Merry Christmas!

May your celebration of His birth be filled with joy this Christmas.

"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:11

Our ENLI Christmas Party

Yesterday was super fun! It was Ortigas' ENLI Christmas party. After nights of practice, finally now it's over. Well, we didn't win but that's okay because we performed for the Lord. I'm sure He was up there sitting on His throne laughing out loud when He saw our goofy dance number.

We all enjoyed the party, our bonding and of course, we'll treasure the friendship forever.

Thank you, Lord, for the fellowship. We give you back all the glory!

Click HERE for more photos.

When God Winks

Do you believe in coincidences?

For me those are godwinks. I have many of those this year and I thank God for those winks.

These silent little miracles - messages of assurance that no matter what is happening in your life or how uncertain things may seem at the moment, God is with you and will help you move toward certainty." ~ SQuire Rushnell

Today is a very special day. It is special because this was the day my beloved and I said "I do" six years ago.

I opened my mail as I always do everyday and this is what I got from someone who knows nothing about my personal life.

Coincidence? Nah... I just got another wink from God. ♥

Thankful Thursday

This week I thank God for:

• The joy and peace that He gives me in the midst of all my troubles.

• My job and His continuous financial provision. He provided me ways to earn extra bucks. This truly is a big help to pay up everything that needs to be paid.
  

• His protection over me, my husband and my birth-family.

• My church friends and my blogger friends who continuously pray for my family.

• His faithfulness. His love and mercy. His patience towards me and my husband.

Lord, I continue to praise your name. I believe in my heart that it's just a matter of time before I see my breakthrough and your promises come to pass. I trust in you, Lord. I surrender my life and my marriage to you, O mighty God. In Jesus' name, amen


For more Thankful Thursday, visit Iris over at Grace Alone. Have a happy weekend ahead y'all. God bless! =D

Why?

I'd like to share with you this message from Turning Point with David Jeremiah. This spoke to my heart so I decided to just copy the entire devotion.

Children are constantly asking the question "Why?" "Why do I have to go to bed?" "Why can't I have candy for breakfast?" "Why won't you let me play in the street?" Of course, to adults the answers to these questions are obvious and make complete sense because we understand that it's in the best interest of the child to get sufficient sleep, eat nutritious food, and remain safe while playing. But children simply do not understand this yet, and therefore have to trust their parents to make good decisions for them.

It is the same with trusting God; He knows what is best for us even if we don't understand what is happening. Carrying out God's will does not hinge upon our understanding every matter, but it does require that we live a God-honoring life and trust Him completely,

"For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways," says the Lord." Isaiah 55:9

We cannot possibly know and understand why God chooses to do what He does and how He chooses to do it. What we can do though, is trust that He has our best interest in mind and honor Him with our obedience.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding." Proverbs 3:5

Thankful Thursday

I missed three Thursdays I think. Glad to be back.

I thank the Lord for confirming His answer to me... again.

God spoke to me about my marriage several times in the past and I knew God is in control. I knew that He's working behind the scenes for me. This morning when I woke up, I asked the Lord to speak to me about it again. When I got to my office I checked my email. To my delight, this is what I read:

hi Pia, i had saved this word from Joel & Victoria Osteen last year. when i read it just now, you came to my thoughts, so i thought i'd share it here with you:

"Your time is coming! The dreams and desires, the things you want to accomplish, the situations you want to see changed will happen. Just because it has taken a long time, or because you've tried and failed, don't give up on those dreams. Don't be complacent about pursuing what God has placed in your heart. I encourage you today - get your fire back! It may be taking a long time, but God is a faithful God. No matter how long it's been, no matter how impossible it looks, if you'll stay in faith, your time is coming. Every dream that's in your heart, every promise that has taken root, God not only put it there, but He has every intention of bringing it to pass. Start declaring today, "My time is coming. God is working behind the scenes on my behalf. I will fulfill my destiny. I will fulfill the plan God has for my life!" As you declare and expect and wait for the appointed time, your faith will grow. Your hope will grow. And you'll step into the destiny God has in store for you!"

i remember how loud this spoke to me when i read it last year, and God is still speaking thru these same words. i hope they'll bless you as well.

hope all is well with you. hugs!

God knew I'd asked Him about this and He already prepared His answer in advance... His way. God knew all along! Thank you, Lord!

For more Thankful Thursday, visit Iris over at Grace Alone. Have a happy weekend ahead y'all. God bless! =D

It's Just A Matter Of Time

I've been out of touch with blogsville for three weeks I think, was it three weeks? I don't even remember anymore. I've been busy with work, with tutoring and with selling branded footwear in time for Christmas. I've also been busy with church activities. There are so many things going on.

