Have A Blessed New Year!

May this New Year bring you so much joy and happiness...
May you see the realization of God's promises in your life...
All the best to you and your family...
Wishing you a Prosperous and Blessed New Year!!!


"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

Thankful Thursday

I thank God for:

• My parents for being so understanding and supportive.
• His financial provision.
  
• His faithfulness in His promises to me.
• My spiritual friends who stand in agreement with me in prayer.
• His peace, joy and His hand in my situation.

A Word From The Master

Hi everyone! Hope you all had a Merry Christmas.

It's back to work for me. I don't really mind. I know there are a lot of things for me to look forward to. The past few days, I spent time with God at home reading His word and meditating on it. I spent my time praying and fasting. God did answer some of my questions and revealed to me an important truth that I needed to pray for.

I called up a friend, Baebs, which I usually do every now and then. She enthusiastically told me that God has spoken to her again about what she has been praying for (that's us) during her quiet time. She quoted a verse in the Bible.

"Therefore say to them, 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: None of my words will be delayed any longer; whatever I say will be fulfilled, declares the Sovereign LORD.' " Ezekiel 12:28

I was so excited to get a word from God again. And also, for the past days, these words have been like a broken record, beaming in my life's "TV screen," -- DON'T GIVE UP NOW!

God has also shown me that I have this unforgiveness still in my heart and Baebs told me to release it to God. I needed to forgive the one person who I love the most in this earth, the man God gave me to spend the rest of my life with. I graciously obeyed my Master. I remembered one preaching in church that even if I didn't feel like it, even if my mind says so otherwise, even if my feelings are rebelling, I need to obey what God says because that is His will for me. And God promised to redeem me. He who promised is faithful.

12 Days Of Christmas Eve

I was watching TV the other night, but nothing in particular though. I stopped at the Hallmark channel and it was then showing the movie 12 Days of Christmas Eve starring Steven Weber and Molly Shannon. I'm not sure if you're familiar with the movie but I did learn something from this in the end.

There was a line there that goes, "It's not the destination, Calvin (played by Weber), it's the journey. God is into details." When I heard that, it just made me stop and think. God already gave me His promises about the concerns I have in life. That's my destination and whatever God said is considered done. God is never a liar. His promises to you and me will ALL come to pass. Now the journey to get to my destination is up to me. I can either trust God or be miserable until I get there, the choice is mine. In the movie, this was where Calvin failed again and again until he finally got the point.

Lastly, in the movie where Calvin finally gave in to doing what is "right", it turned out that he gained even more blessings than he had actually expected.

Reminded me of a verse in Romans 8:28 "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."

Sometimes I try to do things MY way and when I fail, I blame God. But now that I know better and that is doing what God says is right, I'm excited to see the realization of the very thing I'm asking God for. And you know what, I'm not alone in this journey. I have God and my friends who are praying and awaiting too for that victory to come.

Thankful Thursday

I thank God for:

• The funds He sent my way to pay for that bill that was weighing me down.
• For the renewed hope He gave me when I was this close to giving up a few days ago.
• The strength He provides me everyday.
• Friends who care and are praying for us.
• Being patient with me even when I was already throwing tantrums.

P For PIA

J for Jean Chia tagged me to do this: Use the first letter of your name to answer each number. Shouldn't be made up and can’t use your own name! If you can’t answer, skip to the next one.

1. Famous Singer: P. Diddy
2. Four Letter Word: Post
3. Street: P. Guevarra
4. Color: Pink
5. Gift/Present: Perfume
6. Vehicle: Porsche
7. Things in Souvenir Shop: Porcelain Plate
8. Boy's Name: Patrick
9. Girl's Name: Phoebe
10. Movie title: Pearl Harbor
11. Drink: Pepsi
12. Occupation: Physician
13. Celebrity: Patrick Swayze
14. Magazine: Pregnancy
15. U.S. City: - Palm Springs
16. Pro Sports: Pool
17. Fruit: Peaches
18. Reason for being late for work: Picketing
19. Something you throw away: Popsicle sticks
20. Something you shout: Pathetic!

I'm not going to tag any specific individual but please feel free to do this meme if you are up to it. Enjoy!

A Poem For Me...

A dear friend of mine, Yvette, made a poem especially for me. Thanks, Yvette!

Wipe away the tears in your eyes,
There is hope in the deep blue skies.
The eyes of God are here to see,
To lead your life in victory.

You cry, O God, I submit to you,
Everything that I must do.
In pain Your mercy for me abounds,
Your love is great as I have found.

Yes, wipe away those many tears,
God is in control of our living years.
His promises holds forevermore,
A road that leads to an open door.

She wrote me this poem and sent it to me last Saturday. We were together the night I walked out of our Christmas party. I was so sad...

He Did Provide!

My weekend turned out to be a living nightmare. I completely lost my focus. Twice I walked out of a gathering on two separate occasions when it should have been two of the most joyous events this year. I was completely disoriented seeing all the mountains of problems flashed right before my eyes. I went home so discouraged and cried most of the night. I was telling God how frustrated I was.

I was tired of my situation and anxious about one of my bills due for payment the following day. I still didn't have the funds to pay for it. God said I'm not going to borrow money from anyone! I was short from kicking and screaming and was reciting over and over again, "But God, you promised!!!"

