Valuing Time

The Bucket list is a comedy-drama film starred by two academy-award winners Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman. It is a touching film that shows that it is never too late to live life to its fullest... sometimes; you just need a deadline to get your life in gear (warner bros.).

If you were going to die soon and had only one phone call you could make, who would you call and what would you say? And why are you waiting? ~Stephen Levine

Life is too short to be wasted. We think that we have all the time to enjoy and explore the things in life without knowing that tomorrow may never come anymore.Tomorrow is always an unpredictable thing. We may find ourselves planning for something only to find out that we have done something else. We rejoice and sometimes regret for the things we have accomplished for.

"If there is something better than sharing with others the best of what you have, it is sharing the best of WHO you are."

I, personally, get myself tied up with my work that I sometimes fail to appreciate the people around me. Though, I never missed to greet and smile at them, but am I really sharing my best with them? We couldn't afford to let the day pass without valuing the blessings God has given us. What matters is how we express our love and time with people and other things God has given us to enjoy at the present. If we are to look at life, it is a constant struggle of bringing out our best effort to express who we really are and what we are here for. Our everyday encounter gives us the experience that couldn't be brought back again. It is always a once in a lifetime experience.

Everyday is a new day and everyday is a renewal of our faith. Whatever we share now will leave a mark in this lifetime and will be forever cherished and will endure forever. That is the reason why we are called at this very moment not just to live and love... but to express and share it with others!Let us not wait to fulfill our dreams in our bucket list (a collection of all the things they wanted to do, see, and experience in life before they kicked the bucket) when the time is too limited. Yes, it is never too late to live life to the fullest... but why do we have to wait when we can do them now. THE TIME IS NOW.

A Portion of Thy Self

Rushing my way to the office early this morning made me fail to take my breakfast. I decided to eat my breakfast in our canteen. Tita Nida (one of the concessionaires in our canteen), was also eating her breakfast and offered me to join her. As we were talking, she told me about her adopted daughter's condition (I was amazed to know that she's only adopted). She told me that she has to work double time in order to finance the medications of her daughter who has a congenital heart disease. I asked if the girl is a daughter of her sister or any of her relatives... and she said "No. She is given to me by a stranger in our hometown in Mindanao."... (I was even more amazed.)

For years, Tita Nida shoulders the medications and other clinical procedures of the child. Most her income were spent in the wellness of the child. She told me that eventhough the child did not came out of her body, the hardship that she went through was even greater. The only thing that makes her strong is when she sees her (adopted) daughter smile. It is also very rewarding said Tita Nida because the girl is very smart and always tops in her class, she is now in 4th grade. Still, Tita Nida is saving money for the girl's heart operation... it has been long overdue since they have no enough funds for it.

A mother that loves her child is noble, but to love a child, who is not blood-related, given by a stranger, is much nobler. Despite of Tita Nida's little earnings, she accepted the child whole-heartedly. She loves the child like her own. She opened her heart and embraced the child with love and care. This left me thinking what I can do for others without expecting in return? Will I also be capable of giving an unconditional love like Tita Nida?

It made me think also of other parents who take their children for granted; parents who let their children suffer from child labor; parents who abuse or never have the time to attend to their children's physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual needs; parents who are ungrateful for having a child (while other sterile or unproductive couples struggle hard just to have one). How cruel these parents are.

It made me think of children who end up being abandoned in shelter homes... just imagine the emotional trauma these children are going through... insurmountable!

It made me think of the volunteers in the different organizations that provide shelter, education, and home to the abandoned children. These volunteers give their time and effort to teach and guide them. It made me wonder how they would survive without any compensation from their endeavor.

How wonderful it is to know that there are still people like Tita Nida who can share their love and care (and money) for children they are not related with. It is my dream to have a foundation for abused and abandoned children someday... a foundation that will provide education to them because I believe that formative years start in early childhood. I have a heart for children (and elderly, as well) especially for those who are neglected, abused, and abandoned by their loved ones. I realized that I, myself sometimes feel the same (neglected, empty, betrayed)... it was a mental disaster... an emotional calamity. But I am still blessed for I have my family & friends to support and encourage me. How much more with these children who are totally cast-off?

