My Blog

It’s been a while since I went through my blog and I saw that some of you have posted comments in the past couple of months.  Thank you for taking the time to read them.  I hope I have inspired you even just for a lil’ bit.  A lot of you have been asking, “How’s life in Japan?  Have u found a job yet?  Are you bored?”  Haha!!!  Let’s take up your questions one by one.

My life in Japan is full of love, happiness, challenges and learnings.  As you know, Chad and I are just starting our marriage.  Being away from everybody makes us stick to each other even more.  We balance his work with a lot of family time and touring.  We go to church regularly.  We go to the gym at least four times a week (although it does not show in my figure - haha!).  Being with Chad has made me explore new things.  Like I now ride roller coasters!  I would never have dared as a single person.  But Chad would coax me each time we go to a funland, “Please honey, it’s not scary, let’s try it.”  I now enjoy taking long walks in the park.  We even tried feeding the crows!  It was fun!  Our diet is highly vegetarian (because Chad is).  We never run out of fruit and salads!

I still have not found employment.  It’s tough here because there is not much opportunity for Nursing.  And if there is any, the Navy Base gives priority to US citizens.  Well, I have already processed my US Citizenship.  It is expedited because I am married to a military officer assigned overseas.  It will just take four to six months.  These days, I keep myself busy with housewife duties.  I am learning how to cook, I keep our house tidy, I take care of all of Chad’s “business.”  On the side, I do a little online shopping and hanging out with my new friends (Filipino, Japanese & American). 

I will start Nurse volunteer work in a couple weeks.  I’m just waiting for the Background check to be done.  The military is very thorough with this.  I guess we all know why.  I am also looking into taking Masters in Management on base. 

Life is looking pretty good for me.  God has provided everthything that I needed.  Matt is enjoying school and sports.  We always have quality and quantity family time.  I cannot ask for more.  If you check my first few blogs, these were just my wishes.  Now, my wishes have become my reality.  God is truly alive and He takes care of His children!  AWESOME!!!

My dreams have always been simple: To have a complete family and to be able to afford a good education and certain pleasures like travel and explorations.  I must say, I have reached portions of that dream already.  Although life is a continuous quest to improve and be better, I can honestly say I am content with what I have.

Being married to the man that God has given me is priceless.  Each day, I look at him and see his kind and gentle spirit, and I wonder, "How can I get so lucky??!!"  God’s favor?!  Well, I believe so!!!  There is no explanation for this blessing, but GRACE. 

Don’t get me wrong though.  We have our share of adjustments.  We fight, we argue, just like any other couple.  But each time we resolve conflict, our commitment grows.

Now, we are about to face our next challenge/ adventure.  We are moving to Japan in July, as my husband will be stationed in one of the US Bases there.  I have mixed emotions about this:  I will miss my family here in the US, but I will be closer to the Philippines, where my larger network is.  I will stop being a nurse in the US, and I will have to find some other job there.  I will be a complete housewife until we get settled in our new home - something I have never done before. 

Some people think I will get bored, because they think I am used to the fast pace.  But one thing most people, don’t know is that, I can’t stand being idle.  I will always find something to do.  Perhaps this is a time I can rekindle my love for music and crafts, or try a new interest/ hobby.  There will always be something!

It all boils down to attitude.  I don’t focus on the NEGATIVE.  I always, always dwell on the GOOD, on God’s PURPOSE.  There is a solid explanation why He is bringing me back to Asia.  And I can’t wait to see what it is! 

Life is getting more exciting for me and my family!  I look forward to God’s surprises!  And i look forward to visiting the Philippines soon…

These days, whenever people ask me, "How are you?" I find myself saying, "Pretty good!" 

I finally met the one God has intended for me…I’ve been searching all my life for this person, and when I saw him, I just knew he was the one.  He had the three qualities I’ve been praying for: He must love God, love me and accept my son. 

And there’s more!!!  He is the kindest person I know, who does not speak ill of anyone.  He is so humble and he doesn’t brag about his achievements and status in life. 

It’s funny cause I am more assertive than he is, I feel like I’m the doctor and he’s the nurse! Haha!! Once I was driving and he really saw how aggressive I was, he said, "Honey, I see you running my dental career in the future!"  Haha! We laughed so loud cause he observed I was so in control of myself.  Good thing, he is not intimidated by my strong personality.  He even looks at it as an asset!  Isn’t it amazing how God brings two people together?!! He really knows what’s right for us.

