Happy Birthday Pastor Aries!

I speak blessing to you and your family.

I want to say, Thank you. My brother. My Pastor. My father in faith. You are a blessing to us. You are God's blessing to the church. You are truly God's servant. He called you. And the body of Christ is rejoicing!

We celebrate with you today. Wow, you're 31!

I pray for God's anointing to overflow in your life and that you receive more wisdom from the Lord. More victorious ministry for you. You are a living testimony of humility. And I'm so proud of it!

My loyalty belongs to Christ and so to you. I love you, Kuya.

Happy, happy birthday!

Three Stooges

Look at these lovely little kids: age six, four, and that cutie, two! See them all sitting on that old television set… Can’t imagine how small they were to sit on top at the same time. My siblings—my joy and inspiration. I love them.

I have kept this picture in years. Who would believe these kids have now grown up to be lovely young ladies and a beautiful young man. Huh!

Jai, the big girl in the pic, is on her third year in Nursing School. She is a bright, stunning lady right now. She is blessed with a beautiful voice and is an exceptional tambourine dancer. Her kindness and patience is a joy in the family.

Quim, that cute boy, (now by far taller than me!)is now a freshman in the University. He’s taking up Engineering (Electronics and Communications). His gift is in music, being an excellent drummer and a good guitarist; he basically knows any kind of instrument that passed his hands. I am so proud that he has grown to be a very sweet young man.

Tan, our baby, now is a junior in high school. She no longer needs to run to and fro to catch us, she can walk on her own now, with precision. She has grown to be a dazzling young lady and a wonderful tambourine dancer like Jai. She is a youth leader in the campus ministry.

It’s amazing to think how things changed since this picture was taken. If you see them now, I’m sure you won’t help but smile. I do, all the time.

That’s why I have this with me anywhere…ever since.

Between us

I love my siblings. So much. But there’s something deeper between me and my Ate (big sister). There are so many things in life that we shared—together—to the point that at times I feel like I don’t want to stray from her. I can’t. I won’t. We practically grew up like twins, always having the same kind of stuff—totally minding the five-year gap in age. From clothes, shoes, toys, etc, it’s just in color that we differ—hers should be orange, yellow, or red; mine is mostly pink and blue. She is my best friend without being conscious about it.

Ironically, she is the aggressive type; will never let anyone put her down while I’m more of the controlled one. She never backs off from fights while I’m the peacemaker. She is the tough kid—anywhere, I’m the tamed one. She plays the boss while I’m her sidekick. I'm strict [and disciplined], while she often gives leeway. We enjoy each other that way, though. We complement. We have our fair share of ‘fame’. Outside, we both did well in school. Teachers respect us and so are people around.

But aside from these kid stuffs, what we shared--our experiences-- growing up has forged that relationship even stronger; no longer that we’re playmate sisters but that we are taking REAL responsibilities together. We make major decisions together; no one playing as superior, but as partners. She may not know it, but I will forever be grateful for having her as my Ate. We faced the toughest times in life together as children and now as grown ups. She draws strength from me as I, from her. And I know God has given her to bless me.

Today, dark hours still come, but things are lighter with the Lord giving us peace and assurance. My Ate remains my ate, and that makes a difference. She understands things the way I do and sees it the way I perceive. Now that we have the responsibility on our shoulders—we can get through it together.

She doesn’t know I’m thinking this way about her…let’s keep it a little secret.

MYF campers

A group pic of "History Makers II" campers last May (2005) at Rizal Re-creation Center, Rizal, Laguna. It was an awesome encounter with the Lord. Among the campers were a hundred unbelievers we invited. True enough, they called it an 'experience of a lifetime'! Praise God. I can't even spot myself of the 300 young people.

Today's James' birthday. I don't know how I can get in touch with him but I do wish him a happy birthday. Take care, old pal.

In Rizal >.<

Me and my friends. Oops, Pinay wears glasses. And now has long hair. >_<

November 1st

We were at the cemetery very early Tuesday morning. First stop was at my aunt’s and my grandma’s. I miss them both so much, especially my aunt. It was only last summer when she left. Grandma’s been there for nine and a half years now. With them gone, I cannot ignore the longing inside.

Our last stop was at Nanay’s. She’s been there for nearly four years now. By God’s grace we managed to go on with life without her. I thought it was impossible then. Never was I convinced that I couldn’t be myself again without Nanay. Yet again, God is good.

We had our nieces come along. The sun was hiding and occasional drizzle was on. We had a fine trip actually. But in between those laughter was a mending heart. I saw my Ate stop in a while and be silent. I tried not to be obvious but I did those stops a lot, too. Truly, life would never be the same without Nanay.

If there’s anything worth saying, that’s God’s grace that He sends us. I remember a few lines from last Sunday’s worship:

Joy and peace, strength and hope
Grace that blows all fear away
Jesus, what a beautiful name

Thank God He did that to us in days of trouble. And although these most important women in my life were gone, God never ceases to show His mercy and unending love…