Episode 9: Finding the Love of your Life, Part 3

Episode 9: Finding the Love of your Life, Part 3

This is the last episode of season 1. I want to take you on a new adventure in my life. God willing, I'm going on a mission trip far from where I am now, so I'm excited to share it with you when that day comes. It is also the last episode of finding the love of your life about how to keep loving someone unconditionally. So grab your favorite coffee, sit back and listen to what God has to say.

We have learned in previous episodes that the way to stay in love is that you must first understand that apart from God's agape love for you, your love will not last.

Yun bang idea na kailangan mong tanggapin ang pag-ibig ni Cristo na nakaugat sa pananampalataya na ikaw ay makasalanan at kailangan mo ng tagapagligtas at Panginoon sa pamamagitan ni Hesus. Ang pag-ibig ng Diyos ay hindi lamang isang emosyon na iyong tinanggap, kundi isang kapangyarihan na ipinagkaloob ng Diyos para sa iyo. Sa context na ito, ang maranasan ang agape love ay makakatulong sa atin na magmahal nang kusa at nang walang kondisyon.

Kapag naunawaan at tinanggap natin ang inaalay na pag-ibig ni Cristo, matututunan nating mahalin ang ating mga sarili at ang kapwa natin ng sukdulan at sa masakripisyong paraan. Makikilala nila na ang pag-ibig ay hindi lamang isang emosyon, kundi isang paggawa din na nangangailangan ng pagsisikap, pasensya, at pagpapatawad.

Higit pa rito, makakatulong din sa atin na harapin ang mga challenges at struggles sa ating mga relasyon. Kapag naunawaan natin na ang ating pag-ibig ay hindi nakasalalay sa mga kilos o pag-uugali ng ating mga kapartner sa buhay, maaari tayong magbigay ng awa at pagpapatawad kung kinakailangan, at pagsikapan para mapanatili ang isang matatag at malusog na relasyon.

Kaya ang pinakamahalagang bagay ay ang magmahal tulad ni Kristo. Hindi niya binago ang kanyang pagmamahal sa atin hanggang sa kamatayan sa krus.

Let's define the love that we all need like Jesus did to us. This message is rooted in this passage on John 15:9-13. 

Jesus states: As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. 12 “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.”

Jesus commands us to love each other as He abides His love to His Father. And we can read verse 11 na mukhang wala sa context of love, pero ipinapaunawa sa atin ang koneksyon sa pagitan ng love and joy. Kung ang pinili mong magsakripisyo ng hindi mo gustong magsakripisyo, hindi love yun. Ang mga tao ay nagsasakripisyo dahil sa iba't-ibang dahilan at hindi love. Nais ni Jesus na ang kanyang pag-ibig ay nasa atin, kaya alam niya na ang kanyang kagalakan ay dapat na nasa atin din, kaya sabi sa verse 11 , “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” Without joy, I don't think we can have agape love. At kung walang agape love, hindi ka magkakaroon ng tunay na kasiyahan.

So what kind of love should we have?

1. Love Should Be A Choice Rooted in Joy

Pag may agape kind of love ka sa isang tao kahit anuman ang mangyari, magpatawad ka. Hindi mo na iisipin Love is not just a sacrifice for another. I believe agape love is a joyful sacrifice for the object of your love. For example, what is your attitude like, as a member of a family?

• Do you consider everyday tasks burdensome chores or a way to serve your family?
• Do you view your home as a gift to be cherished, no matter what its state of it may be?
• Do you enjoy your family?

Ang honest na pagsagot sa mga tanong na ito ay pwedeng makatulong sa iyo na maintindindihan mo ang iyong present condition ng isip mo at saloobin. Malaki ang kinalaman nito sa damdamin mo tungkol sa iyong tahanan at sa mga taong kasama mo sa bahay.

