time really flies when ...

So it has been said and heard ... time flies when ... what do you think comes next? The most popular one is ... when you're having fun. In our case, I would say ... when you have lots of things to do and there is not enough time to do it!!!!! Of course, I love what I am doing now so I can say I am having fun as well. So they are related. This came to mind today when I looked at the date. I am always watching the calendar these days because of planning for our intensive project work, as well as for my upcoming travels to Philippines and elsewhere in the coming months.

Soon and very soon I will meet loved ones and dear friends again. Even for just a short while. I am sure I will be meeting some new ones, as I am planning to attend the PEBA event. Too bad that I have to leave the same night of the UPFish Reunion at UP Diliman.

November is ending, and tomorrow another month starts. It is not just any month though. It is December, already! The 12th month. Last month of the year. 2010. Then after 31 days it will be another year. A new year. 2011. It just seems like yesterday when it was the beginning of 2010. And now it is nearly ending. So time really flies...when you have lots of work to do...so many things to finish...and when you are having fun doing them, and so much more along the side.

Celebrating Christmas ... then the new year ... reflections, reflections. Thanksgiving. Giving glory. Worshiping God. Praising Him. Committing everything to Him, for He knows what is best for us. For in Him we live, and have our being. Thank You, Lord for all things that have passed, and for what is in store for us in the future. There is no fear because we know you hold the future.

Even though time flies so fast, we can be still, and know that you are God. And You can make all things beautiful in Your time. So we live, and experience that life is indeed beautiful because You make it so.

a story so sad

He was an OFW. He got sick while on duty. He communicated with his family by phone, email, chat. He was in touch and yet he was so far. He said he missed them all. That it was so difficult to be alone and to be in pain. With no one by his side. He just entrusted everything to God. Until he was fit enough to go home to the Philippines. He had no one to take care of him. His colleagues helped him to move from place of work to the airport. He requested people around to help lift his bags for checking. He was still in pain as he traveled. One could just imagine how difficult it was to travel sick, be in pain, and knowing that one's condition was not getting any better. What kept him going was the fact that he would be with his family soon, close to them to touch, to hug, to hear their voice, to talk to, face to face. Then he arrived in the Philippines. He aged too much due to his sickness. His wife, children and the rest of the family saw how much his condition had deteriorated. He went straight to the hospital. His favourite song was Hawak Kamay, which he kept singing even while lying on his hospital bed. His loved ones were by his side at all times, until the last breath.

A story so sad to tell, but true. It pains all to hear about it. One could just cry, and be silent for a while. To acknowledge the sovereignty of the Creator, the Author and Finisher of our lives. That in the years spent on earth, we hope that our only desire is to be able to live to fulfill His purposes for us - to love those whom He sends to us, our family, friends, neighbours, the community. And that no matter where we are in this earth, we continue to uphold the values that we have learned from our parents, our school, our church. And even from our society (if any ...).

That we might be for the praise of His glory ...

Looking back, stepping forward

Reflections are the norm when something ends and a new one starts. Such as the end of the year and the beginning of a new one. There was hardly any time to do such during the last few days of 2009. But I still tried, albeit mentally without writing it down, yet. The main reason was that where I am, there were only 2 official holidays, on 31st Dec and 1st Jan. Since the 2nd & 3rd Jan fell on a weekend, the break seemed longer. But this was nothing compared to those whose holiday break started long before Christmas. This was not so for us here. Even during Christmas eve we were still somewhere out there in the field, under the heat of the sun, conducting a pre-survey of field trip sites for our January workshop. Christmas day was spent in the office, with the usual workload. And so on. And yet, being reflective can be an attitude of the mind and heart. One can be busy and yet reflective. The mind doesn't stop thinking deep thoughts whilst doing something else.

As we talked about what we thought of 2009 and what 2010 holds for us, we could not help acknowledging the sovereignty of our Lord at all times. His care, comfort, provision and guidance are just a few things to thank Him for. We experienced successes and joys, as well as sadness, grief and disappointments in 2009. Some more than others. And yet as we enter 2010, we know that in allowing us to face these things in 2009, God has taught us a lot. He has taught us to be more: patient, sensitive to His leading, forgiving, prayerful, seeking of His presence, open to others, helpful, understanding, and to show more love , kindness and appreciation. To be more thankful each day. To be busy with His affairs more than the world's.