"The LORD will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands. You will lend to many nations but will borrow from none." Deuteronomy 28:12

I woke up at around three in the morning and I was able to read a text message from Rosemar, one of my officemates, who said that they just got back from Baguio. I was supposed to be with them on that trip but begged off the last minute because I said I needed to attend those two events which I eventually walked out from. After five minutes I got another text message from her which said our boss already gave them the 50% income we earned from our client from Baguio which will be divided among us five and that she will give my share later.

Wow! Hours ago I didn't even have the slightest idea where to get the money to pay for that bill and suddenly God provided! Just in time! And there's more. I received more than double the amount I was expecting to get. Our messenger just stepped out of our room to pay my bill. *grin*

God was true to His promise that He will provide for me financially and that I wouldn't borrow from anyone. His provision came just in time. I'm holding on to another promise He gave me. I guess for some of you who had been with me in my life's journey would know what that promise is. I wonder what God would do next.

Swamped With Work

I'd like to apologize to all my friends in blogsphere. I'm really swamped with work after I got back from Hong Kong. We moved to a different office and we're currently setting it up. After office I'm teaching English to two kiddos ages 8 and 10 for three hours everyday. By the time I'm done, I'm already dead tired. I will try to visit a few blogs every time I get the chance to. Please forgive me.

I've already sent out my gift to Barb, my Christmas Exchange partner, this afternoon. Barb, I really hope you'd like it. I'm crossing my fingers.

Anyway, I gotta go. This computer I'm using is scheduled for reformatting in 10 minutes. Please know that you are in my prayers and I love y'all! God bless you! (((HUGS)))

Adventure With Sis 3

My cousin Rina, her husband Mike, their son Kian, Aunt Rosalina, my sis and I went to Tuen Mun Plaza for the grand opening of the Toys R Us and of course they bought more toys! Outside the store I met with Baebs (inset photo, right), my friend and church mate from Manila, who happened to be in Hong Kong too that time. We just had some pictures taken and shortly after, she had to go back to Ma Wan to attend to her patients. Oh, by the way, Baebs' a dentist.

My relatives and I had lunch in one of the famous street restaurants that serves one of the best goose dish in town. Yummy! Then we went back to the condo to pack our stuff for our flight back to Manila.

I thank God for this wonderful blessing. I also had a chance to share God's Word to my Aunt and cousin. That's a seed I planted in them that I'm praying will grow and they too will see and experience God's glory and love in their lives.

Adventure with sis 2

Adventure with sis 1

Adventure With Sis 2

I just stayed home today. I wanted to rest because my legs hurt, but not my sis. She went shopping again and came home with more toys!

Anyway, yesterday we were in China and went to The Venetian in Macau. The place looked amazing! But we had a funny experience on our way there. We were always in a hurry to catch the bus, the ferry and the train, everything here is timed which I think is good. Now I know how it feels like to join the amazing race. We went around the place and at dinner time we ate at the Red Dragon Noodle Restaurant right in the middle of The Venetian Casino. I ordered fishball noodle broth which sounded yummy. I felt so embarrassed when I started eating it, the flat noodles kept falling off my chopsticks! What I could have normally eaten in 15 minutes, took me almost an hour to finish. The noodles were so slippery. Now I know what those long strands of bean sprouts were for - to catch those slippy noodles. I ate them all first and left the noodles. Ha! Everybody there spoke to us in Cantonese which we didn't understand, not a single word! And they said they thought we were from there because we looked like the locals.

After dinner, we went around a little more until it's time for the bus to bring us back to the turbo jet's terminal to go back to Hong Kong. We got home at around 11 p.m.

(inset photo: The Red Dragon Noodle Restaurant in Macau)

Adventure With Sis 1

Adventure With Sis 3

Adventure With Sis

First, I'd like to thank my brothers and sisters in Christ for praying for us. You are all so precious. Thank you for not leaving me alone in this battle. I know in my heart that I am victorious because of Jesus Christ and because of all His prayer warriors who are interceding for us. Thank you!

I'm so glad I got hold of a computer so I can blog about this trip God blessed me with and share it to y'all. I still haven't gotten any decent sleep since the other night. Anyway, we arrived in Hong Kong at exactly 9:50 a.m. We're staying at my cousin's pad at the Grand Pacific View in Tuen Mun. Mom mom's wonder twin, Aunt Rosalina, welcomed us. My cousin is due to be back home on Friday from South Africa. I was feeling so sleepy when we finally got to the condo at around 11 a.m., but I didn't had time for a nap. Aunt Rosalina prepared us lunch. At around 1:30 p.m., sis and I went to Tsim Sha Tsui and the real adventure began.

We went around the city and my sis shopped like crazy! My legs were already hurting, but my sis just kept going and going like her feet had wheels! Guess what we bought - toys!!! We had Transformers and The Justice League from Toys R Us. Geez!

I'll be posting pictures next time. I haven't uploaded them yet, will try later. Okay, that's it for now. I gotta get some sleep. Ayt! signing off.

Zzzzz...

(inset photo: the swimming pool at the Grand Pacific View)


Adventure With Sis 2

Adventure With Sis 3

Pray For Us

I started this blog to write things about my life that I didn't mind sharing to the whole world. An opportunity came for me to earn from blogging and I'm grateful for that but I guess things will be different from now on. I will be writing less sponsored posts although there will still be some from time to time but not as much anymore.

Anyway, I will be away for a while and will be back posting on December 3. I will be with my sister in Hong Kong for a short vacation. Honestly, if I could beg out from this trip I would but it's all set and I guess God really wanted me to take this trip. I'm leaving on Wednesday.

