What a Journey It has Been

In what seemed to be a more than an eight monthlong writing hiatus, I was actually busy preparing for the Physician Licensure Examination (the national exam for future doctors in the country). Looking back, I could only give out a deep breath coupled with my highest praise and deepest gratitude to the Master Physician Who has always been there for me during this year long journey of endless studying and insurmountable stress. But there’s more to the whole story than what meets the eye. In this write-up, I opted to be brutally honest than before and share my thoughts, my feelings and even my struggles that collectively sum up my whole pre-board experience. Doing this would help me synthesize things in retrospect and refresh the lessons learned along the way. (I was torn between making a YT vlog or this piece you’re reading now; it seemed to me that I was more comfortable sharing through this means and I bet you’re probably right when you’re thinking now I’d share something either too personal or too.)

When should I take the exam?

This was one of the questions which perplexed me during last year, such uncertain times. I prayed for God’s guidance and enlightenment so that He could lead me to His will on this. And He did! I felt impressed to take it just this March 2021 and the outcome of what I prayed for really proved that God’s timing is perfect! Well, it was not a smooth ride because due to the circumstances (like when I could have taken the exam on an earlier sched ’cause it did not fall on a Sabbath), I questioned my decision borne out of faith. But all throughout this ‘wilderness’ season, God taught me 3 As: to ACKNOWLEDGE, to ANTICIPATE and to AWAIT. And with His help, I did!

More than the physical side of things

Preparing for the board exams is not an easy feat. Cliché as it sounds, one could never say such until he or she gets to go through it. In my experience, I started to review as early as March after our post graduate internship transitioned to an online one because of the pandemic. Although initially, it was not all-out or very focused, I started to gain momentum around September if I remember it right. So technically speaking, since I started early, relative to others, I was prone to burnout. Good thing, I was at home with my family around me ’cause it made things more tolerable.

But as the heading expresses, the challenges were more than just related to the body and the mind. Truly, it was tough and draining physically and mentally. But spiritually, I was drained and sadly dying, too.

*breathes deeply*

You see, on some of those stressful days (not on a regular basis), I found myself succumbing to masturbation and pornography. As cringeworthy as me sharing this, I guess I simply found the courage to share the part of my journey that was under the shadows; the dark side of the story that for sure no one knows until now. And there’s something emancipating about telling you; that words can’t express and that God only knows how I feel. After those Waterloo moments, I could only repent and confess my sins to the only One able and willing to forgive and forget them. And as I recall how His amazing grace saved me and His unconditional love healed me, time and time again, I could only echo the words of the sweet hymn:

O precious is the flow 

that makes me white as snow; 

no other fount I know; 

nothing but the blood of Jesus. 

THANK YOU JESUS! How I wish I could undo the times I suffered and wasted some precious opportunities due to this thorn in the flesh! But God has lovingly restored a wretched and unworthy sinner back to His fold and I will never forget the miraculous wonders of His salvation!

A CoVID Threat

Just days before I would leave for Iloilo where our testing center was located, I received terrible or much fittingly, horrifying news that I was one of the close contacts of a CoVID + person! At first glance, it did not seem bothersome because we both did not have more than 15 minutes interaction. However, the enemy plagued me with negative thoughts and my faith was tested. The possibility of not being able to take the exam due to the virus became a real threat to me and it was such a scary place to consider that all year long, I was careful enough not to get infected but only to be so within days before the big day! I found it hard to study during that week and I begged God for a miracle because I was being gripped with fear! His ways are indeed mysterious as He taught me the hard way; He taught me to trust Him AGAIN and to learn how to praise Him during this storm. That’s why Natalie Grant’s song echoed my heart’s sentiments during this fiery trial that beset me:

And I’ll praise You in this storm

And I will lift my hands

‘Cause You are who You are

No matter where I am

And every tear I’ve cried

You hold in Your hands

You never left my side

And though my heart is torn

I will praise You in this storm

If only I could find the right words to describe how I felt those stormy times! But I think through this song’s lyrics, you could have a full picture of where I was and how God was trying to teach me to be patient and to praise Him even though it was hard.

