Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Heavy Feelings

This has been ellefnuJy
I always felt this way when I'm not happy of someone's actions or the words that come out of his/her mouth. And I've been feeling this way a lot lately.

I have a lot of circles of friends. Certainly, there are circles where I felt like an outsider. I felt this way because I don't identify by what they do nor by what they say. Those situations include when a friend says curses as expressions in troubled even in happy times, when friends drinks and smokes just because they're used to these and have problems or needs strength to face/say something, when green jokes are involved, when a friend has low expectations of his/herself as well as of others and when they talk or do some things because most people do those and therefore, it wouldn't feel as a heavy sin as they should be.

C'mon! It's hurting too much! How much more our Father in heaven who sees everything we do/think and everything we'll do/think. Sobrang sakit nun kasi sobrang mahal Niya tayo.

These friends of mine I love so much because I know how much Dydda loves them too. I'm not saying that I'm perfect and have not sinned. In fact, we are all equal. It's just that everyday God is cultivating my heart making it more like His own. That's why the problem is with me as well, I hadn't stood up strong and still enough for Dydda, not proclaiming His Good News to my friends. That, too, breaks His heart. But still He did not give up on me. I believe their time will come when God will beautifully prepare their way to Him. "There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven" (Ecclesiastes 3:1).

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Reading from Ptr. Dennis Sy's blog on Willie Revillame and the kid Janjan, as he performed a macho dance for a talent portion of Willie's show, I was also hurt about some of the comments. There were people who said that the writer is OA, over reacting and close-minded, stating that he is just making this a big fuss.

Who wouldn't? C'mon! Does it categorize as close-mindedness when someone reacts and thinks more about something? Does open-mindedness equate to just accepting everything because it's the norm, everyone does it, enjoys it? Ha! Think about that?


What happened to Janjan is not just the host's, Willie, responsibility. It is the parents, the mass media (every programs), the older individuals who are certain of what is right and what is wrong. In short, it's everybody's responsibility. And if we don't do something about this, it may happen over and over again to different kids, the future generation.

It's not something that we have to overlook. This is something that tells how we see ourselves. We must think about such things, not to make life complicated but to make life live to its fullest especially for the younger and future generations.

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Proud Daughter

This has been ellefnuJy
So, the previous week was full of prayers for the healing of my paternal grandmother. Praise God! This week they said she is responding well to her herbal medications. We say it's all God's work as He was using a pastora who is attending to lola. We believe God has a plan. Everything happens for a purpose.

This week is full of celebration as well. My Papa did an amazing job in the National Qualifying Examination for Principals (NQEP) 2011, getting a 96.25%. There were 586 teachers who took the exam in our region (region XII - SOCCSKSARGEN) and Papa was ranked top 11 among 92 teachers who passed the NQEP in Region XII. Well, I'm just a proud daughter boasting my parent's success.

So, with this, I asked him how they were celebrating this wonderful achievement. I found out that he just went to the farm and harvested our corn. What a unique way to celebrate. My parents sure are very industrious. :)

All glory to our God!
                                      My Papa with my younger sister, J-Aye.

Things on my table

This has been ellefnuJy
my messy table:
 my laptop Azure :)
 This is it. My books, comb, tumbler, a handfan, my notebook and an earphone.
 my BIBLE. :) need to have a Word from God every morning :)
and of course, family photos. :)

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Best Advices I Had, So far.

This has been ellefnuJy
Of course, we had lots of sources of these. So here are mine:

From Mama (the most practical-minded person I've ever known): Don't get a boyfriend til you finish med school. Focus on your studies first.

comment: the first part was sort of a command. I think if I won't obey, she'll be racing here or wherever I am at the moment once she learns it and put me inside a sack. Mama's really a disciplinarian. But who knows, maybe God has other plans for me.

From Mama (again): Learn to budget and spend your money wisely. Know your priorities.

Comment: She said this when I was asking if it's ok to buy this and that. Well, that advise stopped me from buying unnecessary things.

