Bathroom Diaries: Buntis

My colleague will be a mom again, for the second time. Her first will turn 2 on October. We are not close but we know each other good enough. 

So she announced that the 2nd baby is on its way; and I congratulated her gladly. As expected, she teased me asking when can I have mine. I told her that I can't conceive alone :)

Celebrate Life

Today, I am celebrating my 34th.

Probably, I am stepping at the half stage of my life... more or less... maybe. 

My FB account was flooded with greetings from family and relatives, friends, former classmates, church family, acquaintance and career connections.

Yes, even in people, there are categories, and that is the reality; as time passes by, I realized that there are different level of relationship for every people that surrounds us

As we grow more mature, our friends became less in numbers. Others became not just friends but family to us; they are those few who stayed all throughout... while others left when things get rough. As the saying goes, I'd rather have one true friend than hundred fake ones. 

Mommy's Day

This post is for you, my Nanay and to all the mothers out there... 

You have the biggest heart to love us unconditionally. 

You have the strongest arms that carries the burden of the family.

You have are the richest person we've known for you gave your all to make us happy. 

You are the best. 

All mothers are the best.

Being a mother is the best. 

Thank you for not giving up. 

Happy Mother's Day. 

Urgent and Important

We've seen this on seminars and workshops. For me, I am not so sure how many times I heard this on company training, but yes, this urgent - important diagram is indeed urgent and important to share.

I consider last March as one of my busiest month, ever. The week of our church anniversary landed on the same week of a regional campaign. The celebration was successful but not the campaign; just as I shared at my Stand Firm story...

Become Your Dream

A Colorful  & Prosperous 2012 to you!

Let me start this by sharing an excerpt from our CEO's New Year message to us... 

Mahatma Gandhi said: "Be the change you want to see in the world." 

And a year like 2011 in our region has certainly demonstrated the validity of this message. Across the Middle East and North Africa, people have made their voices heard, and I urge you to do 2 things: 

First, Listen. Filter the truth and understand the new world we live in.... 

Equally important to listening is having a point of view and taking action. Have your voice and let it be heard. Stand for what you believe and do what you love. We have the power, the talent and the ambition to be as powerful as far reaching as our dreams can take us... Realize and become your dream... 

Since Sunday, I have been thinking of topic for the year-end or new year article. I have been praying for wisdom on what to share to everyone.  

Shall I make a recap of what happened in 2011? A year - end repost perhaps? Or shall I make a list of my new year's resolution and to-do-and-not-to-do list for the year? 

Hence, you probably have read all the recap of 2011 - good and not so good things that happened in the past. And surely, you had prepared your new year's resolution as well (if you are that type) or at least had enumerated in mind things that you want to improve for the new year (that's my type). 

So it took me a week to finally open this page and started to write... thanks to our CEO for the inspiring words. 

Be the change you want to see in the world. 

Following Jesus is never easy

God didn't promise a day without pain, 
laughter without sorrow, sun without rain...

But He did promise strength for the day, 
comfort for tears and light for the way. 

How many times have you read that phrase?
It might be in your email inbox, FB friend's wall, twitter status...
I have seen it several times already... and every time I read these lines, it still gives me a great impact.

Following Jesus is never easy.
It's an struggle between yourself and your inner being...between knowledge and wisdom... between knowing and understanding... between life and living. A tug of war between past and future...

Travelling along this road is the bumpiest ride that you can experience. It's not always straight, smooth road to drive. There are stop lights that will show green to go, yellow to slow down and red to stop. There are radar for over speeding drivers. Others might have GPS for quick guide, while some hold maps for guidance. You might think that you know the way, but you missed the route.

You'll have stop overs. You'll see old and new faces; you'll be friends with strangers while you'll lose some of your so called friends.You'll have a family out of many families, and you'll have an obligation and responsibility to each of them... .

On the crossroads, you'll meet the person that you hate, the person that you love... someone that you thought you knew all along, but was a total stranger after all -- yourself. You'll learn to let go of who you were and start to become who you really are...

Celebrate Love

Music and Me

I love to sing.

I can sing all day with the magic sing. I know a lot of videoke songs.
I love music.
I can survive all day without TV, but please, I need music.

