MERRY MARCH / APRIL FOOLS

One word to describe my March: OVERWHELMING. It really is. It was far beyond from what I expected it to be. For almost a month, I have been looking for one great reason to stay in our company. I even cried like a baby when we got the news that we'll be relocated back in Manila. It was out of my plan to live here. But then, one day, out of the ugly plain box, there came a beautiful surprise. I was so elated I felt like I was the happiest woman alive.

I've been praying for this to happen. For two years, I got stucked with this delusion that dreams do come true. I stayed where I am because I have been waiting for this. Those were the longest days, weeks, months, and years I have ever lived.

But after exactly two years of living with impossible circumstances, I recently stopped hoping that one day, I'll be able to have it again. I stopped believing and started accepting that maybe, only in another life shall I have what I've been wanting to have. But it did happen. Not in my conscious efforts, but with persistent prayers (well, atleast that's what I thought).

It came. Unexpectedly. I sobbed into tears when I was finally seeing it for real. Not in my every daydream. It is happening, and I am wide awake. I have had it for a month. Grateful that it exceeded my desperate prayer of having it back even just for a day. Well, thankful that it happened. But later hope it didn't. Or didn't just yet. Everything happened so fast and ended prematurely. Neither time nor us were both ready. I got it back badly broken, while I was vulnerable. With no way out, I got hit as bad as it had been. And yes, I got broken, too. Now I am stucked again. With this never-ending process of letting go and moving forward... When will I ever learn?

2013 Prayer Requests

 Jesus said, 'Go! Let it be done just as you believed it would!'

-Matthew 8:13

MY SOUL DREAMS

This could be one of my most exciting blog entry. Did this few months back... I wrote down on a notebook 12 of my biggest dreams for 12 days. It's not that I limit them to just 12, I actually have hundreds to thousands, but I am very firm with these 12 that I intend to make them happen. They are not mere wishes. They are part of my soul, they are part of my plans. . . my life.

(These are not in particular order of importance.)

1. HOME

My favorite pastime? Imagining my dream house. In my mind, I have already conceptualized the design, both exterior and interior. Sometimes, I want it to be big and spacious. On second thought, I'll be grateful to have a tiny yet beautiful house. Robert Kayosaki, author of Rich Dad Poor Dad (a great book by the way), mentioned in his book that the common big mistakes of most people is believing that their house is their big asset. Because it is not, it's actually a big liability. Well... It's true that as people's wealth grows, their wants also change... Bigger, and for them, better.

So anyway, I plan to move in my dream house when my youngest child turns 7. So maybe that's 10-15 years after my wedding. Why? Because, (1) the house that I imagine to own is not designed for kids, (2) I want to know the number and the sharing of rooms, and (3) I want my kids to choose the design of their rooms.

The design of our home is a combination of tropical and modern eclectic style. The structure is made up of bricks and tiles, with wooden frames and furniture. You know, the type of beach rest house that we usually see. And that's exactly what I want, a vacation house. My family doesn't have to be away just to have a vacation. We can stay at home and make everyday a vacation, a 'staycation'. 

I want the kitchen, the dining, and the living area be built outdoor. I'm in love with outdoor setting. It's more relaxing and intimate, and most often, it is where fun and good memories take place (I'll be having an outdoor wedding, by the way).

I couldn't put into words what I have built in my mind, so here, to help me with, I found these photos from houzz.com.

Living room.

Our bedroom.

Our restroom. 

It has to be like those I see from resorts and spas. Elegant. Classic. Told you, I'm a lover of the outdoors, and shower room is no exception.
 

Kids'. 

Like I've said, I'm not sure of the number of rooms yet and if it's a single or double room.

Media room. 

NO television set on all bedrooms. I want our bedroom to be just our bedroom. I don't want any of us to lock up ourselves in our rooms and watch our favorite TV program there. So here, we have our entertainment room where we all watch together.

Dining

This is definitely outdoors. This is also where we conduct our life group weekly.

Okay enough of that. I still have a lot of concepts to work on. I'm excited. This home is one of the many things that drive me to be the best. By the way, this home is built near our church.

2. VAN

Yup. A big van. For many long years, this was originally imagined to be a 4x4 truck. A red one to be specific. There was this movie when I was in highschool, uhm, of course I forgot the title, where the leading man drives that cool 4x4 truck. I imagined myself driving that truck. Whew! But this is not a soul dream. My motive was not right, I want it simply because it looks cool on me. But can my friends, I mean all my friends get to ride in that small seating capacity?

So there I have it. A van. Maybe a mini coaster? Where all my friends, life group, and all those I want to bring to church could take a ride. I so want that! Of course, the color has to change as well. Red just wont look good in a big van. White is better, I think. I could have the interior be customized as well, so it will be convenient for long trips.

I pray that I'll receive this very soon.

