Happy...

God's timing is truly impeccable! I don't know how else to illustrate how perfect His timing and His ways are. He is beyond words! He creates the perfect situation on how His perfect plan has to happen. The result? Absolutely flawless!

For years, He made me go through things I didn't understand why. I really felt like He totally forgot about me already. I was wrong! All these years He was equipping me emotionally, mentally and physically for that time which I never thought would still happen. When it did happen, I was prepared. Boy, was I prepared! You have no idea!

My God! Why are there times that I still doubt You? Why do I still doubt your Words? Forgive me for my unbelief! 

On a different note, last Saturday was Sun Life's August Championship Kick-off at the World Trade Center. I'm excited on how God will make things happen for me again! Thank you, Lord, in advance!

Lastly, today is my Mom's birthday.  

There are so many things to be happy about... These are just a few... God, thank you for everything!

Post Summer Fun

Last June 27, Red Spruce had our yearly outing this time at Tagaytay Highlands. We get together once a year, out of town to have fun! No work, just pure FUN!

Thank you, Lord, for my Sun Life family!

I wonder where our next destination is next year...

PS: Sorry for the poor quality photos. I will try to get the original photos emailed to me so I can replace these with better ones.

Christmas 2013

I can't believe it's almost Christmas.  How time flies!  I just celebrated my birthday, then we were just preparing for our Christmas party... And now it's almost Christmas.

Before I share some photos with you, let me just share the beautiful message we had at our service.  I was again reminded that God moves beyond the natural. Oftentimes, we tend to focus on what we can see in the natural.  Oftentimes, we get discouraged by them. The link between the natural and the supernatural is called a miracle and God still performs miracles!

If you are facing impossibilities in your life today - maybe you received a bad report from your doctor, maybe you're facing a mountain of debt or maybe you need restoration in your relationship... Whatever it is you're facing today that looks impossible in the natural, let me encourage you...  God can make the impossible situations possible.  God works miracles for His promises to be fulfilled ON TIME.

I was very encouraged with these messages I got from church last night. I hope you are too.

Now the photos...

 Red Willow Unit

Betty Boop & Princess Belle / Betty and the Men in Black

(✿◠‿◠) Merry Christmas!!! (✿◠‿◠)

Hello Summer!

It's officially summer!

I don't particularly like the summer season because it's too humid here, but what I do like are the get-togethers and the outings. Oh, and the food too!  Haha!

I did go to two outings this summer.  I have to limit it to two because of my condition.  Nonetheless, those two spelled F-U-N.  I thank God that I wasn't in pain during those times I was out of town. In fact, I feel much better now.  I hope and pray that there would be less no more flares now and in the future. Lupus be gone!

Last April 8, my Sun Life family went to Anvaya Cove again.  Well, I wasn't able to do much outdoors, but I did enjoy the get together.  My bosses were very protective of me.  I'm so blessed to have them around.

In case you're wondering where I am in this photo, I'm in front, left side.  The one seated next to the guy in white. Hehe... I understand.  I gained a lot of weight. 

I also went out of town to Bay, Laguna with my NTC (National Telecommunications Commission) family last April 12-14. We stayed at the rest house of one of our senators.

With Rizza Fortes, the wife of my former boss, Deputy Commissioner Jaime Fortes, Jr.

We also went to Mr. Francisco Magsaysay's farm where farm fresh cow's milk is being produced. Yum!

L-R: me, Rizza, Muray, Director Vicky, Alice & Carlos

Behind me is Dr. Jake Borja, the one who oversees the entire operation, including the well-being of the cows.

The farm

L-R: Carlos, Atty. Ven Canta, Alice, DC Jaime Fortes, me & Eddie

Before heading home, we stopped by Calamba, Laguna where our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, once lived.

 Clockwise: The main house, kitchen & library

 From top left clockwise: One of the bedrooms, dining area & play house

Dr. Jose Rizal's doodles & handwriting

I learned that this house is a replica of the original house which was destroyed during WWII.

That's about it.  Brought home bottles of farm fresh cow's milk, the only milk I can take for now.  God's timing is really impeccable!

Healing Is Mine

I've been busy with work and doctor appointments for the past weeks.  When I had some free time, I felt like I'd rather take a nap than do anything else... Oh yeah, and snack, too.

