Morning Praises: Eternity with Christ

Post written by Raymund Tamayo

“Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him.” 2 Timothy 2:11-12a

Life on earth is temporary. It is only a blink of an eye compared to eternity. Can you imagine spending eternity with Christ? Indescribable.

All the hassles, hardships, and heartaches I face here on earth turns into nothing when I think about spending forever with the Lord.

How to Stay Active

Post written by Raymund and Denielle Tamayo

Photo credit: healthiack.com

Regular exercise can make us feel happier. It doesn’t only make our bodies fit, but it can also refresh our tired minds and souls.

Medical studies suggest that exercise can actually help relieve stress as it causes the natural release of feel-good endorphins in the brain to give us a more positive attitude.

Inspiration is Everywhere

Post written by Raymund Tamayo

Photo credit: www.mlove.com

Inspiration is key to a fruitful life, and it can be found everywhere. We only need to listen to what God is trying to say through His Word, our day-to-day experiences, small realizations, and interactions with people.

Inspiration drives us to new opportunities, builds our confidence, and makes us stronger in the face of trials and tribulations. When your days are filled with inspiring thoughts and experiences, you will feel joyful and capable. You can endure and move on when everyone else had already given up.

The Power of Embracing Change

Post written by Raymund Tamayo

Photo credit: fractalenlightenment.com

Change can be overwhelming especially when it seems to make no sense and you are right smack dab in the middle of it.

Embracing change with a positive mindset will make you stronger and will save you from a lot of pain and hurt.

Although it is not easy, embracing change is indeed possible. Below are some of the ways.

Blessings Are Not Always Material Things

Post written by Raymund Tamayo

Blessings aren’t always material things. Most of the time, these things can actually be a burden and a liability.

Blessings are also having good health and wholesome relationships, doing work that you love, experiencing personal and spiritual growth, and serving in a community that brings out the best in you.

Your latest gadget means nothing if your family is in disarray or your lungs and kidneys are deteriorating because of your bad habits.

But for me, blessings are anything that gets you closer to God. Even problems can be blessings if they give you the opportunity to have a deeper relationship with Him.

3 Life-Giving Ideas about Forgiveness

Post written by Raymund Tamayo

Photo credit: christianity.about.com

Forgive anyone for anything as soon as possible.

This is the most essential component of inner healing.

The truth is that forgiveness is for your benefit. Unforgiveness is basically the same as drinking poison and then expecting the object of your resentment to die.

Morning Praises: An Upright Heart

Post written by Raymund and Denielle Tamayo

Photo credit: freechristianwallpaper.blogspot.com.

“I will praise you with an upright heart as I learn your righteous laws.” – Psalm 119:7

Praising God is natural for those who truly love Him.

And truly loving Him is shown in our obedience to His Word. Praise is basically linked to our character.

Happiness is Internal

Post written by Raymund Tamayo

Photo credit: 25.media.tumblr.com

Happiness is not a product of luck or coincidence. Being happy is intentional.

Everything that happens to you in life is the result of all the choices you make.

You may argue that sometimes, in some situations, you just don’t have a choice. But, oh yes, you did! You just chose not to choose.

Morning Praises: The Lord is My Refuge

Posted by Raymund and Denielle Tamayo

"The righteous will rejoice in the Lord and take refuge in Him; all the upright in heart will glory in Him!" - Psalm 64:10

Sometimes life gets too tough and we become afraid. But God promises to be our refuge if we walk with an upright heart and in His righteousness.

When we are in the presence of the Lord, He fills our heart with joy, replacing fear with quietness and peace.

Morning Praises: This is the Day

Posted by Raymund and Denielle Tamayo

"The Lord has done this, and it is amazing to us. This day belongs to the Lord! Let's celebrate and be glad today. We'll ask the Lord to save us! We'll sincerely ask the Lord to let us win." - Psalm 118:23-25, CEV

This day is a gift from God! Let us not waste it with regrets of the past or worries of the future. 

