March 27, 2022 - INSCRIPTIONS FROM THE HEART

By Jemylou Realon

Choosing What’s Important and What Will Glorify God

My name is Jemylou and I'm usually in charge of running media and the online service for the church. I was trained by Abby Zamora-Cheng, who is currently out caring for her very adorable baby Amelia, and have been dedicating my Sundays and Saturdays to be able to help with media for the past 3-4 years.

I was asked a few weeks ago by Pastor String if I could share about a decision I had made a little while ago. It was a good decision, don’t worry!

Last year I was praying to have a job anywhere, just so I could make some extra money. In May of 2021, my prayers were answered and I had been blessed to get a job at the Sturgeon Hospital with AHS. Although it was in food services, I was extremely happy to officially be a part of AHS as my goal is to work in healthcare eventually and this was a good starting place.

I started working and training but the downside to my job was that all my shifts were consistently on Saturday and Sundays from 6 am to 3 pm. This meant I missed out on church and worship service, not contributing to the media, and not being able to enjoy resting on weekends after a long week of school.

Until the beginning of 2022, I was struggling with the fact that I was missing out on church. Church has been a big factor of my life and my walk with God and after missing many Sundays, it started weighing on me and my heart.

On one hand, I had a good job with benefits and worked with people who treated me very nicely and aside from the early starts, I enjoyed my job and the fact that I could make some income, using it for tithes and offerings, and so that I wasn’t mooching off my parents for money all the time.

Thank you to my parents, Emmy and Fredie for always providing for me. But it’s a nice feeling to make money and be blessed enough to be able to treat your parents out to some dinners, movies, or buy them gifts.

On the other hand, I definitely felt called back to church in my walk with God, but this would mean giving up my benefits and income to become a casual worker, so I would only be picking up available shifts instead of having a set schedule.

After praying for a long time, and seeking advice and prayers from my peers and my parents. The answer and conviction I felt was that I needed to go back to church and use the gift that God gave me in media.

Around this time as well, the head of media and my friend and mentor for it, Abby had gotten pregnant and I knew since she would be taking care of her newborn baby, they would need some more help in media that I was more than happy to provide.

I can always get another job but what I choose to place importance and time in is what is important to me and I value the relationship I have with God.

So although I was blessed to be able to have my job and that God answered my prayers one way, I decided to become a casual worker, losing the benefits and instead choosing to dedicate the time and the gifts God gave me to give back to the church.

I am grateful to still have my job despite the changes, like picking up what I can at work and devoting weekends to church. I know God helped me make the right decision and that what I chose glorifies God. I have been back every Sunday since January and I am very blessed and happy to be able to do my part in serving the Lord.

Thank you for listening to my little testimony and to God be the glory!

Bible Verses to consider: “My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.

The Lord by wisdom founded the earth; by understanding he established the heavens; by his knowledge the deeps broke open, and the clouds drop down the dew. My son, do not lose sight of these— keep sound wisdom and discretion, and they will be life for your soul and adornment for your neck. Then you will walk on your way securely, and your foot will not stumble.”