21@21 :)

Think On these Things:


Rise Above Unexpected Challenges
By: Whitney Hopler

Life rarely turns out the way you’ve planned. An unexpected diagnosis, a sudden layoff, a surprise relationship breakup, an accident-all kinds of challenges can come into your life at any time and blow your best plans. When that happens, you have a choice. You can allow your circumstances to bring you down and try to survive in a miserable state. Or, you can decide to rise above your challenges so you can thrive despite them.

Here’s how you can rise above unexpected challenges:

See the potential that exists. Whenever your old dreams die, there is the potential for new dreams to be born. If you entrust your situation to God, He will bring something good out even the worst circumstance. Every disappointment can be turned into appointment to trust God’s plan. God is a redeeming God who is weaving greater, more eternal picture than you can see right now. Place your hope in Him.

Realize that you’re not alone. Every woman experiences disappointments in life, to some degree. Common types of disappointments women experience include disappointments with marriage, kids, self, others, circumstances, religion and God. If you’re disappointed you’re in good company with many others in our fallen world. So don’t isolate yourself. Find some other women to talk with, and support and encourage each other as you deal with your disappointments.

Cast your cares on God. God has promised to always be with you and act in love toward you. Even when you can’t sense God’s presence with you, believe His promise. He knows what you’re going through, and He cares, While you may not understand why God has allowed certain challenges to come into your life, you can rest assured that His loving comfort and help is available to you at all times. Pray honestly about your thoughts and feelings related to your challenges. Don’t hesitate to express anything to God; He already knows anyway, and He wants you to draw closer to Him when you’re struggling.

Grieve your losses. Face the fact that you’ve lost something valuable to you, rather than trying to ignore the hard reality or sugarcoat in some way. Cry if you need to cry, journal about your loss is that helps, talk with a counselor or trusted friends, find solace in God’s word, and do whatever else helps you grieve your losses. Accept your situation, and begin to work through it honestly. But don’t get stuck in a rut; once you’ve expressed your grief, start to move on. Steer clear of winning, complaining and self-pity. Allow your grief to take its course. Then let go of your old dream and look forward to what God has in store for you in the future. Stop reviewing your mistakes; give up regrets and ask God to show you what He wants you to learn from your mistakes so you can grow beyond them. Take your eyes off the past and turn them toward what God is planning for the rest of your life. Pray for guidance, and step out to follow Him wherever He leads you.

Give thanks. Although this may be the last thing you feel like doing right now, it’s vital to give thanks to God in all circumstances (not for all circumstances, but in the midst of them) because doing so makes you notice what God is doing in your life and strengthens your assurance that He does care for you. Make giving thanks a daily practice. Pay attention to even the little ways that God provides for you each day-from a good meal, to a caring friend who takes the time to call and ask how you’re doing.

♥♥♥ I’ve found this old note from my stuffs and I was encouraged after reading this one. I turned 21 today. Yikes! I thought that this is the saddest birthday I’ve ever had. I felt that I have no reason to celebrate. But God reminded me of His faithfulness and love for me throughout my 21 years of existence. There are things that are happening in my life right now that I can’t explain. But I know in God’s time, He’ll reveal to me all His reasons behind it. I trust Him that in this journey, He’ll sustain me. I’m rest assured that even though I don’t know what the future holds for me, I know WHO holds my future. I always think of what author Bright said: “Knowing that heaven is our real home makes it easier to pass through the tough times here on earth. I have taken comfort often in the knowledge that the perils of a journey on earth will be nothing compared to the glories of heaven.”

YEY!!!! I'm already 21!!! Thank God!!! :)

election 2010

“Furthermore, you shall select out of all the people able men who fear God, men of truth, those who hate dishonest gain; and you shall place these over them as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties and of tens.”
-Exodus 18:21

Today is a crucial day for the Filipino people. And I made sure that I will be a part of this Philippine History. My vote has been counted! :) I’m really excited to vote besides that I’m a first-timer voter; it is also an automated election. I’m slightly disappointed with the system of the election because I waited for two hours for my turn to vote under the summer heat of May but 2 hours waiting in line is nothing compared to 6 years of positive change. Here’s my picture as a proud registered voter with an indelible ink:

By the way, I chose a leader whom I think had the best potential to lead the country and a man of integrity. I supported yellow and blue tandem! I chose them not because of popularity and the likes but because I saw their selfless love towards the country. They responded to the call of the people for real transformation. And their tandem was shown in one of my dreams. (literally speaking!) The tandem is very young, aggressive and reformist. They are political royalty. I believe that Mr. Aquino will keep the heroism of his parents alive in this country-Love of God, country and people.

“There is no greater nation than our Motherland. No greater people than our own. Serve them with all your heart, with all your might and with all your strength.” – Ninoy Aquino in a letter to his only son Noynoy

But most importantly, let justice and truth prevails.
God bless our country.
Let His will be done! :)

Love Letter from God ♥♥♥

This is absolutely amazing! :) The greatest love letter ever told. Thank God! What a joy and peace You brought in my heart after reflecting on your words. Iam Yours God! Love you sOoooo much! ♥

the termination experience

Unexpected.Unnotified.Unexplainable.