My last check up with my rheumy and nephro went okay.  My blood tests were all good except for one - my SGPT went a little bit high this time. My creatinine is steadily going down to normalcy, so that's good news. My RBC, WBC, HGB, HCT and platelet were all good... Praise God! Over all, my doctors were pleased with the results.  Will have another round of blood tests on February 28.  I have one more check up on February 1 with my holistic doctor.

I was informed just recently that I've almost maxed out my health card limit for the year. I will be renewing mine in April. That means on my next lab tests and doctor's appointments, I'd be cashing out already.  I don't like that at all, but God knows what I need and He promised He will provide.  So instead of getting all stressed out because of this, I'm choosing to believe that God will make a way for me.

"Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?"  Matthew 6:27

I'm finishing a book - The Heart of Healing by Ardy Roberto.  His wife also had lupus and in his book, he shared their journey and how God worked miracles in their lives. I really find it very encouraging.

"For nothing is impossible with God." Luke 1:37

I believe that I am already healed or am in the process of being healed, but one thing is for sure... Healing is mine. To God be all the glory!

Excited

We just finished our church's annual fasting last week.  I'm excited to see the fulfillment of God's promises to me.  I'm definitely closer now to my promised land than ever.  I'm also grateful for God's revelations to me which He revealed during the fast.  I'm excited for this year!

Anyway, had lunch earlier at Shirleen's at Ferndale Homes.  Guess what? I ate a lot again!  Argh!!! The food was superb! No wonder my weight is like a roller coaster.  I'd lose a little and gain double of how much I lost.  Argh!!! Can't wait to get off steroids!

My Sun Life Family

I'm also seriously thinking of getting myself a pet.  A pet cat.  I saw this adorable cat at Shirleen's and I fell in love with this cute little thing.  I want one for myself, too. Soon! I couldn't get her to face the camera, so this was the best shot I got. Hmm... I'm already thinking of a name for my soon-to-be pet cat.

Isn't she cute?

Anyhoo, I will have a guest writer on my blog soon.  It's a surprise.  I'm excited! 

Hot Hat Party and the Hobbit

We had our office's Hot Hat Christmas Party last Tuesday, December 11. Fun games, good food, gifts... Happiness!

Red Spruce (Click photo to enlarge)

Red Willow

Then my friends and I watched The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey last Thursday, December 13, at the Mall of Asia. Wasn't really a fan of the movie... never liked The Lord of the Rings to begin with, but I did enjoy the food served before the movie started.  Hmm... no wonder I'm gaining so much weight. Hehe...

With Alma, Zenda and Ino at MOA

I had such a busy week again, but nonetheless, my week spelled F-U-N.

Now, it's back to work for me.  Have to finish my deliveries and errands this week. Oh, and there's another Christmas party this weekend.

It's almost Christmas!  Yey!  My favorite time of the year.  It'll be bittersweet for my family because we'll be celebrating Christmas without Dad for the first time. We miss him so much!

Struggles and Good News

Just came from the hospital for check up with my nephrologist.

Nephro said I'm okay. My creatinine level, although still a little bit high, it's steadily going down. My doctor said he's not worried because I'm improving. Praise God!!! That's definitely music to my ears.

Had another doctor's appointment yesterday. My rheumy said I'm getting better.  She tapered my meds already, though gradually. That's better than taking my usual full dosage. She's pleased with the results of my blood tests. Actually, some were not good, but according to her, they're not really that bad and could've just been caused by the meds I'm currently taking. All I need to do is drink more water. Praise God!!!

I thank God for this good news. I believe in my heart that God's healing touch is working in my body everyday.

I did feel a little bit tired when I woke up this morning. I know that this is part of having lupus, but instead of dwelling on that, I choose to focus on the truth that God is in control. Same goes with my work and finances. Meds and vitamins are expensive. Working can be a challenge sometimes because there would be days that I'd feel overly fatigued that I'd rather stay home and sleep. All these could be valid reasons to cause me to panic already, but I keep reminding myself that God will supply ALL of my needs.

I also know that not too many people would understand the struggles I go through everyday with lupus.  From where I am, not everybody knows or have even heard what lupus is. When they ask me what it is, I don't even know how to explain it to them. How else would I be able to make them understand why sometimes my moods are so out of whack and why I feel exhausted sometimes even when I haven't been doing anything yet?

