​by Tini Tadeo-Castillo

Like Jonah, it took a drastic situation for me to learn a lesson and obey His command. Like Jonah, I resisted, struggled and turned my back on His will for me. I followed my heart's desire, chased after idols, ran away from God's presence. But there is nowhere to go where God isn't. He hurled a storm in my life for I was a rebel, I was tossed into the raging sea. But not before He prepared the tempest where I was thrown in. In despair and nowhere else to run, I sought the Lord. In pain, heartache and loneliness, He heard my cries, bound up all wounds and helped me up, showing grace and abounding love. He sent me to dry land but not without another calling--to share His love and be salt and light. In my frailty, I had yet another trepidation. I was reluctant and unwilling to love the unlovable. I was again resistant to call out to the prodigals forgetting that I once was the wayward daughter.

But God in His power and capacity, reminded me that His love is the same for all, and that with Christ now who lived in me, I am capable of loving others, even the unlovables and those who I used to view as enemies. Christ replaced the stony, stubborn heart I had and give me a tender, responsive one (Ezekiel 36:26). God empowered me and is still doing so, to show the love that I believed.
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More importantly, God reminded me of the victory Jesus has won for me in Calvary. I know it, but there is so much more to knowing. It is living a life that is worthy of the price paid on that Cross for someone like me. Living a life that pleases Him, being worthy to be called His beloved daughter.

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​by Tini Tadeo-Castillo
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How many of us actually know our purpose in life and actually live it out? I am certain many people wonder about theirs, spend their lives searching for answers to questions like "What am I here for?" or "Is this all I am cut out to be?"

As a Christian, I can say I have a deep, deep reverence of God this time around. Through the many bumps and gaffes, thankfully I have been steered to a direction paved by the Lord for me. Not without struggle and resistance, mind you. But through it all, I have learned to embrace and accept His purpose for my life. I can never be more at peace and happy where I am now. But the bigger question is "How did I get here?" In my state of doubt, uncertainty and feeling lost and bereft, I sought His will for me. With each revelation, He required obedience. There were instances, when I hesitated and haggled. But every obedience? He honored and rewarded! And finally understanding what grace truly meant, how His grace filled my life, how such grace justified me I found myself totally enamoured by Him. For the first time ever, I began to understand His heart.
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Nothing was fulfilled by happenstance and nothing that transpired in my journey of faith can be attributed to serendipity. I had the desire to be a faithful woman of God because I sought it. This resolve in my heart, its purpose to live a life pleasing to Him -- all events, trials and tests were engineered by the Lord to mold it to hunger and thirst for Him. He orchestrated everything from the beginning to have His end desire come to life. As I practiced and applied each learning, I began to have this burden to share. I began to understand why David said " Taste and see that the Lord is good.." because He is! He truly is! Thus my purpose was brought to light--here I am living it! All praises to my Abba Father, my Prince of Peace and the eternal Spirit!

by Tini Tadeo-Castillo

Happiness has nothing to do with earthly treasures--money, relationships or fame--but everything to do with the state of your heart. A joyful mind cannot compare to the temporary high worldly things bring for it contributes so much to your health--mental, physical and emotional unlike any other. It works healing in your body, does wonder to you spirits and is therapeutic to you soul.
How to have genuine joy? True joy can come only from knowing God, surrendering to His plans and will, allowing Him to use all means at His disposal to save you from darkness to bring you to light. It is possible to experience utmost joy and peace when you are assured that He secures your footing in a path He has determined for you. No resistance, no haggling, no struggling. Just obeying--knowing full well that He who created You can and will never bring You to destruction nor harm.

How many of us actually know our purpose in life and actually live it out? I am certain many people wonder about theirs, spend their lives searching for answers to questions like "What am I here for?" or "Is this all I am cut out to be?"

As a Christian, I can say I have a deep, deep reverence of God this time around. Through the many bumps and gaffes, thankfully I have been steered to a direction paved by the Lord for me. Not without struggle and resistance, mind you. But through it all, I have learned to embrace and accept His purpose for my life. I can never be more at peace and happy where I am now. But the bigger question is "How did I get here?" In my state of doubt, uncertainty and feeling lost and bereft, I sought His will for me. With each revelation, He required obedience. There were instances, when I hesitated and haggled. But every obedience? He honored and rewarded! And finally understanding what grace truly meant, how His grace filled my life, how such grace justified me I found myself totally enamoured by Him. For the first time ever, I began to understand His heart.
​
Nothing was fulfilled by happenstance and nothing that transpired in my journey of faith can be attributed to serendipity. I had the desire to be a faithful woman of God because I sought it. This resolve in my heart, its purpose to live a life pleasing to Him -- all events, trials and tests were engineered by the Lord to mold it to hunger and thirst for Him. He orchestrated everything from the beginning to have His end desire come to life. As I practiced and applied each learning, I began to have this burden to share. I began to understand why David said " Taste and see that the Lord is good.." because He is! He truly is! Thus my purpose was brought to light--here I am living it! All praises to my Abba Father, my Prince of Peace and the eternal Spirit!

Since we were little girls we had dreams. A big house, nice car, a job that lets you live a life of comfort and a sizable money in the bank. While there is nothing wrong with these dream, how we achieve them and what we do in the process is what's important. We want these things and we go after them but at what expense? Making them your idol is what makes a difference.

Having an eternal perspective is really important. What to do with a big house when the people living inside are strangers? What to do with an impressive job when it swallows up your time for family and consumes your entire being? What to do with a sleek car when all it will bring is temporary high and a bloated ego? What to do when money runs out?

Wisdom on the other hand is a treasure that is far more precious, longer lasting and much more useful. You never lose an ounce of it no matter how much you share or give away. It just keeps increasing and no one can ever steal it away! Our hours are numbered and so each hour must be spent fruitfully gaining wisdom in God's word instead of spending futile hours acquiring earthly possessions that will eventually run out. Plant seeds in your heart, soak it in the living water that is Jesus, bask in His warm ray of love, lay at the feet of those wiser than you are, tuck each truth you learn in your mind and leave a legacy to your family with your gained wisdom.