Life Lessons Surf On And Ride The Waves Of Life 2:59 PM Have you ever tried surfing? I have. I remember how hard I struggled with the waves at first. Although the waves were not really intimidating and threatening that day as it's not the "surfing season" yet, I was still worried. I was still scared. My surfing instructor was young, but he knows the wave like the back of his hand because he grew up in that place. He was patient with my questions, and was supportive. He thoroughly explained to me everything He knows about the surfboard, the waves, and the tactics in keeping my balance. I told him I was scared but he assured me that I can do it and that I don't have to worry because he will be behind me, making sure that I’ll be safe the whole time. Every time I fall off the board, he would encourage me to do it again and tell me what I did wrong. Every time I could keep my balance, he was rejoicing like a fan. He was ecstatic when I was able to stand without falling after three attempts. My accomplishment was his happiness. Surf On And Ride The Waves Of Life I've realized that surfing lesson is so much like our journey in life. Strong waves of trials intimidate us, shake our faith, and sometimes make us fall into sin and leave us hurting. God our Instructor in life, is very patient with us. He guides us, reminds us of what we can do (all things through Christ), call us out when we sin, and cheers us on. He is hurting more than we do, because He feels our pain. He rejoices in all our victory no matter how small it may be. Our accomplishment is His joy and glory. The waves may grow bigger and we may fear that it might swallow us, but God assures us that He will be there and see to it that we are safe all the time. We may fall, but we can always stand up and try again. He will be there pushing our surfboards, shouting instructions and encouragement, rejoicing in every victory. We need not worry because He knows the ocean of life like the back of His hand for He created it. Most of all we should listen to Him when He tells us we can do it, because He knows us more than we know ourselves. Surf on and ride the waves of life! Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
Lux Thinking Aloud Happy Thanksgiving And Things I'm Thankful For 5:24 PM Happy Thanksgiving And Things I'm Thankful For Happy Thanksgiving! We don't really celebrate Thanksgiving here, but I'm working for a US-based company so it's a holiday for me too. Since it is the time for shouting out words of gratitude, let me share my Thank Yous with you. Thank you: Faithful readers To you who willingly waste a few seconds of your time to read my brain farts. You reaffirm my purpose. You make me realize that what I do here matters. Your kind comments and love mails are enough to assure me that the platform I chose to help make the world a better place in my own little way so to speak, is perfect. via Google images Passionate bloggers of blogs I follow Your posts either motivate me, make me laugh, make me think, and make me want to share my own stories too. Your thoughts can change a life so don't stop sharing. I love browsing through your pages because it's worth the time. Keep on posting relevant and heartwarming stories. Keep on using the internet for the good. Keep on inspiring people. via Google images Friends old and new For sticking around and putting up with my mood swings, melancholic tendencies and crazy moments. For listening to my ideas whether it be trivial or profound. For sharing a portion of your lives with me. For the love irreplaceable and overwhelming. More travel and more fun! More stories and hugs! Thank you, friends! Family near and far As you grow older, you appreciate more the value of family. Them people put in your life by fate who whether they like it or not are stuck with you 'til the end of time because of the DNA you share. Haha! No matter where I am, my heart will always be with you. I will always find my way back home. We may not be perfect but we are all we've got---and thank God for that! Light of Jesus Family You have been my family outside my family. The flock I chose to grow my spiritual muscle with. I will always be proud to be one of you. It's not every day you find people with genuine love for God and hearts of service without the pretentious, all righteous, judgmental, hypocritical air in them. You love God and you love people without the hang ups of religiosity. That's all that really matters! via Google images Bashers, critics and all you vampires Your words may have wounded me, but it sure made me stronger and pushed me to do better. Thanks for teaching me to be more understanding and compassionate, for testing my patience and making me appreciate my life more. Thank you for being the chisel that has helped form me into the beautiful being that I am today. via Google images Teachers, mentors, and beautiful souls You are too many to mention, some of you may not even know I exist! But your passion is so strong I can feel it in the air. Your beautiful life stories, your never-say-die spirit, your example that's worth emulating are my inspiration to put a dent in the world too. Thank you for being brave enough to step