Dr. Jose Garcia, my Oncologist, from Mary Johnston Hospital, declared that I'm officially on remission of Colon Cancer yesterday, July 8, 2010. I'm happy to share this good news to all my relatives and friends, here and abroad, who never fails to pray for us, encouraged and extended help for my chemo-cycle treatment (Jan-May, 2010).
I'd like to share the words of this song and declare how Awesome our miracle-working God is! My life-threatened ordeal with the big C made me realized that, no matter what our circumstances, our Heavenly Father sees, knows and cares for us!! To God be the Glory!
"I sing because I'm happy, I sing because I'm free...For His eye is on the sparrow,
and I know He watches me."
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
My Testimony
First, I would like to praise the Lord for the opportunity of suffering and be personally taught by the Master Himself the reason..why I had to acquire Colon Cancer.. and be discovered at third stage. Last week (May 21-23, 2010), my last chemo cycle was completed and now waiting for confirmatory tests (Colonoscopy, bone scanning, CT Scan, blood exams etc) to determine my final status. (Though I already claimed God's healing after the first chemo treatment). The discovery of the 3rd stage in itself could give you an idea of God's purpose why. God intends to teach me and my family a thing or 2 about the depth of our relationship with Him and learn about the sufficiency of His Grace!
Learning about the sufficiency of His grace is not easy for us. We had to hit rock bottom in our finances just to know that God cares and He provides. We learned of the disease right after being devastated by typhoon Ondoy as if it that is not enough. Having cancer is not a cheap disease. Medicine alone will bleed you dry..let alone the need for surgery in my case. Last November 26, 2009, I had to undergo an operation to remove the tumor cells in my colon and a part of my liver to remove a 1cm cyst. The Oncologist had recommended that I undergo 6 chemotheraphy cycles and radiation. One chemo cycle alone costs a lot and had to endure the chemo drug effects in my body (drug withdrawal stage). Every month we have to really pray a lot in order to survive. My family pitched in, my sister and some of our EFVV brethren helped. Even the EFC church help for Ondoy was used for my treatment. Each month for us is both struggle and a celebration of victory for us! We have to really pray hard for the money to come in. And as if the flood and cancer disease is not enough..I was hospitalized in between my 3rd and 4th chemo cycle due to severe diarrhea and was dehydrated. I was confined for a week at the Medical City Hospital in Pasig under treatment for LBM..considering the following week would be my 4th chemo cycle at Mary Johnston Hospital.
At this point, we could not make sense why God allowed me to undergo such ordeal. We didn't really know..until after the 4th cycle where I was able to immediately recover from my chemo in 5 days which usually takes me 10-11 days to recover based on my 3 cycles. The continuous bowel movement helped in cleansing my system of the chemo drugs inside my body. God really works for good to them that love Him and are called according to His purpose. But one thing is sure..God used a lot of people to help..even a Christian lady from the US whom we don't know helped materially. My husband's American lady boss continually expresses her concern and prays for me. And the EFVV church, friends and relatives here (Philippines) and abroad (US, Canada, Australia, UK, Singapore, Malaysia etc) never fails to pray for us!!
I'd like to take this opportunity as well to thank all of you who have taken this journey with me..Those who lend us their cars while ours was in the shop for repair, because of Ondoy, to make sure that I would be comfortable when doing consulation and trips to the Mary Johnston Hospital located in Tondo, Manila. Those who encouraged me each time I would be able to come to church, those who visited me at home while on recovery..'MARAMING SALAMAT/THANK YOU!'
Lastly, let me share this to you..I might say, the reason that I have not taken yet to heaven after trusting in Christ for salvation..is that for me to know of the sufficiency of His grace (2 Corinthians 12:9) and God has work for me to do...to make visible the invisible Christ - by touching peoples' lives with His love and care..that is, what you do in Jesus name will be His work through you!! TO GOD BE THE GLORY!
