THE END OF GENDER STRATIFICATION

Inequality has always been present in our society. Slavery, racism, and discrimination in social standings are just some of the most common examples that we know. But gender stratification for me is the worst.

Centuries ago, men were always put on top. The women, who are apparently weak, can do nothing but be subservient. A good proof for this is the story of Tungkung Langit and Alunsina. This text is basically telling us that men possess all the great characteristics — industrious, loving, kind, and organized. They are the rulers who work for order, peace, and coordination. Women, on the other hand, are the complete opposite. They are lazy, jealous, and selfish. All they do is stay at home, wait for their better half, and feel fulfilled by serving him.

But today, this is not the case anymore. Most of the women are the providers for their family. They have become more competent and equally hardworking. In fact, women have already become a symbol of strength. They, who were notioned as weak, are now the perfect epitome of individuals who exude beauty and grace even under pressure.

26: GROWING THROUGH TEMPTATION

THE PURPOSE- DRIVEN LIFE

DAY 26

POINT TO PONDER: Every temptation is an opportunity to do good.

VERSE TO REMEMBER: "God blesses the people who patiently endure testing. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." James 1:12 (NLT)

QUESTION TO CONSIDER: What Christlike character quality can I develop by defeating the most common temptation I face?

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I have mentioned before that when I get annoyed at people who have poor attitudes, I tend to share my thoughts to my close friends. I want to stop myself from doing so but I always get tempted and I know that it's not something God would be happy about. So if I would learn how to defeat that temptation, I can prevent myself from speaking ill of others and I can finally find peace. This is what we call "self-control". It's one of Christ's characters that I would absolutely love to develop.

Before I end this post, I would like to share some ways on how we could overcome the different temptations that we face from day to day. These steps are written on this chapter and I must say that they have really helped me change some of my wrongdoings. I hope they can transform you too.

1. Refuse to be intimidated.

2. Recognize your pattern of temptation and be prepared for it.

3. Request God's help.

KATCHACANVAS

As I was browsing through the posts on my Facebook feed last week, I stumbled upon this photo:

I got all hyped up and decided to invite my friends to take part in this activity.

So last Saturday, we went to The Learning Library and met the super bubbly owners of KatchACanvas.

Ate Kar, Teacher Ivy, and Ate Precious

The KAC Team divided us into four groups. I was assigned to cut plastic cover, while the others were tasked to cover, catalog, and find the lexile level of the books.

While doing the assigned tasks, my friends and I had the chance to talk to each other and ask about the different happenings in our lives. Ever since we entered college, we don't get to spend much time together anymore. So this activity was not just fulfilling; it was absolutely fun as well.

Ate Kar, Ate Precious, and Teacher Ivy were very friendly and it was so nice of them to provide snacks for us while working. They made sure that we were really having fun.

It was past six when we finished everything. Before heading home, the KAC Team gave us certificates as a form of appreciation.

If you want to feel the same fulfillment that we felt, you can extend a helping hand by volunteering or by buying their super cute totes.

*photo grabbed from their facebook page

By doing so, you can "make Filipino education better— one bag, one book at a time."

If interested, you may contact Ate Kar Abola and Ate Precious Valenzuela through Facebook.

25: TRANSFORMED BY TROUBLE

THE PURPOSE- DRIVEN LIFE

DAY 25

POINT TO PONDER: There is a purpose behind every problem.

VERSE TO REMEMBER: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28 (NIV)

QUESTION TO CONSIDER: What problem in my life has caused the greatest growth in me?

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Our financial difficulties used to make me so disappointed and there were even times when I resented God for giving us such a heavy burden. But surprisingly, it was also during those hard times when I sought for His comfort. There was no one else I could turn to so I just prayed. Those trials truly helped me grow in faith. You see, "it's during suffering that we learn to pray our most authentic, heartfelt, honest-to-God prayers." These predicaments are not punishments; they are the tools that God uses to draw us closer to Him. I can say that this chapter has taught me to be trusting and truthful at the same time. It encouraged me to stop worrying and just look to God and depend on Him. It helped me be more open as well. Whenever I feel hopeless, I just close my eyes and let Him know that it's His love that I need. Right now, I still experience a lot of hardships but I have finally learned how to rejoice and not give up in the midst of it all because I know for a fact that these things happen because He has a great plan for me and that He will stay by my side no matter what. I guess it's really true that we will never know that God is all we need until God is all we've got.

24: TRANSFORMED BY TRUTH

THE PURPOSE- DRIVEN LIFE

DAY 24

POINT TO PONDER: The truth transforms me.

VERSE TO REMEMBER: "If you continue in my word, then are you my disciples instead; and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." John 8:31-32 (KJV)

QUESTION TO CONSIDER:  What has God already told me in his Word that I haven't started doing yet?

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"To speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people." (Titus 3:2)

I don't speak ill of other people especially if it's not true. But when I find them so annoying and I can see that they are doing something terrible, I can't help but share my thoughts to a close friend. I am aware that although I'm not telling lies, what I'm doing is really evil. Aside from that, my sisters and I still argue and there are times when we hurt each other not only emotionally but physically as well. I am so ashamed to admit these mistakes but I cannot be a follower of Christ if I can't be open with my flaws and sins. 

