Revisiting my 2011

There are so many things happened to me this year. Here are some of the highlights that I thank God for.

1. FB Status changed from "Single" to "In a Relationship" - No one thought that I am going to meet a guy whom I would have courage to enter into a relationship this year. I barely knew him when I said yes to him. Until now I know that we are still in the process of getting to know each other, but I enjoy spending my time with him.

2. I decided to go back and settle in the Province - My family is one of my priorities more than my work or career that is why I decided to go home. I asked God's guidance when I made this major decision in my life and everything goes well as I decided to to stay with my family. I know that this is my season to be with them while working in the province. Since I went home, I have found new set of friends in my workplace.

3. I went to Puerto Princesa, Palawan - Because of my new work, I was given the opportunity to travel and see the beauty of Palawan. I got a chance to see the Famous Underground River in Palawan. Also, It was my first time to see large and beautiful coral reefs during snorkling in one of the reefs in Honda Bay, Palawan.

I said to my bestfriend that 2011 is my freedom year, a year when I won't worry about what people think of what I am doing, and a year when I will free myself from the things I limit myself because I thought God is restricting me but He really doesn't. And now , 2011 is about to end and the question is, Do I need to end my freedom year given the beautiful things happened to my life? This is something I need to think about.

Crocodiles at Palawan

When we visited Palawan last October, we have a chance to visit their crocodile farm. We passed through a bridge where there are lots of crocodiles below. I was really afraid while crossing the bridge since once I fell, I am sure that they will eat me. Look at the pictures below, Aren't they ready to devour me once I fall?  

Since I safely cross the bridge, we went to their mini restaurant where we can eat their famous crocodile meat. Below is the picture of the crocodile sisig. Can you eat them? It tastes good; once you eat it, you'll never know that it is crocodile unless someone told you so.

Also, I never miss to take a picture with the bones of  what's said to be the largest crocodile captured.

Lastly, I also had a chance to touch a live crocodile. Look at our pictures below, we enjoyed holding the little crocodile in our hands. 

Dinner with High School Friends

Herman, one of my close friends, went home this Christmas season. He will be around for a few days, so he asked me and some of our high school friends to have dinner with him. So we met last night at Cinco Ninas, a restaurant here in the province. We ate our dinner, shared some updates about what is happening in our lives. As I heard their stories, I realize that each of us has different path. Most of them are nurses, some are still students taking law or med school and some are young professionals like me. I enjoy chatting with them, seeing each one of us in different careers but still remain to be friends. We still laugh together as we talked about high school especially on those crazy things we did together. It's still early when we finished our dinner, so we decided to drink at U3 Cafe. Mark, being a consultant and whom we assume to have lots of money, treat us with two buckets of beer. After drinking one beer, I asked my boyfriend to fetch me so that I can go home early since I have my office today. So, I said farewell to them; knowing that I am still going to see some of them this week for our reunion.

Experience Joy in Tough Times

"In fact, it often happens that the greater the opposition, the greater the trouble, the greater the problem, the more wonderful is the experience of joy that we receive from God’s consolation." - Derek Prince

It is indeed true that whenever we face troubles and we look upon God, He gives Himself to us. Many times that when I am experiencing some difficulties and I ask God for joy and peace, people would tell me that they see brightness in me. When they told me that, I smiled at them and told myself, they just don't know what I am going through. After which, I pray to the Lord. I praise Him for sustaining and for letting me experience the joy during tough times.

May we always receive God's consolation every time we face mountains in our lives. Always remember that our God is a great God, greater than whatever we are facing right now. 

Let us Pray for the Philippines

Greater things are yet to come; Greater things are still to be done in this city. – God of this City, Chris Tomlin

I want to believe. I want to have faith. That despite of all the things happening in this country, there is still hope, a hope that greater things are still to be done in the Philippines. I wasn’t able to watch the local news recently, but I have an idea on what is going on. The storm “Sendong” hits the Philippines just before Christmas, and thousands of Filipinos were affected. This is just the current news, but before that, there is more, more news that will make your heart faint once you heard it. As a believer of Christ, I know that God allowed these things to happen for a purpose for He is a Sovereign God. So, I pray that God will give each of us a listening heart on what He wants us to see on this and He will continue to give us faith that He has plans for us, plans to prosper us and not to harm us, plans to give us hope and a future. I hope that you will join me in prayer. Let us continue praying for our country, Philippines.

