearns His resources to share;
Lean hard on the arm everlasting, availing;
The Father both thee and thy load will upbear.
His love has no limits, His grace has no measure,
His power no boundary known unto men;
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus
He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.

The God I Know

The Butterfly Principle

TGIF Today God Is First Volume 1 by Os Hillman
Monday, September 13 2010

"The Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, so that he pursued the Israelites, who were marching out boldly." Exodus 14:8

Over-protective parents do their children a great injustice. The caterpillar that lies inside the cocoon will never become the beautiful butterfly if someone cuts open the cocoon prematurely. It is the struggle itself that allows the butterfly to emerge as a strong, new creature of nature.

God understands how necessary this process is. That is why we are allowed to experience difficult, often life-changing events. He even orchestrates them-all for our benefit. What the Israelites thought was a cruel joke when Pharaoh sent troops to pursue them after they had been freed and penned against the shore of the Red Sea became the stage for the most publicized miracle of all time-the parting of the Red Sea. Generation after generation has heard this incredible story of deliverance. God puts us against the "Red Seas" in order to show His power in and through us. If we do not know God can deliver, then we can never learn to trust Him. Circumstances that go beyond our capabilities of solving them place us at God's complete mercy. This is how He likes it.

Do not fear the calamity that comes your way. If you are faithful to Him in the test, you will see God's power manifested like never before. Just as the Israelites were able to sing a song of deliverance, you too will have your own testimony of the Lord's faithfulness; and you will be able to recall it for others to build your faith and theirs.

Happy Birthday Kuya Jun! (sep13)

AUGUST CALENDAR

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ATE AIDA (Aug 3) AND LANI (Aug 20)

Wait on the Lord and Keep His Way

Psalm 37
The righteous will receive eternal life, while the wicked ultimately will be destroyed.

INSIGHT
Serving the Lord does not always pay temporal dividends. The righteous still experience misfortune, financial reversals, physical illnesses, natural disasters, and persecution. At the same time, the unrighteous often prosper, enjoying wealth, fame, honor, and health. David realizes God´s justice wins in the end. So do not be discouraged in doing right, even when the unrighteous prosper. Do not be tempted to copy them. "Depart from evil and do good" (v. 27). "Wait on the Lord, and keep His way" (v. 34). "Mark the blameless man" (v. 37). "The salvation of the righteous is from the Lord" (v. 39).
-Walk Thru the Bible Daily Devotionals

Reminiscing our 10th Anniversary Celebration in 2009...

CLICK ON IMAGE FOR A CLOSER VIEW



SIENNA THROUGH THE YEARS

Thanks to Youth@Faith who prepared this video presentation for Sienna's 10 wonderful years! Glory be to our God!

July 2010

HAPPY BIRTHDAY P BRENT (JULH 3) AND CRISTY (JULY 24)!


SEE YOU ALL AT THE WOMEN OF FAITH CONFERENCE ON JULY 1Oth.

The Heart of a Father, by Roy Lessin

See how very much our heavenly Father loves us, for He allows us to be called His children, and we really are... I John 3:1 NLT

The Heart of a father is found in the heart of God. In order for a man to be the kind of father that his children need, a man must understand what kind of father God is to his children. Here are four important areas to consider:

Leadership - From a father's steps, a child needs to see the importance of wise choices and good decisions; from a father's love, a child needs to discover purpose, identity and true worth.

Care - A man's work is honorable and is a doorway through which a father helps to express his love and care for his children in practical ways.

Time - Every moment a father spends with his child is another opportunity for good to happen in a child's life.

Himself - Even greater than a father giving his child the gift of time is when a father gives the gift of himself. A Dad is loved because he gives his children the one thing they treasure most - himself.

Blessing for Fathers
A good man obtains favor from the Lord. Proverbs 12:2 NIV
May the blessing of being a father remind you of how valued and honored you are in the eyes of the Lord.
HAPPY FATHERS DAY!

FFA-Marikina I Family Day 2010

FAMILY DAY


on Saturday, May 22, 2010 at GREEN NATURE RESORT & LEISURE PARK
Upper Patiis, Brgy. Guinayang, San Mateo Rizal


***Marikina District-I will shoulder your entrance fees and use of facilities like swimming pool, basketball court, volleyball court and billiards table, while, train rides (P30 per head) and other personal expenses will be to your account.

***Bring the following:

1. own packed food and drinks.

2. proper swimsuits:
- Girls: bathing suit or white shirt and shorts (no buttons and zipper)
- Boys: trunks or shorts only (no buttons and zipper)

3. sportswear and comfortable clothes

Registration begins at 8:00am
9:00M to 12:00nn - P&W/ Games/ Fellowship/ Swimming
Lunchbreak----------
1:00nn to 3:00pm - Swimming/ Games/ Fellowship
Homebound

Bring the whole family with you!!!