Someday, I will be a mother too... Hopefully, I will have my own children... but what if one day, a stranger knocks at my door and gives me her child to nurture and take care of? Will I be compassionate enough to accept the child? When that moment comes, I will be remembering Tita Nida's.

"No one has ever become poor by giving." Anne Frank

"Giving frees us from the familiar territory of our own needs by opening our mind to the unexplained worlds occupied by the needs of others." Barbara Bush

"The love we give away is the only love we keep." Elbert Hubbard

"Think of giving not as a duty but as a privilege." John D. Rockefeller Jr.

My Healing Song

This song I offer to God... who is my only source of healing.T his song serves as my inspiration and encouragement during those times when I was too depressed. And I believe that LOVE not TIME heals all wounds! Truly... only God's love heals all wounds and pains.

Think About It

If you were going to die soon and had only one phone call you could make, who would you call and what would you say? And why are you waiting? ~Stephen Levine

A Monster Called Jealousy - and - A Heroe Called LOVE

Sometimes, or should I say, most of the times, lovers face little monsters called "Jealousy". These little monsters can only be defeated by a superheroe called "LOVE". When lovers are too in-love with each other, there's a tendency to become possesive.

I remember the lyrics of the song Too Much Love Will Kill You, it says: You're heading for disaster, 'coz you never read the signs... It'll drain the power that's in you make you plead and scream and crawl and the pain will make you crazy you're the victim of your crime. Too much love will kill you every time.

It's the same as in jealousy...


Jealousy in romance is like salt in food. A little can enhance the savor, but too much can spoil the pleasure and, under certain circumstances, can be life-threatening. ~Maya Angelou

It is not love that is blind, but jealousy. ~Lawrence Durrell, Justine, 1957

He that is not jealous is not in love. ~St. Augustine

Jealousy is always born with love, but does not always die with it. ~François Duc de La Rochefoucauld, Maxims

Soul-mates are people who bring out the best in you. They are not perfect but are always perfect for you. ~Author Unknown

Jealousy and love are sisters. ~Russian Proverb

Jealousy is simply and clearly the fear that you do not have value. Jealousy scans for evidence to prove the point - that others will be preferred and rewarded more than you. There is only one alternative - self-value. If you cannot love yourself, you will not believe that you are loved. You will always think it's a mistake or luck. Take your eyes off others and turn the scanner within. Find the seeds of your jealousy, clear the old voices and experiences. Put all the energy into building your personal and emotional security. Then you will be the one others envy, and you can remember the pain and reach out to them. ~Jennifer James


Superheroe called LOVE

I have a wonderful start in reading the Bible. The reason why I finally convinced myself to open and read the bible is not because I was obliged to, but because of LOVE. Let me tell you my brief history of finding God's Word.

Sometime in the later months of 2006, I got too depressed emotionally, mentally, and physically. It was too timely then that one of the readings in our mass was about love. The reading was really striking that it never got out of my mind even when the mass was over. Night came; still I could hear the reading in my mind. So, I jumped out of my bed and got the Bible in our prayer room where it remained untouched for years, with lots of dust covering it. I started looking for the verse I heard in the mass (I was not that much oriented at that time in finding verses). I browsed through the index and bingo!!! I found it!!!! It is in Corinthians 13.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Corinthians 13:4-7

Then on, I was inspired to read the Bible and it marked the biggest change in my life. It says that love is not jealous and always trusts but how come lovers are called to face these monsters? Maybe I guess these are sent to test how firm and strong a relationship is. It is an affirmation that love defeats jealousy. The evil does not in all times overpower goodness.

I always tell Joel that our relationship always takes three, God, Joel, and me... without any one of it, our love will not prosper and last. I am just lucky enough that Joel is a faithful believer of God and I am sure that no matter how many times those monsters attack either one of us, our love for each other and our faith in God will always prevail. God is the ultimate meaning of LOVE and that is why He is our superheroe!


- jen

Amazing Love

How could two different people fall in love? It is one amazing question with lots of surprising answers.