Ang bahay natin kasi ang naging paraan para mapanatili yung peace and comfort na ang ating pamilya ay makahanap ng masasandalan sa gitna ng mga pasanin at kabigatan sa buhay. Pagnagpapakita ka ng love di baramdam nila ito. Hindi sapat na gumawa lang tayo ng mabuti. Gusto nating gumawa ng mabubuting bagay para sa kanila. Kailangan nating makahanap ng joy sa pagseserve sa kanila para ito ay maging agape love.

Ang hindi ko sinasabi na balewalain ang hirap. Nakakasawa din ang palaging napapagalitan, o pinaglilinis, ayusin ang mga kalat, mag-intindi pa ng ibang nangangailangang miyembro ng pamilya pagkatapos ng mahabang oras ng pagtatrabaho. Pero sa kabila ng lahat masaya ka pa rin. Bakit? Dahil unang-una, mahal ng Diyos ang bawat isa sa ating pamilya, at mahal natin sila. Without the motive of finding joy and satisfaction in our family, we would not be able to make sacrifices for them. Dahil tayo mismo ay nakakatanggap ng agape love, nakakahanap tayo ng kasiyahan sa kanila, kaya nating magsakripisyo para sa kanila. So we choose to sacrifice, but my decision is rooted in a free choice motivated by joy.

    2.  Love Is A Sacrifice That Brings You More Joy

Throughout the Bible, joy is consistently linked with love. According to the Bible, Love Is A Sacrifice That Brings You More Joy in you.

Listen to 2 Corinthians 9:7, Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

Romans 12:9-10, “Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.”

Without our choice being “cheerful” and filled with “affection” our love is not genuine and God is not pleased with it. Kung pipiliin nating gawin ang tama pero may bad attitude o dahil sa takot sa halip na malaya, hindi tayo nagpapakita ng agape love.

Again, hindi naman sinasabi sa atin na dapat tayong maging masaya sa paggawa ng sakripisyo. Kundi dapat tayong magkaroon ng malalim na pagmamahal sa kanila na ating isinasakripisyo. Kapag nakagawa ng mali ang isa sa iyong pamilya, at nagpatawad ka, ipinapakita natin ang ating pagmamahal sa Diyos. Hindi tayo nagbabase dahil kailangan, kundi minahal mo sila dahil ang iyong pagmamahal ay para sa Diyos. Kung hindi mo mahal ang Diyos walang dahilan para mahalin ang iyong pamilya.

Dahil mahal mo ang Diyos maaari mong piliing magsakripisyo ng masaya para sa iba. Sabi sa Bible na ginawa ni Hesus ang mismong bagay na ito: Hindi naging madali para kay Hesus na ialay ang buhay Niya. Hindi rin naging madali ang Kanyang pagdurusa. Pero kusang-loob ito, meaning, masaya siyang sumunod sa Diyos at nagdusa para sa atin na siyang ugat ng Kanyang pag-ibig.

Pagdating sa pag-ibig ng Diyos sa atin, ipinahahayag niya ito sa pamamagitan ng gentleness. Ang gentleness ay mahirap sa umpisa, pero ang bunga nito ay higit na matatamasa pagkatapos. Ang gentleness mismo ay hindi masaya, pero ito ay isang pagpapahayag ng pag-ibig dahil ito ay isang sakripisyong nakaugat sa pagdevelop ng kagalakan.

So not only does agape love require a joyful sacrifice, a loving sacrifice will actually bring more joy in you, for as Jesus said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." 

I-offer natin sa Lord ang ating mga saloobin. 

Hesus, salamat sa sakripisyo mong mamatay sa krus dahil mahal mo kami. Alam namin na ang Iyong pag-ibig ay walang kapantay sa lahat ng mga ginawa Mo para sa amin. Marami kaming mga pag-aalinlangan sa aming mga dinadaanan. Patawad, Panginoon. Ngayon, ipinagkakatiwala namin ang aming sarili sa iyo, at nawa'y mapuspos kami ng iyong presensya na kung wala ka, wala kaming magagawa. Nais maging masaya habang nagbibigay kami ng pag-ibig sa kapwa. Patnubayan mo kami, Ama, ng iyong karunungan para mapamalas namin ang gentleness, patience and selfless kind of love for each other. Amen.

