Thoughts of a workaholic July 25, 2009

I am beginning to be a certified workaholic. I’ve been working 7 days a week now. The last Sunday that I attended church was July 12. Not that I chose to, but because I have to.

My officemates are begging me to take atleast 1 day off. I think they are afraid that I will transform into a monster soon. Hahaha.

Loads of papers. Yikees! Should start planting more trees.

Although I can feel that my body is begging me to rest. I have lots of tasks in my hands. And for a restless (literally) girl like me. It’s easier to complain rather than see the big picture.

While waiting for the truck to load the food, I paused and contemplated on these verses:

“Consider it pure joy, my borthers, whenever you face trisals of many kinds, because you know that testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete not lacking of anything.” James 1:2-4

How I often take forgranted the opportunity to grow and mature and welcome it with an ungrateful heart instead. How convinient it is to complain and whine and make others feel for you. 

 So I stopped, I paused and I pray:

“Lord, Thank you for my job. Because You blessed me more than I can imagine. Thank You, because You love me enough that You stretch my limits so I can enjoy a deeper and more intimate relationship with You. Thank You because I know, I can always meet You whereever I am. And Thank You Father, for giving me the opportunity to glorify Your name. Please be with me. Amen”

Over a Half-filled Cup of Coffee June 29, 2009

After a few weeks I passed my vacation leave for the ‘grand vacation’ with the boyfriend, He finally booked his flight. The plan is for him to arrive in Manila on a Friday night so he could have his rest then we’ll start the ‘real vacation’ on a Saturday and leave on a Sunday so I can go back to work Monday. Apparently he did not listened to me and booked another airline which doesnt have the flights that we originally scheduled. So now he’ll arrive in Manila on a Saturday afternoon and leave on a Monday morning. That means one, we won’t be able to spend the whole day of the Saturday he’ll be arriving  and two, the driver of the car we’ll rent or my dad will go with him at the airport when he leaves, cause I have to be at work.

 

After a few minutes of arguing with him for not doing things my way. I paused and this truth, like a slapped on my face, came over me. ‘Gratitude’.

 

Just like how much I hate it when I coordinate an event and people didn’t thank me after.  Just like I hate it when people, myself included, magnifies a not-so important detail during an event and forgot all the nice and beautiful things.

 

Why is it so easy to look for things we could complain and whine about and neglect the beauty and things we should be thankful for instead.

 

So then I pause, took a deep breath and finally said, “Its okay. There are a lot of things we should be grateful for you know.  God gave you to me, and He sustained us even when we’re apart and He provided and grant us this time so we could spend it together. I think those details (airline, flight schedules etc.) are not so important now as you comming home to me.”

Dwelling on those things. April 28, 2009

Since the bestfriend’s phone was cut, I was compelled to register again my twitter account so she can send me free sms. And again I was reminded why I deleted it long time ago. It’s where I can speak out my thoughts without thinking, it’s where I can whine and complain and let my friends hear it. It’s where I can say something pertaining to a person and yet not telling him/her directly and let everyone guess who am I talking about. It’s gave me that kind of convinience. And I am not proud to admit but sometimes or most of the times my burst of emotions speak of  my relationship with My Maker.

I had a good reminder from  Ate Lynnie last week when I and some of the gals at OMF Lit went out. She said, “My Pastor told me that the Christianity is dying to oneself. So we can say that we are Christians is not just because of our faith but because we follow Christ by dying to ourself everyday.”

 The Lord can see every thoughts comming in and out of my mind. And just this moment I need to stop thinking and reflect on this verse:

“Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.” Philippians 4:8

So there, I need to FILTER every thoughts starting this very moment. And DWELL on those things.

Goodbye Summer! April 17, 2009

(Bolinao, Summer 2008)

I just realized last week that this year I won’t be attending any summer camp. As much as I want to, since I’m new at the job, I can’t get any day-off. This is unusual for me since every summer in my previous company, we usually have our annual retreat. So for the last 6 years, come summer, my mind and body relax and reflect automatically. That is my signal that it’s summer already. (Well, aside from the fact na ang OA sa init hehe.)

This year, even the sun is showing off its power, there won’t be any summer for me. I’m stuck in an air conditioned room with tons of papers on my desk. Not that I’m complaining cause I’m happy at the new job.

This afternoon while in the middle of the ‘tons of paper’ like an uninvited friend, this memory came to mind…the OMF Lit retreat exactly one year ago.

“Two more days before the company’s retreat. Every year during the company retreat, I usually resolve the things bothering me. I think it’s the powerful expos and the peaceful place. Whatever it is, I get to really really listen what the Lord is telling me. This year I know its gonna be really grand. Cause I know this will be my last retreat employed with the company. I can feel that this will be the year, that I will  have to pursue what I am passionate about.” – April 10, 2008

During the retreat we had the most unforgettable time with the Lord together. I mean THAT is one retreat that I don’t think a staff could ever forget.We laugh, play, pray and cried together not just as co-workers but as God’s children.