23: HOW WE GROW

THE PURPOSE- DRIVEN LIFE

DAY 23

POINT TO PONDER: It is never too late to start growing.

VERSE TO REMEMBER: "Let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Then you will be able to know the will of God— what is good and is pleasing to him and is perfect." Romans 12:2b (TEV)

QUESTION TO CONSIDER: When do I need to stop thinking my way and start thinking God's way?

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It would be when problems come my way. I have already mentioned in my previous post that we experience these predicaments for a reason. Instead of resenting God for the pain, we should change our way of thinking. Like Him, we must let these difficulties develop and not destroy us.

22: CREATED TO BECOME LIKE CHRIST

THE PURPOSE- DRIVEN LIFE

DAY 22

POINT TO PONDER: I was created to become like Christ.

VERSE TO REMEMBER: "As the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like him and reflect his glory even more." 2 Corinthians 3:18b (NLT)

QUESTION TO CONSIDER: In what area of my life do I need to ask for the Spirit's power to be like Christ today?

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My parents are not wealthy and honestly, we are currently experiencing massive financial problems. Sometimes, I ask God why this is happening to us. Can't He just choose a bad person to have these difficulties? But after leafing through the pages of this chapter, I realized that these predicaments should be treated as an opportunity to become more like Christ. And besides, life was meant to be difficult because earth is not heaven. We can only experience real comfort and peace when we leave earth. So I guess this is the area of my life where I need the Spirit's power. I need strength to face all the challenges that God would give me and the ability to understand that these are the things that would enable me to grow.

21: PROTECTING YOUR CHURCH

THE PURPOSE- DRIVEN LIFE

DAY 21

POINT TO PONDER: It is my responsibility to protect the unity of my church.

VERSE TO REMEMBER: "Let us concentrate on the things which make for harmony and the growth of our fellowship together." Romans 14:19 (PH)

QUESTION TO CONSIDER: What am I personally doing to protect unity in my church family right now?

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As what I have mentioned in one of my posts before (http://klaire-thegreat.blogspot.com/2014/06/17-place-to-belong.html), I am not a church member yet. I'm simply an attender. But if I were to become one, I would support and try my best to understand the leaders and my co-believers. I think that's the best way to maintain the unity. We all have our differences but I don't think that should become a hindrance to a good fellowship. We must focus on what we have in common and let that become the foundation of a strong relationship.

20: RESTORING BROKEN FELLOWSHIP

THE PURPOSE- DRIVEN LIFE

DAY 20

POINT TO PONDER: Relationships are always worth restoring.

VERSE TO REMEMBER: "Do everything possible on your part to live in peace with everybody." Romans 12:18 (TEV)

QUESTION TO CONSIDER: Who do I need to restore a broken relationship with today?

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There's this high school friend of mine who unfollowed me on Twitter yesterday. I'm not making a big deal out of that but I was surprised because she used to be one of my closest friends. I'm not sure why she did that but then I remembered that when we entered college, she suddenly became distant. She doesn't talk to us that much anymore. Whenever we invite her to events or outings, she always begs off. I don't know what's wrong. We have always tried reaching out but she keeps out-casting herself. I guess it would be easier to stop exerting an effort, but I love her and she really is important to me. So no matter how hard it is, I would still keep trying to restore our broken relationship.

19: CULTIVATING COMMUNITY

THE PURPOSE- DRIVEN LIFE

DAY 19

POINT TO PONDER: Community requires commitment.

VERSE TO REMEMBER: "We understand what love is when we realize that Christ gave his life for us. That means we must give our lives for other believers." 1 John 3:16 (GWT)

QUESTION TO CONSIDER: How can I help cultivate today the characteristics of real community in my small group and my church?

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I think it's best that I follow the tips written in this chapter. According to this book, there are nine characteristics of biblical fellowship that a church should possess:

• Authenticity- we should share our feelings and shortcomings
• Mutuality- we should uplift each other and help everyone feel good about themselves
• Sympathy- when someone falls down, everyone should be there to support and help that person get back up
• Mercy- after sharing our sins and flaws, everyone must be able to forgive each other
• Honesty- we should be open and speak the truth at all times
• Humility- it's a must that we admit our imperfections and weaknesses
• Courtesy- respect begets respect and I can not stress that enough
• Confidentiality- when someone opens up to us, we should keep it within the group and not gossip about it
• Frequency- we should make our group a priority and allot enough time to be with the members

18: EXPERIENCING LIFE TOGETHER

THE PURPOSE- DRIVEN LIFE

DAY 18

POINT TO PONDER: I need others in my life.

VERSE TO REMEMBER: "Share each other's troubles and problems, and in this way obey the law of Christ." Galatians 6:2 (NLT)

QUESTION TO CONSIDER: What one step can I take today to connect with another believer at a more genuine, heart-to-heart level?

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Some believers tend to wear masks. They hide their flaws and sins so they would seem perfect in the eyes of others. But that's what actually causes the death of real fellowship. So to have a more genuine connection, I suggest and would definitely try opening up to the other believers. I would tell them my imperfections and confess my sins so they could help me forgive myself and avoid doing the same mistakes again. We should all keep in mind that in a real fellowship, people experience authenticity.