A LOVE FOR A BROTHER

As you celebrate your birthday today, I just want to thank you for being such a loving brother. Thank you for the sacrifices you made for me, it may not be known to  many but because of your unselfish love for me you give up your dream of becoming an engineer just to pursue my own dream. And will be forever grateful for that.

We grown together yet distance keeps us apart but the love that bind us as brother and sister will remain and will flourish until the end of time. We may have our fight before, have our own disagreement and opinion on many things and often times we argue yet I know you will always be my protector. You will always there for me and will fight for me no matter what.

God not only blessed me with wonderful family but He also blessed me with people whom will love and accept me for who and what I am. We have been through a lot.  We have our own ups and down. You see me at my worst yet you never fail to believe in me.

As you celebrate today your special day, its my time to say THANK GOD FOR HAVING A BROTHER LIKE YOU. I am blessed to have you in my life and never will I exchange you and our family for anything in this world. You are one of my God's greatest blessings. My childhood will not be that complete and colorful without you. For you are my 1st best friend and my 1st enemy. With you I learned to give love and accept love unconditionally.

Praying that God will continue to work in your life. I know He has many plans for you and  will fulfill at His own perfect time. May you continue to seek and let His will be done in you. I love and miss you.

PLOW YOUR GROUND

As I watched the rain fall down into the ground, penetrate and watered the dry land, it reminds me of our HEART. Our heart which considered the vast land of our life. As the new year is approaching, have we checked lately the condition of our heart? Is your heart is still a fertile land or it is already a fallow or unused one? Are there any stumps, thorns, weeds, big and immovable rocks that need to be cleard and removed so that God will be able to plant again new seeds?  

In just a few days we are about to end the present year and preparing to face new year wherein we will faced with new problems and new joys, God will teach us new lessons and new blessings will be upon us. It is also the time we have to prepare to sow for new seed, it also the time to break up our fallow ground.

The phrase "unplowed ground" or "fallow ground" is the Hebrew noun nîr, "the tillable, untilled, or fallow ground."* It is land that could be productive, but for whatever reason has not been broken up, tilled, plowed, and prepared for planting.

Breaking up our fallow ground is not an easy task, it takes a lot of energy and effort to do it. We may feel once again the pain and all the hurt that we have been through in the past and many memories will be again remembered. We may have already sealed that area in our life and never let anybody enter again. But we need to let God break up those old resentment and heal those hurts. He will pull the plow, but we must direct it toward those hard places in us that we know must be dealt with.

God is our great Vinedresser. If we will let Him break up the additional fallow ground in our life, He will extend and enlarge our fruitfulness.

Looking forward over a New Year is a great time to rededicate the tracts of land that comprise our life and put them under cultivation and nurturing for God. Now is the time to break up these unplowed fields and yield them to His growth. He calls us to this. Then the New Year will be one of the rich blessings.

"Sow for yourselves righteousness,

reap the fruit of unfailing love,

and break up your unplowed ground;

for it is time to seek the Lord,

until he comes

and showers righteousness on you." (Hosea 10:12)

New year is  start of a new beginning, start of a  new life with God , start of a new YOU.

A blessed and fruitful 2011 to all.



CHRISTMAS GREETING

As we prepare for the glimpse and glitters of this festive occasion, let us utter a simple prayer of thanksgiving to the One, who is the true reason of the season. Let us be reminded of His great sacrifice that because of His great love to us He gave us His own Son for the salvation of mankind.

Let us not also forget to share the blessings we have received for this year. Allow our hands to be emptied so that we will have more space for a more and greater blessings for the year to come

Wishing and praying everyone for a blessed and meaningful Christmas and a bountiful year ahead.

DEAR GOD

In our previous Friday school, we tackled about the story of Joseph the Dreamer, on how God works in his life, that even though he suffer trials and pains still he remain faithful to God and was able to forgive those people who have done wrong to him especially his brothers whom because of their jealousy sold him and became slave and later on governor of  Egypt. From there Joseph's life changed though he was put into jail because of false accusation yet God never leave his side.

As I asked the kids if they where in Joseph's place what will they do and what they will tell to God. Their answers really caught me in surprise. I never expected such answers. I was really touch and move by their answers.  Some of them maybe out of the topic but they  pour out what is in their heart. Allow me to share some of them with you.

….God I feel sad because Lord I can't do anything, do what you like but I know that we should read the Bible, share God's word and pray.

…Please forgive me for all my sins that I've done to my friends, neighbors, family and you God If I fail my duties I will never give up because I am a champion for Christ who never gives up.