Tiny Stars 12.16.2011

“If my heart got there first, it will be easy to follow it with my body.” - Paulo Coehlo

I THANK GOD FOR EVERYTHING

It's easy to say the words thank you when your prayers are answered by God. But what if God says no to our prayers, can we still say those words?


I thought about it when my prayer was answered by the Lord early this week, I uttered the very words, "Thank you, Lord". But at the back of my mind, I asked myself will I utter these words when God says no to my prayers?  Later that afternoon, I was tested, God said no to my prayer. My initial reaction was  to ask God the reason for not answering it. Then, I thought again. Maybe God wants me to realize that even in those times, God still knows what He is doing. So, with courage and grace from the Lord, I uttered the words, "Thank You, Lord."


I believe God doesn't just test me if I can say the words thank you during tough times, Instead he wants me to be thankful in everything that is happening in my life. He wants me to appreciate everything, not just the good things but every thing including those things that I do not want to happen. He is my Father saying these to me, "C'mon child, I am in control over here, Trust me." The Lord might not able to say it directly to me, but I know that this is what He wants me to do, to trust Him in every single thing of my life, no matter how small or big it is for me.


Praise be to God for He is Sovereign. :)

Tiny Stars 12.05.2011

"We are not fundamentally free; external circumstances are not in our hands, they are in God’s hands, the one thing in which we are free is in our personal relationship to God. We are not responsible for the circumstances we are in, but we are responsible for the way we allow those circumstances to affect us; we can either allow them to get on top of us, or we can allow them to transform us into what God wants us to be." - Oswald Chambers, Conformed to His Image

This is what I always tell to my sister. It's up to us on how we react with whatever is happening in our lives. It is either the circumstances will use us or its us who will use the circumstances. We always have a choice.  :)

It's December!

It's December! And I have all the reasons to be excited everyday. :) 

It's the season to be happy and merry.
It's a time to get together with family and friends.
It's a moment to spread the spirit of faith, hope and love.
It's an occassion where forgivess is everywhere.

And lastly, there is always a Christmas Bonus! Not to mention that I will have a lovely Christmas this year(Having faith to have one)! :)

The risk of being hurt for a chance to be happy

"I fear that this would hurt me." - These were my words whenever I face something unknown in my life. This is the reason why I am afraid to be attached with someone because I know that someday they will leave me and eventually they will hurt me.

This is my perception for a very long time until I come to know this person. He is someone ordinary but I have given him the chance to hurt me. For the first time in my life, I took the risk of being hurt for a chance to have happiness with this person; I have fallen in love with him. He taught me how to live because he awakens in me my capability to love. And because of this, I am writing this blog to let him know how much I love him. :)

“Without love, living has no meaning.” - Paulo Coelho

"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." - 1 Corinthians 13:13

Everyone has its own season

Everyone has its own season. Today is my season to be at home and I should enjoy it at the very least. To be with my family and friends here is one of the most beautiful experience that I will always bring. On the other hand, if life tells me to go out again, then I have to welcome it with gladness. Now, I understand why I feel this way. My plans is to live here for the rest of my life but if the Lord dictates something else, then I must follow. Let His will be done, not mine.

Let's continue to enjoy life wherever we are and whoever we are with. :)

Tiny Stars - 11.09.11

"We will only understand the miracle of life fully when we allow the unexpected to happen." - Paulo Coelho

Live a life! :)

Trip to PALAWAN 10.04.2011



With Mom, Ate Ping, Tatche and Kuya Lando from PALECO.



Jump shot at Puerto Princesa Underground River

Tiny Stars - 10.29.11

If you accept everything, if you dont ask why or how, you are not living, just obeying a set of rules. - Paulo Coehlo

Let's live this life! :)

What would you do if you keep on failing?

