BLESSED TO BE A BLESSING

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I am blogging about this baby because I believe there are people who care. May the Lord touch your heart to help baby Jeff Andrei Las Pinas live longer and better.

Here are several ways you can help:

1. Pray for Jeff Andrei Las Pinas and his family – they need this everyday

2. Spread the word and ask more people to help. Inform me if you will repost this in your blog or write a note and please ask them to email blogforacause@yahoo.com.

3. Extend financial assistance – any amount will do. Please leave a comment and email me at blogforacause@yahoo.com then I’ll give you the details on how you can send the money.

SHARE YOUR BLESSINGs. Always remember that we are blessed to be a channel of blessing to many.

“He who gives to the poor, lends to the Lord and HE will reward him for what he has done”. – Proverbs 19:17

“He who gives to the poor will lack nothing, but he who closes his eyes to them receives many curses.” - Proverbs 28:27

God Bless you as you are an instrument of blessing...

Quality Time with my Kiddo

As a mother, it is my heart's desire to be the best that I can be which I believe is a normal thing. So I make sure I spend time with my kids. However, at sometimes, it's hard to spend that quality time with one and not reject the other. Know what I mean? Especially that Meimei (my 2nd child) has a special need - and that is taking care of her colostomy and her dilations., sometimes I can't help but "reject" some of Elisha's (my first born) requests. So inorder to assure my son that I do love him and want to spend time with him, I have this DATE with him.

Our “Date Day” is scheduled every Saturday afternoon after his children’s choir practice in church. Most of the time we go to the mall to do 2 things: (1) arcade to play basketball :D and (2) eat whatever he likes to eat. Sometimes I buy toys or stuff for him (based on the budget) and sometimes he gets to decide a surprise “pasalubong” (gift) for his sister... Click here for full details of our date day.

So parents, no matter how busy we are, let's not forget that spending time with our kids as individuals is very important.

Meimei's PSARP Surgery

Last October 5, 2009 at 7:30am at the Riverside Medical Center my daughter went through with her 2nd operation – the PSARP (Posterior Sagittal AnoRectoPlasty – the surgery required to create an anus). To give you a glimpse of what took place at the hospital I decided to blog about it. So read on in my main blog http://www.shewritesyouwrite.com/.

LOVE LETTERS TO E.J.

My husband and I agreed that from time to time, we will write letters to our children so that someday, they have something to guide and encourage them when they need it. We can’t and we won’t be with them all the time, but with these letters, it’s as if we’re beside them. From these letters they’ll know how much we love them, what we value the most, what we pray for, what our principles are, who we are and what we, as parents, hope to impart to them that they too can impart to their children. We will categorize these types of blogs as LOVE LETTERS TO E.J. because truly, all our letters will be written because we love them. All our children have the initial E.J. Elisha Joey (Elisha or EJ) our son and Elizabeth Joy (Meimei) our daughter. If a third child comes, for sure his or her initial will still be E.J.

Just as the Bible is God’s love letter to mankind, this LOVELETTERS blog will be our love letter to Elisha and Meimei (and to our 3rd, 4th, 5th or nth child – ehhhhm!).

Samples of these letters are here, just click away:

FRIENDS

EJ'S ACCIDENT

ONE STEP CLOSER

GOD STILL HEALS...

It's been a while since my son had his cough - I don't know if it's because it's too cold, too dry, bacterial, viral or allergic reactions of some sort (he was diagnosed with slight asthma when he was a little over 1 year old). There's just too many possible causes and being in a foreign land (China) it's really hard for us to know which ones to let him take because they really have a different way of treating sickness here. It was also found out that his tonsils were inflamed and because of that, he was recommended to have IV medications that would last for 5-6 days. Their IV treatment is outpatient so it means each day, they will put the needle on and after a few hours, when the medicine runs out, remove it. The following day, same thing. That will go on for 5-6 days and I don't want my son treated that way... So we decided not to go through with the IV medication. The doctors had to ask us to sign a waiver that we decided not to go through with the medication because they feared it might make the infection get worst. We tried using the supplements and cough medicines that we've brought from the Philippines. We've seen improvements, though slow, but somehow everyday things are getting better.

