We never lose our demons...

There's a line from the movie Doctor Strange that I completely agree with, it says "We never lose our demons, we just learned how to live above them." 

I am saved by grace by the blood of Jesus. He is my Savior, I belong to Him. But I do know that being a Christian or a follower of Jesus doesn't make you completely live a life without sinning. Admit or not, no matter how long you are walking with God, you fall down sometimes. And He knows that, He is completely aware that You are bound to make mistakes from time to time. Because truth is, we never lose our demons, unless we are taken to Heaven where it cannot linger around anymore.

Why am I saying all of these? Well, I've made a list:

1. To help you understand the Christian life. To remind you that everytime you fall down and see yourself breaking the heart of Jesus, you must not listen to the voices condemning you. It's not the Holy Spirit's voice, it's the enemy's voice making you believe you are otherwise what God sees in you.

You must run back as immediately as you can to the arms of God, the moment you realize you have messed up. Straight back to Him. Fall down seven times and run straight back to God eight times asking for His forgiveness and grace. Because as long as we Christians are in the flesh, we are bound to sin. Your sin might be great but His love is Greater. He might discipline you, but you, as His sheep, will always be forgiven for your past, present, and future sins.

2. That you can express yourself and see God's truth in the what self-righteous chritians perceive as "worldly". Like perhaps, the one I quoted above might be misinterpreted by them, or me having this cover of the song Demons might make them raise their eyebrows, without seeing beyond the facade.

I'm past that life. Because I now see God in everything. In songs they see as "worldly", in movies they want to get banned or that they don't approve of, in animes they claimed satanical, and so on... It's like I don't live and belong with their shallow belief anymore. I don't know how will you call it, but it's like I'm not part of their system anymore.

3. That yes, we never lose our demons, but we must learn to live above them. How? Jesus. A genuine relationship with Jesus.

You are free to check on your Bible for the biblical references of the things I say here. And you are free to rebuke me if you see something I say here that is not aligned with the Word of God and vice versa. Yes, folks, don't forget to always read your Bible, it's our daily armor. 

Shalom!

Huwag mo nawa makalimutan

 

Miracle and Pain Part II

"...but with this, am I wasting my miracle?"

We cannot let pain be the master of our life or us be the master of it. If your life is truly surrendered to Jesus, you got to give it up to Him too. I know it felt like you deserve that pain, but you are isolating that part of your life to the power of Jesus. You are disconnecting that part to Jesus. And you know it's wrong. 

So, we got to make the decision to let it go. Don't keep that pain. It's no longer yours the moment you have decided to have a personal relationship with Jesus as your personal Savior and Master of your life (Romans 3:23; Romans 6:23; John 3:16). It's up to Him to decide whether to heal that pain or keep it with you forever. Let him. If He wants that pain written in your heart, okay. If He wants you to completely be healed from it, okay. Just let Him have that decision. He has forgiven your past and perhaps right now, it's hard for you to forgive yourself, it's okay, but don't barricade that part of your life, allow Jesus to work on it.

It's not instantaneous, it is a process. And the first step is you deciding to give it up to God (Colossians 3:1-2 "If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on earth."). Put down all the barricade you have placed on that area. It's not yours to keep. It's okay to cry and cry and bleed everytime the thought of it comes to your mind but this time do it while allowing Jesus to work on it (Matthew 11:28-29 "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy ladden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your spuls."). It will get better whether he decides to let that pain stay with you or be healed from it. Because He never wasted pain. I know, I, too, will get better handling this pain. I have decided to give this up. It's not for me to hold on it anymore and I am giving it up to Him. I am not the master of this pain nor pain being my master. It's not for me to decide to keep this pain in my life forever. If Jesus will heal this pain, then be it, if He decides to make it stay with me, then be it. But it's completely up to Him. I know whichever His decision is will make me better and falls accordingly to the future He has for me that wouldn't waste the Miracle He has done, is doing, will be doing in my life (Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.").