Nawa’y nainspired kayo at tunay na namotivate to truly keep loving someone unconditionally. I encourage you to check and assess your current relationship and be the first person to answer these reflective questions.

1. Evaluate your attitude and views about loving someone unconditionally. Why is it so important to us all?
2. Pray and ask God to give you a cheerful heart despite all circumstances in life.

If you answer those questions, you can write them down below or dm me on my IG or FB account, for sure I will answer you! Be sure to follow me on Spotify and on YouTube. If this episode was helpful to you or you want to add some of the experiences that you have encountered while having a relationship, please leave a comment on any of my social media platforms. If you think someone else would enjoy it and it could help them improve their relationship with Jesus and their loved ones, please share it with them! And if you share on Facebook, the hashtag CafeTayowithElisaCamara would be greatly appreciated! 

See you on season 2! Thank you!

Episode 4: 7 Habits of Highly Effective Homemakers

When you hear the word balanced life, what comes to mind first? Relationships, work, fitness, health, and emotional well-being? Yes, of course, but we rarely think about the home environment and how it supports our well-being. After carefully considering and studying creating a healthy home environment, I realized that everyone needs to develop essential habits that housewives do very effectively in their daily lives. Are you single and want to be an independent, working mother, young or old, with or without help, or a stay-at-home mom or dad? It would be best if you had these important habits.

But before that, I want to share a quick story with you. It is about my real-life homemaking mentor, ang Ate Perlie ko, and how a visit to her house inspired me. 

My name is Elisa. Welcome to the Café Tayo where I share what God has put on my heart. Dinala ako ng Diyos sa maraming karanasan sa buhay. Kaya naman narito ako para ishare ito sa inyo at sa mga susunod pang henerasyon. So grab your favorite coffee, make yourself at home and join me as God equips us on what to take each day.

The title of this 4th episode is the 7 Habits of Highly Effective Homemakers.

May isa akong mas nakakatandang kapatid na babae na sobrang sipag maglinis ng bahay at mangalaga ng kanyang pamilya. Ang una kong napansin sa kanya ay ang maayos na nakasalansan ang mga gamit sa loob ng bahay kahit ang dami, hindi magulong tingnan. kahit magbukas ka ng cabinet niya, para kang bumisita sa department store dahil nakafold ng pantay-pantay, pati yung mga nakahanger sobrang neat! Marunong ka ba magtupi ng mga fitted sheets? ask her how. Maganda ang atmosphere ng bahay niya, so light, very comfortable at warm. Marami rin siyang maghanda ng pagkain, lahat ng favorite food makikita mo sa table! Bubusugin ka talaga dahil masarap din siyang magluto! Habang kumakain nag-eenjoy kami sa napakaraming kwentuhan. 

Nakikita ko ang maraming memories sa table na iyon, ang mga holidays at special occasions na sinecelebrate, hosted parties, at mga friends na very welcome sa kanyang tahanan. Alam kong napaka strong ng bond niya sa kanyang family. She guided them with a strong faith and grace. Dahil mahusay na teacher ang kapatid ko, nagtayo siya ng sariling school. Maraming kamag-anak ang nagbenefit sa school na yun. Although my sister is a widow and our parents are gone, she has been our strong pillar. Sabi sa nabasa ko, "Everyone needs a home to live in, but a supportive family is what builds a home." And that's my sister to us. 

Hindi naman kakaiba ang ate ko sa iba. Pero ang balanseng pamumuhay niya bilang entrepreneur at homemaker ay nakakainganya para gawing magandang halimbawa sa buhay ko. Marami rin siyang natulungan na mga tao na magkaroon ng trabaho at mga batang napag-aral ng libre sa kanyang school. 

