A Self-Reminder

Dear Beautiful Me,

You know very well that there is nothing to be anxious about.  You are serving the Author of time, and what you think is too late for you is just His perfect timing of working out His plans.

I am glad and proud of the woman you’ve become.  Looking back, I didn’t know you would be as strong as you are now and I smile every time I look at you.  I know the journey has not been easy. You’ve had your fair share of the bumpy and winding roads but dear Joy, you’re hanging on and for every narrow way, you always come out victorious, glory to the God who sustains you.

You are beautiful, don’t you ever forget that.  The standards of the world can be deceiving, but I know that you know how beautiful and wonderful God made you.  You are a princess, the daughter of the Most High and when earthly things begin to take toll on you, I know that you will always overcome.

Protect your heart; guard your thoughts. I understand it isn’t easy but everything starts with the mind. I pray that you will never be misled by emotions. Do not rush my dearest for love knows its own time. Do not work things out on your own for you very well know where it will lead you. Wait patiently. It will come.

Never get tired of being good. No matter how unfair the world may seem, you’ve got to make a decision every single day to be the child that God created you to be: long-suffering.  Keep that love; keep that heart because at the end of it all, it’s always between you and your Master. Do not let the pains of the past rob the goodness in you but let it keep you going.

Keep exploring. Let the world surprise you with its grandeur. Stay curious.  Keep learning. Be brave enough to take challenges.  Savor life for you were made to explore and see how beautiful the earth your Father has created for you is. Study. Travel. Go and make the world your own!

Cherish time.  You know that no one has yet invented a machine that will transport you back to yesterday.  Live each day as if it’s your last.  Love fully and let each day be an expression of your appreciation of life.  Stay connected.  Reconnect if you must.  The people you value need to feel valued.  The people you love need to feel loved. Don’t hold yourself back. Express.  Make your presence felt. You are not getting any younger and every moment wasted is forever wasted. Don’t rely on “making up” because you can never really make up for the lost times. Each day will always be a new day.

Time is precious.  It’s a scarce resource.  Use it wisely.  Spend it right.

Keep dreaming.  Keep hoping.  God placed in you a dream and He has equipped you to make it happen. Don’t give up when circumstances would say otherwise.  Keep on.  Keep fighting.  You’re getting there and each day would remind you that you are a day closer to the answers.

Never give up on love.  Someone is kneeling before God and praying for you.  Keep believing in it.  Never distance yourself from its magic.  Allow your heart to feel it again; to celebrate it again.  You are looking at the same sky and like you, God is preparing him for your meeting.  The dreams you once dreamed will all come to pass, probably not with the person you dreamed it with, but it’s definitely with the man that God created exclusively for you.  And trust me, he, himself will be the definition of love to you.

Keep writing.  This is you.  This makes you YOU.  Let your mind free itself from everything and let it explore the world of words.  Then write.  Bring life to it.  Inspire the world.  You are a writer but more than that, you are God’s pen. Write your story the right way!

Lastly, keep the faith.  Never lose it.  Keep the fire burning and know that God will always see you through.  When trusting becomes so hard, remember that He will never leave you nor forsake you.  Fight the good fight of faith.  Take part in the kingdom.  Be a testimony of God’s power and love.  Four years ago, you were telling the world through this same Young Blood page how torn you were between your dreams and your convictions.  Look at you now, God finally reconciled the two.  You’re now on track, doing the things you love most.

My dearest Me, I want you to always remember that you are good the way you are.  The angels rejoice with you.  The heavens celebrate your uniqueness, your being you.  And even when troubles come, I know we’ll always make it.  We’re more than conquerors, aren’t we?  Whatever life brings us, we choose to live a life that is for Christ.  You are beautiful, more than you’ve ever known.  You are blessed, more than you can ever imagine.  And yes, you are what your name says about you.  Joy.   You are a perfect masterpiece created by the Maker of heaven and earth.  You are a sight to behold.

And don’t forget we’re partners, okay?  We’re in this together: mind and heart united, until we hear our Master say, “well done my good and faithful servant.”

Until next time beautiful Joy.

