I'm on my second day of wearing contact lenses after I've pushed through with my thought to try it out - I decided to have 2-day trial of it. Reasons behind are a lot but the outstanding one is for convenience. It's so funny though, because initially, I've opted to wear eyeglasses instead, because of the same reason - convenience. Errrr.... weird huh, you may say...but just think about what I'm tryin' to draw here :P
Well, my power isn't that high but normally, I prefer to have my eye-glasses on to have a clearer and firmer view or sight of the things I'm lookin' at, especially when driving ;)... that is because I've taken note well what my driving instructor told me in a loud manner, "WEAR YOUR 'SPECS' WHEN DRIVING!"... lol, makes me smile whenever I think about it.
Anyhow, so this morning...no doubt I was struggling and having some challenges to put in the contact lenses into my eyes. Whheeww! It wasn't that easy! As I open my right eye wide and big, the song "Open the eyes of my heart Lord" echoed deep within me. As I sing the song in my mind, "open the eyes of my heart Lord, I want to see you, I want to see you", in my heart I had a revelation that until now I'm trying to figure out, organizing the thought around it so might as well write about it, hopefully at the end of this blog I'll manage to have an organized thoughts about the revelation... let's see!
When we're newly born, they say that the eyesight isn't really that clear for the first couple of weeks. This is the reason why when buying baby things, we need to buy those very colorful ones so that babies' eyes can recognize the shapes through the colors. Then as babies grow, together with all the other things that our parents do like feed us, take care of us, etc. etc., our eyes will start to transition into the 20/20 perfect eyesight. Well...along the way, as we grow older, the eyesight will eventually be blurred making our powers high that we need to do things like wearing eyeglasses (or contact lenses) to have a clearer eyesight, well for some, they use the technology side of making eye sight clear like laser, etc.
I've thought about that in the same way in our Christian life, we have the somewhat similar transition kind of thing. As baby Christians, we'll have initially a blur sight but as time goes by, with the help of our Father in heaven, we'll have a clear vision of our spiritual life - that's through the sermons of the Pastors we listen into, our own Bible reading, the leaders over us, prayers, fellowships, etc. etc. Now, here's the sad part.... as we go on with our lives, there's the tendency to be blur again making our power high for the need of eye-glasses to be able to see clearly.
Going back to the song, "Open the eyes of my heart, I want to see You", it is very clear that Him, God, who's doing it for us - opening the eyes of our hearts so that we can recognize and eventually see Him. However, we just need to ask Him to do it for us. The "asking" part should come from us. Hhhmmm.. maybe this is one of the applications of the most famous bible verse, which is being stolen by the other "secret" books saying, Ask and it shall be given to you... (Matthew 7:7)
And then...I realized that I was in the latter kind of blurriness in my spiritual life. Please don't ask me to elaborate it ya... it's kinda complicated. I'm grateful that the Holy Spirit revealed this to me and now I am pleading unto Him to give me "contact lenses" in my spiritual sight; that I may see once again clearly...His greatness, His awesomeness, His almighty power, His indescribable love and His sovereignty over my life.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Knocking on heaven^^
If there's one thing that I won't forget about this person, it's gonna be our Redang Island trip last March 2009 particularly the night I was surprisingly asked by her to sing and perform on the stage, together with Laguna Redang's entertainers that night. I don't know what's with her that I gave in to the dare forgetting that I will be humiliating my ownself to an audience of a few! Well, maybe it was probably what's with me since I've finished a glass of frozen margarita already! Good thing that the few audience were them - my friends! LOL...Believe me, it's gonna be the first and last!!! :P
That Redang trip is an unforgettable one for many I believe. It's because it has left something valuable deep within each one's heart and chronicles of sweet and fun memory! Some noted it was their first snorkeling experience, some treasured it that it helped release a certain grudge, and someone enjoyed star gazing ultimately by the beach and finally had seen a shooting star!!! Above all, it was a trip that started a simple kind of friendship that felt like it's been there all the while for somebody :) - talk about having a strength of "connectedness" huh! =P
We didn't have that much of literal personal acquaintance but implicitly, it was like we can read each other. I guess it all started when she called me once, when she was here in Penang, responding to my "hello" text message. I answered, "Is everything okay? why do you sound so soft and quiet and so not you?". I felt she smiled and just responded, "I'm at my MIL's place" (message me what's MIL :P). Then, I got it already. From then on, she would occassionaly sms me "Reached KL already" everytime they come here and return KL. Anyhow, virtually we've kept the communication goin'. These are the moments I thank God for the world wide web operating its "pros". In between's, we've talked about so much things about the reality of life - relationships, marriage, friendship, etcetera, etcetera. I manage to give my thought about her understanding the MIL and make an effort to create a good relationship; she helped me realized that I'm a normal woman so to speak when we've shared about possesiveness and insecurities. Somehow, she has shared her feelings with me that I heart her and ofcourse geared her towards the good and the positive right turn of direction! Apparently, I saw some of myself in her that made me treasure her more.