And yes a year after here I am, in the wedding industry, just like what I prayed for. This afternoon I miss the OMF Lit pips that I’m almost in tears. But just like a sister working abroad far from her family, I was called in a different mission field.  It also moved me to pray for my brothers and sisters who remained faithful in the field where God called them.

This year, I won’t be joining any summer camp. But this year in the middle of  ‘tons of paper’ on my desk, I will be reflecting and rejoicing in God’s goodness and faithfulness. For He promised, ‘For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.’ Jeremiah 29:11

Turning 27. March 11, 2009

My mom was 27 when she gave birth to me. After 27 years the baby is now a lady.

I really tried writing my thank you remarks for my mini kiddie party last night. But I got so preoccupied with work and I had a migraine the other night (my real birth date!) so I just relied on my expertise, impromptu speech, which I consider almost a complete blah blah. My gasps the MC (Jacky, who turned out to be a hands-down excellent MC) asked me what my birthday wish was, I got metal blocked and said moneyssss and world peace hahaha. (well that’s a first since I used to wish boyfriend, which now I have, thank you very much. hahaha.) WHAT I WAS THINKING!

Now after a much deserved sleep and I’m back to my sane self, I get to process what really turning 27 means to me.

Whenever I make my life about me. I turned out to be so self-absorbed, impatient, worldly, selfish creature who sucks out the life of every healthy Christan friends I have. And at the end of the day I’m still empty, depressed and discontent. And instead of encouragement I tend to say words that are discouraging or prideful not being aware that I did because out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.

Whenever I pursue God and make my ultimate life goal is to bring Him glory, even if I turned out empty handed, I have peace and joy. I see myself worthless and little compared to His whole creation. I am humbled how He loves me and use me despite of me being “myself.” Whenever I pursue God I careless about being on top, getting applause or praises from people I look up to. Its easy to be gracious and patient knowing and understanding God’s grace and patience to my own learning curves.

As the boyfriend says it, “Following Christ is making unpopular decisions, but we can never experience greater joy if we don’t.”

Twenty-seven years of God’s faithfulness, now that I know Him, I see no reason why stop. Being 27 to me means surrendering the past and trusting the future…. all of it before God’s throne.

SURVEY SAYS: 70% Filipino youth DO NOT OWN A BIBLE! This is a shocking revelation! November 27, 2008

It is indeed a sad fact that 60% of the Philippine population do not own a Bible! This is an alarming result from a survey conducted by A.C. Nielsen to measure how many Filipinos are reached by God’s Word. Imagine our shock when we learned that 70% of this 60% population are teenagers and young professionals. And to think, the Philippines is called the only “Christian nation in Southeast Asia”.

Nowadays, the youth no longer find God’s Word relevant to their lives so they don’t even bother to open a Bible. And this is something to ponder on….

Kung ang kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan at hindi sila bilib sa Biblia–anong kinabukasan meron ang Pilipinas?

It is in response to this realization that notable Christian organizations and churches united to rally the Y generation for God’s Word. This birthed the–

YOUTH EXPLODE SERIES:
THE BIBLE ADVENTURE BEGINS!

A FREE event for all the youth, young at heart and young once. Join the battle cry of this generation as they own, read and live God’s Word.

So we ask you…
…WHY DO YOU LOVE GOD’S WORD?

Bakit ka b’lib sa Biblia mo? Share your testimony, declare why you love the Bible. Blog about it, leave a comment here or there or even suggest crazy brilliant ideas how to encourage the youth—like you—to be Bible lovers.

Leave us a link to your blog posts and we’ll link you back. Help the Bible Society promote God’s Word among the Filipino youth.

Be there at the Youth Explode event in the Bulwagan ng Panginoon (formerly Folk Arts Theatre) and enjoy a whole day affair of fun and interesting activities that will surely make you love your Bibles more! Read here for more information.

We love to hear (read) from you. C’mon help spread the love… spread the Word!

Places August 4, 2008

Working with OMF Lit has brought me to different places. But here are the 5 that captured my heart

1.BAGUIO

Ukay BOOKay sa Panagbenga 2004
(K. Ian, K. Aleks, Doc Luis, A. Beng, Me, K. Ferdie, K. Nix and K. Cris)

The first time I went to Baguio without my family was during UkayBookay sa Panagbenga. Feb 2004 Flower festival at the People’s Park in Partnership with Heaven’s Corner, our distributor in Baguio. I forgot to bring a jacket. Stupid mistake…it’s February and it was freezing cold. Haha. I remember Ate Beng and I used to ask Kuya Aleks if we could buy a pair or gloves in the market, and at the end of the event our bags are full of Ukay stuffs and alas no gloves can be found. Hahaha.

Baguio became a second home to me. I could go anywhere without getting lost! (love the taxis). It is also where I got to be in touch with a childhood friend, Dra. Lizette Refuerzo…yes she’s a childhood friend, our dads are like best friends way back in college. I also get to go on late night gimmiks with Xai who was studying in Baguio back then.

