A Wife After God's Own Heart: Chapter 2

Chapter 2 Review of A Wife After God's Own Heart: Working as A Team

Ecclesiastes 4:9 

Two are better than one,
    because they have a good return for their labor

This chapter goes back to the basics of marriage. What does the Bible say about marriage and the roles of a husband and wife?

The author highlights these verses:

1. The husband is to lead in his marriage and family.
Ephesians 5:22-33
Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior.

2. A husband is to work and to provide for his family
Genesis 3:19
By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return.

3 A husband is to love his wife.
Ephesians 5:25
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her
Ephesians 5:28
In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.
4. A wife is to help her husband.
Genesis 2:18
The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”
5. A wife is to submit to her husband.
Colossians 3:18
Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.

6. A wife is to respect her husband.
Ephesians 5:33
However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

7. A wife is to love her husband.
Titus 2:4
Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children.

Here are my takeaways for this chapter:

...These wives may assume a "when...then" attitude. In their hearts, they say, "When he does this or that, then I'll do this or that." They postpone obedience to their roles as wives and make it conditional to that of their husbands'.

W - warm up his life with your love

I - improve his life as a helper

F - follow his leadership with a willing heart

E - esteem him highly with utmost respect

Out of the four areas, I think I should work on building and earning respect from my husband. Recently I've failed in this area when invading his privacy or doubting his love for me.Sometimes I decide on things regarding our son without consulting him first. No matter what the excuse, I should let him lead me and work together as a team. Also, when he acts disrespectful or harsh to me, I feel like acting the same way as well. I can clearly control my reaction even though it's soooo hard. Instead of thinking of his negative traits, I should look and appreciate his good ones.

What if I'm married to a man who is not a Christian?

Your assignment from God is to love, follow, assist, and minister to your non-Christian husband while living in a Christlike manner before his eyes.

Little Things:

1. Thank your husband for living out his roles.

Tomorrow is New Year's Eve. And he's actually the one who will do the cooking for us since I have to go to work early on New Year's Eve. (Sigh) Can't help it in the call center industry. But I really want to show him how thankful I am for his willingness to cook, even though that should be a wife's job! I mean, he knows I can't cook anything more grand than spaghetti and macaroni, but small tokens like that really makes me melt.

2. Ask your husband how you can help.

Of course, I won't just stand by without offering my help, and not just on this occasion. As a working wife, it really is a challenge to even offer your time and energy when you're so swamped with everything else already - house chores, my son's studies, church, groceries. But I have to make sure I don't neglect my priority, which is to honor and help my husband.

3. Show greater respect for your husband. Amen.That's number one on my agenda this year. That includes consulting him with every decision, big or small. And resisting the urge to even look at his stuff. And just shutting my mouth even when he says hurtful things.

I love the tips this Christian blogger gave on how to respect your husband. See article here.

4. Think of a way the two of you can have fun this week. I make sure we have a date every day on his rest day. So that one's set for this coming Wednesday.

5. Pray to follow God's plan for a wife.

6. Seek out another woman as a mentor.

I'm glad I have many Christian friends I can go to as a mentor. They were there for me during the difficult times during the crisis on our marriage (see My Story). But the important thing is, they don't judge, criticize you or tell you to give up on their marriage. These days the popular advice is to give up when you're no longer happy, when it's not working anymore, or when you just can't take it anymore. I wonder how many marriages would last with that thinking.

So anyway, I should drop by one their houses soon, so I can greet them a Happy New Year as well.

So far, I'm happy I picked up this book. I see it as a divine intervention and gift from God. I'm excited to see God's work in the upcoming year!

A Wife After God's Own Heart

I was supposed to pick up a different book by Darlene Sala today but it was not in stock, but this one caught my eye immediately. A Wife After God's Own Heart (12 Things that Really Matter in Marriage) by Elizabeth George was like an answer to prayer that I badly needed at this time.