Habang tinitingnan ko ang mga homemakers na naging malaking influence sa aking buhay, Nakatulong ito sa akin na ayusin ang aking mga iniisip. Dumaan ako sa trial and error. Ang motherhood ay may parehong advantage at disadvantage. Kaya sa pagkakataong ito, let's learn the seven essential homemaking habits that highly effective homemakers embrace.

Habit #1: Live with Vision

A pleasant home to live in doesn’t just happen. Dapat mavisualized mo muna. Kung di mo alam kung saan ka pupunta, paano ka makakarating?

Effective homemakers have a vision.

kailangan natin ng matinding pag-iisip na may kasamang panalangin para maging makatotohanan ang isang puno ng kaayusan at mapayapang tahanan. Talagang tinatrabaho yun!

But it all starts with the vision.

Sasamantalahin ko ang opportunity na ito para pasalamatan ang Lord sa lahat ng Kanyang nagawa at ginagawa sa aking buhay. I have so many mistakes sa aking mga napagdaanan na naging dahilan para evaluate ko ang nakaraan at matutunan ko kung paano ang buhay ko ay umayon sa kalooban ng Diyos. Salamat sa Kanyang never ending grace na nagpalaya sa akin sa condemnation na bigyan ko rin ng grace ang sarili ko, whether sa motherhood ba yan o sa pagdevelop ng orderly and peaceful home!

Habit #2: Follow a Daily Routine

Sabi nga, effective homemakers don’t just let life happen to them. They have a plan.

kailangan mo ng sistema para mag work out ang naeenvision mo para sa bahay mo. Ito yung makakatanggal ng stress at overwhelming na mga obligations sa buhay.

Siyempre naman minsan di mo magagawa palagi. One time, nagkasakit ako, sobrang overwhelming sa akin to keep the house in good order. Pwede ka talagang ma-interrupt ng pagkakasakit, o maybe nagbrown-out, nawalan ng tubig, o may family affairs at circumstances na outside sa iyong control.

We live in a time when family life is very busy. Napakaraming dapat tandaan at napakaraming dapat gawin sa bawat araw. I can show you what my schedule currently looks like. I call it Daily Routines. Message me on my messenger account. It will also give you some helpful ideas for creating your own schedule. 

Habit #3: Get Up Early

Sabi sa nabasa ko sa isang article, the most successful people get up early. Kapag nagising ka ng mas maaga, may advantage ka na magkaroon ng some quiet time para sa sarili mo para magbasa, magpray, o kaya magexercise, or just get your day started.

As of now, nag-open ako ng store just a table with coffee and some snacks at the front of our house, dati online lang. During weekdays ko ito ginagawa at tatlong oras lang sa hapon, kaya maaga akong gumigising to do my quiet times and household chores.

Habit #4: Plan Meals

Consider preparing meals with local and seasonal ingredients. During my early stage in marriage, ang mother-in-law ko minsan sinasama niya akong mamili. Nagbabase siya sa kung ano ang available sa local market o sa mismong lugar ng mga bagsakan ng sariwang pagkain. Mas makakamura nga naman at mas marami ang mabibili mo sa konting budget. Much better if you have a plan. 

And also add foods that are rich in nutrient values. How can we know that? Just buy more of the darker-colored fruits and vegetables. Available naman sa palengke ang mga fresh meats. Pwede rin naman ang frozen meats pero huwag i-stock ng lalagpas sa isang linggo. 

Kung nahihirapan kang magplano ng iyong mga meals at kailangan mo ng tulong sa area na ito, dm me and I can give you a copy of my 4-week cycle menu. Magiging madali sa iyo na gumawa ng shopping list.

Habit #5: Declutter and Organize

Ang decluttering ay nangangailangan ng consistency. Ito yung mga bagay na paulit-ulit na ginagawa para maging habit. Hindi pwede yung mag-declutter tayo ngayon tapos tapos na. 

Alam ko, isa pa itong challenging, lalo na kung maliit ang space.

We have a relatively small space for our family. Kahit na may mga pangarap akong balang-araw ay magkaroon ng maraming spaces and storage, for now, I must actively work to keep clutter away and find a home for everything within the limits of our small space.

