Just Be Grateful :)

We just had our sector GRATEFUL assembly and six sharers testified to God's goodness and faithfulness.

Boggs is grateful for the blessing of a new job and a possible promotion this month (let's pray for that). Ellen is grateful for the gift of community and God's means to keep her ablaze in service. Albert is grateful for a new life in Christ through the CLP. Shiela is grateful for the gift of health and a second chance to live. Cha is grateful for brothers and sisters in the community who made her experience God's redeeming love, and the realization that God will truly replace what was lost with something better, something more beautiful. Kuya Boyce is grateful for the gift of relationship.

As I was listening to their stories, I can't help but be amazed at how the Lord works wonders in each of our lives. And I was reminded of my own blessings, too. :) And so for this post, allow me to share the things for which I am grateful. :)

I am grateful for the cross because it gives me the assurance that after every suffering comes victory and glory. And as I go through each pain and face each difficulty, God is and will always be with me, supporting me, giving me strength, making me feel loved and secured. :)

I am grateful for disappointments and heartbreaks because they lead me closer to the greatest lover of all, God. :)

I am grateful for the weariness that I feel, for all the stress, the sleepless nights, and all the sacrifices that I have to make. Because they purify my intentions, they allow me to question myself and to turn to God for the answers, and most of all, they make me rely more on God, for without Him, I would never endure. :)

I am grateful for the people I encounter and the people that I have no choice but to deal with. Because they test my patience and help me become a more loving person. :)

Of course I am grateful for the usual - life, health, family, friends, community, relationships, the many opportunities to serve, the resources, etc. I would never ever take those blessings for granted. :)

And today, (let's just pretend that it's still Wednesday evening. :D) just today, I am grateful for my random conversations with people. I love discussions and dialogues. I really do. :) And so I thank God for Ate Grace and Angie with whom I had not so lengthy but definitely healthy and fruitful conversations (through phone and Facebook). Thank you for allowing me to listen and learn from you and to speak and be heard as well. :)

Just today, I am also grateful for the hugs and kisses, especially those from people I miss spending time with. Ate Chie, thank you very much. :)

Lastly, just today, I am grateful for my "iyak-tawa" moments with Mama. Those moments are truly priceless. :) Thanks, Ma! You are not just a mother, but also a friend; not just a friend, but a best friend. :) I love you! ♥

Come to think of it, despite the many challenges and hardships that test a person's faith and character, there's still a lot of things to be grateful for. God never fails to amaze us with wonderful things every single day. Again, it's just a matter of perspective. :)

Ending this post with this quote:

and this song:

What about the song? It's just my song for God at this very moment. :)

♪ Of all the things I ever wanna do
I think I'll start and end with loving You ♪

I'll start and end with loving and thanking God for He truly is the greatest. :)

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