I fail. And I fail not just once but always, not just in one area of my life but in almost everything.

I am disappointed. Because I thought I can do it but I wasn’t able to make it.

I am frustrated. Because I tried to control everything but it doesn’t end it the way I wanted to end.

And now, I surrender. Because no matter how hard I fight if I do it in a wrong way (wrong purpose, wrong motivation), then I am not going to win. Today, I surrender every failure, every disappointment, every frustration and all the heartaches to the One who is Sovereign, to God. Today, I will lift my heart to Him and let Him do the fight for me. And I have faith that I will live a victorious life because Jesus made a way for me at the Cross. His grace for me is sufficient and His power is made perfect in my weakness.

His grace is sufficient, for His power is made perfect in weakness

I have been in a tough time lately. Going home is not easy especially if you have been away for seven years. It is more difficult since I’ve been away from my spiritual family. There is no one whom I share my burden with and ask for a prayer.  There is no one who continues to encourage me whenever there is a discouragement along the way. Sometimes, when I realized how difficult my situation is, I cry and pour all of it to God. I ask Him to comfort me because I cannot bear myself without Him in my life.

After continuous praying to Him, the situation is still the same. However, He changes my heart on how should I react in the present situation. I cast all my cares and burdens in Him. He talks to me every day through my friends and my quiet time. He gives me listening ears and understanding heart to know that above all, there is a God who is Sovereign. And in times that I know I am weak, His power is made perfect and His grace is sufficient.

Below is quoted from my QT yesterday:

“It is God’s Spirit that changes the atmosphere of our way of looking at things, and then things begin to be possible which before were impossible. Getting into God’s stride means nothing less than oneness with Him. It takes a long time to get there, but keep at it. Don’t give up because the pain is intense right now— get on with it, and before long you will find that you have a new vision and a new purpose. “–Oswald Chamber, My Utmost for His Highest

A blog from a friend

Kindly click the link. I'm touched with the blog written by my friend. It is about my decision of going home. ;)

http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?hl=tl&gbv=2&gs_sm=e&gs_upl=4315l5925l0l6659l11l8l0l0l0l0l594l954l3-1.0.1l2l0&um=1&tab=iw&q=cache:RoXeJnfheREJ:http://www.bottledbrain.com/2011/03/staying-home.html+shean+roxanne+chiva&ct=clnk

I am not perfect

I know that I am not perfect. I hurt people, I offended them and they made me feel the same also. However, I learn that at the end of the day you will realize that there is forgiveness. Because after a while, you forgive them and you forgive yourself as well. Maybe I'm a little bit emotional on the situation when I face them but I know that it will fade away after expressing it.
Yesterday, I've been too emotional because there are things I won't do but made me force to do. I react immediately without thinking of what will happen because of it. I am always that person and sometimes I hate it.  I want to change this attitude and while doing it, I have to accept and love myself. I am not perfect and it is only by God's grace I am one. He has reasons for everything and He wants me to learn through what happened.
Let's live a good life everyday! :)

.... I want Him, I need Him...

I want to post something here. I want to tell the world that I'm not definitely fine. I want to cry and ask for His help to give me the courage to obey Him. My spirit is willing but my flesh is weak. :( I want to tell God that I am so sorry for not being an obedient daughter. I know He wanted me to surrender everything to Him yet I know that I am holding back. I want Him to fight for me, and not the other way around. I need His grace and I need His presence everyday of my life. I cannot live apart from Him. I know that I cannot do without Him in my life. I need Him. I need His living water to overflow in my life. I want Him to use me in every way to bring glory in His name. I will always hold on to His promises despite what is happening right now. He who began a good work in me will put it into completion, and I will claim that promise. I need to write this in order for me to understand that despite the current situation, I will always desire Him in my life. He alone satisfies my soul.

SOCOTECO-I 40th Foundation Anniversary

After one month of preparation and dance practices for the show, we finally celebrate the 40th Anniversary of SOCOTECO-I.

8:00 AM: Tree Planting Activity at Brgy. Paraiso, Matulas, Koronadal City

2:00 PM: The Show at South Cotabato Gym. I'm with my friend, Ms. Grace Evangelista.