If only we had the chance to spend more time with each other in person, we could have planned a lot of things before she left. Things that would probably bond us more and nourish the gem we've found with each other - friendship. Furthermore, some stuff that perhaps will be very beneficial to her family and so-called "bestfriend" when she's gone, and thoughts that will be of help for her dearest bie to continue and move on to live life here on earth. Have you read the book or at least watched the movie "P.S. I Love You"? Something to that effect... :)
Well...it has been almost more than five months now since I hugged her for the last time and gave my last kiss on her forehead before we left at one hospital in KL. She was on her way to the operating room for surgery and us on the way back to Penang. That time, I didn't think of such an early departure she'll do as I fervently (and the rest too) plead to our Big Daddy up there to heal her and let her live in this temporary world still. But I guess, it's true indeed that His thoughts are higher than our thoughts and His ways are higher than ours. There must be a reason why those things happened but I'm just not sure what.
I've written this blog with a purpose. A purpose of paying tribute to one good friend who's temporarily gone, in which one of the people I'll be looking forward to meet again when it's my turn to go home. However, ultimately, it's for her bie, whom I considered a good friend too. A very crazy fella that I like because he's willing to jump out of the boat in the beach and who is a merman! Lame! LOL... Nah, kidding aside.... for him to take time to realize that if my friend can literally speak from heaven as I knock, she will say...
"C'mon darling, enough of sadness already! I'll "meraju" if you continune to do that! Cheer up and face the rest of your life there with enthusiasm and new beginning, a new chapter! And I don't mind at all but instead I'll help if I can be of any, and above all, continue to live life and have fun giving all the glory to Him! (I'm with him now, remember! :P)"
They said that the last sense to leave a human being is the hearing sense. As I knock on heaven, I am whispering to her all these writings from the bottom of my heart hoping that she is able to hear it.
While in mourning mode, I was somehow glad that time permitted me to see her for the last time the night before I left for Manila last December. Above all, I'm grateful to Him that He made this as part of His plan for my life - to have met Cindy Khoh Joo Hwa.
-end-
That Redang trip is an unforgettable one for many I believe. It's because it has left something valuable deep within each one's heart and chronicles of sweet and fun memory! Some noted it was their first snorkeling experience, some treasured it that it helped release a certain grudge, and someone enjoyed star gazing ultimately by the beach and finally had seen a shooting star!!! Above all, it was a trip that started a simple kind of friendship that felt like it's been there all the while for somebody :) - talk about having a strength of "connectedness" huh! =P
We didn't have that much of literal personal acquaintance but implicitly, it was like we can read each other. I guess it all started when she called me once, when she was here in Penang, responding to my "hello" text message. I answered, "Is everything okay? why do you sound so soft and quiet and so not you?". I felt she smiled and just responded, "I'm at my MIL's place" (message me what's MIL :P). Then, I got it already. From then on, she would occassionaly sms me "Reached KL already" everytime they come here and return KL. Anyhow, virtually we've kept the communication goin'. These are the moments I thank God for the world wide web operating its "pros". In between's, we've talked about so much things about the reality of life - relationships, marriage, friendship, etcetera, etcetera. I manage to give my thought about her understanding the MIL and make an effort to create a good relationship; she helped me realized that I'm a normal woman so to speak when we've shared about possesiveness and insecurities. Somehow, she has shared her feelings with me that I heart her and ofcourse geared her towards the good and the positive right turn of direction! Apparently, I saw some of myself in her that made me treasure her more.
If only we had the chance to spend more time with each other in person, we could have planned a lot of things before she left. Things that would probably bond us more and nourish the gem we've found with each other - friendship. Furthermore, some stuff that perhaps will be very beneficial to her family and so-called "bestfriend" when she's gone, and thoughts that will be of help for her dearest bie to continue and move on to live life here on earth. Have you read the book or at least watched the movie "P.S. I Love You"? Something to that effect... :)
Well...it has been almost more than five months now since I hugged her for the last time and gave my last kiss on her forehead before we left at one hospital in KL. She was on her way to the operating room for surgery and us on the way back to Penang. That time, I didn't think of such an early departure she'll do as I fervently (and the rest too) plead to our Big Daddy up there to heal her and let her live in this temporary world still. But I guess, it's true indeed that His thoughts are higher than our thoughts and His ways are higher than ours. There must be a reason why those things happened but I'm just not sure what.
I've written this blog with a purpose. A purpose of paying tribute to one good friend who's temporarily gone, in which one of the people I'll be looking forward to meet again when it's my turn to go home. However, ultimately, it's for her bie, whom I considered a good friend too. A very crazy fella that I like because he's willing to jump out of the boat in the beach and who is a merman! Lame! LOL... Nah, kidding aside.... for him to take time to realize that if my friend can literally speak from heaven as I knock, she will say...
"C'mon darling, enough of sadness already! I'll "meraju" if you continune to do that! Cheer up and face the rest of your life there with enthusiasm and new beginning, a new chapter! And I don't mind at all but instead I'll help if I can be of any, and above all, continue to live life and have fun giving all the glory to Him! (I'm with him now, remember! :P)"
They said that the last sense to leave a human being is the hearing sense. As I knock on heaven, I am whispering to her all these writings from the bottom of my heart hoping that she is able to hear it.
