O Thou lack of faith?!

Days are fleeting by and I realized for the month of March...I have not written anything! Indeed, the travel is busy and the traveler is often times tired.

Well, it is a good day that I am sitting here today, writing again that even these little words may fall on someone that may appreciate the thoughts that I have from what is instilled upon my heart. Recent days have been rough at times, the climbing of the hills...and someday are smooth and easy, like the rolling down the hills. Despite all that, I cherish each day knowing that there is a purpose to be done, and all I need is faith.

"Faith is substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Heb 11:1

Many people question about the idea of faith. What is faith, and how can I really see faith? I can only attest to this that by faith have I rely my life to One whom I believe is more able than I am to lead my life. And how did I obtain this? With then, we see that in the following verses in Heb 11 tells us that;

"For by it the elders obtained a good report. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the wod of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear." Heb 11:2-3

Big words indeed, but as I ponder on these simple sentences, it dawned upon me that if we were to set ourselves to know even our very existence is beyond our comprehension, what more it is that we can say that we are in control of everything in our life? If so, why do we not commit ourselves to the One whom we by faith have come to believe of His existance?

In the recent travel, much have I relied on faith. I know not what is ahead, I dare not predict what will be ahead. I can prepare my heart for what is ahead...but all in all, it is faith that counts. It is comforting when it reminds me of the words "Be not afraid..." that occurs many times in the reading both in the Old Testament and in the New Testament. So, here I stand today, knowing that I will rest my faith in Him for what is ahead of me is not of my concern anymore, but of His will.

Very soon, the travel will be interesting again. I know my stay at this place is temporal...but will it end very soon? Only He knows. May we live each day with faith in Him that He will see us through.

God bless.

Relationship

Again, it is this topic again...but before I dive deep into it, maybe taking a step behind to really see what relationship we have in our life and identify what is this all about? From the very beginning, God created man...and there was then when the relationship in godly realm was manifest between God and man. Such a relationship that we as human could not fully comprehend but could only marvel at the art of God to create such a relationship...that even today, to this very moment, we often times mimic this relationship in our lives. In this journey, the traveler have came across many relationships...even at present moment, and each day and each moment he ponders upon every one of it and starts to appreciate more of the relationship that he have...with the one who sitteth in the heavenly, God He is.

The traveler took note of this fact that somewhat a relationship was for a purpose...at least there should be a purpose, if not so what is a relationship about? It is for His glory to create man as His creation...and it is for our glory to be able to serve and worship One that is the Almighty. Such a simple concept to grasp, that is a relationship bows down to the point where one should purpose in their heart to have the other being glorified.

As I pen these down, some moments in my heart lingers on as I think about a relationship...one that I have in mind, in prayer and in the journey, but such that God have not shown an answer, but have guided me to His Word. I come to understand the purpose of relationship, and surely do not see the mutual coherency in this relationship as such that glory will be unto Him...but more so, the fulfillment of the flesh. The travel ahead, oh if I shall know how far it would be but nevertheless I shall not be faint hearted...for I know, not that I have in need of a help, but only if He provides.

Such that should I forget? Nay, but I shall tarry on and keep every relationship that I have, that even if it did not purpose as I thought it would be, but it will be glory for another if I could just shine that little light for them that are dimmed, guide those that are lost, and lift those who are down. Oh what beauty it is in relationships...that we could only marvel each day to know...that all this sums up to be, what it is to us that God had created, that He would have the same relationship with us...have we hearken?

The traveler picks up his backpack, open up the map...and read on, walking stedfastly and he follows his pathway...discerning each word, and marching forward.

Almost...but not.

Everyone always say the traveler is a long winded person, the things he say, goes on and on...there is merely no end to it. If he could, he would tell the story over and over again. It reminds me of the old old story that is ever new. Yes indeed, many people often times will come to a point and ask the traveler, why do you choose to go this path and be the traveler of the old old map? Then the story begins...

