To the Years of Constant Blessings

 

To the years of constant blessings,

Thanking God for another
 year in my life

Today is extra special since today is her birthday. It’s another day to unfold the past years where she was able to emerge from life’s greatest call of challenges. Her life for thirty-nine years was never a smooth-sailing ride but throughout her journey, she saw both her strengths and weaknesses. She witnessed the things she’s able to surpass and unleash new-found courage in her. She knew she’s not like anyone else for she’s able to still find lessons behind bad days.

She considers herself lucky enough to be surrounded by genuine people who never left her when the sun shows up. Her husband is her good sight example of a hardworking parent. She admires how his husband is willing to do anything just to support the family. He works diligently and decently as a researcher, book writer, online buy and sell, business consultant and anything else he could think of that requires his wit and talent. She also wakes up every morning knowing how blessed she is for having their two sons —their motivation and one of the reasons why they wanted to be better people. Her sons who calls her “Nanay” are all well-loved and everything they need is always met and provided. She always looks forward to giving their sons the comfort of home and that they are free to grow and discover themselves.

She too is a hardworking woman who wanted to take every opportunity that is served on her table. She does their daily online schooling, serves them the best food, she does house cleaning, laundry, and anything to make their home a better place. Most of the time, everything leads to exhaustion but she knows it’s all worth it. She is still eager to do the same routine every day if that would mean, giving her family the light feeling of safety and love. She made sure that her kids are raised with good manners and impart them Christian values. Somehow she knew that being a mother is her calling for she’s raising kids for the Kingdom of Heaven. She makes sure that her kids know what’s right and what’s wrong, that they can sympathize, feel things freely, explore their growth, treat people with kindness and humility using the guidance and fear of God.

Thankful to God

For her, they are her definition of receiving the best gift of life —her all-out fun, and loving family. Just by looking at them, she knew it’s all worth the fight and exhaustion. She knew that her heart is so full of love that she’ll never run out of it when it comes to her family. They are her definition of immeasurable happiness that no amount of luxury in this world could ever trade for. Her birthday wish will always fall towards her family’s sake. That they will continue to grow in harmony and have God in the center of everything that they do. She knew that there are more challenges in the future but she knew they could make it together as long as they’ll remain as a team. Every day she received her gift through her family and she’s always thankful for that.

There’s no such thing as perfect life for the perfect life is boring. What she had is a life filled with newly discovered riches through experiences, memories of watching how they grow at the same pace, and hearing the noise inside a home that represents unconditional love. More so, she’s thankful for another year because it all means she’s here for a reason and a purpose. 

Step by Step: Passport Renewal

STRICTLY NO CHAPERONE ALLOWED. That's what really caught my attention while I was reading DFA's online appointment system. I was worried because my mom has to renew her passport but you see, she is a long time resident overseas and barely knows what when where why and how to roam around the Metro. I was thinking that if I don't go with her, she might get lost and someone might take advantage. I was really thinking hard and then I thought of a way to stay with her from step one to exit.

***

Alright, this is the new office of the Department of Foreign Affairs where people applies new and renew old passports. It's somewhere near Mall of Asia. From our place, we took a cab and just cost us P75.00... So far, no fixers yet :) It's around 8am when we arrived.

***

Once you walk to the entry gate, you'd see this big signage: PASSPORT APPLICANTS WITH ONLINE APPOINTMENT ONLY.

***

This is because walk in applicants are not allowed anymore. You have to go online to set an appointment or in our case, I booked through phone. Even if you try to sneak in, I bet you won't be able to enter because even the security guards look so educated on which papers the applicant has to have.

Anyway, since just entering the gate, there's already a guard checking the papers, I already prepared for my "winner alibi".

GUARD: Renew or bagong passport?

ELLAY: Renew po.

MOMMY: Opo, renew po.

G: Sinong applicant?