out, step up and share your encouraging stories to the world. via Google images My Unbeatable Team My greatest and favorite intercessors. Our Holy Mother, St. Michael the Archangel, St. Joseph, St. Padre Pio, St. Pope John Paul II and my Guardian Angel. Many may not believe in you but I thank God for sending you to help me always. I have learned that relationships are our greatest treasures and living our purpose is the most powerful driving force in life. I have learned that gratitude is the key to open the door to endless possibilities and blessings. So everyday I give my thanks to the universe for blessing me this much and for blessing me more in the future. Thank you especially God for loving me this much, for dying to give me life unworthy and flawed as I may be. I can never repay Your perfect love for me. Here I am, I am yours. Make do of my imperfect love. What are you most thankful for? Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email Photo credit: Google images
Faith Don't Stop Trying 12:14 AM Making mistakes is a sign that you are making progress. Don't stop trying. I notice that every time I am nearing my finish line for a certain goal, when a breakthrough is about to happen, when great blessings are on its way, something terrible happens. A trial or a delay gets in the way. I get discouraged and I sometimes pause to question God. But always, my faith would intervene. I could only hold on and believe that I am almost there! I am an inch away from the prize! Don't stop trying. Making mistakes is a sign that you are making progress. That was the message at last Sunday's Kerygma Conference I attended. Not making mistakes is not trying, which is the biggest mistake you could commit. You are not your mistakes. You are not your past. You are not your failures. They play a great part in your growing, in your way to your goals, but they do not define you. So, don't stop trying. Don't let your mistakes stop you from becoming the great person you were destined to be. Don't let your past failures keep you from moving forward. The world needs your light to make it brighter. Don't stop trying. Tap into the Force that has always been in you and see yourself become the miracle you have always wanted to become. Linked here.
Lux Thinking Aloud Hello, Loneliness! 5:48 PM It is in our loneliest that God speaks the loudest. -Mandy Hale Hello, Loneliness! It's been a while, huh? What brings you here? I didn't miss you. I didn't call for you. What on earth are you here for? Me? Oh, I have been very busy, no all thanks to you. You see, in my attempts to forget you and push you away, I kept myself busy. In trying to find your enemy Joy, I kept myself occupied with fun things.GiphyI've been out there...Meeting friends...Serving others...Hustling...Planting my seeds...Resting only when I have done enough or when I am too tired to go on. I am now living my dream.It's like walking out in the field just as David did, with only a sling in his hand to face Goliath. It is scary! Not gonna lie.But I know that if I fight you hard enough, there's something wonderful and fulfilling waiting for me in the end.I know I'm not just doing this for myself but for those who need to know they're not alone on their journey. That God has a message for them too. When I remember these, the fear of being ridiculed, the fear of failing, the fear of not being good enough... they all become insignificant.I mean, who would've thought a stone and a sling would be enough to defeat a giant feared by many?I bet Fear belongs to your family too. It keeps trying to stop me. Gives me serious impostor syndrome and limiting beliefs.TenorI've been doing great in your absence, Loneliness. Why did you come back? Why are you reminding me again of what I have lost? Nagging me of the could-have-been and what-ifs? Why are you making me question my decisions when I have seen time and again that I did the right thing?I gotta give it to you.You've come back stronger. You bid your time, didn't you?And you've been an epidemic for the longest time.But my dear Loneliness, you can't keep me down for a long time. You will never win this fight. I have accepted my mistakes. I have forgiven those who hurt me. I have forgiven myself. I have learned to enjoy my solitude. I have found myself because of you. I've known myself better. I have discovered my strength when you tried to beat me. I have learned to live with the pain and find happiness even in your presence.In your strongest sting, I have felt God's voice encouraging me to keep going. I have felt God's love snatching me from your evil clutches.As you emptied me, taking all that I have, I have learned that Christ is enough. So although I have you to thank for the many beautiful things that are happening in my life right now, here's me slamming the door in your face again.WifflegifHello Loneliness, my old friend. It's never good to see you. Goodbye and please never come back. You're not welcome here. Watch this video to help you get rid of loneliness:This post contains affiliate links so I'd get a commission if you purchase through my links at no additional cost to you. This helps me maintain my site. Thanks in advance!