So I thought I would make a review for each chapter and to share my own experience in applying the principles I learn from it.

Chapter 1 : Growing in the Lord

Matthew 6:33

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

This is the key verse for this chapter in which the author shared that we have to put first things first. When we seek God first in our lives, everything else falls into place. Ouch for me, I needed to hear that.


So how do we know that we are growing in our faith and we are seeking his kingdom and righteousness? 

The author outlines 3 steps:

1 - Discover through reading the Bible what God wants us to do and how he wants us to lead our lives.
2 - Discern the meaning and implications of what you are reading in His Word
3 - Do what you have learned, discovered and discerned

And the best thing about it is that the end result is "a gentle and quiet spirit" and we will be able to bring honor to God through our lives.


I was excited about the part where it says it will also change your relationship with your husband. I almost laughed when I read "He will be more relaxed...instead of waiting for the next blow-up or attack." I definitely need more patience and grace in this relationship. I feel sometimes that there's a time bomb just waiting to explode sometimes. I don't handle outbursts quite well, unfortunately. when I feel something so strongly I HAD to say it. So, let's see how that changes for me.

What I love about this book is at the end of each chapter are "little things" that you can do to apply what you've learned. 

"Little Things"

• Plan to read the Bible everyday. Even a chapter a day would do. Sigh, I even have a reading plan on my ipod but unfortunately I wasn't so consistent with that. But this seems more attainable. 
• Pray for your husband 3x a day. Just like eating and brushing your teeth, it has to be part of your habit. I can't wait already. 
• Plan to go to church this week. Well, of course I go to church every week. A while ago one of my close friends asked if we could actually go with her to church at VCF in Festival Alabang since she felt it would help if she went with friends. I've only been there once since we actually go to Church of God in Imus or Las Piñas, but I feel this is a good move to go with my girlfriends, since I couldn't persuade my husband most of the time to go with me.
• Sign up for a Bible class or Bible study. That should be available in the VCF activities, I'm sure. We'll check it out once we go there.
• Purchase or borrow a Christian book on any topic. I have a loooong wish list already of books I wanna buy in Amazon. You can take a look here at my Amazon wishlist.
• Write a letter of commitment to God. Make a decision to grow into the woman or wife God wants you to be - and that is a woman after God's own heart. Though asking for a great marriage may be farfetched right now, I am determined to make that step closer to God. 

My letter of commitment:

I commit to start the year right with You, and to do things right starting with myself. I know it's not my marriage You want to change, but myself. You want me to go back to my first love, to the fire I once had as a youth. I am determined to read Your Word everyday and start praying more than worrying. Change me and give me a new heart, and I will choose to live each day for You. 

Devotions | Proverbs 31 Ministries

Devotions | Proverbs 31 Ministries

I'd like to share this devotion since I was encouraged just when I needed it most. I couldn't agree more with the author that it's easier to choose the path that seems most convenient at the moment. It's harder to work through the kinks and sit down and really figure out the problem. 

Enjoy reading!

My Life Verse

Contrary to what I said to my previous post, I will not let my Dear John go. Hay....That's what makes marriage so hard. One minute you're so sure of what you think you want, but you find out you can still hang in there for another chance. Anyway one of the things I really want to change next year is my outlook. I can't always doubt my husband or be suspicious all the time. I'm tired of being in detective mode, anyway. So instead of worrying about him, I will focus on how I can be a better wife and meditate on my new life verse:

Philippians 4:6-9

⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God,which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

⁸ Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. ⁹ Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

So no matter what circumstance I'm in, I'm not going to worry. No matter who my enemy is, I won't take revenge. I will focus on whatever is going to have a positive result. Later I'm going to have to make concrete plans on how I can be a better wife and person overall. Being thankful instead of bitter also helps to change my thinking. 

One thing's for sure, though. I won't give up that easily on this marriage.