While in mourning mode, I was somehow glad that time permitted me to see her for the last time the night before I left for Manila last December. Above all, I'm grateful to Him that He made this as part of His plan for my life - to have met Cindy Khoh Joo Hwa.
-end-
Monday, March 15, 2010
Sobrang Lungkot...
Grabeh... hindi ko alam kung bakit ganito ang nararamdaman ko. Lagi kong tinatanong sa sarili ko, nasan ang dating ako? Ang dating masayahin at laging hopeful na tao, ang dating laging looking forward sa hinaharap ng buong sigla at super excited?
Hindi ko maitago na sobrang lungkot ko na kulang na lang eh humagulgol ako dito sa kinalalagyan ko. Feeling ko sobrang nawala ang sigla ng hinaharap kundi para bagang punong puno ng lungkot ng nakaraan?
Alam ko, nasa puso ko ang Poong Maykapal. Pero ang sobrang ipinagtataka ko, grabe talaga ang lungkot na nararamdaman ko. Diyos ko, alam ko may nagawa akong mga kasalanan sa inyo. Patawarin nyo po ako. Gusto kong magalit at mainis sa inyo, pero ginagawa ko ang aking makakaya na wag na todong magalit.
Deep within me Panginoon, ako pa rin ito. Ako pa rin yung nagdarasal at nagmamaka awa, tulungan nyo po ako. hindi ko kayang mag-isa 'to! kailangan ko kayo.
Hindi ko maitago na sobrang lungkot ko na kulang na lang eh humagulgol ako dito sa kinalalagyan ko. Feeling ko sobrang nawala ang sigla ng hinaharap kundi para bagang punong puno ng lungkot ng nakaraan?
Alam ko, nasa puso ko ang Poong Maykapal. Pero ang sobrang ipinagtataka ko, grabe talaga ang lungkot na nararamdaman ko. Diyos ko, alam ko may nagawa akong mga kasalanan sa inyo. Patawarin nyo po ako. Gusto kong magalit at mainis sa inyo, pero ginagawa ko ang aking makakaya na wag na todong magalit.
Deep within me Panginoon, ako pa rin ito. Ako pa rin yung nagdarasal at nagmamaka awa, tulungan nyo po ako. hindi ko kayang mag-isa 'to! kailangan ko kayo.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
wrong thought...
I thought I was numb enough already upon hearing the somehow "anticipated" news, but sadly no - not numb enough. It sure hurts. argh!
*these are the moments when I wish I won't have emotions/feelings at all anymore*
I thought I was strong enough to ignore and just hide it but I failed to do so - I was just too transparent and expressive a while ago.
*these are the moments when I wish I won't get carried away that easily*
Well... sometimes crying will just give you such quite a relief when the reason you're crying is not good or should I say not good because it did not happen the way you hope it will happen. Nah, God is in control and He's got way than better plans about things.
Start "hoping" a fresh - i wish it will be that way and not brushing it off totally!
Lord, please help me get through with this. I pray that the pain will come to pass soon. You've done it more than two years ago, sure You can do it over and over again.
Jaded.
*these are the moments when I wish I won't have emotions/feelings at all anymore*
I thought I was strong enough to ignore and just hide it but I failed to do so - I was just too transparent and expressive a while ago.
*these are the moments when I wish I won't get carried away that easily*
Well... sometimes crying will just give you such quite a relief when the reason you're crying is not good or should I say not good because it did not happen the way you hope it will happen. Nah, God is in control and He's got way than better plans about things.
Start "hoping" a fresh - i wish it will be that way and not brushing it off totally!
Lord, please help me get through with this. I pray that the pain will come to pass soon. You've done it more than two years ago, sure You can do it over and over again.
Jaded.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Thanks to DiGi = CNY thoughts..
I was staring blankly at nowhere when I heard the message alert tone of my cellphone. I asked myself, "who could that be?". It has been a while since I've received those "out of the blue" text message/s from someone (or perhaps sometwo) I know. Pathetic huh, but it's the fact! lol.. Guess who was it? It was Digi's sms advertisement about the new games available. The liner was that, "Download new games to enjoy while on your way to home town for the coming Chinese New Year".
I don't know why my mind suddenly recalled the previous CNY so to speak. I was glad to be invited by a good friend during an organized CNY eve's dinner of their "family" and another "couple friends" steamboat dinner (other night though). Come to think about it, the previous previous year, I was with Shirley's family if I'm not mistaken :).
I have nothing to do by then and that good friend was probably kind enough to ask me to join them. I did not know what to say and ended up responding "okay". Well, I honestly didn't know what I'm supposed to do when attending CNY eve's family dinner because this time, a friend who invited me was a guy. I didn't think of anything but people around me who knew about it began to ask silly questions, which has lead me to a predicament. Anyhow, hope was born. Nah, cut it out! hahaha...