To all who read this post, I'd like to ask you to please stand with me in prayer for myself, my husband and our marriage. I know that there are people and forces of evil that are hoping and trying all they can to destroy this God ordained marriage. I also know that the enemy will try his best to snatch us out of God's will and bombard us with lies until we succumb to it. One of us may be weak, but I am standing in what the Word of God said in:

Matthew 18:19
"Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven."

1 John 5:14-15
"This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him."

Matthew 19:6
"So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate."

Isaiah 54:17
"No weapon forged against us will prevail, and we will refute every tongue that accuses us. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me," declares the LORD."

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

Proverbs 19:21
"Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails."

Yes, I'm hurting with all these blows in our lives and my heart breaks to tiny pieces but I'm holding on to God. I believe that He will redeem us. I believe in my heart that nothing is impossible with God and nothing is too hard for Him to do. God will honor His Word because He is a faithful God. He will make ALL His promises to me which I kept in my heart come to pass. I can depend on Him. I can trust Him. And I know that He will never let the righteous fall (Psalm 55:22). This child of God here is not quiting!

Thank you for praying with us. God bless y'all!

The Battle Is On

This will be quite interesting for bloggers who make a few bucks like me from paid blogging. To others this info may have little or no effect at all.

Have you noticed your PageRank's status now? Well, if you were slapped with a ridiculously low PR, this was a result of Google’s campaign against paid linking and advertisement links which influence PageRank. My PR took a nosedive! How frustrating!!!

If the advertisers consider Google PR a great deal then how on earth can we "small" bloggers get a decent offer from paid blogging companies? I don't get it!

I really hope this issue will be resolved soon.

Thankful Thursday

I thank God for:

• My friends who are always there to give me godly advice when I need one.
• My parents who are very loving to us four siblings.
• My precious life.
  
• My job because God uses this as one channel to bless me financially.
• Corry and KC for the e-card I just received now. (((HUGS)))

Count your blessings. There's so many things to thank God for.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING Y'ALL!

My Swap Partner

I'm so excited about our Christmas Ornament Exchange, it's my first time to join and I already got my swap partner. Yey! I'm going to go window shopping this weekend and see what I could find for Barb. Yep, that's her name. I'm going to mail my package to her first week of December, maybe after I've gotten back from Hong Kong. Hope she'll like it. I am so excited!!! I was surprised how crafty and creative this super mom is. I mean, she's really good. You should see her works. Here are some samples:





Yep, she made those! Isn't she amazing?

Anyway, I promised to post a picture of my Christmas wreath last time. So here it is. It's a gift from a friend.
And here's a Santa and his reindeer hubby and I bought three years ago.

Last Sunday at home, I was so bored and so I went out the terrace and took this picture. I wasn't really thinking of anything then, just appreciating the sunset. I just took this shot and went back inside. Haha! Excuse my amateurish shot. I know I still have to learn the art of taking beautiful pictures. Maybe next time...

Anyway, it's getting late. I got to go now. See y'all tomorrow!

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Denise of Hope Tree Studio is giving away a sterling silver lock and key charms. Deadline is on November 23.

Karla Donacher is having a month long contest this November. It's so simple. Just do a post with the title "A Circle of Thankful Hearts"

Hurry! Check out their blogs!

Quiz Rocket

I'm here in the office alone with nothing to do really so I decided to do something else today. I started off by taking a Christmas quiz and a lot more other quizzes after that just for fun. It's actually an amusing way to pass the time. I get to laugh at myself in the end because of my ridiculous scores. Haha!

I took the online Bible Quiz. I got quite a good score on that. This one is interesting, the Pet Quiz - Which Pet Is Right For You?


And here's why:

Get a Cat You should get a cat; you definitely want a little furry friend but need your space as well. You'd be happy to have the little kitty wander around the house and show up when you put the food down. Cats are great at knowing when you want them around and when you don't.

Try it out! Have fun! Remember, laughter is the best medicine. Get a dose of some...

God Is In It With You

Toni over at My Journey sent me this message at my multiply site this morning. I thought it would be really nice to share this with our brothers and sisters in Christ. I was so encouraged by it and I hope that you will be encouraged too.


"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

Do you feel misunderstood and forsaken by the people you love? Have you been falsely accused and stripped of everything, without a dime to your name? Is your life messed up? Maybe today is the day you hit rock-bottom and you wonder if you can ever rise again.

Joseph, who was sold by his brothers into slavery (Genesis 37:28), went through all these experiences and emotions. Still, he was conscious that God was in it with him every step of the way. Though his life was a mess, he believed that it was not an accident. Though the things that were happening to him were not good, he believed that God was making all things work together for his good. And it was indeed so, for Joseph eventually rose to the most powerful position in Egypt, second only to Pharaoh. (Genesis 41:40)

Probably, this consciousness that God was in it with him was the reason he forgave his brothers when they came back later in his life to seek his forgiveness. Joseph told them, “But now, do not therefore be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life.” Genesis 45:5

So like Joseph, whatever you are facing now, be conscious that God is in it with you. For when you are Jesus-conscious, though you may have nothing or not much now, you have everything when you have Jesus!