Dear John Quotes

A friend gifted me a Nicholas Sparks book for Christmas, and being the sappy, mushy person I am, ate it all up. Be warned, though, this does not have a happy ending. It's more darn realistic than any Fifty Shades book (more on that on another post). 

So for those who love Nicholas Sparks books, this is a must read and wasn't bad compared to the movie too. It helped that Channing Tatum was in it, yeah.

Here are some quotes I love:

“I finally understood what true love meant...love meant that you care for another person's happiness more than your own, no matter how painful the choices you face might be.” 

“You're a hero and a gentleman, you're kind and honest, but more than that, you're the first man I ever truly loved. And no matter what the future brings, you always will be, and I know that my life is better for it.”

“When I think of you and me and what we shared, I know it would be easy for others to dismiss our time together as simply a by-product of the days and nights we spent by the sea, a "fling" that, in the long run, would mean absolutely nothing. Thats why I don't tell people about us. They wouldn't understand, and I don't feel the need to explain, simply becasue I know in my heart how real it was... how real this is. When I think of you I cant help smiling, knowing that you've completed me somehow. I love you, not just for now, but for always, and I dream of the day that you'll take me in your arms again."

“Love should bring joy, it should grant a person peace, but here and not, it was bringing only pain.” 

To my dear John, I need to make this painful choice because I think I need to heal by myself. The last line speaks for itself. I need time to think, to discover me again, and just be free. With time and distance, I will forget the bad memories. But when we meet again I hope we have a better chance of working things out.

Broken

Broken. Damaged. Healing.




Psalm 34:18 The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Psalm 51:17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.

Psalm 147:3 He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.


Lord Jesus, I love you, thank you for bearing my burden on the cross. I ask that you take these inner hurts, painful memories, and emotional wounds from me right now. I submit them to you, and accept your peace in place of those things which I am giving up.

The P124 Bill

Okay, let's move on from the negative vibes from last post becuase I have so much to be thankful for today.

Thank you so much for letting me have a semi-vacation that I badly needed. Although it didn't have to be in the form of a hospital stay, but it was still a breather somewhat. I was worried about expenses, since 3 years ago our hospital bill was nerve-wracking. But our 5-day hospital stay cost a measly Php 124, and everything else was covered by our Intellicare card. I am just amazed and speechless how God works for the good of those who love Him.


All of my days
I will sing of Your greatness
All of my days 
I will speak of Your grace
All of my days 
I will tell of Your wondrous love
Your love in my life

-Hillsong

An Open Letter to my Stalker

I don't know where else to write. I don't want to see you, I don't want to talk to you or exchange vile replies via text. But thank you for making me feel that my marriage is worth fighting for, because no matter what lies you come up with up, what matters is that I and my husband are still together. 

I really feel bad that you have to stalk me like this, hindi naman ako artista. Should I feel honored? Actually, I'm disgusted at your lowly tactics. You sound so desperate that you don't even have any self-worth and dignity left. I hope for your sake you will move on from your delusions of having a married man for yourself because you can never find someone to fall in love with that way. 

Someday I will find it in my heart to forgive, but not now, when the wound you inflicted two years ago has not even healed yet and you want to scrape it anew. You will understand it yourself when you get married. More often that not, there's always consequences for the actions you do now. But that is not for me to judge.

But you know, even if you planted evil, I will not return your bad deeds. As Exodus 14:14 says, The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still. I have anchored my life and my trust in God; I will never be shaken. Why should I be afraid? Thanks to you, my faith increased, my walk with God is closer, and my marriage stronger than before. I really hope you read this. As for me, I will only think of positive and uplifting thoughts and I claim 2013 to be a year of peace for me. 

Psalm 35

¹ Contend, Lord, with those who contend with me;
    fight against those who fight against me.
² Take up shield and armor;
    arise and come to my aid.
³ Brandish spear and javelin
    against those who pursue me.
Say to me,
    “I am your salvation.”

