Thanksgiving

It’s a holiday that comes just once a year, Often what comes to our mind is turkey and all of the delicious food that goes with it, the scrumptious deserts, and the good time we had with everyone. Somewhere in the day, we might manage to remember the things we’re thankful for.

Today is a celebration of thanks. It is a good thing to be appreciative of all the blessings that God bestowed upon us. It may be something small or big, but what's important is that we are thankful for it. However, it’s terrible that we seem to forget this throughout the year, and only set aside one day out of the year to thank Him. 

Everywhere you go, you’ll probably hear someone somewhere griping and complaining. It’s too hot, their clothes don’t fit them well, they want a bigger house, they hate their job, the kids are too loud, their wife/husband just isn’t as loving as they used to be, they don't like the food on the table, etc. It’s like nothing is right, and everything’s all wrong. What’s wrong with this picture? Rather than complain and mumble about our troubles, when’s the last time we thanked God for giving us what He has, regardless of how we felt about whatever it was? We are so blessed that it’s almost a shame, especially when those so blessed seem to never see those blessings.

For the parents that complain about the kids being noisy, try telling that to a Mom who lost her two year old daughter to cancer last year, or to a parent who has a kid in the hospital, or the deaf parents who never had the precious gift of hearing their children scream and say I love you to them. For the one who complains about their clothes aren’t fitting anymore or aren’t the right ‘match’, try telling that to people who lost their clothes because of the typhoons and only wearing the last piece of clothes that they have because that’s the best they’ve got to wear. Try telling that to people who can't even affor to buy a pair of socks, or a pair of decent slippers.  For those who are complaining because their partners aren't loving as they used to be, try telling that to a solo parent or to a couple who's going through a separation. For those picky eaters who complain of the food on the table, try telling that to the people who can't even eat once a day. To those people who has nothig to eat, not even a safe water to drink. 

We are truly a blessed nation. Thank you God for the food on our tables! We have homes, nice and warm when it’s cold outside. Thank you for the clothes on our backs and shoes on our feet. For those of us that have all or most of our body parts working, thank you God for allowing us to be able to hear, see, smell, taste, walk, run, move, roll over, breathe, think, feel.

We should thank God for our loved ones, for our spouses, kids, parents, grandparents, in-laws, ex-in-laws, and most of all, for dear friends. Never take anyone for granted. No one lives forever in this life. Cherish them all while you can, and thank God for giving them to you for a while.

I thank the Lord for so many reasons

For the gift of life and career

for giving me wonderful parents who never left me amidst my challenges. 

for giving me my amazing relatives who always supports and comforts me.

for my SMA friends, whom I've known since elemetary days. You are a big part of my life.

for my SPUM friends, whom I love and cherish. I know we may not see each other that often, but always remember that you are forever in my heart

for my TPLI/Magsaysay family, I will be forever grateful for all the thinsg that we shared. You will always be a family to me

for my Makati feast family, Thank you because in you I found hope and peace. 

Most of all, I thank the Lord for giving me my one and only babylove: ADDY, anak, you will always be mommy's number 1. You will always be my pride and joy, my strenght and sanity, my source of peace and happiness. Because of you, I experience many wonders. Because of you, I am who I am today, I may not be perfect Anak, but I know deep in my heart, mommy has a pure loving heart.

When this Thanksgiving holiday is over and gone, don’t wait for another year to pass to give thanks to God for all the blessings He’s given you. Thank him everyday. Thank him as you wake up in the morning because he has given you another day.  Thank Him for that nice slice of cake that you don’t really need, or for your 22nd pair of shoes that you just had to match a new dress, or for the promotion that someone got over you. Thanksgiving is a time for celebration and to remember all that we are thankful for. But don’t let it be the only time you remember to thank God for everything. Let it be a remembrance of having done so throughout the year.

Happy Thanksgiving

Absent Father Syndrome

I guess it’s safe to say that most, if not all of us grew up with the idea that the father is the head of the family.  No family is complete without the head, just as no living body is anatomically complete without a head above it.  But what if the family has no head? What if, for one reason or another, a father figure is lacking in the family picture?  Can a mother and her kids alone still thrive as a normal family?