Modern Day Pharisees

I recently had a discussion with a friend about Christian Lifestyle. Actually, I tried hard not to pop his bubble but as he kept repeating, "As a christian, dapat lahat ng software/subscriptions mo original/legal", I reached my limit and disagreed. I told him,"You cannot go there. You cannot say as a christian. Paano kung legal nga netflix mo, pero panay blasphemy naman ang pinapanuod mo. Or legal nga lahat ng software mo cheater ka naman."

He didn't stop. He continued to agrue his point and so I was. We ended the conversation without agreeing to eachother, and I guess, we agreed to disagree. 

But it made me realize, given that he is a church goer, there is really a high possibility that there are a lot of self-righteous christians out there. Our argument is no different with "church goers being more holy than those who don't". I mean you can be a consistent church goer but a gossipper everyday, degrading other people's lives and the example goes on. I could list it all and take forever. 

I know we are not perfect and will never be. That's why church is there. That's why we constantly need Jesus. But please, since we are not perfect, the least we can do is avoid putting wordly classifications to our faith. 

Imagine a person trying his best to live a righteous life with Jesus, and you try to desensitize his faith by saying you are less of a christian because your software/subscriptions aren't legal, which he can't afford because he has no budget for it and he is prioritizing to supply the needs of his family. How dare you. Shame on you. You are worse than him using pirated software/subscriptions.

Jesus is more concern with your heart and your walk with Him than the worldly standard they have set for you to be able to fully accept you a christian. Your relationship is with Jesus is far more important than their opinion, please remember that when they look down on your faith. As long as you don't compromise your walk with God and Christlikeness, these modern day pharisees' hypocrisy rebuke is nothing but a clinging cymbal.

Innocence is Bliss

Someone asked me what is my happiest moment in life. I think most people would agree that their happiest moments were back when they were still a child. Of course, you would only know that once you are in the past-paced world of adults.

Once you are bombarded with responsibilities that come with adulthood you would realize that arriving at home from school with snacks already prepared by your mom and eating it while watching your favorite anime on tv, or the times when the school were suddenly postponed due to the bad weather condition that made you able to watch Batibot or Wansapanataym, your favorite child oriented shows, were actually the best times in your life.

It's also the only time where the whole family is complete without occasion. This hits big time to a large family, especially when you and your siblings are closely bonded. Because back here, where you are all grown-ups and your parents are old, is a different place already and all you can do is look back to those good old days. I hope we knew back then that it will be our good old days, perhaps we had took the time to savor those moments and forget the idea to grow old fast. It's funny that back then, we thought that we need to get old fast and be matured so that we can conquer the world and our aspirations immediately. We were wrong. We had the world back then.

Maybe that's why older generations love seing nostalgic things... because they bring us back to the time where we are genuinely happy. Such nostalgia that we can only look back to.

Indeed, innocence is bliss. So, to the younger generation out there, savor your family time. Enjoy the fleeting moment of being a child. Don't grow old fast. ☺️ Be silly with your siblings. Be present and enjoy the company of your parents. ☺️

Grounding Inside the Dark Tunnel

In case you are going through dark times again, where everything is confusing and you seem to lose yourself, wondering why you should need to continue existing, where depression and anxiety are being dominant. I am here to tell you that you are not going through it alone. Most people go through that phase many times in their life and here I am to help you go through this darkness. Let me aid you, with the little light I have, to help you take steps toward the end of this dark tunnel.

I know you feel alone but believe me you're not. Continue trusting and keep the faith that God is with you. There will be times you won't feel His presence in this fight but He's there, just continue walking and soon you'll realize that He indeed never left you. In fact, He is carrying you. Remember the footsteps on the sand? That is a fact.

Aside from that, please accept that you need help. First, from God. Get to know Yeshua (Jesus). Have a relationship with Him. I am a living testimony that He saves. I wouldn't survive this darkness if I haven't have a relationship with Him. I have accepted Him as my personal Savior and believe me when I say He'll keep saving you. All it takes is a faith with a size of a mustard seed to see His glorious works in your life. I encourage you to read the Bible for the references of these things I am sharing with you, but first pray and ask God for guidance so you wouldn't misunderstood God's Word. 