I’ve never had a relationship built on the Lord.  It was always what I wanted.  I was too afraid to consult my Master, because deep down inside I felt that something was not right.  And God, in His mercy, took all the bad elements away.  I learned. And I am thankful for this blessing!

I am excited as I approach a new chapter in my life.  Gone are the days of trial & error in finding your mate.  It’s now the beginning of the good stuff!  Love, trust, loyalty, commitment, perseverance, passion and mystery… There will be trials for sure, but with God on our side, we will make it.

One great lesson I’ve learned in all of this is that, IT PAYS TO WAIT.  The bible tells us to trust the Lord with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding..for God has a plan for our lives…

"For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."  Jeremiah 29:11

I stand by this promise…To God be the glory!

Too many billion people
Running around the planet
What is the chance in heaven
That you’d find your way to me
Tell me what is this sweet sensation
It’s a miracle that’s happened
Though I searched for an explanation
Only one thing it could be

That I was born for you
It was written in the stars
Yes I was born for you
And the choice was never ours

It’s as if the powers of the universe
Conspired to make you mine
And till the day I die
I blessed the day that I was born for you

Too many foolish people
Trying to come between us
None of them seems to matter
When I look into your eyes

Now I know why I belong here
In your arms I found the answer
Somehow nothing would seem so wrong here
If they’d only realize

That I was born for you
And that you were born for me
And in this random world
This was clearly meant to be

What we have the world
Could never understand
Or ever take away
And till the day I die
I blessed the day that I was born for you

What we have the world
Could never understand
Or ever take away
And as the years go by
Until the day I die
I blessed the day that I was born for you

It’s always been a mystery to me
How two hearts can come together
And love can last forever
But now that I have found you, I believe
That a miracle has come
When God sends the perfect one

Now gone are all my questions about why
And I’ve never been so sure of anything in my life

chorus:
I wonder what God was thinking
When He created you
I wonder if He knew everything I would need
Because He made all my dreams come true
When God made you
He must have been thinking about me

I promise that wherever you may go
Wherever life may lead you
With all my heart I’ll be there too
From this moment on I want you to know
I’ll let nothing come between us
I’ll love what ever you love

chorus:

He made the sun He made the moon
to harmonise in perfect tune
One can’t move without the other
They just have to be together
And that is why I know it’s true
You’re for me and I’m for you
Cause my world just can’t be right
Without you in my life

I wonder what God was thinking
When He created you
I wonder if He knew everything I would need
Because He made all my dreams come true
He must have heard every prayer I’ve been praying
Yes, He knew everything I would need
When God made you
When dreams come true
When God made you
He must have been thinking about me

I was driving from work earlier and the song, My Humps was playing in my car..I found myself laughing just thinking of Willie’s dance in our 2005 SM christmas party..then i started reminiscing my happy times in SM..boy i had great memories there..

I can’t recall a day that I did not feel like working..It was just natural for me to be in the store…spending long hours, attending to sales concerns, people problems and head office demands..the best part of my work was relating to people, developing them, molding them to be good workers and leaders..

I know that  a lot of them have taken different paths  now..and it would be hard to gather everybody in one place when i come to visit..but i will forever hold them close to my heart..for they were so supportive of me..they gave me respect and love not only because i’m their boss but because they believed in me. To them, I’m a strong woman..Little did they know, that i needed them to be strong..that without them, i would not succeed…

I really miss all of you! But life goes on..And even if we are continents apart, i am thankful that at one point in my life, I was able to touch your lives and u have left a mark in mine…

Bless The Broken Road

I set out on a narrow way many years ago
Hoping I would find true love along the broken road
But I got lost a time or two
Wiped my brow and kept pushing through
I couldn’t see how every sign pointed straight to you

Every long lost dream lead me to where you are
Others who broke my heart they were like northern stars
Pointing me on my way into your loving arms
This much I know is true
That God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to you

I think about the years I spent just passing through
I’d like to have the time I lost and give it back to you
But you just smile and take my hand
You’ve been there you understand
It’s all part of a grander plan that is coming true

Every long lost dream lead me to where you are
Others who broke my heart they were like northern stars
Pointing me on my way into your loving arms
This much I know is true
That God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to you

They say, you will have ONE GREAT LOVE in your life, and that’s it!!!  So if you think you’ve had it and lost it, does that mean u will never find it again???

