Holy Spirit, Living Breath of God

An artist said, "We can participate in the arts to the glory of God by enthusiastically enjoying the arts, recognizing God as the ultimate source of the creativity and beauty that we enjoy." The arts can help us sort out and discipline our emotions, so that, from our hearts, we might serve God and our neighbors as we are called to do in Christ.

I would like to introduce you to the beautiful hymn that moved me to tears, "Holy Spirit, Living Breath of God" written by modern liturgists Keith Getty and Stuart Townend and sung by Kristyn Getty (video above). The violin solo at the beginning is “Gabriel’s Oboe” by Ennio Morricone, from the movie soundtrack “The Mission” and the melody itself is heavily influenced by J.S. Bach. Also included is a reading of The Lorica (Breastplate), a prayer of protection traditionally attributed to Saint Patrick of Ireland.

A True Love Story In Pictures You Won’t Easily Forget

I want to share this story with you. Their photos easily tell the entire story. Taylor and Danielle, two young people deeply in love and demonstrates the Christian definition of "true love." True love is NOT  a feeling. It's not about being happy, or having your needs met. True love is all about self-sacrifice and what you can give to your partner. 

Click here to see what I mean.

(h/t The Poached Egg)

How to Help Victims of Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) If You Live Outside the Philippines

My family in the Philippines were spared from the crushing agony and unimaginable grief of loss brought about Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan). But many are still suffering from the devastating calamity. According to a report, 10,000 people are estimated killed by the storm twice stronger than hurricane Katrina and Sandy.

This is a time to pray for those who need God's strength the most right now will experience it and a time to help demonstrate God's goodness to Filipinos in any way we can.

In response to several inquiries regarding how to send help to Filipinos affected by the Typhoon, I would like to inform the public that online donations from overseas donors may be sent through the following organizations (Sources: CNN.com, Rappler.com & @candyreyes):

Emergency support

Philippine Red Cross, 1-212-687-6200.

CARE, 1-800-521-2273 within the United States or +1-404-681-2252 outside the U.S.

Catholic Relief Services, 1-877-435-7277.

Convoy of Hope, 1-417-823-8998.

Mercy Corps, 1-888-747-7440.

Oxfam America,1-800-776-9326.

Adventist Development and Relief Agency, 1-800-424-2372.

Food and water

World Food Programme ,1-202-747-0722 or +39-06-65131 for international calls.

Samaritan's Purse, 1-828-262-1980.

World Vision,1-888-511-6443.

Action Against Hunger, 1-877-777-1420.

Shelter

ShelterBox, 1-941-907-6036.

Habitat for Humanity, 1-800-HABITAT.

Architecture for Humanity, 1-415-963-3511 or text REBUILD to 85944 to make a $10 donation from your mobile phone.

Medical assistance

Americares, 1-800-486-4357.

International Medical Corps, 1-800-481-4462.

Direct Relief, 1-805-964-4767

Helping children

U.S. Fund for UNICEF, 1-800-367-5437

Save the Children, 1-800-728-3843.

ChildFund International

(UPDATE: Another way to help is to send Team Rubicon to the Philippines. Team Rubicon is a group of US Military veterans and medical professionals committed to relief and disaster response. It will be your way to offer help to Filipinos by sending experienced and qualified rescue volunteers to towns affected by Typhoon Yolanda / Haiyan. Click here to help send Team Rubicon to the Philippines.)

Marriage is NOT For You

I love this post from blogger Seth Adam Smith. Something worth reading!

Seth is married to his wife Kim for a year and a half, but he concluded that married life isn't for him. Why? Because he realized that, marriage is about the person you married.

One doesn't get married to make him or herself happy - you marry to make someone else happy. Your marriage isn’t for yourself, you're marrying for a family, for your future children.