Conflict Zone VS Comfort Zone

This is just something that has been on my heart for quite a while... pretty much my entire life... lol but for some reason today... it has just been in the forefront of my mind... so I'll share.

Countless times I've seen, heard or learned of some type of injustice going on around the world, a need that needs to be met, people or causes that need to be helped. Whether its: feed the children commercials, homeless people on the streets, abortion, human sex trafficking, people needing to vent, a pet dying, financial issues, health issues... (seriously, I could go on forever). You get my point, right? There are a lot of things that go wrong on a daily basis. Can you agree with me that there are certain issues that just really pull on your heart strings? So much so that you're moved... it does something emotionally to you? Maybe its because you can relate... you were at that point before, you know someone that has been there, or you just have a soft spot in your heart for the people or area going through that. There are many different reasons... but regardless... there is a trigger and it has an effect. How often do we actually RESPOND and ACT on this heart string tugging?

sym·pa·thy/ˈsimpəTHē/

Noun:

Feelings of pity and sorrow for someone else's misfortune. Formal expression of such feelings; condolence

In a nutshell... as humans if we see, hear, or learn of something unfortunate happening... we are sympathetic towards them. Correct? But... Do we just leave it at that? Far too many of us... (especially in the Body of Christ) feel that being sympathetic towards somebody is enough. Is it really?

 If you were going through a tough time, lets just say that you're mourning; would you prefer for someone to tell you that they feel bad about whats going on with you? Or would you prefer for them to cry with you--to share your burden with you? Let's flip the script a bit... If you were celebrating a great accomplishment... what would you value most? A "good job." or a friend that is excited and celebrates with you? I love how The Message puts it:

Bless your enemies; no cursing under your breath. Laugh with your happy friends when they're happy; share tears when they're down. Get along with each other; don't be stuck-up. Make friends with nobodies; don't be the great somebody.

Romans 12:14-16 MSG (Emphasis added)

These verses are not describing sympathy... they are illustrating what it is to be EMPATHETIC.

em·pa·thy

noun \ˈem-pə-thē\

1: the imaginative projection of a subjective state into an object so that the object appears to be infused with it 

2: the action of understanding, being aware of, being sensitive to, and vicariously experiencing the feelings, thoughts, and experience of another of either the past or present without having the feelings, thoughts, and experience fully communicated in an objectively explicit manner; also : the capacity for this

To be empathetic is basically to feel with someone... whereas to be sympathetic is to feel for someone. Sympathy is like the first step towards empathy... but why do we stop there and not take the extra steps to actually experience with whomever or whatever it is that is triggering us to feel??? This is where the Conflict VS Comfort Zone comes in to play... 

Have you ever noticed that, most of the time--  The people that put themselves "out there" to help... the people that are always there for you... that go out of their way to help... that are your shoulder to cry on... etc... are the people that have been through a lot? They've lived through the dark times... and have come out survivors!.. they shine the brightness of their light in whatever part of your life that you need them to? How about the people that have nothing really going wrong in their lives... they're... comfortable? How many comfortable people do you see putting themselves out there to help? From personal experience... when I'm comfortable... I don't want to move one bit... because then I will become UN-comfortable. But did you notice how self centered my previous statement was; who does that help? 

  I actually got this concept from Father of Lights... and I'm paraphrasing, 

'...there are 2 zones in the world: a conflict zone and a comfort zone. The church that is in the conflict zone is united... The church that is in the comfort zone, doesn't care.'

Can I get an "AMEN!" over here?! Some of the strongest bonds that I have with people or causes have come from troubling times. Its in these times of turbulence that you discover who and what is true and what matters and you don't let go. Why do you think that most often, people seek and cling most to God during their dark seasons? Jesus has been through it ALL... He knows what we're going through because He experienced it and prevailed... as a human!

Being in the comfort zone is such a dangerous place to be in. You don't do anything. There is not change, no growth--that means that you have NO AFFECT on anybody. You still have feelings and opinions... but what good are those if there is no action coming from them? 

