Tulad ng Isang Agila

After 2 Fridays that i wasn't able to go to church for the reason that I'm on duty in the hospital, finally, I'm excited to be a part of the worship service. 

Days before the service, we're studying the music line-up and found out that our welcome song is "Tulad ng Isang Agila", which was an old, yet energetic song from my youth camp days. Memories keep on coming back while the song was playing. The dance steps, friends, camp place, and most especially the fire from the Spirit that was raging from the inside out. Oh how I remember my first Love!

Ecclesiastes 12:1 was the first verse that comes to my mind. "Remember your Creator in the days of your youth". During those times, nothing else matter except my fervent service for the Lord. I was reminded to keep my stand of faith, whether I'm busy at work or I'm having money, relationship, or obligational problems in life. Asking guidance from Him in every step of the way and knowing that He is with me all the time is comforting enough to sustain every aspect of life.

By the time the welcome song started, I and my cousins were encouraged to dance this song and the congregation joined us as well.

Truly, in whatever way possible, God is showing us to always come back to Him and reunite with Him.

Earring Frame

A little history about my earring frame business: It started on the last quarter of the year when I was looking for a birthday present to my "kikay" mom. Things from boutiques and department stores are quite pricey. I agree if you'll say to 'give what is best for your ever dearest mom, yet for me, those were the times I needed to tighten up my budget to whatsoever acceptable reason i have. And so I find alternatives to give something to her; something beautiful, useful and less expensive.

I saw the handmade earring frame from a local home magazine. It is a square weave, the same with the sleeping traditional mat which we called "banig". Its color matches her favorite and it's really a "plus" that dangling earrings are craze for her. It just suits the objective which is beautiful, useful and less expensive.

Then it came a time I introduced it to Doha and then the business went on. You just have to tell me which color combination and size you want and I'll make it as personal as it can be. I have clients from friends, colleagues, church-mates and from different side of the world. It's a good thing I have friends who are willing to send these to and fro.

A good business is something you love to spend time to.

Consistency

A lot of us want someone who is true, loyal and faithful. Someone who would assure us that they're gonna be there even if sometimes, you don't want them around; someone who would support us nevertheless at times you just want their guidance. May it be your family, friend, or a special someone.

Last Sunday, "Take Home" series of Every Nation ended with an emphasis on family. The topics were about the roles of a husband, wife and children. Of course, I was struck when the roles of children were preached by Ptr. Jun A. A characteristic of a person determines on how he was brought up by his parents; how he was controlled during his childhood days. I may not be a very good daughter that I was but it's never too late to show how grateful I am to have a family that I have right now; never too late to show obedience, respect and honor to them.

Another instance is dealing with friends. We also know who are true to us and who aren't. A friend, who will still give you a bear hug and have a long, casual, and spontaneous conversation even if you were separated by distance and time.

Now, we go to a person who will go a mile just to be with you; a funny guy who will make you laugh even if you know that he is just "trying hard"; a dude who will skip a lot of opportunity to sleep just to be certain that you are home safely; a gentleman who have bunch of guts to meet your entire folks; and so on. It's not the treat, nor the gifts he gives. It's his time and effort that you truly appreciate.

Last, but definitely not the least, the example of being perfectly unswerving is our heavenly Father in heaven. As it says in Hebrews 13:5, (which is also one of my favorite verses and which I made as my email password before. >.<) "He will never leave us nor forsake us." God has this unconditional love for each and every one of us how ever worse we did in life. That is how great God's grace and mercy is and will always be for us. That is how consistency is.  

Contentment

If there are things that's hard for you to understand, let God do the understanding. Trust Him. He sees everything in a very bigger picture, including your situation right now than what you see in a vague and narrow areas of your life that you seem to have. And for sure, peace and contentment will find you. Just as Paul says in Philippians 4:11, "I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances."

Our  experiences differ from others.It may be challenging as you think, but if others will see it, some will just say, "been there, done that." The point is what you're undergoing right now is just a piece of a 1000pcs. jigsaw puzzle. It is hard to determine 1 piece out of the whole picture, however, if you will see it in a wide array, you'll understand... You'll appreciate... You'll accept...

I have listened to a variety of stories from my friends, family, and acquaintances. The more you get to know them, the more you'll see how deep the foundations they have, whether in faith or principles. You'll understand why some are over-protective with the people around them, why others are so afraid to be alone, or why some doesn't care at all. Because situations passed by, trials came along, blessings embraced, but above all else, in all circumstances, believe it or not, the most important thing is... Encountering God... then you'll understand what contentment is.

Life is Not Inside a Glassball

I recently love collecting snowglobes mostly from different countries. It calms me whenever I look at miniature stuffs inside a glassball and looks fun the moment you turn it upside down, then snow or glitters are falling slowly. I bought some of it from souvenir shops, others were given to me when friends/family came from out-of-the-country. It just feels great when people are bringing you to where they were by these famous landmarks inside a ball.

In life, i can compare the snowglobe as you and the kid looking and holding at it as the people who surrounds you. You are being look at by different kinds of folks, young and old, christians and not. Every details of yours are being scrutinized. (The difference is that you are moving and the figure is catatonic). When the kid will hold the glassball upside down, the figure inside stays the same. In connection with it, when people put you down, you stay on your ground. Don't fight, don't argue, just be humble, because the more you are pressed down, the more you will shine through, just as the glitters are falling when somebody's moving it, the radiance comes.

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you. - 1 Peter 5:6

As 2011 Ends

My 2011 started with so much hope and joy for what plans does God has in-store for me. I saw tears, felt heartaches, experienced failures. However, I know God is still in control of everything. He knows me from the inside out and I kept each promises of Him in my heart. Truly His love will cover you, the only thing to do is to ask and let Him take charge. 

I've met a lot of friends from January to December; stayed closer with my family and the ones who were with me through this year. I entered Bible School which was really my dream come true (we're halfway finishing it, we just finished 1st sem! weeeeee); did some exams; learned to handle my financial budget (and i continually wanted to learn more... please! lol); renewing my mind everyday which  I supposed not really an easy task to make, but with God's help, I can. 

Needless to say what happened all-year-round, here's some of the pictures highlighted on each month. 

January

like good old times

saturday's corniche 

my birthday

birthday at SB Hamad

Qatar Motor Show

February

together with new Al Ahli Staff

Al Mourjan with Conix and Sai

Band Mode

wed celeb of almira and aimee

March

together with youth - SOL

Qatar Marine Festival

April

who said i'm so excited for july's vacation?

fake despedida dinner of Conix

first gala of koinos... just after SG

May

Al Ahli's Nurses' Day

June

Koinos' Series Break

talking about girly stuff with joy, nina

kulitan at nursery

QBC 

July

Pinas Vacation

Isla De Gallo

Zoobic Safari

all day out with orie and jon

Vigan

sister and cousins

Sai's birthday

bestfriend with wifey

August

sushi night

Chey's Birthday

Harrieth's despedida

September

Souq Waqif

October

as it says

till we meet again Melai!

happy birthday mama

Ptr. Roman

November

with Ptra. Lulu

happy vacation olive

with len at W@W

final na toh. conix's despedida

December

merry christmas!

friendships

classmates

CFC batch 8 Christmas Party

SG at SB

with mitzi

ECAQ Family Day

To those who were not in the pictures, I still love you guys! You know who you are. =)

And for all of these, to God be all the glory!