How Big is GOD?

The prophet Isaiah certainly was captivated by the greatness of God...and I am too...as He is far bigger than the limited mind can conceive...

Do you not know?
   Have you not heard?
Has it not been told to you from the beginning?
   Have you not understood since the earth was founded?
He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth,
   and its people are like grasshoppers.
He stretches out the heavens like a canopy,
   and spreads them out like a tent to live in.

"To whom will you compare me?
   or who is my equal?" says the Holy One.
Lift your eyes and look to the heavens;
   who created all these?
He who brings out the starry host one by one,
   and calls them each by name.
Because of His great power and mighty strength,
   not one of them is missing.

Do you not know?
   Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
   the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
   and His understanding no one can fathom.
He gives strength to the weary
   and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary,
   and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the Lord
   will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
   they will run and not grow weary,
   they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 40:21,22,25,26,28-31 

As I was reading these passages, I am really awed by His Greatness..amazed by all His Creations, from detailed landscapes and shaped mountains to deep oceans to large continents to the vast formation of galaxies...yes, the Creator of a big wide world,  is greater than its creation, and yet sometimes I fail to remember that He is also Bigger than life, Bigger than my sadness, Bigger than my problems.. so I have to keep on reading it again and again... try it yourself if you feel your strength is leaving you to carry and move on because HE is Bigger that He can cover me, you, the universe.. entirely!..that is.. my God.

War Between Two Worlds-The War Within

     For every battle, there is a winner but for each War, everyone is a loser... for both sides have to suffer the consequence it has brought on. The ever-present war within is the most complicated of all wars. The war that could make another war on its own or a war for real.     

     Can you ever stop it? Will you ever stop it? Are you going to stop it? There is a war going on. A battle.. that nobody could interfere to stop it. No negotiations. No peace treaty could restrain what is going on. Only one will be able to rekindle it. The war within, indecisiveness? confusion?..no..it is a battle. A battle between two worlds, two ideals, two minds, even two lives. For one typifies what is right, what to wait, and what to hope. And the other one, what is to feel, what is waiting, what is hoping, new life, new heart..but not sure of what is to gain for having either side. How to loosen it..how to let it be... how to let it go. Can't hide, can't run away from it. Let it cross the bridge to wait and see what will happen..but, the time to decide is right now! I, only I would ever put it to a halt. Which is which I will have to be...only I can decide and yet I will be the one to cry for getting in and let it in...

Limbo

Disregarded, forgotten, unimportant..that is what she thinks of herself. One of obscure and unimportant standing unknown for many years. She was neglected, up in the air. Uncertain of those things around her. Unknowing whether somebody is coming or going. Lost dreams..confined to her own self-imprisonment. ..that's what she thinks of herself ..only because someone made her think that way. As the years passed by, that someone is on the same waving toss of neglect, unimportance, forgotten..for he is consuming the time given, wasting the gift and keeping the guilt on himself..she goes out to tell where she came from and that someone had caused her so much pain..still..the pain, it lingers..cannot be forgotten, cannot be disregarded though unimportant to make her going...How is it then to feel that someone with whom she shared so many wonderful moments has forgotten the hardships they went through..how she has suffered for the disrespect? Walking aimlessly, swayed by anger; thinking endlessly, crushed by pain; staring blankly, unable spirit..go out, fly or take a limb..and follow the light passing through to make it out from limbo.

image credits to the owner

Y O U

     YOU have been my companion since I was a child in a noisy and darker place...YOU're the ONE I've been calling to save me from the wrath of my Mother... they never knew...I thought I had forgotten, but it's all coming back..maybe because of the same situation that I am going through. I was surprised to find out the reason why I had those nightmares, woke up crying calling for my father..the same nightmare haunting when I was a child..it's all coming back...they never knew...only YOU. I don't understand what is beneath. 

     Until one day, wasn't able to contain what is within..unleashing it because of anger..rage. It's a mistake, it's painful. I know I've hurt YOU, I have caused YOU pain. I left. I knew YOU never wanted me to do those things. And yet YOU never left me. YOU stay with me and I give up..it's YOUR turn now..laying all the things on what I had done, I almost lost it..the one important thing YOU have given me. 