It's hard, but with God's grace I know I'll be able to surpass all these.

"And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19

"'My grace is all you need. my power works best in weakness.'" So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me." 2 Corinthians 12:9 NLT

Lupus Awareness

Hi friends! How are you today? Hope all is well with you.

I'm recovering fast by God's grace. I'm feeling much better now. Life has to go on and I thank God for the miracles I receive everday. I can now walk with much ease. There are just times when pain can be a little bit unbearable. I know this is just temporary because my body is still adjusting to the meds I've been taking. The difficult part of my daily routine is taking a shower. It takes me a little bit longer now because I have to watch my step in the bathtub and put on all the lotion and sunblock before heading out. Other than that, everything is pretty much going back to normal. Oh, I might have to hire a temporary nanny/girl friday to assist me around.

I will have my next check up on Monday, day after my birthday. Please pray that the results will come out normal. I'm actually excited to see the doctors' faces when they see how much I've improved.

I've inserted a link on my header about lupus awareness so people will understand what it is, what it actually does to one's body and how to prevent flares. Please visit the link when you have time.

Here's a photo taken earlier.

There's a cute story behind this photo. The guy standing is my ex-boyfriend, Jed. The one beside him is his lovely wife, Tim. The guy sitting beside me is Tim's ex-boyfriend, Ryan.  Ryan and I are from the same company. We closed the deal on both Jed and Tim.  Nice, huh?

Thank You for the Blessings

I'm very happy that Mom spent two nights in my house this week.  We went to watch a movie last Saturday and ate out.  We also did the grocery shopping together.  Early this morning, before leaving, she cooked for me again.  I thank God for Mom.  I'm really excited for Mom's new condo unit.  Construction is starting on October 1.  Hopefully it'll be ready for Mom to move in before Christmas.

Last Tuesday, I attended another award's ceremony.  I thank God for this award I got for the second consecutive year.  Here are some photos from the event.

The Philippine Star

Cross Pens for second year Macaulay qualifiers

 Me!  Thank you, Lord!

 Red Spruce

Red Spruce

On a different note, I think grief over Dad's passing is catching up with me now. There are nights when I would just cry because I miss Dad very much.  When I hear songs that I know Dad really liked, the water works will just start automatically.  I know Dad is with Jesus now, but I just miss him very much.  Next month I would be celebrating my birthday for the first time without Dad.  Sigh...

Awesome God!

The weather is bad today, but my day was filled with laughter.  My colleagues who played practical jokes on each other were simply hilarious.  We had a seminar today after passing our licensure exam. As usual we all felt it was information overload because of all the charges, privileges and rules that we have to remember and follow.  Thank goodness it was just a one-day seminar.

Anyhoo, I really love, love, love this verse in Romans 8.

28"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." 

What the enemy meant for my harm, God meant it for my good.  Awesome God! Though there were a few minor bumps along the way, everything looks pretty much promising.  Thank you, Lord!

Thank You, Lord!

Today is such a beautiful and peaceful day.  Thank you, Lord!  I watched Twilight (for nth time) this morning with Mom.  Obviously, she wasn't too engrossed with the movie as I was because I saw her yawn too many times.  But she did finish the entire movie just sitting beside me quietly.  Yeah, I have a very supportive Mom.  Haha!

Anyway, I had my licensure exam last Thursday.  I will find out how I fared either tomorrow or Tuesday.  I really hope I did okay because I don't want to go through the ordeal all over again. I studied real hard for that exam.

I got an email from our head office that the list of medallion qualifiers for last February's Love Month contest was finally out in the newspaper which was released last June 18.  Woot!  Yours truly hit the Gold medallion for the second time.  Thank you, Lord!  I hope this coming August Champ, I'd be a Platinum medallion qualifier.  Why not?  Nothing is impossible with God.

Last week my boat was rocked a bit because of doubts creeping in again.  But you know what?  God was fast to remind me of what He revealed to me years back during my quiet time.  He reminded me of how faithful He is even when I was faithless.  He remained faithful.  What a great God we serve!  I felt an overflowing peace in my spirit.  All I can say is... Thank you, Lord.

"Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to the house of Israel failed; every one was fulfilled." Joshua 21:45

Hmmm...