Single Life 15 Real And Honest Moments I Wish I Was Not Single 1:54 AM “Why haven't I got a husband and children?" mused Greta Garbo to the Dutchess of Windsor, "I never met a man I could marry.” Here's a confession: there are moments I wish I was not single. Sure most days I revel in my glorious single life. But there are moments when I wish I was so NOT single. From really serious to downright trivial moments, sometimes I wish there's someone with me. 15 Real And Honest Moments I Wish I Was Not Single 1. When I have to carry my laundry bag to and from the laundry shop because it didn't reach the minimum kilo requirement to avail the free pick-up and delivery service. They're heavy! And I have a back problem. 2. When I'm really exhausted that even going to the spa to get a massage is tedious...but my body's aching I really want a massage and couldn't find a home service stat. 3. When I'm too lazy to run some errands. I wish I have a personal assistant. 4. When I buy too much that I need someone to carry my shopping bags. 5. When I went to the hardware and bought Venetian blinds for the first time. Clueless moment. 6. When I tried installing the Venetian blinds myself and everything, uhm...fell and disintegrated. I was so frustrated I almost cried. True story. 7. When I couldn't unscrew anything or loosen a tight cover. I have a strong and brave heart, but the skeletal muscle is another story. 8. When I'm sick, but have to get up and buy myself medicine and prepare me some nutritious meal so I can recover quick. 9. When I feel a little lousy because of PMS, and there's no one to reassure me I'm okay or at least someone I could unleash the hormonal monster inside with. Because like he has no choice but be a punching bag every month, but not hold a grudge against me because he knows it's just the hormones talking. Ladies of course knows what that means. 10. When my back really hurts but I need to go somewhere, and I don't want to leave the house without my essentials. Even when I try to remove a few things, the bag still feels heavy. Back problem is no petty thing. 11. When I have to travel alone and I feel paranoid and vulnerable. 12. When I want to watch a movie and all my friends are not available and I'm not in the mood to watch it alone. 13. When I need to share something too personal to share with friends or family. Or petty things even friends and family will find too trivial. I know a significant other wouldn't mind. 14. When I need some minor repair around the house that I am clueless with. Google has become a consistent boyfriend for the past few years. Only that he does the dictating while I do the doing. That is the exact opposite with a real life boyfriend. 15. When I'm being a scaredy-cat and it's too inconvenient or too late to call someone to sleep over or at least keep me company. 15 trivial yet valid and simple real life first hand experiences when I couldn't stop wishing I have someone at the moment. At those moments. If married couples have their "I wish I was single" moments, singles have their "I wish I have someone with" moments too. I am in a state where I can look you in the eye and tell you honestly and sincerely that I am absolutely genuinely happy being single. In fact, I'm getting too comfortable it's a little alarming. Human as I am though, I still have moments when I wish to fill the emptiness in me. Normal emotional single and hormonal moments though, not despairing desperate and suicidal ones. Thank God. These moments make me realize a few things: That PMS really sucks. That the desire to have my own family and raise champion kids is still very much alive in me. That I am still normal! That I need people in my life. That every human indeed has an emptiness in their hearts that no amount of earthly treasure can satisfy. That the cliche, 'all we need is love' is true. That I can't live without God. You know what? That moment passes, and I'm okay again. Back to my normal happy single and comfortable life. Like nothing happened. Christ indeed is enough for me. Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
Faith Faith It Til You Make It: Powerful Steps For Personal Growth 1:49 AM Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God. -Corrie ten Boom "Faith it 'til you make it," is a line from Joel Osteen that has become a personal favorite.It encourages us to develop a strong and unshakeable belief in ourselves, even when faced with doubts.This unwavering belief acts as fuel, propelling us forward even when we can't quite see the finish line.Take action with faithJob Interview Jitters? Feeling under-qualified is common. Instead, focus on your strengths and experiences. Research and practice. Visualize yourself confidently presenting your skills. Faith is believing you're equipped even when you can't see it happening yet.Dream Chasing Doubts? Don't let negativity dim your light. Your naysayers simply can't comprehend the