 What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, "Go in peace; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

James 2:14-17 NIV

I've written all of this to say, STEP UP... if you feel these injustices... do something about it! Take that extra step... don't just have an opinion... have an action to back it up! Take a moment to ponder what the world could be like if we each stood up for what is right... is it worth the discomfort? I think so.

May God bless you. I ask in faith right now, that the Holy Spirit stir your heart... that you become uncomfortable and remain uncomfortable until all of the wrongs are righted. I pray that you are filled with strength & boldness that is not your own, but your Heavenly Father's. I declare a revolution in your life that affects many and changes the world! All of this in Jesus' mighty and holy name, Amen.

This photo was taken on an ordinary winter day. My grandparents and I were in our front yard when we saw this homeless man limping with no shoes or pants on. He was only wearing long johns. We gave him clothes, shoes, a blanket, food, water, and called the ambulance because he was injured. Did this interrupt our ordinary day? Yes. I wouldn't have it any other way. Go the extra mile, folks. Not so that you look good, but because it's the right thing to do.

Much love,

Alyssa Ponce

Blessed Orfa

Hi! My name is Orfa Vargas-Ponce I am a 45 year old woman and a mother of 3. I just want to share a little bit about my life and how I came to know the true Love of God. Unlike the previous Precious Sisters / brother who shared their testimonies, I did not grow up in a Christian home or knowing Jesus as I know him now, I knew about him and a lot about the saints & which saints interceded for what and that was it. 

 I was about 7 years of age When I asked Jesus to come into my life and this was being a catholic & all. I didn't even know I was catholic until I was about 10 and that was because my parents had told me so. Any how it's complicated but that will have to be told at another time =)

Throughout this brief testimony, I will be sharing some of my favorite verses as they helped me through some critical moments in this phase of my life.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6

Let me tell you what happened 4 years ago, I was in the middle of a lot of Trials & tribulations and without God in the midst, what did I expect right? This included my marriage, children rebelling, no job security, no reliable transportation and not to say the least MEDICAL Crisis! (This is what triggered the change in my life and I should have trusted in the Lord)

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to GOD.
Philippians 4:6

I had finally made a doctor’s appointment for my yearly checkup. A normal process (so I thought) as I went to my appointment the doctor found something not normal within & told me that I had to get some test done to define them, I said, "okay no problem."  A week later the results of the test came in (not good), so now a biopsy had to be done because they found something in the results (now this was NOT Good at all). I started to panic & freak out.  “OH MY, what’s really going on” I was crying, and called my husband looking for comfort, this is when I started to learn that I needed God to help and take control of my life because prior to that, I was able to handle everything on my own. I'm independent, a hard worker and a loving mom, so I didn't think I need anyone to feel sorry for me or any help from anyone, WRONG!!!

By this time , let me tell you, I remembered how to pray, I surprised myself because it was what I thought a sincere prayer, it was straight from the heart (because in the past I wanted to pray with big words and be all holy) NO.. God wants me/you to pray from a humble and sincere heart.  Your own words… I did that, I felt his comfort, love and peace in such a way I have never experienced it.

The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.
Nahum 1:7

A couple of days later I get a call from my Doctor telling me I had to get a procedure done ASAP because I was in the ends of stage 3 for cervical cancer and if I didn’t get the procedure done soon I was looking at critical stage 4. (WHAT! God, where are you and why aren’t you hearing my prayer request?) Am I going to DIE, because that was the first thought that came to mind? (Again I did not trust the Most High, my Abba) 

Love the LORD your GOD with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.
Deuteronomy 6:5

As all of this was taking place I was overwhelmed with what was going on in my life but especially my kids. I started missing them and feeling like if I still had so much to do and I did not have enough time!!!? (Weird feeling of emptiness and those who know me know what my kids mean to me) Within days my life was falling apart, so I thought, little did I know that God had something else planned out for me. Again Proverbs 3:5-6 came in to place at this time.