Yesterday, we started him with taking Chinese herbs (yes, those bitter herbs that i need to cook and then he drinks the soup) with honey to make the taste bearable. I am just so blessed that my son drinks them in spite the awful taste - of course with some creative manipulations and rewards. He is also into antibiotics as his tonsils have puss. He will have his check up again this Sunday to see how his tonsils and lungs are but even before that day comes, I am declaring that God has already healed him. I taught my son to declare this: BY THE STRIPES OF JESUS I AM HEALED, and every time he coughs, he boldly declares that. He may be taking several things to help his body, but HEALING COMES FROM THE LORD. I believe God can use anything or anyone to bring that healing... Just as Jesus healed the blind man by asking him to put mud over his eyes or Elisha asking the king during during his time to dip himself in the Jordan river 7 times, God can do anything He pleases to let that healing come.

God still heals these days... The methods may be different but the same God that raised Jesus from the dead is capable of healing my son. He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.

He WIll Always Be My Baby...

This picture was taken yesterday when my son EJ was sleeping soundly. It was already morning but he was still in deep sleep so I figured I'd take his picture, without his permission, hihi...

I'm posting this because one of the best hour in my day is putting him to sleep and I love looking at him while he's asleep. I always tell him he looks like an angel and he likes it when I say that :o) I don't know if I'll ever get tired of looking at his angelic sleeping face - probably not.

I don't know if every mother takes time to look at their children when they're sleeping, but I do. Every time I see EJ sleeping, I realize how precious it is that God gave him to me to take care and to nurture. I may miss the corporate world sometimes but seeing EJ, especially when he's asleep, makes me think it's all worth it! Giving up "my life" so that he can live his is all worth it... I am raising a son that will soon be mighty in this land but no matter where he goes or what he'll be, he will always be my baby :o)

Do you take time watching your baby's face? It won't be long 'til someone else will do it on your behalf :o)

Unthinkable

This is an incredible story of a man named Scott Rigsby... An ordinary man who faced an accident that nearly destroyed his life, but God turned the situation around and used it for His Glory. An ordinary person changed and used by an extraordinary God - for us to see the reality of this verse:

"All things work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose" Romans 8:28

What is it you're facing right now that seem hopeless? Don't despair... HE IS IN CONTROL :o)

Be Blessed...

Can you imagine giving up your own son?

I've watched this video several times, but each time, I have to ask myself if I can give up my son's life for the sake of saving hundreds... And every time my answer is NO... Yes, I am selfish and I believe I am most parents... BUT this video shows something different - a picture of how much God loves us that He gave His only son to save us all... This video shows it in a language we can all understand.

Be Blessed...



If you were in the father's place, what would you do?

A Second Life?

Last night something terrible happened... I knew it was a dream but it felt so real that when I woke up, I had chest pains, catching my breath and my body so stiff. In Filipino term it's like "bangungut." A lot of people die in this kind of experience while sleeping, but I truly thank God I survived. It's the first time it happened to me and I pray it's the last.

In my dream I felt very dizzy and everything around me was whirling, it got faster and faster and faster. I was trying to shout "langga" (which is how I call my husband) several times and trying to reach and wake him up because I knew exactly he was sleeping next to me. Everything in my mind and body was awake and conscious but as I shouted, no voice came out and as I moved my left hand, I wasn't able to do it. For a moment I felt my heart stopped beating and I lost my breath but I was determined to wake up... Then all of a sudden BOOM, I was able to open my eyes and breathe really fast. My heart was painful and my body so weak... The first thing I said when I woke up was THANK YOU LORD! I knew God sent an angel to wake me up and I am grateful. I then hugged Joey and looked at EJ to make sure they're sleeping well. I then touched my tummy to assure my baby that everything ok. After that I prayed that they will never experience that kind of dream and that God will always keep them safe in their sleep.

I would like to believe this is a second life... I just know there's still much work to be done and one of which is raising up kids that will soon be "mighty in this land".

Thank you Lord for this life... I will forever be grateful.

Facing the Giants

The other day I posted in my other blog, Anything.Something.Everything, an episode from the movie Facing the Giants.

Here's THE STORY:

"From the award-winning producers of FLYWHEEL comes a new, action-packed, family-friendly drama about a high school football coach who draws up a new game plan for his team … and himself.

