A New Season

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”
JEREMIAH 1:5

I'm changing my name.

Rather, I will be returning to MY REAL NAME.

I used to dislike the thought of naming my page with my name. I thought, "How can people find me if they do not even know how to spell my name?!" 😂 So, I opted to use my nickname.

As I grew deeper with my relationship with the Lord, it came to me that I am proud by the name that God bestowed upon the heart of my mother to me. He inspired her to name me this way because He knew His plans for me (Jeremiah 29:11)

I'm a bit emotional writing this, because it took me a lot of time before I was able to embrace myself.

One of the things God said to me while I was questioning my worth in a certain season was, "Just as you are..." Removing all of who I think I was, what I have, my talents, everything that I can boast of... It all came down to zero. Just a nobody. Until that small, still voice is what I heard. It was clear, "Just come to Me as you are." I cried my heart out. Nothing in this world can break me to humility such as the fact that I had grieved His heart by not loving myself. He created us to be in communion with Him, and nothing saddens our Father more than knowing that we are ashamed of what we are currently - our looks, our talents and gifts, our very existence.

See what kind of love the Father has given us: We are called God's children—and that is what we are! For this reason the world does not recognize us, because it did not recognize him, either. 

1 John 3:1


I am thankful to Jesus. He keeps revealing a portion of His heart every time I need it.

Now, folks. Allow me to re-introduce myself.

I am Apaulle Danielle Mestiola. A follower of Jesus Christ, whose mission is to share a piece of my story everywhere I go to encourage other people and ultimately lead them to the heart of God.

You are always loved.

P.S. I just want to share the music I am listening to while writing this.

Miracles // Jeremy Riddle & Steffany Gretzinger // Bethel Music
You're Beautiful - Jeremy Riddle (Bethel Church)

KEEP GOING

2018.05.12

I literally had the hardest hike that day. My family and I went to Laguna over the weekend to check up on things. We had planned to visit only, but it appears that people went deeper into the mountains. We contemplated on whether we should go or not, since it was already the afternoon, which means the sun will be at its peak.

I don't remember the last time I went there, maybe like, 10 years ago already? My uncle told us that there was another way, and that it would only take us 30 minutes. We trusted him since he lived there, and we got really excited over this. I haven't seen that place in a very long time.

IT WAS THE LONGEST 30 MINUTES OF MY LIFE (sarcasm included, of course). It took us 3 hours before we got to that place. My shoes got broken and it was scorching hot. Worst. Day. Ever. We had thought that we were near. Why? We heard music from afar. That wasn't the case.

I walked barefoot. The rocks were melting my feet and my pores were crying more than ever. But, that didn't stop me. Rather, I couldn't stop. It was in the middle of nowhere. I had to keep going.

I think it's the same with life. There are a lot of times where we feel we can't go forward and we're so tired. But look around! We've gone a long way with life. We've gone so far and we're here! If we stop and stay at our current place, there would be nothing there. There would always be a finish line. We can rest, but we can't quit. A prize awaits us when we finish the journey - in my case, new footwear and rest. Never have I imagined I would love my slippers so much. I always took them for granted, but now I don't. I cherish them a lot more now! As they say, you only know the value of things once they're gone. I study to appreciate things more, including myself. Of course there are dark days where I can't and I suddenly feel lost, but during those times do I figure out the most precious things in life - those that are really invaluable.

I want to keep going... no matter what. The things I'm about to do, those I plan to accomplish - big and small, they won't be easy, but I will keep going. Because I believe, one day, I can look back with a smile and say it's worth it. I hope you can too.

Have a nice day ☺️


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A Letter to YOU

Dear Beloved,

Hello. How are you doing today?

Did you have a good night's sleep? Please take a few more moments to close your eyes if you need more rest. Don't skip your meals and stay hydrated. We're so far away from each other so this is the only way I can take care of you.

Are you heading out to work? or.. how's school? Do you have any recent projects? Did you finally find something you want to do? I know you have a lot going on right now. Please know that I support you. You've been dreaming a lot ever since you can. I know you have the power to achieve them. I know you can do it. I believe in you.

Right now, I know it feels so hard to breathe. You might even be asking, "God, why me?". I'm so sorry you have to struggle alone. I'm so sorry you feel so discouraged. I'm so sorry that everything might seem to be against you. You're not alone. I'm your friend, remember? I'm always here, cheering you on. Even though we live in different places, having meals at different times, following our dreams on different paths, please never forget me. I will always be your friend. I pray that today you're not hurting anywhere.