By: Florence Joy L. Maluyo

This is one of my favorite essays ever published. My nickname’s Joy and feels like I am talking to myself. I just wanna publish it on my blog because I can relate to this whenever I feel down about something. Right now, I just feel like I wanna share this to you. It’s my roommate, Zsareena who introduced me to this wonderful essay. I am really thankful to the writer, Florence Joy L. Maluyo for creating a life-changing meaningful craft that brings hope to every hearts. ❤

Puting Rosas

Sa bawat paglakad ay damang dama ang labis na pagkasabik ng puso. Hindi maintindihan ang nadarama sa unang sulyap ng iyong mga mata. Tila bukambibig ang lahat ng matatamis na bagay sa mundo. Ang sarili ay ‘di maalintana sapagkat tumatangis ang bawat silakbol ng damdamin at ika’y niyakap sa unang pagkakataon… Oo, sa kauna-unahang pagkakataong nakita ka, sa wakas.

Kasing bilis rin ng dyip ang pag-apaw ng kasiyahang hatid ng bawat pag-ngiti. Hindi pansin ang paligid pagkat ang iyong paggalaw lamang ang tanging sinisilip. Sulyap ng mata’y hindi maiwas, karugtong ng pag-ambit ng bawat tinaga mula sa iyong malalim na pagbigkas na tila’y musika sa ‘king pandinig.

Mga kwentong marathon na hindi mahahalili sa mga nababasa sa telebisyon. Kahit maghapon na magkasama’y tuloy pa rin ang pagkilala sa isa’t isa na ‘di ko mawari na ganito pala… Ganito pala kaysarap titigan ang iyong mga mata, pakinggan ang iyong mga tinaga, ang hawakan ang iyong mga kamay, ang sumandal sa iyong balikat habang pinapakinggan ang musikang tayo lamang ang nakakarinig. Ganito pala kaysarap mahulog sa iyo, oh, giliw ko.

Di ko namalayan ang oras ng bawat pag patak ng segundo sa bawat pagtama ng ating mga mata ay tila natatamaan ang puso. Hahayaan nalang ang damdamin na tila langit ang nadarama tulad ng pagsikat ng araw sa silangan hanggang sa paglubog nito sa kanluran. Walang katapusang saloobin kung bakit ako nagkakaganito. Sa kung ano ang meron sa wala at kung ano ang wala sa meron. Pagkat ‘di ko mapagtanto kung bakit tila ang pagtawa mo ang pinapapangarap ko.

Ang mga butuin sa kalangitan ay walang katulad sa kislap ng iyong mga mata. Ang pagdampi ng lamig ng hangin sa aking balat ay ‘di alintana pagkat ang presensya mo ay nangingibabaw. Isinawasiwas lamang ang pagka hiya ‘pagkat hangad lamang ay ang makilala ka. Hindi pansin ang mga taong nasa paligid dahil sa patuloy kong pinagmamasdan ang bawat anggulo mo na babaunin ko sa pag-alis. Sa pag-alis kong baon ang iyong mga ngiti at tawa, baon ang kwento mong salamin ng iyong buhay, baon ang mga alaalang parte ako ng buhay mo sa oras na ito.. mula sa ‘ting pagkikita hanggang sa aking pagsakay.

Sa pagduyan ay laman ng isipan ang pangakong hintayan. Sa dapit hapon ng ating pag liway, tugma ang bawat ritmo na sumasang-ayon sa labis na tiwala na ‘di malilimutan kailanpaman. Hindi linggid sa ‘king kaalaman na ganito pala kasaya ang isiping hindi ako nag-iisa sa pagtungo sa kinabukasan. Sa tuwina ay napapaindak sa saya, dama ang kaba, at lahat ng pwedeng madama sa hatid nitong hamon sa buhay ko. ‘Di mapigil ang mabilis na pagtibok ng puso, tanong ko tuloy, ito na ba ang para sa akin?

Pilit na pinapakalma ang sarili sa kasiyahang parang sumasabog ang lahat ng nasa loob ko. Kasabay ng pag-agos ng dugo sa aking mga ugat ay ang paggulo ng sistema na ‘di ko lubos maintindihan. Ngunit kabigha-bighani ang kapayapaang natagpuan sa balikat mo nang sa pagsandal ko’y dama ang bawat sandali nito.

Walang pakundangan ang kulitan na sa’yo lamang iaalay. Pangako ay mananaig, magunaw man ang daigdig. Pero alam kong daig ka pa saken kung kiligin, awh ah. Hahahaha! Tila wala na ‘tong katapusan, tadhana na ang may sadya tulad ng kalawakang walang hanggan. Sa daraang araw, oras, at sandali,  dagdag sa mithiin ko sa buhay, ay aalayan ka ng pang-habangbuhay- wagas at tapat na suyuan hanggang sa huli oh, giliw ko.

