Life is Beautiful

Not always is actually, but we have to choose to see the brighter side in everything.

When one is busy, one can either see it as a deprivation or simply a disadvantage. Me? I look at it as a blessing. 

God is truly good! Did people ever tell you that God's plans for you are better than what you can imagine? Well... That's the bold truth!  I have prayed for a lot of things in the past and right now, God is showing me glimpses of His plans for my life. I tell you, I'm speechless and in awe! I'm walking through some of it now... The best is yet to come.

God's word for me for this year is OBEY. Even if He says something that doesn't make sense, just OBEY. The rewards of being obedient is limitless!

In the mean time, I'd like to share some photos with you that spells HAPPY. 

August 8. Fellowship with my spiritual family at Victory.

August 10. Mini family reunion at my Grandparent's house in Pampanga

August 17. Another mini family reunion at my Aunt's house in Pampanga

August 28. My family... We miss you Mom and Dad!

Me and Gabby

These are just SOME of the things I'm grateful for in life.  Life is beautiful indeed.

Till We Meet Again...

I just started packing Mom's stuff and it brought back memories. Tomorrow is exactly two weeks since Mom's gone. It's impossible not to be emotional.

What comforts me is the fact that Mom gave her life to Jesus years back and was rededicated to Jesus a week before she joined our Lord in Heaven. My youngest brother who's in New York felt very strongly to share the gospel again to Mom via Skype. I know in my heart that she is now reunited with Dad and together, they share everlasting life with our Lord Jesus Christ.

I miss Mom very much. When I was confined in the hospital last 2012 because of SLE, even though she, herself, was sick and had just came from her dialysis, she spent the night in the hospital to take care of me. She has been a very loving Mom to me and my siblings. She's not perfect, but she's the best Mom ever. 

Mom helping me choose stickers for the pens my sister is going to use for her daughter's birthday party two days before she breathe her last.

To all who prayed for Mom, thank you. 

Lord, thank you for the life of Mom. Thank you for welcoming her to your Kingdom. Thank you for granting her complete healing.

Mom, you fought a good fight. I know you are in a much better place now - free from sickness and pain. No more needles, Mom. I love you very much, Mom. We love you very much. We will treasure everything you and Dad taught us. You will never be forgotten... You will be forever loved. Till we meet again... In Heaven...

If God is for Me...

How time flies. It's the first day of the "ber" months and guess what.  I heard a Christmas song being played a while ago while I was doing some grocery shopping.  The first for this year.  And since Christmas is my favorite season of the year,  I'm excited!

I was talking to one of my closest friends, Sylvia, this morning over FaceTime and we were discussing about how faithful God is.  I told her that there were days when I wake up in the morning feeling very fearful and worried about the future. I was being bombarded with "what-ifs." But when I started praying in tongues, the fear disappears.  Sylvia reminded me how the enemy works and how he will use people to try to sway me off my faith. Sneaky little devil.

“Now then, stand still and see this great thing the Lord is about to do before your eyes!" 1 Samuel 12:16

When the enemy says something, we have to counter it with God's truth because we know that everything the enemy says is a LIE.

The Lord holds my future on the palm of His hands.  If He is for me, who can be against me (Romans 8:31)?

Anyway, it's my nephew's birthday today.  Happy birthday, Andre!  Here's a photo of my family taken last night at Saisaki (with the singers at the back).

Reunions

It's been a while since I last posted.  I miss blogging, but I had other priorities I needed to attend to first.  Other stuff had to take a backseat, including blogging. I do miss my bloggy friends though.

All is well.  When people ask me how my health is doing, I'd always say thank God, I'm getting better everyday.  I still do have my regular check up.  It was every week, then it became every two weeks and now it's every month.

Let me share a few random photos during my MIA mode. =)

My cousin, Resi, from the US came home after decades of living there with her family. What better reason to hold a family gathering, right?  So family gathering it was last July 7. These were just few of my relatives from the side of my mom. Trust me, when we gather together, all of us, it'll be a riot!

Lunch at Texas Roadhouse Grill. Dinner with cousins at Army Navy.

Mom celebrated her birthday at Makan Makan Asian Food Village last July 14.

Mom with my sister and her youngest child, Robyn Denise

Finally, last August 15, I met up with my college friend Joan, after years of staying in Russia with her family.  It was really nice to see her again. We had a quick lunch at Kaya, Rockwell.

Though I was MIA in the blogging world for a little more than a month, it was a season of reunions with family and friends.  It was fun!  

Yada Yada

I've been sitting here for hours wanting to write something, but couldn't think of anything to write.  Nothing's happening really except for my weekly check ups which will just bore you if I start talking about it.  But I'm good and I thank God for that.