The same Jesus who went around enriching others with 12 baskets full of leftovers, a net-breaking, boat-sinking load of fishes, and who never impoverished anybody, will empower you to prosper and succeed in life. The same Jesus who went about doing good will cause good to explode in your life. The same Jesus who went about healing the sick and never giving anyone disease will keep you in divine health and protect you from harm.

Because “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever” Hebrews 13:8, as He was with Joseph, He is with you. And He will empower you to live the high life — the abundant life in which you will see all of God’s promises manifest!

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Denise of Hope Tree Studio is giving away a sterling silver lock and key charms. Deadline is on November 23.

Karla Donacher is having a month long contest this November. It's so simple. Just do a post with the title "A Circle of Thankful Hearts"

Hurry! Check out their blogs!

Wait Upon The Lord

I woke up alone in our bedroom. I looked around... prayed... picked up my Bible and read it. I was reading passages from the book of Psalm and came across Psalm 27:13-14. It says, "I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord."

For the past few days I've been feeling anxious and hungry for God's word. My heart cries to the Lord to give me direction and to help me see things the way He sees them. I prayed... and prayed... and prayed. And then this morning God lead me to Psalm 27.

God is clearly telling me to wait for Him. To wait upon His timing - not my time but His. But as a "doer", I always thought I ought to do something. That's not God's instruction. He said WAIT and that's crystal. That part, when I tend to go ahead of God, is the one reason which always, always gets me into trouble.

In relation to this I have tons of unanswered questions too like, "God, if You really love me like You say You do, then why haven't You delivered me from this situation when I know very well that You could? I've seen You done it with others but how come You just let me sit in this mess?"

Sounds familiar? I'm sure. But God said WAIT. I even remembered Him impressing in my spirit - TRUST ME.

This is a reminder to myself and I'm also speaking here to people reading this post who can relate to my experiences. Let us not waste our time trying to figure things out that only God knows. In time we will understand, but for now we don't have to know as long as we know the ONE who knows.

Wait.

Trust Him.

A Circle Of Thankful Hearts

Karla Donacher is having a month long contest this November. It's so simple. Just do a post with the title "A Circle of Thankful Hearts" and list five things on your blog that you're thankful for or as many as you want and why then leave a comment on her blog so she'll know you're joining. Don't forget to say where you're from.

Here are my list of five things that I'm thankful for:

1. I'm thankful for all my friends who unselfishly committed to pray for me and hubby everyday and supports me while hubby's away.

2. I'm thankful for this paid blogging opportunity God opened for me to help me pay my monthly bills.

3. I'm thankful for my sister who gave me a round trip ticket to Hong Kong and a little shopping money too.

4. I'm thankful for my spiritual family who supports me in this darkest time of my life.

5. I'm thankful for Jesus for His love and promises that renews my hope and strengthens me everyday.

Now it's your turn!

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Denise of Hope Tree Studio is giving away a sterling silver lock and key charms. Deadline is on November 23. Hurry! Check out her blog!

Hop over to Kathleen's blog to see updates on our 2007 Christmas Ornament Exchange.

It Does Work!

Remember I wrote here before that I withdrew money from my Paypal account to my credit card last week and I wasn't sure how it'll go? Well, here's an update and a good one too!

I checked my credit card status online to see if my Paypal withdrawal has already been credited to my card. And there it was!

11/07	PAYPAL *WITHDRAWAL ********		PHP 3,739.95
	USD 85.00

As if I wasn't convinced yet, so I double checked it by calling the credit card company to confirm my payment for the month. And it's been settled! Yipee!

I just have to see it with my own eyes to believe that this really works because I know it does in other parts of the world but I wasn't sure if it's going to be the same here. Receiving money through Paypal is relatively new here in the Philippines. But now, I'm convinced! Paid blogging does work and so does Paypal!

Thank you, Lord, for this blessing!

Say No Evil

We're about to leave in a while for another meeting, but before I do, let me just share this with you real quick.

Last weekend, I got a call from my sister and she was fuming mad. Mom and dad were having problems at home. That same night, I also got a call from a long lost friend, Joyce, who shared with me some stories that really made me upset.

Joyce and I met nine years ago and became friends but we lost touch and saw each other again last Friday. She saw me at the lobby getting my mail. It so happened that she also lived on the same building. She moved in last month.

At my unit, Joyce and I talked about friends, life and about God. We did a lot of catching up. I've learned that she's in and out of depression because her fiancé passed away just recently. They've been together for 11 years. She was totally lost and you could tell right away. I got to share with her the Word of God and she agreed to go with me to church.

Now going back to what upset me, the following night, as I said earlier I got a call from my sister and from Joyce too. Joyce said that her obsessed suitor, who happened to be a friend of my boss, whom I met once a few months back said something ugly about me. It wasn't the words spoken that got me upset but the fact that I'm going through this same ordeal again! If people won't mock my faith, they will say ugly things about me. Was I surprised? No, I wasn't although I was amazed on how creative these people can be sometimes. They can really make up stories! The funny thing was this obsessed guy and his friends didn't know that Joyce and I knew each other.

I told two of my cell group mates about this and they have only this to say, "Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world... The enemy thought he won? Think again! If God is for you, who can be against you? Hold on to God, hold on to His promises. God knows everything that's happening. He will protect you." Then they prayed for me.

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33

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There's still time, join us on our 2007 Christmas Ornament Exchange.

