Bringing in another year!

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! (2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV)

We all love new. Anything new seems to trigger tickling sensations all over your body. New toys, new people. New experiences (happy or heartwrenching). New opportunities, new dreams, new hope. And with prayers, new life.

With God we always can start off with a clean slate. We dont need it to be New Year's day to experience His renewing power and love. He is able and willing to do so each day.

I am truly excited for this year. 13 is not a number to be dread. We claim it in Jesus' name. There will be bigger and greater things to come. Bigger blessings but also bigger ways to serve Him, too. As we receive, so must we do our part in service. That is our meaning and purpose.

2012 was a wonderful year. I will look back at it fondly and know that my God is good.

HAVE A WONDERFUL 2013 EVERYONE!

Quinta in a day

The Philippine's 17th typhoon for the year, Quinta, didn't hit us directly as previously reported but the damage has been heartbreaking.

At this time people should be getting over their Christmas hang overs, eating up leftovers, meeting up with balikbayan family members and friends.

Quinta struck Christmas day, leaving so many up to this moment in evacuation centers, few or no saved belongings. Waters continue to ravage Capiz, Iloilo, Aklan and Antique.

We were supposed to be back in Roxas today. But no such luck as far as travelling is concerned. Trucks and buses were turning back.

Watching the news, this time the heartbreak is hitting us at home. Starting the year with nothing, a concept that blows me away.





A friend of mine, Rennit, posted this picture of her town and how bad the waters have come.

The problem with illegal logging, kaingin and taking down mountains for subdivisions are finally taking its toll.

Prayers and help are needed. Lets all do our part after receiving so much this year.

Call me Supermom

The downside of being a mom, no more shopping all for me time much, my plate is no longer just my own, my bed is not as big as I thought it was, my phone is filled with Mother Goose club and Mickey Mouse videos, aches and pains I never thought I'd have at this point.

But on the other hand, my kisses can blow away any pain or booboo. In her eyes I can make wonderful and amazing things, like snap my fingers. My voice can beat Pavaroti's any day!

The list goes on.

I love watching cartoons with her. I do watch it even at this age. But its less embarassing with her around. Coloring/writing. Jumping. Playing with the hoola hoop. Once around my waist makes her exclaim in excitement. Haha!

She is unconditional and so limitless. Wishing on stars amd thanking God for new memories. What could be better?

In the face of such horror

With the recent tragedy in Newtown, the killing of 20 children ages 5-10, my mind can never grasp such pain and evil. Children ripped from their lives in just an instant. Children who still have no concept of death as it really is. Or even evil.

Then as I continue to read a book by Francis Kong, I come upon this chapter. Written years ago but all too true now.

I just wanted to post it here for all of us to reflect on. At the same time, keep thise children and 6 brave adults in our prayers during the season of giving and love.

What are you worth?

Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! (Luke 12:24 NIV)

Growing up, teenage insecurities are a normal part of life. This time of self discovery was very interesting but it was also worth it as far as I was concerned. Yes, I admit, I was never a bad kid. I didn't have the same wild experiences as my classmates. But looking back and even then, I never felt out of place or left out.

Yes, my hair was horrible. I had zits in my back and arms so I never wore sleeveless tops. I had braces and glasses early on and a terrible dark tan because of swimming so much. I preferred to look like a tomboy (baggy jeans, sneakers or top siders and t-shirt) not because I was a tomboy but because I just preferred to be comfortable.

The years Lola and Tita Mila would try to make me into a lady. Lola would make my prom dresses and even for my extemporaneous speech competitions. Tita Mila would bring me to the parlor where I would form a lifelong relationship with Tata. I flew Tata over to make me up for my wedding day. But the pains he took to make my eyebrows right for all these years! I just laugh at the thought!

I knew I was not the prettiest not the smartest in my batch. The boys I liked liked the other girls instead. When I finally landed my Prince Charming (I mean this literally), somehow I could never get myself to go that extra mile. Something was holding me back.

Years after, I am proud and happy that my foolish mistakes are only a handful and none that I should be ashamed of.

I grew up normally although my circumstances as a child taught me to grow up faster than my peers. At that age I had a household to help run with my dad, take care of my brother and start learning the business.

