In God We Trust

As the supertyphoon Yolanda hits my hometown Abuyog, Leyte, and shuts down all line of communication in the area, a sudden realization came to me. Something that my mother used to say- Pag si God kumilos, nobody is spared. Mapamayaman ka man o mahirap. 

The typhoon is said to be one of the strongest hurricane in the Pacific. And that news had made me more anxious that ever. My Nanay is the only one in our home. Tatay is in Biliran which unfortunately is also affected. Although I worry for them both, I cant help but be more worried with Nanay's safety. The last time we talked was lastnight, when I pleaded with her to evacuate. 

As of 6AM, all lines of communication including the radio is down in Leyte-Samar area. I keep on checking my facebook account to see if somebody from Leyte is online, but even the social media isn't spared. Those who are online are my fellow Leyteñas who are away from home and are checking for updates for the same reasons that I have. This means that on both sides, theirs and ours, there is a complete blackout. 

This is the kind of time when I wish I am home. I do not know what difference I could make, but atleast I'm with my family. Many of those who are in the same position as I, would agree that in times of calamities we prefer to be with our families than be distressed alone having all these worries and concerns.

So we look up and make use of the only line of communication that can never be closed by any typhoons, PRAYERS.

God, You were never known as a revengeful and angry God. Rather you are Our Merciful God. Please let Your people in Leyte and Samar rest in your goodness. Take away their worries and give them hope as You had given us Jesus, Your Son and Our Saviour. Jesus had said, that if we ask anything from You in His name, You will grant it. Behold in Jesus name, we ask You the grace of sparing all the lives of the people affected by typhoon Yolanda. Everything we have is by Your Grace. And so we offer them all back to You. But if it is possible Jesus Christ, please save every single person in the affected areas especially those from the coastal towns like Abuyog. 

We know that things happen for a reason, so we pray that You may give us Wisdom to understand Your Will and Courage to accept it. 

You are Our Healer and Our Provider. Heal us after all of this O Lord and provide us with nothing more than what we need.

We are ready to be Redeemed by You Jesus Christ. Let it happen in Your Perfect Time and in accordance to Your Divine Will. In You, we Trust.

*Jesus take everything I have. Forget about all my petitions even for the Bar but please do keep my Nanay safe. Give me a chance to prove to her how much I love her. Give me a chance to be a better daughter and I promise to glorify you in all ways. 

Save us All.

Grant this through Jesus our Saviour and the intercessions of Mama Mary Our Mother, Señor Sto. Niño and His Saints: St. Francis Xavier, St.Pedro Calungsod, San Antonio de Padua, St. Jude Thaddeus and St. Padre Pio. 

Amen.

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Not Shaken

After a two-week stay in Beetown, I'm finally back to my second home, Manila. I never had imagined that I would come to consider the Big City as Home. Frankly, I never thought there was life for me outside Beetown. I'm scared of the Big World. I'm not quite an adventurer. :) My life plan was always about "Not rocking the boat. " But life's full of surprises. This is just a testament that  it's not the directions I want to take that prevails but My Lord's purposes for me that wins.

In the past, I had questioned God's love for me. Especially when He seemed not to answer my prayers. I never quite understood why there are steps I planned to take to make my life better, which the Lord doesn't seem to agree. I remember getting frustrated and questioning Him, why He did NOT Will It? For  a long time that was what happened. A vicious cycle of me planning the course of my life, then Asking God to ordain it,  up to Me whining why He did not!. 

I tried to discern why. And I found the answer in Numbers 24: 10. I turned to be a Balak. I tried to persuade God to bless my own agenda and missed the most crucial step in the process. That is, to ask Him what His agenda is. I assumed that what I asked for is part of His plan. I prayed for my agenda without consulting God for His. So that when my plan does not push through as I expected, I get frustrated and angry. And this is very scary. Scary in the sense that it angers God. 