"Love at first sight is easy to understand; it's when two people have been looking at each other for a lifetime that it becomes a miracle." Amy Bloom

"If you have love in your life it can make up for a great many things you lack. If you don't have it, no matter what else there is, it's not enough." Ann Landers

"The heart has its reasons which reason knows not of. " Blaise Pascal

When We First Met

“And all the things you ask in prayer, having FAITH, you will receive.” (Matthew 21:22)

Having a relationship with someone like you would be the most impossible thing that could ever happen... that's my first impression when I met you. I never entertained the idea of falling in love with you in the first place because I am aware of what and who you are.

Honestly, I don’t have any standards for my future partner…I just remember praying to God, asking Him to bless me with a man who is a believer and has a strong spiritual foundation and faith with Him. Having this in mind, I knew everything will be taken cared of. I always believe in prayers and that God listens. So, when I met you and when we are starting to know each other, I realized that God really answered my prayer… literally (you know what I mean…)

Ours' is what I call an ‘extraordinary’ kind of relationship. I learned to love without expecting anything in return… I even convinced myself that I am willing to let go of you anytime… I love you with no fears of losing you, if it’s God’s will. If I will end up losing you, I knew for sure that you are in the most secured and safest love (that is in God’s).

Sometimes, it confuses me every time I say a prayer… so I just say “May Your Holy Will be done, Lord…” Everyday, I am learning the reasons why He has sent you to me… and I just couldn’t thank Him enough. He has sent a perfect man to such an imperfect "me"… honestly, it continues to amaze me, until this time…

Our Way Back Into Love

When People Say You're BEAUTIFUL

My life is brilliant

My love is pure

I saw an angel

Of that I'm sure

You're beautiful,

You're beautiful

You're beautiful, it's true........

It amazes me when people began to praise me... "You're Beautiful"... It feels a little different this time compared to the old days. I wonder if it's because I've grown my hair which used to be short (since I entered college)...or was it because I've lost some weights or simply because it reflects that I have, somehow, recovered myself from a traumatic break-up. The truth is, there is a constant, on-going struggle inside me to keep myself beautiful.

WHAT MAKES A WOMAN BEAUTIFUL

I always believe that BEAUTY comes from the inside. I appreciate women who are very kind and sincere. Happiness that comes from the inside creates the beauty outside. When you are spiritually happy and satisfied, it reflects and it shines! It gives a special aura that attracts people. Have you known someone who is very beautiful and appealing and yet you find it hard to appreaciate because of her negative attitude? It's not the amount of make-ups you put on, or the branded lotions, perfumes, clothes, or shoes that you wear. It's the ATTITUDE that makes a woman really beautiful!

GETTING UP-CLOSE & PERSONAL W/ GOD

Life works most perfectly when a RECIPROCAL relationship is in place between man and God.

To know God requires not only recognizing Him in our daily lives but acknowledging His PRESENCE and all HIS works. It's like blogging all your thoughts w/ HIM...even before you can write a good entry, He already knows what you are gonna write... but acknowledging by the way of conversing w/ HIM pleases HIM. He wants us to be open and honest w/ HIM. He wants us to give HIM the time despite of our hectic day schedule. Conversing w/ HIM through our thoughts is enough to please our good LORD.

In the book Purpose Driven Life, it says "The smile of God is the goal of your life." It is our life's purpose to make God smile, to please HIM...but how are we going to do that? "Figure out what will please Christ, and then DO IT."God smiles when we trust HIM completely. What God wants most from us is a relationship. Like in all relationships, it also applies to our God... we think of HIM in every minute of our lives, acknowledging HIS presence, praising HIM, need HIM...God smiles when we praise and thank HIM continually. It's not enough to know that HE loves us, we have to love HIM also...'though God is persistent but not pushy. He wants us to love HIM sincerely and not onlybecause we are obliged to do so as christians.

FACING OURSELVES AND OUR BATTLES

Every woman faces different stages in her lifetime most especially if she's married and w/ children. To mention, stages include premarriage, marriage, pregnancy, birth, parenting, career, homemaking, and the list goes... and each of these stages have something in between called crisis.

Each stage requires a great deal of courage. It brings different new experiences and challenges. The question is how to deal w/ those new challenges? "We need to be flexible and adjust to the demands that each stage brings..."Unfortunately, during our difficult times, we find it hard to praise God. When dealing with depressions, anger, hurt, regrets, and low self-esteem, we start asking Him if He really loves us. We seek for temporary relief to all our pains...