Another important factor to help you get through these dark times, is having a support system. If you have a partner, you must help them understand what you're going through by telling them exactly what is going on with you. No holding back. All. And if you can't find words to explain because it feels it doesn't make sense or you are afraid of being judged or because it sounds crazy, express it though. And if he's/she's going to leave you because of that, let it be. And you'll know you're with the right person if he/she stays. You gotta trust your partner. That's a major factor to survive the next time you find yourself in dark places again. Support system, can also be your family or a close trusted friend. The technique is, there should be someone you completely trust without hesitation and God must come first on the list.

Another important thing is to bring back your consciousness to your first encounter in this dark place so you could know: (1) who put you there at the difficult situation and learn to let go of it, burn bridges if you must. Learn to prioritize your peace. (2) Who helped you survive, who helped you walk through this life, who kept you going. Keep them by all mean, it's not all the time life blesses you with genuine people who'll help you get through dark times. By doing this, you get to know and reclaim your fight and that the battle is not yours but God's. The reason why you are at the very moment where you are. Why you need to keep existing. Perhaps, your ikagai or your new ikagai, if you happen to have finished your previous ikagai. Create or just do something nice for your soul and wellbeing.

It will be tiring, believe me it will be. I myself don't want to continue anymore because it's tiring. I actually have prayed to God to let me be with Him. But there are parts of me that want to survive these dark times, to keep going, to take one step at a time because oo nga pala, the battle is not mine but His. And as I take steps, I am able to see more of God's signs and wonders and His marvelous works. It straightened my faith.

I hope we all get through these dark times and find ourselves trusting God even more than before that we cannot doubt Him anymore because we have experienced Him so much.

I'd love to keep seeing you at the end of the dark tunnels. Let's not lose the source of our light, or the light Himself -- Jesus. Okay?

Something Stronger Than Your Mind

I've come to the point of questioning whether having a strong mind is a blessing or a curse.

We always romanticize strong minded people, but the real deal is that there will be times that your greatest enemy will be your mind. It will shout lies repeatedly. We tend to succumb to these lies not because we are weak minded but it's the other way around - our mind is strong. It just so happened that it turned against us. Those are the times that you've got to be stronger than your mind. And perhaps, it will be the only moment that will make you realize that there is something stronger beyond what keeps our sanity -- Faith.

I am heeding to you to build your faith by having a personal relationship with Jesus. Accept Him as your personal Savior and know Him deeper because that will strengthen your faith, and whatever happens, keep that faith. It will be your greatest weapon the moment your mind becomes your enemy. 

And then, meet me at the phase where we both know that what actually keeps our sanity is our faith to Jesus and His help alone. I would love to have a coffee with you together with my husband. God bless. 

Tips on How to Pass Civil Service Exam (CSE)

First and foremost, allow me to congratulate you for taking your first step to achieve your goal, whIch is basically acquiring tips and reviewers for your Civil Service Exam, otherwise you wont be here reading this blog. 

Alright, let's get going to why you are reading this. Below are the tips I personally learned upon my CSE journey:

1. Don't just review, create a timeline for your review - upon registration for CSE, you have around 3 months or less to prepare for the day itself. Even though the CSC is not releasing yet the exam coverage you have to start reviewing. I suggest you buy a book reviewer because it allows you to make a time frame for each category you have to relearn. Divide each section of the reviewer and mark when you should reach the last page. The CSE is so broad, so might as well start reviewing upon successful registration.

2. Leave the last 2 weeks before the date of exam as refresher of what you did learn for the last 3 months - there's a big chance you will forget what you have reviewed, so allot your last 2 weeks as refresher for what you have reviewed for the last 3 months. 

3. Take down notes - have a personal notebook where you take down notes and important details that you will read back during the last 2 weeks for refresher as mentioned in tip no. 2. Also, studies show that you are more likely to remember stuff when you write it down.

3. Still take time to do what you are passionate about even when reviewing - take it lightly and still do what you are fond about. Whether it is writing poetry, playing guitar, nature tripping, baking, or whatever creative stuff it is, still have some time to do it. I strongly believe that not stressing too much yourself as you review greatly helps. You can also allot only at least 2 hours a day for the review and do some other stuff. Enjoy as you review. Personally, I exclude Mondays as my "no review day", so I think having a break helps. As long as you are achieving your time frame as mentioned on tip no. 1.