6:00 PM: Fellowship dinner with my colleagues at South Cotabato Gym.

My best won’t be best if it is not for Him

These past few days, I notice that I become lazy; I become bored on what I am doing. But today I am reminded that this is because I live my life for my own pleasure and I forgot the reason why I am here for. I believe that my life purpose is something that glorifies my Father in Heaven; and not this dreary kind of life.

Because of this, I want to do something that I will feel His presence. I want a work that I will feel His pleasure just like Eric Liddell when he says that God made him fast and when he run, he feels God’s pleasure. God gives me gifts in order for me to use it and feel His pleasure while I am using it. Today, I will optimize the gifts given to me. I will hate mediocrity and I will love superiority in everything I do for I will to do it for His honor.  My best won’t be best if it is not for Him.

 “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” - 1 Corinthians 10:31

It will not delay

Going back in the province after my seven years life in Manila is very hard. I have to adjust with the environment since I have to start all over again.


Two years ago, there is a prophetic vision casts upon me regarding my life. It says that I will have an opportunity to go from nations to nations. My gift of communication will enable me to do it. They see me troubleshooting in those nations. It says that the work will be hard but my strength is in the Lord (Isaiah 40:30-31). 


Now, as I look upon my life I cannot see these things happening. It seems I am leading in the opposite direction since I went back in the province. There are new sets of people, new work that I have to adjust; a completely different environment. Also, I wasn’t able to grow here spiritually. My passion for Him is there but it’s hard to express it here. There are times I am asking Him on when I will get to the point where all of His promises will put into completion.


But I am again reminded that God has its own time on doing things. He has plans for me and it is on His right time. In my perspective, it seems that there is a delay but in His, there is no such thing for He works in His perfect time. I know that He who begins a good work in me will put it into completion, His plans for me are perfect, His promises will certainly come and it will not delay.

Freedom

"If you are consciously aware of youw own holiness, you place limitations on yourself from doing certain things - things God is not restricting you from at all." - Oswald Chamber.

I encountered this message earlier during my quiet time and I know that I can put myself into that position. I know that this has been revealed to me these past few weeks. Before, I put emphasis on certain things that I should do and should not do which made me enclosed into certain rules I've created. And now that I'm here in the province, I realize that I am actually getting out on that idea because I am trying to do those limitations and and I am freeing myself from my own self. Thank God He made me realize today that at the end of the day, what matters is my relationship with Him.

Get out and be free. :)

He has plans for me

When life offers you with two good choices, you will find it hard to decide.

This has been my favorite line when I am asking God for wisdom. Sabi ko kay God ang hirap magdecide. But when I finally have my decision, I find it harder to move on and let go of the other one. Ang hirap kasi balikan ang mga bagay bagay na alam natin will no longer be part of our lives. Gaya ngayon, when people would ask me why did I leave Manila and hope that I didn't do it, a thought will pop out in my mind and ask myself if what would my life be if I stay there. Then, I would realize how big part of my life right now has been lost. And I would end up crying.

Because of this, I decided to write this para naman I can pour out my thoughts, kahit hindi sa someone at least sa something naman. Hindi man mabasa, atleast matatandaan ko one day the important seasons in my life. Well, I know that this is part of the transition and I won't allow it to crushed me down. I'm happy to be where I am now and I believe that God has put me in this place for a reason. Maybe its just hard to see His promises taking place right now but surely He will let me see it on His own right time. All I have to do is trust Him that He will give me courage to let go and move on. Surely, God has plans for my life and His plans are perfect for me. :)

"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

Maxima Life

March 15, 2011 – My last day in Maxima

This is taken by my boss at my cubicle. :)

Here are some things I will never forget during my 21 months stay in Maxima:

