Hello and See You Around

Hello.  It has been ages since I last posted here. I've been doing a lot of thinking and finally came to a very hard decision.  This will be my last post for Pia's Journal. As I read back my old posts, I realized that since I started blogging at 2004, everything was about challenges, disappointments and trials of different kinds. I've waited for a long time to change the theme of this blog, but it didn't happen. That's okay though.

2015 is a new year and I'm starting a new life. Some would say it's been long overdue, but I say it's better late than never. Besides, as the saying goes - Life begins at 40. 

As I venture into a new beginning, I have also decided to cease blogging. I'm not saying it will be forever. Who knows, I might just start a new one. In the mean time, I'm closing this chapter book of my life and am very excited to step into my new life.

Here's wishing you all a very HAPPY and BLESSED NEW YEAR!

I wasn't able to post this last Christmas, but I'm still posting it anyway. 

See you around!

How Has Your Year Been?

In two days 2012 will be gone.  How time flies.  

Today I asked myself this question - How has 2012 been to me?  There are definitely so many challenges that happened this year, but I've also received so many blessings and miracles.  

Dad left this imperfect world to be with Jesus last April... I got sick two months ago, but I'm recovering pretty well. I received miracles after miracles of healing and divine provision... I deleted "friends" from my life who are toxic; turned out to be a blessing in disguise... This is also the year when I became debt free.

I didn't see the beauty in these seemingly tragic events while it was happening, but now I do.  

God is good.  

Although 2012 is marked with tears and sadness, it is also marked with joy and happiness. God sure knows how to balance things. 

So, how has your year been?

Here's looking forward to a year of abounding blessings, grace and favor as we welcome 2013 with great expectancy and hope.  

We Are Called Victorious

Went back to Salon de Matt earlier to have my hair treatment. The hair cut I had two months ago was just perfect now that it grew longer.  I just wish I could fix my hair everyday like I just stepped out of a salon.  Wishful thinking...

Anyway, I wanted to share with you a very encouraging message we had at church this afternoon.  It was about Gideon.  See how similar our responses are sometimes to Gideon's.

12 When the angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon, he said, “The LORD is with you, mighty warrior.”
13 “Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but if the LORD is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all his wonders that our ancestors told us about when they said, ‘Did not the LORD bring us up out of Egypt?’ But now the LORD has abandoned us and given us into the hand of Midian.”
14 The LORD turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?”
15 “Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.”
16 The LORD answered, “I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites, leaving none alive.”  Judges 6:12-13

The Lord called Gideon a mighty warrior in verse 13.  In verse 15 Gideon responded by asking how he can save Israel when his clan's the weakest and he's the least in his family.  But God knows the future.  Notice how God didn't mind Gideon's social standing.  In the end we knew that Gideon was able to defeat the Midianites.  

In the same way, we are called victorious.  You ask, "But God, how can I be called victorious when everything in my life is a huge mess?"   Or maybe you ask, "If the Lord is with me, why did all these terrible things happen to me?" "Why do bad things happen to good people?"

We have to understand that God sees the end from the beginning.  He already knew what our future holds.  He isn't surprised  with the things we are going through now.  He has a clear picture of what's going on. He knows and He has a plan! And there's only one thing we need to do - OBEY.

Do you sometimes feel  like God abandoned you and allowed you to be defeated by your circumstances?  I guess we all felt that way one way or the other.  The good news is, those were just feelings and not facts. For as long as God is with us, we can be assured of victory no matter how bad and ugly our current situation is.  

Wherever we are in life, it is where we're suppose to be. It's not a mistake that we are where we are.  Each of us is given a unique assignment and we have to respond by obeying.  Like in verse 14, God is turning to us and saying, "Am I not sending you?"  And in verse 16, God is telling us, "I will be with you..."

"What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" Romans 8:31

Thankful Thursday

Wow, can't believe it's already Thursday and February is almost over.  How time flies!

Today I am thankful that I am in a good place.  By that I simply meant I am healthy, my bills are getting paid on time, my business is doing well, I have clarity of mind, I have joy in my heart, I have loyal friends and most of all I am happy.  

