Why Worry?

I just want to re-post this article from the Purpose Driven Daily Devotional.

Why Worry? by Rick Warren “And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?” (Matthew 6:30 NLT).

Do you tend to expect the worst? Do you panic when you get a letter with IRS stamped on the envelope or when you hear a rumor about layoffs at work? The word worry comes from an old English word meaning “to choke or strangle.” Of course, that’s exactly what worry does to your productivity and happiness. It’s a self-defeating waste of time. In his famous Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6:25–34), Jesus gave four reasons for not worrying and the secrets of overcoming it: 1. Worry is unreasonable. To worry about something you can’t change is useless. To worry about something you can change is foolish! And every time you review a worry in your mind, it just gets bigger. Worry amplifies problems out of proportion. 2. Worry is unnatural. You weren’t born a worrier. It is a learned response to life. In fact, you have to practice to get good at it. Fortunately worry can be unlearned. The only species in God’s creation that worries is human beings. We don’t think God will take care of us. 3. Worry is unhelpful. It doesn’t work. It can’t change the past. It can’t control the future. It only makes you miserable today. Worrying about a problem never solves the problem. 4. Worry is unnecessary. God has promised to take care of you if you’ll trust him with the details of your life. As a child, if you asked your father for lunch money you never worried about where it would come from. That was his problem. Let God be God in your life! “God will take care of you, just have faith.” How can I break the worry habit? First, trust God with every area of your life: “But your heavenly Father already knows perfectly well that you need them, and he will give them to you if you give him first place in your life and live as he wants you to” (Matthew 6:32 LB). Second, live just one day at a time: “So don’t be anxious about tomorrow. God will take care of your tomorrow too. Live one day at a time” (Matthew 6:34 LB).

For more info, please visit this.

He Opens a Window

He Opens a Window by Jim Rule

I thought that I was well prepared for all life had in store.

It seemed that I had everything and could not ask for more.
Now the things I thought I wanted have vanished with the wind.
But I won’t give in to despair. I’ll look again and look within.

Chorus:
For when God closes a door
He opens a window
But we need to open our eyes.
For when God closes a door
He opens a window
Blessings can come in disguise,
But we need to open our eyes.

It’s hard to know just what to do or even what to say
When hope is gone. You can’t go on, and everything looks gray,
And the things you thought you wanted are nowhere to be found.
If you feel lost and all alone then look again, and look around.

Chorus

Sometimes we pray for an answer.
Sometimes the answer is “No!”
But what we do with each answer
Can show us how we live and how we grow.

And now, at last, I understand. I know just what to do,
And though it’s not the way I planned,
His plan comes shining through.
Thought I knew just what I wanted. Got what I need instead,
And with His love to guide me through,
I’ll look again and look ahead.

Chorus

But we need to open our hearts.
Believe it, and that’s how it starts.

I'm not sure how this song goes but the message is very nice. :-)

We shouldn't lose hope eventhough there may be times that the future looks bleak. He provides us with various opportunities. We just have to be patient and trust Him completely.

Thank you, dear Father, for the windows you open. ;-)

May God be praised.

God bless you all!!! :-)

The Other Side of Puerto Galera

I've been to White Beach several times already. If you want to be seen and if you are looking for party mood, White Beach is really the place for you. However, this year, I wanted something different. I wanted to experience the sea, sand and sun in a more peaceful and serene way. After much research, we decided to try out Talipanan Beach, Puerto Galera.

We booked ourselves at Mountain Beach Resort. Getting there is the same as going to White Beach. Just hop on a ferry boat from the Batangas Pier. We rode one which dropped us off directly at Talipanan. I think you can also reach it by tricycle from White Beach. I am just not so sure about the fare.

The resort was great and the staff was very friendly. Food was also great at their restaurant. We loved their mango pancakes! :-D





It was indeed peacefule there. It wasn't that crowded. Kaya lang, I wasn't so happy with the beach there. Fortunately, when we walked around, we found this very beautiful area. Medyo mahirap lang to go there because it was a choice between going into the waters or climbing steep rocks (we tried both!). But the view was so much worth it! :-D


There were only a few dining places there. I think the most upscale would be Luca's Italian restaurant. We were not so happy with what we ordered the first time we ate there.We had carbonara (not so creamy) and 4 cheese pizza (was there any cheese?!). However, we were so much happier with our food the next night. We had their putanesca and a pork dish. It was so yummy that there was nothing left to take home. ;-)




I would love to spend some time there again. :-)

For more pictures, please visit this site.

Exploring San Pablo

Heart's Day was approaching and most of us had no dates. We then decided to hold our planning session on Valentine's weekend. We were looking for a venue that was out of town but still near and wouldn't cost much. Fortunately, we found out about Starlake Resort in San Pablo, Laguna.


