unforgotten promise ^_^

I remember the promise... 7 years ago. The promise that I can never forget.
My Aunt and I were on the phone, we talked many things about school, life and also lovelife. It was kind of weird for me, because I was still teen, and "lovelife" was not in my vocabulary yet and then my Aunt told me, "Don’t be in a relationship yet ha, follow my steps, 25 years old na nagka-relationship, okay? Promise me now" ... hmm, I was surprised why she asked me about that thing... then I answered "Yes Tita, sure. I promise" :) I answered with a smile.

Since then, I registered in my mind that "NO RELATIONSHIP until I reach 25" YEAH! Indeed, Challenging, very challenging. :) LOL! Kidding. It was fun... but honestly, very sad.

I already believe that True love waits; I know God will give a mate/partner for each of us that are destined for us.

Speaking of True love... I know someday, that true love will come... at the right time, in the right place. When that comes, I'll make sure that I will take that true love with my whole being. And I hope that true love will take me the way I am and will love and court me always until my last breathe.

I am looking forward for it. For now, I will just prepare, get ready and pray that my patience will increase. Sooner or later, it will come... it is not yet the end. Ü

Live Life Over

IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER

I would have talked less and listened more.

I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained and the sofa fade.

I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.

I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.

I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.

I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.

I would have sat on the lawn with my children and not worried about grass blemish.

I would have cried and laughed less while watching television - and more while watching life.

I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.

I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day.

I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.

Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.

When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, "Later. Now go get washed up for dinner."
There would have been more "I love yous"... more "I'm sorrys"...but mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute... look at it and really see it...live it...and never give it back.

----------------------------

In memory of Erma Bombeck who lost her fight with cancer. "Be courageous and bold. When you look back on your life, you'll regret the things you didn't do more than the ones you did."

Missing him a lot...

I was about to write a blog about my grandfather. It's been three (3) years and eight (8) months since he died, I thought I already moved-on, but then, as I continue writing about him, I felt missing him so much and I become aware of my tears rolled down my cheeks... I just really missed him... and thinking that if he's still alive, maybe I could have a chance to hug him, tell him I’m sorry and I love him so much. If he’s still alive now, maybe our family/relatives would not be chaotic right now. <Sigh>

 But then, I believe in the saying: “no one is permanent in this world.” All of us died for some reasons and God has a purpose for everything… :)

Wherever YOU are...

I don't know where you are right now...

but, I just want to let you know that...

wherever you are...

you're never far from my heart... ♥

____________________________________________________________________________________

Lover of my soul,
I go inside to find you
when you're just too far away
for me to get to.

Sometimes I catch glimpses of you
in someone else
and I try to imagine
that some part of you is still here.

Even so, I let it go
and wrap my thoughts around images
that flow
in pictures of you.

Something about the world
keeps changing.
You always seem to disappear
and so I go within to find you

Sweet lover of my soul
are you near?
I close my eyes again
to slip into another dream...

-- Vance Gilmore --

...now that I see you...

Question: WHAT'S ON YOUR MIND???


My Answer: ...and at last I see the light, and it's like the fog has lifted. And at last I see the light, and it's like the sky is new. And it's warm and real and bright, and the world has somehow shifted. All at once everything looks different, now that I see you...

Here I Go Again!!!

March 2, 2011

During our Bible Study, I thought of someone I’ve met once, and the one whom I admire most. I accidentally remember the moments...from the time we met until the time I’ve known him that well (not much). Those were the days, a happy time for me. Yeah! I admit that I was in the point of what we call "head over heels". In love with whom I met as a friend.

Everytime I think of those days, I just found myself smiling.

I know that it’s a part of growing up, to love and to let go of the things that are not meant to be.

Many questions that still in my mind. Questions that I think no one could ever answer, except God.

Until now, the memories are still fresh… I can still remember those times… it was a sure experience… unforgettable moment in time.

[[[ it’s alright, it will pass… with God’s help ]]]

SATURDAY: my Special and favorite day, ever! ♥

SABBATH day!

I am so thankful and grateful to God for the whole entire week, He made us alive and allow us to do whatever we want and also very much thankful for the reason that HE made Sabbath day for us.

(Mark 2:27 -- And He said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath.)