Give Thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:18

God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19

In a matter of 2 weeks after the entire dilemma, I learned to submit, humble & cry out to God for help, comfort, endurance, strength and LOVE.I did not want the kids to know what was going on so I would cry in the shower, on my drive to work & just in my time alone, I would desperately cry out to my Abba father to help me understand why I was going through this. (In between the dilemma my husband had told the kids that I had cancer and that they had to behave, and be supportive because we did not know the criticality of it, Mind you, I did not know this). This caused my children to carry a burden... I'm thinking somewhat like insecurity?

God is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.

Ephesians 3:20

So once the Lord started to reveal himself & answer me, I asked him to have compassion with me (mind you, I'm thinking the worse at this time and preparing to leave things in order cause I was going to DIE! So I thought) and since I had no inheritance to leave my family there was no money, no properties nor anything in my name for my children in case things took a turn for the worse, I then prayed for the Lord to allow me some time teach them the most IMPORTANT and lifetime guarantee, a life changing experience and of Worth for my children and that would be for them to get to know Christ! (I'm crying here). The knowledge of Jesus Christ would be what I would leave as an inheritance for my Children.

The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made. 

Psalm 145:13

So I had my procedure done, my husband went with me, though we were distant he was there for me, this is where the Lord also revealed himself to me. My husband was worried & cried with me as they did this procedure (doctors did not put me under so I knew what was going on). The procedure was successful but I did have to have monthly doctor appointments (yeah! I praised the Lord for a great outcome I also told my children as they were also carrying a burden of what if’s, if we lose mom or what are we going to do etc.)

As for me and my household, we will serve the LORD. 

Joshua 24:15

By this time I was down on my knees with constant prayer & submission as well as adoration for my Abba father because during the year of constant doctor appointment my children and I started going to church. (Joyful cries AMEN! Hallelujah) within the year the Doctor cleared me and stated “Orfa, you are cleared, it’s like you never had anything wrong with you” PRAISE GOD!!! (Tears of JOY) 

Shout with joy to God, all the earth! See what God has done, how awesome his works in our behalf!
Psalm 66:1,5

God Has blessed me in all my circumstances and continues, therefore I Love to be called “Blessed Orfa”

To all Daughters/Sons, I pray for you and want to tell you that prayers are answered always, don’t ever hesitate or second guess the worth of prayer, the Lord continues to answer my prayers and has told me “I will show you what I can do and MORE” whoa, I keep that close to my heart and use it in all my prayers as a promise because he keeps his promises to us.  Until next time.
Love and Blessings to you all always,

 - Blessed Orfa

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD

Okay, so first thing’s first: I’m a guy. “Wait, what?” Yep, you read that right – I’m a dude. No, this isn’t a misplaced post. No, I’m not lying. No, this ain’t a joke either.

My name is Eric. I’m an 18-year-old Filipino living in Bangkok, Thailand. Yes, I’m a guy (I believe I can’t stress that enough), so you may be wondering what in the world am I doing posting on a blog that’s entitled “Revelations of a Daughter”? Well, I was honored and privileged to have been asked to make a post for this awesome blog, so here I am.

I was asked to write a testimonial post and well, if you’re looking for a guy that was in a ditch at one point of his life with drugs and alcohol helping him to get there, let me tell you right now: that’s not my testimony. But that doesn’t mean God hasn't worked wonderfully and powerfully in my life.

I was blessed to have been born into a Christian family and raised with strong Christian values. I grew up a Sunday School kid and going to bible camps every summer, and looking back I really thank God for that because that was what solidified my faith. It was what really set my foundation in Christ. However, my family was just your typical Sunday Christian. Basically, we went to church on Sunday then left for a family day. Sure, we prayed and read the Bible, but that was as far as we went. We didn’t know that there was so much more to be had in life with God.