I don’t wanna think so…I believe that each individual has that one special person ordained by God for eternity. And we all deserve to be happy.  But then human as we are, we like to go round in circles searching..Some go for the dating game, some have several flings.. On the other hand, some go serious with the wrong guy/girl and end up missing the ride that led to the RIGHT ONE..

So how can u tell if that person is the ONE???  How would i know???  I’m not exactly an expert at this subject matter..  All I know is, you have to at least be physically attracted with each other - that’s a good start!  Then u get along really well - intellectually and emotionally.. Then maybe, just maybe, you fall in love…But this is still too broad!  In your lifetime, you will encounter a lot of these..But what makes this person above everybody else???!!! 

"THEY SAY, WHEN IT COMES, YOU WILL KNOW..IT’S A RISK YOU JUST HAVE TO TAKE..THEN YOU WORK AT MAKING THE RELATIONSHIP BETTER."

A friend of mine told me i’m so picky with guys…I don’t think so..I just don’t want to make a major mistake again..The heart is a muscle ..and if you keep on stretching it, maximizing its use, it will lose its elasticity..I don’t want to see the day when I’m too hardened, I can’t even understand the meaning of love anymore.

So I just take each day as it comes..I know deep down inside what i pray for..and if it’s God’s will, He will give it to me..in His perfect time…

I’ve been wanting to write since last week.  Unfortunately, I did not have the time..I’ve been working straight for seven days now, and i will have my free time on the 11th day yet.  I am not complaining actually.  I love my job and i am grateful for the learnings i get each day.  Although I have to admit there are days when i feel like walking out because of the stress..

At one point, I raised my voice on a patient and got called to the Office of the Manager.  I thought she was going to scold me.  Instead, she processed my feelings and concerns. I cried so hard coz I felt like a failure..then she gave me sound advice.  It felt really good! 

It was then that I saw, the wheels have turned!!!! I am now at the receiving end.. I used to be the one giving counsel to people..and its only now i realize how it made my people feel..i made them feel good about themselves..no wonder, they still communicate with me..i planted a seed in them and they wanted to be better, coz someone believed in them.

This leads me to the million dollar question!  Do i see myself in that position again.  Honestly??? YES if i wanted to..it will just take a few years of Nursing experience…But is this what i want?

Given a choice, i just want to relax, be free of the responsibility..But then the signs are everywhere, as early as now..In the two facilities I work in, two senior nurses who don’t know me from Adam think that i have potential to be a Manager/Supervisor..I dont know what they see in me..all i know is I try to do my best in everything..some even say im too hard on myself.  But what can i do?  I was created this way…

The thought of being THE BOSS again scares me a lot..What if i will be intimidating again?  What if people will think im "overqualified" to be their friend again???? (people, pls read between the lines..i don’t need to spell it out).

It’s all up to God now..Anyway, this is still a long shot..A lot of things can happen in between..God knows what I want, and He will give it to me in right time..I offer it all to HIM..I don’t need to worry anymore, coz I know He is in control…

As the song goes, "God is too wise to be mistaken, God is too good to be unkind..So when we don’t understand, when we don’t see HIS plan, when we can’t trace HIS hand, TRUST HIS HEART…"

As I read my latest blog entitled, "God’s Favor," I saw that I missed the point of that phrase.  I focused on myself rather on the ONE who truly deserves to be glorified.  Whatever good that has come my way was sent from above..and whatever blessing given was not because of what I am, but because of who HE is.  He is my Father, my Friend, my Saviour..

Isn’t it amazing that inspite of all our iniquities, our God Almighty is mindful of us?  He cares for us, and He never lets go…

Many times in the past, I chose to go my way..And in the process, I fell, and the consequences were harsh.  But then, each time I came to Him, i never felt abandoned.  He was always there…I believe that’s the reason why I manage to smile everyday..and I am thankful everyday..and I try to be better than yesterday..

I am not the only one favored by the Lord..We all have that grace..and all we need to do is accept it..welcome His love..But some of us are afraid..We think that God is boring! HE IS FAR FROM BORING.  Challenging?  DEFINITELY!  He won’t stop till you get the message: THAT HE IS LORD AND THAT HE LOVES US…And He is ready to forgive whenever we ask..

I am no saint, and I am far from holy..but one thing i am sure of, God is good! And God is Love..I’ve proven this in my life…Believe it, and you’ll see..