     Now it's between YOU and me again...YOU're the only One who understands..the only One who can control me. The pain of past mistakes. The pain of losing from YOUR sight. The pain of not looking back to where I was and the memories of what YOU had done for me since I was a child. Now the nightmare is coming back...I wouldn't risk losing from YOUR sight. I am still the child YOU have known, a bit older, a bit changed for YOU. It's in YOU whom I could cry all out, I could be me. YOU know me. YOU understand. YOU love me.

My Thinning Diet Regimen

     The summer season is the best time of the year for me to lose weight. During this time, metabolic change occurs, or rather my appetite changes because of the summer heat. Breakfast is a heavy meal for me all throughout, but it lessens as the day goes by...with some exception of course if the dinner menu is really superb. Summer's heat lessens my consumption of rice and meat but not pasta ('',). Though I love vegetables, I do love beef. Summer is also that time of the year wherein you can see different types of fruit and the mango season which I really love!

       So, how do I do my thinning diet regimen? 

     During ordinary days, I follow the after 6:00PM diet. Why after 6?  During this time, less energy is expended when relaxing at night and for bodily functions while sleeping, so any calories you consume at night go straight into fat storage according to James Hill, director of the Center for Human Nutrition at the University of Colorado. The 6:00 diet theorizes that calories from food consumed during the day are burned off, leading to weight loss. This kind of diet follows the age-old advice to eat more on breakfast since it is the most important meal of the day. As I have said breakfast is a heavy meal for me, I can skip lunch or dinner but not my breakfast. There goes the saying, during breakfast eat like a king, at lunch eat like a  prince, and at dinner eat like a pauper. Following that principle will lessen your weight problem as well. If it works for me, it will work for you but it requires discipline and self-control. 

     During summer days, less work for a teacher like me so I eat less and it's my time clock to eat more fruits than anything. My breakfast during this season depends on the time I wake up. If it's too early like 6 or 7 AM, I would stick to my old habit of heavy breakfast meaning more rice, bread, coffee, and fried dishes. If it's rather late I would eat sliced or diced fruits (papaya or mango or avocado or banana-lakatan, ) blended in a cold glass of milk (3-4 tbsp. of powdered milk without sugar), but fresh milk is much better. To avoid lactose intolerance, I've tried different fruit settings. So it goes the same for me the whole day with some bread though not regularly because I do indulge in some luscious meal of having veggies sauteed with ground beef.   

     Eating fruits have lots of benefits too, less fat and more anti-oxidant which is good for our skin, and I thank myself for that, I still have that supple skin at my age. By the way, I rarely drink soft drinks, just for emergencies if nothing I like is available or if there's no water. I always go for iced tea or natural fruit juices.

 #diet #thinningregimen #summer #aftersixdiet

Think Aloud

Speak out, blurt it out..talk, scream, cry...moving thoughts wanting to get out. Bursting with feeling, unknown be known. Thoughts are running on my mind..things I should have said the first time.. shouting out loud those anger and hatred and betrayal, painful tears weeping I have kept for a long time...decisions I should have done before..but is it the right thing to do?? I can't move on, my heart cries out for justice...my mind screams for the unfairness. Too many questions left unanswered..too many shortcomings remained unfilled..too many dreams unfulfilled that I have to do on my own. Those days are gone, nobody knows what happened, and no one bothered to ask how I was...Added to the pain and the insult to injury, "people" around never understand, judging me and not the culprit. How I wanted to say I was a victim once and a victim again ..they are close and yet they are not, allowing them no more the next time. Thinking...loud I will, loud I must...

Struggle

Struggle..proceed with difficulty or great effort? Struggle..make strenuous or violent efforts in the face of difficulties or opposition? Struggle..decide which action to take? Struggle..choose between what is convenient and what it needs to be obedient? Struggle..go over the practicality or the hardship? Struggle..feel it..you can sigh or cry. Torn between two principles, it's difficult to proceed. You have to make a strenuous effort to face it, to choose and decide. Is it convenience over obedience? The struggle for convenience is choosing the practicality of it all. Letting go, pick up the pieces, have it your way, move on and tell the world where you are, ready to face another new life without him, his pain, and his demon-like attitude...But, still, .. struggling.. with the thought...struggle for obedience. Choosing obedience, from One Who ruled, from One Who Lord it over, from One Who made it happened...it's hardship along the way. Hoping and waiting. Painful and lonely. Sadness and tears. Ridicule and insult. What could have been so beautiful has gone awry...gone were the days of fruitful memories. The path to obedience is hardship, but why is it important to take heed? What lies ahead the hardship is a morning sun promised by One. Struggle to keep the faith...struggle to hold on to the promises..struggle to proceed .. struggle.. for man is weak but needs to keep his senses for the One ..for man knows at the end of the road is a bright light waiting for him..convenient for a moment?.. or be obedient and walk into the light?...