Looking back, I can say that I made it through that "dinner" night and I'd say it was a good one! After that night, a lot of noble things happened Imma say and here are they as follows:
1.) I've learned that I'm super possessive. After that dinner, we've decided to chill out in Starbucks E-gate with other friends and have that "chit-chat" and somebody gave a comment about something like this: "Among all the girls here, I think you're the most possessive." I paused and digested that and reflect on it..lol.. somehow I took it seriously and began to analyze myself. hahaha :D I abruptly kinda defended myself saying, "Yeah, maybe. But it depends on how it is being manifested and applied"... which is true right? LOL..
2.) It started a great friendship & implicit closeness between me and this woman I've met - his mom. I have initially known her through his stories and I was interested to know her personally. That night was the great chance and it went well. From then on, I can say we became close. She was one of the "gentle" encourager I have when it comes to driving, well his son was my instructor anyway - such a great friend! So everytime I hold unto the steering wheel, I'm reminded of her telling me to always tell Jesus to take hold & control of the steering wheel & my driving. We somehow became close because she is a "talker" (ops!) and can really converse in English - well i grabbed that advantage. I wanted to be so close to a few aunties as well but it's just that I'm unable to speak in Chinese (how I wish I can really speak "conversational" Hokkien or even Mandarin huh!). Everytime I drive, I smile a little, whispering unto Jesus and remembering her in my heart. On and off, I meet up with her and just spend time with one another like a mother & daughter... lol..
3.) How Chinese New Year occasion is important. Well, as you know I'm here in Malaysia specifically Penang. In my four years (& counting) so to speak, I've learned a lot of things related to its culture and I'd say I'm somehow accustomed to it already. The fact that this is when majority do and have their family reunions, how I've wished that CNY is everyday here in Malaysia, lol. :P
The other steamboat dinner I've had with this "lovers" so to speak was simple yet I can say it was meaningful. Primarily, it was held at the girl's cozy little warm place in Pekaka area :). Few thoughts cultivated myself:
1.) Simplicity is indeed elegance. This couple (not married yet as of this writing), are that simple. I admire their simplicity and I'm glad that somehow I strongly believe that God used me for both of them. But ofcourse, all credit goes to Him alone for His Holy Spirit really did a LOT of work.
2.) We are everywhere! I had a little talk with the girl's Auntie who worked before in Saudi Arabia and has mentioned that there are a lot of Pinoys & Pinays there. I just smiled and nod nod nod... Reason behind? Well, that is somehow I can say subjective but well yeah... a lot of reasons :D
3.) Steamboat is not easy to prepare. That was at least what the girl said together with the Aunties :D. Hmmm.... lemme check it out and try someday - give me the mood c'mon! =)
What else huh?! Hmm.. I can write as many as I can but I've decided to stop from here :P. In about a week's time, it's CNY once again. I'm not sure what's happening yet but a crazy friend from KL somehow asked through Facebook if I'm gonna be around... let's see what happens by then and let's see if I'll be ignited to write something about it in the near future..
May everyone be filled with joy as this occasion is celebrated together with love ones, family, and friends!
Tata for now!
=)
I don't know why my mind suddenly recalled the previous CNY so to speak. I was glad to be invited by a good friend during an organized CNY eve's dinner of their "family" and another "couple friends" steamboat dinner (other night though). Come to think about it, the previous previous year, I was with Shirley's family if I'm not mistaken :).
I have nothing to do by then and that good friend was probably kind enough to ask me to join them. I did not know what to say and ended up responding "okay". Well, I honestly didn't know what I'm supposed to do when attending CNY eve's family dinner because this time, a friend who invited me was a guy. I didn't think of anything but people around me who knew about it began to ask silly questions, which has lead me to a predicament. Anyhow, hope was born. Nah, cut it out! hahaha...
Looking back, I can say that I made it through that "dinner" night and I'd say it was a good one! After that night, a lot of noble things happened Imma say and here are they as follows:
1.) I've learned that I'm super possessive. After that dinner, we've decided to chill out in Starbucks E-gate with other friends and have that "chit-chat" and somebody gave a comment about something like this: "Among all the girls here, I think you're the most possessive." I paused and digested that and reflect on it..lol.. somehow I took it seriously and began to analyze myself. hahaha :D I abruptly kinda defended myself saying, "Yeah, maybe. But it depends on how it is being manifested and applied"... which is true right? LOL..
2.) It started a great friendship & implicit closeness between me and this woman I've met - his mom. I have initially known her through his stories and I was interested to know her personally. That night was the great chance and it went well. From then on, I can say we became close. She was one of the "gentle" encourager I have when it comes to driving, well his son was my instructor anyway - such a great friend! So everytime I hold unto the steering wheel, I'm reminded of her telling me to always tell Jesus to take hold & control of the steering wheel & my driving. We somehow became close because she is a "talker" (ops!) and can really converse in English - well i grabbed that advantage. I wanted to be so close to a few aunties as well but it's just that I'm unable to speak in Chinese (how I wish I can really speak "conversational" Hokkien or even Mandarin huh!). Everytime I drive, I smile a little, whispering unto Jesus and remembering her in my heart. On and off, I meet up with her and just spend time with one another like a mother & daughter... lol..