Back then I couldn't describe how and why but now I do know. God was the one holding me back from making super stupid mistakes. He just let me do my thing a bit just for experience and a lesson well learned.

My dad started us in the Lord at a very young age. With all that happened, God became so real. My prayers were real. Accepting the Lord at 15 through baptism. Praying for God's best at 13! God taught Tita G to teach me to pray specifically and my husband was one of those.

My life will never be perfect and absolutely certain. But God has taught me to be above my circumstances. He and I have been through my ups and downs. But then, that's part of a real relationship.

So up to this day, I am still not the prettiest, smartest, most popular girl on the block. But those things don't matter at all.

Its the heart for God and others that have always given me my joy and fulfillment.

Yes, God has blessed me in business. But as much as I am blessed, the more He moves me to help others. He brings me into situations and lives that really compel me to do so. The more God gives, the more I have to give/share. But at the end of my days, I have to smile. God has been so good.

There is a difference between self worth and net worth. The latter fades all too quickly and beyond your control at all times. Your self worth is what goes with you always.

I feel so sad for those who feel unloved but are loved. Unfulfilled but blessed. The people who cant see the way God and people see them. Its always a matter of perspective. I choose and make it an effort, as God has taught me through the years, to see the good and humorous in every situation.

You get to be nutty but not nuts.

There is more...

There's got to be something more than what we toil for everyday. We do not get our valueand worth from the things we produce, possess or purchase, but we get our value and worth from knowing who we are in relation to He who created me. - Francis Kong

God Says Your Lovable - Rick Warren

God says you're lovable. This is so important because you can't fulfill God's commandment to "love your neighbor as yourself" until you believe this. If you don't feel lovable, you can't love anybody else.

Our verse today says a couple things about God's love for us.

God loves you consistently -- He doesn't love you one day and not the next. He doesn't love you on your good days and not on your bad days. God is 100% consistent in his love for you.

God loves you unconditionally -- He says, "I will always love you and it is unconditional. You don't earn it." He doesn't say, "I love you if you're good, or if you do these things, or because you look this way or you do these things."

You never have to wake up in the morning and say, "God, are you going to love me today? Did I read my Bible enough? Did I pray enough?" He loves you consistently no matter who you are or what you do.

What is the result when you really understand this? Daniel 10:19 says "God loves you, so don't let anything worry you or frighten you." When I don't have to worry or be afraid of anything, then I am free to give love to everyone around me.

Mariscos de Capiz

I am probably one of the first people who gets absolutely excited that new places and events are happening in Roxas City. This little town is filled with so much and has always been underestimated. So glad things are starting to look up!

Been hearing about Mariscos de Capiz from friends and seeing the pics and posts on facebook. Finally got to try it this weekend, thanks to my brother and his wife.




We had the binagoongang bagnet and all i can say is, "Extra rice, please!" Crispy, salty and a tang of sweet that only a good bagoong can give. I was shamelessly spooning out the onions and sauce. I'd come back for this any day!



The shrimp curry is Joey and Vicky's favorite. Mixed just right and the serving was decent.



This is sin on a plate. The sizzling bulalo and what looks like carbonara sauce. Makes me want to roll around on it its so good. But its better hot, I have to say. Big portion, too!



The tuna panga was the only thing that disappointed me. But I hope that this was just a fluke.

All in all a very satisfying amd memorable meal. I'm proud of what it represents and I hope we have more of these in my hometown.

A moment of shock

I will never understand what goes into a mind of anyone who would like to end another life so easily and heartlessly. How people actually even plan it ahead of time.

We live in a very dark world when its the children doing such terrible things to each other.

This time the gunman was 20 years old. 20. I was a child at 20! I just graduated college and I still had somuch to learn, experience and consider. How could aboy of 20 kill 20 children ages 5-10 and 6 adults? I hope I never do understand.

Father, only you know. You look into our hearts each day. As hearts break this day I know your heart breaks even more.

I will hold Dani closer today.


http://news.yahoo.com/man-kills-26-conn-school-including-20-kids-212835177.html

Fear and future

Fear is such a real part of lie, nowmist of all with Dani in my life. Every day I lift her up to God but I know sometimes the fear doesn't go away just like that. I know I need to learn more about how much God loves me and Dani more.