Some people couldn't understand why I can be in a good place when someone important in my life is missing. Some people couldn't reconcile the thought of me happy when something major in my life is pending.  You see, I didn't arrive in this place with petals of roses on my feet; I arrived here with thorns.  But I made a decision to surrender my life to the Lord and trust Him fully.  And He gave me a promise.  When I did, my outlook in life took a 180 degrees turn. 

I thank the Lord for making me who I am now by allowing those thorns to hurt me.  Now I can say that really, in all things God works for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28).

I am very much expectant of God's surprises to me in the coming days.  I thank the Lord that He is a promise keeping God.


What are you thankful for this week?

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

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?

God Reigns

I woke up this morning feeling so grateful to God for all the blessings He's showering me with.  And then I thought about the people around the world who are in pain, suffering injustices, lack and a lot more other things.  I was happy-sad.  Makes me wonder, Lord, when will they ever get justice?

Looking back, not so long ago, I've also experienced pain.  I've also suffered a great deal of injustice in life and unbelievable lack.  It was crazy!  I thought then, "Lord, are you trying to kill me?  Why don't you just let me die in my sleep? That way I won't have to suffer all these crazy things.  It's so unfair!"  Of course, He didn't do that, He turned a deaf ear towards what I said because He knew that I needed to go through all of those things for my own good.  I still don't have the answers to all of my questions, but He did allow me to feel and take a glimpse, somehow, that He is indeed doing something behind the scenes.  Our God is a God of justice.  He is in control and He knows what He's doing.  In Deuteronomy 20:3-4 it says,

"Hear, O Israel, today you are going into battle against your enemies. Do not be fainthearted or afraid; do not be terrified or give way to panic before them. For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory."

He goes with us to fight for us against our enemies TO GIVE US VICTORY. He's above anything thrown our way.  God reigns!!!

You reign
Over all the earth we sing it
You reign
Justice and peace you bring it
You reign
Holy one, You Reign

Over star filled skies
Over all created life
What was always meant to be
Your glory reigning over me

You're above
Anything thrown my way
Victorious
I live to stand in You always.

You reign
Over all the earth we sing it
You reign
Justice and peace you bring it
You reign
Holy one, You Reign

Your kingdom come
Your will be done
Jesus reign over me

A Humbling Experience

"Hey! What's the big idea? I did everything you told me to and this is what I get?! It's so unfair! Where are you? Can you hear me?" Does that sound familiar?

We talked about the life of Joseph at church and I took note of these verses because I found comfort and assurance in them. His story is just one of the many stories in the Bible where God showed His sovereignty.

"Joseph named the firstborn Manasseh (Forget), saying, 'God made me forget all my hardships and my parental home.' He named his second son Ephraim (Double Prosperity), saying, 'God has prospered me in the land of my sorrow.'" Genesis 41:51-52 (The Message)

All of us go through sufferings in this life, but though many are our troubles, God has promised to be there with us. I never realized and appreciated the depth of this truth until I've gone through valleys in my life. You see, if you don't humble yourself, God will humble you and

mind you He will, really.

"For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." Luke 14:11

Joseph, like us, went through the humbling process as well. Imagine receiving a dream when he was still a teenager and arrogantly telling his parents and siblings that they will bow down to him (Genesis 37:5-10). After that we know that he was sold by his own brothers, then landed in the house of Potiphar. God did prosper him there. But that's not the end of his sufferings.

"With me in charge, my master does not concern himself with anything in the house; everything he owns he has entrusted to my care. No one is greater in this house than I am..." Genesis 39:8-9 (Emphasis mine)

See that bit of arrogance there? Well, yes he feared the Lord that's why he didn't give in to temptation. But again for standing for what is right, he was thrown to prison. What was that all about? I think it is just right to say that God wasn't done with him yet. But in spite of this set back, God was still right there with him.

"The LORD was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden." Genesis 39:21

For showing kindness to his fellow men, in return, he was forgotten.

"The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot him." Genesis 40:23

Can you imagine the frustrations he might have felt that time? If I were in his shoes I would probably be kicking and screaming already. But God has a plan.

"So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised." Hebrew 10:35-36

He knows what He is doing. He has everything figured out already. God spoke to Pharaoh in his dreams, but didn't know how to interpret it. (See, God does speak even to unbelievers and backsliders so let's not lose hope in praying for our loved ones) Now this time the cup bearer remembered Joseph (Genesis 41:9-13). God has already set up people ahead of us to do something good for us, yes, even people we don't know. How's that possible? It's God's favor upon us.

