Happy New Year!

After Christmas day was over, I went back to finish some pending work in the office and attended to some personal stuff that needed to be done before the year ends.  I am happy because I was able to finish them all. 

• Do everything on my list of things to do ---   ✔
• Update my Social Security and Philhealth (Philippine Health Insurance) records in preparation for my 2012 contributions (not anymore as an employee, but with a self-employed/voluntary status this time) ---   ✔
• Meet with my friend M for real estate briefing ---   ✔
  (I am loyal to being a Sun Life advisor, but I'm sure being a real estate agent on the side wouldn't hurt for as long as I know how to prioritize and that I can bring home the bacon. I gotta do what I gotta do you know.)

This week was a good week.  I'm happy and that's something I am thanking God for.  

Anyway, today is the last day of 2011.  It had been a challenging year for me and my family, but God saw to it that we pulled through.  He's simply awesome!  My prayer is that the year 2012 be THE year we'll see the manifestation of our breakthroughs.  May 2012 be far better than the previous years.  

A Blessed and Prosperous New Year to us all!

From Me to You

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

 My family

Lunch at Kao Chi Restaurant at Amoranto St., Quezon City

Dinner at my sister's house

Lord, thank you for my wonderful family.  

Happy birthday, Lord Jesus!!!

Please Pray for Mom

***UPDATE***

Mom is now home, but still coughing. Dad said this should be thoroughly checked because she's not supposed to be coughing anymore.  

Dad, on the other hand, is sick-er.  He's also coughing.  It could be due to fatigue or stress.  I hope this has nothing to do with cancer. 

Oh, Lord Jesus, heal my parents. 

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

I used to ask questions like "why me?" or "why us?", but when you are hit hard and hit often, you just stop asking. You just do what you can and pray that God will help you pull it together.  

Mom was admitted to the hospital... again, last December 18 at the National Kidney and Transplant Institute. She was rushed to the hospital because she had difficulty breathing due to congested lungs. I lost count how many times she was rushed to the hospital because of this.  All these were results of complications brought about by her diabetes.  My Mom had a total of four heart attacks and three mild strokes since 1989.  The doctor said it hit her again so that will be a total of four mild strokes all in all.  Not to mention that she's also having dialysis three times a week.  

I believe that God is sustaining her all these years.  

When I went to the hospital, I saw Mom looking like this.  I just couldn't do anything for her.  I prayed. And when I didn't know what else to pray for, I prayed in the Spirit. It's just heartbreaking to see Mom in this state.  

Mom in the Hemodialysis unit

Mom in her private room looking and feeling a lot better

Mom's Pulse Oximeter

The doctor said the number on the left should be between 95 to 100. Mom's is 98 so that's good.  Thank God that Mom is feeling a lot better now.  She eats pretty well, although still on a soft food diet.  She might be discharged by Thursday.  

Please remember Mom in prayer.  We are all hoping and praying for complete healing not just for Mom, but for Dad, too.  When God said that nothing is impossible with Him, I take that to heart and believe that God is bigger than any of these sicknesses and diseases.  

What a Week!

Huff... Puff...

Just got back from climbing the stairs from ground to 17th floor... twice! That's for my legs and cardio work out.  I do that often as a form of exercise.  It helps a lot listening to my fave radio station Magic 89.9 Saturday Slam which takes me back to the 90's.  

What a week!  

My friends and I had a feeding program last Wednesday, December 14, at the Hospicio de San Jose, a hospice, in Manila. Zenda and Maui were the ones behind all these.  I volunteered to help out every time they have an event like this.  It's not always about money.  It's fulfilling when you serve others like doing it for the Lord.  These elders and handicapped children were mostly abandoned and didn't have families anymore. Can you just imagine how happy they were when we visited them, handed them food and gifts? The smiles on their faces were simply priceless. Here are some of the photos taken during the event. 

 Please click on the photo to enlarge image

Double Happiness volunteers 

L-R: Pia M, Rita, Alma, Zenda, Maui and me, Pia O

The following day was a very special day for me.  So, for now... I went to celebrate it with my friend Babette over dinner at Cibo, an Italian restaurant, at Shangri-la mall.   

Insalata di Manzo, Spinaci Zola and Penne al Telefono

Last night, I went to watch Mission Impossible-Ghost Protocol with my friend, Zenda.  Can't believe Tom Cruise is turning 50.  He looks so fit!  I've been a fan since his Top Gun days. 