When my RT-PCR swab result came out, it was negative! I remember how I thanked God so much and what made it more beautiful was His goodness shone brightest even though I was completely unworthy and was even doubting Him! I repented of my doubts and surely this trial taught me more on faith and surrender than many past ones combined. This specific answer revealed to me that God really wanted me to take the boards (that this was really His specified time!) and the process, the road to receiving His answer was a far greater blessing than the answered prayer!

More fiery trials = more answered prayers

The night before the first day of the boards, sleep eluded me! Though I was not worrying and I was at peace, I found it hard to sleep. I could never explain how or why this was so despite 4 melatonin capsules (spell desperation!) Upon rising up, I felt so scared and overwhelmed because I just did not know how I would survive the next hours of the day! But coming to think of it, as of this writing, the Lord showed His mighty hand countlessly before throughout the review season; how could I doubt Him this time? Well, for the first time in my life, I felt that I was totally not in control and so I wholeheartedly surrendered that day to His hands. I remembered telling God that “The battle is not mine but Yours, Lord!” By a leap of faith, I proceeded to my preparations and before I knew it, I was already at the designated room, ready to answer the first subject, Biochemistry. And the rest was history!

I SURVIVED THE FIRST DAY! And the next 3 days of the exam as well! And I could only attribute this to the grace of God!! Some of the subjects were difficult like IM and OB-Gyne, others relatively “ok” but at the end of each day, I was at peace because the Lord showed His mighty power as well as His infinite goodness!

There was also one exam where I forgot the formula (one of the hardest to memorize). No matter how many formulas I tried, ending up with the correct choice was to no avail. I prayed earnestly for the Lord to lead me to the right answer and He led me to letter C. After that, He confirmed the answered prayer through a batchmate who said the answer was indeed letter C!

Not to boast but only claiming His promise in faith, I knew that I would pass the exams! And after 4 days, the results came out and God gave me my heart’s desire: I was finally a licensed MD! After all the struggles, after all the doubts, after all the trials, how beautiful and meaningful was that exact moment when I saw my name as one of the passers!

FOREVER GRATEFUL

Not my will but His

I will not deny that I prayed for God’s extra blessing to make it to the Top 10 but only if it was His will. I was able to do well in my exams from our review center but it was not a false assurance. I took it as a sign that it was a possibility to be a topnotcher but I chose not to make it as a goal of unbalanced proportions. Or the ultimate outcome in mind. With the right perspective, I thank God that He helped me to prioritize what’s more important. And it most likely helped me react properly when I checked my rating a week after the last exam.

It was 0.75 points away from the 10th placer! But unlike before, I still felt at peace and I chose to trust God’s will or purpose of why I never made it! Just passing the exam after everything I’ve been through was sufficiently a blessing! And I could not be less grateful!

A journey ends, another begins

My PLE journey has been very memorable in both goods ways and bad. It’s something I never want to go through again and I’m relieved I don’t have to. Yet all the lessons, all the insights, all the blessings and most especially all the answered prayers added depth and color to the final portrait of God’s masterplan for me, in making me His physician missionary a reality.

Yes I did my part; I tried my best. But I know were it not for the Master Physician, all would have been lost, all would have been in vain, all would have been for nothing! To God be the glory!

Blessed be God,

Who has not turned away my prayer,

Nor His mercy from me!

Psalm 66:20

Philippians 4:13: Me after the last exam! I could only point upward!

2019 to 2020: An Ode to Victory

It’s not the first time I’ve used this photo for a write up. But this beautiful illustration seems like the right picture for this poem serving as my comeback post after a long time! SOURCE: https://www.godisreal.today/pictures-of-jesus/ Photo by Lars Justinen

 

 

Through the years, as time flew by

Looking back, I cannot help but sigh

I painfully recall how two thousand and nineteen

Became less the picture of what it should have been.

 

I would lose count on how many times I failed

I drowned so quickly as the waves of burden assailed

The Hand of Mercy lifted me up to safety again

I was back at the shore but only until my next amen.

 

I ventured into new heights I have never gone before

I stumbled to great depths as I believed more and more

Those fatal counterfeits and destructive lies

Why o why did I ever compromise?