Don't expect too much becuase their charges are really minimal. However, the owner and staff were very accommodating and helpful. Masarap din silang magluto. ;-)

While at the resort, you must visit Mojicap lake. The owner was suggesting another tourist spot, which I forgot, but we didn't have time anymore.



You can find out more about this resort by visiting their site. For more pictures, please visit my multiply.

On Long Distance Relationships

I was writing something regarding long distance relationships. Just want to share a few lines....




I want to be able to laugh with you when I am happy.

I want to be able to cry on your shoulder when I am sad.


I want you to be able to hug me to comfort me when I am lonely or angry.
I want to be able to see you smile.
I want to be able to share a simple meal with you.
I want to be able to go to mass with you.
I want to be able to kiss you just because.

And I want someone who would also want and need the same things from me.

Helping the Holy Souls in Purgatory

I've always known about purgatory and the holy souls. However, I have never really thought about their needs and how to help them. When my mom passed away, a friend gave me a booklet on this topic. I have realized that they do need our help and they need it urgently so that their sufferings may come to an end soon. I thought of my mom and I don't want to think that she's still suffering there after all that she has gone through here on earth. And so I pray for her and for all the Holy Souls in purgatory. It also good to know that they are gratefule to those who have helped them. It says in this site that

When they are finally released from their pains and enjoy the beatitude of Heaven, far from forgetting their friends on earth, their gratitude knows no bounds. Prostrate before the Throne of God, they never cease to pray for those who helped them. By their prayers they shield their friends from many dangers and protect them from the evils that threaten them.

The prayer below is said to release 1, 000 souls each time it is said.

Prayer of St. Gertrude the Great

"Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Most Precious Blood of Thy Divine Son, Jesus, in union with the masses said throughout the world today, for all the holy souls in Purgatory, for sinners everywhere, for sinners in the universal church, those in my own home and within my family. Amen."

Happy 1st Anniversary to me!!!

I just realized that it has been a year since I started with this blog. Tagal na din pala...

This has been a lot of help especially when I felt like sharing and had the time to share.

Thank you to all those who bothered to read my posts and leave comments. I really appreciate it.

I do hope that you'd try to drop by once in awhile. ;-)

Happy blogging to me! :-D

Ma

I miss my mom so much. :-(

My mom passed away last April and it has been tough ever since. I remember someone telling me that it's hard to not have a mother. Well, the words tough and hard are not enough to describe my situation right now. I don't really expect everyone to fully understand what I am going through because I don't think anyone can comprehend this situation completely until you actually go through it.

However, I'm not going to dwell on my feelings here. I remember something about my mom everyday that makes me miss her so much more and I just want to share some of those things (in random order).

1.) Ma cooked the best spaghetti. Her spaghetti completed our Christmas Eve dinners. I think, for all of us, the best spaghetti would be by our mothers.

2.) She was a great driver! ;-) Well, my mother drove fast and some of my friends can attest to this. ;-)

3.) She took care of our cars very well. Sobrang maingat kaya tumatagal mga sasakyan namin sa amin. She made sure that cars were cleaned everyday! Pati engines, malinis! She would also notice new dents or scratches kaya wala akong lusot. :-P

4.) Ma was willing to bring me (and sometimes with some of my friends, too) to and from the airport or bus station when I had a trip.

5.) Ma didn't follow the "1 solid, 1 liquid" rule for my SFC household dinners. Even if I told her that there would be just a few people attending, Ma would still prepare so much.

6.) Ma loved to label things. She loved to put names and dates on lotion bottles, facial wash tubes, etc. The most recent was on the remote control of my DVD player.

[caption id="attachment_306" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="the remote control with label"][/caption]

Ma was still ok when she wrote this. It hard to accept that she was gone a month after this.

7.) She loved to keep things. She would buy stuff then keep most of them. When we were organizing her stuff, we found many unopened perfumes, face powders, etc.

8.) Ma was the one who kept track of things. I was trying to find out the details of my baptism and confirmation because I was applying to become a lector. Unfortunately, I couldn't find any document with those info. :-(

9.) She would also sometimes prepare my toll fee. I would see the exact amount of a one way toll fee when I get in the car in the morning.

10.) She would open my door and wake me up if I overslept on weekdays.

11.) She would send me off to work.

12.) Ma would always text me "San ka na ba?" if I wasn't home by 11 or 12 on a weeknight or 2 am during weekends.

13.) Ma was more lenient with me when I had no boyfriend. ;-)

14.) She would take me to the doctor or hospital if she knew I wasn't feeling well.

15.) When we were still students, Ma loved to frame our awards and certificates. I have some of them hanging in my room. Yung iba, I can't recall why I have them. :-P Would you believe that I have a Theory and Musicality Award?!

16.) If I won't be able to sit down and have breakfast, she'd have it wrapped and ready to go.