In his six years of coaching, Grant Taylor has never had a winning season. Even the hope of a new season is squelched when the best player on his Shiloh Eagles decides to transfer schools. After losing their first three games of the season, the coach discovers a group of fathers are plotting to have him fired. Combined with pressures at home, Coach Taylor has lost hope in his battle against fear and failure.

However, an unexpected challenge helps him find a purpose bigger than just victories. Daring to trust God to do the impossible, Coach Taylor and the Eagles discover how faith plays out on the field … and off.
With God, all things are possible … "

If you haven't watched the movie yet, visit Anything.Something.Everything to find out where and how to watch online or download this movie for FREE! You can share this news or to your family, friends and churchmates. OR watch it in your small groups! You may even want to give the movie in DVD to someone as Christmas gift :o)

Be Blessed!

Who I Am Makes A Difference

Whether we know it or not, we are making a difference in someone's life... But it can either help them change for the better or for the worse.

This video is just one of those moments where someone has made an impact in another's life, but it then was passed on.... until it saved a life :o)

Be Blessed.

IF I COULD...

Here's a song that's so close to my heart... For EJ and my soon to be born baby. i love you!

IF I COULD
(lyrics from lyricsmode)

If I Could
I'd protect you from the sadness in your eyes
Give you courage in a world of compromise
Yes I would
If I could

I would teach you all the things I've never learned
And I'd help you cross the bridges that I've burned
Yes I would
If I could

I would try to shield your innocence from time
But the part of life I gave you isn't mine
I've watched you grow
So I could let you go
If I could

I would help you make it through the hungry years
But I know that I can never cry your tears
But I would
If I could

If I live in a time and place where you don't wanna be
You don't have to walk along this road with me
My yesterday won't have to be your way
If I knew

I would try to change the world I brought you to
And there isn't very much that I can do
But I would
If I could

I LOVE YOU...

This is another video that I want to share to all of you... It's still about God's love. I am pregnant right now and it assured me that my GOD has a plan for my baby and that I don't have to fear. God was there when she was conceived and will always be there for her.

I will always be grateful for HIS LOVE...

Be Blessed.



Thanks to poshpost for helping me out in posting this video. =)

Never Been Unloved

I came across this video (from youtube) when I was looking for some songs for our home church and since then, this has become one of my favorites. I truly believe that we may be a lot of things...but as Christians, we have never been unloved.

A simple story of how secured my son is of my love for him. I asked him last night, "Baby, what makes mama sad?" He replied, "When I don't listen... but you still love me mama." It made me smile knowing that at the age of 3, he is just so secured that no matter what he does, I will always love him. Before we sleep at night we, as a family, give each other goodnight hugs, kisses and I love you's. But when EJ's on his bed, I will whisper, "I will always love you baby." With his eyes closed he will respond, "I will always love you too mama." I believe those words assure him that no matter what he does, my love will never leave him.

It's the same with our God...I just know and I know and I know that deep in my heart, no matter what I've done in the past or will ever do in the days to come, He will always love me. He may get sad or hurt, but HIS LOVE will never leave me.

Be blessed...

IS MY SACRIFICE LIVING?

Written: Feb. 12, 2008

Ever since I became a Christian, one of the closest stories in my heart is the story of Abraham offering Isaac as a living sacrifice. Several times have I been through such experience, but never have I thought I will be placed in such a situation – of literally offering my very own son to the Lord.

It all started with my in-laws asking us if we could leave EJ for vacation here in Bacolod from February until we come back again in May. At first it sounded like a joke, the family was just teasing me because they know I wouldn’t say YES. Partly I wanted to give in to Joey’s parents request because from the start, EJ has always brought so much joy to mama, papa and to the rest of the family. Besides, I know that he will be very well taken cared of here. And of course, it’s only a vacation.