3. GROWING INVESTMENT

Recently, I developed an interest towards money. Don't get me wrong. Money is not evil. It only is if it is used for selfish desires. But if your greatest desire is to help, how could that be evil?

I thank the Lord for allowing me to discover how to grow my wealth (will make a separate post). With all those books, articles, and power talks, I was able to capture what wealthy people do. They buy assets. Not liabilities. They say that if something puts additional money in your pocket, then that is an asset. But if you just take out money from your pocket, that is a liability. So rich people buy investments.

So as part of my monthly budget, I am alloting atleast 5k to fund my growing investments. Currently, I started to own shares on both First Philippine Holdings and SM Prime Holdings. And the profit is fantastic! I'm planning to buy more shares from atleast 10 (yes, ten) big companies in the coming years.

I also plan to invest in a mutual fund soon. Then let it grow for like 10, 20 or 30 years and enjoy my retirement as I share my riches to the poor, to my dear brothers and sisters in Christ.

From these assets, I could build my businesses and charity foundation. With my growing investments and with what it can do to my dreams, I am more motivated to work harder. Anytime soon, I'll be earning more than what I do today to fast track the growth of my investments.

3. COFFEE SHOP

I've been to a number of coffee shops. It's not that I'm a coffee lover. Actually, there came a time when I was prohibited to drink coffee because of my body reaction to it. I couldn't sleep (of course), palpitations became worse, and I experience difficulty in breathing. So I stopped drinking coffee. But I didn't stop going to coffee shops. I think that's what people look for, a place, not a coffee.

The coffee shop that I own (yes I imagine it happening NOW) has a very welcoming ambiance. It looks like a study place, a meeting place, hang-out place, eye-ball date place, breakup place, everything! The design is carefully done, because if the place is good, customers will keep on coming back. It is built near a university.

Oh, I'm excited! I need to find a good architect. And nice crews. But before they can get the job, they should be willing to join our bible study at least once a week. I'm gonna love my employees and treat them as my disciples. I'll be the best employer they'll ever know.

So there, The Coffee Shop - I think it's a good name, I think.

5. BE A PREACHER

Public speaking. That's what I love. I love voicing out my ideas and opinions. Back in college, I used to be the reporter in every group project. I think it's one of my strengths. So when I encountered God, I readily want to share to everyone His Love. I became a leader of 40+ youths, and I remember speaking infront of them telling them how great our God is.

Each time I listen to preachings, I imagine myself standing there... I think I'll be one of the good preachers and pretty, too. Hoho. I also want to have my own radio or/and TV program. I'll let the whole world know about my Savior.

I'm now part of the Catalyst ministry (young professionals). When I was still part of the youth ministry, I get to preach in small groups. That's what I want God to do again in my new ministry. Maybe soon. Bigger group. Hundreds. Thousands.

6. HOME FOR STREET CHILDREN

I can't remember how I developed my passion for children. Ever since, I love kids. Later as I tell you my dreams, you'd see how desperate I am to become a good mother.

A home for street children. This is what I want. To love them, to care for them, and to guide them. I need a huge lot for this foundation, with spacious building, playground, classrooms, and bed rooms. This will be their home.

Children here are happy and feel so much love. I have volunteers from church who work with me. We teach kids basic school studies, and of course, we let them know about God. They are our precious gifts from God. They give us a reason to live and wake up each day. My own kids also work for this foundation. I praise God for this.

This is what I want to happen. And I believe God is and will always be Our Great Provider. As my money grows, and so is my burden for the poor.

7. BE AN INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT ATTENDANT

Etihad, Asiana or Emirates...These are my top 3 airlines of choice. Right now, I am working in a local airline in the Philippines. I love my job. But I have to get a high-paying employer/airline so I can fast track my soul dreams. I guess it's not at all wrong to always seek for a better job.

Here's the future scenario:

I am a flight attendant of a 5-star world class airline. Through the years, I got promoted as a purser, the highest in rank. My salary ranges from 120,000 to 150,000 pesos a month. My employer provides free board and lodging, and means of transportation. I only buy food so I save a lot (10% of my salary is for my tithes, 30% for my family, 15% for my expenses, 5% for emergency fund, and 40% for my retirement fund). I plan to work for 5 years only. Then settle with my family in my home country and put some business

How good does that sound? :)

8. WIN MY WHOLE FAMILY TO CHRIST

See, these dreams are in no particular order. Because I would definitely put this above all else. What a great reward this could be.

Ever since I became a Christian, I imagine my family serving in one church (His Life City Church). My mom's an usherette, dad as a gate keeper, my sister part of tne worship team, and my brother works for the creative media team.

Every Sunday, I imagine us going to church from 1st celebration up to 3rd. I enjoy watching my whole family serving God. Our cousins would join as too. Our relationship with one another became stronger. God is truly working among our lives. This has been my greatest dream. I pray that not only my immediate family members will get to have a personal relationship with Jesus, but my entire family. May Jesus Christ be the center of our family, forever and ever.

