The unplanned trip to Tublay, Benguet after a usual Sunday church service was completely out of our routine but we still pushed through with the trip. And, I don't have regrets because it's truly a memorable joy ride with my husband. We just enjoyed a milk tea along the road and had our lunch at Marosan's, Cruz, La Trinidad. We missed the "Marosan's Rice".
And yes, it's great to see the "Giant Takore" up close.
Baguio City never runs out of a tourist attraction to showcase. After our application for a National ID at the JVOFI office, we looked for some place to explore and this place came to mind.
If not for the entrance fee, I would say it is a complete date with nature (haha!). I am excited to bring my friends and family here especially when it's time to gaze at a beautiful sunset sky.
Lola F's life may not be that ideal to some but I have always thanked God for her life - 93 years is indeed a milestone! What amazes me more is that she has barely taken any maintenance medicines or vitamins during her lifetime - the kind of genes that I and my immediate family are praying for, along with: long, healthy, and prosperous life.
We have not gathered as a family (Simeon side) for the longest time due to the complexity of family relationships. But as the adage goes, "blood is thicker than water". Praise the Lord for allowing us to celebrate Lola F's life as one big, happy family during her "40 days". I am one of those who facilitated the event and Sim was the one who shared God's Word and gathered the siblings (including our Mom) and prayed for them and declared the Lord's blessings.
To God be the glory!
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!
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).
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).
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.
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.
Thank you, my Sim (my model employee), biological and church families, 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!
"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 of 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.
