The Rebelution Tour Video

College - A New Journey

They say that "every journey begins with a single step."
I took my first step last June, when college started. For me, having been homeschooled all my life, it was a very big step. A step of faith into the new world, a step into a "place" where I had never gone before.

The first few weeks were a challenge. I wasn't used to traveling, I wasn't used to doing school and then having homework (the "foreign language" to homeschoolers!). There were times when I felt like giving up, times when I felt like I just couldn't take it anymore. I would go home, frustrated by the many things I had to do yet not know where to start.

Aside from that, I had no time to sleep, no time to play with my brothers and sisters, no time to do my chores (which made me feel so guilty).

Nevertheless, I remembered Philippians 4:13. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." I've quoted that verse a million times, said it over and over again, and I believe it.

I learned so many things during the first few weeks of school. God taught me to enjoy every moment in life, including the long bus rides and the big puddles after the rain. I also learned to find my strength in Him.

My long journey has just begun...but I'm looking forward to learning more things every step of the way. I know that God placed me here for a purpose, and I know that He will be with me all the way.

Soaring,
Alyssa C.

Praise Report

God is good.
I am so blessed, so amazed by what He has been doing in my life. In spite of some stormy seas, God has been my rock of refuge.

Last week, my grandfather passed away. It was a tragic moment for all of us...since it was so sudden, so unexepcted. One thing that made it harder is that we don't know where he is now. It was a "test of faith" for our family, and by God's grace we were able to find the peace and the strength to move on.
It was a painful moment, but a blessing in a way, especially since Dad's sisters were able to come from other countries (all execpt one), so it was a big reunion after 18 long years.

Another thing I would like to praise God for is the guitar lessons that made my summer one of the best ever. In a previous post, I wrote about how difficult guitar was for me, and how enjoyable. Well, the lessons have come to an end. We had our recital last May 27 - Guitarahan Para Sa Panginoon (Guitars for the Lord). Of course, nothing is perfect, but we enjoyed playing for God and using our talents for His glory.

Next month, I will be entering a whole new world. Next month, college begins for me. I'm excited, I'm nervous, I'm not sure what to expect, but I know God will be with me every step of the way.

Thank you for all your prayers, your love and support.

Soaring on eagles' wings,
Alyssa C.

Thanks for the Prayers!

Thank you so much for praying! The Medical Mission Team came back from Calayan, safe and sound. They had a wonderful time and they were able to treat around 250+ patients. Their trip back home was somewhat..."exciting". While they were traveling, we were experiencing some heavy rains here in Manila, but they were experiencing huge waves that almost capsized their boat. But they made it safely back home. God is really awesome!

Prayer Request: Calayan Medical Mission

Last Sunday, we sent forth five church members to Calayan, one of the remote islands in northern Philippines. They will conducting a medical mission there. We plead your prayers, especially since it is a long and hazardous journey there. Please pray that they will be a blessing to the people, and that they will be a witness to those who are in need of a Saviour.

Thank you!

~ Alyssa C.

A Lesson at Guitar

I thought I'd share with you what hard thing I have been doing lately, and what I'm learning from it.
About a month ago, our church decided to hold guitar lessons for those who were interested. In these lessons, we would be taught how to play the classical way, by reading notes, and not by plucking or strumming chords.
My mom said she'd sign me up. I have to admit that I was pretty reluctant at first, because I haven't had much experience playing the guitar, and because I wasn't so sure I'd be quick enough to learn everything taught. Nevertheless, my mom insisted that I should, and so I had no choice.

Our first session was two Sundays ago. We were given assignments to help strengthen our left and right fingers. Honestly, it was so difficultt. It was hard to concentrate, hard to keep on practicing - especially since my fingers wouldn't obey and press or pluck the right strings. It was a temptation to practice just for 30 minutes per day (the minimum time given to us to practice) even if I knew that it would be better for me to practice a full hour.

It was a struggle, but I learned a lot during that long week (and I'm still learning!). I learned patience and dilligence. I learned to set a goal for practicing, and I learned how to meet it.
Someone said that "musicians love to perform but they hate to practice." Every time I hear that, I can't help but laugh because that is true. No, I guess I don't really hate practicing, but it's just difficult to set aside a few hours every day to devote yourself to practicing a piece over and over again. Still, I know that it is something that will help me, and I know that I must do it.
Philippians 4:13 says "I can do all thing through Christ who strengthens me..." and it's a verse I always keep in mind especially when my back and fingers start to ache. I know that I can be strong in anything - even in playing the guitar - as long as Christ is with me.

The Modesty Survey Has Been Launched!!!

A Valentine's gift from the Hearts of over a thousand men around the world...
...to their Sisters in Christ.

TheRebelution.com just launched the results of their massive Modesty Survey! Over 1,600 Christian guys answered questions on everything from glitter lotion and lip gloss to swimsuits and skirt slits! For you girls, it's everything you've ever wanted to ask guys about modesty, but were afraid to ask! For you guys, it's really interesting to see what other Christian guys think!


Most importantly, the survey is presented as a resource to help Christian girls (and guys), not a list of legalistic rules, and it is accompanied by the Modesty Survey Petition (which tons of guys have signed) which encourage young women to focus on the heart, not the hemline, to honor their parents, etc.


TheRebelution.com presents the results of the survey as a big St. Valentine's Day gift from 1,600 Christian guys to all Christian girls—and we can't think of a better one!


Go check it out: www.therebelution.com/modestysurvey


But also make sure you spread the word to all your friends. We want as many Christian girls as possible to see it on Valentines Day, so you can repost this post on your blog or forward it as an email.


Guys, they are still accepting signatures for the Modesty Survey Petition, so this is an opportunity for you to still share your voice on the topic of modesty!

Update on my Grandfather

Thanks a lot for your prayers!
My grandfather was released from the hospital last week. He is now at his home. He's still recuperating, and he can eat now (broths and soups) but he still needs your prayers. Please continue to pray for his recovery and salvation. Thank you very much!
God bless!

~ Alyssa C.

Prayer Request: Angkong

My grandfather - we call him "Angkong" - was brought to the hospital last week. We thought he just slipped and fell, but when the test results came out, the readings said that it was a minor stroke. He underwent an operation last Saturday, and he is still in the ICU, recovering.
Please pray for his health and recovery, but most of all, his salvation.

Thanks, and God bless!

In Christ,
Alyssa C.

Problems with HaloScan

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,

Sorry for the inconvenience, but Godly Ladies in Training is experiencing a technical problem with the commenting system. Aside from that, we haven't been able to fix up all the links.
We switched to Beta last week, and now we are at a dead end...and we haven't figured out how to fix it. Any advice, especially on the commenting system, would really be appreciated.

Thank you so much, and please bear with us. :D

God bless you!

~ The Ladies-in-Training Staff