When I was around six or seven years old, my dad came home with the news that the factory he was working in would be shut down and that many people were getting laid off. We were very thankful to God because we found out that my dad wasn’t one of them. Instead he would be transferred to another country. There were four choices: Japan, China, US, and Thailand. My parents aimed to go the US because… well, it’s the US! Ironically, the last on their list was Thailand, but it was for obvious reasons: Thailand wasn’t a Christian nation and my parents were afraid we’d go spiritually dry and it was basically just “across the street” from the Philippines with very little differences in culture and people and all that.

But God had a different plan. A few months later, my family and I moved to Thailand.

My parents had a hard time adjusting. We lived in a house back in the Philippines. Now we lived in a studio type apartment. We only had a handful of friends. The company also didn’t pay for our rent or my school fees, unlike other employees, meaning we had to shoulder it all on our own. When we went around looking at schools, we found that international schools basically had the same fee as students in the Philippines taking a doctorate degree in a course. On top of that, we weren’t sure where we’d find a church.

For a few months, my mom seriously contemplated going back home to the Philippines. However, we soon found a church that took us in as family. Little did we know that it was in that church and in this country that God would raise me and my family in the ministry.

Little by little, we found that there’s more to Christian life than just attending church every Sunday. My parents got involved in ministries. Soon they were leading their own Bible Study. As for me, it was here that I truly began my relationship with the Lord, and soon I also joined my own ministries: I joined the usher team then went on to the worship team and eventually was groomed to be a worship leader.

In the area of finance, my parents learned to tithe faithfully and trust God with their money. Soon, I also joined them in tithing. Even until today, my dad’s company doesn’t pay for our rent or my school tuition. However, my family is financially blessed. My parents were able to pay for my schooling from elementary to high school. Now, I’m enrolled in the top university in Thailand by God’s amazing grace and favor (that’s another testimony I gotta share!). As for that studio-type room, we only actually lived there for a year then we moved to a condominium. Now, however, God has blessed us and we’re living in an actual house with three floors (and I basically have the second floor all to myself). I dunno about you, but three floors is definitely an improvement from a studio-type room!

As for those who got transferred to different countries, we found that God really did have the best plan for us and secured us. Those who were transferred back to the US were sent back to the Philippines because it didn’t work out. Those transferred in China requested transfers because they didn’t like it there. Those who were sent to Japan said the work was too hectic and wanted to transfer to – guess where? – Thailand. It turned out that Thailand was actually the best and stable choice!

Me and my family have been here in Thailand for eleven years. Over the course of that time, another member was added to our group, so now I have a six year old brother (another testimony since I’ve been praying for a sibling for almost thirteen years). Over the course of that time also God has grown my family individually and together, and I am so blessed to have a family that is serving God altogether. My mom is the head of the intercessory group in our church. My dad is one of the church elders or main leaders. I am a worship leader and the youth leader in the church. All of us are in the church leadership team too.

None of us ever though that it would be here in Thailand where God would grow us, that it would be here where He would raise us to be leaders and that He would use us and maximize us. My family and I are still serving here and I look forward for what God has in store for us. I’ve seen his hand move in my family countless times, and I cannot wait to see Him do more amazing things in the coming years.

-Eric

 Editor's Note: Eric has his own blog (http://therealerice.tumblr.com) and you can also follow him on Twitter @TheRealEricE! Check it out!

Loved by Love Himself

Hi daughters and sons! I'm Loida AKA lloyds, lloyders, yoda, and Loda. I guess people like to make some names up for me! I like them all :). As I'm writing this I'm laying on my couch on my iPhone tapping away at the screen thinking about how beautiful and awesome God has been in my life. So I was asked to share my story. And what's awesome is that we all have one. So as I share my life I pray that you may find that we don't walk this path alone. But together as one in Christ.

I am 25yrs old and the youngest of three. My older brother is 10 years older than I am and my sister is 4 years older than I am. And if you've been following revelations of a daughter than you've already read about my sister (Ruth). She remembers more of our childhood than I do, and she has an awesome testimony about how God freed her from the grip of depression.