Learning about the sufficiency of His grace is not easy for us. We had to hit rock bottom in our finances just to know that God cares and He provides. We learned of the disease right after being devastated by typhoon Ondoy as if it that is not enough. Having cancer is not a cheap disease. Medicine alone will bleed you dry..let alone the need for surgery in my case. Last November 26, 2009, I had to undergo an operation to remove the tumor cells in my colon and a part of my liver to remove a 1cm cyst. The Oncologist had recommended that I undergo 6 chemotheraphy cycles and radiation. One chemo cycle alone costs a lot and had to endure the chemo drug effects in my body (drug withdrawal stage). Every month we have to really pray a lot in order to survive. My family pitched in, my sister and some of our EFVV brethren helped. Even the EFC church help for Ondoy was used for my treatment. Each month for us is both struggle and a celebration of victory for us! We have to really pray hard for the money to come in. And as if the flood and cancer disease is not enough..I was hospitalized in between my 3rd and 4th chemo cycle due to severe diarrhea and was dehydrated. I was confined for a week at the Medical City Hospital in Pasig under treatment for LBM..considering the following week would be my 4th chemo cycle at Mary Johnston Hospital.
At this point, we could not make sense why God allowed me to undergo such ordeal. We didn't really know..until after the 4th cycle where I was able to immediately recover from my chemo in 5 days which usually takes me 10-11 days to recover based on my 3 cycles. The continuous bowel movement helped in cleansing my system of the chemo drugs inside my body. God really works for good to them that love Him and are called according to His purpose. But one thing is sure..God used a lot of people to help..even a Christian lady from the US whom we don't know helped materially. My husband's American lady boss continually expresses her concern and prays for me. And the EFVV church, friends and relatives here (Philippines) and abroad (US, Canada, Australia, UK, Singapore, Malaysia etc) never fails to pray for us!!
I'd like to take this opportunity as well to thank all of you who have taken this journey with me..Those who lend us their cars while ours was in the shop for repair, because of Ondoy, to make sure that I would be comfortable when doing consulation and trips to the Mary Johnston Hospital located in Tondo, Manila. Those who encouraged me each time I would be able to come to church, those who visited me at home while on recovery..'MARAMING SALAMAT/THANK YOU!'
Lastly, let me share this to you..I might say, the reason that I have not taken yet to heaven after trusting in Christ for salvation..is that for me to know of the sufficiency of His grace (2 Corinthians 12:9) and God has work for me to do...to make visible the invisible Christ - by touching peoples' lives with His love and care..that is, what you do in Jesus name will be His work through you!! TO GOD BE THE GLORY!
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Give your Troubles to God!
Last September 26, 2009, we faced a tough situation, "Typhoon Ondoy" devastated the Metro Manila as well as here in our place...Cainta, Philippines. Our first response is to ask for God's help to stop the rain and flood as they nearing 5ft high deep inside our bedroom. Thick brown sticky mud engulfed our place and tear down all the finest furniture we had even the food purchased a day before have been rotten and thrown away.
At times, situations like these in our lives are so desperate and painful but then God hears each one of our prayers..every detail of the situation. He longs to be our helper and to be fully involved in daily affairs of our lives.
Now, it's 2010, how amazing to know and experienced how God sustained us through a crisis..He gave us what we need to start anew (furnitures, food and clothing) and many dear friends who comforted us and brought us breakfast, lunch and dinner for 2 days; helped cleaned the sticky mud, brought goodies, canned goods, medicines and water to drink and even lent their cellphones and bought several sim cards for us to use since all communication lines have been paralyzed since day one. My heart will always remember and meditate how comforting to know that He can always see exactly what's ahead..my trust is to give our troubles to God and let Him take care the impossible!! To God be the Glory!
At times, situations like these in our lives are so desperate and painful but then God hears each one of our prayers..every detail of the situation. He longs to be our helper and to be fully involved in daily affairs of our lives.
