We love you, Steph! by Erica Patricia Lao

My dearest Weppycakes

ericapatricialao — 2020-05-30 09:29:33 UTC

When God wants to drill a man,
And thrill a man,
And skill a man
When God wants to mold a man
To play the noblest part;

When He yearns with all His heart
To create so great and bold a man
That all the world shall be amazed,
Watch His methods, watch His ways!

How He ruthlessly perfects
Whom He royally elects!
How He hammers him and hurts him,
And with mighty blows converts him

Into trial shapes of clay which
Only God understands;
While his tortured heart is crying
And he lifts beseeching hands!

How He bends but never breaks
When his good He undertakes;
How He uses whom He chooses,
And which every purpose fuses him;
By every act induces him
To try His splendor out-
God knows what He’s about.

Sharing with you one of my favorite poems which was recited by Ravi back in 2015 when he gave a sermon in CCF that changed my life.

Please know that I am always just a message or phone call away if you need anything. I've always seen you as a sister and I'm forever grateful to have you in my life. I really look up to you because you are so resilient and diligent in everything that you do. Continue to inspire me and everyone else around you.

- Tricia :)

Surfing w u, Wonderwoman!

2020-06-01 22:55:57 UTC

DEAREST STEPHYYYY!

There's this quote from Humans of New York that says,

There’s three things you can do when life sends a wave at you. You can run from it, but then it’s going to catch up and knock you down. You can also fall back on your ego and try to stand your ground, but then it’s still going to clobber you. Or you can use it as an opportunity to go deep, and transform yourself to match the circumstances. And that’s how you get through the wave.

I've come to realize (esp. in this season) that waves come and go--it's up to the surfer to learn to balance, ride out the wave and enjoy the current. It will pass, for sure, it will, and while you surf with eyes toward the shore and fixed on Jesus, know that I'll be here to surf with you, cheer you on and make sure you overcome with prayers and encouragement!!! You are an Overcomer!!! You'll get through this, Steph (by step).

💙 Gil

Stephhhh!!!!

2020-06-02 01:25:44 UTC

Stephhh!! Hiii i am so amazed by your faith and unwavering love for our God! I know life tlga can be so mysterious and so incomprehensible! But i always remember what my dad told me before na this is the suffering world to help us prepare for heaven. So this is the world we are tried and tested again and again to become better until the day we meet Him!!! I was also super super blessed by this podcast by life church na sabi “a purpose in your pain”!!! Sometimes pala, God’s package comes in pain and that the pain we experience is to prepare us for His purpose also. Waaaah i was so overwhelmed that despite our pain and suffering, God is still there. It’s still the plan of God. 🤗🤗 we are here for u steph, as your sisters, your prayer soldiers, shoulders to cry on, bodies to hug!! Hehehe! U are super a wonderwoman!!! Love u stephhyyy
-nichole

ILY🥰

2020-06-02 01:45:41 UTC

ISTIPPPP 🥰 AGHHH these lines from find us faithful remind me of you:

•Their lives a stirring testament to God’s sustaining grace.
•O may all who come behind us find us faithful.
•May the fire of our devotion

Light their way.

May the footprints that we leave,

Lead them to believe,

And the lives we live

Inspire them to obey.

THESE LINES PERFECTLY SHOW YOUR FAITH, STEPH!!! your life is a testament to God’s sustaining grace, your life fires other’s devotion, your life leads people to believe, and your life inspires others to obey — i know this bcos i’m one of those people! 🥰 YOU ARE SUCH A GOOD AND FAITHFUL PILGRIM STEPH! I am so encouraged by your faithfulness to Christ. and I know we can never outshow God’s faithfulness, we can never outgive God. Christ will always be more faithful, Christ will always be more generous, Christ will be more loving 🥰

you’re not persevering alone Steph 🥰 we are here persevering with you! you’re not going through this race alone. we’re running, sometimes walking, with you!!! for sure may times madadapa NYAHAHAH BUT DAPA TAYO TOGETHER. we rejoice when you rejoice, we weep when you weep. 🥰 please don’t ever forget that. LOVE YOUUU! -kyna

Here for ya!