Living in the Present

Post written by Raymund Tamayo

Photo credit: agrittyglory.wordpress.com

“What is the best thing to do in the short life that God has given us? I think we should enjoy eating, drinking, and working hard. This is what God intends for us to do. Suppose you are very rich and able to enjoy everything you own. Then go ahead and enjoy working hard—this is God’s gift to you. God will keep you so happy that you won’t have time to worry about each day.” – Ecclesiastes 5:18-20, CEV

Isn’t it wonderful how God wants to keep us happy and away from sin?

Most of the pessimism that people experience in life is because of regrets and worries.

Waiting on the Lord

Post written by Raymund and Denielle Tamayo

Photo source: www.keeperofthehome.org

Have you been praying about something and feel that as if nothing is happening? Are you growing tired and weary wondering why God isn’t answering yet? Do you feel anxious that God seems to be ignoring you?

We all feel this way sometimes. Actually, many times until God answers.

Love Others as You Love Yourself

Post written by Raymund Tamayo

Photo source: thisisyourwakeupcallonline.com

“And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’” – Mark 12:31a

These are the very words of Jesus Christ Himself, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

The second part of this command is what people always miss. Loving yourself.

5 Ways to be the husband God wants you to be

Post written by Raymund Tamayo

Photo source: rowenafsantiago.blogspot.com

Marriage is a serious issue, especially for a Christian believer.

The Bible is not silent on the many ways that God wants a husband to develop into, and we should strive to become the head of the family that brings glory to His name.

As husbands, God wants us to lead our family in all areas: spiritually, physically, mentally, emotionally, financially, and socially. He wants us to love our wives unconditionally, as much as Christ loved the church. He wants us to serve our wives as Christ served the church.

Praying For Your Wife

Post written by Raymund Tamayo

A short message to all young husbands:

God wants our marriages to be a medium for us to be happy and fulfilled. However, we have to love our wives as a model of Jesus’ love for us. That is why a man’s love for his wife relies on how much he loves Christ. Our relationship with our wives depends on our relationship with Christ.

What is NOT Happiness

Post written by Raymund Tamayo

Photo source: www.truewoman.com

Since time immemorial, people have been drawn into the pursuit of happiness.

Everyone craves for it. Men and women, young and old, rich and poor, no one will say that they do not want to be happy.

The Best Way to Love Your Spouse

Post written by Raymund Tamayo

There are a lot of ways to demonstrate your love for your spouse. But there is only one way to guard your marriage and make it stronger.

You can show warmth or a special fondness. You can regard your spouse as your best friend. You can experience the deepest and greatest physical intimacy. But feelings alone are not enough to tide you through all the seasons.

Worship Meets Our Deepest Needs

Post written by Raymund and Denielle Tamayo

 

Photo source: dailyjesusnow.blogspot.com

Worldly materialism deceives us. It shows us that the only way to real happiness, success, and fulfillment is to have everything we want go our way.

A high-paying job, an extravagant house, a new car, and the grandest family holiday seduce us into thinking that they are the most important aspects of life.

In truth, however, even if we acquire and experience all of these temporary things, our lives would still feel empty and incomplete.

The Art of Silence

Editor's Note: This is a guest post from Al Monina at Istoryaheng Disyerto

Photo source: www.thenutgraph.com

Silence is an art, because not everyone can choose to be quiet without difficulty.

It requires a virtue of patience.

I don’t know since when I became silent. I’m not the quiet type in highschool and in college. I can say that I’ve become a completely different person as an adult. I became comfortable with my own silence, I found peace in solitude.

Set Aside a Place and Time

Post written by Raymund Tamayo

Photo source: keepingitpersonal.com

If you could call for something in the midst of this loud, busy, and shaky world that we live in, what is it?

For me, I’d only need the inner peace and quiet and security that only comes from the presence of God.

Night Thoughts

Poem written by Raymund Tamayo

Denielle and I, circa 2005, a month before our marriage.

