Monday 26 October 2015

music monday//rise

Praising the name of the Lord isn’t so easy to do all the time. Especially when walking in some blazes. But the inspired Word says to praise Him, anyway. There’s so much He does for us that we take for granted.
 rise~kari jobe
Lead us to You, show us Your mercy
Your majesty lifted up on high
It tells of Your goodness

Your name is true
Your name is holy
Your splendor is written in the skies
It tells of Your greatness

We will rise to praise You
Offer our lives before You
Let every nation, all of creation
We will rise, You are worthy
Lift up our eyes to Your glory
Let every nation, all of creation
We will rise

We stand in awe
You won the victory
Your enemies tremble at Your name
It speaks of Your triumph
You clothe the poor
You mend the broken
You heal our hearts
You take our shame
It speaks of Your kindness

We will cry out Your renown
You are the God who has saved us
We will rise to praise you
We lift a glorious sound
You are the One who redeemed us
We will rise to praise You

“praise the Lord. Praise the Lord, you His servants; praise the name of the Lord. Let the name of the Lord be praised, both now and forever more. From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised.” Psalm 113:1-3

“I will extol the Lord at all times; His praise will always be on my lips. I will glory in the Lord, let the afflicted hear and rejoice. Glorify the Lord with me: let us exalt His name together.” Psalm 34:1-3

What I try to do when mr. grumpy wants to take over is to take note of all the things that the Lord has done and is doing for me. so something like a thankfulness list. Even if it’s something small that you can see the Lord doing for you, still rise and be thankful. It can be a struggle, but we gotta fight off the wrong moods and feelings. Let’s rise and praise His lovely name.
xoxo, gen.

Monday 19 October 2015

music monday// these days

There’s this thing about Mondays that just undo many folks. And that’s exactly why I decided to create ‘music Mondays.’ To help us get through Mondays. Cos, yeah, I get it. it means the start of another week on the grind and possible stress. There’re so many things that we wish we could wish away. But oh welp, the best we can do is pray through it all and choose to be joyful on the journey, on the way to where Daddy is taking us.


 these days~ mandisa
I never liked Mondays or bad news
Or breaking in new shoes
And mornings when I can’t find my phone
Nobody like traffic or short nights
Or sit ups or long flights
But sometimes that’s just the way it goes
It’s funny what You use to help me grow

So I’ll learn to love these days
Life along the way
In the middle of the crazy
God your love is so amazing
Through the ups and downs
You’re the only hope I’ve found
Lord, you meet me in the madness

I’ll learn to love these days
I’ll learn to love these days

I can see silver lining
When the sun’s not shining
Even when You choose to bring the rain
Oh, but there’s freedom believing
And trusting Your leading
Cause You’re Lord of all my joy and all my pain

I could wait the hundred years
You gave me here, the days when you were near
The days when I was out there
Looking for what comes next
Oh, cause every minute, every hour, everyday
Is such a gift and I can say
I’m thankful for each day

So I’ll learn to love these days
Life along the way
In the middle of the crazy
God, Your love is so amazing
Through the ups and downs
You’re the only hope I’ve found
Lord, you meet me in the madness

So I’ll learn to love these days
I’ll learn to love these days
I’ll learn to love these days
I’ll learn to love these days

“those whom I love I rebuke and discipline…” revelations 3:19

“endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as His children. For what children are not disciplined by their father?...no discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees.” Hebrews 12:7, 11-12

“He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver…” malachi 3:3

The Lord will sometimes allow us to experience certain situations which we wouldn’t find so lovely. But in His love, He knows what’s best for us and uses so many situations to help us grow in Him and exercise our faith.

I doubt anyone loves taking exams. Well, I sure don’t. but it’s necessary we study and prepare well for them in order to move to a higher stage of life. I believe it’s similar with life in general. We need to go through some things to refine us, to take away things in our hearts that are not of Him, to make us better and more like Him.

xoxo, gen

Monday 12 October 2015

music monday// to know You

Knowing the Lord of our souls is a life-long journey. There is so much to Him. these lyrics remind me of some of the ways to keep knowing Him.



to know You~ casting crowns
To know You is to never worry for my life,
And to know You is to never give in to compromise
To know You is to want to tell the world about You
Cause I can’t live without You

To know You is to hear Your voice when You are calling
To know You is to catch my brother when he’s falling
To know You is to feel the pain of the broken hearted
Cause they can’t live without You

More than my next breath
More than life or death
All am reaching for, I live my life to know You more
I leave it all behind, You are all that satisfies
To know You is to want to know You more
To know You is to want to know You more