4. Join online community - as for me, joining the page of Ma'am Taj Martin (CSE FB Community) really helps me. You will be amazed by the hokage tips you can get from the online community which are beneficial to your goal to pass. I personally suggest that you involve yourself with the online coaches, like Ma'am Taj Martin, Maam Leonalyn, and Team Lyqa, rather than enrolling to a review center. You are really going to need their hokage tips on how to solve/answer questions in easier ways. You may also ask knowledgeable persons if you want to fully understand certain topics, like your prof/teachers, like what I did.

5. Practice Mock Exams with Time Limit - buying book reviewer, like Brain Box, usually comes with a mock exam. You can also find these CSE mock exams online and free. Please do not skip this tip. This will help you improve manage your time because the actual exam is really time consuming. You have to learn how to answer faster. So practice mock exams with time limit. 

6. Pray before and after you perform your review - among all the tips here, this is the most effective. Pray to God and talk to Him with all your heart. Let Him handle this battle. 

7. Don't announce that you are going to take the exam - you may allow some of your closest loved ones or friends but never announce it to the public. Believe me, you will feel less pressured and that will contribute to a healthy psychological well-being.

8. Check all the necessary documents/things you need to bring before the exam day - please don't do this on the day itself.

9. Check the exam venue before the date of your exam if possible - or at least google map it to plan your route going there. 

10. Be early on the day of your CSE - don't ruin all the efforts you have made for the last 3 months by being late. Be there at least 1 hour before the time. 

There you go. Hope these help. I really wanted to share these insights because it's the only thing I can do to help strangers acquire a passing score. 80% is not an easy score to achieve and that shows on the figures below:

I only passed because of the grace of God. That's why tip no. 6 is very important. After the exam, I already accepted that I indeed failed the exam, there's no way I could reach that 80% passing rate, I told myself, and if ever I passed, it's not because I can but only because of God's grace. Perhaps some of the guess I shaded, blessedly, turned out to be the right answers. I don't know, but I am sure it's not because of myself alone. And I pray, you too, pass this CSE and if not, don't give-up and try again. This was my score the last time I took CSE, it was also my first time. It's okay to fail. In my case, I turned it as a stepping stone to do better next time:

This is what I got now, praise be to God:

By the way, allow me to share my husband's rating as first time taker because I'm so amazed of his rating almost surpassing mine without a decent review as he say so. I don't know if he's bluffing, but during the 3 months of my review, I never saw him pick up my reviewer, so unless you have a brain like him, forget all the tips I mentioned 😅. But not no. 6 and No. 10. Never. 

P.S. if you saw the numbering mistake here, you are likely to pass CSE 😅.

Marriage Advice No. 2

I wrote our first advice last year, and just now comes the second. And again, I reiterate, that we are no expert, we are just sharing insights from what we are learning as married couple to maybe somehow help other couples too.

In any romantic relationship, love is important, but so is, respect, forgiveness, trust, faithfulness, understanding, patience, and the list goes on. Your relationship will not survive a lifetime if it is only anchored on love and love alone. It needs to be anchored on the list I've mentioned (and what I've said the list goes on). But most importantly, first, your relationship needs to have a deeper and strong foundation, and that is God. And those aspects will naturally be born as you go on with your relationship. 

And sometimes, in order to give your lifetime partner the respect, faithfulness, understanding he deserves you need to let go of things that makes him feel otherwise. That includes cutting ties or attachment that he doesn't approve of. I have to admit that I don't understand this at first. We argue over this thinking he doesn't widen his mind and see from my perspective. I have seen him as someone who lacks faith in my love for him whenever this issue arises. I actually made steps to make him build the same attachment I have with this person. And I thought for awhile it worked. It was only when I saw and felt my man's pain brought by the attachment I have with this friend, I realized that I am not becoming of a wife he deserves. I am hurting him. And I am choosing to hurt him with having this attachment he doesn't approve of. And I don't like hurting him. It hurts me too. And so, I cut the ties with my long time friend.  