E: Sya po. (pointing to my mom)

G: Sya lang pwedeng pumasok. Isa lang pwede pumasok.

E: Kelangan ko po sya samahan eh. May sakit sya.

M: (trying to look weak)

G: Ah.. Ano'ng sakit nya?

E: May epilepsy kasi sya. Baka kasi magseizure sa loob, kailangan nya lagi may kasama.

G: O sige po. Pila po kayo dun.

E: (yes! success! hahaha)

M: (Tumingin lang saken)

*but my mom is not epileptic. we were just playing around. sorry guys.*

***

Hahahaha Funny?

So after we passed through that gullible security guard, the guy with the computer checked my mom's papers and found out that one of the forms was incorrect. Not that big a deal, he replaced it with the correct one but my mom's pen didn't write. No more ink. How's that? haha ...anyway, the computer guy let us used his pen. After filling out the form, he stamped our papers and directed us, "Unang pinto, kanan." just the way he told the other applicants who went before us. (same tone, same manner, same same. Unang pinto, kanan. Cool. haha)

***

Again, there's another guard at the "Unang pinto, kanan". This time, a lady. But I think, she's more gullible because when I said that my mom has an epilepsy, she let us in quickly. Like she wanted my mom to sit right away! HAHA Which made my mom giggle while whispering "Anak, ang hirap naman ng sakit ko. Wala bang iba?" Haha.

Just as we enter the building, we see that even there were a lot of people, the que was manageable and in order. It didn't take us so long to finally reach the counter. More or less 30 minutes.

This is Mommy who just sat after she whispered the, "Anak, ang hirap naman ng sakit ko. Wala bang iba?" ....her innocent grin :-/

Mommy again smiling :)

Yah, I know.. us again...

See the people on que? Dont worry. You wont be stucked there for hours :)

You might see that guy on brown. He's the one organizing which line you would take. Although his voice is loud, he didnt sound irritated or bossy. He looked fresh too hehe.

My mom, now one more que before she transacts with the lady in the window. Mom gave her documents to the lady and told her to proceed to 2nd floor for payment.

So, up we go to the payment counter.

Ma, happy huh?

On the 2nd floor, we went inside a big glass window near the escalator. We were looking for a long que and people who's gonna pay but the room was quiet and seats were empty. Stupid me, it's not the right place so went out and walked a little further and saw the sign STEP 2 PAYMENT/CASHIER hehe Paid the passport renewal fee and next to Step 3.

This is where your photo and finger prints will be taken. Jewelries and contact lens are not allowed. You have to take it off. It's okay to put on light make up or just powder up if you want to look fresh on the picture.

You see the walking guy wearing pink? The monitor above him is where you see which numbers are being served. Que is long here and this time, we really waited for quite a long time. Around 40 minutes something.

This is Mommy's number.

A lot of booths were vacant. Not sure why but a lot of booths were working, too, in fairness to them. You see the vacant seat? That's where you're supposed to seat and there's a digital camera pointed at your face.

Not sure if you could see the small little black thing there. That's where you put your finger for biometrics.

I forgot why i took this photo. I dont even remember who's this in red.

The guy there, he's doing nothing except he's printing, cutting and giving out que numbers to the applicants.

You might see him when you go to DFA. Lemme know if he still gives que numbers. I am intrigued. hehe

After the photo and biometrics, you will be asked if you want your passport to be delivered to your home. If yes, you go here. PASSPORT DELIVERY SYSTEM. You could see it right away. You just fill up the form (name address blah blah blah) and pay additional 120.

Then you go down the exit stairs.

****

Overall, the application system is very organized and is not fuzzy at all. Hats off to the staff and the people behind this very disciplined set up :)

Clock is Ticking

Film of tears is almost blinding my eyes everytime I get to think of Nanay. She is getting weaker everyday. It is hurting seeing her go through this difficult stage. I had never seen her helpless like this. I realized that she had been wasting away for months. I had been so caught up in my own life that I took her for granted.