I praise God for the opportunity to bless others and for being blessed in return as well. 

TSMSS - Angels We Have Heard on High-Gloria

For more great music, link up with Amy over at Signs, Miracles and Wonders.

It's Beginning to Feel a Lot Like Christmas

I'm starting off with an update on Dad.  He finished his radiation therapy last December 8, after 37 sessions.  Starting January 2 next year, he will start brain prophylaxis just to make sure any potential cancer cells in the area will be eliminated. Dad said he might have 10 sessions of this.  Then a month after the treatment he will have another CT scan. He was excited because he said his taste buds are slowly getting back to normal.  For months his food tasted all the same - metal.  I'm glad Dad is lively again.  Thank you, Jesus!  I'm praying and hoping that everything goes well and that the CT scan will show promising results. 

Had my first Christmas party for the year last Friday.  It was Pastor Nuel's and his wife Iris' group's party. Everybody had so much fun.  The food was yummy and everybody took home prizes and giveaways.  Many volunteered to help out that made the work a lot easier.  Here are some of the photos.

At the registration with Pastor Nuel and Cecille

With my small group 

L-R: Jenn, Lheyn, Cecille, me and Jennie

At the parking lot with Babette

Next week will be full of other Christmas activities.  I sure am looking forward to them.  It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas!

TSMSS - Where's the Line to See Jesus

I remembered hearing this song for the first time last year.  I instantly loved it simply because it's true.  I chose this song for my TSMSS this week and to my surprise, when I started singing these lines --- Where's the line to see Jesus? │He was born for me │Santa Claus brought me presents │But Christ gave His life for me.--- I burst into tears uncontrollably.

I hope we'll not get so wrapped up with the season's busyness, but let's take time to remember why we are celebrating Christmas.  

Christmas time was approaching

Snow was starting to fall 

Shoppers choosing their presents 

People filling the mall 

Children waiting for Santa 

With excitement and glee 

A little boy tugged my sweater 

Looked up and asked me 

Where's the line to see Jesus? 

Is He here at the store? 

If Christmas time is His birthday 

Why don't we see Him more? 

As I stood in amazement 

At this message profound 

I looked down to thank him 

He was no where around 

The little boy at the mall 

Might as well have had wings 

As the tears filled my eyes 

Thought I heard him sing 

Where's the line to see Jesus? 

Is He here at the store? 

If Christmas time is His birthday 

Why don't we see Him more? 

Where's the line to see Jesus? 

He was born for me 

Santa Claus brought me presents 

But Christ gave His life for me 

In the blink of an eye 

At the sound of His trump 

We'll all stand in line at His throne 

Every knee shall bow down 

Every tongue will confess 

That Jesus Christ is Lord 

(Repeat Chorus) 

Where's the line? 

Where's the line? 

Where's the line for the Lord?

For more great music, link up with Amy over at Signs, Miracles and Wonders.

Just Letting Off Steam...

What is courtesy?

Dictionary.com defines courtesy as excellence of manners or social conduct; polite behavior.  I like Merriam-Webster dictionary's definition. It says "behavior marked by polished manners or respect for others".  Wow... polished manners... respect for others...

In this modern world where short cuts are prevalent and technology is upgrading faster than my hair is growing, I strongly believe that basic manners do not go out of style.  

Since I am in sales, I encounter people of all sorts.  Some are very professional even without having a diploma to brag about,  and yet, they possess such an admirable trait. For others, I wonder if, because of their very high level of educational attainment, courtesy got bumped off their systems.  If these people are barbaric, uncivilized or primitive in nature, I would understand if they don't know how to spell the word COURTESY, let alone practice it. Wouldn't you? But professionals in their respective fields... and Christians?  Seriously???

I know this is not a usual theme here in my blog, but will you just allow me to let off steam today?  I am just so irked at people who I know claim to be followers of Jesus, raise their hands during praise and worship at church, but do not possess an inkling of courtesy in their bodies.  

Here's my point.  Nobody's perfect.  We all know that. But PLEASE have the decency to practice courtesy.  If you need to cancel meetings, if you couldn't make it on time, the list goes on... Call... Text...  You see, MY TIME is also IMPORTANT.  If you can not send one single text message or make a single call from that hi-tech phone of yours, I suggest that you might as well dump that useless thing. Or better yet, ask yourself this --- Would you act the same way, with the lack or absence of courtesy, when you are to have a meeting with Jesus?