Can I hear an 'Amen' for that? Great.

9. HAVE MY OWN FAMILY: a loving husband and beautiful kids

I just turned 23. My cut-off age for getting married is 24. If I get married before December 2014, I'm still 24 on that year. So to this date, I still have 2 years to prepare. Enough time to get engaged. (And I'm gonna read this again.)

A loving and faithful husband, a hardworking man, and a very spiritual person... This is the man I'll marry. It's important to have someone who knows that Jesus is the center of our lives. We'll raise our children as servants of God.

I imagine us living a very simple life, yet living in God's abundant grace. We get to enjoy God's blessing by also being an extension of His blessing to our neighbors.

As I have said, we'll move to our dream house after 10-15 years. Our real home. Aside from the reasons stated previously, I want our children to experience a simple life. We want them to play the traditional games, to taste simple foods, wear simple clothes, be with simple playmates. This way they will be able to sympathize with other people and at the same time learn how to appreciate simple things. Our family is their most treasured thing on earth.

10. OWN A RESORT

I love parties. Actually, I love organizing a party. And I always consider a great resort as a perfect venue for special occasions. There's something about the water that brings relationships closer (in my cheesy opinion).

I dream of having a private resort in the city. Guests rent this place to hold parties, wedding, reunion, debut, etc. It's the most wanted place in the city. In here, we do not have what we call high or low season, because every month is a peak season for us. It's one of my busiest business.

Inside the paradise, there's a big hall and a villa which they can rent overnight or an a day stay. Everything is still designed outdoors except the guests bedroom. There is nothing unique about my resort, but the atmosphere is what makes it beautiful. It's not their typical resort, it's like a home.

I plan to own not just one resort. I dream to have another luxurious type where members can come and enjoy anytime they wish.

I can be an event coordinator, too! Oh! I'm excited!

11. OWN A DORMITORY

I stayed in a dormitory, too, when I was in college. It's a good business. I remember how we searched for a perfect dormitory that suits our needs and budget.

I plan to have it built along the vicinity of the university where we studied. It's a 4 storey building exclusively for female borders. It's safe, well-guarded, and with complete amenities.

The first floor is the common area where tenants can watch TV, iron their clothes, get free drinking water, eat, and study. Second floor consists of three executive rooms. Well, it's not really an executive type. But they are more spacious than the rest, and are almost fully furnished.

Second and third floors have four regular rooms per floor good for 2-3 persons. Each room also has its own bathroom.

I let my caretaker and her family stay in the first floor. They have a small room which they can use for free. Her husband serves as our security guard. Ate caretaker gets extra pay for laundry service.

I love this business. We conduct life groups here every Fridays.

Ok. Cut. My mind is somewhere in 2020s.

12. OWN A DAY CARE CENTER

I love kids so much. Sometimes, it suddenly pops up in my mind to just adopt a child. I can live without a lover, but not without a child. That's how I romanticize parenting. :)

- - -

So here are my soul dreams. The ones that keep me moving. I know, God has given me these dreams because He intends to fulfill them.

"Believe what you can write [on paper], you can write them down on reality."

Sunday Date With The One

I'm so happy. This is the first vision night that I ever attended in our church. Last year, I was still based in Manila. I thought I wouldn't be able to make it because of my hectic schedule. I came from Cebu that afternoon, and I barely had an hour of sleep the other night. Glad I made it. It was what I needed. I know God would meet me there. He exceeded my expectations. Glory to You, my Lord :)

Out of the abundance of my heart, and because of the overflowing joy that I've got, my heart sings... Yup, it has a melody. Well, for me it sounds good naman. But maybe it'll be better if someone else will sing it. Hehehe

I will worship you my Lord
Coz to You I all belong
I will give You praise & more
Know You hear my cry and song...

I Am Building My Dreams In 15 days :)

Will post soon :)

#iBelieve Convincingly

Romans 4:18-22 Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping—believing that he would become the father of many nations. For God had said to him, “That’s how many descendants you will have!” And Abraham’s faith did not weaken, even though, at about 100 years of age, he figured his body was as good as dead—and so was Sarah’s womb. Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises. And because of Abraham’s faith, God counted him as righteous.

Abraham was first named "father and then became a father becuse HE DARED TO TRUST GOD TO DO WHAT ONLY GOD COULD DO... When Abraham received this promise, he was in his old age, and so is his wife, Sarah. Yet, he did not waver in believing and hoping.

When you are fully convinced with your faith, just like Abraham, you become IMMOVABLE. This is the kind of faith that pleases God. That despite all the circumstances that tell you IT WILL NEVER HAPPEN, you still choose to believe that God can do the impossible's in our lives. Because ultimately, you know whom your faith is anchored to.