The scent of the pine trees…yes definitely home.

Marketing Planning 2006

(K. Nix, K. Aleks, A. Glads, A. Kaye, A. Lynnie, A. Daphne, K. Cris and K. Ferdie)

2. BORACAY

Funny Faces with K. Jun, K. Jojo, A. Analyn, A. Glads and Joseph

It was my first company retreat in 2004 and I’m sooo happy it was in Boracay. We had our marketing and sales team building before the retreat, we BEGGED people to buy Pupose Driven Journal. Our team won the Amazing Race! The retreat theme was Grow, Glow, Go. I love the place, specially during sunset. I think no picture, yes no matter how brilliant your camera is, can capture how wonderful God’s painting of the sunset. And like any other fanatics, I bought my wonderful camera (twas a SLR Nikon and it was not digital, di pa uso nun.) But there were times that I just stood in awe of God’s creation that I didn’t bother to take pictures at all.

With the OMF Lit Family picture taking at Club Panoly…yes picture taking lang.

I think the highlight of my trip was the night I walked alone at the whole stretch of the beach just praising and thanking God for His works.

Definitely love the place and the food…it was cheap (back then) but love the company of the people more!

3. RIZAL RECREATION (QUEZON)

Sales and Marketing Team Building
(with my teammates A. Dez, K. Avel, K. Jun and K. Ramil – we stole Direk Ferddie’s plate number. )

Rizal Recreation is like OMF Lit’s extension, tambayan or playground we held so many company events there that even the frogs knew our names. (I really hate them.)

We had 1 sports fest, 2 company retreats, 2 Sales and Marketing team building.

Me with the boys K. Cris, Gilbert, K. Arnold, K. Rommel and K. Ed at my favorite swing.

Aside from the cool weather and the quiet place the bestest of all the perks at Rizal Recre are their swings. I love this swing in particular. This is where I get to spend my quiet time. Its like my bedroom. hehehe. This swing heard many of my cries, whines, prayers and thoughts. This swing is my friend. I’m thank you bow.

4. BANAUE

Two-hour trek in Batad for this wonderful waterfalls (with my trek buddies K Nelson, K. Arnold, A.Daph, K. Aleks, A. Glads and K. Ferdie)

We had our Company Retreat in Banaue the summer of 2005. Love it. The exposition was about Habakuk.
The theme “Lord Give Me Patience Right Now”, was very relevant  to our activity which was  a 2-hour trek in Batad.

Ang lupet ng Banaue Rice Terraces!!!! I know, it’s sooo amazing right. Sobrang worth it ang pagod.

5. BOOKSTORE

This is where I spend my 8 hours and sometimes more than that, working. This is where I get to interact with customers too. Even when I was still with the Marketing I usually hang out at the bookstore, sometimes to talk with other staff and sometimes just to browse a new book. This is actually the new improved look of our bookstore. Before, it looks like as if we are having our inventory everyday.

OMF Literature Inc. Bookstore – Boni Mandaluyong City

Aside from the wonderful view or the experience with friends, one of the reasons that I love these places is that, the Lord met me here. When I was doubting, looking for answers or simply being still and praising Him. The expositions in the company retreats I went to, were simply amazing. I really don’t know how God does it, but He met me everytime I am looking for Him. He didn’t give me definite answers like yes, go or no. But He always made my heart at peace. These places are simply landmarks of how far the Lord brought me…so far Looking at how His hands painted the beautiful sunsets or the majestic mountains reminded me that His work is bigger than my world. And I am thankful that I spent these memories with my OMFLit family.

Random thoughts April 4, 2008

Then my heart sings: 

There is a longing only You can fill
A raging temptest only You can still
My soul is thirsty Lord
To know You as I’m known
Drink from the river
That flows before your throneTake me deeper
Deeper in love with You
Jesus hold me close in Your embrace
Take me deeper
Deeper than I’ve ever been before
I just want to love You more and more
How I long to be deeper in love

Sunrise to sunrise
I will seek Your face
Drawn by the Spirit
To the promise of Your grace
My heart has found in You
A hope that will abide
Here in Your presence
Forever satisfied

I wish I could be like the disciples of Jesus. When they were commanded to follow Christ there were no questions asked, they just dropped their nets and followed Him. I wish I could be that brave. That I could just dropped EVERYTHING in my hands just to follow Jesus. No buts, no hows. Just faith. Because in the end it will be all meaningless if I don’t experience the joy of my Master. 

thinking out loud. March 24, 2008

When I don’t desire God, I became dependent with the activities that last for a moment only to find myself at the end of the day incomplete, tired and depressed.

A song in my heart February 28, 2008

I cast all my cares upon You.

I lay all of my burdens down at your feet

And everytime I don’t know, what to do.

I will cast all my cares upon You.