Once you’ve decluttered everything, make sure each item has a place, and your home will be so much easier to keep organized!

Habit #6: Use a Cleaning Schedule

Over the years, gumagamit ako ng isang plano, hindi man perfect pero pinanatili nitong organized ang isip ko kapag may plan akong sinusundan. If I miss a day, I can still catch up on another day. Ang mahalaga ay nagagawa ito. 

I can give you also my cleaning schedule bilang example. I developed my E-CLEAN daily routines. If you need help in this area, dm mo lang ako. I also highly recommend looking into FlyLady or Clean Mama on the internet. They are so inspiring na nakagawa ako ng sarili kong cleaning schedule dahil dito.

Ito yung sistema ng housework na kasalukuyang ginagamit ko para sa amin. Kung may helper ka, pwede niyang sundan ito para sayo.

Habit #7: Cultivate a Cheerful, Thankful Spirit

This is the most important habit.

Parang Mother Teresa, “It is not the magnitude of our actions but the amount of love that is put into them that matters.” Ito yung susi para maging selfless tayo sa ating pamilya. Hindi mo na iisipin kung gaano kabigat ang mga trabahong bahay, you will still slow down and focus on how to serve your family with love. There is always time for what matters most to you.

Huwag mong isipin na sinasabi ko na hindi ka effective homemaker kung nag-struggle ka sa depression o discouragement at times. Lahat tayo ay dumaranas sa mga panahon na yan. At kung mas malalim pa ang struggle mo, okay lang na humingi ng tulong.

When that difficult situation arises as it always will, try to focus sa mga bagay na nakakapag build up sa iyong family. As Philippians 4:8 says, "Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable if there is any excellence if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."

Itapon natin ang pressure ng idealism. Kung sa umpisa ng araw ang sigla natin then 'pag dating ng lunchtime lanta na, okay lang yun, madalas mangyari sa akin yan. Tanggapin natin ang grace ng Lord, don't beat ourselves up. Ang pakikinig at pagsunod kay Hesus ay parang exercise, nagsisimula tayo sa kung saan at lumalago mula doon.

Ito ang isa sa mga main reasons ko kung bakit ako gumigising ng maaga. May pamilya akong inaasikaso at nagpapatakbo ng small business sa bahay. Ibig kong sabihin - I still have time, nagbabasa ako ng few chapters from the bible everyday, nagjojournaling, nagpepray, nakikinig ng podcast, nagk-kdrama, active ako sa social media, naliligo, at nag-aayos sa sarili. Maliliit na bagay na nagbibigay buhay sa akin at nagpapasigla sa araw-araw.

I've been a full-time homemaker for 32 years, and I'm still learning new things and growing. Hindi pa ako ganap na dumating pa don. Habang nagbabago ang ating mga condition sa buhay, we will find our methods and system need to be changed from time to time.

Join me in prayer. Lord, I come to you humbly. Help me to change. Help me to improve so I can be more loving, peaceful, organized, cheerful, and thankful for everything no matter what my condition is. In Jesus' name, amen.

I hope you walk away from this episode feeling encouraged and empowered to create a healthier home and to keep it with a bit more order, without worrying. Be sure to follow me on Spotify, and if this episode was helpful to you, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. If you think someone else would enjoy it and it could help them improve their home environment, please share it with them! And if you share on social media, the hashtag #CafeTayowithElisaCamara would be greatly appreciated!  

In my thoughts,

Elisa

Episode 2: How to be Joyful No Matter What (Part 1 of the 10-Part Series of Enjoying the Rest of Your Life)

Hi family! 

Welcome to Café Tayo with Elisa Camara!

It is another Sunday morning to start my Café Tayo! journey while having coffee. I hope you are here with me having coffee at the same time!

