sencillez de la vida

source: JD's cam

I've been to many places, but Dingalan gave me so many memories to be remembered. It reminds me on how God shows His greatness for the gift of mountains, the clear water, the hospitable Filipinos and the gift of humility. The simplicity of the people there made me realize that we can survive without the latest technologies in the world. With that, we can spend more time for our families, more bonding moments, more communication and stories to tell. What is so amazing here is about the driftwoods. Try to discover different places especially here in the Philippines. 

I bought this necklace somewhere in Manila :)
*symbol of hope*

Butterfly - Traditionally the butterfly represents freedom, transformation and recovery. Also, one of the more common symptoms of Lupus is called a butterfly rash. It is a red rash across the nose and cheeks that resembles a butterfly. That is why the butterfly has become the symbol of hope for Lupus patients.

Source:http://cure4lupus.org/store/index.php?main_page=page&id=153&chapter=2

Volunteerism

If time will allow me, I would love to volunteer in this place. Right now, I can feel weakness. 

Lord, please give me strength and persistence in everything I do. I love you po.

other side of happiness :)

Java Chip and Belgian Waffle for lunch

I can live without drinking soft drinks but can't resist any coffee especially my all time favorite Java chip from Starbucks. :) 

pineapple for breakfast :)

Three years of taking Prednisone gave me so much weight, so I decided to control myself in other things like eating too much. I can't stop medicines because they are considered my life support. Many are asking me now what is my secret in losing weight. First, I enrolled myself in Aerobics. Second, I modified my diet. Third, I keep myself active by helping in household chores. And the most important of all, remind yourself that you're beautiful no matter what. In the end, it is not the physical appearance that counts.

I Call It FAITH

original picture from annekath; edited by me

Last January 2, 2012, the original pictures of Virgen delos Remedios and Sto. Cristo del Perdon arrived here in our town. It was a great blessing to us.  The Church celebrates Mass every 4am, 12noon and 6pm. Anointing of the Sick is done after the mass. On the 4th day of the month, 



I received the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick. At first, I’m not comfortable because everyone’s looking at me. I understand them because it is not really obvious that I have this chronic illness within me. 

I felt so blessed. I cried when our parish priest is in front of me. I began to experience strong emotions I never felt before. It feels like God gave me new strength, new hope and I really felt Him that time. 

Thank you Lord for being my friend, my counselor, my doctor and my everything. 

Last Post for 2011

I'm not the type of person who would spend money just to buy an expensive coffee. But someone told me that I should enjoy life, try new things and to spoil myself. So before another year ends, I bought myself a Starbucks planner. It means starting a new chapter in one's life.. a new beginning.. an opportunity to change what's wrong.. to ask forgiveness.. to forgive others.. to spread love and thank God. Hopefully, I can inspire more people and let them know what SLE is. Goodbye 2011. Good vibes 2012! :)

Heroine of Happiness

You can achieve HAPPINESS if you'll learn how to appreciate what you have. If you're looking for the right way on how to be happy - you just need to set your mind that you deserve to be happy. Refuse to entertain any negative thoughts in your life. Keep in mind that you are the director of your own life.

lalalalove.

There's so much LOVE in this world. 

All we need is to feel it. 

Everyone's Dream :)

Look what I've got. :) 

I promised to myself that someday I will be able to travel to different places. I should have a stress-free vacation and this should be exciting and fun. Wishing that time will allow me to do anything what I want. *crossed fingers*

Existing in Spite of Adversity

in TIME.

"We've got a day. 

There's so much you can do in a day." 

- In Time (2011)

Spend each day with love and forgiveness. Things may not happen the way we want it but the best way is to accept it. Do not overthink things for these may lead into problems. 

Registered Nurse

When I was a child, I usually say to myself and to the people around me that I want to become a teacher someday. It's funny to reminisce every moment of solitary play, talking with myself, holding a stick, and writing alphabets in the blackboard. But, who I am right now? I am a Registered Nurse and very proud of it. To spend my remaining days with the people in the community is one of the most fulfilling moments in my life. Unexplainable feeling. Love for work. Serving others. ♥

Lesson for this Day

"There are things that we cannot change and the decisions that others make is one of those. And in all honesty, a person cannot be in a healthy relationship unless they are ready and happy with themselves first. And there is no harm in that. Everyone is different. But as for others, it is EXTREMELY hard to just sit back and wait. And they do not have any obligation to do that. We are free to take care of ourselves and our needs. We can handle this and everything else that comes our way. EVERYTHING happens for a reason. And as such, problems too have happened for a reason and we will learn and grow from them."

and yes.. I'm learning from other people. Thank you for the wonderful advice. 

REFLECTIONS

Today, I asked God to give me an understanding heart and a matured mind. I feel so bad with many things right now and can’t find the reason behind it. I don’t know. I really don’t know. I don’t know what to do. I don’t have any idea what will be the right move, the right decision and right answers to my questions. So I spent 2 hours in the church a while ago.  I cried. I talked to God. Then He answered me. He reminded me of these quotations.

·   Never conclude. Never assume. Never expect.

Never ask questions to someone if you’ll just control the story without even knowing what really happened. Learn to listen to someone without doubting what he says. Learn how to trust. Learn how to forgive. Don’t be a paranoid person and never make your own problems. If that would be the case, you’re just punishing yourself.

·   Enough!

If you think you already gave your best, please remind yourself that you’ve given everything and it’s time for you to stop. Stop acting that you’re someone’s Mom or Dad. Let someone do what he/she wants to do. He/she has his/her own life and you do not have the right to own it. Learn how to grow up. Do not be a hindrance to someone’s growth.

·   Love and love until it hurts. Love and love until it hurts no more.  -Mother Teresa

It applies to everything. Love for self. Love for others. Love for bf/gf. Love for family. Love for work. Love for everything.

·   When you love, don’t expect anything in return from that person. Love unconditionally.

The quotation says it all. Just think that God gave His only Son to us. Jesus sacrificed Himself for the whole world and yet people chose to live as sinners. But in return, Jesus still shows His love to us. He loves us without conditions. He works in mysterious ways.

Problems do come in our lives. We just need to learn how to handle them.

REFLECT. PRAY. TALK TO GOD. 

It works. I received God’s comfort this day. Thank you Lord. I love you po!