My life has been witness to its own hurt and tragedy. Moments that lead you to ask "Why, Lord?" But when you do get the point wherein you look back, I cannot deny the many times God has answered, "I told you I have it covered. Now do you believe?"

Just like the disciple that was already walking on water but then started to doubt, I pray I dont suffer the same fate. God has proven His love too many times.

So as always, I lift up Bryan and Dani up to the Lord for as long as I will live. As I do, may I hang on to the days wherein God's love has never come short or late. To not let fear overtake my view of what the love of the Lord can do.

"Our children will inevitably face difficulties in their lives, the specifics of which are not revealed to us yet, but when they walk through the valleys they someday will, the most important thing is that they go with God, hand in hand. Our responsibility is not to fear what lies ahead but to fortify their hearts with a sincere love for God, his truth, his promises, and a perspective of faith. For if we build on this foundation, when the storms of life come (and they surely will), they will have the confidence to believe and see that God indeed causes all things to work together for the good of those who love him (Romans 8:28)." - Joy Tanchi

Holding on to let go

"The bird of paradise alights only upon the hand that does not grasp." - John Berry

Still coming to terms with the overwhelming surge of love to someone in such an instant. But I do have to remember that I am raising Dani because someday, I will have to let her go.

Life is so upside down at times. And this fact is just one of the many.

My prayer is that Dani grows up loving the Lord with her whole heart, has a good level of self-confidence, independent, fearless (unlike me), patient, has a good heart, thoughtful and loyal. I know I'm hoping for someone perfect. But its more of a prayer that she try to be all this all the days of her life. As I strive to be so as well.

The value of trying

"It is hard to fail, but it is worse never have tried to succeed." - Theodore Roosevelt

At 1 year, 5 months, things are getting interesting and challenging. As much as new and delightful hints of Dani's creativity, witt and intelligence shines through, she does have her stubborn and naughty side.

Battle ground now is eating. She loves snacking! But when mealtime comes, she refuses most of the things that we give her and she prefers apples, pears, yoghurt, ice cream instead! As delightful as it may be, we can't give it to her every single time.

This struggle started this week. So now starts the establishing of authority, discipline and obedience. Easier said than done. When those pouting lips, glaring eyes that melt into a whimper than a sob... Its the toughest thing to sit through. I've never felt so frustrated, sad and irritated in a long time.

But Bryan and I have been tackling this together and as much as we would like to show her love, we also have to stand our ground and be firm.

We're not there yet. Far from it. But its a learning process for all of us.

In 2 minutes, I'm bringing her down for dinner again. I pray she behaves better this time, with Bryan still at the gym.

Unconditional love come comes discipline as well.

Cast your burdens upon Him

"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me --- watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly." - An invitation from Christ in Matthew 11:28-30 THE MESSAGE

New morning, new start, new step!

Because of the Lord ’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22, 23 NIV)

As I start this beautiful Wednesday morning, this wonderful verses came to my attention. God's love and faithfulness is brimming to the full every single day. It is never depleted or low. It gets a fresh start each morning whenever we feel like we are running on empty.

There is always hope and God always gives us the night to have our dreams. With those dreams we build our hope and theough the day he also gives us the paths to make it a reality. But let us always remember, God's reality for us is beyond our greatest hopes and dreams.

Our problems are there and they challenge us to take a step of faith. Stepping up means it is going to be hard. But God works best outside our comfort zone.

This is also what I read today from Rick Warren:

Throughout the Bible we see an important truth illustrated over and over: the Holy Spirit releases his power the moment you take a step of faith.
God waits for you to act first. Don't wait to feel powerful or confident. Move ahead in your weakness, doing the right thing in spite of your fears. This is how you cooperate with the Holy Spirit and develop your character.

Sawatdee kaa, Bangkok!

Just got back from Bangkok and Pattaya, Thailand! Special thanks to Shera and Melchor of CCL for an unforgettable experience!

So blessed to have been able to visit Thailand for the 2nd time this year, plus, it was all FREE!

4 days, 3 nights still leaves me wanting for more. But then again, I consider that a good thing. It means I would be more than happy to come back!

Will post pictures as soon as we get home. Missing our little girl so much! Bryan was such a fun partner and we met new and interesting people. Life of hardware owners, not a dull moment! :-D