"In certain stages of life, we need to be reminded that NOTHING can separate us from the love of God."

"God has purpose behind every problem. He uses circumstances to develop our character."

"Everything that happens to you has spiritual significance."

"Your most profound and intimate experiences of worship will likely be in your darkest days."

Facing our challenges in life w/o God only lead us to another failure... It needs spiritual guidance in order to go through every stages of life. I was very much moved when I read from one of my favorite sites "ONLY GOD KEEPS ME MOVING"... it's true, the very reason why we move on; why we keep on waking every mornings; why we keep on facing difficulties and be able to survive...is all because of God.

"We know that these troubles produces patience. And patience produces character."

Be a woman of courage... a woman who can face every battles with head held high and still praising God... be a godly-woman in these times of great influences... be a woman that inspires others...be an instrument of God's love in every person you meet. A beautiful woman is someone who's been crushed and trampled and yet still manage to get up w/ a smile on her face... singing praises to God.

THE BEAUTY SECRET

1. Love and Trust God

Nothing beats the vitamins you take than His love for us. Of course, it is still our responsibility to keep ourselves healthy and presentable at all times. God helps those who help themselves. We are the caretakers of our own body.

2. Smile

Always have the perfect smile on your face. Always make it available to anyone you meet. A certain smile that glows and radiates God's love within you. The best way to prevent wrinkles? SMILE!

3. Prayers

This is the best (free) weapon given to us by God in order to survive everyday's call. Prayers gives us the 'rest' and the 'peace of mind'. It relieves not only our minds but also our souls.

4. A Positive Outlook

There's always an end in all our sorrows. While it is hard to maintain a positive outlook in our life (especially when faced in great trouble), make it a point to lift all your concerns to HIM. He will surely unload us with all our burdens in His perfect time. "Wherever we are, God is Here"... not beside us, but INSIDE us. God's love brings security & this keeps us from viewing life more positive each day!

So everytime I receive comments from people around me how beautiful I am, I smile to myself and whispher, "Thank you, God"... He makes me beautiful and all the things that surround me!

If someone tells you "You're Beautiful"... think about it...

- jen (posted/ written June 6, 2007)

Rejoicing in the Midst of Adversities

Laughter, as we heard and know, is the best medicine. We laugh for various reasons; we laugh because we are happy, joyful, or cheerful. We also laugh out of sarcasm... or we laugh out of nothing... we just laugh because others are laughing. But the best laughter comes from a HAPPY heart. I remember I have this one habit every time I get sad and frustrated... when smiling is impossible... I just look at the mirror and say... 'eeehhhhhhh'... then say it again... 'eeehhhhh' - well, that is to create a smile on my face everytime I say it... but of course, that's a forced way of creating a smile...

Managing to be happy in the midst of crisis is probably one of the hardest challenge for us all. We get frustrated and depressed for certain reasons, but we should not allow ourselves to be eaten up by sorrows. Unfortunately, many people did. They become bitter and much worse, they gone 'sane...this is because not everybody has a high tolerance or threshold when it comes to 'being hurt' and 'depressed'.

The Way to Happiness is Not Easy

The Bible says... "HE (Jesus) said to them, 'my heart is ready to break in grief. Stop here and stay awake with me."

When I was in my darkest, I believe I could have done a lot of things to inflict pain on myself... I could have destroyed myself... all I knew then was "I am helpless"... I was too focused on my feelings and I found it inevitable to 'self-pity'... Days passed and I allowed negative thoughts to sink into my head. My heart is ready to break w/ grief... but w/ God's working miracles, He made me stop. i was just surprised that... hey, I have survived... how? It's all because I seek for HIM...

"I love those who love me; whoever searches eagerly for me finds me." (Proverbs 8:17)

"When you seek me, you will find me; if you search wholeheartedly, I shall let you find me" (Jeremiah 29:13)

"Look to the Lord and be strong; at all times seek His presence." (Psalm 105:4)


EXCESS BAGGAGE

"Fear and trembling overwhelm me, and shuddering grips me." (Psalm 55:5)
What are these excess baggages that we have that hinder us from moving forward? It may be guilt, anger, hatred, fear, resentment, depression, disappointment, etc...