I will never forget my purpose of existence which is to ensure efficient and effective service operations in branches.
I will never forget my audit trips in Cebu, CDO and Davao.
I will never forget those happy asaran times with Sir Jay, EJ and Harlon.
I will never forget how I laugh at Sir EJ after he explained something to us. I laughed because after a very long explanation, no one listens and understands him.
I will never forget the most important time in Maxima: 10am, 12nn, 3:30pm and 5:30pm
I will never forget how I tripped off in the canteen last July 22, 2009 which is my first month in the company.
I will never forget how I audit the mechanics dispatch in Manila branch. This has been my first major project.
I will never forget how I cried because I was insisted by Ms. Gemma and Benj to sing for Christmas party.
I will never forget our table during breaks.
I will never forget my cubicle.
I will never forget my one and only late. I was late for 3 minutes.
I will never forget how EJ called harlon as matang lawin and how Sir Jay say “alert, alert may nerd” whenever harlon shares his knowledge.
I will never forget the song of Freddie Aguilar which has been revised by Sir Jay. It goes like this: Kami ang nakikita, kami ang laging may kasalanan...
I will never forget how to handle customer complaints; it should be responded by an apology letter within 24 hours.
I will never forget our weekly meeting every Tuesday to discuss X2 Issues Log.
I will never forget how they call managers in Maxima with its initials.
I will never forget how heavy equipment works. Thanks to Sir Aris.
I will never forget how Maxima thought me to satisfy the customers, pursue excellence and have a sense of ownership.
I will never forget the friends I found in Maxima.
And lastly, I will never forget the Maxima culture. Truly, I know that I am thankful to experience it. Hope everyone did.
Thanks Maxima for being part of my life.

March 6, 2011 - My Last Sunday in VCF QC

6:30 am LRT Katipunan - Waiting for Ate Joyce
7:00 am On the way to Mckinley Hill
7:30 am Venice Piazza, Mckinley Hill - Supposedly feed the pigeons but there are no feeds available
8:30 am Mcdo, Mckinley Hill - Breakfats with ate joyce and rain
9:00 am Worship Service at the VCF Fort
11:00 am On the way to VCF QC
11:30 am Met MJ and went to SC to buy lunch
12:00 nn Lunch time at admin support booth
1:00 pm Orientation for admin support new volunteers, They also send me off
2:30 pm Help out in the booth
3:00 pm Memories Treasure Hunt (surprised by my victory group)
Need to remember the memory with some friends and have to find them in GT Toyota: Hazel, Rorie, MJ, Ate Aida, Lucky, Judy, Daisy, Sheryl, Lance, Rina, Karen, Ate Joyce, Jaylord, Mane, Nitu, Darz, Jeiel, Marvie, Rizza, VG Group and Admin support family. Remembered 19 memories with 19 friends. Each one has a unique gift for me.
5:00 pm Help out in the booth
5:30 pm Chat with YCF Friends (Luther, Jeiel, Jaylord, Lance, and Mau)
7:00 pm Dinner with Victory Group at Friolli
9:00 om On the way Home.


I had the best day ever. Thanks to my VCF Family. I will surely miss them.

Crossing the Jordan River

January 6, 2011 – I wrote about my quiet time on Joshua 3, 4. The story is all about the Israelites crossing the Jordan River.


Just like Israelites, God wants me to cross the Jordan River this year. He wants me to cross it in dry ground while carrying the ark of His covenant. I believe that God is speaking to me today. He wants me to be in faith, to take away the fear, and have the courage to step on the river. He wants me to lean on Him, to lean on His promises as I cross the river. It is only in crossing the river will He allow me to see what are the amazing things He will provide and will give.



Today - An opportunity has been given to me to work in the province. With God’s favor, He gives me a clear picture of what I should do next. I decided to leave Manila and settle in the province. This is not an easy thing for me but I know, I am called to go back. I have served other people here and I know it is now time for me to serve my family in the province. Man’s wisdom taught me that this is foolish but His wisdom taught me that this is wise. I am afraid on what would happen to me there but I have faith that everything will fall into its right place and according to His plan. I believe that the season has come for me to cross my Jordan River. And I will just be excited of the amazing things He will provide for me.



C’mon. Consecrate yourselves before the Lord for tomorrow He will do amazing things before you.

My God is an amazing God, a Sovereign Lord. He will reign over my life.