17.) If I had a trip, Ma would prepare my vitamins and other medicines (biogesic, imodium, kremil S, claritin, buscopan ,etc.).

These are just some of the things I miss and will miss about my mom. She made life easy for all of us, for me.

Ma was GREAT, right? SHE IS GREAT.

How are you?

This is one very difficult question.

How do I answer?

If I say I'm ok, do people really think I'm ok? If I say I'm not, is that calling out for attention?

Sometimes, it's so hard to explain your situation, thoughts and feelings. I am not sure if people will really understand what I am going through.

Pwede next question na lang?

Happy Birthday, Sungit!

Here's your Surprise # 2! :-D

Thank You

[caption id="attachment_287" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Thank You"][/caption]

Thank you to all those who remembered and showed their support. God bless you and all your loved ones.

Your Universe

:-)

Your Universe by Rico Blanco

Tell me something
When the rain falls on your face
How do you quickly replace
It with
A golden summer smile?

Tell me something
When I'm feelin' tired and afraid
How do you know just what to say
To make
Everything alright?

Chorus:
I don't think that you even realize
The joy you make me feel when I'm inside
Your universe
You hold me like I'm the one who's precious
I hate to break it to you but it's just
The other way around
You can thank your stars all you want but
I'll always be the lucky one

Tell me something
When I'm 'bout to lose control
How do you patiently hold
My hand
And gently calm me down?

Tell me something
When you sing and when you laugh
Why do I always photograph
My heart
Flyin way above the clouds?

Brats in Bora

This was our favorite picture. :-D Thanks to Manong Ben for this shot, hehehe!

[caption id="attachment_245" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Brats in Bora 07"][/caption]

 I decided to have this printed and give it as a gift to the other brats. I was feeling kind of creative (kuno!) and so I made a different kind of frame for it. ;-)

:-(

I am feeling sad :-(

The Lord knows that it's not a question of whether I want to serve or not. He knows that I want to serve him and do something.

Do my feelings right now tell me that I am being choosy? Or that I am just being called to do something else? :-( :-( :-(

I am looking for something more!!! Am I looking because I am called to somewhere else? Or am I looking because I feel unsettled/unsatisified (don't know the right word for how I feel)?

:-(

Today's Horoscope

May 22 ~ June 21

Gemini: Life is much too short to spend annoyed at others. Today, you'll let things roll of your back. .

Mels Ay-ad's

I got this from my Facebook account.

Ok, fine, I'll TRY to "let things roll off my back" today.

For 2009

I was updating my planner with what I have been doing the past few days. As I was going through the pages, I came across the one wherein I would have to write down my goals for the year. It had different boxes for the different areas of life like personal, career, financial, fitness, etc. I decided to fill it out since I had a few things in mind already.

So what do I want for this year?

Find my spot in the world. I want to do something different this year.

Expand my network. Meet lots of new people!

Learn how to defend or fight for myself at the right time. Sometimes kasi delayed reaction ako. Even if a comment from a person has hurt me ( kahit alam ko na unintentional), parang ok lang. Then I would bring that up to that person at a latter time. Gusto ko matuto na sumagot pero maayos pa rin.

Exercise! Kahit once a week man lang. I want to be fit.  Mahirap magkasakit! Kasama na rin dito ang drink more water. ;-)

Save and invest more! Hindi dahil may pera, kailangan gumastos! Wants should not be mistaken as needs.

Learn, learn, learn! I'm excited to learn about new things from work. Dati ko pa rin gusto to learn how to do sign language.

Travel alone. I've been wanting to do this. Kahit local travel lang. I hope to have the guts to do it this year, hehehe.

As I've said in my previous entry, I am looking forward to this year. I am hoping that better things  will come my way this 2009. ;-)

In 2008

2008 was not a very good year for me. I don’t want to say it was bad because I know that I still have so much in spite of the challenges I encountered during the second half of the year. So, not very good na lang. :-)

The following list of lessons/ realizations is in no particular order. Some of the items, alam ko naman yan e. But last year gave me solid experiences to back up these more.

You’ll know who your real friends are when times are tough. As I mentioned in a previous blog entry, you’ll know what kind of friendship who have with all those people you call friends. There are some that are like family to you. Meron naman pang good times lang pala. Hindi lahat ng alam mong “close” sa iyo eh talagang close friend mo. It was sad to realize that with some people but well, they’re still friends so I am still thankful for them. On the other hand naman, there are some who surprised me with their genuine concern even if I have known them for a few months only. :-)

Prayer helps…big time! I don’t think I would have survived 2008 if prayer was not present in my life. It was not really my own prayers but the prayers of other people. I know that a lot of people prayed for me, my mom and our family and I believe with all my heart that those prayers were the ones that helped (still helping!) us through the hard times.

