My Inspiration

I've always been touched by movies and songs about fathers. When I was asked who my inspiration is, I, without batting my eyelash, answered that it's my Tatay. I can still vividly remember how he was when I was a young girl. I remember him giving me milk, carrying, tickling, and playing with me. He was the one who would cheer me up with kind words when I was feeling down. He would tell me that it was okay when I was having my tantrums. I would run to him when Mom was angry. At night, he would sing me to sleep. "Fiesta sa Isang Bayan" (A Feast in a Town)... That's my favorite...

When I entered college, I think I started to overlook him. I mean, I still appreciate the things that he does; but, it became just ordinary. However, when we talk about his life, I'm always moved. For some reasons, my father lived away from his family. As young as thirteen years old, he learned to be on his own, work, and study at the same time. He's one of the most hardworking persons I know. His perseverance gave rise to his success now. He graduated and became a very good teacher. Because of his intention to give us a good life, he resigned to our dear school and became the first municipal assessor in our town. (He still works there now.) My sister and I were able to finish our studies. Tatay and Mommy helped, help, and will help other children too. Some of them are already professionals. I'm so happy for that! I'm so proud to have parents like them! I want the whole world to know what kind of father my Tatay is.

I pray that my parents can have longer lives. My sister and I want to make them feel how much we love them. I also want them to see us having lives that they're dreaming for us. Please God... I hope my dad's effort will pay off. One of my biggest dreams is for my parents to be there on my wedding day. (To be continued...) Ha-ha!

Father's Love Letter

An Intimate Message From God To You.


My Child,

You may not know me,
but I know everything about you.
Psalm 139:1

I know when you sit down and when you rise up.
Psalm 139:2

I am familiar with all your ways.
Psalm 139:3

Even the very hairs on your head are numbered.
Matthew 10:29-31

For you were made in my image.
Genesis 1:27

In me you live and move and have your being.
Acts 17:28

For you are my offspring.
Acts 17:28

I knew you even before you were conceived.
Jeremiah 1:4-5

I chose you when I planned creation.
Ephesians 1:11-12

You were not a mistake,
for all your days are written in my book.
Psalm 139:15-16

I determined the exact time of your birth
and where you would live.
Acts 17:26

You are fearfully and wonderfully made.
Psalm 139:14

I knit you together in your mother's womb.
Psalm 139:13

And brought you forth on the day you were born.
Psalm 71:6

I have been misrepresented
by those who don't know me.
John 8:41-44

I am not distant and angry,
but am the complete expression of love.
1 John 4:16

And it is my desire to lavish my love on you.
1 John 3:1

Simply because you are my child
and I am your Father.
1 John 3:1

I offer you more than your earthly father ever could.
Matthew 7:11

For I am the perfect father.
Matthew 5:48

Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand.
James 1:17

For I am your provider and I meet all your needs.
Matthew 6:31-33

My plan for your future has always been filled with hope.
Jeremiah 29:11

Because I love you with an everlasting love.
Jeremiah 31:3

My thoughts toward you are countless
as the sand on the seashore.
Psalms 139:17-18

And I rejoice over you with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17

I will never stop doing good to you.
Jeremiah 32:40

For you are my treasured possession.
Exodus 19:5

I desire to establish you
with all my heart and all my soul.
Jeremiah 32:41

And I want to show you great and marvelous things.
Jeremiah 33:3

If you seek me with all your heart,
you will find me.
Deuteronomy 4:29

Delight in me and I will give you
the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37:4

For it is I who gave you those desires.
Philippians 2:13

I am able to do more for you
than you could possibly imagine.
Ephesians 3:20

For I am your greatest encourager.
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

I am also the Father who comforts you
in all your troubles.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4

When you are brokenhearted,
I am close to you.
Psalm 34:18

As a shepherd carries a lamb,
I have carried you close to my heart.
Isaiah 40:11

One day I will wipe away
every tear from your eyes.
Revelation 21:3-4

And I'll take away all the pain
you have suffered on this earth.
Revelation 21:3-4

I am your Father, and I love you
even as I love my son, Jesus.
John 17:23

For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed.
John 17:26

He is the exact representation of my being.
Hebrews 1:3

He came to demonstrate that I am for you,
not against you.
Romans 8:31

And to tell you that I am not counting your sins.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19

Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19

His death was the ultimate expression
of my love for you.
1 John 4:10

I gave up everything I loved
that I might gain your love.
Romans 8:31-32

If you receive the gift of my son Jesus,
you receive me.
1 John 2:23

And nothing will ever separate you
from my love again.
Romans 8:38-39

Come home and I'll throw the biggest party
heaven has ever seen.
Luke 15:7

I have always been Father,
and will always be Father.
Ephesians 3:14-15

My question is…
Will you be my child?
John 1:12-13

I am waiting for you.
Luke 15:11-32

Love, Your Dad
Almighty God

Where's Christmas?

