Four: T.G.I.F. (Thank God I have a Family)

When I woke up this morning, I decided not to report to Island Rose and just spend the morning with my parents. Over breakfast we talked about how God has been faithful in providing for our needs. Mama recalled how amazingly God worked especially during the times when Papa and I were sick. She said she would almost usually cry then in desperation because she didn't know how to budget the little resources that we had. But thanks to God's grace and providence, we were able to survive and overcome all those challenges. And now, we're even stronger and more bonded. :) We know that whatever comes our way, we would victoriously overcome because we're one and we have a great God.

And so today, allow me to introduce my family. :) (I will try my best to post their photos soon.)

Papa - His real name is Heide but people call him Henry. Why Heide? Because he's the favorite son of my Lola and when she was pregnant with him, she wished she would be a girl. :) Papa is one of the best drivers in the whole world and he has been working for De Guia Enterprises since 1992. He loves us so much that he really does his best to provide for our needs. He gets a little emotional and overprotective sometimes, but I always feel his sincere concern for each member of the family. He is also the most accurate "fortune teller" of all . :D Little does he know that I appreciate and love everything that he has told me about my future. :) And apart from being nervous, I am also excited to hear what he has to say (even if it sometimes hurts). I knew I made the right decision when he said that Lawrence is truly the one. :)

Mama - She is Alicia, also known as Alice or Alicier. If Papa is my number one critic, she is my number one supporter. She nags like most mothers do, but I love how she takes care of our needs (even when she makes it obvious that she's not in the mood to do those chores). One of the sweetest things that she did was just last Valentine's. She sent me a text message early in the morning just to tell me that I have to make a way to watch Ogie & Regine's concert with Lawrence. No matter how stressful that day was, that simple gesture made me smile and say, "Thank God she's my mother." :)

Arnold - My one and only brother and my fashion consultant. :D Every time I have to dress up for an occasion or any event, I would seek his advice on what I should (or should not) wear and I am confident to follow his suggestions because I know he can never go wrong. :) He is not just a brother but also a friend. I love how he protects me from men (wrong men I mean :D) and how he supports my relationship with Lawrence. I also appreciate and admire his determination to succeed despite the difficulties. He is currently a freelance artist and he really does his craft well. See some of his works here: http://konseptowebworks.tumblr.com/. :)

They are my family. And I thank God for them. :) We are not perfect but we are one (in faith and in love). And that's all that really matters. :)

Celebrating Papa's 54th, 2 years ago. :)

Comments

Understanding Lupang Hinirang

Every Filipino knows Lupang Hinirang (though some know it better as " Bayang Magiliw "). How can you not know it when it is the national anthem of the Philippines? But do we really mean the lyrics that we sing? Do we understand it in the first place? Photo Credit: http://diazi.ism-online.org This video has gone viral weeks ago. This afternoon, I shared it to my teammates, and one commented, "Yun pala yun . Ngayon ko lang naintindihan." He immediately downloaded it and converted to MP3. So for those who have not seen it, once again, here is Joey Ayala's version of Lupang Hinirang. And I agree, you would never want to sing it in another way. (But that's just me. :D) This rendition is simply beautiful. Truly Filipino. :) Of course that doesn't mean we need to revise our national anthem but maybe we can consider about correcting the way we sing it (read: proper pronunciation). Read more about the Philippine National Anthem here .

Jesus Week 2015: A Time To HEAL ♥

I had the best, most meaningful HOLY WEEK ever, so far (the best is yet to come!). :) Thanks to Joy who shared the Jesus Week poster on Facebook. It was God's personal invitation, and I couldn't thank Him enough for the grace that He also gave me to respond. Everything is grace. It was not just my personal decision to join. It was God's grace that allowed me to. So how did it go? Well, as what I have told my friends, it was amazingly beautiful! The experience was priceless! On Holy Monday, I posted Fr. Jerry Orbos' acronym for HOLY WEEK . I experienced all of that and more! :) I won't be able to share everything as there is just a lot of personal, intimate encounters with the Lord. But if I were to summarize, it was a time for me to HEAL. :) H alt . Indeed, I was able to stop and just rest in the Lord. Before leaving Manila, I have already told myself that this retreat will be all about Jesus ( Jesus Week nga e :D ). No emails, no texts, no calls. I

Thank You, Lord! :)

It has been a long and stressful day (the past three days have been lonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnng and stressssssssssssssssssssssssssssssful), but You are just so amazing, Lord that I couldn't sleep without telling You how grateful I am. :) Thank You, Lord for the miracle that You did yesterday. Break even and more. :) Thank You, Lord for the laughter and stories shared during the post-mission meeting with Team Thailand. :) Team Thailand - Princesses from SFC Metro Manila :) Thank You, Lord for Lawrence. He is just the (almost) perfect man. He has his flaws, but they are acceptable; he makes mistakes, but they are all forgivable. There are a lot of men but there can never be anyone else. He's really the one. And You know it very well. :) ♥ Nemo. Love. ♥ Thank You, Lord for giving me strength and endurance each day. :) Thank You, Lord for the short but restful sleeps. :) Thank You, Lord for every waking moment and every opportunity that You give

The Holy Spirit*

*Cluster 4 Household Topic Reflections from John 15:26-16:4 True friendship is strengthened in adversity. Jesus offers His disciples the best and truest of friends. Who is this promised friend? Jesus calls the Holy Spirit our Counselor and Advocate (also translated Paraclete or Helper). Counselor is a legal term for the one who will defend someone against an adversary and who guides that person during the ordeal of trial. The Holy Spirit is our Advocate and Helper who brings us safely through the challenges and adversities we must face in this life. As Jesus approaches the hour that He was to be glorified - through His death on the cross and His resurrection - He revealed more fully to His disciples the person and the role of the Holy Spirit. What does Jesus tell us about the Holy Spirit? First, the Holy Spirit is inseparably one with the Father and the Son. It is the Holy Spirit who gives life - the very life of God - and who kindles faith in hearts receptive

Interesting Facts Courtesy of Celebrity Bluff :)

I was writing a different post, but Celebrity Bluff is just so fun and informative, I had to stop from blogging to list down the fun facts that I learn from each round. :) Thought it would be nice to share them here as well. For future reference. :D Q: In 2012, what kind of animal was named after Beyonce? A: Horse Fly Q: What rare job in China will pay you US$50,000 a year? A: Fart Smeller Q: What alcoholic drink literally means "water of life"? A: Whisky Q: In which part of the body can you find the tragus? A: Ear Q: According to Merriam-Webster, what is the female equivalent of dude? A: Dudine Q: What is longer in the male turtles than in the females? A: Nails And the final question is... Q: According to Box Office Mojo what are the top four (4) movies of 2013 according to global profit? A: (1) Iron Man 3, (2) Despicable Me 2, (3) Fast and the Furious 6 (4) The Hunger Games: Catching Fire That's all

These Little Wonders

Search This Blog