Think about it!

For Those Who Wait

Hi standers! It's Monday once again. Here's another devotional written by Ruth from Iniana. Read on and stay encouraged!

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I believe that for those walking in obedience to Christ, waiting is perhaps one of the most difficult things. We wait on God for so many things... praying in faith that He will come through for us, yet not seeing answers for days, weeks, months... and in many cases, even years. Has God not heard us? Does He not care? Is He not capable of doing that which we ask?

I came across an interesting passage of Scripture that speaks to this very issue. Jesus' friend Lazarus has become gravely ill and his sisters, Mary and Martha, have sent word to Jesus, so that He might come and heal Lazarus.

When he [Jesus] heard this, Jesus said, "This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it." Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days, and then he said to his disciples, "Let us go back to Judea." John 11:4-7

If you've never read this story before, you might expect that last sentence to read somewhat differently... maybe more like this: "Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he rushed to be with them so that he might heal Lazarus as quickly as possible." But that's not what the verse says. This word "so" could also be translated, "therefore.""Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. Therefore, when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days." He waited because He loved them.

There are countless examples in Scripture of God choosing to wait before He intervenes: Goliath tormented the Israelite soldiers for 40 days before God brought a young boy named David to show that God is greater than any giant. The Israelites were in Egypt for 400 years before God brought them out of slavery. Abraham waited for 25 years before God gave him the son that He had promised. Daniel could have been rescued from the king BEFORE he got thrown into the den of lions, instead God waited until Daniel was actually IN the lion's den before He rescued him; and the same with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego who were thrown into the fiery furnace. There is story after story after story in the Bible of God choosing to wait before He acts.

God often waits so that His power may be shown in a more spectacular way. This is certainly the case in all of the above examples, and even in the story of Lazarus. God chose to wait long enough so that no one could dispute the intervention of the divine: no one but God could use a young boy to defeat a giant; no one but God could rescue a people enslaved by the most powerful country in the world; no one but God could cause a 90 year-old-woman to give birth; no one but God could shut the mouths of hungry lions, or cause three men to walk about in a fire unscathed. No one but God could cause a man who had been dead for four days to come back to life again.

God loves us enough to want to teach us, to change us into the people that He desires us to be. What if a parent tells their children that they cannot eat their dessert until they had their dinner? Are they trying to punish their kids? Probably not. We want children to eat nutritious food before they have their special dessert. If they had their dessert first, they might not eat the nutritious food. Parents delay dessert because they love their kids. God loves us far more than any earthly parent will ever love their child. He tarries in answering our requests because He loves us enough to want us to change, to learn to trust Him, to truly believe in Him. He wants to give us the nutritious sustenance that our faith needs to grow strong.

Ultimately, Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead.

"Take away the stone," he said. "But Lord," said Martha, the sister of the dead man, "by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days." Then Jesus said, "Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?" So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, "Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me." When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!" The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth wrapped around his face. Jesus said to them, "Take off the grave clothes and let him go." John 11:39-44

I am thankful that God does hear. And I choose to be thankful that often He waits to answer so that His power may be made known, that we may marvel at His awesome might... and believe.

I'm thankful that He loves me enough to wait to answer my prayers in His timetable, and not mine.

TSMSS - Always

I kept humming this song this whole week so I decided to feature this song as my TSMSS entry for this week.

Here's giving God all the glory and honor as I praise and worship Him.  

For more great music, link up with Amy over at Signs, Miracles and Wonders.

Pitbull Live in Manila

Had a blast tonight with my sissy, BIL and other friends.  We went to watch Pitbull in Araneta Coliseum.    While others were busy recording the whole concert on their phones, we enjoyed watching him on stage while we danced the night away.  

My ticket :-)

Here are two videos from tonight's concert courtesy of YouTube.

Pitbull Live in Manila - Bon Bon

Pitbull Live in Manila - Give Me Everything

And you know what?  Somebody blessed us with free tickets. We had a perfect view of Pitbull... Right in front of the stage.

Happiness! :-)

Fearless Friday

I'd like to participate once again on Angie's Fearless Friday where I can pray for you. If you're not comfortable sharing them here by leaving me a comment, you may email me. Either way, I will commit to pray for you.