Don't get the idea that this post is about me cheating. No. I would never hurt him like that. The attachment I am talking about is a long time friendship with an opposite sex. Do I love him?Yes, but I only love him as a friend. That's for certain. There are only few things I am certain about, and that's one of it. We've known eachother since High School, and he is one of the few people who stayed all through my life's seasons. That's why I don't understand why I have to cut our ties. Our friendship is that deep already, deep but not in a romantic way. That is maybe why it's hard to let go. I thought it could exist side by side with our married life. But I have married my man whom I vow to keep on choosing everyday over someone. And if it hurts him, I don't want it. 

So to that friend, If you're reading this... This is the answer to why I suddenly stop communicating with you. You always told me your girl is not bothered with our relationship, but my man is. I told you once that before, and you being friend with him didn't work. I will still be your friend and will always be your Basyang but let me be just a friend from a distance, supporting you quietly. I can no longer be by your side with all the activities we share interest with,  am sure your girl will do that with you. Continue living happy. 

And to you, my Man, I love you. I respect you. I understand you. I will be faithful to you for the rest of my life. And just like my vow, I will always choose you. I would turn my back to whatever is hurting you. Which made me realize, that If I were in your position, I would definitely feel jealous too and might do something unpleasant with you and your girl friend. But you always turn your back to whatever hurts me. Indeed, I  blessed having you. Thank you for being so patient with me. I love you everyday, always.  

And that my dearest readers, is our marriage advice for this season. Look forward for more. 

I cut my bangs shorter than normal

I tried cutting my bangs shorter than the usual because I know I will not be meeting people personally yet since we are not required to RTO for quite some time.

But lo and behold, I was assigned a host at a certain event days after I cut my bangs. 😆

It's just funny how sometimes the world makes fun of your choices in life. And how you respond to it will determine how you'll take advantage of it. 

I embrace it, I had to. Turns out I started liking what I look like with this bangs. 😁

I'm sorry it took me long to make a stand with you, Johnny Depp

 Uh-uh, not my Johnny. 

I didn't know the man personally. I am just a fan who adores him from a distance. I don't know anything about their relationship nor how and what really went wrong. But I know, that they both have lapses, it's not just Amber.

For a girl to act like that, his partner perhaps fell short of the girl's definition of love and relationship. Perhaps Johnny had failed her somewhere on the line. But to treat your partner like that doesn't justify it. It doesn't give you the right to be abusive of your partner just because he always fall short of your expectations. And to devise evil against him is a big no-no. You don't do that to the person you love. You just can't.

It makes me wonder if she really had loved Johnny. 

It's a good thing the truth are all coming out. I adore Johnny, but it is only now I took a stand with him, now that the evidences of violence to him has been given. Because I thought it's not right for me to make "sawsaw" on their private relationship I know nothing about.. 

But now it's clear that this isn't about making "sawsaw" on their private relationship anymore, nor standing up with Johnny because you're a die-hard fan. It's speaking up against domestic violence. And we should fight against it and make a stand. Domestic violence should have no place in any homes. Regardless of the gender, no one should be a victim of it.

And, yes, not my Johnny. You don't do that to my Johnny. 

Sincerely Mainit-ang-ulo-kay-Amber,

One of Johnny Depp's number 1 fans.

(Yes, madami kaming nagkeclaim na number 1 fan niya)

When Mystery Scares

I had a weird dream when I was young. Perhaps I was around Grade 5 to early High School. I forgot when exactly I dreamt about it. 

This dream is one of the few things I remember vividly until now. And just recently, I think, it somehow made sense. 

In the dream, I was with a boy, and he was somehow helping me escape the villains following us. I don't remember his face. I didn't know what he looks like but I remember the feeling. The feeling he gave that I was secured and protected. That he won't let any harm befall me. And perhaps, I love him for that. 

When I woke up, I was left wondering what did I just dreamt and why did I dream that. Why does my subconscious brought me that dream. And look at me now, still remembering the details of that dream. 

But lately, I recognize the connection of that dream with my recent experienced on my reality. But how did my subconscious knew I will go through that situation many years from that moment?