Fear is the unpleasant feeling of apprehension or distress caused by the presence or anticipation of danger. It is one of the excess baggages that we carry after (or even before) going through failures... This limits us from becoming open and receptive to God's will and plans for us. But God clearly says

"I came before you in weakness, in fear, in great trepidation" (1 Corinthians 2:3)

It clearly states that trials that cause weakness of spirit is God's loving way of coming into our lives. Can we recognize Him without all the trials and pains? He simply says that there is no extraordinary thing that can ever happen into our lives... trials are not unusual. Believe me, there is no amount of fear that can separate us from His love and presence. Instead of isolating ourselves from His love, trials and fear should cause us to draw nearer to Him.

"There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear: for fear has to do w/ punishment, and whoever fears has not reached perfection in love." (1 John 4:18).


MY 3 F's

If I am to summarized my life, I will summarize it using the 3 F's... These 3 F's are the processes in my life that made me a better person than I used to... FEAR, FAILURE, & FAITH.

Fear as I have mentioned is the by-product of my failures in life. It's the excess baggage I carried w/ me just before I open my heart to Him.

Failures... I have so many of that... but these failures paved the way of knowing and recognizing Christ and His presence in my life.

"The Lord turned & looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said into him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And Peter went out and wept bitterly." (Luke 22:61-62)

Just like Peter, I have failed Him... I have denied Him not just thrice... but a hundred-fold... God weeps for us too. I had the spiritual guilt of disappointing God with all of the bad-stuffs I've done before... but as He said... "It is Finished."

"Test yourselves and find out if you really are true to you faith. If you pass the test, you will discover that Christ is living in you. But if Christ isn't living in you, you have failed. I hope you will discover that we have not failed. We pray that you will stop doing evil things. We don't pray like this to make ourselves look good, but to get you to do the right, even if we are failures." (2 Corinthians 13:5-7)

If you carefully study the scripture, it shows how loving our Father is. He gives us the chance to discover the light in the midst of darkness. I know I wouldn't be who I am now if I haven't gone through so many trials. I have failed Him and still He gives me the cahnce to make up with all my shortcomings.

"My flesh and my heart faileth; but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion forever." (Psalm 73:26)

The third F is FAITH... my fears and failures were all being cast away through faith.

"Trust in the Lord, and do good; settle in the land and find safe pasture. Delight in the Lord, and He will grant you your heart's desire. Commit your way to the Lord; Trust in Him, and He will act." (Psalm 37:3-5)

Surrendering to Him and to His Will is a humble way of putting our faith in Him. We are powerless, lifeless individuals without Him. Living a life without God as the center of it is as good as 'unsatisfied living'. "Surrendering is not the best way to live, it is the ONLY way". (Purpose Driven Life)

Our FAITH gives us the sense of security and this gives the real meaning of rejoicing over adversities. We manage to rejoice and praise Him even at the midst of conflicts. It is hard, I know, but when we develop the habit of diverting negative thoughts to praising God, we see that our hearts are being unloaded w/ all the burdens caused by worries and fears. Rejoicing at the midst of conflicts and crisis in the form of prayers helps a lot. Prayer is our open link to communicate w/ Him (w/o busy networks or traffics, etc.). Prayer comes for free and out of charges... unlimited and hassle free (God's best offer)...

See how good and compassionate our God is? He always wants us to keep in touch w/ Him. He longs to hear from us. He waits and never gets tired of waiting for our call. He wants us to be happy in times of adversities by making Himself available anytime we nee Him to give us comfort and peace.

"Jesus answered them: 'Have faith in God... I tell you, whatever you ak for in PRAYER, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." (Mark 11:22, 24)

So how do we rejoice in midst of adversities? We have a choice... either Cast away fears and failures through faith manifested in the form of prayers... or we just say 'eeehhhhh'!


-jen (posted/ written July 12, 2007)

Deep Longings

"I glorified You on earth by completing down to the last detail what you assigned me to do." (John 17:4)

Yesterday's gospel left an impression in my mind about God's calling. We are being called to live a life according to our vocation. I have been pondering about my vocation. During the homily, the priest said that there are 3 vocations that we are being called to... 1. vocation of marriage; 2. single-blessedness; and 3. priesthood/ nun.

