Sparkle, Pahabol pics

March Calendar

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KUYA OGOT!!!

Video Clips During Drew&Jordyn's Engagement

Marikina I Couples Fellowship

On February 13, more than 30 couples from Marikina I District gathered for fellowship. There were games, good food, encouragement from guest speakers Tony & Candy Datu, special number from Sienna group and a time to dance for spouses. It was an awesome time spent by Christian couples coming from Marikina, under the leadership of Pastor Ed Santiago. Below are some pics taken during the affair. Standby for more.

Click images for a closer view:


The night's theme: Bonded in Love, Through the Years

Pics during Drew & Jordyn's Reception

Drew and Jordyn sure make a wonderful pair. We were delighted to join them in a wonderful celebration of their engagement!

February 2009 Calendar

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOEL, MONTY, BETH and MILA
Click image for a closer view.

January Calendar

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PASTOR JUN & ELMER!
Click Image for a closer view.

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

Click images for a closer view.


























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

Marikina I Family Day

Sparkle, Ladies' Mini Concert

Taco Belles ang dating!!!


Imeldific beauty ni Ate Mila... Laban ka???




TRIVIA: 5 out of the 10 ladies in the choir are Sienna members, and 3 out of the 6 male guest singers are from Sienna.... Aba! exactong kalahati ng choir Sienna ah!

LJ, LA & Family say "SALAMAT"

elow mga kapatid,

We just want to extend our heartful thanks to all of you guys. My
family is trully blessed to have a cell group like you. A cell
group that is always thinking and praying for us while we are
away from your presence. We look up to you and admire you for doing such wonderful
things to glorify our Father in heaven. Thank you for keeping us
in your prayers. We always need these.

We were all very excited here in San Diego, when LA called
from Guam, that Zhen had already delivered her baby boy safely through normal delivery. We are so very thankful to God for the
answered prayers and also to all of you who were part of the prayer
request since Zhen and Brent got married until she was rewarded by our
Father in Heaven with a gift of life in her womb that she got pregnant
and now she gave birth to her baby "Brayden".

Para talagang hinintay lang si LA na dumating doon sa Guam at lumabas
na si Baby Brayden. Ang expected na schedule talaga ay 2nd week ng dec.
pa mangangak si Zhen,siguro excited na rin syang maalagaan ng kanyang
grandma. sabi nga namin kay Shomai ay Kuya na sya. Excited na din ang
LJ na makita ang 2nd apo at gusto na pumunta ng Guam, di nga lang
pwede at may alaga pa ako dito sa isa kong employer.

Tunay na buhay at dakila ang ating Panginoon sa patuloy na pagsagot
nya sa mga prayer request na ating mga kahilingan. at pinupuri at
labis namin syang pinasasalamatan sa lahat lahat na mga blessings
na ibinibigay nya sa amin. sabi nga sa Matthew 7:8 (For everyone
who ask receives, he who seek finds,and to him who knocks, the door
will be opened). and Mark 11:24 (Therefore I tell you, whatever you
ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it,and it will be yours).

Our Lord said,"The things which are impossible with men are possible
with God" (Luke 18:27), Also Jesus said, "If thou canst believe, all
things are possible to Him that believeth" (Maark 9:23).

In Christ's Grip,
LJ

For the Girls!!!

PLEASE CLICK IMAGE FOR A CLOSER VIEW.

Sienna is 9!

CLick Image for a closer view.

Led by the Lord

“LED BY THE LORD”-Learning how to make wise decisions in our daily walk with God.
“Those who are led by the Spirit of God are Sons of God.” Romans 8:14. When you come to Christ by faith, you are not simply adding Jesus to your existing life. Life in the Spirit is a new way of life under a new authority. There can only be one lord in your life. Who is calling the shots – you or the Lord?

The Spirit of God is: more than your conscience, more than a source of information, more than a feeling. The Holy Spirit is the full presence of God in the body, mind, and spirit of the willing believer. “Jesus said, ‘If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him and we will come and make our home with him.” John 14:23.

The Holy Spirit is the means by which Jesus Christ continues His life and ministry on the earth. “I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these because I am going to the Father.” John 14:12
The Spirit functions in an environment of obedience to the Lordship and dominion of Christ, and of a mind which is steeped in and formed by the Word of God.