From Mama (a Mother's advice): Look for someone like your Papa, one who never drinks nor smokes. In short, someone who has no vices and a man of God.

Comment: Siyempre! (definitely!) I wouldn't want to risk my life with a drunkard and a smoker. Besides, I saw the families that God built. Amazing!

From Papa (always agreeable but I'm more scared on him than Mom): Keep your faith strong. Don't quarrel with someone about faith. Instead of you planting a seed to that person, you may end up to be the one questioning your faith.

Comment: He told me this when I was stumbling, questioning God. I was easily hurt when somebody told something bad about my "religion." I'm super defensive. But now that I learned that religion cannot save us but  only God's grace can, I understood Papa's advice better. Those quarrels were/are temptations of the devil to let us fall into sin.

From Papa (a father's advice): (he didn't advise this directly. but I guess, he wants us to learn this) Always keep the whole family strong (even with 3rd degree cousins). Know your kins.

Comment: That's how I became family-oriented. (Most Filipinos are)

From Papa (a challenge actually): You chose to be challenged, then challenge yourself to overcome the challenge.

Comment: really challenging! This advice was given over several times whenever I felt I can't do it or I'm too tired of meeting my academic requirements. And up until now, I think Papa knows that I still have to be reminded of this always.

From my Victory Leaders (there's a lot actually): Choose your Battles.

Comment: I love this advice. I learned to let go of some people. I learned to see who to invest on.

From my Victory Leaders (#2): Pray in whatever you do.

comment: I sometimes forget. But with God's grace, I can make it a habit.

from my Victory leaders (#3): anchor your life to godly people.

comment: that's why I have them as my friends, coaches and mentors.

from my Victory Leaders (#4): dancing is passion, an expression of worship to God.

Comment: and I will dance forever for the Lord!

from my Victory leaders (#5): read lots of books to widen your perspective. Envision!

Comment: I totally agree!

From my professors: 1. learn to love what you're doing.
2. Read in advance
3. try to see in wider perspective
4. Respect other's time.

Comment: :D we just got the best professors :D

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and there's a lot more of course. and I learned from life as well. from my many mistakes and from my triumphs.

Friday, March 18, 2011

Go Veggies!

This has been ellefnuJy
That's my slogan for this summer. I'm turning to pesco-lacto-ovo vegetarian diet. Why? At first, it was because I saw my friend, a fellow nutrition student lost a lot of weight just by doing it. He actually did it because he pity the pigs being slaughtered when he saw one. But now, my reason is I got scared for my life. I learned that a family member has diabetes and will undergo a right leg amputation on Sunday night. We get high risk for diabetes especially when it is hereditary. Even if not, we can still acquire Type II diabetes milletus in our adolescence years and even more, when we get old (like 55 y.o. for women and 45 y.o for men).

So, I just wanted to be careful as according to the Asia-Pacific standard, I'm obese. So, I have to lose weight through increasing my fiber, lowering my carbohydrates and fat intake. There's a great risk actually for this diet as protein is compromised. Animal sources of protein have high biological value (HBV), meaning it is well-absorbed and used by the body. That's why there's "pesco" which means fish. Though, protein from fish are not as high as those from pork and beef, still it has a high HBV. Afterall, there are good sources of plant proteins - nuts and legumes. I think I'll eat a lot of them, but not tofu which is considered as the meat substitute. I just don't like its taste.

I will also eat a lot of fruits as I really love eating fruits - they're also high in fiber and vitamins and minerals. :) but I'm thinking that gradually, I will switch to lacto-ovo vegetarian diet, may be after I've adjusted well :)



                           my favorite vegetable! can't wait to eat lots of them this summer!

pictures are from:
http://www.cosmeticsurgeryandbeauty.com/content/super-vegetables
http://sweeneysgardens.com/images/
http://ilonggolivingincanada.com/?p=1878
http://www.openletters.in/eating-fruits/
http://www.photoshopstar.com/text/water-drop-text-effect/

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Bold and Fearless

This has been ellefnuJy
If I will write a book about my walk with God, it would be entitled, "Bold and Fearless." Because I've always been praying to acquire these characteristics.

