Longing of my heart

Events unfold everyday. It was an ordinary day. I woke up feeling refreshed in my temporary shelter. I really felt blessed because a friend opened her home to us. It was an assignment given to me a month before my wedding. While waiting for my turn to use the bathroom, I browsed some magazines. I have read about an article narrating someone's experience about her mom's passing away. She made vivid accounts on specific dates and on how she and her siblings were able to cope of letting go. From the time her mom was diagnosed of cancer, the confinement in the hospital and the mornings when they have to clean their mother, she gave her personal thoughts and emotions. I felt pity for the author until my phone rang. It was my sister informing me that our father had suffered stroke. He was driving our tricycle and was seen near the city roundball (roundabout. I can't believe what she told me. My co-worker suddenly advised me to go on leave so that I could attend to my father's condition. I rushed home but while I was riding the bus, my mind was roaming and circling to the thought of my father. I prayed silently while waiting for the bus to reach my destination. I met my father in the hospital but he was no longer awake. I patted him gently and introduced myself. But I got no answer. My heart was throbbing fast. We rushed him to another hospital hoping that he could be diagnosed and treated effectively but it only lasted more than a day when he breathed his last. I only realized later that what I was reading had prepared me to face the dim reality of death. We spent a week for my father's wake. Relatives and and friends condoled our grieving hearts. I have fond thoughts of my father and how he is supposed to attend my wedding but he's no longer with us. It cannot and will not be possible already. Time can be slow but it was during those final moments of my father that I felt time paced fast. Events unfold everyday. It may surprise us, inspire us and cheer us. It may also break us. But in every situation, I know that God is with us. My heart still longs for my father.

I found the love of my life

"Marriage is like rain. It comes without you knowing." That's what my mother told me. After many years of being single. I finally found the love of my life in the most unexpected way. I recall what my mother said. It was true because my honey and I finally agreed to get married. I can't believe it myself. I met Venice, my fiancee through her aunt who is my friend. She was introduced to me in Facebook. Her aunt later tagged her picture to me and it was funny. I have no idea how to start my first letter. We exchanged messages and after getting to know each other for almost a year, I prayed and asked God to guide me in my plans. I've seen the barrier in our relationship. She lives in Singapore too far from where I live. But long distance relationship is not new to me. I believe that as long as communication is open, we can work things out. We had constant communication. Thanks to our present technology where easy communication is available. We made use of every possible means to contact one another. We exchanged our love messages almost everyday through text and Facebook. Luckily, I had my programmed and vacation leave. I decided to go to Singapore. We both planned to see each other so we visited different websites to book for my flight. In August 2011, we have realized our plans. I was able to travel successfully to her place. Our first meeting was exhilarating. During that time, I made my marriage proposal and she readily accepted it. We are now preparing for our wedding that will take place this coming June 2012. I'm so happy because we love each other so much. I thank God for answering my prayers and for all His provisions. Love conquers all and with God nothing is impossible.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

"The value of money doesn't lessen because it is torn. In the same way, your value in God's eye doesn't lessen because of imperfection."

Hello!

Wow! It's been a while. Time runs so fast.

There's a lot of things that had happened; my batch gathered, I was assigned in Alabel, I met my High school classmate and friend and here I am, in McGregor Marbel.

I always believe that there's a reason for every happening in my life; may it be small, regular or big. And it's the little things I do that bring me to what I am right now.

In our reunion, we had so much fun. Sharon came home so we connected with our batchmates to gather. I was informed by Rey so I informed others too. I'm thankful that I met my friends before. They have changed in some ways but there's something that remained-the spirit of togetherness. We belong in our batch because there will be no other batch for us. It's only batch 1993. I'm praying that wherever we are leading, we remain to be good to each other, help each other and recognize each other. That simple thing can make me happy.

In Alabel, I was able to discharge my duties and responsibilities well. I was surprise to meet Jermine, my classmate too. I informed him about our gathering and he was pleased to know it.

When I came home last night, it was brown out. But I'm happy to see Angelo growing. He has grown big within just 2 months. He can smile and laugh already. I hope the coming days will be brighter and merrier than before.