 I've seen Gods hand upon my life in many situation but never really came to an intimate relationship with Jesus until before my junior year in High School. What I can remember growing up was when my parents stopped going to church and when they reverted to old habits. When my dad started to drink again and would get so drunk he would get up at night to go to the restroom and instead of going to the bathroom he would end up in the closet, he would argue and fight with my mom, he would yell at us, and he would come from work already drunk. This went on for years, and on top of my dad drinking my mom no longer was working so therefore we hardly could pay for our house or pay the utility bills. This one incident I remember we didn't have enough money for bills and the electricity was shut off and my mother, sister and myself were home afraid, almost in tears, waiting for my dad knowing he was going to blow up. And sure enough he did. That's what I remember in my childhood. I remember my parents always arguing and me being afraid that it was my fault, that I did something wrong. I was filled with guilt at young age. I was full of shame and anger for what was going on at home and it spilled out in my social life at school.

I tried to be a rebel but was to scared to do something wrong. I was lost in my own way of thinking of myself. I thought that I was a horrible person. That I came into this world as a problem. I was terrified of arguments so I would always try and please everyone. I felt like I couldn't stand up for myself because I felt like I didn't have a voice. And I was alone because I could never let anyone ever really see me. I carried this way of thinking into High School, and in high school I joined the girls basketball team trying to find some sort of community and family.

I made friends with a girl my freshman year and immediately I noticed something different about her. There was something that made her seem light, like if she had no worries or anxieties. She was always smiling and she always was encouraging. So I was drawn to her and as we became friends she began to tell me about Jesus Christ. No one, ever had told me about the redeeming love of Jesus. No one had ever shared with me about what Jesus had done for me on the cross. She was the FIRST person that introduced me to Christ, in fact, she was the only person to tell me about Christ in high school. Well, my new friend gave me an invitation to pray with her and accept Jesus into my life, and at the moment I rejected her and Him. I said no to the freedom of knowing Christ and decided to stay chained to my negative thinking. And the enemy fed on my response to Jesus. Throughout the next year I went through more pain in my life, more loneliness, and more solitary moments than ever before. I was surrounded by friends and family but never truly opened up and allowed someone to really see or help me. And I dug myself, what I felt like, a hole. A hole where all I thought about myself was how ugly I was, and how shameful and weird I was. And how if anyone really saw me they wouldn't love me anymore. So one day in the quietness of my room, alone, I cried (which was normal at night). And I sat up on my bed and said

"God, I'm tired. I'm tired of hating myself. Please come into my life and help me."

 So with tears filling my eyes I didn't know what else to do so I turned on the tv to TBN thinking

"I just need help."

 and the man on the tv that night said

"You've been feeling hurt and alone and God wants to let you know He is there for you and he will love you every step of the way!" 

So I jumped at the opportunity to pray. And at that moment I prayed that Christ may be the Lord of my life. And from that day on its been rainbows and butterflies!!!

Yea, RIGHT!!!

I struggled, a lot. I found help in my friend from 9th grade. She prayed for me and help me read the bible. Then in my close friend's life the Holy Spirit was working and she accepted Jesus into her life. She invited me to her church and that's been my home for almost 9 years!

It was a struggle to really understand that God called me beautiful, wonderful, and His daughter. I knew it because I felt His peace and His presence, I trusted that the Bible were His words so I clung to it as if it were my breath. But my head and my thoughts would betray me and I would struggle with the old way of thinking. I couldn't understand how God fully knowing me would love me and still do what He did on the cross for me. And at the same time I was falling in love with Him because He was never scared of my thought life. He walked right into it and began to clean it up.

There's been times in my ride with Christ where I've felt dry and separated from Him. There's been times where I've refused to come to my hiding place with Him. But I've come to a place in my life where I know, that I know, that I KNOW that I am a Daughter of the God of the universe, that I have been adopted by the creator of the heavens and the earth. That regardless of all the junk that I've brought into my life, He still looks at me with loving eyes and is always waiting for me with an open and loving heart! There is really no one like Him. And because he loves me, my response is to love Him back. My hearts desire is that this LOVE of the FATHER be made known through me.