In terms of slowing down, yes, we also need that, in as much as we need to spend more quality time with each other as well as with other people: our loved ones, friends, and others whom God will lead us to meet.

Though we still feel the impacts of 2009, we can step forward and forge ahead in 2010 knowing that we are not alone. We hang on to God's promises at all times. Basic they may be, or too simplistic as others would say, but we would rather be simple and joyful, than complex and sophisticated but not rich towards heaven.

Let's face the new year with courage and determination to make a difference.

Remembering Dad

It's been six months since our Dad passed away. We continue to miss him and the pain of losing him is still deep in our hearts. Yet life goes on and we thank our loving God for His grace and love that bring comfort and healing to keep us going each day. Including as well the sympathy and love of some family and friends who understand us. We have the memories and memories. Even coming here to UK brings lots of memories, especially of the time in 2005-2006 when Key & I were here last. We would call home, send sms and write letters to Dad and Mom. I remember one time it snowed and it was very cold. It was still early morning here but already day time over there. Dad said to make sure we are warm and not become sick.

I brought with me his sweatshirt. It was his but he never used it as it was still new with the brand tag on it. It is quite big for me nevertheless I like using it. Keeps me warm and I always remembering his advice to keep warm. Some other stuff I have that I keep with me include a photo sticker he took with Mom when they visited Bangkok in 2001; and one of the birthday cards they sent to me. They would usually write their own message and seeing Dad's handwriting and reading his message bring comfort.

It helps to know the fact that in all the sadness and grief, Jesus, the Good Shepherd is here with me. It makes all the difference. There is light instead of darkness; there is hope. There is peace despite the chaos. So I thank the Lord that each day with Him reveals something new, His truth.

Heroes in the midst of the storm

We read about those people we can consider heroes during the disaster that happened in Luzon, Philippines late last week. The heavy flooding brought about by typhoon Ondoy was so unexpected that one would wonder what the relevant agencies were doing prior to that. Thousands were caught unaware. They were unprepared. When disaster struck, many perished. Physically, materially, emotionally, spiritually.

Yesterday somebody sent me a link to a number of heroes who went out of their way to help others. One even died after rescuing around 30 people. For sure there are many more who did the same. They themselves and the people they helped know who they are. May God bless your hearts and lives for giving unselfishly to help others. Even if you do not know some of them.

How much more blessed we are that God Almighty, our Creator, who molded us in our mother's womb, and who knew us even before we were born, has come and provided the way to rescue us from the floods and torrents of this sinful world.

LP: Proteksyon (Protection)

Nasa Pilipinas ako noong isang linggo, sa kalagitnaan ng bagyong Isang (Molave) at hanging habagat. Dahil dito hindi natuloy ang aking byahe sa ibang probinsya. Itong mga litrato ay kinuha ko mula sa aking kuarto sa isang otel. Nasa mataas akong palapag ng gusali at parang nakakatakot tingnan ang paghampas ng ulan at hangin sa bintanang salamin. Mas nakakatakot kung ikaw ay nasa labas at nababasa ng ulan. Buti na lang ako ay nasa loob ng kuwarto at may proteksyon.

I was in the Philippines last week, in the middle of the tropical storm Isang (Molave) and the southwest monsoon. I had to cancel my trip to the province because of this. The photos below were taken from my hotel room. I was on one of the higher floors and it was frightening to see the rain and wind battering the glass windows. It would be more scary though to be outside under this kind of rain. It was good I was inside and protected.

Pagkatapos ng aking meeting sa UP Diliman, dumaan ako ng UP shopping center upang bumili ng payong. Nagamit ko rin ito dahil maulan nga sa Maynila. Naging proteksyon ko sya sa ulan at iba pa, dahil puede rin syang gamiting armas baka sakali. Dinala ko sya pabalik dito upang maging pa-ala-ala, kasi matibay rin naman at maganda pa. Chinek-in ko sa eroplano ngunit pagdating ko rito hindi sya kasama sa mga bagahe na lumabas. Nawawala sya at hanggang ngayon hinihintay ko ang tawag ng airline kung nahanap na nila. Limang araw na ang nakaraan at wala pa rin akong balita. 185 pesos lang naman yon pero ang habol ko ang prinsipyo na sana huwag nakawin ang hindi sa iyo. Nag-iisip ako kung saan sya nawala, kung doon sa atin o dito na. Baka kasi sa paliparan dito dahil hindi nila sinusuri ang mga baggage tags paglabas ng mga tao sa customs, kaya kahit sino na lang puedeng kuhanin ang mga dala-dala, lalo na itong payong, dahil madali syang bitbitin. Ewan lang.

