Checked for 2010

One of my goals for 2010 is to finish a 10k marathon.
Last November 28, I was able to complete the kaRUNungan 10 k Marathon in Ortigas.
I thank God for this experience. It was fun to run alongside my friend and pacer, Ate Lu. Likewise, running together with
fellow running enthusiasts (Gin and Teacher Tina), proved to be very encouraging, as well.

Truly, nothing is too impossible when you set your heart into it.

Thank you Lord!

In God's hands

This was the last picture that I took a few months back.

Yes, I cried over it a few times. But hearing such comforting words from loved ones and just gaining encouragement from the Lord, I have learned that nothing is under my control.

The Lord gives and He takes away. There is always something good beneath all of this and beyond.

I am trying to see the bigger picture. Slowly, I am understanding it.

Lord, I am learning that my commitment to my future husband is what truly matters.

There will be greater losses in the future. More daunting than these. How do I react to these things when they come?

Everything is a bonus from you, Lord. I must admit that we get easily blown off by material things, by things that shine. Yet, they fade away too.

I might have gotten too focused on the planning, that I have forgotten what matters the most- that God controls everything. He is the ultimate planner.

Maybe this was a good pause. It was the perfect time to think through things, to reflect, and to see what truly is important in our relationship.

In everything, give thanks to God.

The biggest surprise of my life..:)

Mike: (hands a book entitled: P book, a personalized book) Open it and answer the questions.

Tanya: Huh? Why? Okay. This is cute. Aww..

Mike: Let's shake our glass (after seeing Tanya read the last page).

Tanya: (shakes her glass quietly).

Mike: Shake it more.

Tanya: (eyes lit up after hearing a "ting" sound inside the glass).

Mike: (takes the ring and places it on Tanya's left ring finger).

Tanya: Whattt?? (cries, cries, and cries)

Mike: (raises his placard) Will you marry me?

Tanya: Yes (with an overflow of tears)!

I said Yes...:)
And i'm still overwhelmed...:P

Hi:)

Hey,

See you this friday. :)

Missing you.

Favorite song:)

One of my favorite love songs...:)

Earth, Wind & Fire
The Right Time lyrics

I'll give you love, I'll open up
My heart to you, girl
Cause you're the one, I've waited for
Baby, all of my life... it's you baby

(I'm ready, I'm ready, baby, can't you see)
And this time, it's the right time, baby...for love
It's the right time, lady, to make you mine
And this time, it's the right time, baby
Oh, it's the right time, honey, to make you mine

I promise, girl, that I'll be there
Ain't goin no where, this time
Won't hesitate, cause love don't wait
For anyone, not anyone...no, baby

There comes a time in every man's life
He opens his eyes and then he realizes true love
Baby, this time I'll give my all to you
Cause it's the right time for love
Can't you see that

P.S. I was looking over the internet for an mp3 version of this song but after much research, I was only successful in finding a you tube link. :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVb6BVnUhGs

See you in a little while...;)

See you in a little while...:)

A cause to pause...

"Never pray for an easier life

pray to be a stronger person

Never pray for tasks equal to your power

pray for power equal to your tasks.

Then doing your work will be no miracle

You will be the miracle"

-Phillips B, Streams in The Desert

A milestone for 2010.

This was something that I never expected to happen in this lifetime.

It was always a dream to drive my own.

Thank you Lord for your provision and for your blessing.

May I bless others through this.

I'm excited for road trips to come.

missing my second home

When you ask me if I miss America, I would probably answer you with a No if you asked me a few months ago or probably last year.

Ask me now, and my answer would be a Yes.

Why the sudden shift?

I don't really know...

I was looking through my pictures of my L.A. adventure as a student and it makes me miss everyone there all the more.

I still can't believe that it's been a year since I last arrived here in Manila.

stay home

It was a restful Saturday night.

It's very rare that I get to stay home on the weekends.

But this week, I chose to.

I needed time to just rest, to relax, and to get some sleep.

It's been a long and challenging week.

Working as an research assistant for a dissertation defense

and adjusting to a new work- put them altogether in a week

and it leaves you floating from one day to another.

Amidst everything, I find joy in what I do.

My discipler reminded me yesterday afternoon that this is the season of your life that

you need to embrace. She said, you will miss this when you get married or when you get old. You wouldn't want to look back and tell yourself, "what if...what if..."

I always tell others that not everyone has the privilege to be in the field that she enjoys.

Not everyone.

So I count everything as a blessing.

Thank you Lord for you have placed me in an arena where I come alive, where I can smile and say, this is what I was born for.

:)

....

From dust you came and to dust you shall return...

Life is like a mist.

Till we see each other, Lola Vi.

how long, Lord?

One year?

Two years?

Three years?

How long, Lord.

I don't really know.

Your will, not mine.

You brought me to this place. You know what my heart desires.

Your know what I needed. You know what's best for me, at present, and for the years to come.

Thank you.

Feels like home to me.

One of the best advice I've received...

"Focus on the work but keep your heart pure."

