Positivity Corner

What do I love most about my job?

This job is actually a dream come true. Ever since I was in highschool, I wanted to be a writer. But I was a bit doubtful because I rarely win in writing contests. Plus, I have a lousy command of the English language.

But college came and I had a lot of writing exercises which helped improve my writing skills. And in college, I also discovered some other things I enjoyed doing, like layouting newsletters, designing communication materials, conceptualizing videos and producing radio programs.

So I prayed and asked God for a job where I could freely do everything I love.

And He granted my prayer.

Right now, I'm doing all of the things I love (with bonuses) - writing feature stories, conceptualizing and producing radio programs, travelling, photography, and even doing some admin work. I get excited whenever my works are published on print because I know I put a lot of thought and effort into it.

In this job, I'm growing as a writer. Before, I only write to inform. But now, I'm learning to write to inspire. I discovered that each person, no matter the background or the situation s/he is going through, is a source of inspiration. We just have to find it and polish it so that its brilliance would be seen by other people. Even in the medical scripts I'm writing, there is still a portion of inspiration at the end where I insert verses from the Bible to encourage listeners.

At the moment, things are not easy. But nobody said that the road to great, effective writing is easy. There are many downs and few (but memorable) ups but it's the journey that matters. It builds up. It polishes you as a writer and it will define the kind of writer you're going to be. It fixes attitude and puts the heart in the right perspective.

That's the reason why I see to it that I surround myself with positive people - people who would be good sources of encouragement and would put my feet on the right track. It's also great to have mentors along the way. They give great insights. And for me, whenever they pass on knowledge and wisdom (for free), there's always a sense of honor brimming in my heart. I mean, who am I to be passed on with these great wisdom? I feel like I'm just a stranger who happened to pass by yet I was rewarded with something valuable I don't deserve.

This makes my current job more than just an answered prayer. Instead, it is more than what I asked for. Since I'm still just a neophyte writer living in the big city of vast opportunities and competition, this is exactly what I need -  a place that would water me, take care of me, and allow my roots to stretch out.

And more than just the skills, my spiritual life is being looked after too. I am taught how to be excellent with my work and I am given the opportunity to share the Gsopel to people. Even my love for singing is sometimes being used positively.

These are just some of the things I love about my job. I am sure more would be added in the days to come.

But I also know that I would not be in this place forever. I would eventually outgrow this place and would need to go somewhere else. But as of now, the best thing I can do is to cherish every moment I spend here. Take notes, learn, and enjoy.

What Faith Can Do

About a few weeks ago, me and a couple of friends attended Kutless' worship concert here in the Philippines. It was their first time in the country. The concert was a blessing because we got the tickets for free. Usually, when well-known international Christian artists hold concerts here in the Philippines, it costs at least Php200. But this time, it didn't cost me anything. Even the lines were not long.

Kutless, a Christian rock band, was introduced to me by a friend about 3 years ago. I fell in love with their song, Sea of Faces, and it still remains to be one of my favorites. But right now, I'm not that very much updated with their songs anymore. But even if I wasn't, I still went to the worship concert hoping to be refreshed. Things has been going pretty busy lately and I need a breath of fresh air - and I sure I could get that through worshipping.

One of my buddies who joined me that night told me that one of his favorite is What Faith Can Do.
I didn't have the time to research the song before the concert. But during the worship, when the band started to sing it, the lyrics of the song just caught me unprepared. I was stunned. It was beautiful. For some strange reason, it reflected the feelings and thoughts that I had. In fact, this song pretty much summarized my soul's concerns. And as I read the lyrics over the screen, I knew it was God talking to me. He was encouraging me to strengthen my faith and to remind me of where I should stand and what I should be doing.

What Faith Can Do is a wonderful song that serves as a simple reminder to all of us when the going gets tough and when we are desperate for a fresh start. Just listen to the song and open your heart. It's God's sweet message to all of us.

Everybody falls sometimes
Gotta find the strength to rise
From the ashes and make a new beginning
Anyone can feel the ache
You think it’s more than you can take
But you're stronger, stronger than you know
Don’t you give up now
The sun will soon be shining
You gotta face the clouds
To find the silver lining

I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn’t ever end
Even when the sky is falling
I’ve seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That’s what faith can do

It doesn’t matter what you’ve heard
Impossible is not a word
It’s just a reason for someone not to try
Everybody’s scared to death
When they decide to take that step
Out on the water
It’ll be alright
Life is so much more
Than what your eyes are seeing
You will find your way
If you keep believing

I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn’t ever end
Even when the sky is falling
I’ve seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That’s what faith can do

Overcome the odds
http://www.elyricsworld.com/what_faith_can_do_lyrics_kutless.html
You don't have a chance
(That’s what faith can do)
When the world says you can’t
It’ll tell you that you can!

I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn’t ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I’ve seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That’s what faith can do
That's what faith can do!
Even if you fall sometimes
You will have the strength to rise

Mighty To Save

I first heard this song when i borrowed my cousin's Hillsong's  Album, Mighty To Save. At that time, it was just a usual song for me. I didn't specifically listen to the message because at that time I was (and sometimes still am) guilty of the "melody game". I was more focused on the music instead of the message.

The next time I heard the song was during Chris Tomlin's first concert here in Manila. Louie Giglio, a pastor of the Passion team, gave his "Fruitcake and Ice Cream" talk. It's a really good story about God's grace on the life of a college girl named Ashley.

When I heard the lyrics of Mighty to Save being read, and not sung, I started to realize how beautiful this song is. In fact, the beauty of Jesus Christ just flashed before my eyes. And I can't help sharing it. This is a beautiful song that I know will touch your heart. You'll love Jesus Christ more as this song reminds for you what He has done for YOU and what He is.

Everyone needs compassion

A love that's never failing

Let mercy fall on me

Everyone needs forgiveness

The kindness of a Savior

The hope of nations

(Chorus:)

Savior

He can move the mountains

My God is mighty to save

He is mighty to save

Forever

Author of Salvation

He rose & conquered the grave

Jesus conquered the grave

So take me as You find me

All my fears & failures

Fill my life again

I give my life to follow

Everything I believe in

Now I surrender (I surrender)

[ Lyrics from: http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/h/hillsong_united/mighty_to_save.html ]

(Chorus:) (2x)

Savior

He can move the mountains

My God is mighty to save

He is mighty to save

Forever

Author of Salvation

He rose & conquered the grave

Jesus conquered the grave

(Bridge:) (2x)

Shine Your light &

Let the whole world see

We're singing

For the glory

Of the risen King

Jesus

(Chorus)

You're the Savior

You can move the mountains

Lord You are mighty to save

You are mighty to save

Forever

Author of Salvation

You rose & conquered the grave

Yes You conquered the grave

More lyrics: http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/h/hillsong_united/#share