…See I am a little sad because in Christmas my little brother have many gifts and me only few. But I am also happy because my bother decided that we will share the gifts all together.

…Help me to be friendly and respect my parents and Lord please forgive me when I sinned.

Their hearts are pure, they forgives easily and accept their wrong doings. They are really precious in God' eyes. And the kingdom of heaven is with them.

As Christmas is approaching let it  be a reminder for us that the most beautiful gift we can ever give to the child who was born in the manger is our heart. Let's keep it pure because only those who have pure heart can see God.

God forgive me in all my wrong doings, forgive me if I offense others because of my uncontrollable tongue, forgive me for all bad thoughts that have been stored in my mind, forgive my every actions that are not pleasing to you. Keep my heart pure make it whiter than snow. Because this is the only gif that I can give to your son Jesus Christ. Amen.

How fairy tales end?

Some of our most love fairy tales character

Cinderella

Snow White

Little red riding hood

Sleeping beauty

Jasmine (Aladdin)

Belle (Beauty and the beast)

The little mermaid

Seems like only yesterday...

BARBIE DOLL has her 50th birthday this year......

Tweety Bird  is 60 years old!

And what about all our other ....

CHILDHOOD

SUPERHEROES?

SUPERMAN

Thor

Wonder Woman

    

 Batman and Robin

SPIDERMAN

....but there is one hero that will live forever. HE never change. He still the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.

Our first and true superhero.....




For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace....Isaiah 9:6

STILL A BABY

Dec. 18, 1987, I was 8 years old then when I was first saw you. You're so tiny, so small, so fragile. Am so afraid to touch you nor come near you thinking that I might hurt you.

I thought having only the four of us (Dy, Ma, Ate and Kuya) is already a family. But your arrival made us even more complete. You bring joy not only to us but am sure for the whole clan as well. You make us smile and you lighten our lives. You're God's wonderful and precious blessing to us. We can never imagine our life will be without you.

As times go by I started to understand my new responsibility as your "ate" (older sister). I bring you wherever I go, we play together,  share the same room, borrow each other clothes and even take a bath together when you were still small. Those memories will always be in my heart forever.

I saw how you grew up, from your 1st step, 1st word, 1st day of school until now that you have your own life to live with.. Though we sometimes fight, scolded and try to correct you, we may disagree from time to time due to our age gap and often times I insist what I think is best for you . But didn’t you know that I'm your greatest fan?

You've gone so far, you grown up to be a beautiful young lady, full of joy, full of talents and full of love. I see how God works into your life and how you used all the talents He entrusted to you.

It's your special day today and I want the whole world to know how blessed I am to have a sister like you and if He will let me start my life all over again I will still choose to have you in my life. Though you're already adult now but for me you will always be that little girl whom I carried with in my arms.

Happy 23rd Birthday my dearest sister… May God continue to bless your life and lead you in the path He prefers for you. Am always and will always be here for you. I love you.

A sister is a gift to the heart, a friend to the spirit, a golden thread to the meaning of life. 

THE GREATEST GIFT

People making lists

Buying special gifts

It's a time to be kind

To one and all

It's that time of year

When good friends

Are dear

And you wish you

Could give more

Than just presents

From a store

December is considered as one of the most expensive, busiest and awaited month of the year. People from all walks of life take their  time to prepare something to give for their love ones, friends and relatives.

It is also the time of Christmas party and of course of exchanging gifts. I remember my good old school days, I'm not excited when it comes to exchanging gifts not because I don’t have gifts to bring with but because I'm expecting too much for what will I received and often times I received less of what I have been given.

As times goes by and as I reached adulthood I still have the same dilemma when it comes to exchange gifts. Until such time God changed my point of view. Thus when we give do not expect anything in return. For God loves a cheerful giver.

God himself gave us the most precious gift any mankind cannot afford to buy or have. He gave it free and it is the gift of salvation through His Son Jesus Christ. If we will look into our selve we are not worthy to received such gift yet God gives freely to us without expecting anything in return of same value and worth . We only need to accept and enjoy His gift.

Hope you already received God's gift to you and if not get hurry and take that gift.

For us a child is born,to us a son is given,and the government will be on his shoulders..And He will be called,Wonderful Counselor,Mighty God, Everlasting Father,Prince of peace...(Isaiah  9:6 )

What is it like to be a BELIEVER

A woman was asked by a co - worker, "What is it like to be a BELIEVER?"

The co - worker replied, "It is like being a pumpkin." God picks you from the patch, brings you in, and washes all the dirt off of you. Then He cuts off the top and scoops out all the yucky stuff.