It is painful knowing that we only have so little time left together. She would never see me married; she would never hold my son, my daughter. The thought of living the rest of my life without her is almost too much to bear.

Last night, she asked me to go buy her an order of porridge. As I was feeding her, I took the guts to tell her, “Nay, sorry ha?”, willing the tears not to come. She looked me in the eyes and asked “Saan?” I said, “Kasi wala akong nagagawa sayo.” My voice was croaky when I let out those involuntary tears. I tried not to cry but I can’t help it. She just smiled and didn’t say a word. I made an effort to pop in some humor when I told her, “Ito na lang magagawa ko sayo. Subuan ka ng lugaw tsaka painumin ng tubig.” And embraced her. I wiped my tears, conscious that there would soon be a time when this simple act of affection would no longer be possible.

Nanay is turning 74 years old on January 30, God willing. All her life, she has been very good to her family, her friends, her neighbors, to people she knows. She has been the best grandmother to me and I could never ask for more. I love her. I just love her. I am trying to block the future in my head because once she’s gone, I will heartbreakingly miss her all my life.

The Princess is Now Not a Princess

I was raised by my grandmother when I was growing up, same with my eldest brother. My parents are separated and my mother had to work overseas to be a good provider. I would say that my brother and I were lucky enough to be sent to a reputable private school since we started out studying. My family did not allow us to work while studying for the reason that they wanted us to focus entirely on studying. We had to focus on studying which also meant that my grandmother did not want us to worry about household chores. So all the dishwashes and the housecleaning and the laundry and bed-making and fixing this and that and cooking and everything, WE WERE FREE NOT TO DO. Although from time to time, my brother and I did some household tasks but mostly, it included 90% of playing around when we were kids. Even when we reached college, we were still the lucky ones (or the BUM - truth be told) at home. My mom and my grandmother used to say, "Kawawa naman ung mga anak ko. Pagod sa school. Sige na, kumain na kayo. Aral mabuti ha? Ako na maghuhugas ng plato." Something like that. But of course, when we grew up, sometimes we helped out washing dishes but we did not come to the point that we were obliged to clean the house or go to the market, etc etc. My grandmother loved us so much she just wanted to do everything for us. My mom also, as much as she can, she'd do everything and would just ask for help if she is already tired. That is how I grew up. Being serviced and treated like a little princess. Even until now that I am about to hit my 30th year.

Now, I think things would have to change because although I still live in the same house that I have been living at since birth, I was confronted earlier by my grandmother to take responsibility and be helpful at home. Maybe because she cannot move anymore like she used to because of her illness. And my Aunt is blaming her for raising me up like this (lazy, bum, very dependent, irresponsible, immature... basically, u-n-r-e-l-i-a-b-l-e). But you know, I love how my Nanay raised me. I love how she used to wake me up everyday when I was still going to school. I love how she used to scream my name everytime she wakes me up but after 10 minutes or so, I am still on bed :) I love it when she tells me to eat even if I keep on telling her that I am not hungry. I love it when she used to make up my bed. I love it when she cleans up the room even if I tell her not to. I love it when she tells me to eat with her even if I told her that I just had eaten. I love her way of telling me to leave the dishes alone because she knows I am tired studying/working all day. I love her babying me all the time. Although sometimes, I am annoyed of her "paulit-ulit-ulit-ulit" reminders to do this, eat that, take vitamins, put on slippers, etc etc., I love her with all my heart. Maybe she is guilty of not teaching us.. not teaching me how to properly do the laundry, cook sinigang or even adobo, be lady enough to sweep the floor of my own room, how to save money, I do not blame her. I do not blame them. I just know that did it for love. It's their way of letting us feel that they love us very much, they want to take all the pain and all the hardships as much as they could. And now that I am all grown up, I do not know how to cook, I do not hate them for that. I do not even dislike them for raising me up like this.

