After the Storm

Many years ago, I was disgusted and feeling distress when my sister disclosed to me that she was raped with someone else when she was just a child. I don't know what is the exact age of her when it was happened. The guilty person who did the crime was my grandparents' helper in their farm. We don't have any idea where he is now because I don't have a bit of information of his whereabouts even before. I was the only one who knew what had happened to my sister. I can see from her eyes the pain and sadness that she had. The sad thing part of it was it took so many years before she courageously confided it with me. But still, I'm very thankful and relieved because she trusted me. At least, I now fully understand her talks and actions when we were still young and growing up. 

I know how it's been so hard for her to cope with the situation. Depression is the worst feeling in this world that overshadowed her that's why she once tried to commit suicide by taking sleeping pills. I have witnessed how she'd done it and I burst into tears because I felt the excruciating pain, hopelessness, self-pitiness and downfall she'd feeling. Unintentionally, I found a handwritten letter she kept in her personal thing. It was a letter narrating what she'd been through. A letter where she put all her emotions about failures, anguish, fears and envy about something in her life.


I still vividly remember when I'd advised her many years ago to tell everything about it to a man she chooses to be with forever before they will decide to get married. And I know she keep it that words in her heart and mind. I was pleased and grateful when after many years of coping with the situation she'd finally found the man who accepted her for who and what she is. Now, my sister is happily married. The wedding took place at the province last year. And at this moment we are thankfully and gladly waiting for the very first grandchild in our family. Yes, she's pregnant now.  She'll be giving birth on her first bundle of joy this coming June. God is really good. And I thank God for all the love and graces He poured.

Happy Birthday Sir & Joi

Today is the birthday of my immediate boss and co-officemate here in our department. Certainly, it would be a busy day for us here. Our boss will be having a birthday celebration this lunchtime at the conference room. Our boss ordered many foods to be served for employees who will attend the celebration. We will be preparing all the things needed for the birthday celebration. 

To my boss: A very Happy Birthday to a great mentor and a wonderful person. Wishing you success and happiness always!

To Joi: Sending birthday blessings, filled with love and peace and joy. Wishing sweetest things happen, right before your eyes today that is your birthday! Happy Birthday!!!

A Reflection of Faith

During my childhood days, I once felt I was lost. I was searching for a place that I could say I am loved for what I am. I am so blessed when I stayed with Lola Cion, my grandfather's first cousin, because of her I was taught how to keep my faith with God to be stronger each day. I saw how would she fervently kneel and pray everyday. She opted to be single that's why she's living alone in her house. My mother agreed with her that I would sleep with her at night. I enjoyed my nights staying with her. I've learned how to pray the rosary earnestly. I am so pleased to witness how she really cared for her entire family by praying all of them individually and asking God to protect and guide them. I was so amazed how she loved and cared for them all. 

Life is full of struggles and circumstances. Sometimes, I can hardly feel the presence of love of God. I can't understand why God allowed some bad things happened in my childhood life. Why He didn't protect me when I was molested as a child? Until now, the only profound answer I have in mind is: I don't know. I really don't. But God knows. And that's enough. I believe everything happens for a reason. As Bo Sanchez says, "God won't protect you from all pain. But He will allow the pain that can turn into a great blessing." The Bible says, All things work for good to those who love God.

Despite all hardships and pain I have endured, I'm still strong. And that's because of God's grace and protection. Inspirational and motivational books have a great impact in my life. I picked up all the words of wisdom I found on it and keep it as my armor in struggling life's journey. God's Word and faith in Him are the two powerful tools of mine in surmounting the mountain of life I've been through. But it isn't easy. There are times I see myself being knocked down. But God is good. God put His arms around me and lifted me up.

Daily Cup of Wisdom

~April 11~

"Investing in the family's future is deciding to chase kites on spring days, to chase balls on playgrounds, and to chase laughter rising from a baby's lips like bubbles on the wind rather than to chase dust bunnies beneath beds."

~April 12~

"Laughter, like a gentle spring shower, replenishes the dusty earth."

~April 13~

"To venture beyond routine, invites the possibility of joy that is found best in daring to change."

~April 14~

"Until you take a close look, all daffodils look the same."

~April 15~

"The difference between the truth and tale is the difference between the photographs in the seed catalogue and what comes up in the garden."

~April 16~

"The seasons of planting, watering, and harvesting begin with a foot on the shovel."

~April 17~

"Absorb beauty into your mind and heart as deeply as breathing in spring breezes. Like air, beauty is alive in you now and will come again in memory."

A Promise

Dear Catherine,

One day, you'll see the various events of your life - even the most painful ones - with new eyes. They will be like jigsaw pieces that now all fit together.  The most difficult moments of your life are the lovely shadows that now make the painting of your life utterly magnificent. Catherine, I will turn your mourning into joy, your sorrow into dancing. That's a promise.

Promise Keeper,

God.

PS. Sometimes, your don't understand, Catherine. That's okay. I don't call you to understand. I call you to trust Me.


Such a very beautiful and wonderful message from Him! I feel more hopeful while waiting for the very beautiful life God has in store for me. Reflecting on the past makes me grateful because I realized how God magnificently molded me to become a better person He wanted me to be. I would only say that God's grace is more than what we have ever imagined. I was overwhelmed how the blessings poured on me more than what I have asked for. Sometimes, I don't understand His ways, but I should trust Him. God knows the best.

Daily Cup of Wisdom

"Laughter around a family dining table is like sunshine in a home."

~April 06~

"Joy, like the dandelion, crops up when least expected and often where not sought."

~April 07~

"Find contentment by enjoying the present season rather than frolicking in dreams of the next."

~April 08~

"Life, like a river on its way to the sea, is fed and joined by small streams of love and kindness so that it grows fuller and stronger on the way."

~April 09~

"Steadfast friendship gently embraces like forever-green ivy climbing a porch."

~April 10~

Got My Flu Shot

I got my flu shot for the second time yesterday. I had my first vaccine last June 2010. Thanks to Department of Health for giving free vaccination and of course, to Nursing Service Department who made it possible here in the workplace. All employees were informed about the said free vaccination. 

After several hours, my arm felt numb from getting the vaccine shot. I felt pain whenever I tried to move up my left arm. They said that it's pretty normal to feel numbness. Last night, I'm not feeling well. But still I managed to come to work today. But later this afternoon, I'm not feeling well again. I feel weak and have symptoms of common fever. I don't want to take any medication. 

I only hope that the pain on my left arm and the flu-like symptoms will disappear soon. 

Daily Cup of Wisdom

-April 01

"Share love without restrain, the way the honeycomb offers its sweetness and the breeze its fragrance."

-April 02

"Encouragement from a friend after trouble is as welcome as sunshine after a storm."

-April 03

"Flowers, emerging from their dusty winter sleep, translate nature's love notes as they speak of promise to our doubts and hope to our worry."

-April 04

"Constant self-reproach is like watching a sapling every hour to measure its growth. With both, time is better spent feeding, watering, and admiring."

-April 05

"Words of love are not like messages made in sidewalk chalk to be washed away by. More indelible, they are written by kindness on the chambers of the heart."

Goldilocks Ube Macapuno Roll

Ube Macapuno Roll

I love ube! It's my favorite flavored cake. Ube flavored sponge cake filled with vanilla butter icing.The whole cake is iced with Ube butter icing . The surface is decorated with rich macapuno strings topped with rosettes and violet chocolate toppers. The whole  cake is sprinkled with colored vermicelli.

My entry to:

HAPPY FOOD TRIP FRIDAY!