Paradigm Shift.

Think of a Paradigm Shift as a change from one way of thinking to another. It's a revolution, a transformation, a sort of metamorphosis. It just does not happen, but rather it is driven by agents of change. [http://www.taketheleap.com/define.html]

A paradigm is our perception of reality, our view of the world. It is our interpretation of events based on previous teaching we have received. If our paradigm is based only on our input from the media of conventional newspapers, magazines, radio, television, Hollywood films, public education etc., may God help us, for we will only see things the way they, the elite and wealthy rulers of this world who control these sources of information, want us to see things! This is often the opposite of the Truth. A paradigm shift means to have a sudden change in perception, a sudden change in point of view, of how you see things. [http://deeptruths.com/paradigm_shift.html]

So what about "paradigm shift"? [WOW! Big word!] Lately I've been having a lot of realizations about my future. It's just a matter of two months before I turn 25 and yet I feel like I've been on the same "episodes" of my life.. Routinary. Cycle. Paulit-ulit? Unli? Something like that. [Quarter-life crisis? Di naman siguro.. But it can be. Haha!] I know this has been my "forever rant" -- to have CHANGE in my current life, any change for that matter; career/job, hobbies, school stuff, etc. Basta, anything that will change something, be it temporary or permanent, I'll jump into it. BUT of course, I need to weigh certain pros and cons before making a decision, and I need to consider a lot of factors that will affect my decision; time management, salary [Haha!], "financial damage", outcomes, sacrifices, etc.

Paradigm shift, as to my understanding, is a change not on the current situation but rather more on the change of perception on why certain things happen. Change of perception -- this has been a challenge for me for the past two years [Grabe, ang tagal!] -- that certain things happened and turned out to be NOT IN MY FAVOR. ANG SAKIT! Tagos sa buto! [*Angel Locsin tone* in the movie "Unofficially Yours." Bwahaha!] There were nights I kept wishing that it didn't / never happened, I even blamed myself why it happened, or why I let it happen.. But as time goes, I've come to accept that those things happened, IT JUST HAPPENED, and there's nothing more that I can do but just these three things -- ACCEPTANCE, FORGIVENESS, AND LIVE. True enough that it's easier said than done.. but that's the beauty of it.. "challenging" as it may seem, it is possible to overcome the bad with the good, rather than let yourself be consumed by evil. Change of perception. Paradigm shift. 

A friend once told me that "there can't be any change in your life unless you allow change. Parang ang dating nya eh "Walang magbabago kung wala kang babaguhin." Change is not a gust of wind [YEEEEEES! Guma-gust of wind pa! Ano nakain ko?] that will come your way and then.. poof! Changed person ka na! You also have to have effort to bring about change in your life, if your open to it, then you'll be positive on what change can bring you. Certain sacrifices must be made, it the outcomes will be for the better, why not do it, right? As hard as it is to let go of the things na nakasanayan na natin, we need to do it so that change can occur.Set your priorities well. Allow change. Paradigm shift.

Lastly, dahil sa gustong-gusto ko ng "changes" sa buhay ko, I take charge of  how to run my life. I have MY plans set already and then that's just the time that I'll turn to God to bless and guide me as I execute MY plan. I 've had my fair share of having control in my life, but it turns out I'm not so good at it.; I keep stumbling, mistake after mistake. And that's when it hit me.. I NEED TO BACK DOWN AND SURRENDER. So I guess now is the time to stop putting puzzle pieces that don't fit on the blank spaces. Let go. Let God. Paradigm shift.

So, this ends here. Au revoir! ^_____^

I'm still.. and will always be excited on God's awesome plan for me. BRING IT! :)

Go And Sin No More.