To know You is to ache for more than ordinary
To know You is to look beyond the temporary
To know You is believing that You will be enough
Cause there is no life without You

All this life could offer me, could not compare to You, compare to You
And I count it all as lost, compared to knowing You, knowing You

“I tell you, do not worry about your life…” matthew 6:25

" that I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings..." phillipians 3:10

“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. if you really know Me, you will know My Father as well. From now on, you do know Him and have seen Him.” john 14:6-7

“these commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the door-frames of your houses and on your gates.” Deuteronomy 6:6-9

My prayer is that I do not get tired of getting to know my Lord, that I’ll keep on pursuing Him and when I get weak and weary, pray for strength to carry on like the faithful soldier that He’s called me to be in His kingdom. I pray you pray the same too.

xoxo, gen

Monday 5 October 2015

music monday// never once

it’s so easy to think and even believe God has forgotten us, right? I’ll be honest and admit there’re times it looks like I’m all alone in a sticky situation. It looks like it but that’s not the case. Though physically we may be alone, in the spirit realm, we are never alone. God’s spirit dwells in us, He has His angels watching over us, His eye is on us.


Standing on this mountaintop
Looking just how far we’ve come
Knowing that for every step
You were with us

Kneeling on this battle ground
Seeing just how much You’ve done
Knowing every victory
Was Your power in us

Scars and struggles on the way
But with joy our hearts can say

Never once did we ever walk alone
Never once did You leave us on our own
You are faithful, God, You are faithful

Kneeling on this battle ground
Seeing just how much You’ve done
Knowing every victory
Was Your power in us

Scars and struggles on the way
But with joy our hearts can say
Yes, our hearts can say

Never once did we ever walk alone
Never once did You leave us on our own
You are faithful, God, You are faithful

Scars and struggles on the way
But with joy our hearts can say
Never once did we ever walk alone
Carried by Your constant grace
Held within Your perfect peace
Never once, no, we never walk alone

Never once did we ever walk alone
Never once did You leave us on our own
You are faithful, God, You are faithful

Every step we are breathing in Your grace
Evermore we’ll be breathing out Your praise
You are faithful, God, You are faithful
You are faithful, God, You are faithful

“I will not leave you as orphans, I will come to you.” John 14:18

“no one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and courageous…” Joshua 1:5-6

“have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

I can understand the state of aloneness you may be facing. I’ve been there. But remember when joseph was in the pit it seemed God had up and left. As if God showed him all those lovely dreams only to find himself in a pit. I don’t know what run through the thoughts of joseph whiles in the pit and in the prison, but see how God was indeed with him throughout the whole drama? He was preparing him for the very dreams He gave him.

Even if the people you counted on abandon you and get tired of you, don’t let that deceive you to think God has forsaken you. Joseph’s brothers hated him but God was still with him. so if you have to repeat to yourself that God never forsakes you, to help you get by, then do. It’s my mantra too. God never forsakes me.

xoxo, gen

Monday 28 September 2015

music monday// anchor of hope

I just love this song! The words are scripture based, and boy, what better way than to sing scripture over your soul!
 anchor of hope~ ellie holcomb
Marvelous, wonderful, infinite God
Author of all that is good
Faithful provider and giver of life
Source of all power and love

Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise
Refuge of strength to the end
Righteous redeemer and mighty to save
He’s the anchor of hope for the souls of men

Gracious, compassionate, merciful God
Radiant, holy delight
Beautiful Father, victorious Son
Source of unchangeable light

Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise
Refuge of strength to the end
Righteous redeemer and mighty to save
He’s the anchor of hope for the souls of men

You are light in the dark
You are healing for the broken heart
You are hope, You are Lord
You are life, You are love that endures

Powerful, constant, unwavering God
Shepherd who comes for the lost
Rock of salvation, remarkable love
Savior who died on the cross

Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise
Refuge of strength to the end
Righteous redeemer and mighty to save
He’s the anchor of hope for the souls of men

“we have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf…” hebrews 6:19

“Truly He is my rock and my salvation, He is my fortress, I shall never be shaken.” Psalm 62:2

Our Father above is for you. He truly is our salvation. Even when the way seems unclear, He is there and leading us Home.

xoxo, gen

Monday 21 September 2015

music monday// rock bottom

Dropping in today to remind you and myself of God’s love. love that is unfathomable. Love that is deep, sincere and authentic.
 rock bottom~ jimmy needham
I’ve never seen anything like your fountain
Comin’ down from the tip of the mountaintop
And it goes, never stops, only overflows
I’ve never met anyone with the power
To make a desert bloom like a flower
Up and it goes, where it stops, only heaven knows
Never known anyone as wonderful as You are