Link: https://open.spotify.com/show/3ih6WfJjbBPoaDtjDbC6Of

This episode is about when you are in a season of having difficulty in life and do not want to carry your burdens in life because you are no longer happy and you want to go back to your old life. May God fill you with the truth-revealing moment so that you can find happiness, courage, and strength to continue the journey for the rest of your life, despite all the problems it brings. 

 

The title of this episode, How to be Joyful No Matter What (Part 1 of the Enjoying the Rest of Your Life series)

I want to share with you two of my most joyful moments.

One is, on 29 September 1991, I, as the bride, walked down the aisle with my father and joined Rainier standing as the bridegroom in front of the altar at Cafe Adriatico in Makati. We made our vows before God and united in marriage. We left the place as Mr. and Mrs. Camara. It was a joyful moment that had huge implications for our lives. It was rooted in our mutual love and promise to love each other until the end of our lives. It's true. I am grateful to God for orchestrating this marriage. But to keep this joyful moment as we respond to life depends on us.

Almost three years before that, on 16 October 1988, I met Jesus Christ for the first time. A love relationship began, which completely transformed my life. I experienced God's love for me and committed to loving Him forever. It is another joyful moment, but the implications and effects are ongoing and all-encompassing. 

I thought these joyful moments never end. I just have to learn to be joyful in the middle of grief, stress, pressure, and all kinds of problems. But everything is not easy. It’s not easy when my children get sick or hurt. It's not easy when my spouse is having a hard time. No, Not everything is easy. I just have to see the purpose of God behind all these. God can bring us to His Words and be joyful even if there is no particular reason.

Philippians 4:4-7…

4 "Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! 5 Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.

6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus." 

This passage comes in the context of Paul's letter to the Philippians while in prison, in the latter part of his missionary career. He was actively involved in establishing the church in Philippi, which endured mistreatment by the civil authorities. Paul encouraged them to adapt while journeying and struggling together for the proclamation of the gospel. Perhaps some of them are having second thoughts. Some may be counting the cost of following Jesus and hesitating, even considering turning back.

Paul did not write Philippians from a resort taking a vacation. He wrote it in prison. What was Paul’s secret? I created this HTTPS acronym to define the principles behind Paul's examples on how to be joyful no matter what.

1. If I am going to be joyful no matter what, hold on to the joy to be found in God. Philippians 4:4 "Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!"

Sometimes when we are struggling, we tend to look at what we see and we don't see God in heaven. If we think about it, here, Paul had all the reason to be tired and bitter, but he responded to life with joy. So, hold on to the joy that is found in God. We are only challenged by situations, problems, events, and people around us. No matter how hard we see, we can turn to God and rejoice.

2. If I am going to be joyful no matter what, take up the character of Christ. v5a "Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do." 

One of the challenges of following the Lord Jesus is to give up all the rights and accept the commitment to use the character of Christ in our daily lives. Paul urges the Philippians and specifically those who are having second thoughts about their commitment, to continue to live in the spirit of kindness.

Very challenging. It wasn't just marriage that transformed my life, I had to deal with the change in my character as a follower of Christ. Jesus wants me to change for my good. Jesus' sacrifice was his death on the cross for my sins. He paid the penalty I deserved. If this life is living by joy, we respond to life by being merciful.

3. If I am going to be joyful no matter what, take hold of the nearness of God. v5b Remember, the Lord is coming soon."

The vital part of the good news of Jesus Christ is the proclamation that the Lord is coming soon. God is so close to us through Jesus Christ that by the power of the Holy Spirit, we can come to Him with no requirement of sacrifice. If we experience pain in our lives, relationships, and workplace, “the Lord is coming soon.” Whatever struggles we are facing, in following Jesus, “the Lord is coming soon.” 

This declaration is intended to encourage and strengthen the commitment of all who have participated in the journey of following Jesus. We can be sure that they will be good followers/disciples, not perfect but will be role models of Paul's example of standing firm in the Lord.

In our quiet time with the Lord, we can see the light of being intimate with Him, He will deeply reveal Himself and we feel He is reaching out to us. Take hold of the nearness of God.