Last Friday EJ had his check-up with his doctor. He was slightly coughing so “tita doc” gave him some medication. I asked (jokingly) if it’s better he stays here while it’s very cold in China. To my surprise, she said YES. EJ would recover faster if he stays here and it won’t do him any traumatic experience since it’s only a short vacation and at his age, he can already handle such short separation. Then we visited Boksu (our church senior pastor) and asked his opinion about it. To my surprise, he also said it’s OK – again, because it’s only a short vacation. So things began to get seriously planned and the idea that it was “OK” to leave EJ in Bacolod started to scare me – oh, started to make me cry almost every hour! The idea was also “OK” with Joey for the same reason – short vacation that his parents would enjoy & it’s a good time because it’s terribly cold in China and it’s best for EJ to stay here. But as a mother, even if everybody around me said it’s OK, I can’t take it – just thinking about it flooded my eyes with tears and so last Sunday, we announced to everyone that it’s final, we’re bringing EJ to China and for the winter, I will not work – to make sure I take care of EJ or the most, work only half day. I have already asked a friend and she’s decided to come over 1st week of March to be my substitute teacher. So everything was settled – so I thought.

Ever since I was in China, I’ve had this prompting in my heart to have EJ go through an X-ray – to make sure his lungs are well. We had the check up last Friday but Ej’s pedia didn’t recommend x-ray so I thought maybe it wasn’t necessary. But then the prompting kept on so Monday morning, Joey and I decided to have the x-ray. Monday also, his cough worsened so I told his pedia that we need to see someone who can assure us that EJ’s lungs are healthy so “tita doc” referred us to a pedia pulmonologist. So this morning we had EJ checked by the pulmonologist.
A shocking news broke – EJ had primary complex (PTB in children) and that he needed to go through treatment. The doctor again told us that EJ’s body will respond better to the treatment in a tropical condition – which simply means – China isn’t the place for his treatment, but Bacolod is. Joey then decided right there and then, without any doubt, we needed to leave EJ in Bacolod. My first reaction was, if EJ will stay behind, I will too. But Joey told me to go to China and leave EJ with his parents – just as they wished – for a short vacation while it’s winter. The arrangement was we come home in May then after his cousin’s wedding, we all go back to China and continue his treatment there. That time, it’ll already be summer so the climate would be suitable to continue his treatment. I cannot accept the idea. I asked Joey to leave my passport and all other things because I’m not sure I’m going to China with him.

For hours the question, SHOULD I LEAVE EJ IN BACOLOD, kept running through my mind and tears kept falling down my cheeks every time the answer YES pops up. So I had to ask God “LORD, WHY?” I’m asking WHY not because I question God’s authority over my life, it’s not even because I resent the fact that EJ has primary complex. It’s simply a question I’m asking God because I want to sincerely understand what He wants me to learn from this. Now I know why… it’s all summarized in Abraham’s offering – Isaac – his very own flesh and blood.

“God never tells us to give up things just for the sake of giving them up, but He tells us to give them up for the sake of the only thing worth having, namely, life with Himself. It is a matter of loosening the bands that hold back our lives.” MY UTMOST FOR HIS HIGHEST

God is asking me to give up my priceless possession…my little EJ. In March 2005, God asked me to give up Joey when HE opened the way for Joey to China. I thought I wouldn’t survive that time – but by HIS GRACE, I did. Yes it was emotionally impossible for me to have survived that separation stage, because Joey became the center of my life. God got jealous so HE had to ask me to give Joey up for a certain time, to remind myself that God should be the center of my life. I understand exactly why I have to go through this phase of giving up EJ – to remind myself (again) that God should be my center, my all in all. Indeed, HE IS A JEALOUS GOD…

I know I’m guilty – EJ has become the center of my focus. But God – IS GOD. He knows that the only way for me to raise up EJ according to HIS purpose is for me firstly to be molded by HIS hand. If I can entrust my eternity to God, why can’t I entrust my son to him for 2 months? This is going to be a tough time, but I believe, HIS GRACE WILL SEE ME THROUGH.

My sacrifice is LIVING – may it be holy, pleasing and acceptable to you.

I Am Grateful Because...

I am grateful because...
1. I am fearfully and wonderfully made
2. I am not perfect, yet I am accepted and loved
3. I have been given the priviledge of being who I am... (pls. refer to my profile)
4. I have a FATHER who will never leave me nor forsake me
5. I am able to share this blog with Lee, Ares, Posh, Shannon, Henry, Elle Bee, Visadkline, Lynn, Mary, Kathryn, SSQUO, C.Beth, Laura Jayne, Aizan Suhaira, View from my front porch, and Brenda Susan.

HOW THIS WORKS:

1. Repost the picture on your blog and pls. acknowledge where it came from. Kindly leave a comment on this post so I would know you've posted it.