Regarding my work... I'm still doing client calls, closing sales (Thank God!) and meeting my quota... most of the time.  I wish I could say all the time.  =) I'm still waiting for that BIG break though.  I know it'll come.

I'm still taking care of my fur baby, Sushi.  She's such a cutie. She's now 8 months. There's this event called BlogPaws Conference 2013. Wish I was able to attend though.  Oh yeah, one thing new I guess is how I became a pet lover. I especially love cats.

My family is doing good.  Thank God! Mom is quite happy with her new place. I think I already told you that before.  

Financially, well,  it's always been a challenge with the price tags of my meds and supplements, but God has been faithful. He does provide.  For those who know lupus, you know that that does not come in cheap.  Probably in other countries, people are well informed what lupus is about and maybe they have programs to support people with lupus.  Well, not from where I am.  

Anyway, I will have to start ordering my supplements online.  Will have to check if I can get them cheaper that way or buy them from my doctor.  

Well, I guess that's it for now.  Have a happy weekend! 

Remembering Dad

I remember when my siblings and I were still kids, my family would always go to church on Sundays then go to Greenhills to have dinner at Dad's favorite Chinese restaurant, Sun Moon Garden. He would order chicken, pork, crabs, fish, veggies and plain/fried rice

I remember how Dad would plan our out of town trips. He loved to travel and explore new places.

I also remember how Dad would cook his Italian spaghetti with meatballs (Mom makes the meatballs) on Christmas eve and the whole family would stay awake to celebrate Noche Buena together. Sometimes he'd prepare Beef Stroganoff for the occasion which is my personal favorite.

There are so many other stories I can tell you of how Dad was when he was still with us. Memories we will forever keep in our minds and in our hearts.

We love you, Dad!

This was taken on my 3rd birthday

This was taken December 1989 in Baguio City

This is one of Dad's favorite movies, The Student Prince, who's lead character was played by Edmund Purdom. And one of Dad's favorite singers, Mario Lanza, who's singing voice was used by the lead character in this movie.

Today is Dad's first year anniversary in heaven. We miss Dad very much, but we know that we'll see each other again... one day.

Lupus Struggles

Hi friends.

I guess, my posts will be mostly updates on my health for friends and families overseas.  Forgive me for posting less and less lately.  Honestly, I'd love to post more often, but lately I haven't been feeling too well to do so.  I've been having blood test almost every week to monitor progress or regress/lapses on my current condition.

My doctor was kind enough to get me an eBook about lupus - The Lupus Bible & Norton Protocol.  This will help me understand more on what's happening in my body and how to control flares.

I've been experiencing lupus arthritis every morning for the past three weeks.  It's very painful and would wake me up very early in the morning.  I'm also experiencing muscle stiffness and brain fogs.  I keep forgetting things so I have to list down everything I need to do so I won't miss out on anything as much as possible.  This is very frustrating for somebody like me I tell you.  I also feel very exhausted most of the time to the point of not being able to get up from bed.

Do I like going through all these? NO!

But how would I explain these things to ordinary people who don't even have the slightest idea what lupus is?  I don't look sick, I look like I just gained a lot of weight. Surely, some would think I'm just slacking off, but they don't know the pain I'm going through each day.  How do I explain this to regular people? How will they understand?

Aside from these inconveniences, this illness also gave me lupus nephritis. It affected my kidneys and now I have to constantly watch what I eat and how much I take in.  No fun for somebody who's taking steroids, who's constantly craving for food.

May I ask you to please continue to pray for me.  I really want to get well and yes, I still believe healing is mine.  I'm not doubting that.  I know Jesus will heal me.  When?  Only He knows.

Lord, I humbly submit myself to you.  I know you will give me the grace and the strength to keep going because I know you're not done with me yet.  But should I reach the end of the line, I am most excited to finally meet You.. my Maker, My Lord.

Thankful Thursday

Welcome to Thankful Thursday!

I have so many things to thank God for this week.

• I thank the Lord for the peace of mind I have even if I got a bad report last Friday regarding my health. I believe this was just a minor set back and I'm still on my way to full recovery and healing by God's grace.


• I'm grateful to have such a supportive family.  My siblings told me to upgrade my health card coverage to the second highest there is for a corporate account.  There's a huge jump in the monthly premium with this upgrade.  They told me to pay as is and my siblings agreed among themselves to pay for the difference. Thank you, Lord!


• I'm grateful for my friends here and abroad including bloggy friends. You're my Prayer Warriors!