Even when times after times he would tell of his testimony, of how he found grace and have taken it to his heart...the simple truth from the directions of the map, he just put faith in his journey, knowing that he have something to rely on, the map that leads to the eternal destination. Where it is, he can never express it all, but one thing he surely knows is that it is a place where he wants to dwell, for everlasting life.

As he often times tells of this story...how have others reacted? Some have kept their own beliefs on the journey, taking it their own way, because they say they know...and there they went. Some have been stirred with interest, to understand and to learn, but have soon left all these truth aside, and follow the crowd in their journey. Some have listen but kept their pride, relying on nothing else but themselves, to make a worthwhile journey. Is that the answer?

Sometimes I thought to myself that have there been someone who have come to a point, where they have overcome "almost"...and would be over the other side of the fence. But somehow, often times, many would reply "Almost thou persuadest me..." but not, and never on the safe side.

What will the journey be like? When the traveler looks to his map, he sees that many of those who are yet travelling, are leading to a place where he will never want to go. He continues to travel in his pathway, with faith holding on to the map...believing its truth by none that ever could refute...and continue to testify as the traveler in this journey that will someday come to an end.

Memoir

Sitting out in the cold cold night, many people passed my way, young and old, cheering over the excitement to countdown for the new year to come by. As the traveler sits there and looks at the dark night...shivering in the coldness of the wind...he thought about the memories of the year that is about to enter history.

In the beginning of the year, it was considered one of his most exciting start of all, when he first ventured out with a few friends for a vacation, enjoying scenaries and fun...but most importantly, taking those moments understanding one another...a bonding session indeed. After that, it was surely exciting to know that it was the last semester to go on in the journey for education. So much so that I wish to excel and reach the finish line, there are many other interesting events that occur in the period of time. That was when the traveler met his dear Taurus. Even then, he also start to met up with many new people...some whom had meant a lot in his life, or maybe some are just bypassers in this journey. Truly indeed, it have been a great time knowing each one of them, needless to mention the names, but the memories will linger on in the heart, and will sometimes revisit these memories with tears and smiles. Good times.

Then, the most important event happened when graduation flew by just in the matter of a few hours. Didn't really felt it coming...but it is history. The education strive is now on hold...as I venture into the working arena. Much to learn, much to see...but I will have to testify that without God's blessing, I wouldn't have made it so far. Surely it was great to be able to go around the nation to visit places, to admire the wonders of the creation of God...gives the heart the contention to know that there is such a One who is able to make all things possible...even in creation.

After that, it was a time to be back home...a place called home. I can say it was the slowest days in the entire year. Things were laid back, nothing was in urgency...and life was good being able to see others still doing fine, when I know that they are still walking down the broadway...downwards in eternity. Where will they be? I often times wonder...but it is a burden to me to show them the path that I walk...the journey that I take, is definitely different from them. Prayfully someday they will see the way, and be fellow travelers.

The journey continues back in the land where I was directed to move towards...north it is. Journeying away from the comfort zone, from friends, from dear ones, from family is not easy anymore. There are times, when the heart is weary, when the surrounding is lonesome...when...the thoughts are wandering away, it is good to know that God keeps His people together...and there I find comfort and joy. I am glad to know that it had been a good time to be situated in this place, lots of exploration yet to unfold...I am taking on my journey, lifted up and joyful each day.

I would still remember the times when I often revisit many things in my life...because memories are always important to me, as I start to fail sometimes to recall them. I would wish that the memories will visit me sometimes...awkward indeed but it is just the fond of my mind to think that the traveler would look forward to a day when others will come by and recall with him the memories of the journey.

The year ended with a staccato, short and sweet. I would have to say that it was great to have many friends over during the holidays...tired but yet grateful to know that there is much joy in others than in yourself. Feeling blessed indeed that being a traveler having to be able to provide hospitality for others is surely a enjoyable work.

As the traveler lift up his eyes and see the fireworks, celebrating the entering of a new year, his heart silence in prayer...for loved ones, dear ones, family and friends...that he will see them again even if time fails at this moment.