WOMEN'S CONFERENCE ON JULY 10, 2010

CLICK IMAGE TO ZOOM IN

STONE, a nice story forwarded by a good friend

TWO FRIENDS WERE WALKING THROUGH THE DESERT.
DURING SOME POINT OF THE JOURNEY THEY HAD AN ARGUMENT
AND ONE FRIEND SLAPPED THE OTHER ONE IN THE FACE.
THE ONE WHO GOT SLAPPED WAS HURT
BUT WITHOUT SAYING ANYTHING, WROTE IN THE SAND,

"TODAY MY BEST FRIEND SLAPPED ME IN THE FACE ."

THEY KEPT ON WALKING UNTIL THEY FOUND AN OASIS,
WHERE THEY DECIDED TO TAKE A BATH .
THE ONE WHO HAD BEEN SLAPPED GOT STUCK IN THE MIRE
AND STARTED DROWNING, BUT THE FRIEND SAVED HIM.
AFTER HE RECOVERED FROM THE NEAR DROWNING,
HE WROTE ON A STONE:

"TODAY MY BEST FRIEND SAVED MY LIFE."

THE FRIEND WHO HAD SLAPPED AND SAVED HIS BEST FRIEND
ASKED HIM, "AFTER I HURT YOU, YOU WROTE IN THE SAND
AND NOW, YOU WRITE ON A STONE, WHY?"
THE FRIEND REPLIED,
"WHEN SOMEONE HURTS US WE SHOULD WRITE IT DOWN IN SAND,
WHERE WINDS OF FORGIVENESS CAN ERASE IT AWAY.
BUT, WHEN SOMEONE DOES SOMETHING GOOD FOR US,
WE MUST ENGRAVE IT IN STONE WHERE NO WIND CAN EVER ERASE IT."

LEARN TO WRITE YOUR HURTS IN THE SAND
AND TO CARVE YOUR BENEFITS IN STONE.

THEY SAY IT TAKES A MINUTE TO FIND A SPECIAL PERSON,
AN HOUR TO APPRECIATE THEM,
A DAY TO LOVE THEM,
BUT THEN, AN ENTIRE LIFE TO FORGET THEM.

DO NOT VALUE THE THINGS YOU HAVE IN YOUR LIFE,
BUT VALUE WHO YOU HAVE IN YOUR LIFE!
Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle!

The Power of National Prayer

National Day of Prayer
- Thursday, May 6 -

No ocean can hold it back.
No river can overtake it.
No whirlwind can go faster.
No army can defeat it.
No law can stop it.
No distance can slow it.
No disease can cripple it.
No force on earth is more powerful or effective than the power of prayer.
- Linn Carlson, DaySpring writer

The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective.
James 5:16 NRSV

Let us stand firm in prayer for a peaceful and righteous election day. On May 10, let us vote for the one God has chosen for us. Let not our hearts and minds be swayed by sweet tongues, deceiving surveys nor impulsive thoughts. Listen intently and be open to the Holy Spirit's leading. God bless the Philippines!

Sienna Family Outing at Timberland

Another fun time has just been spent by Sienna Family at Timberland, San Mateo Rizal. It's a haven on a mountain top where you get a spectacular view of Metro Manila all the way to Rizal and Laguna de Bay. It was a day of classy leisure, sports, body pampering and fellowship for the four families who were able to make it on April 30, 2010. Thanks to the Bernabes who were so generous to accommodate us through their membership at the said hotel-resort.

The day started with sports: basketball, badminton, rock-climbing and work-out at the fully-equipped gymn. It was followed by a dip in the large swimming pool, about 4 ft high, just safe for children and adult non-swimmers like most of us! Dinner was great at reasonable prices, cool and relaxing while rain poured and made the atmosphere fresh once again. But above all those fun activities, everyone enjoyed pampering moments at the garden bliss. Steam hot sauna and jakuzzi was a perfect way to regenearate energy and relax the tired muscles after a day of strenous activities. This is what you call "time-out!"

Finally, at almost 11pm we had to say goodbye and take home with us the lovely precious moments with hopes of one day coming back and spending longer time at that luxurious place. We were ushered out by a thick fog, which the kids (and adults-I guess) enjoyed. Afterall, we don't see much fog in the city anymore.

Whew! That was some day out! We just praise the Lord for His goodness and blessings upon the Sienna Family!

FECPI Retreat 2010

CLICK IMAGE FOR A CLOSER VIEW



"We are called to live a divine adventure..."

"Does your life fit into God's plan?

"Do you want to just exist or do you want real life?"

"What can God do through you?"

"Be shepherds of God's love because you are willing and ready to serve!"

These were but some of the thoughts for reflection shared by our wonderful speaker, John Mark Brabon during the FECPI Pastor's Retreat held on April 14-16, 2010.

Yes, it's time to think outside the human box, and aim to think with the mind of Christ, where there is divine love, confidence, empowerment and wisdom, not forgetting that we were called to serve, not to be served.

Let us not be dismayed by the trials we face, but rather stand firm and finish the race assigned to us. Put on full armor and be filled with the Holy Spirit, and bear the confidence that Christ our Savior leaves us, being the chosen, the redeemed and the beloved children of God! Mighty things can happen... only God knows!