• I'm grateful for the Lord's faithfulness.  He never failed to provide for my needs especially when it comes to money. There's a couple who are dear to my heart. who I fondly call Mamu and Papu; they sent me financial assistance.  Thank you!  A dear friend of mine and a colleague also handed me some financial assistance to help me with my meds and supplements. God touched these people's hearts to bless others as God Himself blessed them.  

• I thank the Lord that Sushi doesn't have ear infection anymore. Praise God! I can't help sharing her photos again.  She's just oozing with cuteness.  I also thank God for giving her to me because she's my stress reliever.  Hehe... How could she not be, just look at her.

• Oh, and also I thank the Lord for leading me to Pet-a-Holic's veterinary clinic.  I met the owner, Sandra Santos, and she was very nice to personally see to it that Sushi was well taken care of while being attended to by her staff. I also thank God that Sushi has good doctors.  Dr. Glenn Maguad took care of Sushi's ear infection and administered her second shot.

Lord, thank you for all these blessings.  Thank you that you're looking after me.  Thank you for everything!  Giving you all the glory and praise!

What are you thankful for this week?

For more Thankful Thursday, visit Laurie over at Women Taking a Stand.

Thankful Thursday

I have so many things to thank God for today.  God is sooooo good!

I thank God for the new HOPE I have.  I feel at peace and joyful again.  I thought I've lost those 2 for a while, but I guess I have them all along, just misplaced. Now, my groove is back.

I have a new niece!  Her name is Robyn Denise. My sister gave birth yesterday. She's so beautiful. Both mom and baby are healthy so I'm grateful for that.

I'm grateful too because I know I'm on my way to full recovery. I'm getting better everyday.

Yesterday I brought Sushi to the vet for vaccine and check up.  I had her groomed too.  Dr. Byron Guevarra, her vet, said Sushi is in tip-top health. Thank God!

Father, thank you for ALL the blessings and favor you've been showering me with.  Thank you for taking care of me, my family and my pet Sushi. I bless and honor you, Lord. In Jesus' name, amen!


What are you thankful for this week?

For more Thankful Thursday, visit Iris over at Grace Alone.

2012's Last Hurrah!

My cousins from my mom's side finally had a mini reunion for the first time ever.  We were all soooo happy to see each other again.  I hope next time more can come.

While my family and I were at the pool area of Shangri-la Hotel, I saw Tina from Our Phenomenal Life.  Tina and I were schoolmates back in high school and she is also a fellow blogger.  I'm so happy to see her again. It's been ages since we last saw each other.

Thank you, Lord, for all of these.

Goodbye 2012... Welcome 2013!!! 

Merry Christmas!!!

We had our Victory Group's Christmas Party last December 22 at Citrus Restaurant & Deli in Pasig City.

 With Lalah, Geline & Jennie

With my spiritual leaders - Pastor Nuel and his wife Iris

I'm so glad and grateful to God to have been part of this wonderful group. Pastor Nuel and Iris have been very supportive to all of us and especially to me when I got really sick.  My group has been praying and believing with me for my healing. 

In the middle of the program, I received a pleasant surprise when Pastor Nuel and Iris called my name and presented me with this recognition. 

Iris mentioned how I'm battling Lupus and instead of wallowing in self pity and asking God - Why me??? - I chose to believe God's promises of healing. She said I'm more on fire for God now than I was before.  

But you know what?  I know why God surprised me with this recognition.  It was very clear to me why God did this.  I say He did this because I know without a shadow of a doubt that He wanted me to do something that I've been struggling to do for months now.  I have a confession to make... I've
been wanting to take things into my own hands that will cause a huge and major change that will affect my life and my future. But instead He wanted me to be still and wait for Him to move on my behalf.  

You see, God has been sending me messages and even sent people my way to remind me of His faithfulness;  that He will indeed fulfill His promises to me.  But because of my stubbornness, I thought of doing things my way (Yes, I know how stupid that sounds). I've been planning the changes that I wanted to happen for 2013. I got my mind set on MY plans that I was ready to jump into it. I was ready for that major CHANGE.  Well, God had a different plan.  He did things to STOP me from ruining His PERFECT plan.  I still don't know how He's going to knit things together to make His perfect plan look perfect in my eyes because really the picture still looks abstruse to me.  You know what I mean. Sorry if I'm not sharing much details, but I will in due time.

Anyway, here are some more photos taken yesterday when my brother came home for the Christmas holiday.  We also went to visit Dad and checked Mom's new house.

From my family to yours...

May the joy and peace of Christmas be with you all through the year.

Wishing you a season of blessings from heaven above.

I Wish...

I feel really sad right now.