I am the traveler

It is a time yet again to reflect on myself, of what I have done...in the past, in the present and foreseeing to do in the future in this journey. I trust that lives are weaved like the spider web, having interconnection with one another...making this connections firm and steady forms a greater network. Well, interesting indeed as the traveler stares at the spider web and think of what he have done in his journey as he pass through many lives, touching many souls...but for sure, gaining higher ground each day.

Thinking about the people whom I have met, mingled, befriended, and gain a good relationship...have given me a great amount of understanding, even about myself. The travel isn't easy...as the traveler always say and surely with these experiences with many different people in his journey made him a better man each day, because he knows that through this he have encounter a different facet of his life. Indeed, being a traveler isn't a great deal after all, because the touch and go feeling isn't the best...leaving footprints behind as memories that lingers on sometimes touches the heart of the traveler that if he could revisit those moments again, and maybe make a difference in a different way for every event in the journey.

The purpose of the traveler in his journey is genuine and clear. Sometimes, people even make fun of him speaking of him as an old sage that speaks with long winded words that is endless and painful to the ear. Are you even listening? Thinking about that, it really reflects to me of these words that I embrace in my life to know that I have a purpose, a task and a mission to fulfill...

This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation. For therefore we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, specially of those that believe. These things command and teach. Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an exmaple of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine...Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee. (1 Tim 4:9-16)

Being mindful of every move he make in this journey, keeping the upright and faithful walk, giving not himself to the temptations of his surroundings, and continuing stedfastly in his journey is not something simple or easy to do. Often times, the traveler sits under the tree and feel disheartened. But surely indeed, having the opportunity to touch many lives...had given him the motivation to continue in this journey.

As he takes a deep breath...his mind wander to the little ones that he have met. Such of an age that it would be hard for him to even utter words of wisdom, or communicate in a common manner...but having himself to humble and subdue to a lower level...that they may understand him. Keeping every step upright and an example unto them have been a great test for himself. I testify...it is not easy, but it is surely something glad to see the little ones grow under the sound teaching and the good example...that their travel might be easier or even much more glorified than his...even in the days to come.

Then, there are those that he met, the ones with an inquisitive mind. They seek, they asked...however, they are truly young at heart. These are the ones that taught him how to teach, how to give examples and how to show truth even in the simplest way. He also came to see that having gaining the respect and trust from them, he upholds a greater responsibility to ensure that he is always ready to answer...to give an account to them that seek for the answer. Such at times he is dumbfounded.

As he thought over it, he smiles thinking of the ones whom he would know them as the rebellious ones. These are the ones who are of the age where they turn a deaf ear to every word spoken by the traveler. But having said that, they have the intention to see and to watch the footsteps and reason in themselves whether to follow or not. This is time of decision making, when the will of man to choose and wanting liberty in their choice comes into play. I have to admit, I am yet to fully understand because I may be categorized as them too...even in those times when I was rebellious myself...having many self reasoning...but yet it all turn to emptiness when truth is profound. Surely indeed, these people taught him the manner of keeping his testimony and showing the walk in his journey.

Then there are those whom he respect, the elderly. These are the ones whom he found have harden their hearts...that every word he says would be deemed unwise and not taken into consideration. He respect the elderly...but find himself not having the full equipped mind to handle truth and proclaim wisdom to them as yet. This is time when it teaches him to give attendance to reading, that he may learn and that through time, he can show to them of what is truth...that even the elderly might be open to truth that they have not seen before...when at times, man are blinded in their sight.

Well, all is said and done but now it is to look ahead that the journey is still awaiting the traveler. I know that there will be more to come and much to learn, even to this day, I trust that the need for wisdom from above and the guidance is necessary. Therefore, keeping these in mind and meditating these as days goes by, I keep to myself the hope that these will surely one day save them that hear me.