NIGHT THOUGHTS

by Raymund Tamayo

Because of you, the quiet night sings a

sweet melody of broken sadness.

I search for your face, but no one

else had your rhythm, your light,

nobody had your tiny crooked feet.

What Comes Out of Your Mouth

Post written by Raymund Tamayo

Have you ever taken time observing the words you speak?

What you frequently say and talk about is an accurate indication of what is in your heart. Positive speaking means speaking blessings. Negative speaking is speaking curses.

Do your words bless and encourage others? Do your words reveal a patient heart? Or are people hurt or angry because of the things you say? Do you tend to criticize others? Do you always grumble and complain?

Some Thoughts on Being a Dad

Post written by Raymund Tamayo

It was 7 years and 8 months ago when I first became a dad, and I must admit nothing has prepared me for it.

Yes, I’ve heard much great, godly, and noteworthy advice from my parents and mentors, and have put them to mind and heart, yet the moment you realize that you are now responsible for a little person newly-born into this world you can’t help but at least be nervous.

Find Peace by Letting Go

Post written by Raymund Tamayo

Letting go is essential to find peace. I apply it in my life not only with the physical stuff, but more importantly in “emotional” clutter.

Ten times out of ten I’ve discovered that I never regret throwing away anything that isn’t useful, beautiful, or joyful in my life – be it physical possessions or hurtful emotions.

Trusting God with Your Future

Post written by Raymund and Denielle Tamayo

It is easy to worry about the future.

Especially if you have a family with kids.

Monthly bills, clothes to wear, milk, food, diapers, and, because it’s that time of the year, school enrollment fees.

And the more you prayed, the more the burden seemed to increase.

As parents, all we want for our children is to have a good future.

You know what? As God’s children, He wants us to have that too. More than we’ll ever know.

The Bible says, "For I know the plans I have for you... plans to give you hope and a future" (Jeremiah 29:11). God loves you so much, and you can trust his promise to guide you through these tough times.

Being On the Mountain

Post written by Raymund Tamayo

This morning, while having quiet time, I realized something.

I was sitting in front of my desk. Reading. Writing. Thinking.

I’m reading about Moses’ journey to the top of Mount Sinai, when God’s covenant with the people of Israel is being confirmed. The story is found in Exodus chapter 24.

I Thank You For Your Grace

Poem written by Raymund Tamayo

Photo source: blog.caranddriver.com

I THANK YOU FOR YOUR GRACE

I thank you for your grace
and your mercies, Lord,
because it keeps me moving on.
I thank you for the unbroken foot this month
and leaving me with no more bruises
on a tired and weary heart.

Why Christ’s Resurrection is Important

Post written by Raymund Tamayo

Photo Source: http://blogs.nsb.org/jonathanalexander/2011/04/the-greatest-event-in-history/

One Sunday each summer in the Philippines, we remember that Jesus Christ was raised from the dead more than two thousand years ago.

Personally, I would say that real faithful children of God should remember and recognize this as often as they can.

But I’m still thankful that at least once a year, Filipinos take some time to reflect upon our Savior’s resurrection.

What To Do When You Don’t Know What To Do

Post written by Raymund Tamayo

 

Photo Source: www.alternativz.co

It’s unavoidable. Time comes when you go through a crossroad in life.

Most are easy to handle, others are tougher.

Some even required careful consideration and a lot of wisdom.

It’s certain, though, that there are points in life that, even with all the knowledge you may currently possess, you will still not know what to do.

What do you do then, when that time comes?

The Only Thing Permanent is Change

Post written by Raymund Tamayo

 

Source: www.wikihow.com

Cliché, but true.

We need to understand and accept that everything around us changes. Nothing is forever sure.

You and I are growing old, we can’t stop that.

People come and people go, we can’t control that.

An Aura of Gratitude

Post written by Raymund and Denielle Tamayo

Have you ever gone out to lunch every Monday with a person who always talked about his problems?