The answer, of course, is a resounding “yes!” 

Families nowadays no longer strictly comprise of father, mother, brother, sister and the family dog.  The white picket fence has been replaced with a rundown condo parking slot.  Single parent families are now a dime a dozen, and they prove to produce well-raised kids despite the circumstances.  Good parenting requires skills and supplements that are not exclusive to married couples. The challenge of any parent is to find the time to create and implement a vision-a strategy for molding a confident, hopeful and happy moral character out of the little personality you have been given.So, how do we cope with an absent father situation?

Co-parenting

Like what Ms Michelle Alignay said, solo parents stories are unique. Your story will differ to my story. Some solo parents are co-parenting with their ex partners. However, in my case, this is not applicable. So, what do I do? I have my co-parent list. This includes my parents, Addys ninong and ninangs, relatives (Aunts, Uncles and most especially my vibrant cousins) At this point, I have 12 co-parents. isn't it wonderful? It is a blessing because I have MORE. :)

Beautiful soul

I surround my Addy with beautiful souls, I expose him to loving people. Since I joined LOJ last September, I make sure that I bring him during Sundays. Not jut to attend the mass but also to be able to interact with the kids in the Kid's Ministry. At times, I bring him along during CG :) I thank my CGmates for welcoming Addy wholeheartedly.

Me and my friends saw how Addy changed a lot. He may not be fluent in talking but he knows more words now than before. He may not understand what's happening around him like the worship, talk, praises but I know as Bro Monty mentioned, he will feel it. I surround Addy with caring adults who sees him as special, who sees him as a gift, a blessing, and not otherwise.

Communication

I make it to a point to call my Addy from time to time. A simple, "How are you Addy?' or 'What did you eat for lunch?" In this way, he will feel that I am around him. I remembered him. This is our early start of having an open communication. Since I need to work for both of us, I am not with him 24/7 but I make sure that I talk to him everyday. I call him atleast five times a day. I make sure he knows when to say, Opo, yes, sorry, goodnight, thank you and I love you.

Time

"MOMMYYYYYYY! MWAAAAAHHHH" this welcomes me everytime I go home. How can I be tired? Nomatter how tired I am, I am full of energy as soon as I step inside the house. No matter how crazy my day was, I make time for Addy as soon as I get home. 

Believe it or not, it is a daunting task to be a solo parent. On top of that, Addy has no nanny to take care of him. My parents and I pre-schedule who will look after him. But next year, since Addy will be going to school. I might need to get a nanny already. Anyone interested? :D

Community

Makati feast is another place besides home where Addy can learn to build trust, self-confidence and a sense of hopefulness and excitement about the future. Another enviroment apart from home and school (soon) that will teach him new learnings not just about God but about realities in life.

Be Positive

Even though this is a difficult time for me especially that Christmas season is just around the corner, it can also be a time of growth and positive change. I examine our situation and determine what good can come out of it, be it a new career, new independence, a closer relationship with my parents, or even an opportunity to meet new people. No matter how negative the circumstance was that led me to this place, it is important to focus on the light at the end of the tunnel. Just like how Bro Hermie said during worship, God makes miracles in our mistakes. I never really considered Addy as a mistake, but I consider him as my one big MIRACLE. He is my source of strength, happiness, peace and most of all, SANITY.

Maintain a relationship with God

This last, but most important, is the primary key to a happy family life. Together, we pray, talking to God through prayer is one way to build a relationship with God. Reading the bible is another way to build your relationship with God. I changed our bedtime stories to bible bedtime stories. In this way, I am also instilling not just good values but God's words to Addy. At this early time, He will be connected to God, my ultimate friend, lifetime partner and provider.

I  believe that Addy do not need perfect life in order to have a normal life and  to grow up whole. He will learn from mistakes (yes, even me) and can develop strength from bad times. What he needs is a few essentials designed to make him feel secure, connected, loved and accepted. Our life has changed dramatically. The only person who can determine the outcome of our life is me. I trust my good Lord that he will guide me and Addy along the way. I will come out ahead in life.Addy will grow up as a fine young man who love and respect his creator, neighbor and self. Addy will grow up as a man twice as much as his father. I will be forever his hero.

