Blessings and Beyond

An Open Letter to Friends of the AllWorship Ministry

2009-12-18T15:26:00.002+08:00

Since this is a season of love and giving, I guess this is an opportunity to share God's blessings to others. Please read on the letter below.

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AllWorship is a listener-supported Internet radio station that spreads God's word every day across the globe through music. We call it a ministry because it reaches people with Christian music and the message of Jesus in more than 200 countries. In our six years of broadcasting, we have received literally millions of hits on our music streams. 49% of these have come from listeners that live outside the United States.

The Need is Greater Than Ever
Listeners to AllWorship come from all walks of life. As you can see from the listener emails at the bottom of this note, the music played on AllWorship truly touches and moves people. Missionaries email us regularly to say how much the ministry means to them. Many are in non-Christian countries where contemporary Christian music simply isn't available. Soldiers in war zones write to say "Thanks" for the encouragement of the music to those under the constant threat and stress of war. Young Christians tell us the music helps them in their new walk. Pastors in those faraway countries say they are sustained spiritually by the words in the music.

Where We Stand Financially
The economy has had an extremely negative impact on our donations during 2009--our support is down 40% this year. The AllWorship ministry faces serious financial concerns as we approach the new year. At the same time, our listener base keeps growing, especially in faraway countries. We desperately want to continue this ministry--and even expand it--but we need your financial support.

The Costs Are Minimal--But Real!
Specifically, it costs about $5,000 per month to run the ministry. That's all it takes to give people throughout the world access to free Christian music 24 hours a day with no commercials.

A donation of $5 or $10 makes a significant difference in our ministry. All donations go directly to pay for streaming, programming costs, music fees and Internet fees that keep us on the air. AllWorship doesn't have any overhead or administrative costs. So, any gift helps this music get into the hearts of people all over the world. Anyone making a donation receives a free gift from us--the ability to listen to AllWorship on a premium stream (64 Kbps). It's one way of thanking you for keeping the ministry alive! Depending on your country, your donation may be tax deductible since we are a 501(c)3 corporation.

You Can Take a Leadership Role
Won't you join in this "mission" opportunity? Your donation will help AllWorship continue to reach thousands of people all over the world. If you'd like to help AllWorship, you can click here to donate now or mail a check to:

AllWorship
9340 Helena Road
Suite F-121
Birmingham, AL 35244
USA

God Bless!
The AllWorship Team
info@allworship.com
www.allworship.com

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I implore your kind hearts to help the ministry today!

Online Backup

2009-12-18T13:11:00.000+08:00

In the first few days of December, I was having big time problem with my personal computer. A virus have wretch havoc in my PC causing files to be corrupted and thus leaving me no choice but to delete them.

Anyway, I am contemplating of getting an online backup account. I think having extra hard drive is still not worth it if the virus corrupts the drive.

Oh well, anybody here experienced having an online backup account?

New Room

2009-12-17T12:19:00.000+08:00

Our landlady gave the third room for us to use in the house we rented. That of course considering we will add 500 pesos to our existing house rent. So now that we have an additional room, I am planning to move the office furniture in our room to the new room. I want available space in our room to give way to my baby’s crib and cabinet that we will be buying next year. I can’t wait to decorate our room next year!!

He Lives Within You

2009-12-16T23:09:00.000+08:00

The virgin birth is more, much more, than a Christmas story; it is a picture of how close Christ will come to you.

The first stop on His itinerary was a womb. Where will God go to touch the world? Look deep within Mary for an answer.

Better still, look deep within yourself.

What He did with Mary, He offers to us! He issues a Mary-level invitation to all His children.

"If you'll let me, I'll move in!"

Proliferating throughout the scriptures is a preposition that leaves no doubt: the preposition "in".

Jesus lives in His children.

John was clear, "Those who obey his commands live in him, and he in them" (I John 3:24 NIV).

Christ grew in Mary until He had to come out.

Christ will grow in you until the same occurs. He will come out in your speech, in your actions, in your decisions.

Every place you live will be a Bethlehem, and every day you live will be a Christmas. You, like Mary, will deliver Christ into the world.

God in us! Have we sounded the depth of this promise?

God was with Adam and Eve. God was with Abraham. God was with Moses and the children of Israel. God was with the apostles.

But He is in you.

You are a modern-day Mary. Even more so.

He was a fetus in her, but He is a force in you. He will do what you cannot.

Can't stop drinking? Christ can. And He lives within you.

Can't stop worrying? Christ can. And He lives within you.

Can't forgive the jerk, forget the past, or forsake your bad habits? Christ can!

