That has gotta hurt

Pain is inevitable. However, it is a choice. In a world full of changing standards, it is crazy to think that these could satisfy the heart’s longing which apparently impossible. I am about to share the deep aches and concerns in my world and the answer to all the unbelievable skyrocketting emotions at this very moment.

Pain is a choice as same as with love. If love is present, pain is also real. You see, I did not expect to be this “people-person” as many have said. It was only developed and discovered when I finally decided to get out my comfort zone. Routine has driven weary and I noticed, it is not for me. Anyway, I earned friends. Plenty of friends but “few” real ones. I expected those “friends” to be there but to no avail, they disappeared and seemingly innocently ignored me. The “few” real ones where I encountered real talks, endured all the “uninvited” hangouts, persevered all my “complains” in life and interceded for me on my lowest points. They were the few people I did not expect to give and make time for me. Consequently, assurred me that no matter what season may bring us, whether no talks, no update posts, as long as communication is open, we will still be friends. They affirmed me more than friends, we were sisters! To those “friends” who gives us silent treatments, passes by when sees each other, texts only when needed, and remembers you only when sad, here’s my say, “thank you! Because of those treatment, it allowed me to see the real friends in my life.” I was able to identify the people who can protect my inmost being, sisters who are willing to dig deep in prayers for all my heartaches, and lastly, I was able to hold back my emotions because they help me refocus and refix my eyes to the true Beholder. Painful as it may seem, once in a while, I was reminded that in friendship there will always be “season” or sometimes a decision to let go. And to all my unhealthy relationships, if unfix, let go. 

To futher extend my other concerns, I would like to emphasize that I have no intention of hurting anyone or make parinig (but if you are guilty, then that’s the verdict. Haha.) Moving on, for more than 5 years in my profession, I’m still stuck here in Philippines. I have no savings, no car, no house and lot, no funeral insurance, and no love life. No matter how hard life’s showcase can be, the things mentioned are not the things that can fill a cup. I wanted to go abroad, so bad! I had to resign from a company where my needs were well compensated and work to a small hospital and earn minimum wage in order to gain hospital experience. Struggling it must have to me but that should be not a reason of giving up. If it takes to go through the eye of a needle in order to fulfill the dreams and be prosperous, I will persevere. If it leaves me no choice and remain single for the rest of my life, THAT IS OKAY. Again, I’ll go back to my word, these temporary things will not define my success nor wealth nor identity. Mahirap abutin ang pangarap, lalo na kung hindi talaga para sayo, pero walang masama sa ginagawa ang karapatan. It took me years to finally take the path and consider going abroad. But the challenge does not stop there, there are lot of steps to take such as money to shell out, exhausting effort to fix documents, pass exams and many more. As frustrating as it can be the desire should not deprive. I’ve got to fight but not alone. One day, I’ll fly with different colors and give all the credits to the One who holds my universe – my Abba Father.

As religous as it sound but that’s the truth. I can always complain and whine all the adversities in my life but I can never outgive Gods love. I may have loss important people or dreams unfulfilled but one thing I am sure that I can boast all the days of my life – Jesus. I may have been rejected by people but His wholeness accepted a wretch like me and that is enough, satisfying and fulfilling. At the end of the day, even we remain faithless, He remains faithful. I will keep trusting God and His plans. 

Friendship is not a test

Dear friend,

Friendship is not a test,

rather it is a foundation,

Clarity is the best,

and offers forever portion.

Go in and out from a car,

who doesn’t guarantee of future,

only ache precaution of the heart,

Dear Friend,

Today, my heart is confused,

to you who is not obvious,

I hope it comes to at peace.

“God remove this at once”, I prayed,

So I could feel pain no more,

let the world not know,

So I could move on.

Let them try to pull me low,

But I won’t let them prosper.

Throw me all the 0% chances,

still,

friendship is not an experiment.

But a substance to a blooming romance,

ordained story to be unfold someday.

May this disheveled heart be groomed in no time,

Because I would love to love someone who is worth my love.IMG_6012

Forgiveness is a gift

I’ve been thinking lately that somehow I felt used by some so-called “friends”. Friends who said they would stay. Friends who used to call you when they have problems and make you feel special because they tell you their darkest secrets. Friends who would text you, “Where are you?” but to my unresponsive instinct they will favorably unconsider your presence because you’ll find out that they’re with their “other” friends already.

You see, I do not have that “bunch of friends” that would stick through thick and thin but I have “few” friends who would gear up and listen attentively to all my whining unreasonable assumptions based from my own judgmental thoughts. Those were just few. Where are the others? Ayun, masayang nalilimutan ako at hinaharap ang kasalukuyan kahit wala ang presensiya ko. To be honest, I am mad. They didn’t even dare to ask how I was doing? And they would just forget all the fun memories that we had. But I won’t let my emotions, this emotion, to prevail!

