let the tranquil sky,
the gentle breeze dry
your jaded heart’s cry.
let that cleansed eye see
that each of us has his
story of pain and agonies-
in time,
the sturdy trees
lose once
beloved leaves;
in time,
the sun is set to kiss
its flame goodbye,
it has to cease.
remain in faith,
be steadfast
while you wait.
lose not the will
to fight a good fight until
the end
for the greatest meed
awaits those who will
endure until
the very end.
For the past few days, rain has been the constant company of us, Filipinos. Cups of coffee and greetings of concern give warm to our households.
Little as this may be, here’s a gentle reminder of how we should not lose our faith to the One who can soothe this stormy kind of weather.
May He keep us all safe!
A great wisdom I have learned through beloved preachers, Bro. Eli Soriano and Bro. Daniel Razon:
God deserves the best in us!
Nothing to offer but the best. Nothing to say but “Amen!” and “With God’s help!”. With this by heart, I wish we could all have great days spent serving Him.
God bless,
Emmy
“You will kneel in awesome wonder when you read the Bible through,” says Bro. Eli Soriano, a man who has always been adamant in encouraging the people in reading the Holy Scriptures and translating into actions God’s teachings written on it.
It is a habit that has been long ignored, if not forgotten. But hey, why not give it a try? After all, it is the best-selling book of all time! 🙂
It was only Thursday last week. I was walking to and fro inside my room, checking in my mental list the things I need to prepare for the awaited Second Quarter International Thanksgiving of the Members Church of God International. Hours have passed,  I found myself amidst a queue at a van terminal heading towards Apalit, Pampanga— a place that has continually witnessed how every quarter, thousands would congregate to celebrate that very special occasion.
As I stepped out of the van after a peaceful one-hour ride, the evening breeze accompanied me until I reached the grounds of ADD Convention Center. Seeing my brothers and sisters in faith all set for the next days’ gathering, I cannot help but be exceedingly thankful. I am grateful that they are still there and I am still with them. We are still, under God’s grace, part of the fold who learned through the leadership of Bro. Eli Soriano and Bro.Daniel Razon that it is an obligation to give thanks.
Even before the Friday sun has risen here in the east, the brethren has already started to settle, and the eagerness to witness the commencement of the awaited festivity has filled the atmosphere. Opening the three-day revelry was a congregational singing and a prayer. As soon as the voice of the Bro. Eli was heard, cheers and applause roared from the crowd. I told myself, this is going to be an experience beyond compare.
Photo courtesy of MCGI.org
From learning the deeper meanings of previously taught biblical truths to the unfolding of new wisdom, we, the congregants were surely guaranteed of delicious sets of spiritual dishes meant to edify our faith. And each time the overwhelming sensation brought by understanding a topic heightened, a thrilling drum roll will serve as our cue— we will stand up and rejoice. It is just right to offer songs and dances of praises to translate the gratitude we have in our hearts.
The glow in our smiles and joyous tears, and the twinkle in our eyes were not bound to wane. As more praise songs and dances were presented, they all the more brightened. As the portion where the story of how our faith has started in the humble Philippine islands and how it reached the foreign shores was narrated, they all the more lightened. Until the last minute of Sunday near-the-midnight hour, they remained.
I admit my words cannot capture all the pictures of that memorable celebration. But I do hope that with this small piece of writing, I was able to share even the thinnest slice of it.
Now, a week has swiftly passed and it is Thursday once again. God willing, eleven more Thursdays and I will be waking up once more to that Fridaywhich will mark the start of another three-day International Thanksgiving. Until then, I fervently wish of everyone’s wellbeing. May God bless us all!
Faith is something to cherish, something to love, something to care for
-Bro. Eliseo Soriano
Under Thy grace
Under Thy care
Thy humble servants
Found safe haven
Stronghold, refuge
Placid place
In Thy sanctuary
Living serenely
Thy humble servants
Praying fervently
‘May we never be
apart from Thee!’
Faces–
Sober and staid
Traces
Of fear, pain
Remain
Steadfast in faith
Somebody–
A Great Somebody–
Is there
To always
Help and aid.
“Friends may come and go, but we need God in our daily lives.”
-Bro. Eli Soriano
(Follow him on Twitter for more sensible musings. You can also send him questions on spirituality and faith)
On the white wall of his abode,
Hopes, dreams and wishes he once wrote;
Some fulfilled, some not yet,
Some buried in regret…
But, “Always have faith”, that wall showed.
Footnotes & Fillings 