Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Thankful...

Today is Thanksgiving Day (at least in the U.S.) and while its no big deal here as we don't celebrate Thanksgiving, I would like to take time to reflect and write down things that I am thankful for...

I am thankful for Gods love, grace, faithfulness, mercy and help. Thankful that He sent His son to die on the cross for my sins... I was undeserving but I know am deserving because I have accepted Him in my life and in my heart.

I am thankful for the 'new life' He has given me. A new life of freedom, of second chances to make things right and live a life of obedience.

I am thankful for all the blessings. God has blessed me with much in the past, even now and I know that He will continue blessing my life for all of my days. I am thankful for my family, my friends, my future family, his provision for a comfortable life, for my health that is getting better ( I will be healed in Jesus name). 

Indeed, I am overflowing because of everything He is giving me that I am able to pour it out to the people around me...

Just remember that when things are not going the way you want it, having a sense of gratefulness will certainly put things in a brighter, better perspective. Its always good to count your blessings. Happy Thanksgiving! Cheers! =)

Its all about Grace...

Lately, I've been struggling with my inner demons. Having a general feeling of hopelessness about some things, days when I feel that my prayers don't get pass the ceiling, a feeling of enviousness why I am still waiting while the others have gotten the answers to their prayers. There are so many things I don't understand, I'm not in control of and a lot of "why's" haven't been answered. It sometimes just feels tiring. I just feel that its not fair and yes, I do feel a 'little tampo" to the Big Guy up there.

But He is ever-loving, ever understanding and a patient Father. He can tolerate the "Bratinella" in me. And He is ever-faithful too. I feel condemned and undeserving for He still talks to me. During my quiet time, He impressed to me that if things are not the way they are then I will not be able to feel, understand and receive the GRACE! Its all about Grace.... Now I feel rotten with guilt being a brat but I am oh so thankful. =)


"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect for weakness". Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ sake, I delight in weakness, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. ( 2 Cor. 12:9-10)

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Countdown to year end...

Oh my Gawrsh! Only 30 days to go before Christmas. The nights are breezier and longer, the traffic seems to get worst too. Hahaha. The tree has been put up and the unit is already decorated, I am almost done with my Christmas shopping although I haven't started wrapping yet BUT I honestly don't feel it  yet. BOO! I know, right? There is just so much to do, many loose ends to tie up before 2010 ends...

I don't really feel good about it. After all, Christmas is about "HIM", its not about me or getting what I want. I hope to come around feeling the Christmas spirit soonest, just letting things go and enjoying it. Its going to be a different Christmas definitely because my sister and her family will not be spending it with us and its our first without my grandfather who passed away last month but nevertheless, I am hopeful that this will be a happy one as well. I guess its all about learning to ride with the waves and coping with change when things are beyond your control...

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

What do we value as a family? ...

I saw this post from a Pastor in my FB and it made me think of this. What are the core values that we have as a family? Just like any organization which has a mission/vision statement, a family should also have something to live by that glues them together. I thought of asking my dad but somehow, never got to talk to him about it but I asked my siblings for their inputs. Here is what we came up with :

1. Unity - Dad always reminded us time and again that we should always be united in making major decisions concerning the family specifically. What should work should work for the good of all of us not just one of us. We are each others greatest ally, not enemies. We've got each others back covered. We are Team "V".

2. Loyalty - Our allegiance and devotion belong to each other first and foremost. We may not always agree on the same things but we know where our loyalties lie and we will stand by each other no matter what circumstance, good or bad. We draw strength from each other.

3. Time - No matter how our lives get busy and how far we are from each other, we give each other time. Giving time is another way of saying " You are valuable to me" and spending time equates to showing how important we are to each other, that we are a priority to one another and that we put a premium in family togetherness. We never miss out on occasions, Sunday dinners, spontaneous eat outs or malling, travelling, webcamming, text or a phone call.

4. Humor - The secret to enjoying each others company is our capacity to make each other laugh. We like being together even if we don't do anything special. It is always fun.

5. Generosity - Our dad is a generous dad and he gives the best gifts. He is also generous in extending help to those in need. He raised us not to be selfish and greedy. We are encouraged to share. Bawal madamot.

6. Love - We have so much love for each other that it overflows. This is where our security and affirmation comes from and we never let a chance pass that we are unable to express it in different forms. We are imperfect people, we all have our individual faults but its the love that makes us forgive and accept each other.

These are the things that I think we value as a family. We are blessed to have each other. Someday, when I have my own family to raise with thy beloved, I will impart these and more to my children ( the more has yet to be resolved... hehehe).

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Note to self...

"I am protected, preserved and reserved. " - Wow! That was a great reminder from a friend and because of this, I know I am not waiting in vain because the matters of the heart is already settled and will come to pass soon.

Monday, November 1, 2010

The Real Man...

There is more to a man than just looks and muscles or anything that makes them " The Man ". Joe Ehrmann says there are three false ideas of Musculinity : athletic ability, sexual conquest and wealth accumulation. Instead, true musculinity is defined by two principles. One is relationship. To love and be loved by your family. The other is to live for a purpose bigger than yourself.


"Ladies: Dont settle for a man who can lift a barbel and a beer can, but cant lift a bible!" - Pastor L.A. Mumar

GHOST...

... of the past still comes back to visit me from time to time and leave a bitter taste. And when it does, I forget that I have already released forgiveness and I start getting angry, picking up the heavy luggage that I have dropped once again. Its such a pity that I cannot think of pleasant memories when I think about this person. If there is a legacy left by this ghost that I should be thankful for is that I don't ever want to be like her. Its only by the power of Gods Grace that I rely on to make the right choice to forget, let go and move on... and all is well again. =) Nothing spooky about this on All Souls Day.