I've been watching the news lately and what's happening in other parts of the world is terrible. Like what happened in India and what's happening in Thailand now, it's awful. It's no different here in the Philippines. Graft and corruption are like the norm nowadays. It's chaotic!

In our personal lives, it can sometimes be chaotic too. We can even hear comments like, "It's hopeless." But is it really hopeless? I believe it's not. Let's not forget that we serve a powerful God who is faithful to all His promises. If you think you are ready to give up on your situation, I'd suggest you reconsider. Don't give up on God. He will surely make all His good plans come to pass in your life. It's just a matter of time.

Just Busy

My schedule the last two weeks have been really crazy. My boss is leaving for Malaysia this week so I hope I'll be more relaxed by then. I just had like an hour free today that's why I was able to post something here. But not enough time to weave my thoughts for a decent post.

I'll see you guys before this week ends. God bless y'all!

A Spider Named Charlotte

I'm sure you know this movie. Believe it or not it was my first time to watch this movie last Saturday and it wasn't even intentional. I didn't even know the title of the movie until late that evening. But I believe that everything happens for a reason.

Early that morning I woke up on the wrong side of the bed. I felt a bit off and I was emotionally tired. I was impatient (again!) See, I am praying and believing God for things to happen in my life but I wasn't seeing any result. I told God so many things in a not-so-good tone. One of the things I asked God was, "Now what?!"

As I got up to get ready for my class that morning, I flipped the channels on TV and decided to settle for HBO. There was a talking pig. Great, I thought. A barn with a bunch of talking animals. I didn't really care about the movie, I was in fact busy making my to-do list for that day. The TV was just making sounds of what seemed like people conversing, but didn't quite understand what they were talking about. I wasn't really watching. Then something caught my attention. Something Charlotte, the spider said - "good things come to those who wait."

I immediately stopped what I was doing and thought about what Charlotte said. God spoke to me through a spider! I realized that I could have just watched any other show that morning, but I guess God said HBO. So HBO it was. And of all the lines delivered by those talking animals, that line which Charlotte uttered was the only sentence that I heard clearly.

And before I got out of the house, I got an incoming text message from a friend. It says, "How faithful is the Lord? "I will not leave you until I have finished giving you everything I promised you.' Genesis 28:15"

Clearly, the Lord had spoken.

PS: I noticed these words just now while I was writing this post. God does speak to us in ways unimaginable. I'm in awe.

Thankful Thursday

This week I thank God for:

• My good health. An officemate had her blood pressure checked earlier this afternoon and the result wasn't good. I got curious so I also had mine checked too. The doctor said PERFECT.
  

• Financial provision. A friend of mine called to tell me that God told her to give me back the amount I've spent in removing the carpet in our bedroom and round it off to a thousand. And she did give me that. What's my point? My point is - the money came from nowhere. I wasn't expecting that from anyone and yet God decided to give it to me anyway. He does provide in ways we don't expect.
  
  
• Friends. I have friends who committed to be my prayer partner and prayer warrior until they see results in what I've been asking God for.
  
  
• An opportunity for me to earn extra at least from now until December.
  
  
• My (birth)family for their support and understanding.

Lord, thank you for all your blessings in my life this week. Lord, may you use me to bless others as well. In Jesus' name, amen.

For more Thankful Thursday, visit Iris over at Grace Alone. Have a happy weekend ahead y'all. God bless! =D

Thankful Thursday

I thank the Lord for giving me our five senses and that I am able to use them the way God designed them to.

I also thank God for His divine provision. He is faithful to do what He had promised. Our job is to OBEY.

Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, 'and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it." Malachi 3:10

For more Thankful Thursday, visit Iris over at Grace Alone. Have a happy weekend ahead y'all. God bless! =D

Am I Healed?

A dear blogger friend asked me this question:

You keep saying you know you are already healed. Do you mean that you don't have any lupus symptoms anymore or do you mean that you will be healed when you get your new body in the next world?

This is what I wrote her (Slightly edited):

I was diagnosed to have drug induced lupus at 2001. I had butterfly rashes around my eyes and cheeks. I thought that wasn't serious. I said to myself, "Well, that's why I'm taking these meds to drive it away." Then I got married and got pregnant. I lost our first baby. My doctor was baffled how and why the baby died when she was monitoring my pregnancy closely. Then she asked me to take these battery of lab tests. She said "Let's hope and pray that it's not APAS." My husband and I didn't know anything about that acronym or that sickness at all. She explained it to us and of course I did a little research on that too. I told my husband at the same time convincing myself that "No, of course I don't have that." But sadly, my lab tests came out positive. I was devastated. I had treatment for six months until I was given the go-signal by my immunologist that we can get pregnant again. I had another lab test done. It says my lupus was active although the level wasn't high, it proved that it wasn't just drug induced but it was actually lupus, the real thing. I was taking meds and shots everyday for treatment. I got really mad at God when I lost our second baby. I said that wasn't fair!