Anyway, because I want to take away their burden of being blamed about me being a princess (BUM) at home, starting this week, I would have to take care of my dirty clothes, fold and iron them after, wake up earlier and find things to do at home, sleep shorter and I don't know what else. Maybe run errands? Go there, go back there, buy this and buy that.

Just thinking about doing a lot of things terrifies me. I think I will pass out, lose consciousness or something. But I have to do this. Maybe it is also His way of preparing me of a life without Nanay soon, I dunno. Maybe this is gonna be my short and instant training on how to live an independent life. (Although I should have done this way before). Well, I also think I should start learning to do house chores if I am thinking of settling down soon. I don't want Happy starving to death while I am just watching TV (or maybe doing my coloring book), dow'want Happy stink because he had been wearing the same set of clothes for the whole week. I do not want that for my family. 

Okay... Okay... I am just a bit emotional about this. It is going to be a big move for me to accept that I am now an adult. And being an adult, I have to do my own laundry starting this week.

Work3x

Work has been half okay and half not.

One of the okays is that I am our Department's Employee of the Month (yey!)

One of the not okays is disrespectful people at work (boo!)

I want to have a break :( but lack of manning in our Department does not allow me to do so. *sighest sigh* What to do?

:(

Dreaming of a Better Life Someday Soon

I have a long list of “wanna have” and “drooling for” but budget has been tight lately and I only have “first things first!” entertained.

I am saving up for a very important goal that I have to reach in about a year or so. This is very serious and I am really looking forward that someday soon, with God’s help, this will happen

Really aiming for it. Just thinking about it makes me so excited

STRONG "NO" TO ABORTION!

Say NO to " ABORTION ".....!!!

If You Agree.. Then Share This..

ALL LIFE IS SACRED

>> A FETUS CAN FEEL

Even though it may not be fully formed, a fetus in the second trimester is still able to feel pain.

>> ABORTION IS MURDER

That's right - you heard correctly! ABORTION IS MURDER! And I'll bet if you asked an unborn fetus whether he fancies the idea of being murdered, it would tell you to at least wait until it was old enough to fight back.

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Lessons a Manny Pacquiao can learn from a non-politician Kuya Daniel Razon

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When and if Manny Pacquiao remains as an ordinary citizen and follows the vision he set for himself to achieve – that is, to help many poor Filipinos out of their miseries, he may have something to be proud of. And this feat may at least be compared to the way life has been going for Kuya Daniel Razon – best known for his massive public service endeavors, minus a public government office role (even though he won a seat).

Manny Pacquiao’s victory makes every Filipino proud. He has established a good sportsman’s stature all over the globe. He has shown his generosity and kindness by sharing some of his take home money to his fellow Filipinos.

However, recent reports have it that he is now inching to earning a place in government, after declaring bid to run as congressman in his hometown. His plans have divided people, with majority clamoring for him to stay the same man he’s been known by people – a boxer and an ordinary citizen.

One internationally-renowned writer, who commented on Manny Pacquiao’s bid to run in the 2010 Elections, calls on the international boxing sensation that being a politician is is not the way to ending our society’s misery and poverty and to helping many people. That writer is F. Sionil Jose, whose Philippine Star article may be read here.

Like some people with the means and resources to help, Manny thought the key to realizing his dream of rendering true public service is by earning a seat in government. And this brings to mind what Kuya Daniel Razon once said. He stressed that a government position is not a prerequisite to do public service. His advocacy, Isang Araw Lang (Just One Day), proves that there are a million ways to provide assistance for our indigent countrymen
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Kuya Daniel Razon, best-known for his numerous public service efforts

Confession of an Unworthy Christian

Revelation 2: 2-5

‘'I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name's sake, and you have not grown weary. But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent."