I am so excited for the Sabbath day, as always. I can feel the peacefulness of the world. I’m pleased to fellowship with the brethren, eating good foods, hearing God’s messages through His servants and of course, for studying His very words.

the SMILES that I can never ever forget...  

 the friendship... and the Sabbath day. :)

Although I am far from my biological family, but I am happy since I have still my family in Christ here around me. :)

Happy SABBATH... every Sabbath :)

Angels in your Life

by Alex

People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime.

When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person.

FOR A REASON

When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed.

They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to help you to overcome adversity, to provide you with guidance and support, and to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually. In times like this, they may seem like an Angel to you.

They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrong doing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person may say or do something to bring the relationship to an end.

Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand.

What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled and their work is done.

The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.

FOR A SEASON

Some people come into your life for a SEASON because your turn has come to share, grow or learn.
They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh.
They teach you something you have never done.
They give you an unbelievable amount of joy and cherished memories.
Believe it, it is real. But only for a season.



FOR A LIFETIME

Lifetime relationships teach you lifetime lessons and things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation.

Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life.

It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.

Thank them, cherish them, love them, for being part of your life, whether they were a reason, a season or a lifetime.

Believe that, angels do exist, only they haven’t got wings. We call them friends.

Do you have angels in your life? And what’s their impact in you?

When I'm Gone...

It’s not the time to send me flowers.

I can’t smell them anymore.

It’s not the time to write me letters.

I can’t answer them any more.

It’s not the time to give me cards.

I can’t read them anymore.

It’s not the time to say sorry.

I can’t appreciate them anymore.

It’s not the time to say praises.

I don’t need them anymore.

It’s not the time to say I love you.

I can’t feel them anymore.

It’s only the time to be silent.

And to pray, pray, pray.

And perhaps the time to shed.

A few tears, as to me you say goodbye.

Book of Love -- Peter Gabriel

The book of love is long and boring
No one can lift the damn thing
It's full of charts and facts and figures and instructions for dancing.

But I
I love it when you read to me
And you
You can read me anything

The book of love has music in it
In fact that's where music comes from
Some of it is just transcendental
Some of it is just really dumb

But I
I love it when you sing to me
And you
You can sing me anything

The book of love is long and boring
And written very long ago
It's full of flowers and heart-shaped boxes
And things we're all too young to know

But I
I love it when you give me things
And you
You ought to give me wedding rings
And I
I love it when you give me things
And you
You ought to give me wedding rings
And I
I love it when you give me things
And you
You ought to give me wedding rings
You ought to give me wedding rings.

[[[ I love this song, I got this from "Shall We Dance" movie. :) ]]]

Being Single: A Blessing or a Curse?

A commentary by Mary Miller

My cousin was recently married in the gorgeous setting of Amish Country—my fourth wedding to attend this summer. It is so exciting to see friends starting the adventure of marriage for a lifetime, but where does that leave those of us who are still single?

I am sure we can all relate to having a longing to belong to someone and feel the loneliness of being single. It may feel like the "curse" of being single will never end. But is singleness really a curse?

At my cousin's house the other night I picked up a book that I read years ago but had forgotten about. When God Writes Your Love Story by Eric and Leslie Ludy has really made me think about my approach to being single.

In our longing to belong to someone, do we forget to focus enough on the One to whom we must ultimately belong? God must be our number one priority, and sometimes He gives us the gift of being single.

I don't know about you, but even being single, I have so much going on and so little time. Being in a relationship of necessity takes up time in our lives to develop, build and maintain that relationship. But being single grants the gift of time...

"He who is unmarried cares for the things of the Lord—how he may please the Lord. But he who is married cares about the things of the world—how he may please his wife.

"There is a difference between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman cares about the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit. But she who is married cares about the things of the world—how she may please her husband" (1 Corinthians 7:32-34).

Being single allows us to do many things we may otherwise not be able to:

• Serve others more. There are many ways in our lives in which we can serve God, people and society. While single, we have more time to devote to service outside a relationship.

• Focus on building a more solid foundation in our relationship with God. This needs to be a key part of our lives—"seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you" (Matthew 6:33). God loves us and wants us to put Him first. He also wants the best for us—including for our love lives!

• Develop skills for that future relationship. We each have our own strengths and weaknesses, including those skills needed in a marital relationship. Whether they are physical skills like yard work, home repair, cooking, cleaning, laundry, etc., or emotional and spiritual skills, we all have areas we can improve for when the right time comes.