October 29, 2016

 

 

Come what may

I looked at the stars yet I saw darkness. I was thinking that whichever corner my eyes drew into, there will always be that longing for sparks. Just a little forward? backward? side ward? How much farther can I go for distant lights? How many years does it take to say that “life has finally happened to me!”

 

Wishing for the right time, patience has its way to offer for the best. In midst of difficulties, one must soar high to collect stars, not by gazing but to reach for them. To jump high, no, but to jump higher and believe that we are the stars of our own selves.

 

Failures make us stronger and independent. I am one of the billion people in the world who has gone countless depression and frustrations in life. And I say sorry for myself, for the things I have done and for the things I have failed to accomplish. I don’t want to rant each part of it but in general, to aim for the best shot is not that easy. Bumpy roads and a never ending ups and downs do come in my way but I know God has come to save the day. I admit, I once told myself to just give up because it is the easier than to keep up the struggles going. But the Lord is keeping on pursuing me to stay still and focus on forward. I have tried to step down that road of sorrows just to consider my tiredness. But, soon I realized, I can never escape that road. The longer I remain sitting down on that corner, is the longer it would make me to see the best days of my life. I know right now, it may seem like I have not yet done my best-est yet, but I also know for sure that every single day is closer to improvement as long as I keep going and go for the extra mile. My dreams are still inside of me. Keeping the fire burning and a never ending adventure awaits. Come what may.

 

In time

In time,

we would wonder why,

why things would happen out of our control.

 

In time,

we would be puzzled,

puzzled about how we handle our life.

 

In time,

we would be convinced,

convinced that life isn’t perfect.

 

In time,

we would become regretful,

regretful with the chances we didn’t take.

 

In time,

we would try to think,

think about the dreams we want to achieve.

 

In time,

we would realize,

realize that at the end of the day, we are left alone.

 

In time,

we would discover,

discover that we are free as birds fly above.

 

In time,

we would fight,

fight for the good fight of faith.

 

In time,

we would fly,

fly to the other side of the world to find ourselves.

 

In time,

we would ditch,

ditch our fears and doubts to face the unknown.

 

In time,

we would sacrifice,

sacrifice our life for someone to live.

 

In time,

we would make a choice,

make a choice between what you want or what is right.

 

In time,

we would forget,

forget about reality and truths.

 

In time,

we would struggle,

struggle to ride on the bumpy road of life.

 

In time,

we would forgive,

forgive ourselves from the mistakes we made.

 

In time,

we would wish,

wish that tomorrow will get better.

 

In time,

we would accept,

accept that life is what we make it.

 

In time,

we would do more,

do more than just exist.

 

Because in time,

we would love,

love to see the world much more differently.

 

Because in time,

we would smile,

smile despite the tears falling from our eyes.

 

Because in time,

we would hide,

hide the pain and make the world wonder why.

 

Because in time,

we would grow strong,

grow strong and never be afraid to go wrong.

 

Because in time,

we would feel,

feel the glimpse of heaven for real.

 

In time.

In time..

In time…

God’s Perfect Timing

In this life, we cannot always do great things, but we can do small things with great love.

January 8, 2016 HAPPY BIRTHDAY SIS!!!

I didn’t sleep well last night and I blamed Coffee for that. o.o

Good morning. Hoping to have the appetite to pack my things for my travel this night. woh! I still don’t want to face UP. I wanna extend my vacation, If only I can adjust the time and make it go back 3 weeks ago.

Whatever. I gotta move forward. Moving on to the 2nd chapter of my 2nd year life as a ChE student. T_T Hoping I can cope up with everything after I’m about to leave my comfort zone. It’s always a challenge for me because I am a family person but part of me is adventurous and thrilled by knowledge I am going to learn in college. Because I have a dream. .. I have a dream. It’s not just a career I wanna achieve but because I am happy to do it. And this, is my greatest motivation in life. To be happy in what I do and to make the people I love happy too. 🙂 Oh, there it rhymes.

Stop the drama. Having fun while studying in college is a good way to enjoy life. I don’t want to stress out myself in academics. I intend to balance it with my social life,  my relationship with my family, and most especially to the spiritual aspect of me.

