Wednesday, May 27, 2009

The Awakening


My chains are gone, I've been set free

I stood in the middle of the pavilion with tears rolling down my cheeks. Sweat came running down my forehead as I held my arms high waiting for that heavenly touch. My heartbeat dramatically increased as dreadful images came appearing inside my head. There came flashbacks of my horrible and painful yesterday, a portion of my life when people deserted me, when heavy rains poured on my head and when blinding darkness filled my days.

My nails started clawing my flesh as my grip tightens....Yesterday... when deception and despair are my daily bread. Misery and mockery are my morning meals while bitterness and hatred were my evening delights. My teeth, chewing and savoring the deceiving sweetness of Satan's evil buffet. At the door of my lips there stood lies of all kinds. My tongue that used to praise became a cursing weapon. Indeed I was a demon without wings... a beast without a tail.

Light came shining on my dirty and miserable soul. His glory brought me to my knees as it restored my empty spirit. Like snow, every lie, every hatred, every bitterness, every chain, every bondage and every foolish thought dissolved. I remained on my knees wrapped in his loving arms, clothed with his unending grace... kneeling down under the comfort of his wings.

I saw all the time that was wasted. Times of testing that were supposed to make me a better person were gone for I chose the easy way out. I could've been so much more after overcoming those trials. Flowers really do bloom after the rain and you know what? they'll become even more beautiful once the harvester finishes the pruning process where all the thorns are gone.

I sat in the corner hugging my knees, shedding crystal tears falling on my cheeks, crying over the wasted time when a familiar voice whispered to my ear:


"I will break your heart and rebuild you again... I have loved you with an everlasting love"

From then on he made a covenant that he will NEVER turn back, NEVER run away and will ALWAYS bow down.


One thing I ask of the Lord this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple -Psalms 27:4

Monday, May 11, 2009

Teacher Elay


Children have an innate passion for stories; they are always eager to explore new worlds and reach the limit of their imagination. You can see their eyes outgrow their face as the story unfolds a new realm page by page, picture by picture, delighted by the adventures simple words bring.

I am a Sunday school teacher and story telling is what I always do. Can you imagine yourself standing in front of children for hours holding a book that you already perused hundreds of times, entertaining limitless and out of this world questions, translating complicated terms and enduring the outrageous noise?

But do you know what makes me pursue this ministry and somehow keep on accepting responsibilities? It's because if in my eyes I see twerpy, smelly little pests, in their eyes they see a dad, a teacher, a big brother, and a hero. All my heartaches and problems would fade for a moment once I see smiles painted on their faces.

To chase them around the church and get them to their seats, to distribute their snacks and play hilarious games, to sit with them and hear all their funny thoughts about life, education and their families are the precious moments I surely savor.

I love kids and I love being their "teacher Elay" I hope sooner or later I will be able to teach again.

God Bless.

P.S.
I remember one time I asked the kids to draw something that would express themselves and I was so surprised and at the same time bothered to see the picture one of my 5 year old kids drew. It was a BURNING HOUSE! That's something eh?