It's okay to be not okay, remember? You can cry - it doesn't mean you're weak. You can stop everything and breathe. But, don't stay down. Remember me, and remember that I'm here giving you a push so you don't stay down. I know it's hard. It's okay. I'm here.

Every time before I go to sleep, I think of you. Did you eat? Did you have a good day? Are you crying right now? I hope not. If you are, don't forget that I am your friend and that I care for you. I know you're in a bad spot and that it looks like it'll be the end. Please close your eyes. Breathe. I pray that you feel better soon so we could hang out.

Why aren't you replying? I worry about you. Don't think that your struggles are unimportant. Give me a call and I'll run over to you as fast as I can. We're friends after all, right? You'll be alright one day. Maybe not today, but I hope that in the future, you can look back with a smile on your face and say you're glad it worked out in the end.

You're not sensitive, you are not stupid, and definitely not naive. It's not your fault. Hard to believe, yes? Trust me - this is the truth. I don't know what you're up to these days, but please keep on holding on. It's not just me. There are a lot of people who love you and support you. We're always here for you. Don't disappear on me one day. I will miss you a lot if that happens.

I know that sometimes you may think that no one cares. Be patient with yourself. God loves you and so do I. Don't be so hard on yourself. Despite everything, you're still here - breathing and alive. Thank you for keeping your life. Remember your dreams. Back when you were still a kid. Chase your dreams. I'll give you all of my support, whether it be becoming a rock star or a scientist. Don't let others define those dreams for you. You define it for yourself.

Remember when I told you that you have the most wonderful eyes? It still remains true to this day. Your eyes show the most life. It shows me how you want to keep on going. Thank you for being strong always. You are awesome. I don't want to lose you because of that. It's going to be okay. We all love you. People always grow. It's okay to not be perfect. It's okay to be sad. Stay alive, feed yourself well, wear comfortable clothes, don't give up on yourself. It'll get better, I promise.

It's okay to pause and breathe. Do the things you want. Society will say anything anyway. Know that I won't. I will support you - no matter where I am. Also, be kind to your body. I know might take time, but please, take care of yourself. Be good to yourself, okay? There is something good every day, are you still writing that down in your diary? Look for one positive thought. I, for one, am your friend. Know that I love you and I care for you. Don't blame yourself for being sad. We're all humans, after all. There are days where we shine as bright as the sun and there are days we just want to go the dark and never go out. We all fail. but, it doesn't mean we are worthless, right? You and I are good enough - there are people who know that. You don't have to be happy all the time. Life isn't supposed to be a joy ride every single time. It's okay to feel nervous and anxious. All of these bad moments, let them be a part of a page in your story - don't let it be an entire book, okay?

Dear, healing doesn't happen overnight. It takes time. For some, it might take months. For you, it might take weeks or even years. It doesn't matter. What matters is you're here - and that you are healing. Also, when every day is a battle, it's okay to lose some days and retreat. Please hold on. You are incredible. I know you can succeed. Thank you for always being so strong that sometimes the world does not even see. I'm proud of you and I love you.

Time flies by so fast, right? I hope you feel encouraged, even for a little with my letter. I hope that we can see each other soon. Let's laugh and cry and do crazy stuff like we used to. Let's be happy and sad. I will be here for you. Stay strong. Breathe. Keep on living. Remember, I am your friend.

I'll be writing to you again soon. Stay healthy and well!

I love you,

DANA

(P.S. If you need me, I'm one chat away on Twitter, Instagram, and Faceboook)

A New Hope

It has been 20 days since my last post.

I am truly sorry. I needed time for myself. I'm still alive, okay?

I have a lot to say, and I don't think I can put them all in one post because you'd be bored to death with nothing but words.

These days, I haven't been able to rest unless I cry myself to sleep and then I wake up really tired and empty. I feel really sad. I also have a physical diary where I write everything and it calms me down to know that I'm getting better as the days go by. I still cry every night, though. But, I know I'll be fine.

Max Lucado

I had followed him in twitter for the longest time. He released a new book entitled: Anxious For Nothing

If you want to purchase this book, link is here.

I was feeling empty for the longest time, and I was worrying about every single day, with my prayer begging God for help, or maybe, the permission to restart my life. I want to go back to square one.