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I embraced Christianity since 2001. At 19, my life changed forever. I had been gladly following His words despite many people’s objection and criticism. I do not mind their disapproval. After all, it is staying on to His words that I am concerned about. And although it is not easy to be His servant, I am staying because I would want to have His promise of eternity. That even life here on earth has not been good and fair, He will save us and give us an everlasting happiness in heaven. I have always longed for that. I always dreamed of reaching heaven.

It has been 10 years now since then. But unlike before, I have gone cold. Sad to say, little by little, I am being pulled in by worldly things. I am messing up. I am falling and failing. It seems so hard to be redeemed. I keep on fighting against myself that even until now, I am on constant struggle.

Now that I am slowly dragged away, my faith seems to be getting weaker. How I wish I could go back to who I used to be. The girl who was contented on what she simply has and even thankful for what she don’t. I pray I could still see that person. I pray it won’t be too late for recovery.

I am praying for His guidance and mercy for me not to completely turn astray and lead me back to where I am supposed to be, on His side. My heart is always weary, worried that one of these ordinary days, I might see myself in so much distance away from my refuge. I am always praying that He’d still keep me and never give up on me. I keep on asking Him to bless me back the passion to serve Him, despite and inspite of how difficult life has been turning out, regardless if I get or do not get what I am asking for, no matter what trials I am facing. I pray for His understanding and continuous compassion that even if I am falling short, He would still keep me in His shield.

God has always been good. Never an instance that He got something wrong and slipped up. If in anyway, I am messing up right now, it is completely my fault. I am the one who is wrong. Point fingers on me. It is all me. Then again, God is still kind that even if I am the one to be blamed, He still grants me with a way out. I still have my friends and parents in faith. Greater than true blood family, their concern is more than just a simple empathy. They are gifts from God. And I am one lucky unworthy Christian to have been blessed by these precious gifts. They also want me back with them, following God and Jesus Christ the right way.

I pray to see myself again in the near future, may God will, serving Him with joyful heart, contented with what I have and who I am - just like before. For even how insignificant I seem to be, this unworthy Christian nonetheless believe that God is compassionate enough to give second chances. I just have to prove that I am worth the pardon.

*******

“Ayaw ka namin mawala.

Sana ganun ka din.”

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Top 10 Poisonous Foods We Love To Eat

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Top 10 Poisonous Foods We Love To Eat

Ellay's Baby? Why Not.

I attended our Thanksgiving Service today and the topic was about how important are the Lambs of God in the Church and that taking care of them means loving God.

Basically, the topic said that God's servants must take care of their children (or also termed in the Bible, lambs). Taking care not just means giving the kids material things they need but also being concern about their spiritual welfare. Doing this gives you an extra shot of making it to heaven because you are taking care of somebody who will automatically inherit heaven. Yes, those lucky children :) Heaven is theirs :) Matthew 19:14 / 1 Tim 5:1-2 / Jn 21:15 read those.

Well, anyway, I find today's topic very consoling to those parents who are really having a hard time raising up their kids. Just being patient to those kids running around, screaming like there's no tomorrow; those boys and girls growing up... Just now I remember Bro. Daniel said how children on his generation were disciplined even by just a mere look from their father. But now, children are very stubborn. I mean very very stubborn. Parents must be very capable of enduring such kids or else. So, yes, good parents must be given an extra chance. Agree! Agree!

Saying this, being a VERY easy going - careless - laid back person that I am, I admit I am really not into kids. I love my nephew though, but talking about other children, I really do not find them fascinating. I do not hate kids but I do not love them neither. Just fair. Sometimes, I find them cute, most of the time, I do not. Then again, hearing our preachers talk about this topic made me want to have kids (or singular, at least) to take care of. I am really not sure if I am going to be the best mother but I think I am going to be a good one (with God's help).

I do not see myself marrying or having my own family anymore. I also do not picture myself being pregnant and carrying my own child inside my tummy. So I just thought of adopting a child, preferably, a boy, by the age of 33? But then again, I still have 4 more years to think about it over and over and over and over and over.... and over.