When I was still a PT intern student, I was assigned in a convent (Convent of the Holy Spirit) where I attended to the rehabilitation of old/ aged nuns. It was a wonderful experience... I saw those old holy women aged away from their families and yet I could see the solemnity, the sense of fulfillment, and the peace within them. Those are holy women who went to the mission... who have served the mission... until such time their bodies retire.

They shared to me their experiences in the mission. I really admired their passion in serving God. Their stories inspired me so much that it made me think of entering the convent. I couldn't forget one day, while tripping down the stairs (after attending to my patient who got her legs amputated because of PVD or peripheral vascular disease), convincing myself giving that idea a chance...but it didn't come about.

Until now, a good friend of mine and spiritual mentor, Sr. Julia Yap still encourages me to enter the vocation of religous life (as Catholic nun). I admit, I thought about it several times. I asked God to lead and guide me if I am really meant to serve Him in that manner. The more I ask for it, the greater my longing is to get married and have a family of my own. I can't explain the feelings, but the 'calling' of getting married and having a family of my own overpowers my desire of entering a religous life. I know it is God's will whatever path I will take... It is GOD's will NOT mine, anyway.

" Each experience of the sisters is unique. Yet, all of us feel the same love, concern and care for those who are called to serve. This is the reason why we accepted wholeheartedly the mission becasue we were Implelled by the Love of Christ." (Sis. Julia Yap)

However, having reached this age, I couldn't help thinking also that maybe I am called to be 'single' & serve Him... 'single' and serve my family... but everytime I thought about it, still... there is something that overpowers that thought... I can't explain it, but that's how I really feel.

Sometimes, I am thinking maybe the reason why until now I am not yet married is because I am meant to be 'single' forever... that maybe, my failed relationships are signs that I am called to live a life of 'single-blessedness'. Again, I ask God to lead me if it's really my vocation... May His Will be done.

I remember my friend's (April) birthday wish for me... "I hope you'll get to know your vocation in life." I really hope so... I am fit and qualified to all of the 3 vocations God calls us to, and only HIM knows what's best for me. I believe He's preparing me in whatever vocation I am called to. I have no power to decide on my own... I completely surrender to Him all my desires and longings because I know that only God's will prevails.

Prayer

Lord, You know me.
You know my natural personality is given to fear.
You know all my insecurities.
You know that I have a need to be lovedand to feel significant and to feel affirmed.
And Father, I'm not going to ask my familyto do that for me today.
They may or may not, and if they do, that's Wonderful.
But Father, You are my sole satisfaction and I ask You to satisfy me this morning with Your UNFAILING LOVE.

"HE saved us and called us with holy calling, not by reason of our works, but by reason of HIS own purpose and undeserved kindness." (2 Timothy 1:9)

- jen (posted/ written July 9, 2007)

Single... so what?

One typical afternoon, a friend of mine handed me a photocopy of a 'cut-out' article entitled 'Single Most Beautiful'. She asked me to read it so I will appreciate more the life of being a single person.

Incidentally, I've been reading a book "A Woman and Her God" (given to me by Jackie) and it tells of also the life of a single woman and how to enjoy its every moment.

When I found myself suddenly single again, most people felt sorry for me. Maybe, they felt sorry that a wonderful relationship has ended. They felt sorry I was alone or i might end up ALONE for the rest of my life. I was so SORRY, too!

Being single doesn't only mean 'not married', but also free from any emotional attachment and commitment with the opposite sex. I could have almost forgotten how it is to be single. For years, I've been in and out of relationships (which I, of course, thought were serious) and I got emotionally dependent with the person I was involved with. It was like asking other people to 'fill the cup' for me. But then, for almost half a year of being free from relationship, I am slowly realizing the beauty of being a single person. Maybe this is something God knows I really need to endure to make me a stronger person; to make me learn love myself first (before I can effectively share it w/ someone); and most especially to love and serve GOD during this period of singleness. It is when God wants me to build an intimate and deeper relationship with HIM.