Our Cebu Tour ..

top view of Imperial Palace Resort taken from 8th for

     February 2, 3, and 4, are our scheduled stays in one beach resort in Dalaguete Cebu. Don't want to mention the name of the resort for we were not satisfied with the accommodation and their services. Anyway, we were very excited to board a plane since this would be the first time for my eldest and youngest, I got 4 kids and they were all with me during the trip. We arrived before 6am at Mactan Airport, and from there we rode a taxi to take us to Dalaguete, a 2-hour ride from Mactan. Have seen on the map that we have been on from end to end of the island. 

     With all the tiresome trip we were expecting a warm welcome from the resort staff..but ..alas..no one welcomes us, and we were even asked if we had made a reservation! To make the story short, they had given us a room. It's a big but old family room, with a mirrored door but no curtains. Well, the beach is not as good and as clean as in Boracay, we prefer to swim in their pool. Our first night there was a sleepless one for I don't know I'd been uneasy the whole night, maybe because my knee joint was aching or I don't feel secure with the place. I think the latter was the reason for I am not at ease when in a strange and far away place unless there are many people around and hotel guards. It was raining hard that night and brownouts occurred .. creepy. Since this is not a hotel and far from the one we used to stay in Boracay, I should not expect something special to happen. We were supposed to stay there 2 nights and 3 days but I decided to go back to the city the next morning and find someplace to stay and where we could also swim. 

     From Dalaguete to Lapu-Lapu City, we were led to a five-star hotel, Imperial Palace Water Resort, and Spa..whew for just overnight ..don't want to remember that huge amount..geesh, it still aches my pocket. Anyway, I've given my kids their best time to enjoy and it's giving me happiness to see them with it. The breakfast eat-all-you-can was superb with all the different oriental cuisine. We really have a good time since breakfast time is our favorite and the biggest... ('-')...Of course, our swimming would not be complete without our Olympus underwater camera. 

     I would say Cebu is like Manila in its structure, even when we were over the city on the plane you would think from above you're still in Manila. Though we had a short time exploring the place, there are nice beaches around, and it's not that polluted compared to Manila. Traveling throughout Dalaguete and Cebu City, you would still see the simplicity of life in some remote areas to those in the city. Magellan's cross is not as big as my son had thought before. By the way, we are very grateful to the driver who gave us full service touring the city and fetched us from Mactan airport to Dalaguete to Lapu-Lapu and to Mactan for our flight. Call me for his number if you want a driver who can be trusted..('-'). And remember, when you say Cebu, it's the island, and Cebu City is within that island as well as Lapu-Lapu City.

Tears of Weeping

Some tears tell the unexpected has happened, and the things you have prayed for have been answered. Tears that say it's finally over and you're done with it. Tears that show deep and seething pain, pain that cuts like a knife. Wounded soul, hovers throughout the day. The gloomy sky seems to understand its loneliness, an advent of rain to come. No one could understand how painful it is. Weeping all throughout the night, silent weep but turbulent cry. Tears of weeping no one could discern. Cry, cry, cry, weep and weep. In between sobs, it was about to ask why .. cry it all out .. weep as much .. the black clouds of the night began to scatter as the rain falls wanting to let go all through the day.  In the dark corner, tears of weeping are heard .. it seems a bottomless pit .. does not end ..only calms like a turbulent sea that only Him can stop .. just like the tears of weeping only His arms can comfort...

Ease Your Loneliness

     Many people if not some are lonely. They build walls instead of bridges. That very same thing has happened to me. Trials of life and discouragement from people whom I have trusted. I stopped talking to people and go out. I have my own world then. But then I realized, I still have some that left of me and I should be happy that I have them..my kids...and truly, they are my treasures. They have kept praying for me until I decided to go back to where I have grown up as a Christian, my Church, my Christian home. 

     Being lonely is not the end of the world but a way to understand other people who are undergoing the same situation, thus, the opportunity to reach out and find encouragement for each other. Through this blog, I hope I can reach out to many people by sharing these thoughts and discover how these three actions can help to ease our loneliness.  Dave Branon of "Our Daily Bread" correlated them with verses in the Bible. 