⁴ May those who seek my life
    be disgraced and put to shame;
may those who plot my ruin
    be turned back in dismay.
⁵ May they be like chaff before the wind,
    with the angel of the Lord driving them away;
⁶ may their path be dark and slippery,
    with the angel of the Lord pursuing them.

⁷ Since they hid their net for me without cause
    and without cause dug a pit for me,
⁸ may ruin overtake them by surprise—
    may the net they hid entangle them,
    may they fall into the pit, to their ruin.
⁹ Then my soul will rejoice in the Lord
    and delight in his salvation.

The Best Gift this Christmas

I've had many trying days, but last Monday was really the most difficult of all. My son Javie was confined at the hospital due to pneumonia. At the same time I had a stalker who continually did nothing but send text messages specifically to ruin our marriage. Sometimes I feel helpless and hopeless. That's why I nearly broke down when I read the daily devotional from Proverbs 31.org, titled The Hardest Days — God Uses Them for Good. I know God is trying to tell me something amidst this trial. More than material things, God wants to tell me that the greatest gift I will receive this Christmas is a strong family, a stronger marriage, and a stronger faith in God. I will be able to rejoice in this trial because I trust in Him completely. He will provide for the hospital. He will repair our marriage, and give renewed strength and hope for 2013. I claim that "Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life - Psalm 23:6

I hold fast to you Lord, as per your promise.
Romans 8:28, "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."

Random Acts of Kindness

I came across Krissy’s blog about the Charms of Christmas in Ayala Malls where you get a charm bracelet exclusively designed by Ana Rocha when you do the following kindness (see photo above)

That was nice, definitely to promote the love this season, but I just found it awkward and weird for you to get a charm bracelet when you get noticed for your random act of kindness. Wait, should I wait for someone first before I do this? I someone watching me yet? Uhm, it just looks superficial. But at least you get a charm bracelet. Haha.

Anyway this whole month of December my family and I are participating in a Christmas Bible Study Guide which you can find in Good morning girls website, and the ebook really is interesting. It contains daily devotions, Christmas recipes, and suggested Christmas readings and activities for you and your family to understand what Christmas is really about.

In Week 2 we are discussing about Love and Random Acts of Kindness. We have a Jesus jar, and we filled it with slips of paper with random acts of kindness that we have to do everyday. Just something simple, like praying for a friend in need, sending an encouraging text message to a friend, hugging someone or writing a thank you note. It has to be something that you really know will bring a smile to your friend’s face even though you won’t get something in return. Nobody will be watching you “act” in CCTV or you might not even get a response, but you still do it.

Matthew 6:1

Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.

If you would like to download the Christmas guide ebook, you may download it in Goodmorning girls site as well.

12/12/12

Yesterday was 12/12/12 and since that day only comes once in a lifetime, I wanted to make it meaningful. 

We went to attend my son's school at Perpetual Help Las Piñas for their Christmas Carolfest and I was more excited about their Floating Sky Lanterns afterwards. Of course we had to show support for his dance and watch all the levels present their Christmas number, but it was so worth it since I have't seen a floating sky lantern event before. They turned off all the lights in the soccer field and lighted the lanterns and released one by one. Breathtaking. Of course *sigh* that makes me feel all romantic too (think Tangled).

Anyway I really needed that kind of release and liberation in my life right now. Seeing those lanterns fly away makes me think of my life's direction and purpose for the next year. How I want to forget all the negative thoughts I've had since what happened 2 years ago. I told my husband  I am ready to forgive, forget and move on. If God gives second chances, who am I not to? Why should I let this ruin the rest of my life or make me bitter?

I have so much plans for 2013. My own business, quitting my 9-5 job, renewing this blog, more time for family and people that matter. I can't do that with baggage or any resentment in me. So whoever you are, I forgive you. And myself, too, for being so hard on myself. I will let go and free myself. Just like the lantern flying away, I will keep that light shining in me so that I will fulfill the purpose God has for my life. 