Go with the flow. Study hard. Play hard. Rock hard. Life is too short to be worried by the things meant to happen. Whenever I fail at things, I always make it a point to meditate and to focus on what really matters the most- my relationship with God. with Jesus. It’s something that I cannot compare with earthly things. So whatever might happen this semester, I submit everything to God as I call upon to Him-my needs, my aspirations, my dreams and even my frustrations and pain. I’ll forever remember that He is leading me to the path that can make me a better person. a better daughter.

I admit. I fall. I rise. I commit mistakes. And I believe that I am confidently beautiful with a heart. (chos!) LOL haha

So if things won’t go in my way, I’ll be relying on God’s purpose in my life. I’ll just do my best and God will do the rest. The best is yet to come. 🙂 ❤ ❤ ❤ Here I come UPV Miagao!

AJ,Signing off 😀 😛 ❤ 🙂

BEST OF THE BEST

BEST BOOK?

Bible

BEST FOOD?

Word of God

BEST FRIENDS?

Believers

BEST PLACE TO HANG OUT?

Church

BEST GIFTS?

Blessings

BEST COMMUNICATION?

Prayer

BEST FATHER

God

Let’s simply call it “LIFE”

When you run so fast to get somewhere you’ll miss the fun getting there. Life is not a race so take it slower. Hear the music before the song is over.

That thing called PURPOSE.

Our purpose on Earth is not to get lost in the dark through our life’s journey. But to be be a beacon of light so that others may find their way.

STAY THE SAME

Life gets boring when you still do the same thing over and over again. I therefore thought of something extra-ordinary yet a little bit ordinary. Why not change myself?

Well, I mean, it’s not a big deal for me since myself is mine. But …

It’s the people around me who will be affected if I change. For doing so, I might disappoint someone or frustrate him/her as I entwined with being what you call “Awkwardness” or so.

I thought of something new again.. Why change for the better? To improve myself? to groom sometimes? To go to salon ? or have Pedicure, ?Manicure? Cut my hair? Have a body scrub? or spa? or hair color ,I guess? Yet, I still don’t know if I ever satisfy myself with these.

What I thought for a second is that, why would I change to impress someone? Why would I change to prove my mere existence in this world? Does anyone know how to be me,? It’s so hard to keep on the pace of my own life since all of us are against the time. Since, change is the only thing constant in this world, I tried to first change my aura.

Last time, in a matter of 1 day,  4 of my friends, broke out their silence and frankly told me that I’ve changed. Well, I suppose, it was effective. I suddenly felt something new within myself too. I literally put it into motion: “CHANGE”.

As I walk and place myself in that corner of consistency to change, I heard a whisper… A whisper whose voice burst throughout my whole systema. Rolled through my senses and rushing in every part of me.

.

.

.

.

.

“Stay The Same….”

In 1 moment,

heard by 2 ears,

this 3 words,

comes 4 a reason.

I prayed and consulted God before anything else collide at it’s place.Looking by the window pane, I took a deep breath with a silent prayer. Such confusion and ideal crisis came into hand.

“Help me Oh God”

I was on the verge of letting myself swallowed by the dark aura equipped with negative thoughts. Well, then miracle came as I entered the room.

“Almie, Stay the same.”

Wow! All the constructed building of change collapsed by this 3 thunderwords of lightning. I am stuck at the moment as I try to visualize it at all cost.

“Ngaman mag-change pa man, na okay man ‘to before? :))”- Bliss Capidos (during labreport making)

Somehow, I feel loved and valued by these people 🙂 It so warm.. So delicate and pure and so new. I am greatly touched by that essence of acceptance as an individual. No need to change. No need to make a room for something new. What I have to seek is to let myself out like no one to please but God. I thank God for giving me the heart to see Jesus Christ in every person. Life is such a wonderful journey indeed.

To: Fredeve John Pacatang, Salamat Besh!

TR4CKS

TR4CKS

Track I: Moon River

….”Two drifters off to see the world there such a lot of world to see, we’re after the same rainbow’s end waiting around the bend, my huckleberry friend, moon river and me….”

Hmmm.. If two  hearts are meant to be friends, no matter how long it takes, how far they go, how tough it seems, God will bring them together to share friendship forever.

By the time na naisulat ko ‘tong blog na ito, I am so moved by the Holy Spirit to just freely express my feelings.  Nais ko lamang na maipabatid ang nararamdaman ko sa paraang alam ko at ito ay ang pagsusulat. I find it amazing how God created us with a loving spirit so we can be better persons; not just gifted with a mind that understands but with a heart that truly cares.