1) Learn contentment. Read Philippians 4:10-13, then ask God to help you to depend on Him each day and to learn to be content in any situation.

     "I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last, you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength."

2) Do good for someone. Read Hebrews 13:1-3, then look for someone in need of help. You will get rid of loneliness for both of you.

     "Keep on loving each other as brothers. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it. Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering."

3) Worship with God's people. Read Hebrews 10:21-25 which emphasizes the value of worshiping with other believers, Find someone with whom you can praise God. 

     "...and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. and let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

     These actions will redirect your thinking and remind you that when you know God you are never alone. Lean on Jesus for contentment. 

     If you feel lonely and alone, feel free to talk to me. ('',)





#loneliness #alone #God #christian 

Our Boracay Tour

     Kinda late to write about our Boracay tour, but since we just came from the Cebu tour a week ago, I can't stop comparing the two places and what we experienced in the previous one.

     The thought of boarding a plane really excites us, especially for a mom who would give her kids a taste for the first time traveling through the plane. I got 4 kids but only the 2 of them were with me on our Boracay tour. Excited since it is our first, we would be able to see Manila lights from above since our flight is at 5:20am, the seas, the clouds..and how does it feel when the plane is about to take off.
     We have a smooth journey and from Kalibo airport, somebody was waiting for us to take us to Caticlan, which is part of the promo package I had bought from an Ensogo deal. An hour of travel lulled us to sleep later we have to board a ferry boat to take us to the island of Boracay. Another ride was waiting to take us to our accommodation tour package in Patio Pacific Hotel Boracay. I would say if u want a more quiet place to stay, not too far from the beach hub and free from the loud music of bars and restaurants, choose this one. Secured, cozy rooms with wi-fi and cable tv, great dishes as well as friendly staff, and affordable rates.

     With our accommodation, daily breakfast is included on buffet plus...free one lunch and dinner. On our 1st day, we decided to have our lunch outside a hotel in D'Mall rather than take the free lunch. Since it would be harder for us to find a restaurant for dinner, we had availed of our free dinner on our 1st night there and exchanged our free lunch for another dinner on our 2nd night. While eating, the kids and I kept thinking about their eldest and youngest siblings (I am with my 2nd and 3rd kids) who were left behind as suggested by their father. With all the menu being served, we can't stop thinking if they are there too. The food servings and the staff and crew at Patio Pacific Hotel Boracay are worth our dime. Php 8888, 3days 2 nights with round trip transfer from Kalibo to Caticlan, free daily breakfast, one lunch, one dinner for 2 and you can bring along one child below 10 years old for free.

Boracay, November 2011

     What would enchant a visiting tourist in Boracay? What I love in Boracay is the white fine sand, swimming with small fishes even near the shore, the hotel accommodation, the freshwater pearls, different people from different places and cultures, a  no inhibition zone (you can even walk on the beach and the national road on two-piece or bareback without intimidation). Visiting this place is worth your trip.

Click here to see more.

 Boracay Views

Wonderful Opportunities

Life is full of opportunities, but they say opportunity knocks once. As I am reading a lesson on Pre-encounter to an Encounter with God, opportunities are in abundance. It changes my outlook on opportunities. As long as we live, we could have these opportunities, the four wonderful opportunities that would change us ...

1) The Encounter Opportunity

This struck me the most..no matter how far we have strayed from God, we can STOP right now and TURN BACK to Him. Remember the story of the prodigal son? The son made the decision to return to his father's house looking for a second chance. (Luke 15:11-20), we can do the same thing by deciding to have an encounter with our Father God. Anyone ...ANYONE .. who desires to have an encounter with God CAN do so. God is always close to us, as close as the air we breathe."We are His offspring"(Acts 17:27-28).

"You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." - Jeremiah 29:13

2) The Reconciliation Opportunity

We can have true reconciliation with anyone if we recognize our sins, and our faults and ask for forgiveness. The same thing with our God, ACKNOWLEDGING our sins, REPENTANCE and ASKING for His forgiveness, and RENOUNCING all the evil we have committed. When we do this, God stretches forth His merciful hand toward us. 1 John 1:9 assures us: If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sin and purify us from all unrighteousness. Just like the prodigal son, seeing his fallen condition he decided to come back so as not to stay in that condition and take the risk to find a new opportunity. An opportunity to be in his father's place once again.