2020-06-02 03:00:13 UTC

Dearest Steph!
I'm truly amazed on how God has been working in your life and the lives of the people around you. Surely there are good things and not so good to terrible things that we do not want or hope but "we know that all things work for our good." You have showed us what trust, faithfulness and courage look like. And I myself am inspired and motivated to do the same.

"God has a purpose for your pain a reason for your struggle and a reward for your faithfulness. Trust Him and don't give up!"

God's got your back, and front, and everywhere else! <3 And we're here for you as your wonderwomen of God to cry, to listen, to fight and rejoice with you!

Love you Steph!

- Tiney <3

Rain, Rain, Come Forth

2020-06-02 15:28:36 UTC

Recently, I had a realization that the world - albeit fallen - is still God's garden! We are His plants (or flowers hihi) that's why He always desires for us to bear fruits. But how does a plant grow?

Well, it needs rain. Rain nourishes the soil. Without rain, nothing can grow. Just like us, we need rain to nourish our soul and to grow, too.

"Drip down, O heavens, from above.
And let the clouds pour down righteousness;
Let the earth open up and salvation bear fruit.
And righteousness spring up with it.
I, the Lord, have created it." (Isaiah 45:8)

Stephhhhyyy, I know that life can be disappointing at times. We all have our mountains and valleys. I want to let you know that we will be here with you as God showers you with rain. It's really comforting to know that this rain is still His: meaning He is in full control. You never fail to let God's wonder shine in you, woman! Together, we will get through this! You are a WONDER Woman! We're here with you every Steph of the way!!

Love you so much, Stephyyyy! 💞Pau

I've gotchu!

2020-06-03 01:57:13 UTC

We'd always say these words back during Celadon days and I'd like to letcha know that years late I still gotchu! From emotional physical etc, know that I'm here to listen and help anytime!

You're an amazing wonderwoman who I have no words on how you're able to do so much not only in productivity but in expanding His Kingdom! I'm really rooting for you further to keep going on your passion projects. Progress may not always be fast but what matters is you keep going with all yer heart. But remember that like any heroes, you need to rest too huh!

Don't forget to self care too as you care for others. You're one of the most selfless people I know but when times get tough for you, let us take care of you. Love you Stephhhyyy weppyy!! 🤗

You are loved!

2020-06-03 14:40:18 UTC

Hi Steppyweppy!

How are you? :D You’ve been so strong, joyful & generous in sharing love & care to others, that I’m not sure if I’ve taken the time to check-up on you. Sorry L We may not have a lot of experiences together but its been such a blessing to hear about & see how you’re living out God’s commands in obedience and love. I pray for your heart to be filled with Christ’s comfort & grace. I pray that He will use you and your experiences to really be a channel of hope and salvation to your family; to help others grow more in resilience, truth & faith in moments of uncertainty and affliction. I know that you know that God loves you but I guess I just want to remind you that you are loved waaaay more that you know now and I pray that you will feel that now more than ever J I feel so hiya to even give advise bec I know that you know so much more than I do haha but I’m sure that God values and welcomes the genuine cries of our hearts more than anything else. So know that my simple heart is praying for you and that God will never leave you empty. Life isn’t fair and I praise God that life isn’t because it makes us want and yearn for God’s Kingdom more each day. I pray that this encouraged you L I’m not nega huhu but just reminding you that God has a beautiful, eternal, perfect plan for all of us – whatever challenges we may face in our temporal short lives J Stay strong, faithful and loving as you are now. Love you and I’m here for you. :) -iris

EXPLANATION OF THE THEME!!!

2020-06-03 16:01:05 UTC

We chose a beach background because:
1. REMEMBER YOUR PURPOSE - It will remind you of your love for nature and all things sustainable. Your advocacy is your passion and it will fuel you to keep going!
2. REMEMBER TO BE STILL - Just like the calm ocean, be still and know that God is who He says He is. Psalm 46:10!
3. REMEMBER THAT IT’S JUST A WAVE - Life has it’s fair share of strong tides that may tip you over, but when you are resilient, nothing can bring you down.
4. REMEMBER THAT THE SUN SETS EACH DAY - When all is said and done, the sun will always be an assurance that tomorrow is another day. God’s mercies are new every morning!
- Tricia HAHAHA DAMING SYMBOLISM?!