What Does “BUSY” Mean for Me?

Written by Anita Hu -- Taiwan Province (Manila)

During the past five years, for my job and for my life as a religious person, I very easily became a busy girl. In this busy period, I became tired and began to find rest in God. I usually went to church and sat silently as long as possible; even wept. I tried to listen to God, but I ususally heard nothing. God knew what I needed, because when I left the chapel, I felt I had enough energy and confidence to face the coming challenges. I was not afraid and I knew the love of Jesus would besiege me. That was a wonderful time. I heard Jesus say, Come to me.

In the past few months, I have had a special experience with time. It has made me reflect on what and who my busy life is for. Because I am living a religious life now, not only the chapel is always open for me, but also Jesus Christ always waits for me silently. Although I rarely went to worship, I listened to Him. I tried my best to do much more. It seems that it is very easy to lose my temper. I thought when I served others and worked for them, I would be much happier, but it isn't always this way. “What's wrong with me now? I am working and serving others with all my strength. I lost myself, why?” I asked myself.

Then one day, I thought about the meaning of“BUSY. B-U-S-Y: to Be Used Successfully by Yawah. Did I put my all in God's hand? Did I find God among my neighbors? Am I an instrument in which God is pleased? When reality does not match my expectation, I am disappointed and become frustrated with others.

Thanks to my sisters. I learned God's will from them. In spite of my business, if I can’t meet God in the busy life, my life will have no significance.

Loving Everything You Choose

Written by Zhan Jing Ye -- Taiwan Province (Manila)

If I were a young mother, and would have a baby, lovely. Every day my life would include looking after my child carefully, doing a lot of work -- cleaning, going shopping, and cooking. Waiting for my husband, I would prepare a delicious meal, as he would have worked hard for the family. Though our life were full of toil, we would be happy and content.

I think that I would love my baby, like myself and love my husband, too; perhaps more than our child and I. On fine days, we would take walks outside, and go to the park. Sometimes, we would see our parents together.

Maybe my like would be like my description, if I were married. However, I chose to follow Jesus, living a single life. He called me from thousands of people. Therefore, I gave up many possibilities and sought for hisfootprints.

I left my hometown, and went to the city. Later, I left my mother country again. At last, I came to the Philippines . With the Lord's help, I had a good trip. When I looked at my previous life, the past is gone and seems static. Now, I am far from my family members and friends; sometimes it seems as if I have nothing.

But, I love my life in the present, poor as it is. In fact, you are the richest when you are the poorest. I suppose, even in a poor house, you may perhaps have some pleasant, thrilling, glorious hours, as long as your heart and soul are rich. It is equally, that the Lord gives to everyone.

The setting sun is reflected from the windows of the almshouse as brightly as from the rich man's abode; the snow melts before its door as early in the spring. I do not see but a quiet mind may live as contentedly there, and have as cheering thought, as in a palace.

Do not receive and own more things, whether clothes or friends. You have all which is enough now for yourself. Turn the old, return to them. You will find you are a rich person. To know the Lord, is a beginning of wisdom. He can change your life and mind. Follow him, please! Believing in and depending on him and never return.

What Makes a Person Truly Happy?

Written by Stephanie Shi -- Taiwan Province (Manila)

I realized that I was a happy girl while I was growing up. Why do I say this? It is because I have a great father and a good, loving mother. They give me a truly warm family. When I look back on my childhood, it was very happy. My parents not only gave me so much love, but they also gave me enough freedom to let me choose everything that I liked, even though sometimes I chose something that was wrong. Whenever it happened, they just told me to decide carefully, and then I would change. Thanks to my parents’attitude, I felt enough courage to choose my way of life in the future, and pursue my dreams.

Now, I am already grown-up. I am not a little girl anymore. Before I met Jesus Christ in my life, I felt that the happiness I had was not enough. Sometimes I felt tired, worried or bored. During those times, I asked myself these questions,“Who can help me? Who is my strength? Who will change my life?” When I met the Lord Jesus Christ, from that time on, I discovered the truth, the life, and the path. So my whole life was changed by Him, including my values, my likes, and my dreams.

Today, when I am close to nature, I feel truly happy, because nature is so great and beautiful. When I see animals, I feel truly happy, because all of the animals were created by the Lord. Every time I meet poor people, I want to help them, and let them know and feel that I care for them and love them. I know the poor are examples of Jesus; all of them are my brothers and sisters. When I decided to follow Jesus, I felt truly happy, because He is my Lord and my Savior.


Stephanie Shi, arrived in Manila in March. She was baptized only a few years ago.