Miracles do happen. Because of our dear Lord and prayers. I remember the 2^nd day of my mom in the ICU. In the morning, the doctors said Ma was not doing good because of her kidney failure in addition to her respiratory failure. My Dad, an uncle and some of Ma’s friends were crying already because it didn’t really look good. I texted a few of my closest friends from SFC since I knew that they would help me pray. Guess what. When they visited in the afternoon of the same day, Ma was smiling and writing down (she had tubes) her thanks to the people who visited her. THE LORD is TRULY GREAT!

Our parents will not be around forever. I know we’re all going to die but I guess I just really didn’t think about my parents being gone. I’m not ready for that. :-( But having to deal with cancer and the reality of death, I realized that time is really precious and should be spent with the people we really love and who love us the most.

Moms are really special people. Moms are superwomen. They are great at multitasking! ;-) Even when my mom was in the ICU, she would write down all her reminders. A nurse had to take away her pen and paper so she would be forced to sleep!

Time is important and so is timing. I believe in taking my time in doing and feeling some things. If I get mad, you can’t force me to confront the issue. The more that I feel the pressure of settling things, the more that I get mad or pull away. When something bad happens to me, I can’t just immediately say that life goes on. I need time to feel sad or depressed or even angry. Time also heals. And a key to making up, saying sorry and asking for forgiveness is timing. Kumbaga, there's a right time for everything. ;-)

You can’t hurry love…or push for it to happen. Ummm...pwede no comment?! ;-) Hehehehe... Sometimes even when a person seems perfect for you, “things” can’t still happen. Mabait, masipag, matino, maayos na tao, gusto ng friends ko pero wala pa rin! Why? Because there’s something missing. I’m the kind of person pa naman who believes in sparks and magic. ;-) I don’t think I had that last year. What’s funny is sometimes naman puro sparks lang kaya tuloy napapaso ako :-P

Mahirap magkasakit! Even if you’ve prepared, minsan kulang pa yung nahanda mo. Aside from the financial concerns, it’s hard to always feel worried about a loved one. Parang roller coaster ride ang emotions. Sometimes you feel happy when things seem to be going ok then when you see your loved one na not feeling well, you feel down. :-(

It’s so important to save up for the future and rainy days. I believe in enjoying life but this, too, should be done in moderation. We should start thinking about and preparing for our future early in life. Kasi mahirap na when something happens and wala ka madukot. Even though the future is uncertain, we should still prepare as much as we can.

Our families and relatives are our real treasures. Thank God for my Dad, brothers, aunts, uncles and cousins! ;-)

What’s best for many may not be what’s best for me. I ask and listen to people when I have important decisions to make but in the end, I still follow what I think and feel is what’s best for me. It’s sad to feel that you are being compared to others or to feel less of a person because you are on a different road that most people. However, I believe that we are still different from each other no matter how similar we may seem and that we have our own distinct and individual paths to follow.

There are some dreams that you have to let go. I decided last year that I wanted to try finding work overseas again. I know that I’ve said before that I don’t want go away again but times have changed and so are my priorities. I actively took care of my requirements for the 1^st part of my Australian visa application, which got approved by the way. Unfortunately, because of more important matters, I had to forgo (maybe for now only) the processing of the 2^nd part. I was also set to leave for Dubai last September. Hmmm...maybe the Lord doesn’t want me to leave. Well, everything happens for a reason.

People change. Things change. The only thing constant in life is change.

Life happens! Whatever happens or whatever it is that you want to do, life goes on. Sometimes you may feel like just wanting to stay in bed, stay asleep or become an anti-social person forever. But at some point, you would have to get up. You cannot just wish for the bad things to go away first before you more forward because life will not wait for you. Life is both good and bad and we just have to learn how to live through those two things.

I am looking forward to 2009. New year, new life, new things, new people.

My Mama

Just wanted to share this picture of my Mama. :-D

Ma doesn't go out of the house, except for check ups. She rarely accepts visitors also, except for a few relatives. Anti-social din siya! :-P Hehehe, but we're just being careful na hindi siya makakuha ng virus or mahawa sa mga sakit. Mahirap na kasi pag nagkataon. So rare ang picture na ito! ;-)

This was taken last Dec. 28, 2008 when my cousin visited with her family. This was the first time we saw my nephew. Grabe, may anak na ang pinsan ko! :-P Jules is my "ka-batch" na cousin sa mother side. I am actually older than her by a month. Siya may anak na while I am still single! :-P Bwahahahahaha....:-D

[caption id="attachment_213" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Ma with me, Jules and Baby Gav"][/caption]

Ma is about to undergo her 3rd session of chemo. Hopefully, all will go well again. Thank you to all those who keep on praying for her recovery and for our whole family. I really appreciate it. :-) May the Lord shower you with more blessings this 2009!