After my meeting at UP Diliman I passed by the UP shopping center to buy an umbrella. I was able to use it because it was raining most of the time in Manila. It protected me from the rain and many other things, as it can also be used as a weapon just in case. I brought it back with me as a souvenir, as it is also strong and pretty. So I checked it in on the plane but when I arrived here it did not come out with the other bags. I could not find it and until now I am still waiting for the airline to call me if they have found it. Five days have passed and I don't have any news yet. It costs only 185 pesos but it's the principle of the thing that people should not take what is not theirs. I am thinking where it might have gotten lost, was it in the Philippines or here. Maybe here at the airport because they do not check the baggage tags when people come out so anyone can just take anything, especially an umbrella which is easy to carry. I just do not know.

Nasa Maynila pa rin ako noong nagkaroon ng eklipse ngunit hindi ako nakalabas upang tingnan sya. Kailangan ng proteksyon sa mata dahil baka masira ang mga ito kung titingnan ng direkta ang araw. Kaya ako ay tumingin lamang sa labas at ito ang aking nakita habang ako ay nagta-trabaho sa aking computer at nakikinig sa balita. Maulap din ng araw na yon.

I was also in Manila during the eclipse but I was not able to go out to watch it. Our eyes also needed protection as it was not advisable to look at the sun directly. So from my room I just looked out and this was what I saw, while I was working on my computer and listening to the news. It was quite cloudy that day as well.

Syempre ang pinaka-proteksyon ko ay ang dakilang Panginoon na palaging nandito sa aking tabi, saan man ako pupunta.

Of course my greatest protector is the Almighty God who is always by my side, wherever I go.

Marami pang kuwentong proteksyon doon sa/

More protection stories at
Litratong Pinoy

Holy week

For many years back home when I was still in school I associated the holy week with evening processions of saints on flowered floats, evening mass, kissing the statue of Jesus in the glass coffin, dropping coins as offering, as well as the roasted peanuts and bibingka (native rice cakes) sold in the town plaza. This was for Holy Thursday and Good Friday. The town was so quiet, and there was not much food to buy in the market. We had to eat mostly salted fish and vegetables during these few days. The elders told us we had to be careful because there was no God on Friday and Saturday as he was dead. That means if we got wounded it might not heal, or if we went out to travel we did not have any protection, as God was dead so He could not watch over us. Then came Easter Sunday. We had to wake up early in the morning for the "Bitay" (literally translated as "Hang") - a sort of a musical presentation wherein a main angel (usually hanging from something hence the term) and an angels' choir would announce through singing (in a monotone) that Jesus has risen and then the statue of Virgin Mary would come and receive a crown or something. In fact I did not really understand then as there was always a crowd and it was difficult to always see what was going on in front. Oftentimes we would just go there to watch whoever was chosen by the parish as the main angel. It was quite a status symbol then to be one.

It took many years for me to really, really understand what the Holy Week including Easter and even Palm Sunday was all about. That was when God revealed the truth to me in a personal way. Finally I was able to understand about all of it as told in the Bible and the reason for commemorating this event in the history of humankind and in celebrating Easter. Many things which I thought was true before had to be changed into the real truth. For e.g. it was not true that Jesus dies again every Good Friday of each year and that God is nowhere during that period. We are just commemorating what He did for us because of His great love for us and His desire that no one would perish. We remember that He suffered for our sins so we can attain the forgiveness and salvation. He bore it upon Himself, thinking of me above all things. Because He loves me and does not want me to perish, knowing that my sins have separated me from Him.