And He lives within you.

by Max Lucado
From AllWorship.com Newsletter

Our Rented House

2009-12-08T01:26:00.002+08:00

Our newly rented house is not that beautiful. It has three bedrooms but the owner didn’t allow us to use the other one. The space is not that spacious, just enough for four adults, two school age children, a baby and one cat to limitedly move around. It has no wall paint and does not have enough ventilation (windows).

Anyway, as bad as it sounds, I am still thankful in little ways. Why? Well, it has no garage. That means I don’t need to worry about the garage floor. It is located near my children’s schools. So when the weather is good, they can just walk to school. But the best part of the house is its location. It’s away from my husband’s drinking friends. Meaning the house is away from my husband’s tempters!

So, I guess the place is not bad after all right?

Travel Dreams

2009-12-07T23:48:00.000+08:00

One of my dreams in life is to travel abroad with my family. I want to land in a foreign soil and enjoy other culture, places and people. I want to travel not only to enjoy but also to learn how people live in other places.

Anyway, one of the resorts I would love to visit is Destin Resorts in Florida. I heard they have a very fine accommodation and is a great place to enjoy with the family. Aside from that, the weather is good there too. I also want to visit Asian countries. They also have many beautiful resorts but with a different touch.

How about you? Do you want to travel?

Spoiled Hubby Today

2009-12-07T19:46:00.000+08:00

My husband went to the hospital today. He went to avail his yearly check-up sponsored by their company. When he arrived, he looks so down. I asked him why. He told me that a set of three teeth were extracted including his wisdom tooth. He said the pain can be felt already because the anesthesia is starting to wear off. Then he said I need to buy him medicines. So immediately, I went to buy what he needed.

When I arrived, I let him drink his medicines and let him continue to sleep. And when evening came, I prepared the “lugaw” my mom cooked for him. I made him as comfortable as I can. While he was eating, he said he jokingly said that he is so demanding today. I also replied to him jokingly if we should get a disability appeal at his company because he was almost not moving and wanted to be pampered since he arrived. After that, we both laugh.

Anyway, he is now sleeping soundly with our baby daughter. As I glanced at them, I can’t help but be amused by the idea having two babies to take care tonight. ^_^

Staying Connected

2009-12-07T06:13:00.007+08:00

"Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in You. Show me the way I should go, for to You I lift up my soul." - Psalm 143:8

Two of the greatest inventions of my time have been the laptop computer and e-mail.

The laptop means I no longer have to stay in one place to be productive inmy business life. E-mail has allowed me to stay connected to people all around the world with the touch of a button.

My greatest frustration is when either of these does not work. Sometimes e-mail cannot be used because I can't get a connection. Sometimes I cannot use my laptop because I have not properly charged it, and then the charge runs out while I am on an airplane. Both of these situations mean I am unable to tap into the resource that allows me to fulfill my calling in my work to the fullest.

The morning time with God is much like these situations.

God pours His Word into my spirit, and I am recharged. This recharging has an important effect on my day. It allows me the greatest opportunity to hear the small voice that directs my steps.

If I refuse to "get connected," I risk following my own ways of fulfilling the duties of my day. It sets forth the opportunity for God to speak into my spirit what He desires for me each day. It allows me to focus on God's purposes, not mine.

The only way to know someone is to spend time with him or her. The only way to discern the voice of another is to hear that person's voice.

David, the author of this psalm, was a warrior, king, and businessman. He understood this principle of connecting with God in the morning. His morning allowed him to connect with God's love, renew his trust in Him, and hear His directions for his life.

Shouldn't you and I do the same?

by Os Hillman

From AllWorshop.com Newsletter

Looking for Free Directory Submission Services

2009-12-05T10:22:00.000+08:00

I have been building new set of blogs and I call this batch as the experimental blogs. From the word experimental, yes…I am going to experiment something…something that could earn me money of course.

Since I have plenty of blogs to take care, I need to find a way for them to be advertised and better yet get the indexed in search engines. One of my master plans is to submit it to directories. That is why I am looking for a free directory submission services that can help me.

By the way, do you know one?

Martial Law Declared in Maguindanao

2009-12-05T09:30:00.000+08:00

Just a few moments ago, I have come across the news that our president declared martial law at the province of Maguindanao. This decision came as a result of the tragedy that happened in Maguindanao few days ago wherein 57 people were brutally killed.

As for me, I don’t have anything against the decision declared by the president because I know she has advisers on what to do and how to run a government especially after the massacre that happened in Maguindanao. But the possibility for it to happen nationwide scares me. I heard stories of how the innocent died during the times when Martial Law was declared in our country decades ago.