After all the pains and sufferings Joseph went through all those years, God's promise to him came to pass even when it already looked impossible and hopeless in the natural. His dreams when he was just a teenager...

"We were binding sheaves of grain out in the field when suddenly my sheaf rose and stood upright, while your sheaves gathered around mine and bowed down to it." Genesis 37:7

"I had another dream, and this time the sun and moon and eleven stars were bowing down to me." Genesis 37:9

... finally came to pass.

"Now Joseph was the governor of the land, the one who sold grain to all its people. So when Joseph's brothers arrived, they bowed down to him with their faces to the ground." Genesis 42:6

Are you going through valleys in your life too? If we surrender everything to God, if we would put our trust in Him, He will also make us forget our troubles and hardships; and prosper us in the land of our sorrow. He makes everything beautiful in his time.

Be patient. The best is yet to come.

A Note To God

I'd like to start my day by listing down what my heart truly wants to tell God.

I wondered at first if I went ahead of Him with this trip. Weeks before I left Manila I was so stressed with so many things like work, my business and this trip. Everything was like heading south. I even got sick a week before my flight. It was like something was stopping me to get on the plane and fly here to Singapore.

When I got here, I felt God really took care of me. The minute the plane landed, I was barking like a dog with my cough. My temperature was higher than normal. I was so scared that the immigration officer would detect this and kick me out of Singapore back to Manila. But I became "normal" for a short while. When I got home to my brother's house, my temperature flared up and I was back coughing. That's when I slept the whole afternoon.

God sent me people along the way to help me out with going around the place since my brother couldn't because of his work schedule. God really took care and protected me.

Father, you have been so good to me. You have provided me with my needs. You sent along people to give me assistance while I'm here. You fed me with good food. You watched every step I took. Lord, I could feel your hands embracing me. I want more of your presence, Father. I hope in my own little way, I'd be able to put a smile on your face. Thank you, Father for your patience, understanding and your love for me. I give you all the glory, Lord. In Jesus' mighty name, amen.

Holding On

I wasn't really up to doing anything yesterday. Up until now while I'm typing this, my heart is hurting so bad. I'm fighting back tears. My story is not new to a lot of you who knows. My blog had become a collection of roller coaster of emotions, mostly struggles and pains. I pray to God that this will be changed in the days to come but right now this is the story of my life.

I feel so much pain. I cried out to God for justice since last night. God knows how much I desire to please Him and to give Him glory in everything I do. I know that God is also aware of the injustices being done to me by people whom I consider family. I was crying out to God last night during our prayer and worship. I know He sees everything. This verse kept repeating over and over again like a broken record in my head,

"Do not be afraid; you will not suffer shame. Do not fear disgrace; you will not be humiliated. You will forget the shame of your youth and remember no more the reproach of your widowhood." Isaiah 54:4

There's another verse but I couldn't remember from what chapter it was which our friend Angie kept quoting in her Fearless Friday posts, "...and you will not fear bad news."

In my heart I was asking God that He talk to me. I needed to hear from Him to get the heaviness off my chest... He did. He spoke to me in such a way that I wouldn't miss it. God reminded me that He will fight for me against my enemies and give me VICTORY. If God is for me who can be against me? The song we sang has a part there that says, "God will give back your wasted years." He reminded me through Pastor Mary from our church that He is a God of reconciliation and He heals broken relationships.

The enemy may seem to be winning. It just looks like it. But God will never allow me to be beaten up by them. Though it hurts, my God knows, I am still holding on believing for my breakthrough to come anytime soon.

"With God we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies." Psalm 108:13

God Knows

I still feel sad and lonely even when my walk with God has improved tremendously. This has troubled me in the past because I thought I wouldn't feel sadness and loneliness anymore since I have God anyway. I realized that as ideal as that may sound, I'm still very much human. In as much as I want to lay in bed every night with a smile on my face and a light, refreshing thought that could lull me to sleep, tears still flow down my cheeks. No matter how busy I am with work, even if I put a happy face once in a while, God can tell what's inside my heart. God knows.