In addition to His death, we all the more remember and celebrate the fact that He did not remain dead. He resurrected from the dead. He conquered death! And that is what we celebrate as Easter. He rose again and He is alive. He remains alive up to this day! And what a joy to know this. It gives so much hope! May it not be only during Easter Sunday that we celebrate life with joy! Let it be that everyday of our lives we acknowledge that Jesus is alive, and so we can always rejoice in that truth.

My prayer is that the lives of each person who personally knows this truth will truly reflect that Jesus is alive and is working mightily - in us, around us ... and others will also come to know this truth.

Ezra: a model for revival

Last Sunday's preaching was given by Bro Jeff from the Word of Life Fellowship. It was a very enlightening preaching which made us focus on what really counts in life. As an introduction he gave a general description of biblical history especially on the promise of God to His people, as well as His warning. And throughout history we could see how true God's words were, and are still true up to this day. The exiles and the returns of God's people to their home were also discussed to give a background on where Ezra was in all these happenings. The main bible reference we read is Ezra 7:10, which told of Ezra's passion for the word of God. He studied it, practiced it in his life, and taught others to follow it.

And so we were encouraged to look at Ezra as a model for our lives to have a revival in loving the word of God. In this life with all the distractions it is not surprising that God's children would neglect His word. But since we are living a different life from the world, we live according to a different standard. God's standard. So high we could not achieve it on our own, but only by God's presence through His Holy Spirit. So we need to keep close to Him day by day, moment by moment.

Here are Ezra's examples which we can emulate to have more zeal and passion for the Lord and His word:

1. He set his mind to study God's word. He focused his mind on God, he had passion and thought of His word always. What or where does my mind dwell on every day? We were reminded that the only eternal things in this world are the word of God and the souls of people. Let us be passionate and be consumed with God's word and the souls of people. Verses to read also include Matthew 6:20-21 and Joshua 1:8. The success mentioned in Joshua 1:8 is not the world's standard of success (more and more expensive material possessions and status) but rather God's standard which is knowing God's will for us and then doing it. So what is the focus of our lives? We should daily study and read His word, seeking the Lord. spending time with Him in prayer and meditation.

2. He practiced what he learned from God's word. There is a saying that "You only believe as much of the Bible as you live." For e.g. in 1 Peter 5:7 which talks about casting all our anxieties on the Lord for He cares for us...How true is this verse in our lives? Do we give all our worries to the Lord or do we hold them back from Him? We should give our worried to God and let Him take care of them, as He has promised and desires to do. We should give it to God and once we have done that we should not allow it to burden us.

Another example is 1 Corinthians 10:12 on temptations. Have we really acted on this verse and its promise? In fact God has given us the ability to withstand temptations everyday and in every situation. There is always a way out that He provides, we just have to claim it or ask for it.

3. He taught others to do the same. In 2 Timothy 2:2 we could see that teaching can be in many ways - big & small groups, one on one. It is everyone's responsibility to teach. And in Titus 2:3-4 the more mature in Christ should teach the younger ones.

All in all the preaching was very refreshing and it reminded us to still go back to the basics of spiritual disciplines to please God and grow in our relationship with Him. And as we meditate on what Jesus has done during this holy week, and looking forward to celebrate easter this Sunday, it is indeed a tribute to our Savior to live our lives fully committed to Him.

To live with passion for Him.

The Lord is Near

When the Lord is near

There’s no need to fear.

He promised to wipe every tear

That should bring us good cheer.

When we trust in Him

All the doubts grow dim.

We will experience His caring

And it’s more than just a feeling.

He gives us His peace

Which goes beyond our understanding

But it’s something that we know

When we have been praying.

So let’s keep trusting

In the One who knows everything.

He has power over all things

We are safe under His wings.

Traveling light & trusting

This Sunday’s preaching was very encouraging, enlightening and challenging. Pastor Jess talked about traveling light in this world and trusting our Lord.

Traveling light presents our dependence on God. Hebrews 12:1 tells us to throw away everything that hinders and sin that easily encumbers us to live lives that please God. A contrast between Jacob and David was made. With Jacob, Genesis 47:9 tells us that he had lived a sad, unpleasant and short life, despite living for 130 years. He was an example of a person who was overloaded with baggage to carry all throughout his life. He faced lots of problems and struggles, including his unhealed relationship with his sibling and deception.