If Martial Law will happen, just in case, all I can do is wish that I could afford an escape to a Myrtle beach condo. Escape from the terror of military people running the show. Anyway, I just hope and pray it would not happen. I pray for peace!

I Heart Personalized Jewelries

2009-12-05T06:08:00.002+08:00

I am not vain about jewelries but I would really love to have one especially if it’s freely given. And if it’s not free, I don’t mind buying if it’s simple and affordable. Anyway, to give you an idea of what kind of jewelry I heart…here is a picture below:

Yup, I like a personalized jewelry. It is simple and elegant in some way. Aside from that, having the first letter to your name is a great conversation starter in parties! ^_^

Photographer in Me

2009-12-04T23:52:00.001+08:00

Since the LCD of my digital camera was broken, I find myself constantly looking for a replacement. I browse sites and go to malls just to canvass the prices of their available digital cameras. As a blogger and a mom with kids, I believe that a digital camera is essential. Not that I am planning to have a profession in the field of photography, but as a blogger and mom, you always find yourself clicking and capturing many things especially my object of affection – my children, and of fascination – nature.

Do you feel the same way too? As a mom and blogger?

Animal Lover Son

2009-11-24T23:02:00.001+08:00

My son is attracted to animals. A few months ago he suggested that we should buy more animals to keep. He wanted us to be like our neighbor before. He said it would be much fun if we had plenty of animals in our house.

Well, I love animals too but it’s hard to maintain many of them. If you want to have a duck or swan or whatever that stays on wet places, you need to have special things to use such as pond pumps to maintain ponds or houses or huts for your animals to stay in. Aside from that, you need a lot of space which we don’t have.

So, I explained to my son our limitations. As always, he understood and settled with our cat but misses our dog.

The Isolation Chamber

2009-11-13T09:58:00.000+08:00

"Be still and know that I am God...." Psalm 46:10

There is a time and place in our walk with God in which He sets us in a place of waiting.

It is a place in which all past experiences are of no value. It is a time of such stillness that it can disturb the most faithful if we do not understand that He is the one who has brought us to this place for only a season.

It is as if God has placed a wall around us. No new opportunities--simply inactivity.

During these times, God is calling us aside to fashion something new in us. It is an isolation chamber designed to call us to deeper roots of prayer and faith.

It is not a comfortable place, especially for a task-driven workplace believer. Our nature cries out, "You must do something," while God is saying, "Be still and know that I am God."

You know the signs that you have been brought into this chamber when He has removed many things from your life and you can't seem to change anything. Perhaps you are unemployed. Perhaps you are laid up with an illness.

Most religious people live a very planned and orchestrated life where they know almost everything that will happen. But for people in whom God is performing a deeper work, He brings them into a time of quietness that seems almost eerie. They cannot say what God is doing. They just know that He is doing a work that cannot be explained to themselves or to others.

Has God brought you to a place of being still?

Be still and know that He really is God.

When this happens, the chamber will open soon after.

by Os Hillman
From All Worship Newsletter

Christmas or New Year?

2009-11-13T08:56:00.000+08:00

Most of my friends are talking about stocking up on their preferred brand weight loss supplement. They are preparing for the season’s food trip galore. As for me, I am thinking where we should prepare for food, Christmas or New Year’s Eve, since we are still feeling the recession. That is why we needed to budget this season without neglecting what the children is hoping during the holidays.

Anyway, what are your plans for the holidays? Food galore on Christmas or New Year?

Planning to Move Again

2009-11-13T05:43:00.000+08:00

We are planning to move again. It seems that the new neighborhood we have transferred to is not ideal for raising kids. We encountered circumstances that have endangered the health of the family and the financial ability to earn. There are also many cases of thieves stealing from houses.

I really pray that God would lead us to the right house for us. Though it is exciting to move and arrange a new home, sometimes I felt tired too. Somehow I wish to find a used RV for sale. In that way, we can move to places easily without too much packing. ^_^

Anyway, let’s just pray we found the right place for the family and business!

Just for Fun: Scariest Halloween Cakes

2009-11-13T01:27:00.000+08:00

I know Halloween is over but would like to post something that may help you combat the urge to eat these holidays. These cakes will make you eat or puke.

Introducing the scariest cakes on Earth! Come take a slice or two from these collections. :)

Now, I ask you, would you eat these cakes? I bet you don’t need an appetite suppressant after seeing these cakes. LOL!