While being in a relationship leading toward marriage or being married is a great blessing from God, being single can be an immense blessing as well. Keep this in mind as you travel through the next days and months wondering when you will meet that special someone, and be thankful for the time you have been given to draw closer to God and prepare yourself for him or her.


[[[ When God Love Your Love Story by Eric and Leslie Ludy is such a great and lovely book. You can learn so many things. Must read. :) ]]] 

If You Forget Me by Pablo Neruda

I want you to know
one thing.

You know how this is:
if I look
at the crystal moon, at the red branch
of the slow autumn at my window,
if I touch
near the fire
the impalpable ash
or the wrinkled body of the log,
everything carries me to you,
as if everything that exists,
aromas, light, metals,
were little boats
that sail
toward those isles of yours that wait for me.

Well, now,
if little by little you stop loving me
I shall stop loving you little by little.

If suddenly
you forget me
do not look for me,
for I shall already have forgotten you.

If you think it long and mad,
the wind of banners
that passes through my life,
and you decide
to leave me at the shore
of the heart where I have roots,
remember
that on that day,
at that hour,
I shall lift my arms
and my roots will set off
to seek another land.

But
if each day,
each hour,
you feel that you are destined for me
with implacable sweetness,
if each day a flower
climbs up to your lips to seek me,
ah my love, ah my own,
in me all that fire is repeated,
in me nothing is extinguished or forgotten,
my love feeds on your love, beloved,
and as long as you live it will be in your arms
without leaving mine.

Sometime by May Riley Smith

Sometime, when all life’s lessons have been learned,
And sun and stars forevermore have set,
The things which our weak judgements here have spurned,
The things so’er which we grieved with lashes wet,
Will flash before us out of life’s dark night,
As stars shine most in deeper tints of blue;
And we shall see how all God’s plans are right,
And how what seemed reproof was love most true.

And we shall see how, while we frown and sigh,
God’s plans go on as best for you and me;
How, when we called, He heeded not our cry,
Because His wisdom to the end could see.
And e’en as prudent parents disallow,
Too much of sweet to craving babyhood,
So God, perhaps, is keeping from us now
Life’s sweetest things, because it seemeth good.

And if, sometimes, commingled with life’s wine,
We find the wormwood, and rebel and shrink,
Be sure a wiser hand than yours or mine,
Pours out the potion for our lips to drink;
And if some friend you love is lying low,
Where human kisses cannot reach his face,
Oh, do not blame the loving Father so,
But wear your sorrow with obedient grace!

And you shall shortly know that lengthened breath
Is not the sweetest gift God sends His friends,
And that, sometimes, the sable pull of death
Conceals the fairest boon His love can send;
If we could push ajar the gates of life,
And stand within, and all God’s workings see,
We could interpret all this doubt and strife,
And for each mystery could find a key.

But not today. Then be content, poor heart;
God’s plans, like lilies pure and white, unfold;
We must not tear the close-shut leaves apart,—
Time will reveal the chalices of gold.
And if, through patient toil, we reach the land
Where tired feet, with sandals loosed, may rest,
When we shall clearly see and understand,
I think we will say, God knew the best.”

-May Riley Smith-

A WOMAN'S QUESTION by Lena Lathrop

Do you know you have asked for the costliest thing
Ever made by the hand above?
A woman's heart, and a woman's life--
And a woman's wonderful love.

Do you know you have asked for this priceless thing
As a child might ask for a toy?
Demanding what others have died to win
With the reckless dash of a boy.

You have written my lesson of duty out,
Manlike, you have questioned me.
Now stand at the bars of my woman's soul
Until I shall question thee.

You require your mutton shall always be hot,
Your socks and your shirt be whole;
I require your heart be as true as God's stars
And as pure as His heaven your soul.

You require a cook for your mutton and beef,
I require a far greater thing;
A seamstress you're wanting for socks and shirts---
I look for a man and a king.

A king for the beautiful realm called Home,
And a man that his Maker, God,
Shall look upon as he did on the first
And say: "It is very good."

I am fair and young, but the rose may fade
From this soft young cheeck one day;
Will you love me then, 'mid the falling leaves
As you did 'mong the blossoms of May?