The truth is, almost all of us is guilty of this mistake. We attempt to be the author of our lot. We forget that God has woven His plan on everything. We may plan our course but He has ordered our steps. (Proverbs 16:9)

When our plans do not fit His. He will intervene. And either with or against our will, His agenda will prevail. So whenever you're plans don't seem to happen as you would like it, just remember that whether in rebellion or compliance, God will accomplish His purpose. And no human will can thwart it. 

I do not know what would happen tomorrow. I do not know where God will take me. I do not know how everything would end for me. But for now, I am happy.I know that I am where I am because My God is Sovereign. I've learned to seek Him and trust His guidance. And although there's a daily struggle I have to take in this lifetime with all the corrupt principles of this world. I am not worried anymore. I had found Him and had experienced Him. I am not shaken.

Keep the faith and let Him lead the way.

-makelina

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Horrible Manners

Wow! I just received an SMS from a friend which doesn't sets well with the profession she has. It really surprises me how a person easily puts to waste the education she is supposed to have. Is it really that hard to forget some manners? Why become so objectionable? Why pass judgments easily? I know where you're coming from. But why court disagreements? 

If it's really that repulsive for you to be around somebody that you can't even be civil with her. Then just exert an effort for your paths not to cross. Move on and don't backbite. That's poisonous. 

And leave me out of it!

Show some Respect. You are Not Perfect too! 

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Good Luck Cake... Yum!

Thank You So Much Ma'am Bubbles for dropping by !!!

.. and for this yummy cake roll too! :))

That was sweet of you. 

See you soonest. 

Let's continue praying for God's Graces!.

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Grey's World

So,  Charlie Hunnam will be the one who will play 

Christian Grey?

Hmm..I would have liked Ian Somerhalder do the role. But, I guess I have to be somebody to be heard. He-he.

Here's hoping that Hunnam would give justice to dearest Mr. Grey's character.

#excitedmuch

It'll be a DATE!  :)

These complete collection actually came as a Graduation gift from my fiance. :)

sweet noh?.. :))

Movie-date is already in the sack.

-makelina

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Bottled-Water Please

I am not that fond of bottled water. There are a lot in store now, that I think had gone through many types of purification and treatment processes that had made it taste so bland. The cleanest water is supposed to be sweet even if treated.

And I actually found something that surprisingly tastes good even if its bottled. SM's Purified Drinking Water.

It isn't just sweet. It also allows you to get involved in UNICEF's campaign in making clean drinking water available to all. Aww!  I don't think it would get any sweeter than that! 

Help now and Gulp one! 

-makelina

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The Gel Pen Hunt is Over

Yipee! I finally found my writing buddy! :)

After hunting it for weeks in three major National Bookstore outlets including the one in MOA, I finally found the red M & G gel pens! Yeheyy!!!

According to a polite Saleslady in NBS-SM San Lazaro, who I believe had already recognized me after going there for five-straight days asking for the same kind of pen, this is the same item they have on the brand that really sells out  fast.

Seriously, it's the cheapest Pen  out there with the quality of a Gel Pen. I had been searching for a pen that would suit me in my reading/writing habit (since I love making notes and "underlining" important points and words in the books I read.) and I am just thankful to have come across this 0.5 M&G winner.

I used to be a fan of the 0.4 Crystal Water Base Pen. However, It easily runs out of ink and the M&G pens aside from the fact that they are almost of the same quality, is a peso-cheaper than the former. So I decided to stick with M&G gel pen. He-he.

The hunt for it however made me realize that I must now buy in bulk.

@9php each, its a Must-Try.



-makelina

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Balm and Worry-Beads

To doodle or not to doodle...

Something's up. 

I cannot put a finger on it but I know something's not quite right. 

I just knew I'm upset about something. It felt horrible. :-(

There are a lot of things I have on my mind at the moment. A lot on my plate so to speak. I'm afraid I had bitten off more than I can chew. 

It's terrifying to think that I'm alone on this. This anxiety is killing me. I miss my mom and time seems to drag on.  I want to see my friends. Eat healthy. Have fun with my dogs. Just really have some semblance of normalcy. I'm afraid I have tilted and pushed myself far my limit. I'm so NOT having fun now. It felt creepy.