I am a frustrated singer...
It's not that I'm out of tune; because I know the tones so well...
But I do not have the voice -- of a singer.
My voice is flat... that's the big problem!

Exhange Gift

Since  I am in Arab region, where Muslim cultures were strictly implemented, I am blessed that somehow, there is this Christmas spirit that's standing in the midst of our department...

Last Thursday, we had a Merry-Pot-Luck Day in the office; a merienda cena in our department followed by exchange gift from the Secret Santa!

A traditional Christmas celebration that we, Christians were used to. We had it in school, church, offices, with friends and family.

Hearing Sleigh Bells

Have you heard that ting-a-ling-ling these days?
The season of happy songs from the happy heart and happy souls is finally here.
We'll I haven't heard any Christmas carols on this side of the planet but the ting-a-ling-ling-ting-ting-a-ling-dong is buzzing on my ears... in my mind and in my heart.

For Them

I lit this candle today for them...

Them, who was once with us in this journey

People who shared a portion of their life with us

They, who extended their love unconditionally

and touched our hearts wholeheartedly.

The Life that is Truly Life

It's my 200th post. 
After saying Bye Bye Love on the 2nd year of Kali...
It's about time to let go of the life I planned to accept the life that is waiting for me.

As I randomly checked some of my previous posts, memories flashed back... actually, I cannot believe that I was able publish it and let people enter into my life.
From the story of The Good Samaritan...  and how I was EMBARRASSED by my nephew's faith and the many Happy Thoughts that we shared...
Different issues, personal stories, you got to know my family and friends, I was able to share my point of views, my dreams and frustrations, heartaches and pains, inspirations and goals...

Bye Bye Love

I believed when u said that we'll see each other in the right time...
And that someday our path will cross again.

Summer ended and cool wind is here
Embracing me on this cold and lonely evening
Somehow I am wishing that you're here beside me
And we are praying together that God will bless us endlessly.

What are you wearing today?

When was the last time you visited the mall?
Have you seen the lastest collection from your favorite boutique, or you already had one?

Red tags and signages are all around the malls here in Dubai as the end of the Dubai Shopping Festival... finishing all the stocks before the launching of the new collection...

In the fancy world where I move, with the walking manequins that I can see everyday with the most expensive bags and shoes that they wear... it makes me think whether these people get satisfied ever, with what they have?

Here in the office, while walking along corridor, some people will look at you as if they are security officer checking whether you have bombs under your shirt... or as if they are computing your 'value' for what you have, from head to foot.

Tatay's Girl

I am my Tatay's favorite...
Being the youngest and the only girl, I am the only Tatay's girl!

I am my father's daughter... more than my mother's. My traits are from him.
Aside from the birthmark, there are a lot of my tatay's personalities that I can see in me.
As time passed by, I realized and recognized our similarities...

During first meeting, you will find us snob or quiet or shy :) (really!)
We do not usually join the crowd and chose to stay on small groups.
Our friends are few... yet they are all true. I've seen his peers since I was a kid, and I can see the same set of friends until now. And I hope mine too will last a lifetime like his.

Next is our wit.
He always smiles and makes us laugh. He's a joker. And as I was growing up, I became his side kick... we exchange punch lines! And now that I'm a grown up and he is older, I took the lead, and he is my back up. We love to irritate my nanay with our jokes... We both love to laugh.

We have the same tongue and stomach.
We love eating same types of food, yet he always asks me to eat first and took only what's left from me...

Our patience is long... and our pride is deep.
We seldom get angry and we just keep quiet when we're offended.
I never saw my parents fighting... not that I remember. I know that there are misunderstandings and petty quarrels, but I never heard any arguments. I know my tatay so well. If he is mad, he won't speak to you, until he is ok.

We live by the day...
At first, I took it negatively that he seems to be contented in what we have then... thought that he doesn't dreamt more and just satisfied with what was there... until such time that I was on the same shoes.
Then I understand that it's not that he didn't dream big at all but his dreams for us are bigger that he sacrificed his own. Our lives are his dreams... and he made every single day of it happy as happy as it could.

Making this post is like revealing a part of my personality...
I should stop now to keep some mystery :)

But I want to shout to the whole world that...
I am grateful, I am so proud, I am happy and I am blessed being my Tatay's daughter...