“Forgiveness is a gift” my resident doctor repeatedly shared as I tell some of my insights in life. I had to go through acceptance before I go to the finished line. I had to accept that fact that these friends of mine will not call me because they are happy (which is good!) even without me. Well, I am just saying that those were the days and I am on my season of expanding my horizon and contentedly accept the fact that this is how my life goes on.

How I received forgiveness? By a genuine encounter with Christ and not with people. I saw how I can be selfish at ALL times and I look at people how they move in the pace of life selfishly. I am always reminded by the FACT that PEOPLE WILL FAIL US but God will never do the same. As I have laid my foundation to the Rock of my salvation He let me see through my whole being by giving me the full access of sonship in His Kingdom. He convinced me my true identity, worth and value. Whenever I get reminded by that I was always put in the position of surrender. Because of that I will always be forever grateful that even I only have “few” people to trust and treasure, I know that in Him I will always find security and peace.

And you asked if I have forgiven them? 100% YES. friendship are not meant to depend on each other. Sometimes there are seasons. A change of heart either to stay or let go. A friendship worth your time and sometimes an immediate action of letting go. Wherever they are, I AM HAPPY FOR THEM. As long as I live, my time, effort, and heart will be available to them but don’t abused me, I’ll know if you are using me to fill that reserved chair which apparently not meant for me. So help me God.

So, forgiveness is a gift. It is either you accept it or not.

 

I didn’t get to blow my birthday cake

Turning 27 this year is just surreal. I can’t believe I’m already that old. It seems my age stops at 25. Anyway, my birthdays has never been extraordinary. It was just the same ordinary usual day for me. Life can be pretty complicated but I’ll end this blog with a redeemable events of story.

A part of me just felt excitement when I was waiting for 12 midnight. “I am turning 27!!!!” I said excitedly. I don’t know why. So, of course before I got to sleep, I whispered a little short prayer to God, “Thank You, Lord.”

My family greeted me with a simple “Happy birthday” and I responded with a “Thank you”. It is enough for me. But this time, I didn’t get to blow my candle because we didn’t celebrate it. I had a very busy duty at the hospital, overtime for two hours. It rained so heavily. Glad that my brother was near that place I get to go home at least. A simple dinner with siblings at Uncle Moe’s and a dessert at Lawson. Glad to spend it with them. To be honest, I am financially broke. As much as I wanted to celebrate my birthday with few true people in my life, MONEY HAS BEEN AN ISSUE. But I still have few here in my wallet so I had to treat my siblings at least.

Well, the highlight of the night, I received a call from my Dad. Where we did not have any communications ever since some unexpected events arose since this year started. But I really thank God from letting me hear his voice and letting me know that my father still cares for us.

I may not have blow a candle on my birthday but the glimpse of disguised blessings where my family can be save from unruly heartbreaks is enough for me to know that I still have such treasures.

I thank the Lord for the people He brought into my life. People who chose to stay despite of all the things that happened. True friends who rather accept my flaws than see the aching pretentious smile. Thank You, Lord for anoher year. I am expectant and excited to what lies ahead of me.

I in the mirror


Hesitantly, I look at myself in the mirror. I look at that person and deep inside she’s broken and still in a healing process. I look at her with shamefully disgusted personality. I see this lady full of mysteries and secrets. However, she believes that no secrets cannot be revealed. She has support system, few but real, who will remind her identity and encourage her that we live because there is a purpose.

Indeed there is a purpose. Whenever I look back to the past, I always find myself to the lost woods or stare the endless ceiling. I somehow realize that PAST has contributed a lot of who I am today and there comes a time when I just cannot let go of it. But, yes a big BUT… We have to move on… I love new things and I am excited to explore and discover to conquer and learn about something in this new season.

Going back, how I see myself today? I am really disgusted. A lot of times when we fight for what is right or stand firm with convictions which ends up to failure. I just discovered my weakness recently hence the readon why I still fall on the same trap all over again. And it just makes me sad that whenever I am “almost” in that situation, there’s this urge of “test/challenge” but naaaaah… I say, know your weakness and never attempt to check if you have overcome it. Run away immediately from temptation. Do you get what I mean? 

We are human with limited strength and capacity. Since we are human let us not abuse that limited strength to conquer our fears or “test”. No matter what that can be, never ever stay in a place where we can be vulnerable to make mistakes.

Honestly, I do not know how to redeem myself back but God’s grace is sufficient for my weaknesses. Sometimes my thoughts tell me: “you do not deserve His grace” “you are unworthy” “you kept on saying sorry but you keep doing same old sins” and sometimes “you are not beautiful!” There’s a truth to those thoughts and that make God more visible in my life. 