The world is full of mystery. And there are things that should be left mysterious. I learned that you don't have to uncover all the mysteries in this life. Sometimes, you just have to have faith and keep holding on that faith and trust the Almighty who holds you in the palm of His hand. He is Omniscient, and may that kept you going despite being bombarded with mysteries that scares you. 

Remarkable Part: Prodigal Summer by Barbara Kingsolver

 

The moment I realized that every creature in this world has a precious life to respect, I started treating them that. Because, really, it's always the case. So yeah, I'm one of those people who doesn't kill a spider just because it shares my space; I don't kill ants walking across the table because they, too, has a life and why would I take it away just because I have the ability to do so? 

And reading this book, highlights that side of me and strengthens my thesis about life of other creatures. And made me realize that there are people who think the same way I do with this certain topic. 

I actually don't have much remarkable part to share with you except these lines from the start and repeated at the end. Because yeah, it's a fact. 

Here it is:

 

Remarkable Scene: Star Wars Series

For some reason, after watching the latest sequel (The Rise of Skywalker) of the latest Star Wars Trilogy, I decided that I'll make some time to watch the whole series. 

I have watched just one Star Wars movie before this, and I was pretty much young to remember the details or the story of it (Phantom Menace, Star Wars Ep 1). So I never quite understand pretty much most of it while watching the last sequel. 😅

And now, obviously, since I have made this blog, I got the chance to watch the whole series. If you are planning too, here's the chronological order of the whole series:

I must admit that Star Wars Series are pretty much amazing. And now that I get to understand the story, it is now officially included in my favorite movie series, together with The Lord of The Ring, and The Hobbit, Narnia, Pirates of the Caribbean.

One of the most remarkable scenes is on Ep. III, where Luke and his Father (Anakin) defeated Palpatine. I like how redemption and forgiveness were portrayed here. It's like reminding us that it's never too late to be a better person; to ask forgiveness from pur past mistakes and sins. And these lines, were so remarkable:

Luke: No, I'm not gonna leave you here. I got to save you. 

Anakin: You already have. 

But my most favorite among it's series is Ep. VIII. I literally clapped my hands upon learning the twist at the end--- making it my favorite scene and episode and thus, the very much remarkable scene for me. Not the lines, but the whole scene. 

Anyway, here are the quotable lines I find worthy noting down:

"Fear is the passage to the dark side

Fear leads to anger

Anger leads to hatred

Hatred leads to misery"

-Yoda, SWEP1

"That's how we win. Not fighting what we hate but saving what we love."

-Rose, SWEPVIII

And if you are looking for a Star Wars Collectibles, I am selling book series, trilogy and stand alone, and you can check them out here: Star Wars Book Set

Thank you and may the force be with you. 💕

I Don't Love You Like I Did Yesterday (Acoustic Cover)

I Don't Love You Like I Did Yesterday 

This is not even an amateur version. I saw a friend's post with a very good version of this song which made me browse the net for it chords and yep, now I have uploaded my own version here.

Disclaimer: Hindi ppa din ako sangayon sa mga ganitong klaseng pag-ibig. Kapag nagmahal kayo, both of you should make it last. 

The Athlete and Her Coach

Last day, I met again my teacher back in grade school. Also, he happened to be my coach in track and field. I remember him. He didn't even recognize me.

I wanted to tell him that I was one of his players in track and field. I wanted to remind him that I was the one whom he trusted to run in can't-remember-meter-dash-run, whom everyone thought will get first place while they were all cheering loudly but ended up last because I slid myself on the mud due to exhaustion, which was part of the challenge, catching my breath. He was still cheering for me to stand up and continue to run but I gave up. I wanted  to remind him that I was the one whom he trusted in shot put and due to my clumsiness threw it while a referee was on the field. The referee got angry at me thinking he was lucky he hasn't been hit, while in my mind I thought he was not lucky. Maybe I know that my throw lacks strenght and will not reach his position. Nevertheless, I should have not thrown it, I wasn't paying attention. And he, my coach, got angry with my clumsiness and lectured me right there and then.

