Rebuked. Refreshed. Redirected.

It’s always a blessing and a joy to be with people who inspire and motivate me to do more for the ministry, especially those people with more understanding and experience.

Yesterday was one of those inspiring days as I got to sit with a pastor from another church and share insights about our upreach and outreach.

Here I’m sharing a few of his insights in the hope that you too will be blessed by them.

“You know what really works? As Christians, we should be cheerful and happy. I’ve seen really rich people who are without joy. We should be the happiest. We have Christ.”

“In all my study, I have understood only one thing – that prayer is the answer to everything.”

Nothing is impossible to him that believes, and prayer is the expression of that faith.

“Do not be contented with the good that you are doing now. Seek further education, upgrade your knowledge and your skills… Seek education that will improve your line of ministry.”

Sometimes, it’s easy to fall into the routine of the work, to do what you’ve always done in the same way and for the same people. But there’s more, always more that we can do for God. We only need to submit to Him to be used by Him.

“Time management. You cannot afford leisure time. Every hour must be productive. Every moment must be one of learning.”

And the best lesson I learned yesterday afternoon:

“Fire in the ministry is only a result of fire in devotional life.”

Yes, I was (probably unconsciously on his part) rebuked. My love for the ministry has more often than not manifested itself in activity, in output, in planning, in outreach, in desire for more action. Perhaps in my desire to shepherd others, I have neglected to shepherd my own soul through much prayer and meditation. He suggested that I fix specific times of day for prayer, like every two hours or so. Jesus Himself spent an entire night in prayer before He chose the twelve. A “hello, God” and a “good night, God” just isn’t enough.

It has been a wonderful day for my soul – refreshing in the sense that I am renewed in my desire to serve and given a new direction in the work, a direction that reaches not only out but also, and more importantly, up.

Highland Getaway: Epol Spring Resort

You know how sometimes you have to get yourself really tired just so you could relax? That was exactly what happened to us when we decided to take a break from work and drive up to the mountainside to enjoy nature.

Epol Spring Resort is about an hour and a half drive away from our suburban home in Davao City. On the way we decided to pick our friend Sam up from his home. And we found him high up on a tree, pruning its leaves!

Many minutes later, we arrived at the entrance excited and found out that the spring and waterfall was still a 300-meter hike down the hillside. We paid the entrance fee of Php 7.00 per person, plus Php 30.00 for the cottage, and a parking fee of Php 10.00 for the motorcycle and Php 20.00 for the car.

The hike was muddy and steep, and for a moment there, all we could think of was the hike back up. 
 
Now it turns out that it’s actually free to enjoy the spring and waterfall, and the seven-peso fee was for the use of the path which cut across private property. About halfway through the hike, the path crossed another person’s property, so we had to pay another Php 7.00. That makes a total of Php 14.00 per person.

There was also a safe-to-drink, flowing, all natural water spout right by the path.


And then, finally, a view of the waterfall, which was gorgeous and very very inviting.


We had a quick lunch and dove into the ice-cold water. And by “dove in,” I mean literally “dove in." 

I hurt the soles of my feet the first time I jumped into the water. But the experience was so worth it I jumped in twice more.

I also wrapped my phone in plastic to bring under the waterfall so I could take pictures and show everyone at home what it looked like.


And the view from above the falls…

Jade almost didn't get these photos right. Her hands were shaking from the cold.

Nature is always beautiful. Now, to hike back up. haha


On the way home, we stopped by Golden Gate Adventure Resort, which offers mountain treks, a zipline, and a hanging bridge experience.


We weren't budget-prepared for the zipline though, which costs Php 300 for a ride to the other end and back, so we’re skipping it for (much) later.

I arrived home tired and happy, reviewed the photos, went to bed, and slept till morning.
My feet still hurt as of writing this post, but I am rested and prepared for this week’s work, which is a lot.

Many, O Lord my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.  Psalms 40:5