 

Well, what can you expect from an ever-wretched soul?

Like a dying meteor spiraling out of control

I lost my light, waxed cold and fell so deep from heaven

O how could you save one who has died so often?

 

But alas! Grace found me in my darkest wilderness

Divine Love reached out to me, fresh from the ashes

Weary but wide awake, I could only open my heart’s door

To receive such undeserved blessings and surely, many in store.

 

Many prayers have been said; lessons for life learned,

Many songs have been sung, precious insights earned,

Daily battles have been lost yet there are still more to be won

Less I forget what it cost, less I lose sight of  the Son.

 

Through the next years or so, right before my eyes

Looking forward ahead and once again arise

I heartily believe and hopefully claim that two thousand and twenty

Become the new chapter of a victor’s story, even unto eternity!

 

P.S. To supplement this poem, I’ll be sharing this musical treat in line with the essence of what I have written and just happens to be one of my favorite songs!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2017: A Year of Losses and Gains

BACKGROUND: “In the solitude of my room, as the noise of fireworks and ‘torotots’ (NY horns) enveloped me, I was ready to plunge into the silence within….” This was how I intended to start my annual, analytical post for each year last night but I was just too tired and weak. You see, I have a sore throat with cough and colds, the outcome of sleep deprivation, voice straining and too much holiday sweets. Starting the year this way sucks as hell especially when I didn’t  taste the delicious bounty of our New year’s eve dinner. Anyway, this couldn’t stop me from looking back to how 2017 went for me. Let me briefly share with you my experience, dear reader.

From the title, I guess you’re assuming it was a year flooded with tears and regrets. Sadly, it was! You see, I’ve suffered a terrible spiritual decline throughout the past year. One that contributed to many preventable pitfalls, one that was itself very preventable. With my busy schedule, I failed to spend quality time with God unlike before but I afforded time for worldly/sinful plesasures and vain amusements. The very things I told myself I could never do I did (twas a huge slap to my prideful ego; just typing this out is hard for me) but I’ve learned to let go as I always need to. And it was all made possible by God’s grace- so amazing and wonderful!

Though I failed the Lord from time to time this 2017, He always picked me up and lavished His love on me. This was reflected in the many undeserved blessings I received this year. It would take time to enumerate them all but the ones I’m really grateful for include forgiveness, protection, sustenance, family and friends. Let me not forget the lessons and insights that I acquired the hard way, some of which I willingly shared here in previous write ups.

But 2017 was not all about defeats and bruises. I found myself able to fully forgive a friend who wronged me and now we’re in the same group of wedding singers. I discovered a lot about myself and also realised what was needed to be done in order for me to become better (no doubt that always includes divine intervention!). I’m still in the process of recovery at the moment but the only way now is up, forward. To add, I also opened up myself to a few people, formed friendships and closed unhealthy ones. Or decided to close such.

With what I went through, from the ups and downs,  the achievements and failures, everything in between, I was never the same. I accepted that fact. I may have become better but I felt that my decline was more superior. But I couldn’t accept to stay like this for long , for another year. Hence, I surrendered my 2017 to the One Who never let go, the One Who always stood by me, the One who unlike me never changes! And boy, does it feel so good!

What was your 2017 like? If you have a similar story to mine, then lay it at the cross, surrender it to Jesus. Do this that we may enter into 2018 in newness of life!

Happy New Year!

P.S. Here’s a beautiful, moving song to complement my post. Be blessed!

 

Coming Clean

Right above is a picture of me, literally buried in the tons of papers- college exam sheets, old notes, etc. I’ve collected through the years. Yes, I’m a garbage collector! But with divine help, I was able to let go many of them and finally throw them where they belong- the garbage can! With overcoming the sentimental value I attributed to some of them (or yes maybe it was most of them but I just couldn’t admit it), it felt like an achievement of a lifetime! Cleaning your room may be tiring but it sure brings you to many realizations for life!

(Laughs)

But seriously, the photo also symbolizes me. In all aspects of my life, I may have collected garbage which has trapped me in a rut. But praise God for He has rescued me time and time again. Through His precious blood, I am coming clean and I am made clean!