Being a Proverbs wife

On my last birthday, I didn't really celebrate with a  lot of hullabaloo [means Great noise or excitement; teehee!] as I'm reserving that for the big 30. But I did a lot of rethinking of what I really wanted to do with my life, my blog, my career moves. Anyway, as my last post says, life is short and who knows when the end may come.

So I got to thinking, that what I really wanted, first of all, is to be a wife of noble character like in Proverbs.  Next, I wanted to encourage other young moms as well and give hope to each and every marriage. Nobody realizes when they get married what hard work it actually is. 

Everyone seems to envision a bed of roses, rosy-cheeked children, a home, and a nice, stable job. But what they don't realize is without Christ in the center of the marriage, they mean nothing. No marriage will stand on its own, and run 10, 20 or 50 years on its own strength. And when marriage crumbles down and gets shattered, it is so easy to give up rather than fight for it. 

We all idolize the perfect "marriage." Even the wedding day itself costs almost half a million pesos these days, with wedding expos left and right. But what is more important than the vows itself is that God should be part of your marriage, because He is the only one who can make your marriage run a long, long, long time.

So I am redefining this blog to actually share words of wisdom about marriage, on being a wife of exceptional character, and hopefully encourage other young moms and wives out there.

Last Trip

Everyone says life is a one long trip.
It may be long and winding, but eventually, they say, everyone is headed for the same place. But will we all really have only one destination?

You may have known the truth about heaven and hell all your life, but how do you live your life KNOWING this truth? Do you treat life as one big party, or hop on from one boyfriend to another? Do you try to fill in the void with money, career and knowledge?

Maybe you know the truth, but you don't believe it. Either way, one day we will all face the Maker. Are you ready for... your Last Trip?

Church of God Imus is proud to present "Last Trip" on October 21, 2012. 
Free admission and food. New friends more than welcome.


"Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour." - Matthew 25:13  


COG Imus Location:
NPL Bldg, KM 21, Aguinaldo Highway in front of Robinsons Imus

Do you Live Your Dreams?

I'm currently working 8 hours a day and then some overtime here and there. My job pays well, it is actually my dream job to be part of this kind of stable company. Sooner or later though your heart still seems to say I'm in the wrong place. And mine seems to belong at home. But how to provide for the family's needs is the question most of us ask.

So here are some reasons why I want to work at Home:

1. You can actually earn more than when you work in a company. As I've learned through the VA seminar I attended last Saturday, working online at home isn't actually a job with limits. You can accept as much clients as you can accommodate, and more clients mean more cash coming in. Rates for a Virtual Assistant are actually competitive, and that is only if you specialize in that one job. With each skill that you learn, you add more to your value and therefore you can dictate your asking price as long as you know your worth. I'd like to prove this for myself and if it works, then I'll be more than happy to share with you (and Jomar H. of course) my testimony.

2. I can escape the horrors of commute.
The long travel hours (I spend around 3 hours to commute), the inconvenient rain, and count in the snatching incident from a few days ago. Shudder.

3. I can be there for my son.
I really feel guilty at times when I leave for work because it's the time he actually goes to sleep. Somehow I want to assure him that when he wakes up Ill be there to prepare him breakfast and small things like that. My mom was like that to me growing up and as they always say you are doomed to follow how your parents themselves raised you.

4. I want to follow my passion.
I've always been realistic and just assumed I had to work like everyone else to provide your needs. That's felt alright for a time, until I had a nagging feeling that this is not what I should be doing with my life. I want to express myself, I want to work on my own terms, I want to be myself. I WANT TO LIVE MY DREAMS.

5. I want to open more doors of opportunities
I wish I had more guts to go out on a limb before. I know by taking this first step, which is to establish an online presence and a name then I could venture out and maybe even own an online business, or create an ebook, or be able to lead seminars for other people to gain financial freedom as well.