That was four years ago. I was praying, my husband's praying, my spiritual family were all praying for my healing. I don't have symptoms now.

I believe it is God's will for us to be healed of whatever kind of sicknesses and diseases. God wanted us to be whole not just on the afterlife but here, right now. I ask myself this question - do I believe that God will and can heal me while I'm still here on Earth? My answer is YES. And so I live my life believing that I'm already healed. Do I know for sure that I am healed? My answer is YES and NO. YES, because I know my God. He is my healer and our great physician. NO, because I have yet to get pregnant again and I haven't had any lab test done in years.

I cling on to God's promise that I will bear my husband children. I refuse to live in fear. It's not denying the sickness or pretending it didn't exist. I just chose to focus on what God can and will do for me as His child. If I believe God can heal people (He did it to others and He can certainly do it to me too because God is no respecter of persons) then I have to live a healed life. If my doctor tells me to take meds, I don't see why not because God can also use meds and doctors to heal me. But that wouldn't change my perspective of healing. I'd still believe that God had already healed me and manifestation is at hand.

Prayers we utter in faith are very powerful, that I believe. We may not see any manifestation yet but believe in your heart that it is God's will for you to be healed. I was once told that instead of talking about your problem, why not talk about how mighty and powerful your God is and that He can turn things around for you SUDDENLY.

It's not easy and people think we're in denial but you know, we need not please others just to look NORMAL in their eyes. It makes a whole lot of difference when we please GOD because He can and will certainly make us NORMAL inside and out.

*************************

Never give up on God and He will amaze you. My question is this:

Do you have faith that God can and will heal you right here right now?

...According to your faith will it be done to you." Matthew 9:29

Thankful Thursday

This week I thank God for:

• His Word which was imparted to me yesterday by Mel, a very good (blogger) friend of mine. I believe this is God's promise for my life.
  

The Lord will surely comfort Zion and will look with compassion on all her ruins; He will make her deserts like Eden, her wastelands like the garden of the Lord. Joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving and the sound of singing." Isaiah 51:3

• Encouraging me to not give up because nothing is impossible with Him. I got the message from Daystar TV when I turned it on sometime around midnight. Joni Lamb said these words - There is no relationship that God can't heal. Here's a link to that show.
  

Ronda Davis' Story

• His financial provision. God is truly faithful. He does provide.
  

For more Thankful Thursday, visit Iris over at Grace Alone. Have a happy weekend ahead y'all. God bless! =D

God Reminded Me...

I was again reminded by God to TRUST HIM. He reminded me that He has my life, my future and my family at the palm of His hand. He reminded me that He hears my prayers. He reminded me of how mighty and great my God is. That nothing is impossible with Him. That I can rest in Him knowing that He knows me by name, He knows the desires of my heart and He is my Rewarder.

Then Moses said to him, "If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?"

And the LORD said to Moses, "I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name."

Exodus 33:15-17 (NIV, emphasis mine)

It's not always easy not to worry. But when it does shows its fangs we should consciously remind ourselves that God is in control. Because He really is.

Thankful Thursday

This week I thank God for:

• His leading. I know I'm on the right track because He confirms it. Thank you, Father, for your guidance.

• Friends. I'm blessed with great friends in church and in the world of blogging. I wouldn't have probably made it this far if it weren't for YOU!

• My (birth) family. I fondly call my mom, dad and siblings that. I'm blessed to have my (birth) family's support in everything I do.

• My husband. He may not be aware of it but he taught me to be strong and to fix my eyes on Jesus now more than ever.
  

• My life. It's not perfect but I love the life God gave me. Here's a picture of myself taken last Tuesday on my birthday.
  

For more Thankful Thursday, visit Iris over at Grace Alone. Have a happy weekend ahead y'all. God bless! =D

Finding Pia

Last Saturday was the end of our first semester and I'm already looking forward to second semester. For some who don't know, I enrolled myself in a leadership training in our church last May. It's a two-year course and I'll be graduating on 2010. It's funny how God "pushed" me into this a few months back. There were three instances in my life that happened just recently when I tried to run away from God's will. And this was one of them. Best illustration I could think of was Jonah. As it turned out, it was one of the best decision I've made in my life. My relationship with God grew deeper.

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

Also last Saturday, my friends and I were asked to observe how things were being done at Kid's church. Children were calling me "Teacher Pia". I kinda like the sound of that. This too was something I tried to run away from, but guess what, God caught up with me again. See, I firmly believe now that we can try and try to run to Tarshish (our will) until we get tired, but a whale (God's way) will always swallow us up and spit us in Nineveh (God's will). It always happens. I used to wrestle with God a lot, but I never won. Stubborn me!