I wanted to remind him that I was that thin tall girl he trusted so much with track and field and failed him. And we'll just laugh about it. Because it is laughable now. But it wasn't during that time.

But I didn't bother reminding him. He's kinda busy talking to someone and he seems to know already that your failures today won't matter after several years. Failures don't define you, it can only redirect you.

Kamusta Passion Mo?

Minsan pagod na 'ko makibahagi patungkol sa topic na 'to. Pagod na kong magbigay ng opinyon at ipalaganap na sa buhay dapat ipinaglalaban mo ang passion mo.

Kasi hindi madali. Baka gumagawa tayo ng "make believe" sa mga tao lalo na sa kabataan tapos sa huli madidismaya lang sila.

Kasi kahit ako dumating na sa puntong tinalikuran ko na yung passion ko dahil tingin ko, wala naman pinapatunguhan. Kailangan ko tumanda. Nandyan ang mga obligasyon na dapat punan; responsibilidad na dapat tugunan. Hindi na kasi tayo bata na meron gagamot ng sugat kapag nadapa; merong sasalo sa t'wing mahuhulog. Hindi ka na bata na laging inaalalayan. Kailangan mo tumayo sa sarili mong paa at para mangyari 'yun may mga bagay kang dapat bitawan katulad ng paghabol mo sa itinuturing mong passion.

Pero alam mo kung anong nakakatawa, kasi kahit sinukuan mo na ang passion mo hindi ito titigil na ipaalala sa'yo kung ano siya sa'yo at kung gaano mo siya minahal o minamahal kasi kahit tinalikuran mo na ito hindi naman ibigsabihin nun na tumigil kang mahalin ito. Kahit anong mangyari karugtong mo na ito; nasa iyo ito. Na may dahilan kung bakit inilagay ng Diyos 'yang bagay na 'yan sa puso mo. Huwag ka sana mapagod manalangin para dito dahil maniwala ka, hindi ka pababayaan ng Diyos. At sana kung hindi ka na naniniwala sa passion mo, wag ka tumigil maniwala na may plano ang Diyos sa buhay mo.

Hindi ko alam kung tama pa rin bang sabihin sa panahon ngayon na gawin mo ang passion mo. Pero ang alam ko, kahit hindi 'to sabihin manunumbalik ito sa'yo at nasa iyong desisyon kung ipaglalaban mo ito ngayon. At kahit hindi mo ito ipaglaban, manunumbalik pa din ito at nasa iyo pa din ang desisyon kung papansinin mo. Paulit-ulit itong babalik at paulit-ulit kang magdedesisyon.

Dalawang Sentimos ko sa Hindi Na Nga ng This Band

Kaya siguro dumadami ang broken family, broken relationship kasi mas nasesensationalized yung ganitong klaseng anggulo ng love story.

Huwag mong boyprinen o girlprinen o pakasalan kung based lang sa nadadama mong "love" ngayon ang dahilan. Instead, alisin mo yung "love" na 'yan na nadarama mo at tanungin mo ang sarili mo kung pipiliin mo pa din ba siya anuman ang mangyari?

Truth be told, kabataan, we will fell out of love 'dun sa taong sinasabi mong mahal mo, but we can fall in love again if you work things out. It's a cycle: love, courtship, marriage, and you must both remain committed and faithful. Cycle sa same person you're in a relationship. Hindi 'yung kapag 'di ka na kinikilig, 'di mo na mahal, 'di ka na naarouse, iiwan mo na, iba naman. Kaya nga may kasabihan sa mag-asawa na dapat araw-araw magligawan kasi the spark will naturally disappear if not ignited.

Kaya kung hindi naman siya yung nakikita mong kaya mong panindigan kahit 'di na siya kamahal-mahal. 'Wag mo na jowain. 'Yun lang, nainis lang ako sa nampoprovoked na kanta pero, 'di ko sinasabing 'di maganda 'yung kanta nila.

Mobile Legends Etiquette

It's been months since I started playing Mobile Legends: Bang Bang and so I have observed many things.

I have decided to make an etiquette list for this certain MOBA because this is what it lacks. Many are playing this game, even younger than 13, and I think they should learn some etiquette though these were just based on my observations.

