Countdown

Here I go again making a post before I officially turn a year older.

I'm going to turn 18 next Wednesday, and I still wonder if I had already experienced all the stuff people need to go through before I reach that age where Filipinos (especially the girls) earn that "right of passage."

Oh well. Who really cares who went through what? At least not me. I'm actually talking nonsense to myself again. Hahaha. Anyway...

Last Sunday, I was reminded of Hosea, one of the Old Testament prophets. who was instructed by God to marry a prostitute. This was because of a talk by a modern-day prophet named Stacey Campbell in a church me and my father "visited." Actually, she just dropped off Hosea's name, and I, being the curious person I am, searched who Hosea was (because even I forgot his story).

I was reading the summary of the story on the net last Monday morning (because I cannot resist my curiosity), and this was what I found out:

Hosea was a remarkable man who really followed God, even if it hurts. He went on to marry Gomer, who God prophesied to become a prostitute, name children after names that were equated to "doom" because God told him so, went on to search and buy out Gomer at an auction when he found out that she was sold at the market after being disposed by her lover, and forgave Gomer.

I actually had some tears in my eyes when I finished reading his story. I never knew there was a love story in the Old Testament that's so moving it can make you cry. Not only did it show Hosea's unwavering faith on God, but it also showed how much God loves His people - how far He would go for His love.

So, that's Hosea.

It's Friday night again, and it will be Monday soon. Oh, how time flies so fast.

At least life's good. God's good.

Love. Grace. Music.

Yesterday was that day when I felt I was not "good enough." I know that it is not by good works that one gets saved by Christ, but when you want to be pleasing in the eyes of the One who saved you, you want to do everything to make Him smile.

So, while I was lying in bed, waiting for sleep to fall on me, I kept praying and praying. Then, this morning, I just needed to listen to this song, and I feel a lot better now.

Tatay God, thank You for being the God of many chances. Thank You for choosing me, and being incredibly patient, because I still have a long way to go.

Last, but not the least, though it is an unusual thing to thank You for; Thank You for making me a music junkie , and using that part of me in lifting me up and reminding me of who You are.

*****

Caedmon's Call - There's Only One (Holy One)

Left his seamless robe behind
Woke up in a stable crying
Lived and died and rose again
Savior for a guilty land

It's a story like a children's tune
And it's grown familiar as the moon
So now I ride my camel high
And I'm aiming for the needle's eye

I chased the wind, but I chased in vain
I chased the earth, but it would not sustain

[Chorus:]
There's only one who never fails
To beckon the morning light
There's only one who sets loose the gales
And ties the trees down tight
When all around my soul gives way
He is all my hope and stay
There's only one, only one Holy One

Lord, You are my Prince of Peace
But this war brings me to my knees
See there's a table You've prepared
And all my enemies are there
But where my Shepherd leads
Where else can I go
Who else fills my cup till it overflows

[Chorus]

There's only one who never fails
To beckon the morning light
There's only one who sets loose the gales
And ties the trees down tight

To the Solid Rock I fly
Though He bids me come and die
There's only one, only one Holy One

[Chorus]

Good Morning, God

After seven hours of sleep
I got out of bed
Stood up
Then went to the bathroom

I placed myself in front of the sink
Started brushing my teeth

After the brushing was done
I gazed at the mirror in front of me
Then smiled

I saw all my imperfections
My ears
My chalk-like stained teeth
Even my zits which I dislike to see

But despite these things
I sing a song of joy
For yes
Even though I am imperfect
I am beautiful to You, my Lord
My Creator
My Savior
My Redeemer
And I praise You
Because despite my shortcomings
You are there to fill me up
And make me whole

Good morning, God
Belated Happy Valentine's Day
I Love You

Your Child,
Kamae

That Kind of Love

It's that time of the year again. People appreciate their loved ones through cards, roses, chocolates and even stuffed toys. Lovers go date somewhere. People profess their admiration to their crushes... Oh, the things people do for love.

Of all the kinds of love that exists in this world, the kind of love which really intrigues me is a parent's love, especially a father's love for his daughter. What is it that makes a father write a song about giving away his daughter in marriage, and why is it hard to let her go? If you've heard "Butterfly Kisses" by Bob Carlisle, you know what I'm talking about. Countless love songs make you happy or sad, but only few let you feel both emotions at the same time, and one of those few are songs written by a father for his daughter.

Maybe I'm thinking about this too much today since I'm the daughter of my father. (Wow. What a way to describe myself.) It must be really hard to raise someone up, spend all your time and effort on him/her, then let him/her go. It's an amazing love, to the point that it is kind of more than sacrificial.

I want to love like that one day. (Haha. Im saying this and I don't even have a love life!) It must be hard, but it sure is a rewarding kind of love.

*****


Cinderella - Steven Curtis Chapman

[Verse 1:]
She spins and she sways to whatever song plays,
Without a care in the world.
And I'm sitting here wearing the weight of the world on my shoulders.
It's been a long day and there's still work to do,
She's pulling at me saying "Dad I need you!
There's a ball at the castle and I've been invited and I need to practice my dancin'"
"Oh please, daddy, please!"

[Chorus:]
So I will dance with Cinderella
While she is here in my arms
'Cause I know something the prince never knew
Oh I will dance with Cinderella
I don't want to miss even one song
'Cause all too soon the clock will strike midnight
And she'll be gone.

[Verse 2:]
She says he's a nice guy and I'd be impressed
She wants to know if I approve of the dress
She says, "Dad the prom is just one week away
And I need to practice my dancin'
"Oh please, daddy , please!"

[Chorus]

[Verse 3:]
But she came home today with a ring on her hand
Just glowin' and tellin' us all they had planned
She says, "Dad the wedding's still six months away but I need to practice my dancin'
"Oh please, daddy , please!"

[Chorus]