Blog Of The Month Award

I got another award! Yey! Although I'm not sure if I truly deserve this award... Anyway, thanks, Ester.
I definitely don't want to keep this all to myself. I'd like to share this with: Janice, Jean, Nicole, Renie and Sylvia.

$$$ Blogging $$$

As some of you know, I have been blogging for quite some time now and just recently I got interested in paid blogging. Please know that I'm not being paid for this particular post. I just want to share with my friends in Blogsville what this paid blogging has done for me so far. Some of you might get interested too and I want to voice out my experiences and my thoughts regarding these things.

Some people has taken blogging as a full time career, but for most of us this is just a sideline so to speak. Most of us wanted to earn extra to help pay bills or probably to buy something we have been wanting to buy but our budget wouldn't allow us to. Different people have different reasons but the important thing is we enjoy what we're doing.

As I've mentioned before, I have been doing this for a little over a month now and so far I have already earned a few hundred dollars to my Paypal account. I was so excited when I got my first pay! I have yet to see how it would go with my credit card because I made my first withdrawal yesterday. *grin*

Here are the following paid blogging companies that I highly recommend if you decide to join the growing population of paid bloggers:

Having said all these... Enjoy blogging y'all!

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Please don't forget to join us on our 2007 Christmas Ornament Exchange.

Go By Pair

I've been tagged by Jean over at A Great Pleasure. It's fun to do this memes once in a while. So here goes:

Two names you go by:
~ Pia
~ Peachy (my nickname since I was a baby)

Two things you are wearing right now:
~ A watch
~ A bracelet

Two things you would want (or have) in a relationship:
~ Communication
~ Trust

Two things you like to do:
~ Blogging
~ Eating

Two things you want very badly at the moment:
~ My husband to come home
~ Money to pay off ALL my debts

Two things you did last night:
~ Ate pasta... again!
~ Prayed with Jen

Two things you ate today:
~ Menudo (pork)
~ Siopao

Two people you last talked to:
~ Jen
~ Jamir

Two things you’re doing tomorrow:
~ Attend our Spiritual Family class in the morning
~ Attend service in the afternoon

Two favorite days of the week:
~ Friday (TGIF!)
~ Saturday

Two favorite holidays:
~ Christmas
~ Our wedding anniversary

Two favorite beverages:
~ Water
~ Fresh fruit juice (less sugar!)

Two things about me! Things you may not have known:
~ A frustrated race car driver
~ I don't cook

Two jobs I have had in my life:
~ Bank Teller
~ Manager

Two movies I would watch over and over:
~ Dirty Dancing 1
~ Notting Hill

Two places I have lived:
~ Quezon City
~ Pasig

Two of my favorite foods:
~ Anything seafood
~ Anything veggie

Two places I’d rather be right now:
~ Home...
~ Inside our bathroom =D

I'm also going to tag a pair: Melinda and Toni. Have fun!!!

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Please don't forget to join us on our 2007 Christmas Ornament Exchange.

The Wooden Bowl

I was meaning to post this but kept on putting it off until now. I first read this story last Monday, November 5 in David Jeremiah's Turning Point. Then I saw it again. It broke my heart and had tears welling up my eyes as I read on.

A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and four-year old grandson. The old man’s hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his step faltered. The family ate together at the table. But the elderly grandfather’s shaky hands and failing sight made eating difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor. When he grasped the glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth.

The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess. “We must do something about father,” said the son. “I’ve had enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating, and food on the floor.” So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner. There, Grandfather ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner. Since Grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl!

When the family glanced in Grandfather’s direction, sometime he had a tear in his eye as he sat alone. Still, the only words the couple had for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food.

The four-year-old watched it all in silence.

One evening before supper, the father noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor. He asked the child sweetly, “What are you making?” Just as sweetly, the boy responded, “Oh, I am making a little bowl for you and Mama to eat your food in when I grow up.” The four-year-old smiled and went back to work .

The words so struck the parents so that they were speechless. Then tears started to stream down their cheeks. Though no word was spoken, both knew what must be done.

That evening the husband took Grandfather’s hand and gently led him back to the family table. For the remainder of his days he ate every meal with the family. And for some reason, neither husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the tablecloth soiled.

Our parents were once like us. And time will come when we will be their age too. Think about it, would you have the heart to do the same to your own parents? Sometimes they just need a little something to make them smile.

People will forget what you said ... People will forget what you did ... But people will never forget how you made them feel.

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Please don't forget to join us on our 2007 Christmas Ornament Exchange.

Pot Of Gold

I was craving for fettuccine last night while watching HBO. Good thing Jen just lived in the other building so she cooked for me and brought me some pasta. I really admire people who can concoct a meal from whatever they have in their cupboard. I always wonder how on earth do they do that?

An hour or so after feasting upon my pasta, Jen and I talked about her concerns in life. I was kinda surprised of myself when I started giving her advices. I mean, I can already sense some maturity in me which I knew never existed before. I shared with her a part of a preaching I've heard that morning. It was said that wherever we are now, even if we don't understand why we're going through whatever it is we're going through now is essential to where God wants to place us. We can be sure though that God only wants the best for us. If we want our pot of gold, then this is the route we ought to take. Along the way there would be lots of pruning. I remember the verse in Matthew 7:13-14 which says, "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." When the appointed time has come, we can be sure to be ready for the role God wants us to play in this life.

I know this is easier said than done but believe me, I know how hard this is because I'm also passing by the same road. One thing is for sure though I'm trusting a living God that can bring me to the next level.

Who do you trust?