This is my prayer request --- Please remember my Mom and Dad in prayer.  My Dad is having radiation therapy five times a week for lung cancer.  My Mom is having dialysis three times a week.  I'm praying and believing God for a miracle for both my parents that they will be healed completely.  I'm also asking God to help them  live a disciplined life everyday.  I believe nothing is impossible with God.  Would you stand with me in prayer and agreement for my parents' healing?

Thank you.

If you like to join us in praying for others, leave Angie a message over at Free Spirit Haven.  

WFW - Joshua 6:2-5

I just came home from a wonderful get together/dinner with my friends Babette, Annie and Iris at her and pastor Nuel's house.  We prayed together and talked about how to break through in what we're believing God for. 

It's 1:24 a.m. Kinda late, I know.

Trumpets are not weapons of war.  Trumpets are instruments for praise and worship. Do we want to break through and walk into our "promised land"?  Let's obey God's instruction and continue to praise and worship Him no matter how bad and how impossible our situation looks like.

Hop on to Lori's for more WFW entries. God bless!!!

Total Bliss

It all started two weeks ago when I was consistently having anxiety attacks due to pressure from work and other concerns in life.  I lost my joy. I lost my peace.  And I felt like literally drowning.  The feeling was so horrible I don't even want to feel that way again ever!  Last Thursday, when I went to our weekly prayer and worship night at church, I was rejuvenated.  Thank God I attended.  The corporate prayer, the miracle testimony of a couple in our congregation, the songs of praise and worship to God lifted my wearied spirit. 

I went about my work again the following day.  I still had the same concerns, nothing really changed, but my outlook was very different this time.  Let's just put it this way... I'm on fire for God... Really trusting Him and holding on to His hand... and I'm not about to let go.  

Something strange happened though.  But I will write about it probably in my next post.  

Dad is fine, but a bit weak, because of his radiation therapy.  He's trying his best though to stay strong by eating the right food and taking his meds on time.  Mom, on the other hand, was rushed to the ER yesterday because she had difficulty breathing.  Her lungs were congested.  She was given meds and had her dialysis this morning.  Mom is okay now.  Please continue to pray for my parents.  I'm grateful that they are okay today.  That, in itself, is a blessing and I'm grateful.

Anyway, today was a great day.  Went to watch my most awaited movie of the year, Breaking Dawn - Part 1 with my dear friend, Melo.  The movie hadn't even started yet and my popcorn was almost gone. I gulped down my Coke so fast that I had to go to the john just when the engrossing scenes were about to be shown. Argh!!!   Talk about rotten timing!

I'm a self-confessed Twilight junkie. I didn't expect to like the film so much, but I do.  

Anyhow, I feel so great tonight that I'm in total bliss.  I love this feeling and hope everyday will be like today, if not better.  And I have God to thank for making me a sunshine girl today.

Family Reunion

After four years, I went back to my Mom's home town, at my grandparents' house. I saw a lot of changes in the house. I was feeling a bit nostalgic. Anyway, I was happy to see my aunts and uncles, cousins and nieces again. Many weren't there last November 1 and wished they were. Aunt Juliet came home from California. 

My Mom's siblings. 

L-R: Uncle Dan, Aunt Thelma, Aunt Juliet, Mom, Aunt Tess & Aunt Marita

My relatives

One thing I looked forward to coming back here was the food.  My aunts are such good cooks.  We had my fave Sinigang, Rellenong Bangus (Stuffed Milkfish), Bopis, Inihaw na Tilapia at Hito (grilled Catfish) with rice and then Ginatan, Suman and Cassava cake for desert.  Yummy!!! 

We all had Rellenong Bangus and Embutido packed to bring home. Thanks to Aunt Marita and Aunt Tess for preparing these take home goodies for us!  

With my cousin, Bing

Filipinos are known for balikbayan boxes, those huge boxes full of goodies to be distributed as gifts to family and friends back home. This isn't new to us. Aunt Juliet brought home a balikbayan box full of chocolates, branded clothing, toiletries, etc.  Everybody gathered around and waited for their turn to get something.  Well, I got my fave... a bottle of lotion. *Grin*

Though we all missed my Lolo and Lola, we still tried to enjoy the moment and kept their memories alive.  

My Side of the Fence

Hi friends!

I miss all of you.  Really.  Whenever I'd sit down to try to write something, my mind goes blank.  This has been going on for months.  Lately, I became too busy with work. Now even when I wanted to write something, I just couldn't. 

