The Grammy's of 2014

I have read a blog recently about much occult, witchcraft, masonic, and satanic imagery in the recent Grammy's (2014). I realized that whether these accusations are true or false, it is actually better to prepare for the worst. What if they really are true? What if these artists have really gone satanic? And if so, what are we, as Christians, going to do about it? Are we gonna buy into what they're selling? There are some artists displaying masonic symbolisms in their performances and lifestyle lately - whether it be in their fashion style/clothing line, or hand and eye gestures. I have seen depictions of the occult from videos of Jay-z, Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Katy Perry, Kanye West, who else? The "all-seeing" eye, goat's heads (and horns), and inverted crosses are but some of the disturbing yet frequently occurring music video themes I get to observe lately.

Since 2003, I have read public blogs and comments saying that these are true but I was more of a skeptic then and just brushed the issue aside. It creeps me more now because these themes are recurring. Moreover, these people are the supposed "role models" of future generations. They can come in our house uninvited just by turning on our televisions, radios, laptops, tablets, mobile phones, etc. And if these guys are the “role models”, then what kind of world would we have in the future? What kind of values will our children learn from watching them? 

So the challenge for Christians is to protect our children and live our lives as true believers. Let us try our best to avoid being lukewarm in our faith because this will be the devil's hold over our families. Fix broken relationships too. I read an interview about Fr. Gary Thomas, the priest depicted in the exorcism movie, The Rite, and he said that the devil loves people with broken relationships. It is in these cracks that he inserts himself. Therefore, let us rebuild our families, love our children and be role models for them (otherwise they would look at other people as their role models), and serve our community.

May God bless us all.

“…Work out your salvation with fear and trembling. For God is the one who, for his good purpose, works in you both to desire and to work.” – Philippians 2: 12-13

Daily Inspiration

Today, January 27, 2014, I went for a YFC Assembly, 170 students gathered in the meeting hall. We prayed, sang an energizer song, their favorite (Paketume), then I taught a new song to them. The song is entitled "Grateful", an original composition of 2 of my Co- Missionaries from the Philippines. Despite the challenge of learning a new genre of song and  no P.A. System, we managed. I went on to give a short talk about God being a "Blesser". I asked who among them are blessed? They all raised their hands. I continued saying that God is thinking of ways to bless us everyday, and that He is sending an ocean of blessings to us. One boy, remarked, "Amen, I claim it!" I just smiled and said, my talk is finished, they got the message. God's nature is to bless. Yes, and we are all blessed, we just got to learn to acknowlege and claim the blessings God gives us everyday.

Today, I am blessed with this young people so eager to learn about God, and finding ways to express their gratefulness. I am blessed to be given an opportunity to share the truth about God and make a difference in their lives. 

After the assembly, they were so enthusiactic helping me fix all my things, the songsheets, my guitar, even my purse. Maguunahan pa yan at paghahati-hatian ang mga dala ko. On the way out, one girl, Linda just blurted out, "Thank you for loving us". It just came out unexpectedly. I just smiled and responded to her, "it is my pleasure." That simple remark just made my day! 

How often can you get appreciations like that? Not always, But when you do, you can't help but thank God that your little participation in His work is bearing fruit and the people you serve notices your silent expressions of love to them. It's like receiving a 'pat on the back' from the Lord. There is no way you won't be inspired to wake up another day and once again bring God's love to life. :)

Ps. The good news is, we are all called to be a missionary and to make a difference in the lives of the people around us. In your own simple way, you too can be a blessing. You gotta try today.

Walking from the school to the assembly hall. somebody carried the guitar for me: acts of service.

Yes, photo opt with my new friends on the way to the assembly.

Those who stayed behind to learn the song again. PS. we are able to record the song we just learned. To Listen and watch, Click the links below.

https://soundcloud.com/leahcustodio-1/grateful-live-unplugged

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=352123878263355

About me: I am a Couples for Christ lay missionary from the Philippines who is now residing in Ghana, West Africa from 3 years now. I am serving the young Ministries of Couples for Christ Community (Kids for Christ(KFC), Youth for Christ(YFC), Singles for Christ (SFC) and aslo HOLD,SOLD and CFC).

Family Love

This weekend, our family celebrated three major events in Tagaytay, Philippines. First was our grandmother's 81st birthday, second is our uncle's 54th birthday, and third was my parents' 29th wedding anniversary. 

Family picture over breakfast at Antonio's

I am very exhilarated even until today since I miss doing bonding trips with my family. It's been a long while since we got together to travel and do adventure trips and honestly, I live for that. I truly live for quality bonding times with family and friends.

Jump shot :)

Looking back, when I was still serving in Youth for Christ Campus-based in the University of the Philippines Manila, I always felt like I was more interested in bonding times and talking about "relational" topics than "functional" ones. Relational topics mainly focus on "kumustahan" or knowing how your fellow brother/sister is doing in the aspects of family, love life, academics, friendship, and service. I love these conversations because it helps me get connected once again to friends I haven't spoken to in a while or maybe just become an active part of their lives once again.  

Doing the MJ. :)

Now that I'm older, I'm still the same. I am still more relational and I highly value family time. I've always said to myself that my time on earth is short and that I should appreciate every single moment I have with my loved ones. Also, circumstances are changing rapidly in my family life. Many of my cousins have gone abroad, many have gotten or are getting married, and some relatives have passed away. These changes will just keep coming and someday maybe I'll find myself away from my family as well. So I treasure these simple moments. I treasure my family despite the many problems and squabbles we have had with each other, we are still family and I love them. I believe God has put me in this family for many purposes and among these are to simply make me happy and to help me grow into a better person.

With cousins on the Vikings in Sky Ranch, Tagaytay, Philippines

May God continue to bless you and your family! Let us always appreciate each of our family members and every moment we have with them. <3 

Strengthened

Last January 11, 2014, I was blessed to have been given a ticket by my in-laws to attend the Couples for Christ International Conference. The theme for the year is "Behold and Ponder". 

One of my favorite speakers, Chairperson Ricky Cuenca, gave the final talk and I listed some of my favorite quotes from his discussion. (Will do artworks for these soon!)

• God calls, God provides, God sustains.

• When God calls, He qualifies.

•  Just say Yes!

• I am a Mission on this earth.

Among the many quotes I got from him, my favorite is "You are not spared but strengthened." I loved it so much I even created a watercolor painting for it. Haha!

But basically, what I loved about this quote is its reflection of reality that we really are not spared from pain, heartache, defeat, or failure but truly in these struggles, we are strengthened by God to become better Christians. Some sharers from the final talk were leaders from the affected provinces of the recent earthquake in the Visayas area, the gunfighting in Mindanao, and the victims of the recent typhoon Yolanda. I was so inspired by what they shared and what they have gone through but more importantly, how they kept their faith despite the pain. 

To end, here is a final last quote which came from the provincial head of Bohol, Bro. Neil Balite

 "Our churches may have been shaken, but never our faith".

May God bless you!

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