The Root of Bitterness

2009-11-12T22:37:00.000+08:00

"See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many." Hebrews 12:15

The enemy of our souls has a very specific strategy to destroy relationships. Whether these relationships are in business, marriage, or friendships, the strategy is the same.

A conflict arises, judgments are made, and feelings are hurt. What happens next is the defining point of whether the enemy gains a foothold, or the grace of God covers the wrong.

When a root of bitterness is allowed to be planted and grown, it not only affects that person, but it also affects all others who are involved. It is like a cancer.

Breaking satan's foothold requires at least one person to press into God's grace.

It cannot happen when either party "feels" like it, for none of us will ever feel like forgiving.

None of us feel like talking when we have been hurt.

Our natural response is to withdraw or lash out at the offending party.

It is only obedience that allows God's grace to cover the wrongs incurred. This grace prevents the parties from becoming victims who will seek compensation for their pain.

The next time you are hurt by someone, realize the gravity of the crossroadswhere you find yourself.

Choose grace instead of bitterness.

Then you will be free to move past the hurt, and a root of bitterness will not be given opportunity to grow.

by Os Hillman
From All Worship Newsletter

Christmas Food!

2009-11-12T20:34:00.000+08:00

Christmas is just around the corner. Have you stock up on diet pills yet? I am sure there are a lot of delicious foods to eat this season with parties here, there and everywhere.

Well as for me, I decided to eat and eat. I need to gain weight and then trim it down next year. I am still breastfeeding that is why I can’t go on to a strict diet maybe next year when I will wean my baby to solid food. ^_^

Frugal and Healthy

2009-11-12T15:24:00.001+08:00

Guess what?! I have been checking on the prices of treadmills lately. I have decided to become frugal (save for it) and healthy (exercise religiously). That is my goal this coming 2010. I wanted to live a debt free life (no more buying on credit) and a healthy lifestyle (eat balanced diet and exercise). These two have become my gigantic stress contributors and I need to get rid of them by living it right!

But of course, all of these I pray that God would help me. I am incapable of sincere change without His help. So, please help me Lord!

Memoirs of the Classroom Chairs

2009-11-12T13:22:00.000+08:00

During my younger years, I noticed that classroom chairs where all made of wood. That is why they are easily broken thus needing maintenance or replaced. It made school administrator losing money big time.

Now, I have noticed that classroom chairs has steel frames with wooden boards. Some are made of steel and plastic. Most have become very durable. Not only that but also all classroom fixtures in general. I wonder where they can buy discount classroom furniture. I believe if they buy it in singles it would be expensive.

Anyway, if I were a student right now, I might be enjoying these steel and plastic classroom chairs. It would be hard to destroy! LOL.

New Arrivals at Zenni Optical

2009-11-09T22:11:00.003+08:00

The ever famous $8 Prescription Zenni Glasses is proud to present their holiday fun eyeglasses and new arrivals! All of them come in beautiful designs and Christmas colors to suit the holiday season. So, if you want to be updated for the holiday fashion, check out zennioptical.com with their latest.

Below are some pictures of their new arrivals:

Needs to Buy a New Laptop

2009-11-09T20:58:00.000+08:00

I owned a laptop a few months ago. I sold it because of financial reasons. Now, I wanted to buy another one because our PC has become too crowded for us. My husband uses it and so does my two children. Aside from that, I could not blog if I travel.

So, I decided to save money for a laptop. I want to buy another one that will be used purely for my business and nothing else. No games so that the husband and the children will not interrupt me. LOL!!

Christmas Tree is Up!

2009-11-07T21:06:00.001+08:00

Christmas is already near. People around the world are busy with their Christmas decorations. In the US, I am sure they are planning to pick-up their pine trees any moment while people here in our place are busy forming back their artificial Christmas trees.

Well, as for me, my artificial Christmas tree was already up last October but it doesn’t have any decorations. Now, it has few Christmas balls and lights. I am planning to buy more decorations in the next few weeks so that when Christmas Day comes, my tree will look pretty and bright!!
How about you? Is your Christmas tree up already?

Busy Bee!

2009-11-07T20:45:00.001+08:00

I have been very busy lately, not because of my online career but of taking care of my 1 month old baby. She is breastfed that is why I could not just leave her unattended. I need to respond to her needs immediately especially when she cries for milk.

Anyway, our room is quite small. So sometimes I get crowded by many things, making me busier in arranging things while taking care of her. That is why I am planning to buy a small Tulip Table so that I can put all these things in one place. By that I should not need to clean and arrange all the time while taking care of the baby thus making me less busy. ^_^