4. If I am going to be joyful no matter what, pray with thankfulness. v6 "Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done."  

The encouragement to pray is what we all need. Prayer leads us to trust God so we can enjoy life. That's what the passage meant when we rejoice, we get rid of every pessimistic thinking or feeling. Even when we don't know what will happen to the future or we don't know what to do.

5. If I am going to be joyful no matter what, stay in the peace of God. v7 "Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus."

When life seems dark and lonely, we easily feel as if we are not protected. We become susceptible to making a wrong move and lose our commitment to being calm, loving, and good. But, it is clear to Paul that if we stay and pray, God's perfect peace will guard our hearts and minds.

Perhaps, you started well in the relationships or workplace you had, journeyed well with your loved ones, and somewhere along the way, your roads became crooked or bumpy. Where did I go wrong? You asked. The way to get back to where you started is very hard to achieve. Happiness does not depend on our situations or circumstances. We can still go back to where we want to be, even, more than we imagine. Though we feel our faith is lacking somewhere, God understands us. He will surely show you how good and how happy your life is with Him. 

What are the secrets of How to be joyful no matter what? The HTTPS principles. H, holding on to the joy to be found in God, T, taking up to the character of Christ, T, taking hold of the nearness of God, P, praying with thankfulness, and S, staying in the peace of God no matter what. So that our lives will be full of rejoicing and prayers.

I am going to ask for your response, those who need prayer today, this is the opportunity to come before the Lord and receive the gift of repentance and forgiveness. Let God's kindness lead you to repentance today. 

And for those who want to write their prayer request privately, you can send a DM or email me at elisa.camara07@gmail.com. Let's pray...

Our heavenly Father, thank you for the life that is in You. Thank you for the gift of repentance and forgiveness of our sins. Thank You for Your grace and mercy. Lord, as I pray for the person listening to this episode, Lead them to a safe place where they can find happiness, courage, and strength. Help them not easily sway from the temptations of this world. Lord, we come before You with humble hearts, with clean hands and pure hearts that you will bring us into a place of holiness and transformation. Set us free, Lord, if we have any bondage of fear, worries, anger, and bitterness. Help us to be wholeheartedly obedient to you so we will know Your purpose as being an expression of your goodness to the world. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for this joyful life with you no matter what. In Jesus' name, amen.

Screenshot photo from K-Drama series, "It's Beautiful now". 

I hope you come away from this episode feeling encouraged and purposefully living out your life with Jesus. Be sure to follow me on Instagram, @love_elisacamara, and if this episode was helpful to you, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts or any of my social media platforms, or If you think someone else would benefit and it could change their life, please share it with them! And if you share on social media, the hashtag #CafeTayowithElisaCamara would be greatly appreciated!  

Do you ever feel like you need a little help in your relationship with God? Let's chat. Just feel free to comment down below.  

Until the next issue every first Sunday at eight in the morning.

In my thoughts,

Elisa

Episode 1: Your Story Has Power

I want to share my story of how God changed my life when I was in my early twenties. This is where my heart's desire came true because a person's dream is not only measured by his achievements, status, or property value. What is important is that God fulfills His purpose in our dreams so that we can encourage and help others in what they are going through.

Link: https://open.spotify.com/episode

I grew up in a broken family. My parents used to be together, but they didn't even look at each other. It's like they're just there for us. We, siblings, love our parents. We want them to be happy as a couple. Although there are little things that break our hearts when we see them fighting just because there is no spoon.

My father is capable of any job. Whatever he does, he makes money. That's why he gambles and spends a lot of money. Since then, our financial situation has always been unstable. My mother is very hardworking. She works non-stop to help my father with our expenses. My father, an OFW, has two utility vehicles, and my mother owns a large store, but why do we still feel pressured? My father was a Seaman who got off the ship and did TNT in the US. So he doesn't send us money anymore. My mother barely took a break just to provide for our daily needs and education. And after a few years, my father was deported, returned to the Philippines, and provided for us again.