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Please don't forget to join us on our 2007 Christmas Ornament Exchange.

Christmas Ornament Exchange Update

Hi everyone! For those of you who joined in, here's an update. Please refer to rule number 4. And for those who haven't joined yet, you still have time to participate.

Deadline: 12:00 p.m. MT, Friday November 16

Here are the rules:

1. The drawing for names will be on the 16th of November. This gives you plenty of time to find or make that perfect ornament. Kathleen will be making a list and each person will be given a number. She will then use Random.org to see who gets who. Once she knows she will email you the name and addy of the person you have.

2. An ornament can hang on a tree or be a decoration on a fireplace, mantle, or a figurine to decorate the lawn. It's your call. If you want to play Santa and include other little goodies as well, that is also your call ☺

3. Once the drawing has been completed Kathleen will notify everyone ASAP. Then the real fun begins. Get to know the person you have drawn - so be sure to check out their website, find out what they like, what they collect, etc... Or you can bless them with something from your neck of the woods, something they wouldn't find where they live.

4. Please mail your package by Friday, December 7. For international participants, you may want to mail your package a bit earlier.

5. If you would like to participate leave a comment and E-mail Kathleen at kogrone@gmail.com and include your name, address, email addy and blog URL.

Spread the word and enjoy the experience. God bless y'all!!!

Don't Let The Enemy Steal Your Joy

Do you have joy in your heart? You see, with all the things that's happening in my life right now, God gave me joy in my heart. I heard this small voice that said "trust me" while I was still in bed one morning and was crying my heart out to the Lord. The words that were spoken to my heart were so clear. I knew it was from the Lord. It gave me great comfort to know that He hasn't forgotten me yet.

I used to fear laughing out loud, you know, being really happy, because I believed then that if I laugh so hard or if I'm too happy, I'd be crying later on. And I don't want that. The enemy made me believe this lie for years. I've learned that it is God's will for me to be happy, to live a victorious life. God wanted me to enjoy my season. But of course, the enemy didn't want any of that. He wanted to make sure he steals my joy. You know, he almost did. Yesterday I was on the phone with my friend Paz. I was telling her how tired I was with life. I started questioning God's purpose for doing things the way He does. Then she said something like, "Don't let the enemy steal your joy. He wanted to suck up all the joy in your heart so you'd be miserable. Remember, God already gave you His word. He's making you question God. Stop that!" Then she prayed for me.

After hanging up, I knelt down on the side of our bed and repented. I still wasn't feeling right after praying but I told God that I will praise Him even if I didn't feel like it. Early that morning, around 2:30, I woke up because I thought I heard the doorbell rang. I knew I heard it, but I didn't get up to open the door because I wasn't expecting anyone. I waited for it to ring a second time and then I'll get up. But there's none. After a while, I heard water flowing from our bathroom like somebody was taking a shower. I raised up my head a bit to make sure I was hearing what I thought I was hearing. I mean, look, it's 2:30 a.m., I can even hear my own heartbeat. I knew it was the enemy. Whether he did those things to scare me or he's playing with my senses, I don't know. What I knew was that greater is He who is in me than he who is in the world.

Do you have joy in your heart? Don't let the enemy steal your joy.

Job's Birthday Treat

We celebrated Job's 4th birthday last November 1. We had an early dinner together prepared by Paz and Allan. By the way, yummy treat guys, thanks! Almost everybody was there. It was like a reunion of our cell group batch. The kids were so happy to see each other again. They played games and watched The Highschool Musical. What used to be a solemn day turned out to be a joyous one.

Belated Happy Birthday, Job!

God, I Chose You

I have been praying for some things and believing God for a breakthrough, but not everyone around me is supportive. Some would just blurt out unkind remarks inconsiderably. The thing is, I'm not even asking or am I interested in their opinions. But just the same, these people just had to put their two cents in.

It's so easy to get disappointed when you absorb all the world has to offer. I've learned that I don't need to accept everything that I hear because if I do, I'd be so depressed. God already gave me His Word regarding the very thing I'm believing for. But that doesn't mean that I'll be spared from all negativity around me. Negativity is here to stay but it's up to me if I'd take it in and permit it to screw my life or I'd reject it the moment it presents itself. The choice is mine.

There are two standards in this world that we can choose to side with - the world's or God's. I chose the latter which sadly is the least popular. But this I believe is the only one that is certain. It is as certain as the sun shining in the morning. I was told this afternoon that I have to make a choice regarding my situation, regarding my personal life. Obviously, this person see things based on how the world packaged it. "Well, I already did," I said. "But my choice is something that isn't acceptable and is unpopular to the world."

God, people around me think I'm crazy for making this choice. But I stand firmly on this decision because You gave me Your Word. I trust You and I believe that my God is a faithful God. That Your Word will never go back to You empty but will accomplish the purpose for which it was sent. May they all see Your faithfulness and may Your name be glorified in my life. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Things To Do

We have a long weekend starting tomorrow. Some would be going out of town, but I'm staying home! So if that's the case, I need to make a list of things to do and make myself a little busy this weekend or I'll go crazy with boredom.

Let's see, I'll wake up at 10 a.m., I'll clean our unit, watch DVDs, have longer quiet time (Oh, God! I need to talk to You about something I did... again!) and yeah, it's Job's birthday tomorrow - Paz's youngest son. What else... Hmm... Hey, that list is just for tomorrow. How about Friday, Saturday and Sunday?