HE wants us to enjoy and fulfill every moment of our singleness so that ALL THE MORE we could enjoy and appreciate life once we get married. I realized so many things in life given the space and time I have right now. Things which didn't even crossed my mind when I was in a relationship. I realized that Life, even of a single person, is beautiful.

LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL - not only for the married but also for the singles

Yes, life of a single person is beautiful and meaningful. It is a vocation to live for and to live with. It doesn't necessarily mean that single people have lesser responsibilities than those of married ones. It is not escaping the 'hassles' of commitments or being committed to. It is not even a CHOICE, but a wonderful blessing - a STAGE of life which God planned for. Unfortunately, people these days, find it hard to believe. Honestly, I found it hard to believe also, but with the MORAL support and LOVE of the people around me (plus self therapy, plus, plus, plus...), I learned that life of being a single is as fulfilling and as beautiful as a married one.

THE GIFT OF SINGLENESS

In the book of J. Harris 'I Kissed Dating GOodbye', one chapter talks of how to keep impatience from robbing us the gift of singleness. It says that THE RIGHT THING IN THE WRONG TIME IS THE WRONG THING. Most of the times, we thought that we have the right thing in the right time because plainly it makes us feel 'happy'. "Too often, people want what they want (or what they think they want, which is usually 'happiness' in one form or another) right now. The irony of their impatience is that only by learning to WAIT, and by a willingness to accept the bad with the good, do we usually attain the things that are truly worthwhile". (William J. Bennett)We usually want to do things we want right now...but God wants us to value and appreciate the present SEASON of our lives. We couldn't tell the right time or the BEST time when to pursue romance, if we fail to understand God's very purpose for singleness. All we have to do is TRUST His timing for relationships."We should view our singleness as a special season of our lives, a gift from God." We should view this 'season' of our lives as the season to devote our time to God without distractions or limitations."Don't do something about your singlehood - do something with it!" Most people worry of staying single (that includes me..hehehe) and this cause them to pick someone and be engaged to the first empty, without enduring the virtue of PATIENCE. Fear of getting OLD and ALONE is just inside our head, but God doesn't want us to stay that way. God has the perfect plans and that includes marriage (whew, thanks God!)"We were being asked to leave the PLANNING to God" (E. Elliot - Passion and Purity)Let's enjoy all the OPPORTUNITIES of being single!


MY PRAYER

I've never given up! It has always been my prayer to be married someday so I may share my life with the one God wants me to be with...and to have lots and lots of kids to love and nurture. BUT for now, there are still a lot of things that need to be revealed and learned. I am taking steps LITTLE at a time - making sure not to SKIP this very important 'season' of my life! I strongly believe in the fulfillment of my prayers in God's OWN PERFECT TIME."Being single has a distinct beauty that many of us fail to see mainly because we are led to believe that being single is such a disgrace.""It is also true that falling out of a romance over and over again causes pain. But the advantage lies on the chance of experiencing it again and with a new person, hopefully without any regret.""When you are single, you tend to be sensitive to other's people's feelings because they know how bothersome it is when they are asked about why in God's name they are still single."

THE 8 BEATITUDES OF SINGLE PEOPLE

1. Blessed are the single people, for theirs alone is their income.
2. Blessed are those who are detached, they can go where they please, when they please.
3. Blessed are the non-couples, they shall inherit no one else's problems but their own.
4. Blessed are the uncommitted, they have no phone calls to wait for.
5. Blessed are those who do not thirst for companinship (except for God's), they do not have to share the remote.
6. Blessed are the purely unattached, for they will see what they want in a shop and go buy it without any thought as to whether their mate will approve of the purchase. In other words, they can indulge without guilt.
7. Blessed are those who are persecuted when Valentine's day rolls in, they do not need some special day declared to remind them that they are happy in their present state.
8. Blessed are you when couples walk by arm in arm on a rainy day, you are not getting wet,
they are.

"We couldn't lay our future in better hand, all we
have to do is TRUST."

- jen (posted/written 6/28/07)

When We First Met

... pls. show me a sign!

February 13, 2009 was not an ordinary event to meet you. I wasn’t even expecting to meet you, but it marked as one of the most unforgettable date in our love story.

- jen