Through it all, God is at Work!

 Every couple envisions to build a dream house. Ours is founded in the name of faith - faith to the Faithful Provider, the God whom we are serving - Jesus Christ.

The road to building a house that we can call, " a home" and where we can serve God through the ministry we call, "Ministry of Hospitality" is far from being stress-free.  For the last nine years, we have invested most of our resources to this project which is still a work-in-progress. And by God's grace, it continually progresses, despite the challenges, seasons and circumstances.

This year is another breakthrough for me and Sim in this area. Despite the pandemic situation, we're still able to resume with the construction. We really take delight to welcome two floors as addition to the current structure. With much pleasure and excitement, we lovingly made way for an Upper Room (that we call a Prayer Room) and a fellowship area. Praise God that everyone who comes to the house is especially blessed with the Upper Room.

Also, another space that elated my heart is the Master Bedroom. I am so thankful beyond words. The Lord is so good! He is truly Sovereign!

Yes, NOTHING is impossible with God if we truly believe in His power to transform things. To God be the glory!

25th Spiritual Birthday

September 12, 1996 - the day when I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Savior and Lord. Twenty-five (25) years later and almost twenty-five pounds heavier, I am still grateful and blessed beyond measure for that life-changing decision I have made as a teener (and thinner).

Thank you, Lord, for allowing me to experience the fullness of Your love and the fullness of life and for enabling me to understand more and more that a Christian should be CONSISTENT (in my public and private life) and INTENTIONAL.Thank you for the opportunity to encounter You every day. You are the substance of my existence. I have come to understand that this life is NOT about me but it's all about You. My greatest desire is to do Your will for my life and to bring my family closer and closer to You.Thank you dear servants of God: Alma Villacarlos - Philippine Navigators, Joel Bioco Garcia - Alliance Church of Makati and Stephen Gomez - Baguio Christian Center. And lastly, thank you my dearest husband (Sim), for partnering and journeying with me in the Lord's Ministry (family, Bible Studies, Young Couples).To God be the glory!

(Jeremiah 29:11; Hebrews 12:1-2)

15th Year at CJH DevCo

Fifteen years and still counting...because the Lord is faithful and gracious.

Fifteen years ago, this is how I got introduced within the John Hay group, "this is Shem, asawa ni Sim na taga Golf Club". Fast forward to 2021, same introduction (haha).

As I reflect today, I am all the more blessed and grateful to the Lord for orchestrating an inspiring story about my employment ( apart from being known as Sim's wife, haha).

 In 2006 (3 months after I became Mrs. Langbayan), I started to work at CJH DevCo as an Accountant. And in 2018, I had my 3rd promotion (my current position) as Assistant Vice President for Finance and Administration.

 But what happened in between the 1st and the 15th year is another memorable story. The events are testimonies of how great the Lord is. He is the One who truly works things out.

While working full-time at CJH DevCo, a lot of things transpired in the last 15 years and God gave me the opportunity to experience and work on things that I am passionate about, I also experienced God's healing grace and much more of His grace and love : I have become a homemaker (certified) haha; focused on my kitchen experiments; blogger; occasional speaker, emcee and event organizer; earned my Masters and Ph.D.; become a part-time Grad School teacher and a panelist; kimchi maker; farmer and plantita; went through a major surgery; learned that investing in travel is a form of education; developed a penchant for K& C-drama, haha; foster mom; guardian; 3-time witness in the Arbitration Court; built meaningful relationships; realized that learning is indeed a continuous process; learned the beauty of rising above my struggles and getting on my feet after every fall; and as a Ministry worker and a discipler.

 I also thank God for the life of my former and current immediate superiors at CJH DevCo: Ms. JRJ, Ms. ERF, and Sir SB. (Also to my previous bosses from other companies who taught me about the value of hard work: Ms. HSD - Allegro., Ms. EJDA - Allegro & TEI, Ms. MCSB - TEI, Dean Dr. MAJ - PU).

Successes and victories did not come overnight. By God's grace, I have overcome tears and heartbreaks but what amazes me more is the truth that it's God's hands that carried me through and made me the person I am today.

 God has called me to be His Ambassador in the workplace. Joyful EMPLOYEE here. The workplace has its own flaws but I continually hold on to God's promise that He will sustain me...

Thank you, my Sim (my model employee), family, Ptr. Joel, Ate Alms, Ptr. Stephen and churchmates, friends and people who always keep me in their prayers.

I am deeply humbled. Thank you for your grace, Lord.Thank you so much, Lord. All glory and honor belongs to our God!