"I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against You. I am no longer worthy to be called Your son; make me like one of your servant men." - Luke 15:18-19

3) The Restoration Opportunity

As to how an old painting is being restored by its painter, a new set of coloring kits is being dabbed in and a time spent to bring back its natural and original beauty, God does it to His sons. All of our sins deserve punishment, but God allowed His Son Jesus Christ to take our place and pay for our sins. Just like the father in the prodigal son, he decided to restore his lost son's dignity when he came back and ask for his forgiveness. He ordered a fattened calf to be a sacrifice in honor of his son's return. 

"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this; while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." - Romans 5:8

4) The Provision Opportunity

As children of God, we have all the privileges that we could enjoy. God considers us His dear children, making us participants of the same riches and glory as Jesus Christ. Once, we had lost these privileges because of sin. Coming back to Him, He dresses us in the best garments, puts the best shoes on us, and gives us the ring that represents the authority we now enjoy as His children and heirs. God treats us as His beloved children.

"Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God." - John 1:12

In general, when there is an opportunity, there will be an encounter a new task, a new life. Opportunities would open a new door to a new beginning. Specifically, these opportunities are always available to us, life-changing opportunities, to begin with.

When You Are Hopeless..

image credits to thegoodbook.com/blog/ministry-blogs

I've chanced upon to watch this video...what I could say is.."Oh my God!"..these are people who seem hopeless but managed to survive despite their disabilities. I thought of my 5-year-old daughter who wouldn't be able to walk, because of a congenital defect. I am hoping for her...Hoping to see the day she could walk or excel in everything she does despite her disabilities, despite what she went through and what she will encounter as she grows up..and for all the people out there, watch this video, with courage and determination and God's help, nothing is impossible...

Hoping is believing...Believe even when others don't. Believe even against the darkness all around. Believe even when it is impossible. Believing is having faith...And we have a BIG GOD to have a BIG FAITH..(",)

#faith #hope #hopeless #believe #nothingisimpossible

Unto us a Son is given, Unto us a Child was born

Who has heard the real Christmas story? It isn't the fat man in a red suit that we always know giving kids gifts on Christmas eve, it isn't some guys who are singing carol songs and handling you a small, white envelope, it isn't the shopping spree that we do during the 'ber' months making us tired and cash strapped after it...Christmas story is about a young virgin who was engaged to a carpenter and yet even though she conceived a child by the power of the Holy Spirit, the carpenter took her as his wife. It is about a couple who were told by God to go even if the woman is heavy on her pregnancy, asking for a room to stay in and to give birth. Christmas story was about a baby named Jesus, born in a manger, visited and praised by shepherds and wise men from the East. Christmas is Jesus Christ who saves His people from sin. The only begotten Son who was given to us for us to have eternal life

We don't know the exact date of His birth, but one thing is sure... once in this world a Father has given His Son to save us, a child was born in a lowly stable though he is great to give us hope in the face of uncertainty...

#Christmas #Son #God #JesusChrist

The Day It Started Once Again..Does It End Once Again?

The capture of the moment once again repeats itself..after a year and a half. She cherished the moment that they had been together, praying what has been started would be preserved if God wills for it. She did not know what he was thinking about it then.
A year and a half had passed, and a prominent restaurant had been a witness to two people wanting to take another chance..they were eating when the Big sister had passed by, they looked at each other and smiled.. reading between the lines... He accompanied her that time when she was looking for a finer pair of shoes. Soon, the dark sky needs to go... there was this rehearsal for a musical night to celebrate His coming...they went...

..on their way on a hub cab drive he holds her hand seizing the moment to behold her beauty, capturing the time to promise a better stance this time. It started from then on..to cherish once again the time they have shared, to patronize the gift that He has given ..to start once again for a more nurtured stance..asking to fill in all the shortcomings, promising to have given it more importance..it started that day..that day was "today"(click here)...does he remember?

She did not see it coming nor he knew what it is... the turmoil.. they see it ends the moment..does He approve it? or will He cease that moment for a better one and just let this turmoil passes by?..or is it really meant for them to unhold and let go of each other?..nobody knows..only He knows what His plans are for them...

                         

Breakdown

If in your own little space, in your own limited time, nobody knows what is happening inside. Every single day, pain seething in, body aches, unable to move. The desire to move and go, to do things faded away. Failure to function normally, it is what breakdown is all about. It is the complete loss of physical or mental or emotional spark and energy. A breakdown could be the effect of stress and the inability to cope with it, anxiety or depression. 