I wanted to read this book, maybe get a little amount of hope so I can continue living because everyday is a battle. It's not available physically where I am, so I can't order it. So, I posted on twitter how I wanted to read the book. I used the hashtags: #AnxiousForNothing and tagged @MaxLucado, hoping he would notice me. Apparently, someone else did.

I cried.

Why would someone notice this post of mine? I sent her an e-mail, not expecting anything anymore since we lived on opposite sides on earth. I was just so thankful that she had noticed my tears. We have been keeping in touch, and she encourages me a lot. She told me her story. As of now, I'm happily waiting for the book. It should arrive between February 19th to March 9th.

I'm happy as I was sending her a letter of thanks. It just proves that the world is small, yet big. Are you on the same page as me? I can't explain it. I hope I can live with a peace of mind. I've been reading the bible every night, and I want to know more about it. I want to understand it more. I know He has the answer to everything.

Pray for me, will you?



Hello.

My name is DANA.

My dream is to travel the world and bring happiness to everyone I meet. To everyone reading this, I pray you are not hurting. Hold on, please.

Let us be friends on Faceboook, Twitter, Instagram.

DREAMS: An Understanding

DREAMS

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” – Philippians 4:8


Dreams, in general, is a series of thoughts, images, and sensations occurring in a person’s mind during sleep and contemplates the possibility of doing something.

The Scriptures say that once the Holy Spirit entered into us, it influences our soul that extends to its sleeping as well as its waking thoughts.

Question: What is the difference between DREAMS and VISIONS?

Dreams happen in sleep; Visions are dreams that happen in our wake. (a.k.a. waking dreams)

Dreams, however, are not vehicles of divine revelations. (e.g. fortune telling, etc.) The Bible warns us that God is against them.

“Behold, I am against those who prophesied false dreams”, declares the Lord”
Jeremiah 23:32a

So, what should we dream about?

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
Philippians 4:8

Libre ang mangarap [Dreaming is free]. A lot of people dream. And that’s the end of it. Why? Because of fear. It blocks their ability to believe in themselves.

Everyone dreams – worldly ones (e.g. “I want to be rich”, etc.). Christians? I think they have the same thoughts most of the time. They are afraid to dream Spirituals dreams and change the world because they fear persecution. They are afraid of these dreams of connecting heaven to earth because their lives would run differently, and they think they don’t have the enough potential to do something because they don’t know where to begin and how to begin in. but God has a solution to this – His supernatural powers.

God has a dream for every person’s life.

“For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11

Joseph was 17 years old when God gave him a world-changing dream (Ref.: Gen. 37:5). God told Abram that he will be the father of all nations (Ref.: Gen. 15). God appeared to Abimelech in his dream to tell him not to touch Sarah (Ref.: Gen. 20).

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew [chose] you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”
Jeremiah 1:5

God is not speaking to one being, He is speaking to each one of us.

Question: What is God’s dream?

“However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived” – the things God has prepared for those who love Him –.”
1 Corinthians 2:9

This is why we hear a lot of testimonies saying, “Hindi ko inakala na mangyayari ito.” ["I never thought this would happen."] because it always comes to us in a surprise.

Lesson learned: God loves to surprise us.

So, if 1 Corinthians 2:9 is telling the truth, then how do we know God’s dream for us?

“Ask and it will be given to you; Seek and you will find; Knock and the door will be opened to you.”
Matthew 7:7

How do we do this? By praying. If nothing is revealed, we should not worry. As I said, God loves to surprise us.

“For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and not delay.”
Habakkuk 2:3

“I received it now, but nothing happened. What should I do?” Like it is written, we should wait for it because it is sure to come.

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”
Ecclesiastes 3:1

When the time comes, we should not doubt and be afraid, for God promised us,

“Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 1:6

What is your dream?
—
D/N [Dana's Note]:

Hello everyone! This is my first post here on this blog! I hope that you will support me despite 'upcoming' lapses - there's always room for improvement, right? Anyway, just to give you guys a heads up, I will be posting random things about my life and experiences - depending on what my "theme of the day" is? Also, I'm VERY RANDOM, I can just post a word or phrase and that will be it - I swear! Well, posting words would be overreacting, but, as always, I'll try my best to update just so I can share my day with you! Hoping for more interactions! God bless and see you again!

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