Praying After the High Points

Posted by Raymund and Denielle Tamayo

Photo source: roryvaden.com

And when He had sent them away, He departed to the mountain to pray. - Mark 6:46

What do you do after a spiritual victory? Where do you go after reaching a high point in your Christian life? Jesus went to pray. 

Peace and Joy in God’s Presence

Posted by Raymund and Denielle Tamayo

Photo source: www.bestofpicture.com

“You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” – Psalm 16:11

When we worship God, everything is put into perspective. Of course, it is never easy – there is always a potential problem hovering everywhere.

However, if we let ourselves focus for too long on the frustrations, problems, fears, and worries, we soon would feel overwhelmed and anxious.

What Drives You Everyday?

Posted by Raymund Tamayo

Photo source: footstepsinthedeep.wordpress.com

“Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.” – Psalm 73:25

Most Christians would say that they do everything as an act of worship to God. The Bible actually said that as followers of Christ we should eat, drink, and do everything else for God's glory. 

However, the question is how is our hearts when we do it? Is that what we are truly doing? What drives or motivates us daily with our activities?

You Cannot Have a Positive Life with a Negative Mind

Post written by Raymund and Denielle Tamayo

Photo credit: thecoggintoboggan.com

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

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.

How to Handle a Tactless Person

Post written by Raymund Tamayo

Note: This is a series of posts on How to Handle Difficult People. These articles will guide you on how to interact with a difficult person without severing your relationship with them.

Photo credit: fabafter40.tumblr.com

It is awkward and uncomfortable being around a tactless person.

Much more so when people around you start to realize that you are friends. 

Being with The Big Mouth should not be that uncomfortable if you know what to do and where he is coming from. 

Below are some tips on how to handle a tactless person.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

Doing Nothing – Creating Life’s White Space

Post written by Raymund Tamayo

In his blog minimalchanges.com, fellow Filipino minimalist Kevin Olega talked about The Sweetness of Doing Nothing.

I wondered when was the last time I did exactly that – nothing.

I’ve already learned how to simplify my priorities and only do what really matters, but being a family man, I feel like I’m always doing something.

Enjoying the Present

Post written by Raymund and Denielle Tamayo

We’ve heard these following clichés: Saving the best for last. The best is yet to come.

There’s nothing wrong about having hope for the future. Actually, we need to have it. We need to hold on to the promises and plans of God for us (Jeremiah 29:11) so we can live more fully and without fear.

But let’s not forget that the best can also lie in the present.

Three Absolutely Simple Ways to Improve Your Condition Now

Post written by Raymund and Denielle Tamayo

 

Source: http://www.tilthbeauty.com

There are times when we feel like the whole world is on our side.

Everything’s great, our loved ones are healthy and okay, our finances are doing fine, work is right on schedule.

But there are also some days that aren’t so great.

If you need a little push out from the negative cycle you’re into, here are 3 absolutely simple ways to improve you condition right now:

Celebrate the Now

Post written by Raymund and Denielle Tamayo

 

Source: http://www.healthline.com

The Bible always prompts us to celebrate the now and today.

“Now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2). “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts” (Hebrews 3:15).

God knows we should live in the present, and He encourages us to make good use of it.

Let us forget the past (except for the lessons) and don’t worry about the future (but still prepare for it)!

Don’t Forget to Sing

Post written by Raymund Tamayo

We can very easily be burdened with the tasks at hand.

Endless housework, financial insufficiencies, stressful jobs, demanding people, and a difficult ministry.

Complexities are often made more complex by relationship problems and that unwritten rule saying “the world is for the strong” and “only the fittest survive.”