Yes, I'm thankful for the joy God has put in my heart as I walk with Him in the path He has chosen for me. Gone are the rough roads I painstakingly took in my own effort to find happiness. I've realized that there's no shortcut in the road God wanted me to take. I've realized that everything that's happening in my life has been predestined by my Father in heaven. God knows.

As I wait upon God's perfect timing to bring deliverance to my situation, I persevere. I PUSH (Pray Until Something Happens). I hold on to God's promises hoping to see "a cloud as small as a man's hand" (1 King 18:44) one day. I do get tired of waiting. I do get exhausted. God knows.

I have questions in my head, so many of them. People love to ask the why's, but I don't know the details. I don't have the answers, but... God knows.

All these will pass. Questions answered. Lives changed. God's promises coming to pass. Victory attained. This I know.

With God we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies." Psalm 108:13

Divine Delays

I got an email last month that talks about divine delays. I used to be very impatient. I hate waiting! Patience is one of those areas in my life which is still under construction. God taught me and still is teaching me this virtue. He allowed some things to happen in my life even if He knew very well that there would be great resistance on my part. I've learned my lessons and I continue to learn because God's not finished with me yet.

Are you like me waiting for God's promises to come to pass? Are you waiting for your breakthrough and it seems like it's taking forever? I sometimes feel that way. I still get impatient sometimes, I still get aggravated once in a while.

Many times the delay is actually part of the plan to protect you from something that could hurt you if you stayed "on schedule"; on your schedule, that is.

How many times have we tried to go ahead of God? I always get myself in trouble every time I try to "help" God do His job. I felt like God was moving so slow so might as well do something to hasten it a bit. Gee... How stupid is that???

God knows what He's doing. He knows our pain and our frustration. Things happen for a reason. There's a purpose behind the delays. Now it may be that God is taking us the longer, slower way then suddenly all we can see are red brake lights in front of us. Just like the Israelites in the Bible times who were being chased by the Egyptians, going full speed ahead then were suddenly facing by the Red Sea. We're waiting and we don't know why.

It's because God knows what's up ahead and you don't. And He's protecting you from a battle up there that you're not ready to fight, from danger that might hurt you, from a temptation or a test for which you're just not yet strong enough. Remember, He's promised not to let you face more than He knows you can bear. Maybe you have prayed these words many times, "Lord, 'Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.'" And the reason you're waiting or taking what seems to be a detour is because your Father, who art in heaven, is answering that prayer!

And if the delay and the detour bring you to a Red Sea, not to worry! He's leading you, not into a mess, but into a miracle you'll never forget! So learn to relax when God closes the road or suddenly slows you down. It's all about His love for you, a love that knows what's best for you, a love that knows what's going to happen if you keep going the same direction at the same speed. So don't sit there, pounding the steering wheel and fuming. You aren't late. In fact, you're right on time - God's time. And this isn't Plan B. This is what God's Plan A has been all the time. So trust the One who plans the trip and who protects those who belong to Him. If you could see what's up ahead, you'd be so grateful that God has made you wait.

I still haven't gotten my breakthrough yet and I'm still waiting for God's timing. I wish the time is now but only God knows when. He's a God of suddenly, so we should be ready to receive His promises any time. It might be taking so long and we tend to get tired of waiting but we must remember that God hasn't forgotten us yet and He hasn't fallen off the throne as we might probably think sometimes. Hey, God knows and He got us covered.

PS. I made a post earlier and guess what, my entire post got erased! Gone! I had to rewrite everything all over again. Boy, Satan would just do anything and everything he can to ruin what is for and about God. Well, he lost... as always!

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Don't forget to check out some giveaways HERE.

12 Days Of Christmas Eve

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

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

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

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

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

He Did Provide!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pray For Us

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

God Is In It With You

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hurry! Check out their blogs!

Say No Evil

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Pot Of Gold

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

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

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

Who do you trust?

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

The Promise No One Wants

I read this in a book called "The Promise No One Wants" by one of our pastors, Joey Bonifacio. "With the greatest breakthrough come the most violent shaking and turbulence... Disorientation, dizziness, loss of direction and even fear and discouragement can occur just before a breakthrough."

I got so encouraged with this book. I realized that God allowed all these shaking in my life because He's preparing me for something better. He wanted me to be ready to receive them. Do I want to go through the shaking all over again? Honestly? Without batting an eyelash, heck, no! I might as well let God shake everything in me now, learn the lessons that goes with it and receive His blessings after, than struggle with all of my strength and go through it all over again until I get His point.