P.S. In line with this write-up, I would like to share my second video for my YouTube ministry which I shared in the post prior to this. Be blessed, dear reader now to become a dear viewer! 🙂

General Cleaning Day: “Failure is not Fatal”

 

Responding to the Call

In my PYC uniform…

Background: I was really planning to write about my PYC experience in Iloilo which started last May 31, 2017. Due to circumstances that made me busy, I was not able to do so. But praise God, He really provides opportunities for me to do so and even more as there is also something I’m going to share, as a result of the PYC experience.

The PYC or Philippine Youth for Christ is an annual event attended by  Seventh-Day Adventist youth across the Philippines and even from countries nearby. It was my first time to attend and you can imagine my excitement.

🙂

Pastor Taj Pacleb: One of my favorite speakers….

During a span of days, my sister and I got to listen to very inspirational messages from the wonderful set of speakers, through plenary meetings or breakout sessions. The topics were indeed essential as they were about the very issues we, the youth, face. Though the schedule was tight for me, I still got to embrace the blessing the Word of God brought. Besides this,  the fellowship of brothers and sisters in the faith was strengthened through activities like group dynamics (I was a group facilitator BTW and I thank God for the task He gave me!) and mission outreach which I really enjoyed. (Oh how I intensely desire to share the full details of my whole experience to you, dear reader! But just so you know, my group belonged to the ‘Palit-Yosi’ ministry which was tasked to make exchanges of cigarettes with the fruits and biscuits we brought. We then had an additional work- the Jeep ministry which got us riding jeepneys where we sang, prayed for and gave tracts to the passengers. I just could not overemphasize how big of an impact we made in the city, all by the grace of God!) There was no doubt that with an atmosphere of heartfelt prayer and heavenly wisdom, almost everyone I believe was on a spiritual high. But it didn’t end there, it shouldn’t after all. It was clear that because The Appearing (which was the title of this year’s event, before I forget) is so near, that we as the Lord’s children and watchmen should do our part in the furtherance of the gospel, in preparing the world for the return of the “crucified, risen and soon-coming Savior!”

Our smiles after serving the Lord…

With my fellow medical students on the last night… #BeyondBlessed

Therefore, after the successful and historical PYC which blessed me beyond words, I found myself asking this question: “What do you want me to do now, Lord?” I have been serving the Lord somehow with my talents like writing through this blog and smiling while giving Bible tracts (yes, smiling is a talent! Haha). I was fueled up to do much more in God’s vineyard and I still am. And God, in His goodness, gave me the answer! It was revealed to me that with the means and skills He blessed me with, I could serve the Lord in YouTube! Since 2012, I have been making medical parody videos with the purpose of helping my batch mates back then in remembering stuff for exams. My talent in composing such was developed and a couple of my videos received heartwarming feedback from people around the globe. If I was able to inspire people this way, how much more using the Word of God? How much more with the wonderful words of life which could help anyone grow spiritually and be prepared for such perilous times our world is now in? Because after all,  our relationship with God is what truly matters most in the end. Not the number of followers or subscribers one has.  But how could it grow if we don’t share our faith?

Hence,  with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, I was able to do an introductory video plus my first one for this endeavor which God has called me to! It is with utmost humility and sincere earnestness that I ask you, dear reader, to please check out these two videos by clicking the links below. And if you feel blessed or inspired after watching them, your subscription would mean the world to me! Thank you…

Another Ministry Begins (Post PYC Revealing)

Independence Day: Freedom in Christ

P.S. Forgive me for videos are not that HQ! If you check out my other channel (the one with the med parodies), you can see how Jurassic my first videos were! (Laughs) But what matters is that you get the message, my friend!

Little, Sweet Reminders

Forgive the blur. But this is a recent portrait of me: a LOVED HUMAN who is a FIGHTER!