To Addy: You are my world Addy. I will never get tired of loving you Addy. You keep mommy alive. You are the one who gives me thousands of reasons to wake up each morning and go to work.  I love you no matter what you do or where you may end up going in life. I am not ashamed of you. I am not ashamed of what we are right now. I am proud to have you because I have one beautiful son. I have a loving son. I know one day you will understand, and I hope when that day comes, you will understand.

Celebrating Life And Love

It's been a month since I learned loving life. It's been a month since God answered my questions. It's been a month since I learned to forgive myself. In a month, I gained new learning and knowledge. I faced difficult battles. I was constantly being tested. Again, for the nth time, I was broken. I was tempted to be MIA twice. I stumbled a few times. But with the love of my family and friends, my love tank is still full. It was never empty. God showed me his way. I was not lost. I am still here because my trials and difficulties made me a stronger person. My downtime showed me who my true friends are. My challenges made me realized that I am still blessed because I have my beautiful souls around me.

God provided countless blessings after my 180 degree experience in Tagaytay. I was able to receive the gift of TIME. Time for Addy and time to serve. God has given me extra bonus: Blooming career, new set of friends, new life changing experiences. I know all these things will contribute in my life journey.

God also gave our family two angels in unexpected ways

My nephew Baby Gabriel, our one pound miracle, who was born 3 months earlier than expected. He is our little warrior here on Earth. Why I considered this a blessing? Because our dear Gabriel is still with us. He continues to fight! We consider him as our little miracle from God because Baby Gabriel survived and we know that this is just the beginning of his journey. We are blessed because not all are given the chance to survived especially if you were born prematurely on the 6th month. I trust the good Lord that we will be able to see Baby Gabriel fulfill his dream. He will be able to feel the warm embrace of everyone. He will be able to speak his thoughts, express his feelings and share his blessings to others. I claim it! We all can't wait for February to come so my cousin can bring home our little Gabriel.

My Auntie Patty who joined our creator very recently. She is now home. She is our newest angel in heaven. She will be surely missed by her friends,most of all by us, her family. Why consider it a blessing? Because now, she will no longer feel any pain. She will always be lively and happy. She lived a worthy life here on Earth and now, she will lived an abundance life in heaven. I know she will continue to guide everyone because that's her motherly nature. Her inspiring stories and encouraging words will always be remembered and will surely be missed.

With the difficulties I encountered, I know that God is not punishing my family. He wants us to realized how strong we are and together we can surpass these storms. God will never give us the trials if he knows we can't handle it well. With these trials, we found treasures and blessings. I am truly blessed because I am seeing things in a different way. I am seeing the goodness in each difficult situation. I am able to bring to life the things I learned since Sept. 8. I am truly blessed to have my family, my friends, my LOJ family and most of all, my circle of trust :)

In most cases when we come across situations that are less than pleasing or situations that cause great discomfort, it’s human nature to want to leave and look for somewhere comfortable. Looking back, surely the LORD was using those unpleasant situations to shape our characters. Sometimes we just have to pause. Stop for a while, and cling to God. See how He delivers us.

Thank you for the continuous prayers for me and my family. Because of the love life retreat, I am able to stand firm and strong for my family amidst all trials. Because of the love life retreat, I learned to live life to the fullest, to appreciate every little things that we have, to make the most out of everything, and most of all, to express our love for ourselves, to others and to our Almighty God.

Circle Of Trust

If not for a recent incident in my life and for my life changing article, I will never meet you personally. After the short thank you conversation, we spin off as friends.

I don't know how to thank you for being so patient with me. Words are not enough to express how grateful I am that you wanted to be a part of my circle of trust. I appreciate every messages, hugs and hellos from you. I appreciate every "good job" and  "apir/high five" from you. With these sincere gestures, you contribute to my love tank. You never judge me, You never persecute me, rather you listen to every words that I will utter. You always reassures me that everything will be okay. You affirm me. You compliment me. You always reminds me that God loves me especially at times when I am down or crazy. Even at times, I feel guilty that I am already over burdening you, you still smile and let me know that it's alright.