Remember the saying that the tighter you hold on to a wet soap, the more it'll slip from your hand? Same is true with God. The more you hold on to dear life and struggle with His will, the more you'll missed out on His blessings.

It's very clear that what He's telling me is, "Be still and know that I am God..." Psalm 46:10. He's still in control. I have to make a choice. Should I try to protect myself from getting hurt and struggle with what God wants to do in my life or should I let God lead my life no matter how much it hurts? I chose the latter. Is it the easiest way? Certainly not! But it's the ONLY way to my blessings.

This too I know, "Instead of their shame my people will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace they will rejoice in their inheritance; and so they will inherit a double portion in their land, and everlasting joy will be theirs" Isaiah 61:7.

I still don't understand a lot of things that's going on in my life, there's still a lot of "why's" in it, but I have learned to let Him lead my way with blindfolds on, believing that at the end of this road is where my treasure is and my joy will be complete. "Dear (Pia), do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed." 1 Peter 4:12,13.

Little Victories

I've wanted so much to bring to you some happy news about what's going on in my world. God has been good. He let me taste little victories which I'm so grateful about. My mom is getting better, she's still having her dialysis though. The objective is to bring down her creatinine level to normalcy and so far, although she's still a few levels up from the desired number, she's getting there. My brother's pastor and churchmates went to visit my mom and prayed for her too. Oh, by the way, my mom is in Christ Hospital in New Jersey. Good thing that they're surrounded by Christians during this time of crisis.

My husband, Jeric, and I are communicating again although not as often as we used to. He told me in a text message that he's working again and he went back to school to take up a short course. I'm glad that he's okay although I'm not quite sure about what his plans are. Nevertheless, God said in Proverbs 19:21 that "many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." I also read in a book that: "I should look to God as the source of all I want to see happen in my marriage, and I shouldn't worry about how it will happen. It's my job to pray. It's God's job to answer..." I also know that I have friends all over the globe who prays for us. I know in my heart that soon we will be reconciled and that my marriage is in the palm of God's hand.

Thank you for praying. I want you to know that your prayers are not in vain. He heard us and He's moving. You are all part of the little victories we're all experincing now. Thank you for standing with me in prayer. Thank you for continuously fighting this battle with me. God bless us all.

Mom In ICU

***UPDATE***

Jec called early this morning and we were able to talk a little. He said that he's facing a lot of problems now. I just told him that I may not be there physically with him but I can help encourage him and pray for him. Finally he assured me that I'm still his wife and that he loves me very much. The words I've been waiting to hear from him all this time. We weren't able to tackle everything but it was a start. I know that as I pray, as we all pray, God will change his heart and lead him to the right path.

My mom had her dialysis again today. My brother said so far, so good. I'm glad it went well. She's already out of the ICU. Thank God!

God answered our prayers but the battle is not yet over. It'll not be over until Jec and I are reconciled; and not until my mom recovers from this. I ask you to please continue to stand with me in prayer. My heartfelt thanks to all of you.


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5 a.m. yesterday, I got a call from my sister and she was crying. My mom was rushed to the ICU due kidney failure and heart attack. I felt numb and cold, I couldn't even talk. I wanted to see my mom but she's thousands of miles away from where I am. I said, "God, what is happening? First, my husband and now my mom. God, what am I gonna do?" My bestfriend, Jen, told me that I shouldn't keep my problems to myself, that I should let it all out or I might just die from it.

This morning, I called up my brother and I was surprised to hear my dad on the other line. My bro went to work and left his phone with my dad. I asked how mommy was and he said she's stable. She's responding well with the dialysis. She'll have another one tomorrow. While my dad was talking, tears were already welling in my eyes. Then he asked me how I was. I totally lost it, I broke down and cried. For almost a month I was keeping my problems from them afraid that they might be too affected by it. But I can't keep it any longer. I told my dad everything. He told me to take a rest for now and he'll take care of it. I felt like a big load lifted from my shoulder.

I thought for a while that if my dad --- my earthly father, loves and cares for me that much that he's going to take care of things for me, how much more willing would my Heavenly Father be to help me?

I thank everybody who continuously remembers us in prayer.