Over and over
You fill my heart with wonder
You take me by surprise
I can’t believe my eyes
Wider and deeper
Just when I think I’ve seen You
Like a stone thrown into the ocean water
I could search your depths
And never hit rock bottom

How can the God of the galaxies
Have a care for the little things
Every tear that I cry, every time that I smile
Deep in me You’ve created a fire
Like a friend You keep taking me higher
Up and it grows, where it stops, only heaven knows
Never known anyone as wonderful as You are

Even though I’m plungin’ in the depths of Your love
I’m just scratchin’ the surface of who You are
All the seas in all the world cannot contain all that You are
You captivate my heart

“what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?” psalm 8:4 and yet, He cares oh, so much for us!
“who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?...no, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:35, 37-39

 No matter how far you think you’ve gone from the Lord, He still loves you. His love is asking you to draw close to him in obedience. So while the enemy uses people and even your own thoughts to point accusing fingers at you, Jesus is at the right hand of God also interceding for you. (see romans 8:34)

I am loved no matter what. You are loved no matter what. Why? Because that’s the nature of this ridiculously amazing love our Father has for us. His love compels us to obey and abide in His will for us. Nothing can separate God’s love from you and i. isn’t that the best news ever?!

xoxo, gen

Monday 14 September 2015

music monday// giants fall

Isn’t it interesting how Job’s wife told him to curse God and die when God permitted the enemy to afflict Job? In the creamy, sunshiny years of abundance she basked in the provision of God but when trouble came she lost hope and decided to persuade Job to do same. We’ve got to be careful who we listen to when things are shaky in our lives. The enemy can use people close to us to work fear and helplessness into our hearts.


The mountain is gigantic, true. The pain is like torture, true. But don’t you dare give up. whatever pain you’re feeling now is way better than the fire and torment of hell. Even when it feels like hell, remember hell is far crazy and eternal than what you’re going through. the affliction now is only temporary, and the Lord will deliver.

Sometimes I feel too small and inadequate to do the things the Lord lays on my heart. You may have felt that too. But remember the thing with feelings. They are tricky. It’s one of the tools the enemy can easily use to rob us of victory. David didn’t have time to look at how small he was in comparison with goliath. His confidence didn’t come from himself at all. He rather dwelt on the power and strength of God. So clearly, we ought to focus on God’s confidence, His power, His ability through us.
 giants fall~ francisca battistelli
Everyone’s telling you
To let go of what you’re holding to
It’s too late, too far
You’re too small, it’s too hard
Throwing water on that spark
Living deep inside your heart
With oceans of reasons
The things you’re not seeing
But oh, maybe they don’t
Know what you know
That you’re not alone

Don’t you be afraid
Of giants in your way
With God you know that anything’s possible
So step into the fight
He’s right there by your side
The stones inside your hands might be small
But watch the giants fall

We could really live like this
Can’t you imagine it
So bold, so brave
With childlike faith
Miracles could happen
Mountains would start moving
So whatever you may face

Ask and believe
You’re gonna see
The hand of God in every little thing

Miracles can happen
Anything is possible
Watch the giants fall.

“the Lord will fight for you, you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:14

“david said to the philistine, ‘you come against me with sword and spear and javeline, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of israel, whom you have defied.” 1 samuel 17:45

“reaching into his bag and taking out a stone, he slung it and struck the philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell face down on the ground.” 1 samuel 17:49

You may be feeling inadequate because you see yourself as average or a plain jane. Please, don’t let your petite size, or looks fool you. You are made in the likeness of God, the Almighty! He does not called the qualified, He qualifies the called. You matter, your words matter, your gifts to serve people matter. Whatever He’s calling you to do, you can do it! and watch the giants and criticism fall.

xoxo, gen

Monday 7 September 2015

music monday// greater

This song’s a great reminder of the greatness of the power of Holy Spirit within us, the children of God. His spirit in the depths of our being s greater than the trials and confusion we face. People may slander, gossip, hate, dislike you but choose to believe that you are an overcomer.

 greater~ mercyme
Bring your tired, bring your shame
Bring your guilt, bring your pain
Don’t you know that’s not your name
You will always be much more to me

Everyday I wrestle with the voices
that keep telling me I’m not right
but that’s alright

cause I hear a voice and He calls me redeemed
when others say I’ll never be enough
and greater is the One living inside of me
than he who is living in the world
in the world, in the world
and greater is the One living inside of me
than he who is living in the world

bring your doubts, bring your fears
bring your hurt, bring your tears
there’ll be no condemnation here
you are holy, righteous and redeemed

every time I fall
there’ll be those who will call me a mistake
well that’s ok

there’ll be days I lose the battle
grace says that it doesn’t matter
cause the cross already won the war
he’s greater, He’s greater

I am learning to run freely
Understanding just how He loves me
And it makes me love Him more and more
He’s greater, He’s greater

I know how it feels for people to secretly be glad when you’re facing a mountain. They subtly show their satisfaction over what you’re facing and mock you with certain questions and sarcasm. I know that all too well. If you’re facing something like this, do not despair. As you keep abiding in the shadow of God, He will deliver. It’s a matter of time.