I believe that for the past 3 years that I've been walking with Him, I hadn't been bold and fearless enough to declare the Gospel to my close friends. I had the heart but was never that passionate. And for the past 3 years, I am always asking that He would give me courage, boldness and fearlessness. Yes, after praying I felt renewed. But when the time came to even personally invite my friends or the people I am accountable of, I easily shy away, telling myself that maybe next time. Why? Because I didn't want to be rejected.

Thank God I have people (my churchmates) around me sent by God to push me and pray for me to help in advancing His kingdom. They also remind me of the timing or seasons of every individual. One may have hunger and may readily accept the Gospel now. Whereas one may just hear it but will accept it months or years later. We don't know, only God knows. The important thing is a seed has been planted in them. We've done our part and God is pleased with that. God wants us to know that He is glorified by that and He wants us to allow Him to work on the heart of this/these individual/s. I've learned to let go of some people because I know they will have their time. I've learned to invest in the lives of people who are in hunger for Christ.

 I really appreciate my churchmates (Ate Bea, Ate Lourdes, Ate Eva, Beryl, Jica and Chony). They are ladies of character, women after God's own heart. I'm glad to be around them, learning from each of them as they gave me different words. Their passion for Christ is 'infectious'. It's encouraging. Christian books were also very helpful. Many times I cried because the message is timely and because some of the points are the very points that God put in my heart.

So with renewed passion and desire for God and for people to know Him, every time I get on the field to invite, I pray for God to give me boldness and fearlessness, to anoint me and to anoint the individual/s I am inviting. It works you know. And really, how my heart jumps when I hear them say, "yes". :)

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Today's Lesson: You Honor God through Honoring Your Professors

This has been ellefnuJy
I really like this professor of mine. She really invests on us, challenges us and inspires us. Basically, since ever, I mean ever since she has become our teacher, like some semesters ago, she always reminds us to read and read in advance. We always have to be prepared for the lesson. I heard that she said that, but I don't usually heed that. Thus, the low participation, low exam scores and little retention of the topic.

I was usually a very diligent student, I study and read ahead. Oh well, I just learned the reason why we have to do advance reading/studying because if we do that, we can ask clarification from the teacher during discussion, thus more learning. And most of all, it honors GOD.

I really felt ashamed whenever I couldn't answer my professor because I wasn't always sure of my answers as they were just fragmented memories. Now totally, seeing how disgusted my professor was with our performance, I looked back and assessed myself. Yes! I hadn't exerted my best effort yet. I know I have a lot to show, as well my classmates. Our professor also deserve good students' participation and grades as she researched, studied and really prepared for the lesson. I salute her and all the professors and teachers who do the same. (that's why I wanted to become an educator when I was younger.)

Looking Forward to Summer Vacation

This has been ellefnuJy
There were a lot that has happened this academic year. I believe a lot more is going to happen until April 12, my flight date to Davao.

Yes! I'm going home! To date, this is my 2nd summer vacation and probably my last as long as college is concerned. And I'm so excited! A lot of events - family gatherings, youth events, etc are in store this summer.

The GOLDEN WEDDING ANNIVERSARY. The milestone of marriage. My paternal grandparents did it! Congratulations to them! The family has been very busy preparing for this wonderful and once in a lifetime event. Even if I'm here in Manila, they assigned me to some tasks: 1.) the design for the granddaughters' (a.k.a. us) dress, and 2.) the souvenirs. Here in the metro, Recto is a very popular place for cheap buys - medals, certificates, 2nd-handed books and souvenirs. So, I volunteered to do it because I know we can save a lot of money if we buy here (including the transportation fee). Papa has a great idea of wearing the wedding motifs of each of the 9 children. Every family will wear their wedding motif, the gold color will only accentuate the dress/outfit. Papa & Mama's wedding motif was red, but we have to change it to purple so that it won't be confusing with the family of one of Papa's sibling. Who would want to miss it? I wouldn't want to miss it and our relatives, as well. Which would lead us to our 2nd event.