I look at myself and I see a woman who doesn’t deserve all the love and precious breath in this world but someOne gave it anyway. I cannot see the fast healing but I am willing for a change and enter new season in life.

An open letter to the Man who has my attention

Dear _______,

Hi!! I know you didn’t expect this but I want to let you know what is really going on my head. We’ve been really closefriend since we met. I even laughed at how I could possibly see you as one of my friends on my list.

Recently, it has been our routine to spend time talking, Facebook chatting, eat at the most cheapest restaurants near our place. I have realized that you might have my attention but it doesn’t guarantee “our” future together.

I want to let you know that I appreciate all the efforts, most specially the QT’s. The effort in getting to know me even on my drastic face expressions, loud voice, annoying attitudes, and bad hair days.

I am grateful that I could be with someone to be just me, make my day full of laughter, jive with all the kalokohan and drive me crazy guessing all the gestures of if’s and but’s. 

But something holds me back from trusting you completely. Our past has been part of our journey but I won’t like it to be a replacement of our story. It would be better a complete recovery from it then we could have our own back to zero. Again, you have to earn my trust, work for it and then let’s see. 

Yeah, you have my attention but that doesn’t guarantee our future of being together. Just to let you know.

Mt. Batulao

  
It was February when my guy friends from church invited me to join them to hike Mt. Maculot. It was my first time and it was surreal! I really had so much fun plus friends who won’t give up on you. Anyway, that was my first and halos sinumpa ko yun dahil sa dami kong “slide” moments. But it didn’t stop me, my next trek was in Mt. Daraitan but our goal was Tinipak River. Such a beautiful sight! Then supposedly will go to Mt. Gulugod Baboy, but I decided to spend time with my workmates instead in Camayan Beach. Oh well, I have missed a lot that day indeed! Tsk!
Anyway, this hike is memorable! Kahit nalilito parin ako sa mga terms na HIKE, TREK, And RAPEL. Basta alam ko nilalakbay ko bundok. A friend of mine once asked herself “Why am I doing this? What am I trying to prove here? What is my purpose?”. Napaisip ako bakit nga ba? Then came Batulao. 

Before we climb Batulao, the past few days, the weather was very discouraging. But still majority of us are decided to go. My friends are good to go and as usual late parin kaming umalis AT dahil sa chicken sandwich with celery ng kaibigan namin! HAHA

So nagumpisa yung trek namin around 9am ata yun? Sobrang memorable kasi ang dami kong nawitness na character ng mga kaibigan ko. At lalong lalo na yung faithfulness ni God!!! Sobraaaa! This one is so genuine, sobrang totoo, all out ako dito. Ibang klase to! ❀️

Habang naglalakad ako paakyat, nakailang tawag ako kay God!!!! Sobrang dami, “God! I’m so tired!!!! Naghhyperventilate na ako. Naghhyperventilate na sila.” Pero sabi nga ni Dory ng Finding Nemo “Just keep swimming, just keep swimming…” Ako naman, “Just keep walking, just keep walking.” Mind over matter nga daw kahit sobrang pawisan ka na plus natulo pa sipon mo… HAHA

  
Mt. Batulao is very dangerous nga talaga konting kalokohan mo lang pwede ka na gumulong gulong pababa. Kung gusto mo ng shortcut, isang dulas mo lang sa baba ka na, ewan ko lang kung buhay ka pa pagbaba mo. Sobrang narrowed way lang siya talaga. And NO TREES! I finally saw the LONELY TREE, lonely nga pero lagi naman nadadaanan, kaya siguro standing strong siya kasi dinadalaw naman ng marami. Wasn’t able to take a photo with it because there were bystanders. 

   
I’m not sure if ako lang talaga yun, pero mas napagod ako dito compared to Mt. Maculot! It was a long trek and hike plus rapelling! My favorite part is the rapelling and rock climbing- 90 degrees!!! Pero grabe talaga yung pagod siguro nga sabi ng friend ko, “Kasi nakikita natin ung goal kaya siguro mas napapagod tayo, hindi tulad sa Mt. Maculot kahit ilang beses sabihin na dalawang oras, go parin tayo.” Ahh I got his point. Pero hindi talaga! Sobrang nakakapagod eh.

  
So here’s the unforgettable talaga. Majority of us are women and I am speechless by their unwavering faith. That’s why we pushed the plan. And we are really favored because it was a very very fine weather! ❀️

Things I’ve discovered and learned:

1. “Lord. Lord. Lord.” – we were calling God along the way. It still amazes me that even we’re tired, si Lord parin ang tinatawag namin. 