Oh man! this is really gonna be a looooong weekend... =(

Christmas Ornament Exchange

I joined the 2007 Christmas Ornament Exchange hosted by Kathleen over at The Open Window. This, I think, is one way to strengthen the friendship between bloggers and to know each other more which is wonderful, don't you think? I'm really excited to be part of this for the first time this year.

To all bloggers out there, come join the fun! I'm sure it'll be one great experience for all of us.

Here are the rules:

1. The drawing for names will be on the 16th of November. This gives you plenty of time to find or make that perfect ornament. Kathleen will be making a list and each person will be given a number. She will then use Random.org to see who gets who. Once she knows she will email you the name and addy of the person you have.

2. An ornament can hang on a tree or be a decoration on a fireplace, mantle, or a figurine to decorate the lawn. It's your call. If you want to play Santa and include other little goodies as well, that is also your call ☺

3. Once the drawing has been completed Kathleen will notify everyone ASAP. Then the real fun begins. Get to know the person you have drawn - so be sure to check out their website, find out what they like, what they collect, etc... Or you can bless them with something from your neck of the woods, something they wouldn't find where they live.

4. If you would like to participate leave a comment and E-mail Kathleen at kogrone@gmail.com and include your name, address, email addy and blog URL.

Spread the word and enjoy the experience. God bless y'all!!!

Enjoy Your Season

I often hear this phrase - Enjoy your season. I received this same message not just once but countless times from a very close friend of mine. I didn't understand what she meant by it, but I prayed about it and somehow God revealed to me what it meant to enjoy my season. Often times I would stomp my feet out of frustration and blurt out, "I'm tired of waiting! Why are you doing this to me, God?!" Then I would cry buckets. After bawling like crazy, my problems were still there. It didn't go away. Same old frustration would present itself to my face.

We have God's promise and we recieved it with open arms, with praises on our lips. After that we wait. Now that's the hard part, right? It is! But we are sure that His promise will come to pass and we can trust God for it. And before we get to our promised land, how do we wait? Do we wait impatiently and miserably or do we wait joyfully? Now that is up to us.

To enjoy our season is to enjoy the journey He prepared for us to get to our goal. The email I got from Soul Scents said it perfectly.

"You see, I’d been stomping my proverbial foot. Moping and almost giving up on some of the very things I thought the Lord had told me He was doing in my life. When months (even years in some cases) had gone by without my seeing the fruition of the dreams and hopes He’d placed within me, I’d fought that sick heart talked about in Proverbs—the one that is ill because hope has been deferred for so long."

Does that sound familiar?

"There are areas of my life that feel like one LONG detour—winding on unexpected paths, driving over hills I’d never intended to climb, and crossing deep streams."

"On those detours the Lord climbs into the car with us and whispers His love. I think I hear Him saying, 'Relax. Roll down the window and enjoy the ride with me. Relish the adventure of unexpected travel with the One Who loves you best.' It’s in these unfamiliar places that we discover each other more deeply.”

"The Lord already has the destination picked out and He’s choosing the roads. He knows I’ll enjoy the arrival more after I’ve come to know Him as my closest companion."

Let me end this with an encouragement to everyone who's holding on to God's promises -

"The promises God gave me are mine—and in His perfect time, He'll fulfill them. Until then, I’ll seek to live in expectation of those treasures, and enjoy the ride with Him."

Don't give up! Remember, He who promised is faithful.

Help!!!

Can someone help me with FeedBurner please? I tried setting up my feed but it doesn't seem to work. Or maybe it's working but I'm not aware that it is. I'm quite sure it's not working though. HELP!!!

The Bait

It's so conspicuous how the enemy tries to lure me into his traps. He truly lives up to his name - the great deceiver. He tries every tactic he can think of and throws it to my face. I thank God for His grace and wisdom that I can somehow "smell" the enemy's repulsive and stinking stench. I know I have to be very careful because he works double time just to see me fall. I'm sorry to have to play the brain twister game here as to who and what I'm talking about. I need to protect the privacy of the person involved.

Last night, the enemy wanted me to grab his bait by presenting himself as my friend. I knew my friend was used by the great deceiver to trick me into his deception. Sin presented itself as a remedy for a bottled up emotion I've had all this time. The enemy was like saying, "Here, come and get it. You need this." I almost fell into his trap, but thank God I managed to say NO!

"You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world." 1 John 4:4

God, this is the second time he tried to con me with this and he used the same person to do it. I thank you, Lord, because You saved me from falling into the pit the enemy had prepared especially for me. God, thank you for Your wisdom and Your strength that helped me to stand up for what is right.

"The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." Deuteronomy 31:8

In God I Trust

Last night my office mates and I went to have dinner at Emperor's in Wilson. While waiting for our food to be served, they started "bashing" me again with their worldly beliefs on how to live life. Honestly, this wasn't new to me. I have gone through this same discussion over and over again. They were so proud in saying that they knew the Bible and yet they live a life that contradicts what's written in it. They were trying to talk me into reacting to my situation according to their standards so as to be "acceptable". They could probably see a big question mark written on my face as if asking, "what on earth are you guys saying?!" Nevertheless, I hope I was able to carry out the message to them clearly that they can't bend my faith in my God.

While I was in the middle of all these contentions, I was reminded of this verse in 1 Peter 3:15-16 which says, "But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander."