Peace... What a nice feeling that no one is pestering me this time.  I thank God that one by one, He's showing me who to keep as friends and who I should x-out. It's a good thing because you get to keep the good ones and throw out the bad. Once bitten, twice shy.

Moving on, Sun Life had a grand celebration last May 29 at World Trade Center, Manila for officially being the No. 1 insurance company in the Philippines.  Woohoo!

It was a night of good music and dancing.  Absolutely love the New Wave songs of the 80's.

With Karen, May, Nini, Rose and Luciamar

With Nini

With Nini, Karen, May and Enoch

Almost a week after the Sun Life event, I went to watch the NKOTBSB concert with my friend at the Mall of Asia. It definitely brought back good memories. I was a little bit disappointed though with the sound system. Nonetheless, I had fun.  

I'm looking forward to Father's Day because we get to go back to Dad and I get to light the candle in this cute tiny pail I bought last week for him.  

Lastly, I thank the Lord for all the blessings He has been showering me with.  God is really faithful. When He said that He will fight for me against my enemies and give me victory,  He meant it.  Praise God!  Talk is cheap, but God sees the heart.  

All glory to you, Lord!

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?

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. =)

Could It Be Because of Age?

I think I woke up on the wrong side of the bed, but then again I have been feeling this way for weeks now.  

I woke up feeling panicky.  I thought it was just me.  Then, when my friend Zenda came by and told me how she was lately and how some of her friends would call her and tell her how they were lately, strangely, we're all in the same boat.  I wonder why?  Could it be because of age?

Did you ever get the feeling of huffing and puffing like you're running after something and something's running after you?

I feel exactly that way.  It's like I have loads of stuff to do and I'm petrified because I don't know how and where to begin.  At the same time, I am overwhelmed with how fast time flies like it's going to outrun me.

Could it really be because I'm pushing 40?

George Carlin's Views on Ageing

Do you realize that the only time in our lives when we like to get old is when we're kids? If you're less than 10 years old, you're so excited about ageing that you think in fractions.

'How old are you?' 'I'm four and a half!' You're never thirty-six and a half. You're four and a half, going on five! That's the key.

You get into your teens, now they can't hold you back. You jump to the next number, or even a few ahead.

'How old are you?' 'I'm gonna be 16!' You could be 13, but hey, you're gonna be 16! And then the greatest day of your life .... . You become 21. Even the words sound like a ceremony..YOU BECOME 21. YESSSS!!!

But then you turn 30. Oooohh, what happened there? Makes you sound like bad milk! He TURNED; we had to throw him out. There's no fun now, you're just a sour-dumpling. What's wrong? What's changed?

You BECOME 21, you TURN 30, then you're PUSHING 40. Whoa! Put on the brakes, it's all slipping away. Before you know it, you REACH 50 and your dreams are gone.

But wait!!! You MAKE it to 60. You didn't think you would!

So you BECOME 21, TURN 30, PUSH 40, REACH 50 and MAKE it to 60.

You've built up so much speed that you HIT 70! After that it's a day-by-day thing; you HIT Wednesday!

You get into your 80's and every day is a complete cycle; you HIT lunch; you TURN 4:30 ; you REACH bedtime. And it doesn't end there. Into the 90s, you start going backwards; 'I was JUST 92.'

Then a strange thing happens.. If you make it over 100, you become a little kid again. 'I'm 100 and a half!'

May we all make it to a healthy 100 and a half!!

Sparkle

That's the theme of our Sun Life's President's Awards Night last January 24, 2011 at the Rizal Ballroom, Shangri-la Makati.  This was the result of a three-month (October-December 2010) effort and attaining our individual targets.  And, woohoo! I hit the Bronze level.

I'm happy that I was a medallion qualifier. But Bronze wasn't enough to have my photo published in the newspaper like in the August Championship last year when I hit the Gold level.  That's alright though.  I did my best and that's all that matters.  Next time. I'll do better.  Although I didn't have my photo published, my name made it to the newspaper anyway.

Philippine Star, February 28, 2011

Here are some of the photos during the event.

Red Spruce Medallion Qualifiers

L-R: Dar, Henson, Kat, Cymbee, me, Tin, May, Shirleen, Aileen, Enoch & Alex

me!

I didn't enjoy the food (I never liked hotel food), but I totally enjoyed the company of my colleagues.  Here's looking forward to more awards this 2011.  Thank you, Lord!