Living Up to My Name

Someone just updated her blog banner and layout..hehe

I finally had good use of the picture of that wonderful sunset that I took when I joined a medical mission in Palawan. I don't know how to take great pictures, but such beauty, thankfully, did not require any special skill to be captured.

I'm almost at the end of my shortest semestral break yet (two weeks lang!!!) and going back to writing has been on my agenda when I planned how I wanted to spend this short break meaningfully.

Yesterday was about enrollment and a few errands. The day before that was catch up and accountability time with my growth group leader Kat and wrapping some Christmas gifts. Last week was about helping our classmates and batchmates pass their exams by providing rationale for the past exam questions with some baking and buying of school books on the side.

It's funny how I somehow get to do more when the break is shorter. I once again proved to myself that the lack of time is not the issue...that I should not be asking for more of it because we have all been given the same 24 hours a day. What I need help with from the Lord is on gaining the awareness of how short the time given to me is...to number my days aright, that I may gain a heart of wisdom (Psalm 90:12).

As I hope that I could write and process my thoughts more often from now on, here's one to document a milestone I reached in this short break...

         More than ever, I am proud of myself for taking the biggest leap in overcoming my personal issues - and that is by confessing them to an accountability partner. I thank the Lord for the life of my growth group leader Kat and for the spiritual sisterhood and community that we have. To have someone check on you on sensitive stuff can be scary and shameful for most people, but of the concrete steps I've taken in the past to overcome my pet sins, this has been the most difficult to do. I had no doubt that Kat would minister to me with truth and grace, and that I can come to her as I can come to Jesus, freely and without fear; but the biggest obstacle that I had to overcome was myself, and my pride I guess, because for a long time I've been convincing myself that I can deal with it on my own. But I can't explain how freeing it was when I finally shared things with her. Now, when I have to battle with my thoughts, I am reminded that I have an extra filter, and that I am not alone in the fight not only spiritually but also physically.

In the present time, perhaps people would say that I'm being too hard on myself with these issues that I have. But they are big deal for me. My name Katrina means "purity", and it has always been my prayer to the Lord that He help me live up to my name, not only in the eyes of other people but even in the most secret portion of my heart and mind that only He and I am aware of. I want to be holy as He is holy. I know I can never be perfectly pure, but I intend to do my part in my desire to be "set apart" for His glory, foremost by committing in my heart to obey His will. This is also part of my personal preparation for the partner I am praying to have in the future as the Lord wills it:) Not that I'm feeling that the time is near; on the contrary, I feel that my current season cannot include a significant other yet; but regardless of whether I'm bound to meet him soon or not, I intend to be the best version of myself.

I know this would be a lifetime battle until I get to be with Him in heaven. But I intend to do my best, with the motivation from God's Word - "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God." (Matthew 5:8). And for me, to see You Lord is the greatest reward :)

Thank you Lord for your sufficient grace.

And of course, this part of my journey would not be complete without my theme songs..hehe..Thank you Lord for Spotify:)
Masterpiece by Tori Kelly ft. Lecrae
Just As Sure by Tori Kelly and Jonathan McReynolds
Whole by Jonathan McReynolds feat. India Arie
Maintain by Jonathan McReynolds feat. Chantae Cann

P.S. Can I just say how much I love Tori Kelly and the entire Hiding Place album! And learning about Jonathan McReynolds' music was a bonus!