When you are absolutely convinced, it produces extra-ordinary courage. The most tragic thing that could ever happened to someone, is being hopeless. This the last thing i want to happen in my life, or to anybody else. A hopeless person is like a dead walking man. So if you feel like losing hope, choose to BELIEVE and LIVE.

His Life City Church (CSFP Ph)

Grace

"Lord, I cannot be afraid to admit that I need your grace every day. Asking for your guidance should not be seen as a sign of weakness, but one of honesty. It is the times that I forget to ask for grace that I am truly in need of it. When I act as if I do not need to ask, that is the moment when I am prone to forgetting it entirely. I ask for your grace today. Amen."

—	Recent prayer. (via churchjanitor)

My Manifesto With God (Happy 2nd Anniversary!)

Yes. Today marks the second year of my single-blessedness. (Click here to read the first part.)

June 26, 2010, the day when I decided to join the #manifesto movement (founded by ptr. @rudelatorre). It’s a one-year commitment to God of no boyfriend/girlfriend relationship, and that includes dating and courtship. I thought it was just as simple as placing my signature in the contract paper. But. It was far beyond what I expected it to be. Resisting temptation was not my specialty, and my decisions in life were always based to what my heart has got to say.

I remember during the first few months, I was still seeing the guy I liked. He was so handsome, like almost every girls are chasing him. He really is. So much for that, I let go of him. We stopped seeing each other. The almost-there thingy never came with a sequel. Did it hurt? Yes. But that did not stop me from loving God. From that downfall, I became more closer to God and tried hard to fulfill my broken promise. And just before my first year contract was about to end, I decided to extend it to yet another year. This time, my relationship with God grew deeper and stronger.

Indeed, committing myself to God has transformed me into a totally brand new person. Id like to believe that the old me was gone the day I met God and knew how much He loves me. He has changed me from the inside out. I couldn’t be more happier than that. God completes me :)

So to all young ladies, seek God first. And yes, all those good things will be given unto you - and that includes your lifetime partner (Matthew 6:33).

Pambihirang Blessings (Part 1/2)

I'm excited to write about this. It's midyear already and I don't wanna let these blessings slip my mind (humbly admitting that my short term memory works better than the long term).

 I am so overwhelmed with the abundance I am receiving from God. I'll try to get the highlights, but I tell you, it's more than these:

'Clark-based'

Just so you know, I was doomed to live in Manila for four months. I guess flight attendants have no right to choose their domicile. Just pray and hope that you'll be assigned nearest to your place. And that's what I did. Day and night, Id cry out to God. But just when I have finally accepted my situation, I was pardoned. First day of the year when I got the news. My roster for the month says I am flying from Clark. Wuhoo! Happy new year to me! I was so elated. Actually I am presently doing this post aboard. It's a long flight anyway (Clark to SG). Pambihira!

'Dream CAM True'

When I was a kid, I love looking at our photo albums. They don't change through the years. And I love how they remind me of my happy and playful childhood life. Since then, I dreamt of having my own camera. My first camera was given by my dad. It was one of his pasalubong to me when he came home from Saudi. It was a 1.3 mp cam and it's as light as chocolate bar that you wouldn't think it's a camera. But it really is. I became faithful to it, and had used it on several trips and occasions. The only reason why I stopped using it was when I had a new cellphone 3 yrs ago - it captures photo better than my digital camera. :p And so, dreaming of a new one was still on my list. Just this January, God gave me a Christmas bonus and let me purchase a 14 megapixel digital camera. Horay!

'Gift of Letting Go' 

Once upon a time, there's this guy I love... And the rest was history. Lol. I felt like 2011 was made for me to just cry and cry. But God works miracuosly. He turned my tears into joy, and blessed me even more. My pain was nothing compare to what God has been doing in my life.

'Revalida - PASSED!'

 
I didn't know that you have to go through a lot before you can fly. I actually felt like I applied for a military position. That's how tough (or closer than that maybe). After 6 months of being on a probationary period, I faced another test to become a regular employee. And by the grace of God, I received it with an excellent remark. Wuhoo! Actually, there is no significant difference between probee and reg crew at all. You still get the same flying hours. Just that you are more secured that you are officially employed.

 `Youth Camp'

Encounter God Retreat is one of my most awaited event in church. Praise God for clearing out my schedule and allowed me to meet Him at mt. Peniel. I also thank God for giving me the coolest roommates. Gift Of Friendship!

'Real Tab' 

This time I'm holding it for real. Been praying for this gadget. I even bought the case three months before I've got this. I asked the saleslady, "Miss, naniniwala ka bang may paglalagyan ako neto (case)?" "Syempre naman po, bibilin nyo po ba yan kung wala kayong tablet?"she answered. Well, call it weird. I call it faith! :-)


One word: PAMBIHIRA!