Now, it's 2010, how amazing to know and experienced how God sustained us through a crisis..He gave us what we need to start anew (furnitures, food and clothing) and many dear friends who comforted us and brought us breakfast, lunch and dinner for 2 days; helped cleaned the sticky mud, brought goodies, canned goods, medicines and water to drink and even lent their cellphones and bought several sim cards for us to use since all communication lines have been paralyzed since day one. My heart will always remember and meditate how comforting to know that He can always see exactly what's ahead..my trust is to give our troubles to God and let Him take care the impossible!! To God be the Glory!
Thursday, September 17, 2009
The Right Answer
When Jesus asked a question, it was not because He didn't know the answer. You can be sure He was making a point.
Jesus and His disciples were in Caesarea Philippi, away from their own territory. It was a place of idolatry and oppression - a threatening place both politically and spiritually. In this environment, Jesus posed 2 important questions about the perception of His identity. He wasn't interested in His popularity rating. He wanted His followers to be sure about the One they were following.
Today, our culture is just as hostile and opposed to Jesus as when He first asked the question: "Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?" (Matt.16:13). As in Jesus' day, people offer a long list of inadequate and incorrect ideas about Jesus, ranging from "just a good teacher"all the way to "divisive" and "intolerant."
The real question was and continues to be: "Who do you say that I am?" (16:15). Peter boldly declared, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God" (v. 16). Jesus said that Peter's accurate confession was a God-given insight and that he was blessed because of his declaration (v.17).
Join Peter in confessing that Jesus is your Savior. Your life will be bolstered and blessed. (DB)
Thought: Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God! (1 John 5:1)
Jesus and His disciples were in Caesarea Philippi, away from their own territory. It was a place of idolatry and oppression - a threatening place both politically and spiritually. In this environment, Jesus posed 2 important questions about the perception of His identity. He wasn't interested in His popularity rating. He wanted His followers to be sure about the One they were following.
Today, our culture is just as hostile and opposed to Jesus as when He first asked the question: "Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?" (Matt.16:13). As in Jesus' day, people offer a long list of inadequate and incorrect ideas about Jesus, ranging from "just a good teacher"all the way to "divisive" and "intolerant."
The real question was and continues to be: "Who do you say that I am?" (16:15). Peter boldly declared, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God" (v. 16). Jesus said that Peter's accurate confession was a God-given insight and that he was blessed because of his declaration (v.17).
Join Peter in confessing that Jesus is your Savior. Your life will be bolstered and blessed. (DB)
Thought: Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God! (1 John 5:1)
Monday, September 7, 2009
Enslavement to Sin
Almost anyone who has even been physically addicted to something will tell you that it all began with a small, innocent step-just one taste or one little moment of exposure. Then the experience gradually took over his mind and desires and body, until the addiction absorbed his attention day and night without relenting.
Maybe this was your experience or perhaps still is. And physical addiction isn't the only kind of consuming entrapment; any kind of sin or wrong desire can lead to emotional and spiritual enslavement. What is so devastating about bondage to sin is that it progresses slowly at first, allowing you the luxury to rationalize and justify what you perceive as your growing need. By the time you understand what is occurring, your problem has progressed to a serious condition - probably fatal!
King David experienced this process in his life in his sin with Bathsheba, a transgression that began when he first saw her bathing on her rooftop (2 Samuel 11). When he realized how far he had gone, he immediately repented, confessed his sin to God, and experienced God's grace anew. David had an advanced understanding on how sin operate. (CS)
He prayed: "Direct my steps by Your Word, and let no iniquity have dominion over me.
Redeem me from the oppression of man, that i may keep You precepts."
(Psalm 119:133-134)
Maybe this was your experience or perhaps still is. And physical addiction isn't the only kind of consuming entrapment; any kind of sin or wrong desire can lead to emotional and spiritual enslavement. What is so devastating about bondage to sin is that it progresses slowly at first, allowing you the luxury to rationalize and justify what you perceive as your growing need. By the time you understand what is occurring, your problem has progressed to a serious condition - probably fatal!