incredible things God has planned for your journey.Love Life Struggles? Dating can be tricky, but don't let past heartbreaks define your future. Trust that God has someone amazing in store for you. Relax and have faith that the right person will come along. While waiting, work on yourself. Build the future you want, so when someone comes, it's just a bonus.Move Forward with FaithFear of the unknown? It's natural to feel apprehensive about the future. But one thing is certain:Whatever the future holds, God is already there.Take a deep breath, release your anxieties, and believe He's working behind the scenes, even when you can't see it.Heal from HurtMaybe a parent, an elder, a teacher, or a mentor made you feel incapable or planted the seed of doubt in your heart.Past experiences can leave emotional scars. It can make you doubt your capabilities and worth.But with faith, you can rise above them. Take that first step, believing in your strength and resilience.Faith it til you make itFaith is a powerful tool for navigating life's uncertainties. So when doubt starts rearing its ugly head, choose to move forward and have faith in yourself. You'll make it.How has faith helped you grow?
Love and Relationship Life Lesson From Runaway Bride 9:30 AM Don't pretend to be somebody you're not just so the other person will like and accept you. "How would you like your egg?" In the movie Runaway Bride, lead female character Maggie Carpenter (Julia Roberts) was always almost married before she met Ike (Richard Gere) who pointed out what's wrong with her. Maggie does not have her own identity, so much so that she doesn't even know what kind of egg she likes. It changes from boiled to sunny side up to whatnot depending on what the man she's dating likes. Reminds you of anyone? Life Lesson From Runaway Bride Most people tend to adjust to their partners' wants that leads them to lose their own identity. They want to please the other person so much that they are afraid to show their real self and speak their minds. It's okay to compromise to keep a balance in every relationship. What is not okay is neglecting your own needs and sacrificing your own happiness for the other person's sake all the time. Relationships is about give and take. If you are the only giver, you end up with nothing. Eventually, the relationship that you have been trying to save by sacrificing your needs will destroy you and your partner. It is important to establish rules and put your cards on the table on the onset of the relationship. Honesty may be inconvenient at first but it will go a long way. Pretending to be somebody you're not will eventually take its toll. Everybody wants a healthy, honest relationship. When you know what you really want, your partner will honor it and will be willing to compromise. Unless of course he is selfish in which case you need to end the deal before it's too late. Don't pretend to be somebody you're not just so the other person will like and accept you. That is a sure recipe for a disastrous relationship. Now, how would you like your egg? Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
Books Story Of Half-Bloods And Bullies 9:18 AM I would rather be a little nobody, than to be an evil somebody. -Abraham Lincoln Story Of Half-Bloods And Bullies Here's another Life Lesson post from my favorite book series Harry Potter. In the magical world of Harry Potter, there are purebloods (family from both sides are all wizards), half-bloods (the other parent is a Muggle or non magical) and Muggle-borns (both parents are non magical but they possess magical powers, like Hermione Granger). There are three distinct characters in the book that are half-bloods; Severus Snape, Dolores Umbridge, and the Dark Lord Himself---Voldemort. All these three characters despise those who are not pureblood giving you the impression that they are purebloods themselves. They regard themselves superior than the rest. In the Muggle world, I mean today in our world we find people like them. People who feel superior than the rest. People who look down on you because you don't fit. People can be mean for two possible reasons: 1. They hate your guts, because you've got something they don't or will never have. 2. You remind them of themselves. Envy Number one reason roots from envy. Envious people won't admit they are envious. That will be admitting defeat. That will be accepting the fact that you are better than them. So envious people will undermine you. They will do everything they could to ruin your reputation, stop people from seeing the good in you because they fear that you will stand out and be loved while they stand in your shadow. They will hate you simply because they already see that you are more than them in every aspect. Envious people can't stand people who make them see their weakness and flaws. Number two reason is due to denial and nonacceptance. There are things about themselves that