My Father's Watch

It has already been 3 months since I first wear my father's watch. I am not fond of wearing one! For me, it is just a plain accessory that I need to wear to add some spice in my outfit (Like okay fine. Sige lang. Kung meron, okay. Kung wala, okay lang din. Not that important!). But one day, my mom showed me this watch. "Hindi 'to ginagamit ng daddy mo. Isuot mo!", she said. At first I was hesitant to accept and wear it, but my dad added, "Sige, isuot mo na. Okay lang ba sa'yo? Sa'yo na yan! Bigay ko sa'yo." (Eh syempre, binigay na and I know that it is very important to my dad, so I got it!)

Until this day, I am wearing it and really loving it. :)

This watch reminds me of one of the values Daddy has taught me --- VALUE TIME!

I remember how he always gives our family a quality time despite of his busy schedules. He has his work with the poor, church commitments, public service and more, but he never fails to value our family time. Maybe that's one of the reasons on why I used to have my attachment issues with my family, because being with them is always a moment filled with peace, love and joy. :)

When the clock strikes at 7 in the morning, I'll surely hear, "Good morning! Oh gising na! Tanghali na! Remember, Daig ng taong maagap ang taong masipag!" I will never forget these words! It reminds me every morning to wake up and start the day early. :) That's why I become a morning person! I make it appoint that I don't miss something important and do all my works ahead of time or even on time (Whew! I can do it! Hahaha!). Thanks for this inspiration! :)

"Fulfill God's desires first before before fulfilling your personal desires."  Everytime I'll remember this line, my tears will just fall down in my eyes. These are exactly the words that dad uttered when I talked to him about my discernment about fulfilling mission work as a full-time pastoral worker. He believes that this is the perfect time for me to answer God's call, and I shouldn't make Him wait for my "yes". Now, I have the best job in the world! :) It is Dad who really believes in me and knows where I can be at peace! (Of course, si Mommy din!!! Hahaha.)

Time is meant to be valued. It is meant to be cherished. It is so true that "time is gold". I cannot bring back the past. So I live my  present, and simply be at my best.  I learn to enjoy life and share my love with my time. 

Love Note to Dad: Thank you for your watch. :) It is already 17 days away from our family, and this watch has been my companion everyday. Know that the every value that you have taught me will always be in my heart. This has become one of my everyday fuels to go on and be strong. :) You are my inspiration! I love you so much, Dad! I miss you.

  

 

His Mercy Saves

        One day, a priest visited a prison in one province and he had a chance to encounter a prisoner.

Mang Lino: Father, marami na po akong pinatay. Nasa 40 na po. Mga 10 na ding pulitiko at mga 30 na ding ordinaryong tao. Matagal na po ako dito sa loob at kahit po dito ay may mga nag-uutos pa din sa aking pumatay.  Pinagsisisihan ko na po ang mga ginawa kong kasalan. Minsan nga po naiisip ko: Kamusta na kaya ang mga nabyuda ng mga pinatay ko? Kamusta na kaya ang mga naulila nilang mga anak? Mapapatawad pa kaya nila ako? Mapapatawad pa kaya ako ng Panginoon? Alam ko naman pong inilipat na ako sa Muntinlupa ay ipapapatay din ako doon. 

                God is compassionate in forgiving sins. He is merciful. In fact He is just waiting for us to come back to His loving arms. All He wants is for us to turn away from our sins, repent and acknowledge the love and mercy that He has offered us.

  I believe that God has given us different opportunities to change, but what is inspiring in Mang Lino is that when he has given that opportunity, he recognized it and even accepted it.

Day 11: Still in Awe (A Journey to Remember)

During one of my prayer times, the Lord spoke to me, "Wait for me, My child. I have prepared the best plans for you. Trust Me and keep your faith in Me. My promise is true." Sometimes obedience and waiting may not be that easy, but when you fully put your trust in Him, everything seems to be in a different way. I've waited for months, weeks and days, and finally, God has revealed to me what His promise is. "The time has come, the wait is over, this is My promise, the promise is NOW."

As I say goodbye to Batangas, I say hello to Pangasinan (a province of NOrth-Western Luzon)! I may not be prepared like any one else, but I believe He is with me. He doesn't look what is present in me, but instead He does see the future that awaits for me.

CHANGE! (Wow! Big word!) God never fails to change me even from the smallest thing that I encounter here. My heart has been purified more and I believe that I am in the right place where He really wants me to be.

Time flies so fast that I didn't even notice that I am already in my 11th day here in Pangasinan, my new mission area. :) And... I'm still in awe! 11 days of God's amazing grace and faithfulness! :) I am truly happy that even my heart cannot comprehend everything. :))

 I believe that my "YES" has brought me to this place. And this joy that I am feeling, it is genuine. :") 

 For I am loved because HE IS LOVE.

Worth a Try

So here it goes...

My passion is to write random things. I love to listen to other people's stories and read inspirational books, then write my every thought that comes in mind. :) It became a daily routine. One day I had a thought of exploring things that I've never done nor tried before.

I think this is somehow the time for me to create a blog, share my thoughts and allow people to have a glimpse of my life. I believe this will be worth a try. :)