New Home

Home is where we belong. Home is where the heart is. Home sweet home.

These are some of the lines I hear about home and it's true, I feel relaxed and recharged being at home. I also knew that a house is different from a home. A house is only a structure while a home is a dwelling place where love and peace reign. It's the spirit that makes a house a home. Without it, it's only a house.

Just recently, I was able to realize one of my dreams, to build a home not for myself but for others. I've been away from home many times. So many times too that I've been blessed by the homes that welcomed me in many places I've reached. It was my longing that in my own little way, I could welcome others too in a place called home. After a couple of months, my dream was finally completed with the blessing that happened on February 13, 2010 in Baldostamon Subd., Koronadal City. It was attended by some of my officemates most especially by Sir Mon and his better half Ma'am Norma. I would like to thank him for the pictures he cordially took. Because of him, I'm able to share with you vividly what took place.

I offer this home most especially to Angelo, my nephew who's been my inspiration in putting up this peace shelter, he just turned one month old last Feb 16, may he grow God-fearing, to my parents who have been by my side since birth, who nurtured me in a simple home that gave me so much ideas, to my sisters who made me feel a unique person, to my true friends who always believed in me, to my officemates who shared joy with me and to all my relatives who made all good wishes and ultimately to our Heavenly Father who provided everything for the completion of my project. To Him be the glory forever and ever!

Then came Angelo

I

I was so excited coming home this morning. I was eager to see Angelo, my first nephew who just came to this world just a week ago, last Saturday. When I left home for work last Sunday, I was anxious that the weekend will come soon. That was really my feeling. I haven't been to my destination but I wanted to go back already. There were thoughts that I wanted to file for leave of absence just to be with Angelo but that was a stupid idea I thought. I was worried when the doctor said that he will be given a dose of antibiotic because his birth was delayed for several hours. He might get infection according to the doctor. He was crying every now and then last week. It was so depressing. Nevertheless, I just prayed. In this kind of situation, I need to be strong as well as my family. I learned that in time of depression, I need to be brave to survive. When I asked my sister through text, I was relieved knowing that Angelo did well. Seeing him strong and well this morning makes me really smile. He's so cute with his dimple. His skin is fair and hairy. His nose looks like my father which is good because Papang has a high chiseled nose. His eyes look like his Daddy Roger. Mamang said his broad forehead looks like hers.

Angelo's presence gave us feeling of happiness. His cute smile amazes us. The moment he opens his eyes, it makes us wonder what he is seeing. I can always think of how miraculous life is the moment he's in my arms. With his coming, it gives us once again the opportunity to dream big and makes big plans. Giving him a name Ernesto Angelo makes his Lolo feel proud and fulfilled. Indeed, God gave Angelo to spark in us that His promise of hope never ends. Life evolves and will continue from generation to generation.

After All

Last night, I was at home watching EWTN. I saw in the video the path Jesus took when He was in the Holy Land doing His ministry. It was amazing seeing the synagogue, St. Peter's House, the jar used in the wedding feast at Cana, Mt. Tabor where the transfiguration took place, Mt. Olives where Jesus taught the Beatitudes, Sea of Galilee, the well where Mama Mary and Jesus fetch water and many holy places touched by our Lord Jesus Christ. I really felt humble seeing those places. There was a feeling of contentment deep in my heart knowing that those places bear witness of our Savior the Lord Jesus Christ. According to the narrators, those places and some of the things existed way back 100 B.C. The Jordan river where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist looks calm, clear and refreshing.

The Bible tells a lot of story about Jesus and seeing the setting in the video gives me a clear picture how the things happened.

The word of God says that everything will pass. Only His words will remain. The world is in constant change but some places and things may have changed due to the passage of time. Their age only tells that once, they have been part of God's salvation of human kind. From the Bible, Jesus told us about three things that will last - faith, hope and love but the greatest of them is love.

Sometimes, I forget these things due to circumstances I encounter but it doesn't diminish God's Love. If I fix my eyes on heavenly things, I feel that everything is useful and meaningful. Everything will end but after all, we are content in God's loving embrace.