The CECOWEV INDING CLAN REUNION. This is an every-other-year event which we all look forward to. I believe this is our 10th reunion. This is a reunion of Lola Consing's, my paternal grandmother, family (her siblings and their families). Thus, the name CECOWEV. The name is the combined initials of the siblings' first names - Consesa (the eldest who happened to be my grandma), Edilberto, Cipriana, Oscar, William, Ernesto and Virgilio. They were born and raised in Dipolog City. When Lola got married they transferred in South Cotabato. Lolo Dodong's (Ernesto) family is also near us; they're in General Santos City (GenSan). Because of this distance (see map of mindanao. Look for Zamboanga and General Santos) and considering the economy, we can only do it every 2 years. Every other reunion, our family (the whole of Lolo's family) get to host it. So, this is definitely an event of merryment, of reminiscing memories, and most of all, of strengthening family ties. We were almost complete last 2009 reunion (I and one aunt missed it because we were here. She was working while I was taking summer classes). So basically, I'm very excited to meet all of them. This will be celebrated together with the golden wedding anniversary.



                             If too small, look at google maps. Keywords are Mindanao, Philippines.

VACATION AT MARAMAG, BUKIDNON. The "Tagaytay of Mindanao". That's where I was born. I was always hoping to be able to visit my mother's family. It was the distance (see map of Mindanao above. Look for Koronadal City at the bottom and Maramag at the center) and lack of budget again that hinders the yearly visit. I hadn't been there for 6 years now. Last 2 visits were when I graduated from elementary (2003) but lolo Tibur died and when we got to stop over there for we had a long trip from Zamboanga (it was the CECOWEV reunion in 2005. I was 2nd year in high school then). I love Bukidnon because of its weather, of its rich natural resources and definitely, of its abundant resorts (haha). As a child, I was always eager to have a one-week vacation there every Christmas break because of its lovely resorts and the special treatment everyone is giving us (hihi). I miss them of course, the last time I saw most of them was when I graduated from high school in 2007. They celebrated with me during my Thanksgiving celebration. Though all of them were invited, they hadn't made it to my debut in 2008. Anyways, I wanted to visit them because of all the missed Christmas or New Year celebrations and other events in our lives. I just want to reconnect and know more and deeply about them, especially my cousins.

IGNITE 2011. This is a Christian youth gathering which will be held here in Manila (specifically at the Cuneta Astrodome) on May 26-28. This is a life-changing event! I've been thinking about this. I said I wouldn't come as I would love to spend more time with my family as this would require me to go back here in Manila by May 25th. But everytime I see the posters, booth and videos which is actually always promoted in Youth and Sunday services. Who couldn't resist God's pushing? Well, I can't. And I have this passion for God and passion for people. I know attending this conference would intensify my PASSION!

So, these are my most important events for summer vacation. There are still a lot I want to do during the summer, like shifting from being very carnivorous to a lacto-ovo vegetarian. I got inspired by a very close friend who lost a lot of weight because of this, plus exercise of course. :)

2 broken cameras

This has been ellefnuJy
I have 2 canon cameras, one is mine (solo) and the other one is a conjugal property with my whole family. Both are malfunctioning. I would love to give credit to someone for the damage done but it won't definitely help. The best thing to do is send it to the customer care center and have it fixed which I should have done 2 months ago. But because I didn't know how to get there and couldn't find the time, I finally gave up and looked for it through the net.

As I was getting there, riding the jeep, the MRT, then walking, I thought to myself, "this is another misadventure." I'm glad all the people I asked were cooperative. The last person I asked made me realize that it was a long way for walking and advised to ride a jeep instead. I was really glad when finally I got to enter the store without being lost.

What's heartbreaking though is that these cameras may get fixed after 3 or 4 weeks or more depending on the availability of the needed part which is the optical. Guess what? It was March 12 that time and I'm scheduled to be home in South Cotabato on April 12. So, those cameras must better be fixed before April 12. I need them for Lolo and Lola's Golden Wedding Anniversary.

 So, I resolved to "pangungulit" (persistent calls).
 

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