That same night I was asked by one of them, "Tell me, what's the difference between a wife and a mistress/hooker?"

My jaw dropped! I mean, what kind of stupid question was that??? The answer was so obvious! Notice the mistress (slash) hooker? Let me call the person who made this comparison Mr. X. According to Mr. X, he sees a mistress the same as a hooker. He said for him there's no difference. He also said that he loves his wife very much and his other woman is just his best friend (with benefits). I was like thinking where in hell did you come from??? Can you really hear what you're saying? And you have the nerve to even say you know the Bible?!

And so I told him the difference, as patiently and as gently as I could, but obviously it didn't stop there. It wasn't the answer he wanted to hear. God, how screwed can this person be?

At home, I remembered everything that transpired that evening. I had my quiet time, closed my eyes and asked God for His divine protection upon me and Jec. I may not see the fulfillment of God's promises yet but as it is written in Hebrews 10:23, "Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful."

Farewell...

It'll be my lola's funeral tomorrow and Tita Jojo's too. I'll be going to the province tomorrow to be with my lola one last time. My prayer goes out to Tita Jojo and her family in the U.S.

The Bitter Taste Of Guilt

If I say that I tasted guilt the other night and it was bitter, literally bitter, would you know what I'm talking about? I did something the other night and I knew it was wrong but I did it anyway. That same night, I came down with a fever and chill. I remembered God warned me of this thing a few weeks back and I ignored it. I was so guilty. I repented right away but I could taste guilt in my mouth. It was bitter. I went to work yesterday morning feeling lousy but went home after a few hours because I barfed everything I ate for lunch. I felt so sick! Last night, my best friend brought me food for dinner. Yep, I barfed it all out again. Sigh...

Lesson I learned - Don't mess up with what you're asking God for. Prayer is so powerful. You think God is not at work behind the scenes and you want to test the waters? Don't even think about it. Now I know how real guilt tastes like. Yuck!

Totally Fabulous

My oh my! What a surprise! I got another award. Thanks, Sparrow, for this fabulous award. =D

Let's see... hmm... I now pass on this blessing to: Paula, Cheryl, Dawn, Kitty and Lorna.

Yep, you're totally fabulous! =D

Goodbye, Lola

My lola (grandmother) passed away the other day at 80 years of age. We are all still in shock. It's as if we're all having a nightmare. I still couldn't believe my lola's gone.

I was typing some stuff in my computer last Sunday at around 12:30 P.M. when my sister called. She was asking me if I was busy and I said YES! I was a bit cranky that time for some reason. She asked me if I could go with her to mom's and I asked her why she needed me to go with her. When she told me lola passed away already and we have to tell mom about it, my jaw dropped. Tears welled up in my eyes. Oh God, this isn't happening. I didn't waste time anymore, I hurried up and went straight to my sister's to go to mom and dad's.

Hours later at my lola's house, I saw her lifeless body on her bed. I held her hand and realized it's true, my lola's gone.

"Lola, we will all miss you. We love you very much and we'll see you again in heaven."

Honorata Vizmanoz Ochengco
January 11, 1927 - October 7, 2007

My Aunt Marita, my mom, my lola and my mom's twin sister (standing) Aunt Rosalina
Pictures taken last December in Singapore

Oh Wow! Another Award!

Ester over at My Daily Thoughts awarded me with this.

How sweet of you, Ester, thanks. Now it's my turn to pass it on to Barbara and Bonnie.

Goodbye, Tita Jojo

I was awaken by a call from one of my husband's aunt early this morning at around 4. Somehow I already knew from my gut that it was about Tita Jojo. I was right! She already passed away. How time flies. So sad. =(

Our God Is Faithful

There's a praise report in the Prayer Room and I remembered I was one of the prayer team members who prayed for "E". I was so encouraged to see God answered one of my prayers. It only means to say that God hears us and He answers prayers!

Early this morning before going to work, I had my quiet time and read my Bible. God lead me to this verse, "But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:8-9

This verse spoke to me about my mountain and God's promises. Often times I feel like I'm being short changed and I'm missing out a lot. I often wish this mountain I'm facing will soon vanish. Then God, again, showed me that He hasn't forgotten His promises to me. It's just that He's going to fulfill them in His time. The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise as the verse said.

Did you receive a promise from God that hasn't come to pass yet? Hold on. Don't give up! As Hebrews 10:23 says, "Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful."

Desktop Meme

Just for fun!!! I've been tagged by Sparrow to do the Desktop Meme. Here's the instruction:

* Upon receiving this tag, immediately perform a screen capture of your desktop.It is best that no icons be deleted before the screen capture so as to add to the element of fun. You can do a screen capture by: Going to your desktop and pressing the Print Scrn key. Open a graphics program (like Picture Manager, Paint, or Photoshop) and do a Paste (CTRL + V). If you wish, you can “edit” the image, before saving it.

* Post the picture on your blog. You can also give a short explanation on the look of your desktop just below it if you want. You can explain why you preferred such look or why is it full of icons. Things like that.

* Tag five of your friends and ask them to give you a Free View of their desktop as well.

* Add your name to this list of Free Viewers with a link pointing directly to your Desktop Free View post to promote it to succeeding participants.

Here's mine:

This is how my computer desktop in the office looks like. At home, it's basically the same. I wanted it simple and very basic. I usually have those yellow post-its to remind me of things I needed to do.

Now I tag: Amrita, Tidy, Ester, Sylvia and Nita