Simakov and Shemakova

 "Should Christians get vaccinated in order to fight Covid - 19 virus?". The answer to this question is highly debatable among Christian communities. Based on our personal conviction, we opted to have our first dose of vaccine in June. But, it took us 85 days until we finally had our second dose in September.

Getting vaccinated is actually not something to be proud about that we are in control of our own health. We acknowledge that God is the source of ultimate protection and this vaccine is just one of the instruments of His protection. 

An Advocate of Total Wellness

 I always believe in over-all health and I call it "total wellness". For me, it's very important to be healthy inside and out. And yes, God takes the center stage. I wake up to a brand new day with a thankful heart and start it with a devotion and prayer with my Mom and two sisters. It's not like we're living under one roof, but still, thank God, the upgraded means of communication paved the way for this. Am here in the mountains and my younger sister is in the South and my Mom and my eldest sister are two hours away from me. Come to think of it, we're from three different regions! God is so amazing! I wrap the day with a prayer and devotion together with my husband. I have my "me time" with the Lord in between these hours. 

Needless to say, I'm a passionate homemaker, a full-time office employee, and sometimes a part-time teacher at the Graduate School. I also work in the Lord's Ministry at our local church. I have such a busy schedule but I praise God for allowing me to understand the things that truly matter in this life. I need to set my priorities right. I will continue to persevere in order to live a balanced life.

With regards to my physical health, I always fight to do these things on a daily basis:

1. Drink 8 glasses of water (my one glass starts the moment I wake up)

2. Sleep for at least 7 hours 

3. Exercise for at least 15 minutes (usually the 1-mile walking exercise)

I am not fond of dining out for the sake of survival because I truly enjoy my very own home-cooked meals (I dine out to explore or have fellowships). Yes, I love to do kitchen experiments! I always make sure to incorporate organic leafy greens to our diet for good digestion. I eat processed and canned foods in moderation. By the way, you can't find big chunks of meat in my refrigerator! 

When I'm stressed out, I would automatically go to the grocery store! I think this is pretty practical than shopping for clothes, shoes and bags and worrying about your credit card dues later (hahaha).

When I want to reflect or need encouragement, I will read a good Christian book, listen to online sermons especially that of Ptr. Peter Tan-Chi and listen to my favorite Christian songs.

For fun and relaxation, I usually watch Chinese dramas or local dramas featuring real-life stories. 

I am not really into social media but I maximize the use of my FB messenger to connect with families and friends. 

I praise and thank God for giving me 24 hours a day to do His purpose for my life and to live it to the fullest!

My Kitchen Experiments

The kitchen is one of the best places to hang around and keep one's sanity. One of the effective outlets to combat stress is to keep those cooking genes at work. Cooking is a form of therapy.

Thank you, Lord, for the strength and the abundant provision!

Spicy Kangkong with Peanuts and Anchovies 

Mixed Seafood in Tomato-Butter Sauce

Baked Macaroni

Pinaputok na Bangus

Pinaputok na Bangus

Pork Chowfan 

Squash Pancit Guisado

Ginataang Hipon

Squash and Churos Omelette

Sausage and Spinach Pasta

Baked Talong and Cherry Tomato

Curry Laksa

Bibimbap

Bibimbap

Baked Potato with Parmesan Cheese

Green Bean Casserole

Baked Salmon

Tuna Casserole

Cheesy Tuna Casserole

Shabu-shabu

Creamy Buttered Veggies with Ham

Baked Cream Dory

Crystal Anniversary

 To God be the glory! Yes, 15th and beyond. God is the powerful hand that keeps our marriage safe and sound. He's been there since day one, and still there as we walk one day at a time on our road to forever.

Thank You, Lord, for this union that keeps going even in the most challenging of times. We will continue to hold hands as we love You and serve You and love our fellow men. 

Here we are, Lord, use us for Thy glory!

Meet the New Plantita

At first, little did I know what a "plantita" really means. Maybe, a plantita loves to tinker on plants and loves to stay in the garden. For over a year, I just let my husband Sim do all the planting works and sometimes I would get irritated every time I call on him and he's nowhere to be found. And then after a while, he will pop out from our little balcony that teems with seedlings and plants. 

A month ago and in an unexpected time, I started to declare that I, too, have joined the bandwagon of plantitas in this country. Oh my, the feeling is simply indescribable! I couldn't wait another day just to catch a glimpse of my plants!

Fellowships at Home

Hebrews 10:24-25

24 "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

Fellowships in our house continue even with such a limited number of guests. Perseverance continually encourages us to keep  on meeting with people despite the number. Still, face to face interactions create wonders!