Anyway, tomorrow is a special day... at least it is for me. It's my birthday!

Thankful Thursday

I missed last week's Thankful Thursday. I'm glad I was able to join in this week.

Last week was like a roller coaster ride for me. One day everything was steady and peaceful, the following day was like hell. My emotion was so erratic that it caused me a great deal of stress. But in spite of my life's jumble, God had been faithful to His promise that He, Himself, will go before me and will be with me; He will never leave me nor forsake me. I need not be afraid; I need not be discouraged (Deuteronomy 31:8). I thank the Lord for friends who left me a message saying they were praying for me.

Today, I'm feeling a lot better and things seem to be stable around me. I thank the Lord for this renewed peace.

I thank the Lord for the little things He allowed me to enjoy like a relaxing whole body massage and a few grocery items both of which were compliments of a friend.

I thank the Lord for my church mates who covered me in prayer and never left me during a spiritual warfare that happened in our house last Monday.

I thank the Lord for His divine provision which helped me make both ends meet. A dear blogger friend blessed me with $75 through my Paypal account with a note that said "just because..." God is truly amazing!

I thank the Lord for my mom's lab test results which were all good.

I thank the Lord Almighty for my life and everything that's happening in it whether good or bad.

With this, I leave you with my heart's prayer (song by Christy Nockels... Hosanna)

Heal my heart and make it clean
Open up my eyes to the things unseen
Show me how to love
Like you have loved me
Break my heart for what breaks yours
Everything I am
For Your kingdom's cause
As I walk from earth into eternity

For more Thankful Thursday, visit Iris over at Sting My Heart. Have a happy weekend ahead y'all. God bless! =D

Taking A Bloggy Break

Thankful Thursday

I'm going through some serious stuff. Two people wanted to take advantage of my situation. The fact that I didn't have peace anymore about what's happening means my red flags are up. It means DANGER. I sought God last night for guidance and wisdom. My friend Karl prayed for me. Now I'm faced with some tough decisions that I have to make. This move will either make me or break me. When I read the verse for today in my CWO's Daily Snippets from the Word, I found such comfort. I knew God's speaking to me.

Better is little with the fear of the Lord, than great treasure and trouble therewith." Proverbs 15:16

Lord, thank you for being there, always helping and protecting me. Thank you. In Jesus' mighty name, amen.



For more Thankful Thursday, visit Iris over at Sting My Heart.

Iris, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! God bless you always! (((HUGS)))

Slam Book

Tagged by Devita. Felt like I was back in High School... Anyway, here goes...

What are you wearing right now? Office uniform
What is right next to you? My desk
What was the last thing you ate? Chicken
Where do you want to go on your honeymoon? Anywhere with my husband.
How is the weather right now? Rainy
What did you do last night? I slept.
Who is the person you talk to the most on the phone? My mom
How are you today? I'm good.
Height? 5′2″
Do you wear contacts? Nope
Do you have siblings? If yes, how many? Yes, three.
What’s the best advice that’s been given to you? Good things come to those who wait on God's time.
How do you see yourself 5 years from now? Happy and very fulfilled.
What are your goals right now? To be debt free.
Who are the funniest people you know? Hmm...
Are you too shy to ask someone out? No.
If you could change your name what would it be? Even if I could, I won't.
Worst sickness you ever had? None that I haven't recovered from.
What is your first daughter’s name going to be? Haven't decided on that yet.
What is your first son’s name going to be? Haven't decided on that either.
Do you like scary or happy movies better? Happy movies
Lust or love? Love
Hugs or kisses? Both
If you could change one thing about yourself what would it be? My patience.
Who is the fastest to respond to your tags? That I wouldn't know yet.
Your Location? Office
Do you care about the way you look? Yes
Do you like to give advice? If I'm asked, I don't mind giving an advice.
Are you a daydreamer? Yes
Are you an angel? Some say I am. *grin*
Memory you would like to forget? None
Shampoo: I use different brands
Toothpaste: Colgate
Flower: Orchids
Color: Green
Band: The Corrs
Singer: Enya
Cartoon when you were a kid: Donald & Daisy Duck
Disney movie: The Little Mermaid
Last time you cried: Two weeks ago.
Last time you laughed: An hour ago.
Last movie you saw at the theaters: Get Smart
Last movie you rented: Can't remember, that was I think 20 years ago.
Last CD bought: Hmm...
Next CD to buy: No plans.
Tomorrow’s Agenda: Go to work.
Ironic thing: Intelligent people could be the ones that lack common sense.
Favorite Actress: Julia Roberts
Favorite Actor: Patrick Swayze
Favorite Male singer: None
Favorite Female Singer: Aside from Enya, Shania Twain
Favorite song at the moment: You're still the one by Shania Twain
Worst song right now: I don't know the titles but there are a handful of them.
Song with the most meaning: You're still the one by Shaniah Twain
Longest Relationship: With my husband
Best Relationship: With my husband
Worst Relationship: With my husband
Person who makes you smile: People would be more appropriate... a lot actually.
Person who makes you wanna puke: I'd rather not say.
Person you admire: Julia Roberts
Favorite person at work: Tricky question.
Crush: ?
If you could meet one person dead or alive: Jesus