He removes the seeds of doubt, hate, and greed. Then He carves you a new smiling face and puts His light inside of you to shine for all the world to see."

In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16

-forwarded

GOD'S BEAUTIFUL CREATION

Sometimes our days are so busy and full and we forget how short and simple life is. We are too occupied with so many things that sap our time and energy. From the time we woke up we are already exhausted from all the things that we need to do. We even forget to utter a simple prayer of thanksgiving for a new day that God has given us, along the day we tried to squeezed our time just to accommodate our tasks for the day so when we reached home at night we are dead tired and yet planning again for the next day.

Because of that we tend to ignore the simplicity of life. We tend to forget to appreciate little things in life. We missed the opportunity of being carefree again. We missed the child in us.

When was the last time you smell a flower, listen to the chirping bird or even watch the children happily playing on the street? When was the last time you pause and thank the Lord for the beautiful creation He sets before your eyes?

That’s what the Lord reminded to me when we held our YA retreat in Al Ain. Far from the hustle and bustle of city life, far from the time consuming and nerve wrecking paper works and free from all technologies the world has offering us. It once again refreshes my soul. And again I feel that with all the mountains surrounding me no one can be able to harm me, that even in the middle of chaos and storms of life I know I'm safe and secured for my refuge is the same God who created them all.

Let us always admire and appreciate God's beautiful creation because time will come they will all be gone and only what remain are the pictures of them in our heart.

CHRISTMAS IS IN THE HEART

Now that Christmas is just around the corner, everybody's busy planning their Christmas celebration, which and what gift to buy, the list of food they will prefer on their table. Children busy practicing for their month long Christmas carol, the colorful Christmas lights and decoration and the cold breeze that greets you outside, it can't help but bring sadness in my heart. I really miss Christmas back home.

It's been my 4 years now that I'm away from home during Christmas season. Working in a land where Christmas is not in their list it is really hard, some Christmases I remember spend working. I can't be with my other fellow housemate to wait for midnight countdown because I have to  work next day. I really miss the festivities, the warm smile that never get tired to greet everyone, the happy faces of every child as they received their gifts from their ninongs and ninangs. The reunions and all family gatherings that unite and keep us together.

It is also one occasion where in forgiveness overflows where everyone is at peace with one another. It a time of year where their is no war, no rift, no violence. Peace is all the over the places. Love is all the around the corner. Love dwells in everyone.

Nothing really can beat how we Filipinos celebrate the most joyous occasions of all time. Though many things happen to our country we experienced so much disasters, storms, tragedies that almost bring us down as one nation as well as within ourselves as individual we have gone through many trying and difficult time in our life this year that tested our faith and our capacity as human being but it will not be the reason for us not to celebrate Christmas. That’s the Filipino spirit that I'm truly proud of. We never let circumstances hinders us from spreading the true spirit of Christmas.

Christmas is not in the place where you are but it is in the heart. For Christmas is all about God, all about His unconditional love for us that through His son Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour, who was born on a manger and died on the cross for the salvation of mankind. God's love that is beyond all understanding.

I may not be celebrating Christmas again the way it was used to be I may not be able to eat again bibingka, puto bungbong and the noche Buena but one thing is for sure, Kahit sang panig man ng mundo magninining ang Pinoy.

For Christmas is in the heart of every one who knew the truly meaning of it.

Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

A BLESSED AND MEANINGFUL CHRISTMAS TO ALL



PART TIME JOB

CHANGES

Every time  I'm passing by in this area (this is where I stayed during my previous 3 years here in UAE) so many memories started to come back to me. Memories that brings joys, gladness and a little tears in my heart. But as always said…there's nothing  permanent in this world but change. No stability, no security.  Every one of us comes to some certain point in our life that we have to move on. We have to leave our family and friends back home to explore the other side of the world. We have to leave behind our comfort zone and put our self on battle field of life to test our strength and endurance. We have to leave the company that we learned to love with in exchange of greener and better pasture.

People, things, circumstances change. It's the catalyst of life. It may be hard at first, we started to complain, we become pessimistic and worst of all we give up. We are broken and with that we forgot to see a clearer picture of what is set before us. A wonderful promised that God is giving us. "...For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future..." (Jeremiah 29:11). His plan is concrete and nothing nor anyone can change it.

It is also an assurance for us that in spite of all the changes that are happening right now there is still one thing that never change and that is the love of God for us that continue to go on and on. It is overflowing and constant.

So if you are in the midst of changes right now and you think that it is unstoppable just be still for the God we have is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. (Hebrews 13:8) He alone NEVER CHANGE and His love never fails..