2. Write down 5 things you are grateful for, the 5th being the bloggers you are tagging

3. You may copy this or write your own quote regarding gratitude:

He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has. ~Epictetus

This I AM GRATEFUL BECAUSE blog was passed on to me by: meili_lo

THE SOURCE OF MY RESOURCES

“ Goer… Sender…Intercessor “ these were the three roles given by Pastor Joebert Ramos (Senior Pastor of His Life Ministries) way back when I was a 3rd year university student, when he gave his altar call. I felt a tug in my heart to stand up – as a SENDER. So strong that my heart beat went faster and there was nothing I can do, but obey. So there I was, I stood committing myself as a sender to fulfill the great commission.

While I was standing up, I asked God how can I be a sender when I didn’t even have enough money for my education – I would often write promissory notes every time it was enrollment or examinations time; not enough money for my allowance – I had to sell goods to make sure I have money for my next day’s transportation and money to pay for my school projects – in simple terms, I was telling God “Lord, how can I be a sender when I’m poor?” And God in HIS still small voice told me “ It’s my problem, not yours.” So with that I was assured that if God wanted me to be a sender, then HE WILL MAKE SURE IT WILL COME TO PASS, in His time and in His ways.

Yes when I became a Christian, we were in lack. That was the time when my father lost his job and my mom was the only one working. With 6 of us kids going to school, can you imagine the cost of education? It was just so hard to let both ends meet. But it was in those times that the Lord taught me the real essence of tithes, offerings and sacrificial giving. I remember selling pastillas, macaroons, frozen goods and a whole lot more just so I can have money for my allowance. But there was one thing I never missed – tithing. Pastor Joebert taught the church of MALACHI 3:10 and there I was, faithfully paying my tithes, believing that God will honor His word. In my “not enough” financial status, I would give offerings, and believe me, my pockets were empty but my heart was full.

When I graduated college, I immediately had a job as an Engineer in Laguna. I believe that job was given to me as my harvest for the years I have faithfully sown into God’s Kingdom. I continued paying my tithes and gave my offerings to the work of the Lord through our church Alabang New Life. My giving intensified because this time, I only didn’t pay my tithes and gave my offerings, but I also learned about first fruits – where we are to give not only 10% BUT 100% of our first fruit when we start a business or land in a new job. This took a greater step of faith, but I took it, together with my boyfriend Joey (my husband now).

As husband and wife Joey and I still walk the path as senders. We support Pastors, missionaries and works of the church. We’ve seen God’s hand in every step of the way and we can testify that HE IS TRUE TO HIS WORD in

Malachi 3:10 - 11.
10 Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need. 11 I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not destroy the fruits of your soil, and your vine in the field shall not fail to bear, says the Lord of hosts.

We know that we are yet to see a whole lot more harvest or shall I say SO MUCH BLESSING THAT THERE WILL BE NO ROOM FOR IT. And God will make sure what He entrusted to us will be protected.

God is my source…the source of ALL my resources. Everything I have is HIS, nothing more nothing less. I am merely a pipe where HIS flood of blessing flows. As a pipe, it’s but natural for me to get wet. And the only time it flows out of me is when I’m already overflowing.

To God be the GLORY FOR THE THINGS HE HAS DONE… and yet to do.

SOME THOUGHTS ON GIVING that made a great impact in my life:

The reason you’re sitting in Church today is because somebody gave their money to buy those chairs.
(Pastor. Joebert Ramos)

God is not a waiter, don’t give Him a tip.
(Pastor Emilio Henares)

Every Christmas my children give their last year's toys to the less fortunate, that way they will be trained to give and not be attached to the gift, but to the giver.
(Pastor Jo Alfafara)

When people enter your house, give something to bless them, so they would know what it’s like to live in heaven here on earth.
(Pastor Jo Alfafara)

The moment I stop preaching about giving, is the moment I start robbing people their opportunity to be blessed.
(Pastor Paul Chase)

After all, it is more blessed to give than to receive =D

April 29, 2007

A Beautiful Mother Poem

MOTHER

(thanks to marriagemarkers for this award)

This is a truly BEAUTIFUL piece.
Please read this at a slow pace,
digesting every word and in leisure...
Do not hurry....this is a treasure...