The Value of Sharing

Life is not about having and getting...
but being and becoming.

Familiar? Because it's in my profile :)
That is one of my favorite quotations...
It applies to me and my vision of what life really is.

Aside from being passionate in writing and photography, I am here to share God's faithfulness in my life, on the people around me and in the world where I belong...

I am not a perfect example of what a Christian should be...
But my God is perfect. That is what I want to share.
And that is what we all need to attest...

One friend told me her feelings towards giving testimonies at the time when she still attended a Christian fellowship... that is the portion of the program/activity that she wants to avoid,  she felt uncomfortable in sharing her life story...
And she said that maybe, its because of she's still young then and lacking self confidence...

Or I can say that maybe, during 'her' time, the importance of testimonies wasn't explained enough that she didn't understand why it is necessary.

In our church (Phils.), giving testimonies is part of our Sunday service. And weekly, I heard people sharing how great our God is...
I remember being so naive before, not understanding what was happening around...
I found it so odd, that people are crying in front of the church... thanking God but crying at the same time.
There are some who I thought were so proud with their new businesses or new investments or careers...
Others have sick relatives and family members that were in trouble... but still, they were shouting Hallelujah!

Honestly, I thought they were OA then!
Yup... I did :-)

It took me some time before I understand why 'they' do that...
or rather...
I needed to have deeper relationship with Him, wider knowledge about Him, and strong faith in Him before I fully understand why people have to stand there in front, crying while saying their pieces and thanking the Lord...

And maybe, many finds me OA these days, too :-)

We always say, 'count your blessings...'
But after counting, what are we supposed to do?

In our weaknesses, others' may find their strength...
And where we failed, others may succeed.

For me, Christian living is like living in a fantasy world... each day is another miracle... never ending blessings... unlimited happiness and overwhelming joy...
Trials are there, but it won't bring me down... instead, it will draw me closer to Him.

And that wonderful Christian life experience shouldn't be a secret...
We should say it and share it and be proud of it.


In your hearts, set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.
1 Peter 3:15

Let your stories be heard...
Let others be inspired, not of what you have but who you've become through the grace of God.

Now On Lane 3

I just hit the big 30!

Yup... just recently :)

And I had the best party ever!!!

I had 3 cakes... 3 candles... 3 wishes...
It was celebrated with 3 different set of friends (early morning, lunch and dinner)...
It was also my 3rd birthday here in Dubai, and my 3rd birthday celebration away from home...

And I had 3 first time on that day...
Let me share with you those 3s... (briefly)

First is the 'alcohol free' yet very fun party!

I am trying to recall when was my last party without alcohol... maybe when I was in highschool?
Maybe...
And for the past years or hmmmm... decade of celebrations, I thought that it is impossible to enjoy a party without a beer!!!

On that day, I knew what it takes to be really happy... I learned that laughter comes from the heart and not from the mind corrupted by alcohol... and party is enjoyed most with special people whom you love...

Second on that three is the experience of the so called 'tribute' to the celebrator.

The feeling was overwhelming, as my new found family shared their thoughts about me... and offered verses that will be my guide towards the next chapter of my journey.

Through that, I was able to reflect... I am thankful to all the kind words they said about me... (thank God for the food, they were not hungry and angry ;-)

During that time, memories flashed back... Good and not so good memories that molded me to become who I am today. Years of struggles... Moments of success... Failures and achievements...

Trials that tested my faith and proved God's love and faithfulness... my ride was never easy, but it has always been safe and happy, having Him beside me.

Third but never the least is the total happiness that I felt on that day...
It was so so different... I felt the love not just by the people but most of all by God.

It is the first time that I didn't cry on a special occasion...
Of course, I missed my family who are not beside me physically... but the distance was never a hindrance for me to feel their love...
I longed to be with my relatives who always supported me and my friends who sailed with me all the way...

I missed them... but it won't be reason not to be happy.
We may not be together but I was embraced by their love...

God works mightily... He filled up those empty spaces...
He completes me...


On that day, a new chapter of my life started...
I'm done with rough slow lane 1... moved to curve fast lane 2...

Now, I am on straight lane 3 :)
Focused on every step together with our Almighty.

---
Let me share 3 of the many verses that I received on that day...