3.) How Chinese New Year occasion is important. Well, as you know I'm here in Malaysia specifically Penang. In my four years (& counting) so to speak, I've learned a lot of things related to its culture and I'd say I'm somehow accustomed to it already. The fact that this is when majority do and have their family reunions, how I've wished that CNY is everyday here in Malaysia, lol. :P
The other steamboat dinner I've had with this "lovers" so to speak was simple yet I can say it was meaningful. Primarily, it was held at the girl's cozy little warm place in Pekaka area :). Few thoughts cultivated myself:
1.) Simplicity is indeed elegance. This couple (not married yet as of this writing), are that simple. I admire their simplicity and I'm glad that somehow I strongly believe that God used me for both of them. But ofcourse, all credit goes to Him alone for His Holy Spirit really did a LOT of work.
2.) We are everywhere! I had a little talk with the girl's Auntie who worked before in Saudi Arabia and has mentioned that there are a lot of Pinoys & Pinays there. I just smiled and nod nod nod... Reason behind? Well, that is somehow I can say subjective but well yeah... a lot of reasons :D
3.) Steamboat is not easy to prepare. That was at least what the girl said together with the Aunties :D. Hmmm.... lemme check it out and try someday - give me the mood c'mon! =)
What else huh?! Hmm.. I can write as many as I can but I've decided to stop from here :P. In about a week's time, it's CNY once again. I'm not sure what's happening yet but a crazy friend from KL somehow asked through Facebook if I'm gonna be around... let's see what happens by then and let's see if I'll be ignited to write something about it in the near future..
May everyone be filled with joy as this occasion is celebrated together with love ones, family, and friends!
Tata for now!
=)
Friday, January 8, 2010
What could it be, God?
Mr. 2010 has come! Indeed, a lot of things happened while 2009 was still around. If I am to keenly scan my handy calendar where I wrote some of the simple things happened on a specific day of 2009, I'd say there are still more in which I've failed to take note.
While I have decided to choose to welcome 2010 full of excitement and enthusiasm, which I really did wholeheartedly ;), I can't help but think of one very thing happened that shook the whole world if I may say.
Well, it has been what.. about almost 3 months since the tragic and historical Ondoy typhoon catastrophe happened and yet it keeps on haunting me and urging me to put whatever thoughts and feelings I have had and are having right now into writing.
From the very day that the tragedy happened, I've instantly asked myself "why such a drastic event?" They say that you can't argue with the course of nature and I wasn't really doing that! lol. In fact, abruptly I've asked God, "God, what are you trying to tell me, us, and everyone with what you've just allowed to happen?". Not to mention that after that storm, comes another storm in the same country (where else) Philippines, and then there you go the earthquakes somewhere in Indonesia, what else? The news about the war going between Norh & South Korea and Imma say a whole lot more of events that really made me think a lot!
I don't know why such a huge bulk of emotions (good & bad) I have deep inside on this one. Not that my family was part of it (I'd say that's just a little) but I believe the concern I have to mankind is... ugh! unexplainable! In the Ondoy tragedy, the whole of Metro Manila was submerged into flood in which everyone is considered traumatized regardless of its status in life. Poor, rich, middle class, famous, normal citizen. I remember I've received a text message saying, "God is humbling Metro Manila for what has happened". Well, I can say that could be one of it... but I've observed and noticed some random stuff in conjunction to the historical Ondoy flood and made me ponder on a lot of things. Here you go:
1.) The human nature of goodness emerged in this incident and so do the nature of the darkside if I may say. Some people did their very best to help whoever they can help. Those who were not affected by the flood voluntarily opened their homes to the victims and even shared whatever supply of food and the likes they have. Some even risked their lives just to save others who were carried away by the flood and a whole lot more of instances. On the other hand, I guess some were possessed by the devil to take advantage of the situation and even had the nerves to plunder goods and the likes. Sadly, that's still a reality!
2.) The importance of unity in family. I saw one photo whereby the father and son are pushing one small boat in which the mom and daughter are riding. Together, they face the adversity happened in unity. Such a noble piece. Well, I was away from my family when that happened - it was completely excruciating especially when you knew that you're in such a physical comfortable condition while your love-ones are there suffering like hell! Well that time, I was physically comfortable so to speak but my mind was like crazily mad because i couldn't do anything but to be still and keep trusting God that He is in control! My sister was talking to me over the phone crying and crying because it seemed impossible to finish cleaning up, etc during the aftermath and everything is practically gone. I have no choice but to keep encouraging my sister that everythng will be alright and that we should be grateful that nobody got hurt. Where I was, I am thankful that my spiritual family really pulled me up and helped me through their prayers and encouragement. I've felt that they were united in helping me not to go insane. God is good!
3.) The value of friendship. My highschool friend, Sol opened her place and her resources so that my family can get in touch with me and let me know what has happened. Rain was non-stop but I was constantly online communicating with my friend and asking for updates on what's happening. Through Sol, I was also able to talk to them over the phone and over the internet - thanks to her really! Also, these are the moments I'd say I'm thankful for technology! Other friends I have here in Malaysia (mayit be Pinoys or Malaysians =)) started to send me email/s and text messages about it. They have no idea how grateful I was, how it touched me and helped me to think sanely and continuously believing that God is good, all the time! I have also realized more that people have really different ways of expressing things directly and/or indirectly. Well, it made me think how expressive I am or how do I normally express the things I want to express to everyone around me.
