A Sinner's Prayer: a work finally finished

This is a piece I found as I was going through my files this morning. Apparently, I began to write it in October 2012, but didn't get to finish it until today. The parts in red are those I wrote almost three years back; the ones in blue I put in only today to finish the poem. 

A SINNER'S PRAYER

My heart is sore within me

My knees tremble as I kneel

I've had my way, I disobeyed

But I feel empty still

Lord, raise me from the mire

This is my soul's desire

Take away my guilt and fear

Wash me, this is my prayer.

I don't deserve to face You

But there is no one else.

There is no good in running,

Or hiding from Your grace.

Lord, free me from my chains

Your grace I humbly claim

I ask, save me not from pain,

But cleanse me, Lord, from sin.

What amazes me and drove me to post this piece is how much I can still relate to the sentiment expressed in the unfinished poem, so much so that I could still pick up the thought and continue it. But more than that, I am more amazed at how much more of God's grace I have come to understand by study and experience in the three-year gap. 

I think today of 1 John 1:9,"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Jesus loves us so much that the forgiveness He offers is not just a pardon from the sinful act committed, but also a cleansing from the unrighteousness within that causes the wrong act/thought/deed/sentiment. I love how Inspiration puts it in the book Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing:

But forgiveness has a broader meaning than many suppose. When God gives the promise that He "will abundantly pardon," He adds, as if the meaning of that promise exceeded all that we could comprehend: "My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:7-9. God's forgiveness is not merely a judicial act by which He sets us free from condemnation. It is not only forgiveness for sin, but reclaiming from sin. It is the outflow of redeeming love that transforms the heart. David had the true conception of forgiveness when he prayed, "Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me." Psalm 51:10. And again he says, "As far as the east is from the west, so far hath He removed our transgressions from us." Psalm 103:12.

My Redeemer is indeed faithful and true. Praise God for His wonderful mercy and matchless grace!

BWF Volunteers Bonding at the Vintar Dam

After five months of waiting, the volunteers of Better Way Foundation finally had the tiny window of opportunity (and we had to make it, too!) to leave our mountain home and spend time together. We went for a river adventure rather than the usual beach, and Vintar Dam offered just the perfect place. Only about 20 minutes from Laoag City Proper, Vintar Dam offers a clean and safe spot for swimming and other water activities such as boating and kayaking. Life guards also stand ready and watching for crying kids on solo kayaks drifting off from mommy and daddy in the (mostly) six-feet deep roped-in area, beyond which are the deeper waters restricted only for more skilled swimmers (such as our Bicol boys. Carlo, Joseph, and Joshua). At the end of the day, the volunteers had more fun than expected - especially with the abundance of food heartily given by brethren and friends. It truly was wonderful hearing God speak through nature, His Word, and experience in Christian fellowship how it makes Him happy to see His children living and working in unity and harmony. Till the next bonding moment!

The perfect sunrise backdrop to morning devotional on a floating cottage.

BWF Volunteers refreshed and ready for the day's water adventures.

BWF President Emerson Zarate pedaling off with one of the Dam's attractions. 

Of course, Yeng had to try it too! :D

Volunteer Mae Monarez on a solo kayak

Joshua and Rose Jean on a kayak for two...

...or three (when the guard's not looking. hihi).

Hello, me, with the BeCool boys, Carlo, Joshua, and Joseph. :D

Jelai Fajarito and the kayaks of many colors.

Let's go boating! with Jeniflor Ramos.

Tatay Rudy with some of the Dam's other attractions.

My jogging buddies, Carlo and Anthony, at the Dam.

The BeCool boys, again. Before diving in.

View from the Dam Watchtower.

Out Jogging

In the 16 months that I've been in Ilocos Norte, I took my rubber shoes off the shelf only about five times. But starting last week, a couple of friends and I decided we'll put our legs, feet, and shoes to a little more work.

In the early mornings, right after devotionals together, we go out for a walk/jog/run - just enjoying the sun and sweat and pumped feeling. We've been coming home refreshed and ready for a hearty meal that just really motivates us for the next morning's run.