Grabeeee… kakaiba talaga pinagdaanan ko last week. I’ll give you a brief flashback. Here it goes:

I didn’t expect that March 31, 2010 will be my last day of duty at AGH. It was really a mind-boggling experience for me. I still have a schedule for the month of April last March 29, 2010. Then I don’t know why on the next day I can’t find my name on the schedule. It was changed.
I was terminated.

In tagalong-natanggal,dinispatya,pinatalsik.. And what made my heart sank was the fact that I’m not aware what was my mistake. I went home with a heavy heart but God impressed me with three verses on my devotion and it was very timely.

“The person who loves God is the one God knows and cares for."

-1 Corinthians 8:3

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

-1 Peter 5:7

"You need to remain calm; the Lord will fight for you."

-Ex. 14:14

Then I wrote my resignation letter, I cried. Before the ink can reach the white paper, tears keep falling from my eyes.

Even if you've fallen, even if you've failed, even if everyone else has rejected you, Christ will not turn away from you. :)

Then I headed for my last duty. I received words of encouragement and support from my colleagues. We reminisced the good old duty days and what they heard why all of a sudden I’m out of the list. My colleagues have no complaints against me and that’s why I really can’t understand why all of a sudden I was removed. “They owe you an explanation!!!” as one resident doctor said. He adds, “kaya nga ako tumagal dito kasi sa samahan..” Exactly! That was also my reason why I stayed. I will always treasure the memories and the friendship I have found.

I thanked God for this heart-warming message from my sister:

sissy..take heart..baka your getting comfortable na sa kasi sa AGH..eh iba n plans sa iyo ng Lord..di ba we are praying for better opportunity for you...I'm thinking baka possible yan na ang answer ng Lord...pra mas magsipag ka na to look for a new job..Ung mga friends mo naman will still be there for u kahit ala ka na sa AGH..diba friends for keeps sila..diba sabi...all things work for the best for those who love Christ ;)

I got a phone call from my head nurse. I asked for the primary reason then she answered “hindi ka kasi feel ni ****!” Ang babaw ng reason, right? My head nurse can’t do anything because it’s the management’s decision. But it’s not important to me anymore for God allowed this to happen because He has a purpose. I think it’s better left unsaid. I was also reminded by the bible character named Joseph the dreamer.
He experienced persecutions from his own brothers but he ended up victorious. For the complete story, read Genesis Chapter 37 onwards. His story was very inspiring that we must cling to our faith in all circumstances of our life. Like Joseph, we can also dream great dreams and live up to our fullest potential. The whole termination experience showed me how faithful God is. I thank God for His word
 and He also used people to encourage me. :)

I cried. I prayed. I forgave.

Bless those who persecute you; bless, and don’t curse.

-Romans 12:14

Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord.

-Romans 12:19

I’m sOooooo excited to the next mission field that God will assign for me. Praise God! :)

my little friend :D

Meet my little friend-Sheayen. We called her ayen. She and her family lives besides our house and our house is like her extended home. She is like my own little sister and my parents treated her like their own grandchild. How time really flies! I can’t believe that she just turned four this year. We saw her growing up and she amazes us today the way she thinks and reasons. Just like other bibo kids, she always showcases her talents to our family. Besides of singing and dancing, she looooooves to eat! She is part of the samahang bata-na-napagiwanan-sa-kusina. hahahah. This kid really brings joy and laughter to our house.

And this is what we do when boredom strikes…

I do love kids. And no doubt that my future ministry will involve kids! :)

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."-Matthew 19:14

"I am a Christian"

When I say I am a Christian — by Maya Angelou

When I say ... "I am a Christian"
I'm not shouting "I'm clean livin'."
I'm whispering "I was lost,
Now I'm found and forgiven."

When I say ... "I am a Christian"
I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble
and need Christ to be my guide.

When I say ... "I am a Christian"
I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak
And need His strength to carry on.

When I say ... "I am a Christian"
I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed
And need God to clean my mess.

When I say ... "I am a Christian"
I'm not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible
But, God believes I am worth it.

When I say ... "I am a Christian"
I still feel the sting of pain.
I have my share of heartaches
So I call upon His name.

When I say ... "I am a Christian"
I'm not holier than thou,
I'm just a simple sinner
Who received God's good grace, somehow

woman's stuff O_o

I received this forwarded email from a sister-in-Christ. :)
Thanks cess for sharing this one!

What makes me weak? My fears.....

What makes me whole? My God.

What keeps me standing? My faith.

What makes me compassionate? My selflessness.

What makes me honest? My integrity.

What sustains my mind? My quest for knowledge.

What teaches me all lessons? My mistakes.

What lift's my head high? My pride, not arrogance.

What if I can't go on? Not an option.

What makes me victorious? My courage to climb.

What makes me competent? My confidence .

What makes me sensual? My insatiable essence.

What makes me beautiful? My everything.

What makes me a woman? My heart .

Who says I need love? I do.

What empowers me? My God & Me.

Who am I? I AM A PROUD WOMAN!

For all the ladies out there, STAY BEAUTIFUL inside and out! :)

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. -Proverbs 31:30