4.) How you view the Almighty God. I don't know about the others but this Ondoy didn't really help much in untangling my view of God, lol. I know and strongly believe that God was in control that moment and He will always be. While in the shallow phase of myself are kinda mix feelings of anxieties, worries, hurt & pain; in the very deep and inner core of me was peace. His peace that surpasses all understandings.
5.) The resilience of Filipinos. When I had my Christmas vacation, I had some sharing with my siblings about what happened. They shared the hardship and fun stuff they did - cheerfully. They practically cleaned everything during the aftermath while playing with waters and the remains of the flood. I can imagine. Probably they were chasing one another with the water coming out from host with fun and laughters! My sister shared about sharing of the food and eat together while the whole house is submerged into flood. The smiles & posing they had during picture-taking under the heavy rainfalls and the likes. I've also mentioned that I saw one video in facebook whereby a group of friends did a video of showing or making a tour for everyone in their submerged house. They did the video while swimming in the water - funny huh! :) Cecille told me that Philippines has become a shield to other nations especially in South East Asia. If not because of the Philippines blocking other countries, it could have hit a few nearby. Filipinos, in our very nature, whatever the obstacles, however it's so challenging, can easily get up and continue and move on with life. My sister said that during interviews, majority can still smile and be happy despite of what has happened. And then she cited the hurricane Katrina incident whereby people don't want to be asked & interviewed at all and even talk a video of their faces.... I was like really? i didn't know about it.
5.) The final one - made me ask again, What could it be, God? Ondoy was just the icebreaker... or should I say the explicit one. While that's happening, other things in other parts of the world is also happening. Reminded me of the passage about the End of the World and the Signs of End of time. Could it be God is telling everyone that the end is really near? Could it be that God is telling all to return unto Him?! Well, at least for Ondoy, almost everyone in there turn unto the Lord and prayed.. well what about now? Is there something going on that people are urge to turn unto God and pray?
What could it be, God? Could it be that the end is coming?! Oh I can't wait! For when the end has come, I know where i will be :)
How about you? Might wanna think about it for this 2010?
Ta!
While I have decided to choose to welcome 2010 full of excitement and enthusiasm, which I really did wholeheartedly ;), I can't help but think of one very thing happened that shook the whole world if I may say.
Well, it has been what.. about almost 3 months since the tragic and historical Ondoy typhoon catastrophe happened and yet it keeps on haunting me and urging me to put whatever thoughts and feelings I have had and are having right now into writing.
From the very day that the tragedy happened, I've instantly asked myself "why such a drastic event?" They say that you can't argue with the course of nature and I wasn't really doing that! lol. In fact, abruptly I've asked God, "God, what are you trying to tell me, us, and everyone with what you've just allowed to happen?". Not to mention that after that storm, comes another storm in the same country (where else) Philippines, and then there you go the earthquakes somewhere in Indonesia, what else? The news about the war going between Norh & South Korea and Imma say a whole lot more of events that really made me think a lot!
I don't know why such a huge bulk of emotions (good & bad) I have deep inside on this one. Not that my family was part of it (I'd say that's just a little) but I believe the concern I have to mankind is... ugh! unexplainable! In the Ondoy tragedy, the whole of Metro Manila was submerged into flood in which everyone is considered traumatized regardless of its status in life. Poor, rich, middle class, famous, normal citizen. I remember I've received a text message saying, "God is humbling Metro Manila for what has happened". Well, I can say that could be one of it... but I've observed and noticed some random stuff in conjunction to the historical Ondoy flood and made me ponder on a lot of things. Here you go:
1.) The human nature of goodness emerged in this incident and so do the nature of the darkside if I may say. Some people did their very best to help whoever they can help. Those who were not affected by the flood voluntarily opened their homes to the victims and even shared whatever supply of food and the likes they have. Some even risked their lives just to save others who were carried away by the flood and a whole lot more of instances. On the other hand, I guess some were possessed by the devil to take advantage of the situation and even had the nerves to plunder goods and the likes. Sadly, that's still a reality!
2.) The importance of unity in family. I saw one photo whereby the father and son are pushing one small boat in which the mom and daughter are riding. Together, they face the adversity happened in unity. Such a noble piece. Well, I was away from my family when that happened - it was completely excruciating especially when you knew that you're in such a physical comfortable condition while your love-ones are there suffering like hell! Well that time, I was physically comfortable so to speak but my mind was like crazily mad because i couldn't do anything but to be still and keep trusting God that He is in control! My sister was talking to me over the phone crying and crying because it seemed impossible to finish cleaning up, etc during the aftermath and everything is practically gone. I have no choice but to keep encouraging my sister that everythng will be alright and that we should be grateful that nobody got hurt. Where I was, I am thankful that my spiritual family really pulled me up and helped me through their prayers and encouragement. I've felt that they were united in helping me not to go insane. God is good!