 

BACKGROUND: It’s been a while since I last wrote in my blog! Well, as some of you dear readers know, med school happened and that means more time spent in academic stuff than blogging. But earlier this morning, during my daily devotional time, the message struck me and I had the urgent need to share my heart out. Despite the fact that it’s hell week as some would consider it (it’s the last week of classes BTW= yehey!!), I’m glad to have this moment of keeping my fingers busy. After all, I need a simple break from all the studying and I can’t deny it; I miss doing this!

THE ESSENTIALS: So the message was to “remind the people” and in the process that I was reminded of such a task, it would bring much bearing if I don’t keep to myself these reminders that are worthy to be shared to the world especially for times like these:

1. You are loved. By God. By family. By friends. By someone.

After experiencing some challenges recently (in all aspects from sickness to stress to failure), I was able to see a clearer picture of God’s love for me. Sometimes, when life is smooth and everything seems to go well, we lose sight of what we have. We tend to forget the Lord and we fail to appreciate His love for us as we set our eyes on other things that seek our affection. That’s why maybe He allows trials to come our way so that this would not happen. And yet during such times, His love endures and sustains us. It is His love that causes Him to heal our infirmities, that keeps us going in the journey He’s called us (in my case, to continue studying though I feel like giving up), that brings us back to Him after we’ve hurt or failed Him constantly. And you know what I like about His love is that it is expressed in so many ways. Like through the people around you, whom He can use to bless you or mold you. Or just the simple necessities we take for granted: food, water, air, clothing.

And let us not forget Calvary. Oh, just to think how the Son of God was more than willing to give His life as a ransom for sinful man! Every time I meditate on this, it is just so overwhelming! Such a reminder is enough fuel for me to make the best out of my life, to live for Him out of earnest love and deepest gratitude. How about you?

2. You can do this! Through Christ Who gives you strength. (Phil. 4:13)

Being a medical student is such a great privilege but most of the time, it may be a burden with all the responsibilities and expectations laid on you. It is inevitable to be overwhelmed with the stock of knowledge to be dealt with in the absence of luxury of time. And I believe that some would even sacrifice their health or family time just to compensate. Well, this does not hold true for future doctors. In this fast paced world where competition thrives and selfish ambition rules, it is easy to give in to hopelessness, fear and loss of confidence. We are all prone to wear out and give up. But as cliche as this sounds, may this adage remind why you can achieve your goals and pursue your dreams no matter what: “If God puts you to it, He will put you through it.”

3. You are human. With limitations. With weaknesses. But with passions and necessities.

Somehow linked to the second reminder, there’s indeed more to life than just studying. Or whatever it is that we’re bound to do, wherever God called us. In order to keep a striking balance, let us not forget that we also have other needs. Giving ourselves a break by participating in sports, music, art, etc. or just indulging in a sweet treat- these can make all the difference. (Look at me now; I could have studied Pathology but I still feel equally fulfilled with this writing!)

So I guess that’s about it! Just three simple reminders. For myself. For you. For the whole jaded world.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Baggage-less 2017

While I was cleaning my room last Friday (this was my much needed general cleaning), I found this piece of an old calendar. It might be a coincidence that through the mess, this was the only exact paper that was detached from the rest. But with the quote written on it, I can’t help but think that this was divine intervention in ways I may never know or explain.

But nevertheless, what really matters is the timely message I received as I was on the crossroads of a new year- which meant a page of a new 365  page book and writing a good one as Brad Paisley puts it. (Sighs). Yes, I feel determined in achieving that end by God’s grace but sometimes, in the long run, I may get too exhausted or wearied down. (You may have read my entry, the one prior to this which was my last for 2016; it somehow reflects how I failed to apply the quote in the photo above) That’s why it is so important for me to fully let go of all the negatives I have carried in 2016 in order to really start another year the right way!

So looking back to yesterday, the first day of 2017, I am peacefully contented and blissfully grateful that I started the process of living life minus the unnecessary baggage. Having surrendered my burdens and committed my will to God, I was able to bring joy (I cleaned my mother’s garden and it brought a smile to her face), perseverance (I got to play my violin again with high hopes that my skills would improve ), faith (I learned to shake off the doubts and just trust the Lord; I’m still learning) and love (This was manifested by all of the following because I wouldn’t want to live right this 2017 if it were not for it. Thank You Jesus for the love!)