I am not imposing these, but I am highly suggesting.

Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Etiquette
1. Avoid profane/sexual language/terms - As I have mentioned above, kids (17 YO below) were also playing this game. I know, it was their parents' job to keep them away from these apps but why not play a part by avoiding such language.
2. If your hero/character is already selected by other teammate, ask politely if you can have it instead. If he declines, tell him to use it well because you can 😅 - Do not trashtalk your teammate just because he declines. That's why you have to learn how to use at least 2 heroes/characters because not all the time you get what you want.
3. During battle, chat only when you are on ressurection count down - Do not waste your time chatting when you should be Pushing or fighting or backing up. Huwag masyadong madaldal. Or, enable your mic na lang.
4. Do not go on battle, especially rank mode, if your network signal is color red - You will be automatically penalized for going afk even if your teammates don't report you. Wait for your network to be okay before joining a battle.
5. Do not begin trashtalk, answer only when necessary - There were times you need to speak up, there were times to stay quiet, know the difference.
6. Support/Back up your teammates - Do not run away or ignore your teammates when he is in need of back up when you can.
7. Do not use a Hero/Character that you don't know how to use in Rank Mode - Do I really need to explain why?
8. Do not engage in a game if you are doing something - There will be a big possibility that you will leave the game intentionally.
9. Do not play if you have other things to do - please, know your priority. Studies first; Business first; House chores first, etc.
10. ANSWER YOUR GF/BF/PARENTS/SIBLINGS' CALL EVEN IF YOU ARE ON RANK MODE.

You are free to add on this list if you like. I might have missed something. Again, these were just suggestions, it's up to a well mannered person to do so. 😜

Battling Anxiety and Depression: You are not Alone

I never knew what depression and anxieties are until it hit me and experienced it myself. Thank God, He helped me go through it.

The first thing you should do when you are in this situation is to accept the fact that you're in that state of mind: anxious and depress. Otherwise, you wouldnt't be able to get out of it.

Second, don't pretend that you are tough and not needing the help of others. Don't build walls around you. Don't indulge yourself in the thought that no one will understand what you are going through. It is a lie that the enemy is instilling in your mind for you to lose this battle. Seek help from God and He will give you the right persons to also help you go through it. Be open to your family. Never ever doubt them. Ask for prayers. Listen to what God is saying to you. In this world, you will only recognize the voice and leading of God if you have a relationship with Him. Have a relationship with Jesus and the rest will follow. It won't be easy but you will be victorious with your relationship with Him. Be vulnerable to Him and trust Him.

Third, do the things that awaken the motivation in you. In my case, reconnecting with the nature plays a big part of it (although I am doing it quite some time before). It helped me remember how awesome and sovereign God is. It makes me remember how faithful God is in my life. It refreshes my whole being. Also, it makes me write and if you are following my blogs, you know for sure that writing is my passion. Reconnecting with the nature makes me create and produce a passion; a passion which was placed by God in my heart from the very beginning.

Fourth, use your situation to inspire and help others who go through the same situation. Like what I am doing now -- sharing this story. You went through it for a reason. And that reason will be revealed by God. But be careful, remember that what you went through wasn't about you. You should proclaim the goodness and works of God. Don't put yourself ahead of Him. Don't be decieved.

Fifth, say 'thank you' to all the persons God sent during your battle. Appreciate them. Family or friends. They are the truest of all the persons you have in your life.

Sixth, forgive those who have hurt you or caused you to suffer depression and anxiety. It doesn't matter if they ask for it or not. They may not know what they have caused you. Still, forgive. Release your forgiveness. And again, it is only possible when you have a relationship with Jesus. Because having a relationship with Jesus is also knowing Him intimately day by day, and you will know how big His heart is when it comes to forgiveness.

Seventh, and probably last, remember this passage from the Bible where Jesus said: Take heed and be of good courage, I have overcome the world. I forgot the verse but you can search it on google to double check. :D

Now to end this blog, here's some photos to lighten up your mood. These are proofs how sovereign God is. The world is His canvass, witness and feel.

-end-