For those lucky to still be blessed with your Mom,this is beautiful.
For those of us who aren't,this is even more beautiful.
For those who are moms,you'll love this.

The young mother set her footon the path of life.'Is this the long way?' she asked.And the guide said: 'Yes,and the way is hardAnd you will be old beforeyou reach the end of it..But the end will be betterthan the beginning.'

But the young mother was happy,and she would not believe that anything could be better than these years. So she played with her children,and gathered flowers for them along the way,and bathed them in the clear streams;and the sun shone on them,and the young Mother cried, 'Nothing will ever be lovelier than this.'

Then the night came,and the storm, and the path was dark,and the children shook with fear and cold,and the mother drew them close and covered them with her mantle,and the children said, 'Mother, we are not afraid,for you are near, and no harm can come.'

And the morning came,and there was a hill ahead,and the children climbed and grew weary,and the mother was weary.But at all times she said to the children, 'A little patience and we are there.' So the children climbed,and when they reached the top they said,'Mother, we would not have done it without you.'

And the mother, when she lay down at nightlooked up at the stars and said,'This is a better day than the last,for my children have learned fortitudein the face of hardness.Yesterday I gave them courage.Today, I've given them strength.'

And the next day came strange cloudswhich darkened the earth,clouds of war and hate and evil,and the children groped and stumbled, and the mother said: 'Look up. Lift your eyes to the light.'And the children looked and saw above the clouds an everlasting glory, and it guided them beyond the darkness. And that night the Mother said, 'This is the best day of all,for I have shown my children God.'

And the days went on, and the weeks and the months and the years,and the mother grew old and she was little and bent. But her children were tall and strong, and walked with courage. And when the way was rough,they lifted her, for she was as light as a feather; and at last they came to a hill, and beyond they could see a shining road and golden gates flung wide. And mother said, 'I have reached the end of my journey. And now I know the end is better than the beginning,for my children can walk alone, and their children after them.' And the children said, 'You will always walk with us, Mother,even when you have gone through the gates.' And they stood and watched her as she went on alone, and the gates closed after her. And they said: 'We cannot see her but she is with us still.

A Mother like ours is more than a memory. She is a living presence.......
'Your Mother is always with you.... She's the whisper of the leavesas you walk down the street; she's the smell of bleach in your freshly laundered socks; she's the cool hand on your brow when you're not well.
Your Mother lives inside your laughter. And she's crystallized in every tear drop. She's the place you came from, your first home; and she's the map you followwith every step you take. She's your first love and your first heartbreak, and nothing on earth can separate you.

Not time, not space... not even death!

Beautiful Mom Award started by Posh Post.

I am tagging the beautiful mothers here: Susan, Brenda Susan, Nancy, Meggie, Mrs. H, Missy, Cari, Abe, and Paige, Armchair Housewife, and my mom (gosh... I miss her!)

STAY OPEN…

This morning I watched Joel Osteen’s preaching and his topic was “Trust God to do it HIS WAY”. All throughout his message, he kept repeating 2 words, STAY OPEN.
It got me reflecting on my very own life, and here’s what I’ve realized.

In 1994, I was given an option to take a higher scholarship grant if I would major in Education, rather than Engineering. I didn’t take the offer mainly because I NEVER WANTED TO BE A TEACHER, so I thought. But God slowly changed my heart for years. He allowed me to lead Bible studies, worked in companies where I had to teach, lead me to teaching preschoolers then to the Koreans. Little did I know that He’s been preparing me for a teaching Job here in China.

When I was in my college years, I thought, I didn’t want to work away from home because I don’t think I’d survive. But in 1999, I was offered a job in Hitachi, Laguna. My prayer that time was, “Close the door anytime you want me out God. But if you want me in there, then let me pass the interview with the HR Manager.” So even if there was still a panel interview with the Japanese when we reach Laguna, I didn’t fear, I already knew I’d make it. So I did. Life away from home wasn’t easy, that was my first time. It took me months to recover from the sadness, yet I survived. Little did I know that He’s been preparing me for a life away from the comforts of home here in China.

When EJ was still inside my tummy, I prayed that God will give him a Chinese community to grow in. I didn’t know HOW that would be possible because there weren’t any Chinese in Laguna, so I thought. But in 2005, God called Joey to work in China, so I had to go back to Bacolod, stay with Joey’s parents – Chinese parents; who attend a Chinese church. That was the first Chinese community EJ and I had. But right now, God didn’t only give us a Chinese community, He gave us CHINA itself.