ON GUYS FOR GIRLS TO FILL OUT (for girls only)
Boxers or briefs: Either
Tall or short: Tall
Six pack or muscular arms: Muscular arms.
Good or bad guy: Good guy
Tan or fair: Tan
Stubble or neatly shaved: Neatly shaved
Rugged or sporty: Sporty
Studly or cutie: Both
Shy or outgoing: A little of both.

ON GIRLS FOR GUYS TO FILL OUT (for guys only)
Cute n’mysterious or wild n’sexy: ----------
Dressy or casual: ----------
Long or short hair: ----------
Long or short nails: ----------
Good or bad girl: ----------
Fat or thin: ----------
Hair up or down: ----------
Tall or short: ----------
Curly or straight hair: ----------
Pants or dress: ----------
Tan or fair: ----------
Pretty indoor chick or party chick: ----------
Shy or outgoing: ----------

Now I tag: Jean and Janice

Autumn Friends & I Love Your Blog Awards

I'd like to thank Peggy for giving me this award -

and Jean for this award -

I'm truly honored to have received these awards from my dear blogger friends. Thank you! Now it's time for me to pass these to my blogger friends who are dear to my heart.

Corry
Kim
Amrita
Sheila
Mel

Thankful Thursday

For some people this might be just a small thing, two simple questions I asked God early Tuesday morning. But God answered those two simple questions with such vivid analogy. I know without a shadow of a doubt that my breakthrough is near... I could almost smell the sweet aroma of my victory.

Thank you, Lord. I give you all the glory.


For more Thankful Thursday, visit Iris over at Sting My Heart. Have a happy weekend ahead y'all. God bless! =D

Smooth Operator

I have been getting emails from a "girl" named Christine Tan. I thought "she" was somebody I knew from school, but the content of "her" email was questionable. "She" seems to know a lot about my life. I began to doubt "her" character and motive when "she" started emailing me which sounded more like "she" was convincing me to let go of my stand. What "she" didn't know was, as I responded to "her" email, I meant it when I said I knew who "she" was. How did I know? Well, suffice it to say that my God has been protecting me all this time. This person knows very well that I'm married. But he (yes you read it right, HE) tried to ignore that fact. Whether he did try to skip that very important FACT of my life or not, I certainly did not appreciate his "friendly advice".

Buddy, I know who you are. Stop hiding behind that pseudonym, stop sending me emails and stop disregarding my marital status. I'm trying my best to give you the respect you deserve for who you are, but don't push it. Please don't make me confront you, but I will if you don't stop. You know how straight forward I can be"

For your sake, I will reiterate my stand.

I know what I want and you can't swerve it. I'm not confused. My eyes are set on the finish line"

Thankful Thursday

This week I thank God for:

• The joy and the hope that He filled me with. I can smile again in the midst of my trials.
• His answers to my prayers. He's confirmed them again. Thank you, Lord.
• The lab test results of my dad. Everything turned out good.
  
• My blogger friends who continuously encourage me and pray for me. God bless y'all.
• Sylvia. Girl, know that you're in my prayers. (((HUGS)))
  
• His divine provision and favor in my life.

For more Thankful Thursday, visit Iris over at Sting My Heart. Have a happy weekend ahead y'all. God bless! =D

I Prayed... God Answered

Often times Valerie wondered what her life will become and what her future holds. Have you ever asked that question? Valerie did last Friday... again. For the nth time she asked God for direction. She asked God what He'd like her to do. She asked Him for wisdom. She asked Him for His will for her life and her marriage. She held that prayer in her heart. And for the nth time God didn't fail to answer.

The past few weeks Valerie was already contemplating of having her marriage annulled. Yes, they have problems. She felt like her time was being wasted and it's time to finally give up the fight. She was tired of waiting, tired of standing in the gap for her husband and her marriage. She wanted to be set free from all these craziness. She prayed. Then last Saturday during her class, their Pastor suddenly said these words -

"To all who are married, stay married."

Valerie was stunned. For a few seconds she felt numb. She was trying to collect her thoughts. Then the Pastor continued -

"Don't give up on whatever you're doing."

Alright. Valerie's thoughts were, "Our pastor just said a few simple words and I didn't need a dictionary to figure out what those words meant. How come I felt like those words filled up the entirety of my brain?"