Mom left yesterday to go back to our house in Quezon City.  She came back this morning to get all her remaining stuff.  I felt really bad that she had to go, but this has to be done for many reasons.

Mom stayed with me since Dad passed away  four months ago. I didn't have issues with that.  Problems started arising when I couldn't get a decent sleep anymore because I felt uncomfortable with our set up.  I started having bad case of migraine, rashes on my arms and face then worse was when my blood pressure sky rocketed to 147/98.  My condo unit is not big.  In fact a friend once commented that it's too small that it looked like a pigeon hole.  Mom had to have a helper to assist her in everything and the helper lived with me too.  I strongly felt the need to have some space and some peace and quiet.  I did a lot of things to try to ease what I've been feeling like I checked in to a hotel for two nights to get some decent sleep and even slept on the floor at home to make it feel like I had my own space.

I love my mom dearly.  She told me that all she wanted was to take care of me.  She even said that she wanted me to live with her in her new condo my brother bought for her.  That really broke my heart.  I cried and cried and cried.  It's not that I don't want my mom here in my house, but my place is too small that I could hardly breathe.  I have my reasons why I needed to stay here for now.

Anyway, Mom had to go back to her and Dad's house until the construction for the new condo unit is done.  But I told Mom to stay with me sometimes like on weekends.  I can then have the space I needed and still have each other.

Before Mom left a while back after getting her stuff,  I hugged her and said that please do come back on weekends.  I also said that I love her.  When I saw tears coming down her cheeks, that broke my heart to thousand pieces.

Mom after our lunch yesterday at Midas Hotel

My nephews and my brother who came home from Singapore

I really feel bad right now.  I wish this will just go away.  I wish...

Broken Trust

Aside from work that's definitely keeping my plate full these days, I've also been contemplating on whether or not I'll write a post about something that I went through these past weeks that I felt like wasted my time and made me very disappointed in the people I thought were my friends.  I remember saying in my last post that perhaps I'll write about the jungle and its inhabitants.  Well, I finally decided that I will.

I have a lot of "friends", but I only have a handful of people I consider true friends.  Respect and trust are two very important ingredients in what I call friendship.  These people I consider true friends don't talk behind my back.  If they see something wrong, they'd tell me directly.   If, for some reason, they tell me one thing, they will not alter their stories regardless of who they are talking to. My true friends know that I hate lies.

Fairly basic expectations from friends, right?

My life became kinda complicated these past weeks because I was dragged into an incident I had nothing to do with in the first place.  Part of my job as a financial/insurance advisor is to ask for referrals. There I was just minding my own business when an irate ex-girlfriend had a dispute with the guy I was asking referrals from.  I didn't know that there was a text war already going on between them. Thus, my involvement in what seems an endless brouhaha. Honestly, with all the stories I heard from both of them, the "he said, she said,"  I don't understand their point of dragging me into their mess.  Really, I don't! Whatever is going on between the two of them is not my business and I have no intention of making it my business.

Forgive me for ranting, but I'm just letting off steam.

With what I have on my plate now, I certainly don't have time for this nonsense. Oh, and by the way, I'm sorry to say that I don't have the cure for insecurities. Lastly, one is not called a Christian by simply KNOWING the Bible and attending church service.  It's LIVING it.

Remembering Dad and Getting Back On Track

Hi.  I've been MIA lately and I would like to apologize for that.  I've been crazy busy with work and other stuff. There are still a lot of things left to do, but I decided to take a break and do some blogging.

Dad just passed away recently, as you all know.  All of us in the family are still grieving, but the manner of grieving is different for each of us. I do miss him a lot. I miss his voice, his laughter, his presence. However, I don't wear a long face maybe because I have peace.  Sure, I feel sad sometimes, but I know that Dad is in Heaven now.

Moving on, we visited Dad again last Sunday, May 20th.  Here are some photos.

My nephews

 Michael and Mom at Little Asia 

Mel and Andre

Mom playing Tap Tap Revenge on iPad. Cool, huh?

The following day, May 21st, my officemates and I went to Anvaya Cove for a much needed break from work.  

Red Spruce

 Red Willow Unit

It was super fun!!!  I even got myself a henna tattoo.

The food served were mostly Filipino dishes.  I loved it!

I haven't been out of town in a while, so the trip to Anvaya definitely recharged my batteries! Going back to nature is a welcome respite from life in the concrete jungle.

I still have so much more to tell you, but I guess I'll save it for my next post. Perhaps, I'll talk about the jungle and its inhabitants next time. For now, I thank the Lord for the grace and love He showered on my family; that enabled us to still enjoy life even without Dad.