On and on I can write situations where God had to change my heart and MY THOUGHTS to align to His heart and HIS THOUGHTS. I know my decisions were not faultless, but He has strung the pieces of my life together in spite the imperfections. I may have fallen several times, but each time I fell, I learned lessons I never would have realized had I not taken those steps. After all, we're like "EJ's" who runs and tips over, but runs again.

I have come to understand that I can not put God in a box. I can’t expect Him to answer my prayers in ways that I want, in the timeframe I prefer or in a place where I’m comfortable. His thoughts are higher, His ways are better, His plans are perfect.

In Isaiah 55:8 God declares, “FOR MY THOUGHTS ARE NOT YOUR THOUGHTS, NEITHER ARE YOUR WAYS MY WAYS.”

I may not always understand now, but in the future, I will. Just as He prepared me for where I am right now, I believe He is preparing me for where He wants me to be in the time to come.
By the way, this preparation isn’t just about me…I believe God is preparing our whole family to where He wants us to be in the days, months, years, decades and centuries to come. The best that I can do right here right now is to STAY OPEN and TRUST GOD TO DO IT HIS WAY.

June 26, 2007

CHAPTER 5: WHAT HEPA TAUGHT ME

I always believe that everything we go through in life has a reason and behind those reasons are lessons that we need to learn. From this Hepatitis A experience, I have a great deal of realizations and revelations that I want to share. Some of which are only for myself but some, I’m sure you readers will benefit from. Just treat it like you would when eating a fish – eat the meat and throw the bones. Here goes…

a) I need to take care of myself and this should be a conscious decision. As much as I would want to be the Perfect wife, Perfect mom and Perfect teacher – I can’t. I can only be the best that I can be without compromising my health. I have to sleep early, do regular exercise, drink my supplements and not over work. I needed to repent for this because I have forgotten the fact that my body is the temple of the Holy Spirit and that I should take really good care of it.
b) I understood how important the LIVER is to our over-all health. Gosh, I never knew that this liver is the most hardworking organ in the body – it’s like a manufacturing plant and a storage area doing more than 500 functions vital for our survival. I am so blessed with the websites that gave detailed information of how to take good care of our liver, the detoxification process and a whole lot more!
c) Sad as it may seem, our ignorance and/or negligence and/or hard-headedness will eventually comeback to us. Hihi… I need not go to the details but sometimes, I admit I’m just that – ignorant and hard-headed (stubborn can also be a word to describe that). But it’s okay, I learned things the hard way, but still, I learn. All I can say is if you have HEPA, REST should be your topmost priority. Define rest? Just watch TV - stay on the bed. Just stand when you need to pee or poo or eat. And eat lots of water and vitamin C.
d) Motherhood chooses no season. In sickness or in health, you just can’t stop being a mother. My doctor demanded that I take a bed rest and not do any taking care of the baby stuff, but when mama Mary went back to Bacolod, I had no other option but to take care of my EJ – bathe him, feed him, send him to school and do other stuff a mother and a wife does. Yes I was able to take a sick leave from being a teacher, but NOT from being a wife, much more NOT from being a mother.
e) OFW life isn’t easy – never easy at all. Yes we earn more than the rest of the family, but in times like these, I wish I were back home with all the comforts and care of the family and friends. Yes we do enjoy the benefits of having more (financially) but we do have our share of sleepless nights and painful days. On the other hand though, I can agree with what the Philippine government says that the modern day heroes are the OFW. It takes a lot of sacrifice and courage being one!

I thank God for friends and family He sent to help our family (Joey, me and EJ) to go through this chapter of our life. In my book (soon to be published, hihi) you’ll have your page. Even family and friends from afar, who prayed and chatted with me, thank you for praying and keeping in touch.

I believe I’m getting better everyday. This sickness wasn’t meant to stay. I won’t even let it rob my joy. I have decided to eat right, drink my medicines and have a happy attitude. Of course I have to choose to be happy. But it’s ok. That’s why God gave us free will – so we can choose what we want to happen. I choose life. I choose joy. I choose healing. All by the grace of God!

May 5, 2008