You're the key to my biggest realization in my life and because of that realization, I was able to move on. I was able to answer a lot of unaswered questions. I was able to love myself more. I gained back my self-respect, my dignity, my own being, my self-worth. For that, you will always be a part of my life. You will always have a space in my life. When I have the courage to be a wounded healer, you will always be part of my story.

"Food for the soul' that's your role in my life. It feels good digesting the words that comes out from your heart every time you preach, every time you speak on behalf of God in any means of communication. You may crack a joke while preaching but when I read between the lines, you never fail to convey God's message. It refreshes my mind and soul. It feels good to be blessed and be moved and I always ended up wanting for more.

In return, I will always be here for you. I also want to be part of your circle of trust. I will support you in your endeavors because I firmly believe that you can do it. You have the innate gift of touching the lives of others. God works with you in mysterious ways. When you're down and you need a friend, you might need a hug, a pat on your back, a shoulder or simply a listening ear, Always remember that I am just here; 24/7, anytime of the day.  I accept you when you're at your best, but most of all when you're at your worst. I will gladly be a friend during your down times. I will never judge you but rather affirm and assure you that everything will fall into places.

Continue to pour your hearts out in every thing that you do. Continue to be a "food for the soul" not just to me, but to others as well because you are blessing a lot of souls. You are helping lost souls to find their way back home just like how you lead me back home. Continue to be the key to everybody's unanswered questions.

P.S you're one of the people who inspires me to serve the Lord 100%. I serve for the Lord out of love for him but you're the role model, the inspiration, the motivation because I know, I have your back in everything that I will do. I know, you will correct me and walk me through the process. 

One Pound Miracle

In this world we live in, experiencing the birth of a child is beyond any emotional understanding. We crave the excitement and milestones that are set from each passing day for nearly ten months until that child graces our presence away from the womb. Envisioning a perfect world with a perfect pregnancy is what many people live for, sharing their love and building a life that will once touch the lives of others. No one is ever prepared for trouble, no one is ever prepared for fear and no one is ever prepared for what God's plan is. We are prepared only to take what God has given to us and make it better through faith, hope and love.

Last Oct 29, 2011, My beloved cousin gave birth to this precious boy who will surely going to touch the world. Baby Gabriel was born three months earlier than expected. Baby Gabriel was fragile, weighed 1.4 lbs. We are amazed that Baby Gabriel survived but this is just the beginning of his journey of amazing triumphs.

He is a gift from heaven above. A precious little angel to cherish and to love. Our Father in heaven has blessed us with Baby Gabriel. I know God has a message for our family. Baby Gabriel will fill our hearts with happiness and touch our lives with love. I wish you soft lullabies and smiles of joy. Hearts that will always listen and gentle hands to hold you when you're afraid. But most of all, I wish you love and a longer life with us.   Two tiny feet that wave in the air. Two tiny hands that tug at your hair. Cute bottom for patting, adorable face. A bundle of joy to love and embrace   Ten tiny fingers that always want to play, that never stop exploring the wonder of today. Ten tiny fingers that from the very start, will reach out for tomorrow, yet always hold your heart.     

I claim it, we will be able to see Baby Gabriel fulfill his dream. He will be able to walk and enjoy the beauty of the sunset. He will be able to feel the warm embrace of everyone. He will be able to speak his thoughts, express his feelings and share his blessings to others. I claim it!

Please pray for our little miracle from God

Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a reward from him. Psalm 127:3

God's Letter For Me

DEar Ley,

This morning you may be feeling unloved, worthless, with no special qualities, you may be feeling "plain Jane", you may feel like you fade into the crowd and are invisible. But don't let the enemy do that to you. Don't let Him rob you of the unique person God created in you. Don't let him make you think too lowly of yourself. There is a saying, "I know I am somebody, because God doesn't make junk." Don't let the enemy make you feel like you are "junk"- useless and not good for anything. That's a lie, you have been fearfully and wonderfully made and God loves you very much. He has a plan that only you can fulfill. You are somebody; somebody special in the eyes of God; somebody precious and loved by Him.

Have a great day. You are a unique individual created by God who has a special plan in mind for you.

Love,

God