So Valerie went on with her day carrying those thoughts tepidly. She even attended her classmate's thanksgiving party that afternoon. During the evening service, while she was listening to their Pastor speak, he said these words -

"Our God is a God of second chances."

That struck her again. Then the Pastor continued -

"Our God is a God of restoration."

Hmm... Later that night when Valerie was getting ready for bed, those words she heard from her Pastor kept repeating in her ears. She realized those were God's answers to her questions.

The LORD Almighty has sworn, "Surely, as I have planned, so it will be, and as I have purposed, so it will stand." Isaiah 14:24

... Is the LORD's arm too short? You will now see whether or not what I say will come true for you." Numbers 11:23

Thankful Thursday

This is just so simple and yet I felt like God was literally watching me from His throne.

On my way to the office this morning while going down the elevator I said, "Father, please let me ride the purple bus and reserve a seat for me behind the driver. Thank you. In Jesus' name I ask, amen." I wanted to take this bus because it's clean, it's big and their air conditioning system is good.

I waited. Then I saw the purple bus coming! I got in the bus and took the seat behind the driver. Wow! Lord, thank you!


For more Thankful Thursday, visit Iris over at Sting My Heart. Have a happy weekend ahead y'all. God bless! =D

Randomness

Today is my nephew Andre's 5th birthday. My SIL said Andre was so happy with the gifts he received from all of us. Good thing he just asked me for a box of crayons. Whew! So I bought him the biggest box of Crayola there is. His dad, my bro who came back from Singapore, bought him a new Batman school bag, new pair of school shoes and a Batman raincoat. His mom bought him a PSP loaded with games. He asked my dad for a bike and he got it! Yesterday he got an award on his Sunday school for perfect attendance.

Happy Birthday, Andre!!!

My sister who's in HongKong with her husband for a vacation, called to say she bought me three camis which happened to be in the colors that I like - white, black and grey. Thanks, sis!

Hmm, oh, do you remember Queen Latifah's movie the Last Holiday? I saw it on HBO twice and that inspired me to start my own Book of Possibilities. I started mine last Saturday.
☺

Come Join Me At YoVille!!!

Anyone heard of YoVille? This is an online game I became so fond of lately. You decorate your own house, you work to earn a living at the Widget Factory every six hours (real time) to buy furniture, etc., you meet new people from all over the world.

Try it. It's fun.

Thankful Thursday

Lately, I haven't really been jolly like I used to. So many things are going on in my head. The enemy has been trying to steal my peace. But God said to praise Him still even on the days when I didn't feel like it at all.

Lord, thank you for my life. Even if I cannot understand how I've been feeling lately, thank you that I am still richly blessed, highly favored and deeply loved.

In Jesus' mighty name, amen."

For more Thankful Thursday, visit Iris over at Sting My Heart. Have a happy weekend ahead y'all. God bless! =D

Thankful Thursday

PEACE...

Father, thank you for giving me peace in the midst of all the hustle and bustle that's happening around me.

Thank you for reminding me to fix my eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of my faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2)

Thank you for reminding me that many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails. (Proverbs 19:21) The Lord will fight for me; I need only to be still. (Exodus 14:14)

Thank you, Lord, for no matter how many promises You have made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through him the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God. (2 Corinthians 1:20)

Father, thank you for being there for me... always. I love you, Lord, with all my heart.

In Jesus' mighty name, amen.


For more Thankful Thursday, visit Iris over at Sting My Heart. Have a happy weekend ahead y'all. God bless! =D

The Friendship Award

I'm so glad to have received this award. Peggy from Mazes, Messes, Miracles... aMazing Grace was so sweet to have thought of me for this wonderful blessing.


Isn't this so cute?

Now I share this to all my blogger friends who comes and visits me here at My Life's Journey. This is for you.

Thankful Thursday

This week I thank God for:

• His divine direction in my life. I have two personal requests from God and He answered me right away. He showed me the road He wanted me to take.

• His favor. Finally I was able to open a new Checking Account at my bank of choice. I was planning to do this for almost two months already and finally I was able to do so last Saturday. Yes, they have weekend banking. Paying our bills will be so much easier this time.


• My new pair of Crocs Malindi (my flintstone shoes) . It was a gift from a very good friend. Now I have happy feet. *grin*

For more Thankful Thursday, visit Iris over at Sting My Heart. Have a happy weekend ahead y'all. God bless! =D

The Purpose

Valerie prayed to God. "Lord, give me direction. Reveal to me your will for my life and my marriage."

Six months ago, Valerie was advised to go see Attorney Collins Nader for legal advice regarding her marriage. She was kind of hesitant, but still took the advice and went on a Sunday morning service to meet Nader. Nader was a Sunday worshiper. Everyone knows when and where to find this husky looking man who's on fire for God. After the morning service Valerie looked and asked for Nader, but he wasn't around. "Hmm... I guess it wasn't meant to be," Valerie thought.