they can't change. When they see these in you, they see themselves reflected back and they hate you for that. Also, you might be in the position that they are aiming for. You maybe reminding them that they are still stuck. Your success intimidates them because they want to be where you are badly. You remind them of their mediocrity and failure. And that is hard to swallow if you have not accepted and fully embraced who you are and where you are at the moment. That's exactly what Snape, Umbridge and Voldemort were like. They despise the half-bloods because they remind them of themselves. They cannot accept that they fall short to the standard they imposed on themselves. And since half-bloods show them that people like them exist, they loathe them. They hate the Muggle-borns because they feel more superior than them. They try to fit in with the purebloods, so people may think they are one of the royalties. How to deal with bullies Easier said than done, but bullies need our kindness and understanding more than anyone does. They are lost and confused. They don't even know why they hate you. Half-bloods and bullies in the magical world of Harry Potter were actually ignored by those who know better. Sure they sometimes can get to their nerve (the trio Harry, Ron and Hermione were easy targets of bullies---a Muggle born, a pureblood but from a poor family, and an orphan half-blood). But they always take the high road, defend other victims, and were not afraid to fight back if needed. Remember Hermione Granger punching Draco Malfoy in the nose? Epic. Because you're the better person, take the high road. Never stoop down to their level and take the gutter. That is what being royal is all about. Always. Gif from Google images Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
Lux Thinking Aloud Life Uncertainties And Remembering Our Dearly Departed 10:47 AM Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. -Matthew 5:4 Life Uncertainties And Remembering Our Dearly Departed Life is uncertain. We'll never know when our time will be over. Today is All Soul's Day. Though we must be remembering our dearly departed often, today is especially for them. It sure hurt when we said our last goodbyes, and even more hurtful when we didn't get the chance to do so. Life goes on though. And our dearly departed will certainly want us to move on. To continue living and enjoy the privilege that has been taken away from them. I have relatives and friends who have passed away. Some were taken at their prime, others while they are still too young to go. This taught me that life is full of uncertainties. You can be healthy now and be struck down by some serious illness tomorrow. Which is why everyday is a good day to live with a purpose. Everyday is a good day to leave a good legacy. You don't have to make a big impact to the world. Just touching one life is enough. You don't have to live like Mother Theresa. Simply being there for a friend who is going through a tough time, saying hello to a stranger, doing your part in saving the environment count. Life is full of uncertainties. But one thing is for certain: our lives on earth is but temporary. It is a preparation for something eternal. Or if you believe in reincarnation, a preparation for your next life on earth. Let us remember and pray for the souls of those whom God has already called in His kingdom. How are you preparing for it? Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
Lux Thinking Aloud First Blogging Award: Liebster Award 12:53 PM First blogging award: Liebster Award I got my first blogging award--- the Liebster Award. According to Gigi The Snooper, the blogger who was kind enough to nominate and award me with Liebster Award: Liebster comes from the German language, and it means "beloved". This award exists only on the internet, and is given to bloggers by other bloggers and it follows similar principles as a chain letter, in the sense that it should be passed forward to a certain number of people. Before I proceed with the rules to officially receive Liebster Award, I'd like to express my gratitude. Thank you for wasting a minute or two with me. For reading my thoughts, for allowing me to share my stories with you, and for being generous and respectful with the comments you leave. Thank you also to those who send me sweet messages thanking me for the encouragement they receive by just reading my posts. Special thanks to those who trust me enough to share their stories with me and even ask for my advice. I'm also in the stage of figuring out life so knowing you trust me enough to ask for my opinion is an honor. And to finally make it official, here are the things required to receive the Liebster Award: 1. Thank the person who nominated you, and post a link to their blog on your blog. My favorite online snooper Gigi The Snooper, thanks so much for considering me worthy of the Liebster award. I love snooping around your page. You post interesting facts I don't usually see on the web. I especially love the gory, creepy, crazy story of the countess who bathes in and drinks blood. Haha. Keep snooping around! 