The in-between..

Divinubo Island, Samar 2007

"Always leave room for the 'God space' so that

after you have done all you possibly can,

God has room to work"

-Anonymous

While I'm waiting...

While I'm waiting
John Waller
Fireproof Soundtrack

I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am hopeful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it is painful
But patiently, I will wait

I will move ahead, bold and confident
Taking every step in obedience
While I'm waiting
I will serve You
While I'm waiting
I will worship
While I'm waiting
I will not faint
I'll be running the race
Even while I wait

I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am peaceful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it's not easy
But faithfully, I will wait
Yes, I will wait
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve you while I'm waiting

I will worship while I'm waiting on You, Lord

Such a timely song during these times. Truly, The Lord is sovereign. He knows the perfect timing in everything. A couple months ago, I was questioning Him as to why and how my plans weren't falling into place. He was simply, silent. I insisted on what I desired and what I thought He desired for me. I sought Him. He was simply quiet.

It wasn't until a recent calamity which finally opened my mind to why He was silent all throughout these months. A delay was His way of saying, "I love you. I care for you. I want to protect you."
I was just in awe. Why, Lord, I asked? Why? For someone who was impatient, who wanted her own timing, who thought that her plans were unchangeable...Still, you chose to keep me safe.

I have stopped asking why. Every now and then, I would think about the what ifs and the what could have been. Yet every time, I always go back to that same thought of how wide and how deep your love is for your child.
Yes, Lord you continue to amaze me with your character.

It is very clear that you are teaching me the value of patience, of utmost trust and of surrender to your will. I am slowly learning to grasp what it means to let you be the author of my life story.
I am understanding how you at times, intentionally do not reveal immediately your plans so I would get to appreciate each and everyday of my life.

Yes, Lord. I surrender to your call. Now I know how it feels to yield your heart to His call.
I feel a sense of relief as I finally let go of that key. I know that He will unlock it in the proper time, when I am most ready.

I am waiting because I believe that You know what is best for me.
I am waiting because I trust that You will give me the desires of my heart as I desire you first.
I am waiting because You are worth waiting for.

Back to Back

My first team relay race with my friends and co-teachers, Teacher Jill and Teacher Tessa.

Race and Shine Marathon,

Fort Bonifacio

We joined this team race for fun. We started jogging around UP after our preschool class and then when I read upon this upcoming race, I invited them. They were both excited. We didn't have enough time to train together but they both practiced around UP for a week. While I trained in the multi-level parking lot near our house.

On the day of the marathon, we each had to run 1k around Bonifacio Highstreet. Teacher Tessa went first, then Teacher Jill and then I went last. What kept us motivated was the mere sight of children running against us! (talagang hindi kami papatalo! hahaha). Yes, we finished the race in less than 30 minutes! Thank you Lord.

Congrats to my teammates. For first timers, they did incredibly well!!

Stillness

Commit your way to the Lord
and He will establish your plans
Proverbs 16:3

The beauty of being still in His presence.
The assurance that He knows what's best for you.
When you heart is truly at rest, that's stillness at its best.

It is easier to direct your own paths, to take in control of your life.
Yet, at the end of the day, it gets too tiring, it just simply, gets too much.
The choice of letting go and letting God lead the journey still proves to be the better option,
Indeed, at the end of the day, it gives a calming reassurance and peace
that passeth all understanding.

Thank you Lord for a cause to pause.
Thank you for making me still in your presence.
Thank you for gladness in my heart.

:)

A year of definition

This comes as a late birthday post.

A good friend sent me a long message for my birthday and one of the most striking points she mentioned was that, she is praying not just for discovery but definition in all aspects of my life. I was smiling while I was reading through her letter. It was the same thing that I wrote early on in my journal.

On my 26th year, I asked God specifically for definition in the path that He has chosen for me. It means, a growing vision and desire in the things that make me come alive. I pray that I would never lose the focus in learning more about my field and how I could be of service in what I love to do. Likewise, I believe that I have come to such a phase where it is now my time to share more to others-whether it be time, knowledge, experiences, resources or even a simple friendship, because truly, God has blessed my life.

Someone asked me what I wanted for my birthday, I can't really think of any in specific. I feel that God has given me so much, even those that I never even asked for. Sometimes, I am just in awe of how He has molded me year after year with all those life experiences and opportunities.

I am realizing that as more years are added to your life, you come to a point when you simply thank God for another chance to be in this world, to enjoy great relationships, and to live out your life's purpose. Another birthday is just another bonus from God. Another year is experiencing His grace, firsthand.

I always thank God for individuals He has placed in life, who continuously encourage me and inspire me to live out His wonderful design for me. I thank God every time I remember them. You know who you are. Thank you for sharing this journey with me.

It's my prayer that every year, I would live out what the Psalmist wrote in Psalm 92:14 "They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green."

Three and counting...:)

Waiting for the sunset...

Enjoying the beauty of life

Are much more fun when shared with someone..

On our 3rd year, I thank you God for your guidance and faithfulness.

I am just in awe of how you continue to mold us through these years.

Thank you for giving me someone who can lead me and love me well.

:)

Finding alternatives...

I miss running. Biking either on the stationary bike or around the village is incomparable with the thrill of running. Since our sports complex is closed due to the recent deluge in Marikina, I haven't ran for the past three weeks. I can't even go to UP since we don't have an extra car that I could use. Well, I thought of other alternatives so that I could get some form of exercise.

Last Tuesday, I tried out the multi-level parking lot in a nearby mall. I used to walk and jog here with my dad and his friends every morning. I walked all the way from our house going there and then back. I walked all the way up then jogged down. I felt good.

Today, I challenged myself to run all the way up to the fourth floor. Wow, it felt even better:) The cool breeze was perfect for today's run.

Times like these, we need to be resourceful in order to stay healthy. :)