6. I want God to use me powerfully.
That has been my prayer to God this year, to be used fearlessly and without hesitation. I have been through so much hardship and trials the last two years and yet He has shown that He always stays true to His promises. And how can I serve God if I will also be so "busy" like Martha? I've said "No" to too many activities and this time I am saying "Yes, Where would you like to take me, Lord?"

I know this is not something I am 100% sure of being successful, but I know and I have peace in my heart that God will supply all my needs...I will not lack in any good thing because He knows I love Him more than the blessings He give.

Do you live your dreams? Or just keep on dreaming?

Has God Forgotten Me?

I recently aquired a new devotional called Inspiring Words for Women by Darlene Sala. I highly recommend this book for us girls by the way, especially when you don't want the usual Daily Bread. Anyway when I flipped to the topic for today, under When Tough Times Come: Inspiration for Days When you Feel Like Quitting.  And sure enough, that day has never felt like today. The Christian walk is not all about walking in sunshine and flowery paths; it is actually a rocky, difficult climb uphill. You know you should be looking up to God. But with the problems we have now, it feels easier to look down below and quit.

I have a friend who recently lost his laptop (stolen is more like it). The same thing would almost have happened to me a few days ago, and I honestly don't know how I would be able to face it. I know how it feels to lose something so important to you, that everything you worked hard for and everything you accumulated is gone in just a snap. Or when in marriage, you feel like you have given it all and yet your partner just doesn't seem to appreciate anything you do or doesn't want to work it out. Walking out seems to be the easier solution.

So what do we do? Darlene says, "You can be sure that the One who died for you will never forget you or forsake you." Isaiah 49:14-15 says "Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you." Though the situation seems hopeless, God will never abandon us; in fact He has written our names in His hand!

There is a song that goes, You're holding me now in your hands, I believe you'll never let me go..."

No, we don't give up, but we hold on to the One Higher than us.

Good Deal at Japan Home Centre

I've always gone crazy for sales and good deals, but there was one shop that always seem to be on sale - Japan Home Centre. There was one in Robinsons Imus, and I was glad to know there was recently a new branch that opened near us in Las Pinas, so made a beeline for it right away

I got some stuff for my Mom that I know she'll really appreciate: Catena red apple hand bath soap, Lucky Body Wash in Ocean Fresh, White Rain Sensations Shampoo, Sun Fresh Fabric Conditionder, Ariel Doble Powder Detergent, and Sweet Talk Mint Mouthwash. I would even consider doing part of my grocery here because the product sizes are so big and the prices don't go beyond P88! Awesome!
The total price tag for all items below: P440. Not bad, huh?

So if you're a sucker for deals like me, you can drop by stores and they'd have anything from a medicine cabinet to a dog leash to perfumes.

VA training with Jomar Hilario

I found out about Jomar Hilario by browsing through other blogger websites. I eventually learned through his website that he had a passion for training Filipinos to be a VA. Why? SImply because he believes the Filipinos are worth it and valuable enough to be  a darn good VA.

I thought about this for awhile, since with my busy work schedule I didn't want to enter into anything halfheartedly. I also lost a yaya and I also help my son Javie with homework and reviews, so I didn't know if I would have the time.

But when I heard there would be a VA seminar this September 15th, I grabbed a seat right away and enrolled. I couldn't wait to experience what I've only been reading about. This is a job that would me flexibility to attend to my son's needs at school and at the same time give me fulfillment in what I do. Lastly, I couldn't wait to live out my dreams.

So right after my shift (I went to work at 11:30 pm) I went to Rosewood Pointe for the whole day seminar. I was really happy I chose to go instead of just download the material. I wanted to get the right motivation and I felt it that day when I saw for myself that Jomar was actually a real person, and I get to meet Jun and Sheb and heard the testimonials from VA Naomi and Ann. And that place was so beautiful, I thought I'd like to live there someday (without the airplanes zooming overhead).