I think this is the mind set when one joins the University.

Family is a blessing

one of those many mansions in Rhode Island, NY

I thank the Lord for another opportunity to spend a vacation with my family.

The last time I traveled to Hong Kong was 4 years ago. Even though my family would often go there these past years, I was always left behind since I was living in the U.S for quite some time. I have such fond memories of this city- good food, shopping and long walks. A perfect fit for what our family truly enjoys.

As I grow older each year, I look back and realize that in this life, apart from a personal relationship with the Lord, what truly matters to me is my family. I am grateful that the Lord continues to bless us, to sustain us and to keep us together amidst the changing times.

I am looking forward to a fun, fun, fun, three-day vacation. :)

P.S. Even though this is a vacation, I opted to bring some of my paperwork. Haha:)

Greater Things, Great Expectations

I know that preparation is the key to everything. I am hoping for two things to happen in the coming months.

First, to enjoy His will for me in the environment where He has placed me. Slowly, I am understanding His will for my life, not totally but slowly. There is this peace and joy when I think about this school year and what lies ahead of me.

Second, to train for the 10 k marathon. I've been running the 5k for almost 2 years now and I know that it's time to take the next level.

Challenges are good every now and then. It expands your horizon. It enriches yourself.

It enlarges your vision. It molds your character.

Thank you Lord for everything.

Of idealism...

I have planned my life to the last detail...

But the funny thing about

answered prayer is

they come to you in unexpected ways...

How can I plan on forever when I never planned you?

Isaiah 33: 6 "He shall be the stability of 'our' times" :)

To you, thanks for everything.

We only just begun.

I need this

The beach, we shall meet again in 3 days...:)

And He rested...

If God took time out in a day to rest, then it is just fitting that man should do likewise.

The past days have been challenging-both physically and mentally.

I had too many commitments-both at work and outside work, that I hardly had time to just pause and find rest.

Plus the fact that I had an upcoming board exam (LET), which really stressed me out. Why? I didn't have the time to study. I only had a day or two to go through the reviewer. I would at times wake up at 2 am to read through some of the reviewer and then rest for about an hour again before I head to work.

This was the first time that I took an exam wherein I wasn't prepared at all. I simply relied on my stock knowledge, the tips from friends, and most importantly, on God.

The aftermath of this all? I saw myself in the doctor's clinic the day after, seeking advise as to how to deal with the terrible stiff neck. Doctor's advice: Medications and therapy.

This was the most excruciating pain I have experienced in my entire life. I can't even have the words to explain the kind of numbness that I felt. I literally cannot move my head. I can only look straight. Talking, walking and doing the normal routines took a lot of effort. I felt helpless. I was fidgety at first. How can I rest when I have tons of paperwork to attend to? Lord, do you really want me to rest? I asked.

If only He could answer me at that time, I know He would. It was very obvious that He wanted me to take my mind off work and to just rest. Rest, Rest and Rest.

Lord, thank you for a cause to pause...

I badly needed this.

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday to my favorite person in the world!

I thank God for you. :)

Enjoy your day!!! :p

In awe...

You are so Good to me

You heal my broken heart

You are my Father in Heaven,

You are so Good to me

You heal my broken Heart

You are my Father in Heaven...

You are Beautiful

My sweet, sweet, song

You are my Jesus

who loves me...

Thank you Lord.

For your grace

for your gentle pat every now and then

for your sweet rebuke and reminders..

For your faithfulness

that is new every morning.

Thank you Lord.

One day at a time...

I am deeply overwhelmed with the many blessings that God has been providing me.

When it rains, it really pours.

God, I don't know how I will manage to do everything in 2 months but I trust you fully.

I just need to believe and move forward.

Take that risk.

Simply, trust

timetable

For my thoughts are not your thoughts nor my ways your ways...

So true, Lord. Hands down.

Your words never fail.

I am in awe of how you have shown me that my plans are not at all final.

Your plans are still the best.

Tsk, tsk. I thought number 3 would go before number 4...but then you rearranged them.

Number 4, then number 3, then number 1.

Haha. I am still overwhelmed.

I'm slowly seeing the big picture...one step at a time..

:P

Dear God,

I continue to wonder how men and women can be totally different yet still complement each other.

I just want to thank you for every lesson learned and for every new discoveries that reveal how I am no way closer to how You model true love.

Nevertheless, I have realized that life is never meant to be lived alone. You have always wanted it to be enjoyed fully with someone.

Lord, who am I that I deserve someone who is drawing me closer and closer to your heart? :)

I don't deserve it but thank you.

Love,

Tanya

A message to God

Dearest God,

The past months have been an incredible journey with you.

I would never exchange those moments with any other experience.

I have felt how it is to fully trust You with certain things in my life.

I may not totally understand how you have written down your plans for me

or how you have orchestrated things and will weave them altogether in the future,

Yet, I am most proud of how you have changed my heart.

You have taught me how to pray not for what I want, instead for what you want.

There is joy. Unexplainable joy. Peace. Peace that passeth all understanding.