(Breathes deeply)

I don’t know how this year would turn out or if all these efforts would end up in vain. Certainly, life is full of uncertainties. But one thing remains certain to me: I’m learning to live life to the fullest now, certain kilos lesser!

Nanay was not the only one happy on January 1. Look at the plants! How huge their smiles!

2016: A Year of Lessons/Realizations

PHOTO taken by my good friend and brother in Christ, Jared Kaiser

Fresh from a wonderful Sabbath of serving God and fellowship with my family plus friends, I am so stoked to have this post as my last for the year 2016. I was so blessed with the messages I heard from the Divine Service (it was so timely!) up to the AY Program. And it is my utmost desire to faithfully apply these in my life as the new year begins. (So help me God!)

2016 has been a very challenging year for me. In a lot of ways: physically, mentally (more of like academically), socially/emotionally and of course, as evidenced in recent write-ups, spiritually. I have to say I’ve grown for the good but it would be a lie not to admit that I’ve also grown for the worse. But despite all the happenings I went through this year, God has ever remained faithful and gracious to me. May that be reflected in the things I’m about to share.

Instead of writing about my highlights, let me share the lessons (hence, the title) or the realizations I’ve had from out of the different experiences I was in or circumstances I dealt with:

1. No matter how hard you try to be good or kind to others, there will always be people who will use you, take advantage of your or hurt you for hurting’s sake. But then again, we live in an imperfect world; we can’t please everyone. So I guess I end up reminding myself that it is God Who I need to please or to focus on. And worse, maybe they thought that by dong such, you will go dark. But you will prove them wrong because you choose to let the good in you remain and improve for the better. Ouch! It seems like the first one is salt on a wound but definitely it’s the one that has the most impact on me. As you may have read in a post in the past, I’ve been through one ‘valley’ which tested my faith in God and my will to survive. But the Lord saw me through. So with love and forgiveness in my heart, I will move on to 2017 with this lesson inculcated in my heart.
2. I’m a garbage collector, a good one. During the general cleaning of my room, I got to see how many stuff I have kept through the years that needed to be disposed. It made me ponder that I probably collected a lot of garbage, not only  literally but also in my life’s room; maybe people, habits, emotions or other things which I definitely need to let go. So with enthusiasm and for a good purpose, here’s to cleaning up my life! (Plastic also serve as part of my collection but hopefully they’re not the people I know!)
3. You can never survive anything life throws at you without God. Well, I believe I’m not the only one who understands this fully. From the book of Job (which was our topic for the Sabbath School lesson this quarter) to experiencing many tough times, I came to value how a relationship with God really helps during such and what faith in Him entails. Yes, being comforted by your family and friends is a blessing. But to know that the God of the Universe knows your pain and cares enough for You; to add, that He is always in control no matter what happens, is certainly far better. So here’s to enriching my spiritual walk even more as I enter 2017!!!

There are surely a lot of lessons/realizations for this year but these three are the ones worth sharing and heart tugging as well! I just could not overemphasize how deeply thankful I am for God’s love manifested in His guidance, sustenance, protection, and of course His forgiveness! Your grace is truly amazing, dear Lord!

With a grateful heart, a focused mind and a confident spirit, I move forward to 2017! Happy New Year!

My First Day of School

When a happening got you thinking…

My first day of school was cancelled.

Ouch! As for most of my classmates I believe that means hurrah, it spells disaster for me and that is what I’m going to share through this post. I felt the urge to share what I went through today before I hit the books.

You see, I was absent on the real first day of classes which was last Monday, August 8. This was a great disappointment for me, of course but what can you do when you get infected with a virus? I suffered from viral exanthema for roughly 2-3 days and I thank God I recovered quickly so that I was able to return to Iloilo yesterday. (Thank God even more that it was not dengue or chikungunya! Spell relief!) So yes, I missed out a lot on the 1st 2 days  of 2nd year which is considered as the hardest and is even dubbed as “Hell Year.” But I got to move on with that!