In contrast David in Psalm 23 exemplified a person traveling light with God. He also had lots of troubles but he was able to leave them behind and go to God. He considered the Lord as his Shepherd, which meant that he considered himself as a sheep, the weakest of all animals. Sheep never worry about food, shelter and other provisions. They are dependent on their shepherd to provide and protect. By acknowledging the Lord as his shepherd, David was able to experience provision of needs spiritually and physically, restoration from his sins/baggage of sin and freedom from guilt and worries.

Thus like David we can start the year by declaring that the Lord is our Shepherd. I should not worry because the Lord is my Shepherd. In the midst of worries about the future and past failures, we can trust God to restore us to Him if we allow Him to. We can look to God as our guide as He never makes mistakes in leading us. We do not know what the future holds but we should not worry; we should live in the present.

We need to press on to reach the goal as encouraged by Paul in Philippians 3:13-14. Our goal is to invest in heaven, whatever we do on earth. To know Jesus more, to love Him more, to serve Him more. If we let our baggages weigh us down we will never be able to do what God asks or wants us to do.

Psalm 55:22 reminds us that we can cast our burdens on the Lord, which means to completely lay it at His feet. It takes trust to do this.

Let us travel light with the Lord and trust Him at all times.

Hello 2009! Goodbye (& thanks) 2008!

Photo by key&jigsz, hogmanay at stirling

So 2009 is now here! We were in a hotel upcountry when the new year came! We said our goodbyes to 2008 on the 6th flr of our hotel room! Before that we joined the gala new year dinner prepared by the hotel at 350 Baht per person. It was a set dinner where you got to choose from 4 sets of western food and 2 sets of thai food. I chose set A but the waiters and waitresses kept giving me the food from either set B or C. To the extent that we just made a joke out of it but could not keep wondering why it was so! The only thing they got right for my order was the tea (choice of coffee or tea). Oh well, sure as it went, after dinner, I just felt not so good. I think even when were making jokes about the "lost in translation" in the orders, my stress hormones were acting up. Thus it affected my digestion after dinner. I visited the toilet a few times until midnight. So one of my NY resolutions that night was not to complain about food and not to let the poor staff suffer! Maybe they were wishing I should get a stomach ache...so I "discursed" whatever it was, just in case. I really prayed for healing.

Goodbye 2008. And thank you for all the experiences esp. the stumblings, learnings, blessings, joys, even the pains. And thanks also to all friends and readers I've met here. Let's keep blogging to make the world a better place. We do not know what's in store for us all in 2009 but one thing for sure, we can look up to the Lord Almighty for guidance and assurance that He will be with us, at all times. My prayer is that I will continue to be faithful to the Lord and to keep walking in His ways. To delight in Him, in His words, in His works.

A couple of photos taken from our hotel room last 31 Dec 2008:

LP37: Litratong Pinoy: Mahalagang Regalo

"Mahalagang regalo" ang tema ng Litratong Pinoy ngayong Huwebes. Sang-ayon ako doon sa pinakita ng admin na mahalagang regalo. Sa buhay nating ito marami tayong natanggap/natatanggap na mahalagang regalo. Isa sa mga pinakamahalagang regalo na binigay ng Panginoon sa akin ay ang aking asawa, si Kiko. Siya ay sagot sa aking panalangin dati na bigyan ako ng Panginoon ng asawa na mahal din nya ang Panginoon ng lubos at Siya ang Hari din sa kanyang buhay. Kapag mahal kasi ng isang tao ang Panginoon at Sya ang una sa buhay nya, susundin nya ang lahat ng utos ng Panginoon tungkol sa buhay - sa kilos/gawa, pag-iisip, pagsasalita, damdamin.

"Valuable gift" is the theme of Litratong Pinoy this Thursday. I agree with the valuable gift the admin featured there. We have received and continue to receive many valuable gifts in our lives. One of the most valuable gifts God has given me is my husband, Kiko. He is God's answer to my prayer to give me a husband who loves the God with all his being, and that He is the Lord of his life. I believe that when a person loves God and He is the first in his life, he will obey everything God has commanded regarding living here - in actions/deeds, thoughts, words, feelings.