I can see where they are coming from. They worked too much due to a lack of education. I feel sad because it still doesn't seem like enough. We are affected whenever our parents fight. They shout and argue endlessly.

When I was in college, my sadness became more intense with what I saw in our family. Sometimes I sit on the bed and cry because I don't know what to do. It can also happen to my brothers and sisters. Our parents are like a broken mirror that we try to rebuild. It's better to leave it on the floor than to hurt ourselves trying to put it all back together. I don't want to give up, I want to run away but I feel guilty. I don't want to leave my family. Just smile to hide my brokenness.

I have family and friends around me, but I feel alone. I can't open up to others because they might think I'm weak so I just keep it to myself.

It wasn't until I got to work that I saw my old high school classmate. He shared Jesus with me. I joined Him when He invited me to attend a Christian Fellowship. I felt something strange when I heard the pastor say that Jesus is the answer to my need. This is where I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior. I know He has forgiven me to transform my life. Because it says in John 3:16, For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

And for the first time, I had peace. I felt His love. And it's not just the feeling, the joy of having hope and courage that God has healed me and my family relationship. In Psalm 34:18, the Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves the brokenhearted.

Many years have passed, and all of us as siblings are married. Every day, I saw how God is changing our lives. I was the first born-again Christian in our family and I gradually shared Jesus with my family and relatives.

Although my parents used to fight, they were always there for each other. The day came when mom got sick, going back and forth to the hospital until she had to say goodbye to us. God is so good! My father came to the hospital and asked for forgiveness. In a comatose state, she heard my father, and tears flowed. God miraculously acted so that they could forgive each other. My mother died in peace. About six years later, my father also died. He was also sick. Sadly, I won't be able to see them. It is reassuring that we will meet again in heaven! God gave us eternal life!

Sometimes we wonder if we can recover from the pain we feel inside. Thank God because He knows what we've been through and the burdens we still carry. He can help us forgive. We can let go of the past. If there is a situation that tries to remind us of past hurts, God can destroy the negative thoughts and let us walk freely.

It is where I proved that I don't need to seek the world to find happiness in life because my sufficiency is in Christ. I gained the freedom and peace that Christ has brought to my life. And what will it profit you if you gain the whole world but lose your soul? (Mark 8:36)

My story is not that dramatic, but opening my heart and telling my story is not that easy. It takes courage and hope that comes from God for me to tell. Whether you grew up as a Christian or are new to your faith, your story has power. How do you present your life story?

1. Tell your story truthfully.

Proverbs 12:17, "A faithful witness tells the truth; a false witness tells lies."

This verse, of course, has implications for witnesses in court. We are all witnesses in the sense that we are all in a position to testify about Jesus. Whether you're on a night out with your friends or speaking in front of a crowd at church or somewhere else, there's something very powerful about someone telling their story truthfully, honestly, and from the heart.

2. Tell your story consistently.

It is the power of a testimony. One cannot contradict or oppose: 'Then I was like this, now I am like this... It is the difference that Jesus made in our lives.

Telling your story is still one of the keys to communicating yourself. You will gain confidence and assurance that someone has been refreshed and encouraged.

3. Tell your story humbly.

True love is often difficult, inconvenient, and costly; but true happiness comes only to those who care for others at some cost to themselves.

If we're going to tell stories, do not be proud but humble for what the Lord has done in our lives. The more we see our desperate situation, the more God can show His power and grace. He orchestrated everything. The devil meant it for evil, but God meant it for good.

Lord, thank you for the power of my story. I can say, I was blind but now I see. May there be many more who can testify about encountering you, having their eyes opened, and being healed. Thank you, Lord Jesus.

I hope you come away from this post encouraged to share your story as I did, Be sure to follow me on Instagram, @love_elisacamara, and if this post was helpful to you, please leave a review. If you think someone else would benefit and it could change their life, please share the link with them! And if you share on social media, the hashtag #CafeTayowithElisaCamara would be greatly appreciated! 

In my thoughts,

Elisa