Is your heart an ocean so strong and true,
I may launch my all on its tide?
A loving woman finds heaven or hell
On the day she is made a bride.

I require all things that are grand and true,
All things that a man should be;
If you give this all, I would stake my life
To be all you demand of me.

If you cannot be this, a laundress and cook
You can hire and little to pay;
But a woman's heart and a woman's life
Are not to be won that way.



***Lena Lathrop

Online date???

Question: Is it wrong and sin to talk to or "online date" with someone that is not a member of our church? I am really confused about dating people who are not members. I know that we should date people within our church, but I want to know more about this.

Answer: Your specific question asks whether it is wrong to chat or "online date" with someone who is not a member of our church. While it is not wrong to "chat" with people via the Internet, such contact with others—particularly people we do not know—is usually not advisable. While we might get advice from a Web site on a particular subject, striking up blind "relationships" online can be very risky and ill-advised. There are just some things we cannot know about people and their intentions when all we do is read written text from them.

As for dating someone outside of the United Church of God, you should seek and follow the advice and direction of your parents. Fundamentally, the Church teaches that people should marry in the faith, and as such, their dating (when they are old enough to do so) should ideally be with other people of like-mind, spiritually.

Often, young people will get interested in someone of the opposite sex who does not share their religious beliefs and will claim "we're just friends." Yet, that is usually the first step to a more serious relationship. As such, we feel that the admonition and principle explained by the apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 6:14 applies to this situation: "Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?"

Of course, there is much more to the subject of dating that should be considered by a young person.




http://www.verticalthought.org/qa/dating.htm

Friendship Quiz

Friends are a great blessing and a major part of life. Friendships are not only fun, they help give us the support and companionship God made us to need.
But they can also be a pain and give us some of the biggest challenges of life.
What kind of friend are you? What can you do to be a better friend and to help build better friendships? This quiz can help you gauge your current FQ (friendship quotient) and reinforce some of the keys to better friendships.

The Quiz

1. This quiz is going to solve all your friendship problems and make you the most popular person in your school or perhaps the universe.


a) Yes, what else would I expect from such an excellent publication?
b) Sounds like a little bit much to ask of small quiz. I think it's just for fun.
c) This is stupid, but I'll look at one more question to give it another chance.




2. A friend tells you that he or she has two tickets to a great game or concert, but you promised another friend you'd help with a litter cleanup drive that day.


a) You accept the great offer and start trying to figure out what to tell your other friend. Surely he or she will understand?
b) Decline the offer since you already promised your other friend.
c) Ask if you can get back to him or her later after you check with your other friend about possibly rescheduling.




3. Someone in your group of friends starts talking behind your back—saying mean things about you.


a) Forget about that “friend” (with friends like that, who needs enemies?), but be doubly sure you don't let your true friends down.
b) See if you can talk to the person in private to find out if you did anything to offend him or her.
c) Warn your other friends about what the person is doing and encourage them to avoid the person, but avoid the temptation to spread bad things you know about him or her.




4. You move to a new school and you don't know anyone!


a) If someone acts friendly, take it as a sign you've just met your new best friend.
b) Be friendly to everybody—you never know who your new best friends will be.
c) Try to make as many friends as possible, and don't be in too much of a rush to make a best friend. 
Sometimes it's good to really get to know people before choosing who to spend the most time with.




5. When your friends are trying to decide what activity to do, you:


a) Quickly throw in your idea and explain the advantages.
b) Wait to hear everyone else's ideas before seconding one or suggesting a compromise.
c) Worry that they'll suggest something your parents don't want you to do.
d) Remind everyone it's your turn to pick (even if not everyone likes your idea).




6. One of your friends seems to be upset and talks about doing something wrong.


a) You tell him or her to stop talking crazy and come do something fun.
b) Don't say anything and wait till it blows over.
c) Let the person know you're there to talk about it if he or she wants to.
d) If it is a serious matter, talk to your parents or another adult about it.




7. It is most important that a friend:

a) Be loyal.
b) Be giving.
c) Be encouraging/supportive.
d) Be patient.
e) Not be rude.
f) Be humorous.
g) Be understanding.
h) Have similar values and interests.
i) All of the above.
j) Other _________________________.



