Reflections on Life's Milestones

by Rev. Johnru Villamor on February 26, 2024

As I recently celebrated a significant birthday milestone, I found myself reflecting on the journey that brought me to this point. Life is a series of milestones, each offering its own lessons and opportunities for growth. In this blog post, I'd like to share some reflections on this journey and the invaluable lessons learned along the way.

Embracing Change:
Change is a constant in life, but with God, we can navigate its waters with confidence and trust. Whether transitioning to a new job, relocating to a different city, or navigating changes in relationships, we can find solace in knowing that God is with us every step of the way. Embracing change becomes a journey of faith, where we lean on God's strength and wisdom to guide us through life's transitions.
Cultivating Gratitude:
Gratitude is a cornerstone of our relationship with God. Taking time to appreciate the blessings in our lives is an act of worship and humility. From simple pleasures to significant achievements, gratitude reminds us of God's abundant grace and provision. Cultivating gratitude enables us to approach life with a heart full of thanksgiving, recognizing God's hand in every aspect of our lives.
Pursuing Purpose:
God has a unique purpose for each of us, and as we seek God’s will, we discover our true calling in life. Finding purpose becomes a journey of discernment and surrender, where we align our desires with God's plan for our lives. Whether discovering a passion, pursuing meaningful work, or making a difference in the lives of others, we can trust that God's purpose for us is good, pleasing, and perfect.
Prioritizing Self-Care:
Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, and caring for them is an act of stewardship and reverence. Prioritizing self-care is an expression of love for ourselves, as well as for God who created us. Whether nourishing our bodies with healthy food, resting in God's presence through prayer and meditation, or seeking support when needed, self-care honors the gift of life that God has given us.
Journeying Forward:
Life is a journey of faith, filled with twists and turns, challenges, and triumphs. Embracing the journey means walking in faith, trusting that God's plans for us are good and purposeful. Each milestone becomes an opportunity to deepen our relationship with God, as we lean on God for guidance, strength, and comfort. Embracing the journey with God fills us with hope and confidence, knowing that God is working all things together for our good.

In conclusion, life's milestones offer valuable opportunities for reflection, growth, and transformation when experienced in the presence of God. As we navigate life's journey with God as our guide, may we embrace change with faith, cultivate gratitude with humility, pursue purpose with passion, prioritize self-care with reverence, and journey forward with hope. Here's to embracing the beauty of life's journey with God's presence, every step of the way.

About the Author

Rev. Johnru Villamor

Johnru, short for John Rudolph, was born and raised in the Philippines. He served as a youth director in his late teens at their church in his home country and has always believed that God is calling him for church ministry. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering in 2006 and used to work as a telecommunications engineer in Manila while leading various ministries as a church volunteer.

God brought him to a point when he felt a stronger desire to serve the church on a full-time capacity. So, he responded to God’s call to leave his corporate job and work as one of his church’s administrative staff, up until the time he decided to move to the U.S. in 2016. Shortly after he moved, Johnru became a member of Davis Memorial United Methodist Church (North Richland Hills, TX) where God provided opportunities for him to serve through preaching in services and leading discipleship programs. At that point, with the guidance of his family and mentors, God’s calling for him for ordained ministry in the United Methodist Church has been more discernable, hence he started attending seminary in 2018.

In 2020, Johnru began his pastoral internship at Smithfield United Methodist Church where he eventually was appointed as their associate pastor. He graduated in May 2022 with a Master of Divinity from Brite Divinity School at Texas Christian University. In the same year, he got commissioned as a provisional elder in the Central Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church and was appointed as one of the associate pastors at First United Methodist Church of Hurst.

Johnru is a beach lover who grew up in a close-knit family. His parents, Carmelo and Jocelyn, have recently joined FUMC Hurst. His older sister, Joice, is a campus missionary in the Philippines who will join the family in the U.S. soon. Johnru loves to have meaningful conversations (preferably over good food)! He is passionate about building relationships and sharing Jesus’s love with people, especially in the community.

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