3.) The value of friendship. My highschool friend, Sol opened her place and her resources so that my family can get in touch with me and let me know what has happened. Rain was non-stop but I was constantly online communicating with my friend and asking for updates on what's happening. Through Sol, I was also able to talk to them over the phone and over the internet - thanks to her really! Also, these are the moments I'd say I'm thankful for technology! Other friends I have here in Malaysia (mayit be Pinoys or Malaysians =)) started to send me email/s and text messages about it. They have no idea how grateful I was, how it touched me and helped me to think sanely and continuously believing that God is good, all the time! I have also realized more that people have really different ways of expressing things directly and/or indirectly. Well, it made me think how expressive I am or how do I normally express the things I want to express to everyone around me.
4.) How you view the Almighty God. I don't know about the others but this Ondoy didn't really help much in untangling my view of God, lol. I know and strongly believe that God was in control that moment and He will always be. While in the shallow phase of myself are kinda mix feelings of anxieties, worries, hurt & pain; in the very deep and inner core of me was peace. His peace that surpasses all understandings.
5.) The resilience of Filipinos. When I had my Christmas vacation, I had some sharing with my siblings about what happened. They shared the hardship and fun stuff they did - cheerfully. They practically cleaned everything during the aftermath while playing with waters and the remains of the flood. I can imagine. Probably they were chasing one another with the water coming out from host with fun and laughters! My sister shared about sharing of the food and eat together while the whole house is submerged into flood. The smiles & posing they had during picture-taking under the heavy rainfalls and the likes. I've also mentioned that I saw one video in facebook whereby a group of friends did a video of showing or making a tour for everyone in their submerged house. They did the video while swimming in the water - funny huh! :) Cecille told me that Philippines has become a shield to other nations especially in South East Asia. If not because of the Philippines blocking other countries, it could have hit a few nearby. Filipinos, in our very nature, whatever the obstacles, however it's so challenging, can easily get up and continue and move on with life. My sister said that during interviews, majority can still smile and be happy despite of what has happened. And then she cited the hurricane Katrina incident whereby people don't want to be asked & interviewed at all and even talk a video of their faces.... I was like really? i didn't know about it.
5.) The final one - made me ask again, What could it be, God? Ondoy was just the icebreaker... or should I say the explicit one. While that's happening, other things in other parts of the world is also happening. Reminded me of the passage about the End of the World and the Signs of End of time. Could it be God is telling everyone that the end is really near? Could it be that God is telling all to return unto Him?! Well, at least for Ondoy, almost everyone in there turn unto the Lord and prayed.. well what about now? Is there something going on that people are urge to turn unto God and pray?
What could it be, God? Could it be that the end is coming?! Oh I can't wait! For when the end has come, I know where i will be :)
How about you? Might wanna think about it for this 2010?
Ta!
Monday, December 14, 2009
Once in 15 years!
Errr... here you go myself once again! Abruptly, I have to make a disclaimer. I've been having quite a few "topics" in mind to write about but this one really triggerred me so much that I crammed and turned out for me to make time in.. oh well.. blogging about it! Well, partially I did it offline while I was on the way to the office this morning and since I was in the shuttle public transportation here in Manila, I blogged! Guess how? Through my mobile as if I'm texting a long message to someone! The art of innovation! lol...
Reason behind, go figure! =P
Nothing beats friendship.
Even the bible itself records a lot of stuff about friendship and truly, it's one gem that if genuine, will truly serve as one of life's greatest treasure... and with that...we shouldn't simply take for granted. Well, there are times that as humans, we tend to "not be able" to express however and whatever we feel personally. I'd say be sure to find an outlet to be able to do so. Release of whatever it is because it's a GREAT feeling for the positive side of it and quite a relief, for the negative of it.
My vacation to Pinas enabled once again our so-called "SOP" (Simply Outrageous Pals) group to have a time of catching up and chillin'. It has been almost 15 years since we have had that "Valentine Picnic" in PUP grounds, hence the official formation of the SOP! Last night was quite not a passe' one or our usual "old-fashioned" way of doing "it". With the normal Len being the organizer (assisted by me :P), I was glad that we have had Digs as our designated driver for the night!
Four of us met up in Glorietta4 and we're all happy that Carol, the only mother in the group was able to join the fun! We drove a bit to the nearest "starred" gas station Caltex to pump gas, then off our exciting road trip without really knowing how to go to our desired destination - Tagaytay!
Well, we managed to reach Tagaytay primarily through the help of the signs! How I wish that "signs" in whatever we desire to have or to do are just as clear and direct as what we have on the road! In about less than an hour time, we started rolling down our windows to savour the cool wind and breeze of Tagaytay as we continue to hit the road!
Upon arrival at the heart of the place, we indulged ourselves to the "sinful" but yummy dinner dishes, famous in towm - Bulalo with matching Crispy Pata plus pinakbet! (Sheesshh.. how am I going to be a bridesmaid at Shirley's wedding then? Grrr... nevermind, I have about 4days before her wedding to at least flatten my tummy! :P)
Hot soup of bulalo in the midst of cold cold and starry starry environment, indeed, 'twas a sumptous and chilled dinner. After a short picture-taking at Leslie's vicinity, off we went to the nearby Starbucks for our "coffee" session =) Upon ordering, we went up at the open-air second floor area of it to continue plunging ourselves with the cool breeze. As we start to literally chill, I took out my laptop as per Len's instruction to bring it and showed her cute-wholeheartedly created AVP surprise (ask me what's AVP :P). Here you go the video:
(It took me the next day though to fully process and absorb that AVP... especially when I heard the background song of it, it's really "kewl".)