EID 2010

I'm back from  5 long day holiday in celebration of Eid Al Adha here in UAE .It was such a wonderful days to be cherished for. It really refreshed my body, mind and soul. Allow me to give some best highlight of my week long holiday.

Day One - November 16, 2010

Location: Sharjah National Park

Event: WIN Sharjah Family Day

With my 4 yrs stay here in UAE and being a  member of WIN Sharjah never did I attend family day it is not because I don’t have to but laziness always attacking me. I would rather  stay at home and waste my time doing nothing than to have fellowship with my "family". But God is really good because HE let me experience the joy not only being surrounded of God's people but also with the beauty of His creation that really refreshes my soul, it may be a tiring day but the joy, the fun and the laughter is really beyond compare.

Day Two – November 17, 2010

Location: One and Only Royal Mirage

Event: Lunch date with Thursday Group

Who would think that only rich and famous people can have  lunch in this nice, cozy and elegant restaurant? It not even in my wildest dream, maybe because sometimes we are too much contented with what we have right now and never think that we can also experienced what those wealthy and famous people have in their life. We forget that our God is the owner of everything that is here on earth and as His heir we have the privileged to enjoy the beauty of it. And that's what you called blessings from God. This event is really in God's plan because everything works out smoothly. Truly a memorable experience that will be cherished for a lifetime.

Day Four – November 19, 2010

Location : Win Sharjah church (Union Church)

Event: Thursday Group Presentation

from left to right: Agnes, Erika, Sharon, Shiala, Me, Guen, Rona, Alma, Thess, Sigrid and Lizzie

11 lives…11 souls…Pipol Transformed. It is really amazing how God moves in our life. All of us have different stories, different testimonies, different experiences in life to share with. As we are preparing for this presentation we have only one common goal that is God will be praised in our lives and those people who will hear and see our presentation will be touched and experienced the same transformation God had done to us.

The 2 days in between were spend at home recharging and bonding with my housemate and doing some house chores.

God be praised



NOVEMBER CELEBRANTS

They say that real test of friendship is distance. It doesn't matter how long or how far you have been apart from each other but on how you will able to pick up once again the pieces where you left off. Friends are the missing puzzle in each one's life. Same with puzzle game you have to seek thoroughly, spend lots of time and energy before you will be able to complete it , same with friendship or in any relationship time , energy and commitment are some of the main ingredients to achieved a lasting one.

This month 3 of my friends who's all name starts with letter A and whom I dearly missed celebrated their birthdays. Two of them already find peace in the bosom of our Creator and the other one I hope his happy with the life he had right now.

I would like to take this opportunity to tell them how much I value the friendships we have. Though it was such a short time but the memories we have will last for a life time and I wished they are still here to them how thankful I am to have them in my life.

Angie – every time I see Myra singing in front of the congregation it is you that I'm reminded of. You're dedication and commitment in serving God through the talents that He gave you was really beyond compare. You may not be with us anymore but we know you're happy now because you singing now in front of the One who gave you that talent. Missed our ROTANA times.
 

Ahlen - our sweet Ahlen. Who can forget the one who love monkeys. You're sunny personality and positive outlook in life are some of what I admire most of you. Wish we have more time together. You may not able to fulfill all your earthly plans but being with the One who holds our future is greater than any fulfilled plans. Missed our gala moments in Karama.

Arturo - It's been 3 yrs since my last conversation with you . Don’t worry I don’t have any ill feeling towards you. Though there are questions in my mind that till now are left unanswered but still I understand and thank you for the friendship we had even for such short time. I pray that you already find the happiness that you've been looking for. No matter what happen you will always be remembered and will always be part of our family. We will always be thankful for sharing your life with us. We may not able to see and talk with each other same like before but you will always be in our prayers.

So long my friends…..looking forward to see you once again ….

Friends come and go but only those who knew the true meaning of friendship stays for a lifetime.

LIVING WISELY

Living wisely in this world takes a lot of courage, a lot of persistence and a lot of hard work. Everyday we are in a battle field; we are being attacked of many circumstances that will somehow test our faith. We have been tested. We sometimes win, but most of the time we lose.

Being Christian God commanded us that we should live not as unwise people but as wise people (Ephesians 5:15). It will not only spare us from the attack of the enemy but we will also know what God's will in our life is. The carefulness Paul advises is in how we live. We are to make sure we live as God intended, following his example (Ephesians 5:1). What we have to do is to grasp every opportunity to live as children of light, to let our light shine, and to transform our world.