Last Thursday, during the prayer meeting at her local church, Pastor Joseph Fanning asked the congregation if anyone needed to make an important decision and wanted to seek God for guidance to raise their hands. Valerie, with her head bowed down, raised her right hand in desperation to seek God's will for her marriage. She was torn between holding on and letting go of her precious, God ordained marriage. Pastor Fanning instructed everyone to find a prayer partner. Valerie looked on her right, then on her left, then at her back. Everyone found a partner except her. She thought to herself, "Well, it doesn't matter if I don't have a partner. I can pray on my own."

A tall, middle aged man with a shaven head approached Valerie and asked her what she wanted to pray about. She was somehow relieved to have finally found a prayer partner. While showing the man a glimpse of her life and what was weighing her down, tears were running down her cheeks. The man prayed for her with such authority she can almost feel the power of the Holy Spirit piercing through her confused heart. After praying the man extended his hand to Valerie, "By the way, my name is Collins."

Valerie was flabbergasted. Her heart raced a hundred and fifty miles per hour. Words couldn't find their way out of her lips.

"Attorney C-Collins?" Valerie's voice was shaking.

"Yes." Nader shook Valerie's hand.

"I-I was suppose to see you six months ago."

"Really?"

"Yes. B-But... Uh, can we talk after the prayer meeting? I mean if that's okay."

"Sure. There's a coffee shop downstairs, we can go there and talk."

"Great. Thanks."

At the coffee shop, Valerie and Nader confabulated. Valerie opened up her heart to the man of God whom she believed was sent by God Himself for a specific instruction she needed to hear.

"Attorney Collins, I don't know the purpose of this God appointed meeting. Honestly, I'm confused. Am I suppose to hear some legal advice from you? "

"I don't know either, but let me tell you my story..." Nader got the floor as Valerie was all ears.

"I wasn't always like this. My wife prayed for me and didn't give up on me while I was having an affair with my wife's best friend which lasted for twelve long years. My wife prayed for me for 14 years. Many times I wanted to serve the Lord, but couldn't turn my back on my girlfriend. I would say sorry to my wife and then go back to my girlfriend again and again. I could just imagine the pain I've caused my wife all those years." Valerie was listening diligently but at the back of her mind she was still wondering about the purpose. "Lord, what is your purpose for this meeting? Please help me understand."

Nader continued, "A pastor once told me that God will use me mightily to help couples with hurting marriages. God will use my testimony to bring light to couples who are contemplating on ending their marriage." Suddenly, Valerie's eyes were widened. Everything was making sense to her now. All of a sudden she can now see through the purpose of that fateful chance meeting.

"Attorney Nader," Valerie interrupted. "I think I know why we've met."

With a wide grin on her face, Valerie was ecstatic to have gotten her answer. Her heart was leaping for joy.

Nader gave Valerie a big smile. He laid hands on Valerie and prayed for her and her husband.

Valerie sought God and God met her where she was, right at her point of need.

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!" Matthew 7:7-11

Thankful Thursday

I woke up last Tuesday morning feeling kind of down and lonely and a bit sad. I told God, "Lord, I know you love me but I want You to show me how much You do. I want to consciously feel and see Your love once again." That was my prayer. Then I went on with my day. Later that morning I got an email from my ENLI classmate Gayle allowing me access to help customize our new Multiply site. I browsed through it and found this.




After watching this short video, I remembered my prayer early that morning. God did show me how much He loves me in a way I would understand.

Lord, thank you. You not only showed me how much you love me but you also assured me that you hear my prayers. You know the desires of my heart, Lord. I'm holding on to your promises. Thank you, Father. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

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." 1 John 5:14-15

For more Thankful Thursday, visit Iris over at Sting My Heart. Have a happy weekend ahead y'all. God bless! =D

Big Mistake!

Funny how you thought you know a person really well then that person turned out to be living a double life with double standards, more like a doppelganger.

18 years ago, I met this girl in school. We became friends. I shared with her my life, my story, my joy and my tears. I thought the friendship will last. I was wrong. We had fights back then, petty fights, but we patched things up easily. I shared with her secrets because I trusted her, because she's my friend. I've already been warned about her, but I didn't pay attention. I thought I couldn't just throw away 18 years of friendship. Besides, she's just misunderstood... Or so I thought. BIG MISTAKE!

The past few months I've come to realize so many things. Now it seems like my eyes were suddenly opened. Now I see her true colors. Now it is clear that we are not in any way the same; that we really didn't have anything in common except that we went to the same school back in college; that she didn't have anything good to say about anyone - her family, her daughter, her closest "friends"... including myself. Now I see her life as it is - full of lies, friendships that had gone sour, immoral relationships...