It was just 1am but we've decided to cut it out and drove down back to Manila already to be home. We dropped off Carol in Cavite then on the way, I suggested that the 3 of us go straight to Digs' place for an ON (Overnight or sleep over). In about 30mins or so time, we've reached our "homey" home base during our college days. The usual me felt nostalgic and started to blurt out the memories we have had in that room especially during thesis times! lol...
While in nostalgic mode, I paused and really savored everything in that so called friendship! Things started to dive in my heart and in my mind with regard to this certain treasure that helped me lived my life to its fullest....well.. i'm still alive so I should say "living" it to the fullest.
I must admit, our friendship have had its own up and down moments.... conflicts here and there in terms of characters. There was even a time that Digs' literally slapped my face in one of the classroom in our School building (lol), my ex has become Len's now ex already (nyehehehe :P) and a whole lot more.
However, we were all still in that bond of this unbeatable and well.. yeah unbreakable bond of friendship.
SOP - I appreciate each and everyone of you eventhough sometimes, I really can't bare some of your "trips"! Haha! Here's to LOVE! Cheers to the next.. uhmm.. 15 years? :D
Ooopppssie, for my other friends - please don't get jealous ya, you all have a place in my heart ;)
Reason behind, go figure! =P
Nothing beats friendship.
Even the bible itself records a lot of stuff about friendship and truly, it's one gem that if genuine, will truly serve as one of life's greatest treasure... and with that...we shouldn't simply take for granted. Well, there are times that as humans, we tend to "not be able" to express however and whatever we feel personally. I'd say be sure to find an outlet to be able to do so. Release of whatever it is because it's a GREAT feeling for the positive side of it and quite a relief, for the negative of it.
My vacation to Pinas enabled once again our so-called "SOP" (Simply Outrageous Pals) group to have a time of catching up and chillin'. It has been almost 15 years since we have had that "Valentine Picnic" in PUP grounds, hence the official formation of the SOP! Last night was quite not a passe' one or our usual "old-fashioned" way of doing "it". With the normal Len being the organizer (assisted by me :P), I was glad that we have had Digs as our designated driver for the night!
Four of us met up in Glorietta4 and we're all happy that Carol, the only mother in the group was able to join the fun! We drove a bit to the nearest "starred" gas station Caltex to pump gas, then off our exciting road trip without really knowing how to go to our desired destination - Tagaytay!
Well, we managed to reach Tagaytay primarily through the help of the signs! How I wish that "signs" in whatever we desire to have or to do are just as clear and direct as what we have on the road! In about less than an hour time, we started rolling down our windows to savour the cool wind and breeze of Tagaytay as we continue to hit the road!
Upon arrival at the heart of the place, we indulged ourselves to the "sinful" but yummy dinner dishes, famous in towm - Bulalo with matching Crispy Pata plus pinakbet! (Sheesshh.. how am I going to be a bridesmaid at Shirley's wedding then? Grrr... nevermind, I have about 4days before her wedding to at least flatten my tummy! :P)
Hot soup of bulalo in the midst of cold cold and starry starry environment, indeed, 'twas a sumptous and chilled dinner. After a short picture-taking at Leslie's vicinity, off we went to the nearby Starbucks for our "coffee" session =) Upon ordering, we went up at the open-air second floor area of it to continue plunging ourselves with the cool breeze. As we start to literally chill, I took out my laptop as per Len's instruction to bring it and showed her cute-wholeheartedly created AVP surprise (ask me what's AVP :P). Here you go the video:
(It took me the next day though to fully process and absorb that AVP... especially when I heard the background song of it, it's really "kewl".)
It was just 1am but we've decided to cut it out and drove down back to Manila already to be home. We dropped off Carol in Cavite then on the way, I suggested that the 3 of us go straight to Digs' place for an ON (Overnight or sleep over). In about 30mins or so time, we've reached our "homey" home base during our college days. The usual me felt nostalgic and started to blurt out the memories we have had in that room especially during thesis times! lol...
While in nostalgic mode, I paused and really savored everything in that so called friendship! Things started to dive in my heart and in my mind with regard to this certain treasure that helped me lived my life to its fullest....well.. i'm still alive so I should say "living" it to the fullest.
I must admit, our friendship have had its own up and down moments.... conflicts here and there in terms of characters. There was even a time that Digs' literally slapped my face in one of the classroom in our School building (lol), my ex has become Len's now ex already (nyehehehe :P) and a whole lot more.
However, we were all still in that bond of this unbeatable and well.. yeah unbreakable bond of friendship.
SOP - I appreciate each and everyone of you eventhough sometimes, I really can't bare some of your "trips"! Haha! Here's to LOVE! Cheers to the next.. uhmm.. 15 years? :D
Ooopppssie, for my other friends - please don't get jealous ya, you all have a place in my heart ;)
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