2. Display the award on your blog. Google images 3. Answer 11 questions about yourself, which will be provided to you by the person who nominated you. Why did you start blogging? Has it turned out to be what you expected? I started my blog for 2 reasons: (1) I think more and talk less. My thoughts are overflowing I have to write some down. (2) And I use it as a portfolio for online jobs. It turned out to be more than I expected. When I started receiving emails and comments about how much people appreciate what I write, and how it affected them or made them feel better, I realized that blogging is not just for my entertainment and profit anymore. It became my purpose. Now I write with the goal of informing, entertaining and inspiring others. Before I write, I consider those who will be reading; will it help them, enlighten them, make them feel good about themselves, or provoke their thoughts? Is this what God wants to tell them? I've got readers who are non believers and I also try to consider their views whenever I write. What's one piece of advice you'd give your younger self? Oh, I have a looot. I wrote them on 21 Things I Wish I Knew When I Was Younger and Unsolicited Advice To The Struggling 20-Something. If I must pick one, it's to believe in myself and ignore the critics. If you could live one day over again, what day would it be? I couldn't choose a day, but if I were to choose a phase, it would be when my brother was just a toddler. I especially miss those times when I have to bathe him myself, when we share stories over Koko Krunch, when he would ask me to read him bedtime stories, when he would sit on my lap and we would watch his favorite cartoons together. What is the story behind your blog name? I'm planning to change my blog name soon. I created it when I was at a rather vulnerable stage so it sounds cheesy. Now that I'm back to my normal happy self, I'm thinking of a better name, something more specific. If you could only eat one type of food for the rest of your life, what would it be? Fruits! I love Philippine mango so much I can eat it everyday. What’s your greatest fear? I fear for the safety of my loved ones. When was the last time you had a good belly laugh? Just a while ago. ;) What’s your favorite quote? All things work together for good to them who love the Lord.---Romans 8:28 What has been your biggest challenge? Taking the high road and being the better person. Some people are born to test your patience. If you were going to live on a deserted island, what three things could you not live without? Things: Clean water, books, comforter. If you could learn to do anything, what would it be? To forgive quickly like Jesus. 4. Provide 11 random facts about yourself. I'm an introvert. I believe I'm Italian in my past life judging by my liking for Italian food especially pizza and pasta. I'm a frustrated globe trotter. I tsunduko like all other bibliophiles. More than just a fan, I love Zac Efron. I'm a Potterhead and forever will be. I love organic products. I want to try scuba diving but I'm scared of the open water. I'm a perpetual dreamer. I'm a sucker for chick flicks. Pet peeves: People who can dish it out but can't take it. 5. Nominate 5 blogs that you feel deserve the award, who have less than 1000 followers: The Beautiful Eagle Welcome To My Life Somewhere-In-Between Life Out Loud Chelsea Write 6. Create a new list of questions for the blogger to answer. What drives you? What's your mantra? What is your belief or principle? What do you value the most in your life? Which TV series are/were you addicted with? The song that sums up your life. What's your greatest regret? Your favorite movie of all time. Your best childhood memory. Your dream vacation destination. If you can change one thing in the world, what will it be? 7. Rules to follow to officially accept the Liebster Award. Thank the person who nominated you, and post a link to their blog on your blog. Display the award on your blog — by including it in your post and/or displaying it using a “widget” or a “gadget”. Answer 11 questions about yourself, which will be provided to you by the person who nominated you. Provide 11 random facts about yourself. Nominate 5 – 11 blogs that you feel deserve the award, who have a less than 1000 followers. (Note that you can always ask the blog owner this since not all blogs display a widget that lets the readers know this information!) Create a new list of questions for the blogger to answer. There you go. Now, I'm a Liebster Award recipient. 2014 has been an enjoyable year, full of surpirses. This is one of them. My heart is bursting with gratitude. See also: Liebster Award Recipient---Again! Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