I really want to talk on someone I miss. Too often, pinapadaan ko lang ang pangungulila. Kahit pa’y 18 na taong gulang na ako, may mga pagkakataon talaga na hindi ko maiwasang malungkot. I realize, time is so fast. At dahil sa bilis nito, may mga bagay na hindi ko na nahabol at maibabalik pa. Naitanong ko sa sarili ko, “What if sana I had that courage noon to invite a friend doing nothing more than endless talks and laughters?” “What if I was aware of that person’s important existence in my life?” Syempre, masasabi kong I had shortcomings as Almie, my dear self.

One day, I just woke up  feeling empty and lonely. Oh yes, I have everything falling into place.  Yet , I said to myself, “Ambilis ng panahon, I’m missing someone whom maaaring nalimutan kong iparamdam na mahalaga siya sa’kin. “ This kicked my heart.

Track II: You’re my Flashlight

Well, I prayed to God to find answers. Yes…

Life is hard but He provides.

Life is unpredictable but He guides.

Life is unfair but He cares.

Life is always a challenge but He watches over us.

I know God has His purpose why we meet people we never thought that would become important to us.

Relationships are worth restoring. “Do everything possible on your part to live in peace with everybody”, Romans 12:18

Track III: Photograph

We miss someone because we are humans, we feel diverse emotions and simply because we love them. As I tend to unlock the mystery of it, I learned that it’s not the end of the world kahit pa na may mga pagkakataong nasayang. We will see each other again. That pinch of what we call “Hope”. To cherish every second with that person and value conversations ever since we meet them. And that what makes every person of your life special.

Reality in this world in terms of earthly relationships are so deep and as we are moved by it, it could become so powerful thus, we might lose ourselves. Since we are capable of loving, showing how to love is really a great challenge for me. Paano ba? But rather to keep on blowing your mind off, simply accept the fact of that reality in order to grow up. If love fails, I don’t have to die with it.

Blindfolded and walking alone, that’s what most of us feel. In a lifetime full of major risks and decisions, it might seem safer to remain stagnant. But isn’t it more fulfilling if despite the fear of falling off from a cliff and bruised knees, steps were taken? In the end, losing and mistakes won’t count . What matters most is the person we turned out to be. Not naïve, but wise and beautifully molded by experiences.

May mga tao talaga sa buhay ko na mahirap kalimutan. Taong, nakapagbigay ligaya at lungkot, taong patuloy na minamahal ka sa malayo. Taong inaalala ka sa tuwina. Di mo masabi kung kalian kayo magkikita pero ang siguradong sagot kung bakit namimiss natin itong taong ‘to ay dahil minsan ay nakapagpasaya sa ‘tin. All the pictures .. na puno ng masasayang alala, ngiting di maipagpapalit ng kahit anong bagay sa mundo. ‘Di magkamayaw na mga tawang ating pinagsaluhan at iyakan kung minsan, at walang katumbas na.. pagsasamahan, ito’y hindi malilimutan kailanman. Ahay

Track IV: At the beginning

We might forget the words from that person but surely, we won’t forget on how they make us feel when we’re with them. Beeping a friend through text or chat, it’s always a good way to treasure conversations and keeping in touch once in awhile no matter how far it may be.

Too often, a friend never knows how much you miss him or her until you contact. Never expected it, until you beep upon simply texting. The same as before, the friendship never ends.

Iniisip ko nga, paano kung bigla nalang akong tatahimik kasi wala na akong mai-topic pa? well, as for now, it doesn’t matter anymore. Each of us has a story to tell.

“Life comes with many colors and each color depends on one another. Match it well, viola -BLENDED!

Siguro nga, iniisip kong huli na ang lahat to make time with friends, but someone told me that there is a right time for everything and being late is not included. Timeless love of friendship J that’s what matters the most.

God, responsibilities, academics, family, friends, love and other stuffs could hinder someone to watch out which to prioritize the most. Juggling to balance it as part of the circle make it hard na to call on a friend to just sit down, have some coffee and a lil chat to share with. This pays a greatest challenge in our lives. But what makes it amazing is that both worlds go in contact with each other in one beep, at one moment, when thoughts become one.

As I’m asking myself where would I start, I think I might just say it so simple but absolutely meaningful–

I miss you.