But yah, why not? I also want to have an extra chance to go to heaven :)

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I am also reblogging this baby post from my other blogsite

I SAW HIM

March 16, 2011

I saw my baby, my son, in my dream last night. He kinda looked like this baby I googled:

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In my dream, an ex was taking care of my son but I was pretty sure he's not the father. Well anyway, I do not know why he was there but again, he was baby sitting and I was letting him take care of my baby because I was kinda busy working. Then the scene changed. We were in a hospital or something. There was actually no story at all so the actions were kind of confusing because on the later part of my dream, my youngest brother came in the picture. Outdoor, the place had a big shelf of books and the scene looked chaotic, dark clouds, and creepy dawn-like background.

Anyway, my baby was really heartbreakingly cute and there, I loved him so much. He looks similar to the baby on the picture. I cannot say exactly how I am feeling now (and in my dream) but my heart is softened and I feel like melting staring at my son's adorable and lovely little face.

Would I get to see you when I am older? If ever, I believe you will change my life in the best way I could imagine.

Take care there my little son, wherever you are :) I hope to meet you someday if God wills. :)

Rapture Predictor Suffers Stroke

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To Trust and To Love

There is a saying that "The best way to find out if you can trust somebody is to trust them." But I am not sure if I could be able to dare myself do that this time. I mean, trusting again - trusting again the things I have and things I feel. I am not sure if I could put my guards down after all that I had gone thru in the name of love. I only have so much left. I cannot let anybody take it away from me.

At the same time, it is difficult to deny that I do want to fall in love again. And to love means giving someone the power to hurt you but trusting them not to. That is the very reason why I am scared. Because last time love hit me, I was hit hard and I was all wrecked... all messed up.

I dunno... the feeling is confusing and I do not want to burden myself with such emotions. I got important things to do. So, I guess I will just go with the flow, not pushing hard because if it is meant to be, it will happen. We will see.

May 21, 2011 - Greatest Religious Crime

MAY 20, 2011 BY BROTHER ELISEO F. SORIANO 30 COMMENTS

The date May 21, 2011 will be long remembered like the fall of 1975 when the Jehovah’s Witnesses, through the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, predicted the coming of the Armageddon. Predictions by self-appointed prophets are old story being repeated again and again.

ECCLESIASTES 3:15

That which hath been is now; and that which is to be hath already been; and God requireth that which is past.

The saying “history repeats itself” is true. Human beings may die but the spirit of error since its inception to the world is still here!

I JOHN 4:6

We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.

Such spirit of error dwells in people who love to believe a lie more than the truth.

II THESSALONIANS 2:11-12

11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:

12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

The spirit of error which provoked the Seventh Day Adventists to predict that the coming of Christ will be on March 21, 1844 and then again on October 22, 1844 which both failed, is the same spirit that is now working within the group of Harold Camping that says that 21 May, 2011 is the end of the world!

I do not know if I will still be alive on May 21, 2011 but one thing is sure: this is another deception from the spirit of error that worketh in the children of disobedience.

EPHESIANS 2:2

Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

Maybe most of you will still be alive come May 21, 2011 to see the fulfillment of one of the most important predictions of the Bible:

I JOHN 4:1

Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

MATTHEW 24:24

For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

Part of obedience is to believe on what we are taught to believe. The Lord Jesus Christ, who is the author and finisher of Christian belief or faith, once said:

MATTHEW 24:36

But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.

Christian faith must be firmly established on the revealed truth, the word of God taught by the Lord Jesus Christ.

JOHN 17:17

Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

The truth is, “regarding that day and hour knoweth no man, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only!” Anybody giving an exact date on this God-appointed day will fail!

THE ACTS 17:31

Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.

THE ACTS 1:7

And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.

Heeding to these teachings of the Lord, a God-fearing preacher will never set a definite date for the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.

These are false prophets!

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