The Spirit of God will never disagree with the Word of God. The Spirit gives us wisdom, insight, and discernment. “The Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My Name, will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have said to you.” John 14:26

The Spirit is the source of God’s power in the life of the willing believer. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you and you will be my witnesses.” Acts 1:8

The Holy Spirit is the means by which the purposes of God are released and accomplished on the earth. “The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.” Luke 1:35
God wants to give birth to His purposes through you! The Spirit confirms our identity as sons and daughters of God. “The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” Romans 8:18

Learn to access your spirit and open it to God. You cannot do this without consistent times of quiet and focus as well as consistent times of corporate worship. The mind, body, and spirit are vital in worshipping God, hearing from God, and being led by God. “So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit but I will also pray with my mind. I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind.” I Cor 14:15

Hearing from God is the birthright of every child of God. We learn to hear and recognize the voice of our Heavenly Father. Regularly ask God to immerse you with His Spirit and have His life flow through you. Seek the reality of God more than an experience. “How much more will your Heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” Luke 11:13
o The Holy Spirit will not work in you against your will. Actively pursue the Spirit
o Exercise the Spirit’s influence through obedience
You have a part in the working of the Spirit. The Spirit joins with your own will, efforts, and abilities. Allow the Spirit to do a deep work in you! “Deep calls to deep.” Psalm 42:7

Ref- Led by the Spirit of God, Kurt Reynolds

Despedida

Parang kailan lang...



For months, Sienna Cell group had in its list of prayer petitions Kuya Jun's US visa application. He wanted so much to be with his daughters in the US and see how they're doing. Kuya Jun longed to be with his grandson, "Siomai" (his first ever!) to play with him... take care of him... and teach him the latest "dodejun tricks!" And all of sudden, God, in His perfect timing, answered the request! God is good! He is a God who answers prayer...but here we were, trying to hold back Kuya Jun and Ate Aida so they wouldn't have to leave the cell group they were members of for almost nine long years. Of course, it is never the same without them. But what can we do? God has His plans on this couple. They probably were meant to be in a place where they can be used by God even more! Whereever they may be, we trust our God that they will always be safe and happy. As it is written in Psalm 121:8, The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

Kaya nakakamiss man, we said our warmest farewell in a despedida party held in their home at Sienna Street, Marikina.

Take a peek at what happened there in the album right below:

Minamahal Naming Kuya Jun at Ate Aida!

Powerful Numbers to Call

Emergency Telephone Numbers
These are more effective than 911
When - You are sad, phone John 14
You have sinned, phone Psalm 51
You are facing danger, phone Psalm 91
People have failed you, phone Psalm 27
It feels as though God is far from you, phone Psalm 139
Your faith needs stimulation, phone Hebrews 11
You are alone and scared, phone Psalm 23
You are worried, phone Matthew 8:19-34
You are hurt and critical, phone 1 Corinthians 13
You wonder about Christianity, phone 2 Corinthians 5:15-18
You feel like an outcast, phone Romans 8:31-39
You are seeking peace, phone Matthew 11:25-30
It feels as if the world is b igger than God, phone Psalm 90
You need Christ like insurance, phone Romans 8:1-30
You are leaving home for a trip , phone Psalm 121
You are praying for yourself, phone Psalm 87
You require courage for a task, phone Joshua 1
Inflation's and investments are hogging your thoughts, phone M ark 10:17-31
You are depressive, phone Psalm 27
Your bank account is empty, phone Psalm 37
You lose faith in mankind, phone 1 Corinthians 13
It looks like people are unfriendly, phone John 15
You are losing hope, phone Psalm 126
You feel the world is small comp ared to you, phone Psalm 19
You want to carry fruit, phone John 15
Paul's secret for happiness, phone Colossians 3:12-17
With big opportunity/ discovery, phone Isaiah 55
To get along with other people, phone Romans 12

ALTERNATE NUMBERS
For dealing with fear, call Psalm 47
For security, call Psalm 121:3
For assurance, call Mark 8:35
For reassurance, call Psalm 145:18
ALL THESE NUMBERS MAY BE PHONED DIRECTLY. NO OPERATOR ASSISTANCE IS NECESSARY. ALL LINES TO HEAVEN ARE AVAILABLE 24 HOURS A DAY. FEED YOUR FAITH, AND DOUBT WILL STARVE TO DEATH