“I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God; incline your ear to me; hear my words. Wondrously show your steadfast love, O Savior of those who seek refuge from their adversaries at your right hand. Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings, ” Psalm 17:6-8

2. “Malapit na tayo guys!!!” – we have to reach camp 10! But we were still at Camp 1, non stop ang pagmmotivate samin ng mga boys! 

“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. – “1 Thessalonians 5:11

3. Courage heart– we all need courage! To pursue life, to finish the race!

” Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9

4. Overcome your fears – we all have fears, (fear of heights, fear of social, mountain and whatever that it) someday we will all face them but instead of dwelling on them turn ’em to faith. 

5. Have FAITH– God reminded me  to have faith and be in faith. Faith. Faith. “Trust Me and just hold My hand.” Very encouraging. All of us have struggles and God has solutions to them. 

“Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. -” 1 Timothy 6:12

6. Glorify the Creator of all things– there were plenty of complains, stumbled moments, walked alone, but I did not see my friends give up, meron “almost” but they continued. And instead of complaining they looked at the beautiful creations instead. Kahit pagod na, they would still call upon God. Kahit wala ka ng katabi sa pagakyat ng bundok, natuto kaming maging independent and dependent kay God lang. Even in the wildest form, we will only learn to appreciate the small things if we have tasted the goodness and faithfulness of our Creator knowing that even in front of the stumbling block we know that we will never be alone. Just like this wild orchid.

  
I am super uber blessed to be with these great people. Character building indeed and its part of building stronger friendship. At the end of the day, we were all smiling dahil kumpleto kaming umakyat at kumpleto din kaming nakababa. Laughter is indeed one of the best medicine. I am excited Lord! Thank you.

   

Looking forward with the whole gang!!! 

La Virginia Resort, Batangas

2014 san Pedro Doctor’s Hospital Anniversary held at La Virginia’s Resort, Batangas from May 6-7, 2014
Glad that the employed staff invited us (volunteers) to enjoy the companionship of our Seniors and Junior staff. Here’s my 10 notes regarding my experience πŸ™‚

1. We arrived at La Virginia at most probably around 9:30am? I’m not sure but it was a bit early. We fixed our things, looked for our beds space. Retouched.

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2. As we arrive to the place, the place was really like under the mountain. The road was on its peak and very high, difficult to walk up, but the view was really a speechless moment for me. I was so excited. I’d rather go to the beach than go to the pool (my mind says). As I went down from the van, I even had deep craving for white-sand beaches…

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3. Of course before eating, our senior staffs gave us time to enjoy the sight and spend time productively with workmates. Picture here, picture there. NONSTOP!

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4. There were so many places to go, because the resort is so big! First spot is the Gorilla. Amazing Sculpture, inspired by the movie King Kong I suppose?

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5. We also went to the small hanging bridge, scared each other from falling. But it did not stop us from taking pictures.

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6. Solo pictures became group pictures, not one matinong solo picture given…

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7. There’s also a Huge Buddha. The rad tech took picture next to small buddha because he looks just the same with them.

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8. A castle built near the entrance, very cute, we didn’t go inside but the place is sure! there’s also an imitated white sand beach with fake helicopters under water. Plus the famous super heroes of this generation. I took photo with Captain America, since there’s no Superman, in substitute.

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9. Swam our hearts out. Ate delicious foods. Played games. Had so much fun with great awesome workmates!

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10. More than the delicious foods, beautiful place, competitive games, what even made me happy was being with awesome people who are willing to be part of my life.

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We work professionally, but beyond work, there’s a strong bond within us. I am thankful to be part of this family. And thank You Lord for this blessing and experience! πŸ™‚ I know that this is part of Your plans. You know me that much that You give the desires of my heart. πŸ™‚ #thankful and #grateful πŸ™‚

I know….

I know Love, you have been waiting for me as well.
Do not fret even we’re surrounded with couples.
So stay strong and patient so you won’t be in a hurry.
I know deep inside your heart you are as excited to meet me.
Do not be in a hurry that you might fall to sin.
Stay grounded and firm with your foundation.
I know that you are praying for me earnestly.
I believe that your sweet prayers are one of the reasons why I’m still blogging this.
I am sure that all your desires are heard from above.

In faith and trust, our most-awaited story will surely something worth to share.
Just wait my Dear, God has something for both of us, let’s just trust His perfect time.

WAIT, my Love WAIT…….. He’ll soon show us the guide

pray continuously

Let’s just continue to trust and be in faith everyday πŸ™‚

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Let’s continue to put our trust, faith and security to the Creator and Author of our lives.

SOON

Friendship that would last….

Friendship that would last....

(John 1: 35-51) Like what Jesus did, He didn’t just sit down and stare to make friends. But instead He moved and made friendships that would last for years. Just like us, we were once strangers to people we now consider as friends. I encourage you to start moving beyond FORMALITIES and begin GETTING Acquainted.