King David experienced this process in his life in his sin with Bathsheba, a transgression that began when he first saw her bathing on her rooftop (2 Samuel 11). When he realized how far he had gone, he immediately repented, confessed his sin to God, and experienced God's grace anew. David had an advanced understanding on how sin operate. (CS)
He prayed: "Direct my steps by Your Word, and let no iniquity have dominion over me.
Redeem me from the oppression of man, that i may keep You precepts."
(Psalm 119:133-134)
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
He Would Not Go In
Some theologians divide transgressions into "sins of the flesh" and "sins of the spirit." This means that some sins originate in our physical passions; others come from our "heart or disposition. In the story of the prodigal sons, the elder brother's attitude gives us an example of the latter.
We're inclined to single out the prodigal son as worse than his brother. But it's worth noting that when the story ends, the prodigal is restored, forgiven, and full of joy, while the elder brother stands outside and refuses to go in.
The stay-at-home son is more than background filler. He makes us think about the state of our heart, for sour moods create untold misery.
Discontent, jealousy, bitterness, resentment, defensiveness, touchiness, and ingratitude are the dispositions that ruin our marriages, with our children, alienate our friends, and embitter every life - including our own.
It's easy to defend our bad moods and to slide into deception and hypocrisy. But we must guard our hearts against such destructive attitudes. When they arise, we need to confess them, let them go, and experience God's forgiveness.
Don't let your bad attitude cause you to lose out while others enter into joy. (DB)
Resentment comes from looking at others; contentment comes from loking at God!
We're inclined to single out the prodigal son as worse than his brother. But it's worth noting that when the story ends, the prodigal is restored, forgiven, and full of joy, while the elder brother stands outside and refuses to go in.
The stay-at-home son is more than background filler. He makes us think about the state of our heart, for sour moods create untold misery.
Discontent, jealousy, bitterness, resentment, defensiveness, touchiness, and ingratitude are the dispositions that ruin our marriages, with our children, alienate our friends, and embitter every life - including our own.
It's easy to defend our bad moods and to slide into deception and hypocrisy. But we must guard our hearts against such destructive attitudes. When they arise, we need to confess them, let them go, and experience God's forgiveness.
Don't let your bad attitude cause you to lose out while others enter into joy. (DB)
Resentment comes from looking at others; contentment comes from loking at God!
Friday, August 28, 2009
Changing the World
It's a full-time job trying to get people to change. Oh, what a perfect world it would be - if only other people would do what we want!
Jesus told a parable about the problem of not seeing our own faults. He said, "How can you say to your brother, "Brother, let me remove the speck that is in your eye,' when you yourself do not see the plank that is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye" (Luke 6:42)
Being able to see other people's faults easily without ever noticing my own is not just an indication of hypocrisy. It can be a wake-up call that the problem in a struggling relationship may be me. Perhaps it's my attitude that needs to change. Or I'm the one who needs to apologize. Maybe I'm the person who needs a humble spirit.
It's a lesson some of us have to learn over and over. We can't change others, but with God's help we can change our own behavior. And when our attitude changes, it may seem as if others have changed as well. (DB-CHK)
Thought: When God works a change in us, He can change others through us!
Jesus told a parable about the problem of not seeing our own faults. He said, "How can you say to your brother, "Brother, let me remove the speck that is in your eye,' when you yourself do not see the plank that is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye" (Luke 6:42)
Being able to see other people's faults easily without ever noticing my own is not just an indication of hypocrisy. It can be a wake-up call that the problem in a struggling relationship may be me. Perhaps it's my attitude that needs to change. Or I'm the one who needs to apologize. Maybe I'm the person who needs a humble spirit.
It's a lesson some of us have to learn over and over. We can't change others, but with God's help we can change our own behavior. And when our attitude changes, it may seem as if others have changed as well. (DB-CHK)
Thought: When God works a change in us, He can change others through us!
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