I've been catching myself asking that question lately. It's as if there's this little thing missing in me. I can't figure out what. It was absolutely different in my younger years when I would really be counting the days before Christmas, when I would be thrilled just by the thought that it was coming. Thinking it over and mulling over what's going on with my life now, I was alarmed. Am I turning to be like grown-ups now? Is a child's wonder in me fading away? It can't be! I must wake that child in me up.

Mis Amigas Part 2

Last October, I had an entry (about my very good friends) which I wrote to remind me that I'm not an island in an enormous sea nor a cactus in an immense desert. I mentioned yesterday that a friend and coworker is leaving. So, here, I thought of writing another part about my friends at work.

• Elles. She's like our big sister in the group. At first, I thought she was a shy person. But, no! This lady is super chatty! She always shares her experiences and opinions about things. I'm really gonna miss her! She's my partner in crime. We do yoga, play badminton, stroll at the mall, go window-shopping in the bazaars, go down and buy food, go out out of the building to do nothing, hang out at the cafeteria, chat in the messenger... Oh my, we almost do all things at work together! It will never be the same without her; but, it's for her own good. I wish her all the best in the world. May she be happy wherever she'll be.
  
• Janice. She's the most caring among us. It's maybe because she's already a mother. More often than not, she has whatever I'm looking for. When I don't bring my loose powder, I ask from her. When I need alcohol, she'll give me. She'll also offer food when I'm hungry. Janice's my buddy whenever I want to the cafeteria or the pantry. Obviously, I can tell/ask her almost everything.


• Cherrieness. She's the girl who always wears a smile. Of course, she came from the City of Smiles. She's the most conservative and the most innocent among us, a child in heart. I actually feel matured whenever we're together. Though, she has had experienced a lot which made committed to everything she chooses.
  
• Laraness. She's one of the reasons why I don't believe in the saying that birds of the same feather flock together. Lara and I are totally different kinds of persons. Really. She even told me that we have nothing in common. She's more on the liberated side; I'm more on the conservative one. She's loud; I'm quiet. She's the type who wears mini dresses and skirts; I'm in jeans most of the time. I actually have to write in a day for me to complete our unlikeness. Though, these are small potatoes. What's important is we're able to connect despite those. Lara is actually a sweet friend. She never fails to keep in touch once in a while. (FYI, she was the first one who left.) When she was still here in the office, she used to give us little stuffs. One thing I loved most about her is her ability to say the not so good things right in my face. She's that frank. We were in front each other; so, she could hear everything I told my student. Ha-ha! She always had comments! I hope I can see her soon!

Start right...

Wow, it's December again! What happened in eleven months? Where did they go? A lot. Too many changes that I can't enumerate all. My sister went to Singapore. I applied and luckily got accepted as a teacher in the same country. I still don't know what to do though. Mom wants me to finish my masteral first. And just today, I found out that my good friend and coworker submitted her resignation letter yesterday. It's sad that she's leaving; but, I'm happy that she's moving on. As our other friend said, she's going to a greener and more abundant pasture. Who knows, she might even meet her "Mr. Right" there. That's life. If there's one lesson that I learned in this world is that one has to really treasure every moment with each and every person she/he meets. People just come and go. We have to do our best to make a little difference in their lives. It's not easy. I hope I can keep my word.

Anyhow, no matter how depressing a few incidents are, I still have to start one of my favorite months right. I should decide to be happy to where I am for the meantime. This quote sent by my friend is helping me a lot.

Before you say, "I can't." make sure you've tried.

Before you let doubts stop you, confront them with facts.

Before fear holds you back, go forward with faith.

Before you believe that others are better, show them your best.

Before you dismiss your dreams, wait until they've come true.

Before you go looking happiness, make your own wherever you are.

This Christmas, I wish everyone happiness, peace of mind, and better heart. May we don't forget the real reason of this celebration♥