“you, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the One who is in you is greater than the One who is in the world.” 1 john 4:4

“therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1

“may all who gloat over my distress be put to shame and confusion; may all who exalt themselves over me be clothed with shame and disgrace.” Psalm 35:26

“because he loves Me, says the Lord, ‘I will rescue him. I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. he will call on Me, and I will answer him, I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.” psalm 91:14-15

xoxo, gen

Monday 31 August 2015

music monday// wait for a miracle

This song has been a constant, steady friend of mine. It affirms my need to continue believing, to hold on even in the darkest hour of the night.



wait for a miracle~ jason castro
Same story, same feelings just a different day
You’re going through it and it makes you wanna hide away
In the shadows, in the shadows

Listen to me I know life is gonna pull you down
It’s just a season, just believe it
Won’t you hear me out?
Don’t you let go, don’t you let go

Wait, I know you got a broken heart
Love will meet you where you are
Yeah, you’re never too far
From a miracle
Wait and call upon the only name
That’s strong enough to heal your pain
You’re never too late for a miracle

Hope is coming like a fire and it’s burning bright
Here you thought that you were stranded in your darkest night
Here comes a light now, here comes a light now
Yeah

It’s something beautiful
Something you can’t explain
Open your eyes
Cause it can move your soul
It could change your life

Wait, I know you got a broken heart
Love will meet you where you are
Yeah, you’re never too far
From a miracle

Wait, I know you got a broken heart
Love will meet you where you are
Yeah, you’re never too far
From a miracle
Wait and call upon the only name
That’s strong enough to heal your pain
You’re never too late for a miracle

I’m learning not to rely on my feelings especially when I don’t seem to understand certain things that happen in my life and around me. I’m learning to confess the scriptures over my life, all the while being desperate to focus on the Lord, not the situation. Remember peter began to sink when he took his eyes off the Lord to look at the waves.

God never forsakes His children. And no matter what, you are dearly loved loved. Let’s pray and wait things out.

“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” Isaiah 40:29

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31

“I will make rivers flow on barren heights, and springs within the valleys. I will turn the desert into pools of water, and the parched ground into springs.” Isaiah 41:18

xoxo, gen 

Monday 24 August 2015

music monday// we dance

This is one of the songs by bethel music that I really love. it's about God and us. it’s soothing to the soul. hope you like it.

(by the way, don't you just love outdoor weddings? i sure dooo! :)

 we dance~ bethel music
You steady me
Slow and sweet we sway
Take the lead and I will follow

Finally ready now
To close my eyes and just believe
That You won’t lead me where You don’t go

When my faith gets tired and my hope seems lost
You spin me round and round and remind me of that song
The one You wrote for me

And we dance
And we dance

I’ve been told to pick my sword and fight for Love
Little did I know that Love had won for me

Here in Your arms, You still my heart again
And I breathe You in like I’ve never breathed till now

When my faith gets tired and my hope seems lost
You spin me round and round and remind me of that song
The one You wrote for me

And we dance, and we dance
And we dance, and we dance, just You and me

And I will lock eyes with the One who’s ransomed me
The One who gave me joy from mourning

And I will lock eyes with the One who’s chosen me
The One who set my feet to dancing

We dance, just You and me.
it's nice to know, i'm not alone
i've found my home here in Your arms

“… I will give them praise and honor in every land where they have suffered shame.” Zephaniah 3:19

“ ‘but you, Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, you descendants of abraham my friend, I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, “you are my servant” I have chosen you and have not rejected you.’” Isaiah 41:8

“the Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you, in His love He will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17

There are some days when I just decide to twirl around not necessarily bcos my life is perfect but bcos of the truth that Jesus loves me. :) I decide to go against my unpleasant feelings and just dance quietly in the presence of my Redeemer. And I so bet He joins in and dances with me.


I keep deciding to choose and pursue joy no matter what. Try dancing sometimes despite the heaviness your soul feels. It might just help cheer you. :) 
xoxo, gen

Soaring Up In Sunshine

Soaring Up In Sunshine
//sharing my heart in the glow of the sun//
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