You would think closing your eyes is the next best thing to do, but sleep is far from over. Too much, too much... where you go, it haunts, bit by bit it consumes into our every being. Letting it out by crying, still, the pain seethes in...

Talking it out to a friend would help..never wanted to be alone yet loneliness halted your lips to share the pain, never wanting to open the long infected wound...The state of being here..the only refuge is God who will pick up the bits and pieces of what you are undergoing. 

Scream

I'm Tired of injustice, I'm Tired of the schemes, it's kinda disgusting. What does it mean? Kicking me down I got to get up. As jacked as it sounds, the whole system sucks. Peek in the shadow, I come into the light. You tell me I'm wrong, then you better prove you're right. You're sellin' out souls but I care about mine. I've got to get stronger, and I won't give up the fight.

With such confusion does it make you wanna scream? You're bash abusin' victimize within the scheme. You try to cope with every lie they scrutinize. Somebody, please have mercy 'cause I just can't take it. Stop pressurin' me. Just stop pressurin' me. Tired of you tellin' the story your way, it's causin' confusion, and you think it's okay. You changin' the rules while I keep playin' the game. I can't take it much longer I think I'm a go insane.

With such confusion, does it make you wanna scream? You're bash abusin' victimize within' the scheme. You find your pleasure scandalizin' every lie.

Oh, Father, please have mercy 'cause I just can't take it.

Does it sound and look familiar?.. This is an excerpt from Michael Jackson's song. He had composed this song due to pressures he had been into by some entertainment news media. Having the feeling of injustice and disgusting schemes. The troubles and the pain he had undergone made him wanna scream. 

Though we have the same sentiments, our causes differ. It is rooted in an experience, in my present state as someone. The schemes, the injustice, the pres sure..where will it end? Will I stay longer keeping up the fight or let it go? When will be the right time to scream to stop it? How to let it burst out for them to know you're hurting??

Keeping it to yourself...being silent, doesn't really mean you're approving the injustice nor the scheme.. being silent, doesn't mean you're being quiet..scream does not necessarily mean words and sounds to shout out...silence is a loud scream...

SomeOne in the Dark..

Finding yourself in the dark, looking for a friend. It's not always been that dark would take you somewhere. Searching out you will find someone..someone who's been hurt, someone who needs someone, someone who is hoping to find someone 'you'...Be it may, someone in the dark reaches out to you.

This song..one of the favorites of many from Michael Jackson. Whenever I hear this song, it moves me and wanna say something.. just like the singer who wanna tell us everything about himself.

This is for SomeOne in the dark.

music credits to the owner

Edemsclaire Hannah, 14

     Having two girls in my brood is a wonderful feeling. I didn't feel how other girls do with their sisters since I don't have a real one. I have five siblings, all four are males and the other one is the in-between female. So, these two girls of mine are really a gift. 

     My first daughter, Edemsclaire Hannah, her name is derived from our nicknames, her father Ed-ward and I. Our favorite name if ever we would have our firstborn is Claire, but God wanted it to be a boy. Claire, from our favorite Christian love song Awit Kay Claire*click*(Song for Claire), and Hannah from the Bible, mother of Samuel the prophet. Her faith that God would give her a son and her obedience in dedicating her son Samuel to serving God.

     This is her day and dedicating this blog to my loving daughter, we call her EENAH (I-na). Today is her 14th birthday. The daughter who takes care of her younger siblings when I am away. The daughter who has been my assistant in taking care of baby Faith. I have seen her when she was still four years old, a very strong girl, not afraid to do things to experience the wonders of her childhood days. 

     Barely nine years old when I taught her how to administer a catheter to our baby and all the necessary hygiene and cleaning to be done at that time. She is the mother when I am out. She has a greater influence on her two younger siblings as I am observing them. She is loved by her younger sister and I am seeing they are very close. Last night, when she arrived from a Bible camp, her younger sister half-awake heard her voice, suddenly sit up and call her name. When she found out she has arrived, our baby Faith hugged her. Hmmm...a bit jealous on my part :)..but I am so glad they are that close. 

     As for my present for her birthday, I just put it on her bed so that if she wakes up she would see it. She said thank you and we kiss, waited for 12AM to open it, but I am the one excited so I told her to open it and I know she would love it...jaraannn..and I never did go wrong in choosing the Sanrio Hello Kitty watch for her...