Words without basis

It is surely a great thing to see how the traveler have sometimes had people coming by asking for directions. This shows that those people have a certain recognition towards the traveler, with a look on him...knowing he had experience in the journey and having the composure that seemed to be well taught on the pathways of the journey. So, thereby many people have inquire the traveler over directions and decision making situations in their journey, and almost at all times, the traveler tries his very best to give his best guidance and support to them.

Ever thought of a situation where someone gave you directions on top of their head? Of that many times, how many times were right? Most people today tend to give spontaneous answers...having thought they are well versed over the roads and directions in the city, showing others where to go and how to go. However, most of the time they are wrong directions! I have to admit, I have done that many times...even though I didn't mean to, but out of a sudden to be able to come up with an answer...it is often times difficult. Looking at this, have there been a time when you refer to the map? The traveler had always carry with him the map that directs him in every path he take, in every move he make...in every decision at stake. Fellow travelers, have there been a time when you take time to refer to the map too to see by far how close have you been following the map in its directions and pathways? I have to admit, I haven't been much better than anyone else...when was the last time I read the Word? It is crucial that we do not often times take words from others per se only...especially words without basis, which are often times off hand inaccurate. What we need to grounded truth, solid foundation and truth that none can refute, that we may not be misled in our journey.

Thinking about that, as the traveler thinks back about how many a times he had told others of this and of that...about the journey...but how much so have he shown them from the map? I guess it is for me to learn to show others...not merely by words...but the basis of the words that I may show them from the truth, that they may understand by what I am trying to say...is the truth.

Even then, this reminds me of the nature of men...that there are some who are stubborn at heart...following the minds of their own. I could remember those times when others have shown me directions...I would often times take the opposite direction, based on my own instinct. This is to show that we often times make our own judgment on decisions in our journey, neglecting truth and by that reason, we often times get lost in our journey. Though saying that, it is important for us to verify what others have said, and that is when the basis of words...foundational truth is important. Something that has a truth that supports the words...would mean something, rather than someone's own saying that merely have no reputation besides of his own.

Well said, why not refer to the map now and see where you are, dear travelers.

Slippery slope

I guess the traveler have somehow abandoned his writings for a long long time. It is a good come back. Many things have happened along the way, the traveler was weary at times...having less initiation to write, maybe wanting to forget rather than being reminded.

Somehow, my recent exercise have brought to think of the situation when there is a slippery slope. Having to try out skiing for the first time in this journey is really something exciting and challenging. It took a lot of effort and energy to continue on in this sport. Even as it is, the traveler felt the same in seeing the situation when the path may perhaps be a slippery slope and more caution might be required to stay in the path than falling and tumbling down. I realized that the travel is the same that it takes a lot of balance...the idea of having a firm and control over ourselves in our movement would save us from a slippery slope. Have there been times when things were out of control? There are also times when the slope gets steeper, the momentum gets better...and it thrills the heart of man to go on and on to feel the excitement, but little did they know that when the going is too fast...it takes a crash to stop. Yea, not everyone is able to stop easily when things are going out of control. Is the travel leading you downwards?

Sometimes, the traveler was told that a fall may teach one a lesson. Perhaps looking back at those skiing moments, it is interesting enough to know that not every fall is sustainable. Though there may be falls that you can stand up again, and learn from it. But there are also falls where you get really dirty and stained...those which are not easily removable, and you have to bear it with you along the journey. Even then, there are those falls which you remained helpless...having lost all your equipments and laying down on the slope...what will that be, if it ever happened?

It is challenging to put ourselves to go through the slopes...for what James had told us "...count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience." (James 1:3-4). However, it is also challenging for us to know that we should not tempt ourselves to go to the slopes...as I have learned my lesson, there will be those moments when you are stuck at the slope...too steep...too tired...too scared...and just remain in that slope... unable to do anything at all, that is a traveler is caught and stuck in the world of temptation...and the leading path is downwards through the slope...sliding!~

Once again, as I have mentioned this before in some other posting...Paul reminds us;

Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. 1 Cor 10:12



p/s: The traveler had fallen many times, but standeth again and strengthened by His grace.