My prayer is that you, the reader (son/daughter) may NOT feel as If you are alone. That you may find a story that you can relate to here on Revelations of a Daughter. That you may find encouragement, joy and laughter through these words. And that you cry with us as we cry with you. And that you may find healing as we find healing. I know my story is different, as is everyone's, but I pray that your heart is stirred to really know that you have a DaDDY that will pursue you, and will give you love and identity! May Daddy God bless your hearts as you end this and as you read some of my favorite scriptures!

Mucho Amor para todos :)

For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mothers womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well. My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, The days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them. How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would be more in numbers than the sand; When I awake, I am still with You. 

(Psalm 139:13-18 NKJV)

---And--- 

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. 

(Romans 12:2 NKJV)

A New Beginning

(Image: Google Images)

Hello Readers!
If you're reading this, you probably learned about Revelations of a Daughter by either Facebook or Instagram. I thank you so much, from the bottom of my heart for checking out this blog. Your time and attention is incredibly appreciated!

Let me give you a little back story to why I, Alyssa Ponce, even started this blog:

I've always liked to write... whether its a letter, email, fb post, fictional story, essay, journaling, anything... the list goes on. Well, I was searching for another way of glorifying Poppa. At that time, I found myself learning a lot in a quick time and wanted to pour into someone else's life... one of the problems is that, I didn't really know who or where to start with. Then it hit me, (thank You, Holy Spirit)... what if i blogged about what I learned? Somebody out there should/could/would be able to relate, right? Well, that's what I hoped and prayed for! However, my posts seemed to be all over the place... from community service to rants... it felt like something just wasn't clicking... but what was I doing wrong? Haha. That brings me to now :)

Now, more than ever I've had the opportunity to notice and appreciate how everybody that I come into contact with is different. How we all go through different trials and tribulations... How we deal and cope with our circumstances... How we speak, act, think... Our backgrounds... Our strengths and weaknesses..

ALL DIFFERENT.

It's beautiful, really. I'm reminded of a sisterhood... brotherhood... better yet... of family. We all come together to support each other... to be a part of something bigger than our individual selves... to bring out the best in each other. Like a beautiful, vibrant, fragrant bouquet of flowers. One flower on its own may be pretty, but when you put various types of flowers and arrange them just right... WOW! Each one "shines" on its own while still highlighting the beauty of the others around.

(Image: Google Images)

So what's your point, Alyssa??? Well... my point is that I have come to the realization that in order for this blog to thrive and really serve its purpose to glorify God, 

I can't do this on my own. 

 Yes, of course I can continue posting blogs just about my life and my experiences... but my life and experiences are all existent for a purpose that is not my own. I would hate to hinder the impact that this site can have by limiting it to one perspective. That is why I have asked an ELITE group of women... and men (differing in age, stages in their walk with Christ, personality, culture, background, interests, circumstances) if they would be willing to pour out into this blog forum, this ministry... because in reality... that's what we all will be doing, ministering to complete strangers. 

Each of the individuals that I have asked, loves the LORD wholeheartedly and expresses it in totally different ways. I believe that they have accepted to join me because of their love for our Abba... and their passion to spread that love to YOU (the reader), in hopes that you may spread that to others that we may not be able to reach. I pray that Holy Spirit touches your heart and stirs something inside of you so that you truly are impacted by this and in turn are driven to impact others.

Please stay tuned for the first post which will be up soon! I invite you to participate. Lets bring this thing to LIFE!!! Feel free to comment, either to ask, add, or just co-sign what the author said (remember... a little encouragement goes a long way). If you feel that you would like to submit a post, please, please, PLEASE do not hesitate... you can message it to the Revelations of a Daughter Facebook page (www.facebook.com/RevelationsOfADaughter). Feel free to post prayer requests or anything that you feel led to. You are loved!!!

Be blessed,

A Daughter.