Friendship



Scoring

Don't you hate those artificial quizzes that only have one obvious right answer? Since we don't know you or your friends, more than one answer could work on some of these, depending on the personalities and interactions of your group of friends. And you could probably come up with better answers! But here are a couple things to think about:


1.
a) Thanks for the compliment, but you're scaring us!
b) We hope it's fun.
c) We appreciate your honesty and giving us another chance.


2.
a) Are you sure he or she will understand?
b) Your loyalty is to be commended.
c) It could be worth a try.


3.
a) Seems like there's a mystery here—it might be good to know why before giving up on your friend.
b) Check out Matthew 5:23-24 and 18:15.
c) The temptation will be great!


4.
a) Might be, but life's not always that simple.
b) Good point.
c) Though rarely practiced, there's something to be said for choosing your closest friends (see Proverbs 12:26 and 13:20).


5.
a) Take me to your leader.
b) Peacemaker, anyone?
c) Sometimes the worry is justified—but is there some way you can head it off? See a and b.
d) Fairness takes some finesse to ensure everyone has fun.


6.
a) Depending on the person's personality and the type of problem, this could help snap them out of it.
b) Some problems do get better with a good night's sleep.
c) We all need good friends like you!
d) Getting help to keep your friend safe is more important than possibly making him or her upset at you.


7. We like all of them!

Baptism just to get married???

God wants us to have lasting marriages and long-lasting marriages bring the greatest happiness, it is important for us to choose carefully whom we marry. The principle of not being unequally yoked (2 Corinthians 6:14), is vital in this regard. While the passage in 2 Corinthians is specifically discussing the contrast between Christ and idols, the principle is likewise applicable to marriage. Marrying someone who shares our religious values provides a very important basis for compatibility.


Regarding baptism, we don't recommend baptism in order to get married. Baptism should be a separate, personal decision one makes because he or she wants to honor God and enter into a covenant with Him. Baptism is the most important covenant we make in this human life. Marriage is likewise a very important covenant, but still not as important as our relationship with God.


Given this perspective, our recommendation is that people seek baptism prior to marriage. Sometimes, as young people consider marriage, they are sobered by the importance of such a decision and, in the process, realize that baptism is also an important step they want to take. Under such circumstances, a minister will usually counsel people for baptism first and then counsel them for marriage.


When young people marry and later get baptized, we are pleased for them, but we wouldn't recommend this as the best course of action. If someone truly wants to obey God, this will include baptism, and the best chance for a happy marriage is to marry someone who likewise wants to fully obey God. While someone may have good intentions about getting baptized, it is also possible that he or she might not. If you are baptized, I'm sure you will want to marry someone who shares your convictions.


As you suggest, the real key is a person's attitude. Some may get baptized simply to marry another person. If they do, this is unethical, and this is why it is important to talk with a potential mate to see if he or she truly is spiritually compatible. What another person says about God and how he or she acts are usually good indicators of his or her true intentions.


-- http://www.verticalthought.org/qa/baptism.htm --

The day you said Hello... ♥



… Indeed, it all started with one HELLO. I never expected how you change my simple life… with just a simple smile of you. Back then, everything is NORMAL but now it’s kinda different… No matter how hard I tried to get you out off my mind but I can’t manage not to think of you… wow… one way of saying that you really captured my young heart and my whole being… what will I do now?! Forget you?! But forgetting you is the hardest thing I could ever do… or shall I say, if you have time... could you please love me the way I do?!.. I can’t promise anything but my purest, deepest love… I will give it to you as I never give it to anyone yet… You have been my heart’s beat… I’m so stuck on you… Can’t rid you out my thoughts all day through… I wish I could think of something else but you have occupied all my brain cells…. What are you? Can you please tell me? Why must I be so attracted to you like this?



Why I can’t just forget you when everything that I could think of is you… and me… together… forever…

… Have you ever felt the same way too?! Or only me who keeps on dreaming’? I know I have to move on… get rid of all this nonsense emotions. I know, that it will lead me to nothing… but

I cannot do it overnight… So please do cooperate… Stop being gentle, kind, and caring… as if you really care… I know that you are just being friendly, and you cannot blame me of putting meaning in everything… I am just human… a girl… a woman who does not have a wooden heart…  Who loves you for real… But certainly wonders if you feel the same… do you? I’m getting curious… Do you see me?

--by combined Anonymous