The perfect song for this year's Youth Camp with the theme "Breaking Sin". The message is simple but has a great impact, especially to the ones who can relate to it. [I think almost everyone can.] It's about Repentance, Redemption, and everything in between. If you're not familiar with the song, you can search for it via YouTube. :)

GO AND SIN NO MORE
by: Rebecca St. James

I've sinned, come on my knees
For I'm not worthy of Your love
How could You die for me
Such grace can only come from God

Oh Lord, You search and You know me
You see me inside out
God, You alone can forgive me
Erase my fear and my doubt
Father, You pick me up
I feel like a child in Your arms
I don't deserve this love,
but I hear Your voice, Lord Jesus

CHORUS:
Go and sin no more
He said "I will not condemn you,
I'll forgive and I'll forget it all
Go and sin no more
My child, let me remind you it
is I who'll lead and guide you as you go"

You are my purpose - You are the reason that I live
I want to be like You - Help me to love and to forgive
God, let me not be distracted
Lord, help me focus on You
Keep sin from ruling my life, Lord - make me holy and pure
Father, You pick me up - I feel like a child in Your arms
I don't deserve this love but, I hear Your voice Lord, Jesus

CHORUS:
Go and sin no more
He said "I will not condemn you,
I'll forgive and I'll forget it all
Go and sin no more
My child, let me remind you it
is I who'll lead and guide you as you go"

Wipe, wipe away
Take, take away
Break, break away
Fill my life, make it right
Father, help me, Father, help me go

CHORUS:
He said "I will not condemn you, no
Go and sin no more
My child let me remind you it is I
who'll lead and guide you as you go"

I've sinned, come on my knees, how could You die for me
You search my heart - know my thoughts
See me inside out and all throughout me
You alone can forgive me
You always pick me up - like a child in Your arms
I could stay with Your forever here

And the saga continues.. Let's put on the armor and together be the army of God. :)

Church At Prayer.

Our most gracious and loving heavenly Father, all glory and honor be unto you.

We come to you with humble hearts.

We thank you Lord, for your sustaining grace and everlasting love. We thank you Lord, for in the midst of so much suffering around us. You still always make your presence felt.

Bless our country Lord. Give our leaders wisdom to see what is right and the strength to pursue it. Help those who have been struck by calamities and those who suffer. We pray Lord, that you extend your healing hand and give them peace that they may become aware of your love and presence.

We pray for our church Lord. Be with our leaders and help them. Give them the discernment, that they may know your will and give them faith that they may follow it. Bless our pastors. Sustain them as they do the work you have entrusted to them. Empower them, that they may always remain faithful.

We pray for the youth. We pray that you will continually guide them. Help them Lord to channel their energy for your service. Give them sound minds as they study and give them the will to resist all the temptations around them. Be with them as they grow in faith and keep them steady in the path to righteousness. We pray that you continue to nurture their talents and skills so that it may be used all for your glory.

Forgive us Lord for all our shortcomings. Forgive us if at times we fail to remember our duties and responsibilities as stewards of your faith. We pray that you accept our sincere apology.

We thank you Lord for always hearing and answering our prayers. All of these we faithfully ask, in the most precious name of Jesus. Amen.

Prayer.

Take this pain away, I can no longer take it. I SWEAR! One more day with it, I think my heart will explode. Seriously, THIS. IS. TOO. MUCH. TO. BEAR. What did I ever do to deserve this? This question's been on my mind for a while now. And I haven't found the answer yet. Maybe this, maybe that, but who really knows? All I know is that you have a purpose why these things are happening now.

I'm sorry for being impatient. My agony is killing me. Yes, I am afraid of not knowing what lies ahead. I can't think straight because I am clouded by my emotions. But please, help me on this one. I am weak. And I easily give in to my weakness, thus making me more vulnerable than I already am.

I'm sorry that I make decision when I'm mad. I let my anger take hold of me. I don't like myself when I'm like this. Make it stop. Don't let me do things that I know I will later regret. Help me set things right, even for myself. Guide me through my decisions. Help me remember that that the RIGHT decision isn't always the HAPPY decision. Make me understand that things happens for a reason, and circumstances are meant to give us a lesson.

Fill me with love once again, so I can give love to other as well. Forgive my from my shortcomings, so that I can forgive myself as well, and free me from this guilt. Everything is in your hands now. I surrender you this fight. I CAN'T DO IT ANYMORE. =((