Not asking for help or advice, but just whining and complaining about everything in his life that did not meet his expectations.

How about if you spent time with this person not just every noon on Mondays, but every lunch, every day? How stressed do you think you would be?

That’s how ingratitude affects people.

Renew Your Mind

Post written by Raymund Tamayo

 

Source: digitalsojourner.com

The human mind is more powerful than we can imagine. Our thoughts influence our beliefs, feelings and actions more than we are aware of.

They rule what we are; in fact, we are what we think.

When thoughts are positive, life becomes hopeful.

When thoughts are negative, life becomes depressing.

Ergo, you cannot have a positive life with a negative mind. The two just can’t go together.

10 Simple Keys to Happiness

Post written by Raymund and Denielle Tamayo

There was a May 2004 article by Reader’s Digest in England about a survey conducted on what people perceive as The Keys to Happiness. Below are the top 10 results of the survey, with our insights in supplement.

Simply Amazing

Post written by Raymund Tamayo

I’ve always been amazed by simple things.

First, I am amazed by the fact that I can breathe, be quiet, and sit still for a minute. There’s a calmness and peacefulness that comes with it. In stillness you learn to be content. You don’t need to eat junk food, or shop on impulse, or compare yourself to others, or to make more money to keep up with the Joneses, or to achieve power and glory, be selfish and greedy, be constantly busy and overwhelmed.

Love, Joy, Peace

Post written by Raymund Tamayo

 

Source: christintheclouds.blogspot.com

Love, Joy, and Peace.

If you are like me, you think about these words as “feel good” ideas that everyone wants. Unfortunately, in today’s world they seem harder and harder to realize. Why?

Trusting God Daily

Post written by Raymund and Denielle Tamayo

 

Source: unblogmysoul.wordpress.com

Principles of responsibility, discipline, and independence are some of the things we wish to teach our children. Some of us even attempt to live these philosophies in our own life.

Make no mistake about it, being responsible, self-controlled, and self-reliant are good.

The inherent danger, however, is if, or when, our outlook comes to the point when we trust more in ourselves than in God.

This outlook creates two hazards that can both lead to spiritual decay.

Husband, Love Your Wife

Post written by Raymund Tamayo

God’s Word says that we as husbands must love our wives the same as Christ loved the church and gave His life for it (Ephesians 5:25).

This is one command that we should strive to be excellent of. To be excellent is to be an improving copy of our perfect pattern, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Cleaning Cobwebs

Post written by Raymund Tamayo

 

Source: uglyhousephotos.com

Writer’s note: This is a re-post from my former Multiply blog, Up on the Roof.

For the past four weeks I’ve been re-reading the book Purpose-Driven Life by Rick Warren and I remember the time when I first read it almost 6 years ago in December 2003.

During that time, after more than twenty days of reading and meditating and coming to know God in that spiritual journey, I realized that I was in a much worse state spiritually than when I started.

Reduce Stress Instantly with Deep Breathing

Post written by Raymund and Denielle Tamayo

 

Source: http://extension.missouri.edu

A stress-free life is impossible. Stress is the natural response of the human body to tension and challenges, and a life without challenges would make us feel dead inside anyway.

However, too much stress is harmful to our holistic well-being. Not only does it damage our physical health, it also affects our mental, emotional, and spiritual standings.

5 Essential New Year's Resolutions for a Growing Person

Post written by Raymund and Denielle Tamayo

 

Source: http://www.stanleyhomesinc.com

It’s the beginning of a New Year and people are psychologically triggered to make New Year’s resolutions again.

Usually, people make resolutions for self-betterment or self-improvement. Perhaps one is resolved to lose weight, or to exercise more, or to spend more time with family. Or some may be resolved to deal with the difficulties in their marriage, or fight poverty, or improve other people’s lives. Make no mistake, we’re not saying that it’s good or bad to have New Year’s resolutions. All these endeavors are noble and worthy to be done.