As the light of the world, we should shine. "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden (Matthew 5:14). It reminds me of the story of a curious firefly. His mother told him not to get near the gas lamp for he will be burned but because of his curiosity he keeps on coming near and near to the light until such time that his wings get caught on fire and he died. Let us be the gas lamp and the world is the firefly that because of our bright light the world will become curious and will come near to us which will lead them to a far more everlasting relationship with the true source of Light.

Make the most of our time, being prepared and tuned in to win over the challenges that will prevent us from living in the light. Common challenges that we experience every day show us whether we stand in the light or the darkness. The days are evil-will we make the most of them by pursuing the light of Christ, or by stumbling around in the dark? Will we give up the pleasures of the darkness in favors of the clarity of the light?

Grant us understanding, Father, as we engage our world in Jesus’ name. May we grasp every opportunity that you present to us to live out the gospel in our world.

ITS YOUR DAY

Since I was young my circle of friends are limited. I am not the 'MS. FRIENDSHIP' type of person, though I knew lots of people but only few of them knows the real me and yet through the years and in every stages of my life God send people  who will stood with me all the way and I thank God for that.

One of them is celebrating another year of God's faithfulness in her life and let me take this opportunity to let her know how thankful and blessed I am for the friendship we shared through out these years.

There's a lot of things to be thankful for yet let me give few of them.

• thank you for being my mirror , seeing the good and bad in me yet still accepts me for who I am.
• thank you for understanding my mood , you're there when am happy, when am sad and when am stubborn.
• thank you for listening to all hopes, desires and even my frustrations and hang ups
• thank you for sharing with me your ups and down, your victories, failures and even your secrets, you never failed to update me with your life.
• thank you for being a sister to me, allowing me to be part of your family.
• thank you for everthing you'd done for me, for being there all the time.
• thank you for sharing your blessings to me in small and big ways, thats why God is blessing you more and more.

We may have each other differences, we may argue on some issues and we may fight over on something, distance will separate us but the friendship will stay strong till the end.

May prayer for you is that may God continue to work on you in His magnificient way.  May He blessed you with His outporing love and open the gates of heaven to shower you blessings far more than you hope and expected it to be.  I pray that our friendship grows more and more deeper and deeper and though we may separate ways and build a family we both dream of, may it still stand the test of time.

You're one of  the wonderful blessings  I received from God.

... A woman's heart is kind, wise, gentle, beautiful  and thats what makes you so wonderful...Wishing you an amazing HAPPY BIRTHDAY!..

AS I CONQUERED FEAR

For sure most of you will agree with me that going to hospital is one of the least place we want to be in Though I can stay there for few hours if necessary  I will stay only in one place  but roaming around like going from emergency room, to specialist, to xray room, to pharmacy is big NO to me especially if I will pass through a crowded hallway with sick people on both sides. Aside from that I really dont like the smell of antiseptic and all other hospital odors, it really makes me feel more sick than all the patients there.  Nurses and doctors to me are like enmeies, injection and pills are their weapon against me. 

So when Agnes keeps on vomitting  since Monday night  I dont have no choice but to bring her to the hospital, afraid that she will get dehydrated.

As we are entering....the chilly feeling engulfed me, good thing I bring on my jacket .  All the memories of Inay when she was still the hospital's favorite patient brings all back to me.  But God's grace and love comforted me.  I have to overcome my fear for the welfare of Agnes.  God makes everything easy for us, all the hospital personels assist us very well. 

 I would like also to give thanks to all who prayed and called us offering any help they can .  Truly we are not away from home. We still have our God's family to be there for us all the way especially during this time. 

Please continue praying for her as she still having slight dizziness but through God's grace and  mercy she will be completely healed.

I just pray flu will not attack me again......

Blessed day everyone... God bless us all.... 

For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

Philippians 4:13

MAG ISIP

Ayan ka n naman

Lulubog lilitaw

Minsan andyan minsan wala

Nakakahilo nakakaloko

Naisip mo na bang

Minsan naman mag seryoso

Sabihin na kung ano ang gusto

Nang di laging ganito

Ako'y di manghuhula

At lalong di mahilig sa mahika

Ako'y tao na may puso at damdamin

Nasasaktan at dumaraing

Iyo sanang maunawaan

Di lahat ng sandali

Akoy nariyan

Handang tumakbo pag iyong kailangan

Baka dumating ang sandali

Akoy mapagod at mapagal

Kahit anong hanap

Akoy hindi  na mahagilap

Habang maaga iyong isipin

Sa buhay ano ba ang ibig

Ito'y isiping mabuti

Nang sa huli'y di mag sisi