I prayed that she will grow up stronger in the real world and in the Lord. I want her to be the best that she can be, not being affected by what others would say but by how her conviction and faith would dictate..L<3 ve U EENAH...

10 yrs old

# daughter #awitparakaykleyr #birthday

 #claire  #14th #eenah #hellokitty

#sanrio

12 yrs old

13 yrs old.

When Angels Came from Norway...

     It was one of the typical Sundays when Emily Faith's father told me that he had been told by Tita Divine if I could bring Emily Faith and talk to some Norweigian missionaries about Emily Faith's condition. So, the time came for us to talk and they had asked me what could be the perfect time for Emily Faith to undergo her therapy and that they are administering it free. The said Norweigian missionaries are actually students of PhysioTherapy and that they are into helping special kids who need therapy as well as for their case studies. 

     Sarah and Emmeli (whom I thought we have the same spelling) had been administering therapy for Emily Faith 3 times a week every morning which lasted 5 weeks. On their last day with Emily Faith, they had invited me to their mission house. This was actually my second meeting with the two of them, the first one was an interview regarding Emily Faith's mobility, capability, etc., a bit of talk about our personal lives, lunch with them, a mall tour around Monumento, Caloocan area. 

     They had first thought that the nearest mall where they are staying is the one standing in North Edsa, Quezon City until I brought them to some malls here in our area because they wanted to taste some Filipino dishes. I brought them to a cake store known for its cheaper and delectable Filipino dishes. We ordered relyenong bangus (stuffed milkfish), lumpiang sariwa (fresh lumpia), lumpiang shanghai (they call it spring rolls), and sinangag (garlic fried rice with some eggs and mixed vegetables). For the dessert, we had ordered one slice of black forest cake, leche flan (a gelatine made from milk and eggs with caramel toppings), and ube halaan (sweet purple yam). At first, it seems they don't like relyenong bangus but when they had tasted it, their eyes opened wide and made a nod and said "not bad, it's delicious". They said they can eat anything except the egg with a chicken on it. I told them it was "balut"..and Sarah said it was what she's hearing shouting during the night.

     Now for the second visit to their mission house..they had again asked me about Faith's mobility, capability, etc. if noticed some improvements. And some of their questions they have answered as they have an up-close observation on Emily Faith..then we had our lunch and of course, I'm not expecting these pretty gals serving rice as for the Western culture they mostly eat bread which I'm gladly and will always accept as lunch or dinner (my kids and I are a bread cravers).  Before we eat they sing a praise song I've never heard before even in some Christian families I've been with..(have asked Sarah for the lyrics of the song). Emmeli had prepared an omelet mixed with bell pepper and ham and wheat bread. Hmmm..really like it..yum yum... can't resist even though I told them I don't wanna eat 'coz I've got my brunch  (breakfast and lunch) and I'm too full! But..the moment I've seen the wheat bread, o-oh, find myself eating with them..(",)...

     Anyway, done with all that..they had gave me a copy of the exercises they administered on Emily Faith as well as they let me watch the video of the three doing the exercises., step by step ..haha..it's so kinda funny, especially on the Michael Jackson part (will blog later these exercises). After watching, they had given me a letter in a form of a greeting card but they never let me open and read it for a moment until they gave me the signal. They gave me 2 copies of the exercises on a DVD disc, a mini-calendar from Norway, some chocolates... Melkesjokolade... pronounced as "melkeshokolad". Then Emmeli and Sarah told me that since Emily Faith can move from one place to another through her monoblock chair, as I have told them, holding it and doing some balancing acts which I don't know how she's doing that. Emmeli and Sarah told me that they had asked some of their friends in Norway to give something to Emily Faith and whoa!... from out of the room..they are pushing a wheelchair, a baby wheelchair for Emily Faith!!!!... can't express how thankful I am for that wonderful gift as tears falling down... Really ..really thankful for that! I told them to extend our thanks to their friends who had to heed their call for Emily Faith's wheelchair. The wonderful effort that Sarah and Emmeli had done to Emily Faith!... Really... angels do come..angels came from Norway..would never forget their wonderful effort..no words can express how much they have made us happy seeing Emily Faith enjoying their gift!!! God bless them!

Emily Faith in her wheelchair courtesy of 

Sarah and Emmeli and their friends

A letter for Emily Faith by Emmeli and Sarah

Melkeshokolad

Stuffs Emmeli and Sarah had given