However, what happened this morning seemed to tell me that I belong to Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events. I have to say that what happened wasn’t grievous  but it wasn’t non-stressful. Well, for someone who was absent for two days already (and one lecture on one day to be exact), I was looking forward to having one full, regular class day at Roxas Hall today. To add, we were to have our first meeting for Jericho Walk, an annual event of CCC, a college organization I joined. I was going to speak. So yes, my plate was full and before I forget, I even had to go to my aunt’s house to have her sign my excuse letters.

With my exigencies written, you could imagine how busy my day could have been. And with the rain not cooperating with me, it was a challenge to keep my white pants clean and spot-free. After visiting my aunt, I was on my way to school when I learned that classes were cancelled. Burn baby, burn! Wow. That was hard to swallow. (And yes, if I were to swallow such, it would still be really difficult because my throat still hasn’t cured completely and eating these days is a painful experience.) Anyway, in a time where some would lash out the S word or get mad, I’m glad right now I chose to laugh it off. I can’t remember if I prayed but the Lord knows how dependent I was/am on His will. I wish I did and more importantly, I  wish to be more prayerful. Good thing, the org head was communicating with me and with encouragement, it was decided that we push through with the first session. She and her best friends would come just for the event! (May God bless these precious, passionate souls!) So there I was, walking my way to school while other students were going home. I will not deny that I felt a bit downtrodden but God was good enough to encourage me so yes, I walked with determination along the muddy puddles of water.

With the wind so strong, my bag looked like it swam in a pool.

(sighs)

And as if my sickness and the weather/class suspension combo were not enough, some of the people who came for the event had to leave because it turned out they still had one class. Talk about such relentless opposition from the enemy of souls! But it was clear as Rejine (our group coordinator) expressed: we were doing something right as God would be doing something powerful through us and Satan doesn’t like it; hence, all these. But we still pushed through with the first session. We could not afford the devil to succeed with his intentions and plans. With Arvey and Jib (God lovingly provided him to add to the company), I shared my prepared message on renewal and we closed the session with a prayer. Matthew 18:20 comforted me as it says, “For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.”

So yes, that was how my first day of school went so far! With a trial (or was it a test?) that didn’t prevent me, didn’t hinder us from doing what must be done for the Lord and with Him as well. I will still be looking for reasons why the Lord allowed such especially throughout today. But once again, He has gently reminded me that no matter what happens, He is always there, He is always in control.

On a brighter note, I can still have classes at my room. So, let’s study!!

July 24-30: A Week of Losses

“We may lose something or someone but our loving God would not leave us without gain.” – KBH

For my second post on Simple Recall to be late again really proves how busy I am. I returned to Iloilo City just yesterday to attend a burial and throughout my day, I had no time to sit down and write this post. However, the fact that I can write now is because I’m already through with my important things-to-do for today. Spell relief!

Well, this week started with a big challenge for our family: the heartbreaking loss of my uncle Toting (He was the husband of my Aunt Lydia, the eldest sister of my father.) I remember how deeply sad I was upon learning of the unexpected news that Sunday morning. It was only two months ago when an uncle died, you know. So it was another tough ordeal for all of us. However, despite his death, I thanked God that he died peacefully in his sleep. And the best part? He got to see his youngest daughter who arrived the day before from the US so seeing all his children before dying could have been meaningful to him. Talk about the promptings of the Spirit! I guess God must have orchestrated how his daughters could go home out of the blue and spend time with him. His timing is always perfect, don’t you think?

Besides the familial loss, I had my share of losses which I could not describe in detail here because they are too personal. But one thing was and is sure: God brought me up where I stumbled and by His grace, I am fighting on even with all my scars and wounds. No matter how many times I failed Him, He has never given up on me! His love is so everlasting and His grace, so empowering! (Please pray for me, dear reader as I press on in my journey to where God wants me to go and against the things that must go…)

So throughout all my losses this week, I still praise Him for as I can see, I still gained something which He alone can give! And also, the Lord knows what He is doing so I trust His will.He always knows what is  best!

“Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.” Psalm 136:1

PHOTO SOURCE: https://static01.nyt.com/images/2010/02/10/health/loss480/loss480-blogSpan