But anyhow, to make the long story short, I was able to learn all the basic skills a VA should and shouldn't have. He told us about the proper equipment to invest in. He provided awesome tools that we could use for the job, and would even personally use for ourselves. He gave us the right way to market ourselves as not just any VA, but the VA they would never want to let go.

I can't wait to start on my assignments so I'll make this short, hehe. Being a successful VA is not what you know. It's what you're willing to work on. I like what Jomar said about Success is all about the OBVIOUS: It's trying and trying and trying again after you fail. I want to see myself as a WAHM (Work at Home Mom) in 3 months time. Attending the seminar was just the right push I needed.

I love what Jim Rohn said: Learn how to work harder on yourself, than to work harder on your job. And that  is the only way you can be valuable. I'll be elaborating on that on my next post. For now, my eyes are so murdered from lack of sleep.

Today I am grateful for...

I am grateful to God for two things today.
First I was able to payoff my BPI loan today! Whew, that's one down, one credit card bill to go. It took some pressure off my shoulders, that's for sure. This makes for a MAJOR celebration, agree? Anyway, my birthday is just in a few, so I'll just celebrate it along with that.

Secondly, yesterday on my way to work, my bag almost got snatched. *Shiver* I was sitting at the jeep when the snatcher across me suddenly went down and attempted to take my bag! It's a ood hing my ninja reflexes were quick enough to pull my bag tighter and nothing was taken from me. I know there's no money but there was my phone and credit card and important IDs. I honestly just took a moment to just breathe a prayer of thanks, as everyone is not so lucky.

3 Things I learned:
1. Not to wear flashy clothes or bring lots of money when your shift at work is at 3am or on the graveyard shift.
2. As much as possible DO NOT sit on the rear of the jeepney. The snatcher is one step away from leaping off the jeep.
3. Don't forget to pray for safety and God's protection

For those whose payday is tomorrow, please take extra caution and take note that the Ber months is also the months snatchers are most active.

Take care!

My unspoken farewell

Today, Tita Wendy and her family will be migrating to Winnipeg, Canada to join Tito Wilson to start a whole new life of possibilities. On their despedida last Sunday, I was too painfully shy to go in front and say what I appreciate most about this family. Anyway, it's still not too late.

Dear Tita Wends, I will never forget how you inspired me to dance. When you were still a young lady, I always look up to you and saw how you served the Lord from youth.
And I will always be grateful for the time when you visited me when I had truly nothing, and gave 1 whole can of milk for my premature baby.

Tito Benjie, no words can say how thankful I am for giving me sound marriage advice and viewing things from a man's perspective. I will  always practice patience and kindness even if sometimes it's sooo difficult. Thank you Tito and Tita for being a great ninong and ninang to me and hubby.

To my cousins Kris and Angel, I will miss you both so much. I wish we had more time to bond, haist! Just keep on being on fire for the Lord.

The reason why we're so at peace though you're leaving, is because we know this is God's will for you. And it's so much better to be at the center of God's perfect will.

I'd like to leave you with Deuteronomy 31:8 -
The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.

Who knows? I might also find my way to Canada someday, but now is not the right time yet.

Welcome to my blog!

I've been wanting to blog for the longest time but shyness always got the best of me. Now, I thought, what the heck, I'll be 30 next year and I haven't even started doing the things I really, really love to do. So now I'm going back to my first love and rediscovering myself and what I can actually do.

This blog will chronicle all the little stories of my life, my journey from a career mom to a work at home mom, from anything to everything. I want to take daring and bold steps toward financial freedom, and I hope we can learn it together. I want to reclaim my life and really start LIVING. Through this blog, I want to empower other young moms as well on how they can still work and still witness their children's milestones on growing up. I'm so excited to finally just own my small space on the web. Hehe. I'll be weaving more stories and helpful information here soon.