The sad thing is it took me 18 long years to realize how toxic this "friendship" is.

Thankful Thursday

I thank God for keeping my mom safe. She had a successful angioplasty and dialysis. She is now home steadily recovering. Thank you, Lord, for looking after my mom. I do ask for supernatural financial provision for my family to pay off those that needs to be settled.

To all my friends who prayed for my mom, thank you. God bless you abundantly.


For more Thankful Thursday, visit Iris over at Sting My Heart. Have a happy weekend ahead y'all. God bless! =D

I'm Back!!!

Our office's anniversary celebration is finally over! I never really thought it's going to be fun but it was. Not my kind of fun really but surprisingly I enjoyed it. We had a three day celebration which started last Wednesday, July 23. We had "Libreng Tawag"- local and international calls for free, sponsored by the major Telco companies in the Philippines. I took advantage of this of course! Well, it's not all fun because I got a call from my sister at around lunch time. She said she rushed my mom to the hospital for an emergency heart surgery. So I have to leave the office and go see my mom.

That's me on the right

Thursday, July 24. We had a Breakfast Forum which I wasn't able to attend because I felt exhausted the night before so I just stayed in my office. In the afternoon we had a book launching - Regulation of the Telecommunications/ICT Sector by the former NTC Deputy Commissioner Kathleen G. Heceta and incumbent NTC Deputy Commissioner Jorge V. Sarmiento. I left the office right after the cocktails. My mom was better than the day before, but she's feeling a bit woozy.

Friday, July 25. We had mass calisthenics. This was so funny! We had two aerobic instructors leading the exercises routines. I could hardly follow the steps. Haha! Okay, I do pilates not aerobics!

That's me wearing khaki shorts

See the lady on my right? She's following me, I didn't even know what I was doing. Haha!

Towards the end of the celebration, we had raffle prizes. I wasn't really happy with the one I got, but that's okay, nobody went home empty handed. 

My mom has been steadily improving except for her blood sugar which went up the roof yesterday. I'm not sure if she will be discharged from the hospital today because of this. I'd like to thank everyone who prayed for my mom. Please do continue to pray for her fast recovery. Also, please pray for financial provision. Our bill is estimated to reach $22,000. God help us!

Busy

I'm loaded with work this week. It's our office's 29th founding anniversary. We have a three-day celebration so I have to prepare so many things. I'll be back soon. God bless y'all!

Tight Grip

Cartoonist's Comment: The promises of God are a solid rock that we can cling to, no matter the trials that may try to pull us away.

Thankful Thursday

This week I thank God for:

• Giving me physical strength to keep me going in spite of my sometimes chaotic schedule.
• Keeping my sanity intact. I realized that having a clear mind is important to make sound decisions.
  
• True friends who prays with me and for me. I thank them for their time and their faith in our Almighty God.
  
• Blogger friends who help me in my stand by sending me encouraging emails and for remembering my family (my husband) in prayer.
  
• For His promises in my life and for my family. I thank God that I can rely on Him and His Words.
  
• Keeping me safe and healthy.
• The power of prayer.
  
• His love for me and my family.

And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven.
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years." Jeremiah 5:15-17

For more Thankful Thursday, visit Iris over at Sting My Heart. Have a happy weekend ahead y'all. God bless! =D

Weekend Adventure, Et Al

Draining! That's the word that can best describe how my last weekend was. I was in Batangas, a two-hour drive south of Manila, last Friday for a speaking engagement my boss had to attend for our regional office's 18th anniversary. We took the road which was newly opened for traffic by the President last April 17. I enjoyed the scenery very much. I wish I could have taken more pictures, but I was only able to take one decent picture from a moving car! ☺

The following day, Saturday, I had my Leadership Training class. On Sunday noon I left for Baguio again, a five to six-hour drive north of Manila for another speaking engagement. I took this picture from a moving car (again!) Pardon my amateurish shots.

The next morning, I took more pictures before going to the Philippine National Police Media Relation Seminar where my boss was a guest speaker. We were back in Manila at around 9:30 p.m.

The next day I was able to report for work at 12 noon. I couldn't drag myself up in the morning. I was exhausted!


On a different note, I'd like to thank Cheryl of Hope for Each Day for her prayers for my family and for giving me an Arte y Pico award. Mel and Ester also gave me this award last month. Thank you so much for thinking of me. Cheryl, like the rest of my blogger friends who have walked with me in my life's jouney, is someone I wish I could meet in person. I'd like to give each of them a big (((HUG))). Someday, in God's perfect time and will, we'll see each other. Until that day, you are in my thoughts and prayer, forever grateful to have crossed path with an angel of God.