Ephesians 3:17-19
I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge - that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

2 Peter 3:18
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
There is a time for everything,

and a season for every activity under heaven:

a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,

a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,

a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,

a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,

a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,

a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,

a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.

Nanay's Day Masterpiece

It's almost 2 hours since I started composing this blog...
Had about 5 drafts of poems, and almost finished 1, but I was never satisfied.
I kept on praying... asking for His guidance as I write...
Several attempts of creating the best piece for Nanay... but I just cant.

Then I stood up, took my cup and made coffee...
I kept squeezing my brain as I walk along the hallway, hoping that some great idea will pop out;
While waiting for the water to boil, I embraced the silence, took a deep breath and listen to what my heart says...

Then I realized that in as much as I wanted to compose a masterpiece for Nanay's day,
It will never happen.

The greatest gift that my heart desires is far beyond these words...
Not a thousand stanzas of poem or a novel about mother will fulfill my longing...
Because more than anything, I want to hug her today.

No words can express how much I love her...
And how much I am missing her...

I love you so much Nay...


and so with my other Nanays:
Ditse, Sanse, Ninang, Tita Neng, Tita Elsa, Tita Alice, Tita Ine and Mama Ric
Praise God for your lives... I love you.

BrATTLEFIELD

In circumstances where my temper is being tested, I really feel that our God listens to my prayers...

Yesterday was a long day for me... and not so favorable on my side, unlike the recent days. Admittedly, I was affected with certain confrontation with my colleague and some people who seems to be less professional than the rest. And until now, it can't get over with it! whew!!!

From yesterday, until this very moment... I am praying for patience and understanding. I am so cautious about my temper, not because I don't want to go down to her level (-that is how I used to think) but because I want to be obedient to Him and that people will see that I am different because Christ is living in my heart. I want Him to be glorified...

"Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life." -Philippians 2:14-16

And this is what I always pray for... that He will continuously mold me to be righteous - to be called His child. I want to learn how to 'love thy neighbors' and to be patient... I really hope I can be somebody that He will be proud of...

This is my struggle, my constant prayer.

Currently, here in our workplace, I can really feel that He moves to grant my request. As I eagerly asked for Him to teach me how to be serene, He put me on situations that tests my faith and practice my patience.

I read this in heartlight - 'I tell you, if you are serious about wanting to be like Christ, He is going to put you in circumstances where your only choice is to become like Him.' - Francis Frangipane

And I certainly agree.

I am now in the battlefield, struggling to fight with my own personality. Dealing with bratts, including me...

Patience is better than pride...
I envy people who are patient. Those who easily forgive and forget.
I am not like them, but I am trying, and I am praying...

Period

A close friend of mine wants to end her relationship... not because there is a problem with her partner nor they fall out of love... there is no third party nor any career or business crisis... no family issues either.

The simple reason is because of the thought that "relationship don't lasts"... that FOREVER won't be achieved... worries that time will come that the relationship will end.

Indeed, there are basis... knowing that some people and relationships come and go.

That there is no permanent 'thing' nor secured future that we can grasp.

It applies to all. Whether you are in relationship or wanting to be in relationship, no one is secured. We cannot guarantee tomorrow... and as I have said, Forward March! What we only have is today.

My friend is so afraid for the coming days... guarding her heart to be broken on a thought that didn't happen yet... wants to end the beautiful relationship that she have because of her fears... Breaking her heart because she is frightened to be wrecked...

In our own situations, at some point, we all have felt the same...

We have made decisions not because we want to achieve something, but because we are avoiding somethings...

We assume. We expect and we tend to forget what we have TODAY.

Like life, everything ends... death comes like a thief in the night... we don't know when, but we know it will happen.

In the right time, periods will be punctuated in our own stories... but in the bottom... we still have the whole page, the whole chapters to fill up. We should not be threatened.

What readers read is not that small dot in the end, but the words written, the phrases, the paragraphs.

So while we can choose the letters to make a sentence on our own pages...  let's enjoy this blessing, our freedom to live each day, making the best stories of our lives, day by day.

Let us not rush towards the end because there is present that we still need to make...

---o0o---

There is a time for everything,

and a season for every activity under heaven:

Ecclesiastes 3:1