So many things are happening on my side of the fence.  I went to visit a total of four wakes this October.  They were cancer patients like Dad, who we got to know during our trips to China.  My heart is heavy from losing some of our new friends.  My deepest condolences to the family of Tito Tony (Loren's dad), Lola Pilar, Auntie Susan and Joy Evangelista (Dr. Evangelista's daughter).  

Dad is undergoing radiation therapy right now.  So far, so good.  His latest CT scan was fairly good.  We are praying that radiation therapy would finally get rid of all of Dad's cancer cells.  I know how that sounds.  But I am believing God for a miracle.  

This season is full of challenges, but God's grace abounds.  I know that God is still in control. I thank God that He faithfully provides for me and my health is in tip top condition.   And like Job, I believe that in the end, I will get double for all my trouble.  So till then, I will patiently wait for my breakthrough to come.  

How about you?  How is everything over at your side of the fence?

TSMSS - Jesus, What A Beautiful Name

This is to honor our Lord not just for what He did or what He can do, but simply for who He is... He deserves our praise.


er>

Jesus, what a beautiful name

Son of God, Son of Man, Lamb that was slain

Joy and peace, strength and hope

Grace that blows all fear away

Jesus, what a beautiful name (2x)

Jesus, what a beautiful name

Truth revealed, my future sealed, healed my pain

Love and freedom, life and warmth

Grace that blows all fear away

Jesus, what a beautiful name (2x)

Jesus, what a beautiful name

Rescued my soul, my stronghold, lifts me from shame

Forgiveness, security, power and love

Grace that blows all fear away

Jesus, what a beautiful name

For more great music, link up with Amy over at Signs, Miracles and Wonders.

One Special Gift

Today is a very special day. It's my 38th birthday.

This day is very special for me because more than the greetings I got from friends and family, more than the material gifts I received... God gave me a special gift today.  It's my realization of who I am as ME.  It's like when you have this jewelry box all your life then you discovered it has a secret pocket inside, that's the kind of excitement I have right now.

My gigantic Oreo cake
Lunch with my Sun Life family at Epiphany, Global Cuisine Redefined

It's like you know something that others don't.  Can you picture what I'm saying?

I feel very empowered with this radical peace I have inside.  Peace that I know only God can give.  Peace that surpasses all understanding. It's the feeling of knowing what belongs to you and in spite of all the tricks the enemy darts at you, you know and you know and you know that there's nothing he and his pawns can do to impede its way from finding you.

Have you ever thought you lost something?  Maybe a piece of jewelry or a sale? But you know in your heart that if that belongs to you, it will find its way back to you?  Sweet!

That's how I feel.  It's very liberating.

Some of my presents... I heart!

Of course, I will be forever grateful for friends and family.  They are blessings from God.  I also thank the Lord because I have so much love in my heart and it's overflowing.  I have so much love to give.  Now that I finally found my true source of happiness, I know my well will never be emptied.

I'm so happy. Can you tell?  =)

Paradise on Earth

I’m back in China and I have time to blog again. Back home, I was swamped with backlog at work and my schedule was just chaotic. I had a few days off from work though when I went to Boracay for a short vacay. Stayed at Shangri-la’s Boracay Resort & Spa. And true to it’s name, I did go to a faraway haven of idyllic beauty and tranquility. Truly a paradise on Earth. God has been so good to me for all the blessings I’ve been receiving and favors I’ve been getting even from people I don’t really know. God rocks! =)

 Doesn’t this look like paradise on Earth? 
This was the view from my room. Click photo to enlarge.

Looking at that photo and reminiscing my experiences there, I can’t help but be in awe of God’s love for me in spite of all the painful experiences I’ve gone through in life. I know in my heart and in my spirit that God hasn’t forgotten me yet. He is mindful of me.

 Anton, me, Io & May

My friends and I on board Shangri-la speed boat that brought us to the island.

Enjoying the sun with my shopping buddy, Anton.

 Enjoying the water with friends

  Fun!!!

These things were results of my hard work and God’s favor last 2010. I wouldn’t have achieved all these without God’s help. He was not just my provider. He’s also my cheerleader. I couldn’t thank the Lord enough for everything He’s done.

  30th Macaulay Club Marketing Congress

 30th Macaulay Club Awards Ceremony at One Esplanade.

I believe that this is just the beginning of all the beautiful things that will be happening in this season of my life. There's so much more to come, and I'm praising God in advance for them.


Thank you, God, for making me happy. =)