God, I am waiting. I am trusting you with all of my heart.

Tanya

40 days of love

Our Bible Study group began the journey of discovering God's heart for relationships.
The 40 days of Love takes us to a deeper understanding of the relationship principles of Jesus.
We will look closely into the Scriptures to find out the life of Jesus, for indeed, He is the ultimate model for relationships.

For the next 6 weeks, our small group committed to learning about Love.
For the next 6 weeks, we agreed to meeting every Friday late afternoons.

Day 1: Love matters most..
If I don't live a life of love, nothing I SAY will matter

If I don't live a life of love, nothing I KNOW will matter

If I don't live a life of love, nothing I BELIEVE will matter

If I don't live a life of love, nothing I GIVE will matter

If I don't live a life of love, nothing I ACCOMPLISH will matter

1 Corinthians 13: 1 "If I speak in human or angelic tongues, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal..."


*Our small group is composed of UP Campus Crusade for Christ (UP CCC) alumni, who are presently taking their masters in U.P. We thank God for Ate Ellen's guidance in our small group*

discernment.

The Christian song goes, "Lord have your way in me..." I always play that song whenever I need to be reminded that God is the ultimate planner of our lives.

Today was a good day. I had my panel interview this morning. I would like to believe that I did my best. Although, my heart was beating so fast while I was on my way. I was smiling all throughout the interview.

Later this afternoon while driving home, I received a phone call from another possible employer. I never expected I would even pass through the first screening.

Lord, wherever you want. I'll follow.


:)

journal.

I do keep a journal. It is where I write down my dreams. I write down anything and everything I wish for and that I long for. Last year, I wrote down my wish list in terms of my professional career. I enumerated things that I want to accomplish and eventually experience as an early childhood educator.

I remember writing down wish # _________. The other day, I went back and read it again. I scratched my head, wondering how in the world that could happen. tsk. tsk. I pondered and told myself, maybe in time, maybe in time.

I received a call the other day. That call meant fulfilling that particular wish. God, what are you trying to tell me, now?

You win, Lord. Not my time table. I never expected that wish would ever be granted that soon.

I was humbled. I was reminded that my goal in life is not to gain comfort in this world, rather, it is to serve others in order to glorify God.

William Glasser wrote, "We learn...10% of what we read, 20% of what we hear, 30% of what we see, 50% of what we hear and see, 70% of what we discuss with others, 80% of what we experience, 95% of what we teach other".

I have always believed that the measure of your knowledge and expertise in the field lies in how well you are able to teach it to others.

A wish granted. An opportunity given once. Should I grab it?

Yes. I am going for it. Thank you Lord.

You sure know what's best.

okay Lord..:)

Watch to see where God is working and join Him there...

-Experiencing God series

"Don’t lose your focus, anticipate your future, activate your faith then pursue your dreams."

Doctor Tawandia Smith-Daniel (via eunichick)

A step of faith.

I'd like to share what a friend and counselor told me when I was seeking his advice on my professional goals, he said,

I'm so glad and delighted for you tanya. keep listening to your heart. sabi nga ng isang "friend" ko, God's will resides in the deepest desires of our heart. i really believe that. and i know He opened this door for you at the right time. i think you know what to do now...you just need reassurance. dont fret. God gave you freedom of choice tanya. live in that freedom and enjoy! follow your heart because that's where God speaks. He'll take care of the rest.

Thanks Brother J. Thank you for always inspiring us, to pursue things that make us come alive. :)

Reaching the top is like finishing the race

Reaching the top of the mountain is like finishing a marathon.

It is priceless. It is momentous.

It is hard work yet it is all worth it.

a child-like faith

Ask and you shall receive,
Seek and you shall find
Knock and the door will be opened to you :)

Lord, I asked you for something.
May your will be done
:)

Personal Best:)

Running has been a craze in Manila.

I'm glad that Filipinos are gaining such interest in the sport. I've always encouraged my friends to try running, jogging and walking ever since I got hooked into it. It's fun and challenging at the same time.

I'm joining my 5th race on February 7, my second marathon for this new year. I'm looking forward to the Condura Run, not just because I want to beat my personal best last Sunday but because it's my first run with my highschool barkada.

Who would really thought that we would end up joining a marathon, when all we do is eat, laugh, laugh and eat...hahaha:) I can't wait to behold our pictures for this kada event hahaha:)

run, run, run:)

Joined my first 5k for this year:) My 3rd race since 2008.

In 2 weeks time, my barkada is running together in our first kada marathon! Go, condura! haha:)

Times call for a better and healthy lifestyle:)

The Bible said, This is not our body. God owns it. So we better take good care of it:)

surprise, surprise:)

Are we human or are we dancers?

Giving surprises. I love it.

Oops, it ended in a different note. I was surprised, instead.

Had to change plans.

Flexibility. I'm learning it hahaha!
:)

the beauty of waiting

Waiting is actually loving You more and more.

:)

Waiting is also realizing how God designed a woman to be.

Waiting is being captivating.