What a mess!. I hope nobody reads this. What an idiot. I'm not using exclamation marks and yet it seems like I've been yelling since the start of this post. 

Hayys! I really need that vacation. 

I just wish Beetown would still feel like Home. Just like before. . .

Just like before. . . everything went awry and messed up that I decided to leave. I needed space. Fresh air. A new place where I won't feel suffocated and the right excuse presented itself. :) So I grabbed it.

I don't have regrets that I did so. Atleast, I had opportunities.
Opportunities to experience a lot of new things. Try new stuffs. Travel and go places. Meet new friends and make new acquaintances. It's pretty neat, actually.

It's just that, although we love fresh starts. It is still different from things you were used to. New places are nothing compared to Home. Old friends are security blankets. And family...,Jeez, Nothing beats Family. 

These makes up my support system. My balm and worry-beads. And believe me, I am so in need of them right now. 

I really got to have that vacation. . . 

-mcm

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Help Me Get Over (My Husband's Lover's Soundtrack)

HELP ME GET OVER



I know that this wound will bleed again
Now I’m here right beside the one I love
I see he’s in love with someone else
Now I know I just got to let him go
Because it’s over, Help me get over

Chorus:
I don’t know what to do
There is no easy way of letting go
But I know there’s no sense
In holding on too much to something fading
Help me, Help me
Help me get over you

Now I see, You’re so happy with her
Deep inside I just don’t know what to feel
Oh, I’m sure, You don’t need me anymore
So I’ll go on, Try my best to just move on
Now that it’s over, I got to get over

(Repeat Chorus)

Bridge:
I know I’ve got to leave it all behind
Somehow I’ll try to get you off my mind
So tell me what to do
Help me get over…

(Repeat Chorus)

Help me get over you…
Hmmmm… 

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And Another One...

Do marital blues have seasons, too? 

I just had a conversation via phone with a good friend. She too is having marital problems. Her husband is on a jealousy streak over a mutual guy-friend of ours. 

Here's my take:

A husband usually doesn't let another man get into his skin if he isn't uncomfortable with the idea of his wife having a very intimate friendship  with another man. So maybe it would be best to reflect first on ones actuation to better understand where the other person is coming from. 

Think, are you giving him reasons to doubt?  Because spending more time with others than with him and your family would surely send a red-light signal to your hubby. 

So my advice would be,

1. Manage your time well. This is so you won't sacrifice family quality time with the time you have to spend with your self, your craft or other point of interests. This is because while marriage is a commitment, it isn't a cage. One is not supposed to give up his/her individuality because one marries. That is why married couple are commanded to nurture eachother's likeness and respect eachother's differences.

2. Talk with your husband. If he really has nothing to worry with your friendship with others, then let him understand that.  Nurse the bruised ego. Reassure him that you love him . An open-line of communication usually does the trick.

3. Be constant. Do not be preoccupied with atypical things that you forget to put your family first. Remember, Family Comes First. Having said that, learn to know your limits and be constant with it. Reflect reflect din pag may time :D

As an end note, The Family Code had given married couples a guide in their obligation to one another.

Art.68: The husband and wife are obliged to live together, observe mutual love, respect and fidelity, and render mutual help and support.

God Blesses A Family that Prays Together. 

-mcm

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The Day Before You Lyrics

I had all but given up on finding
The one that I could fall into
On the day before you
I was ready to settle for
Less than love and not much more
There was no such thing as a dream come true
Oh, but that was all the day before you

Now you're here and everything's changing
Suddenly life means so much
I can't wait to wake up tomorrow
And find out this promise is true
I will never have to go back to
The day before you

In your eyes I see forever
Makes me wish that my life never knew
The day before you

Oh, but Heaven knows those years without you
Were shaping my heart for the that day I found you
If you're the reason for all that I've been through
Then I'm thankful for the day before you

Now you're here and everything's changing
Suddenly life means so much
I can't wait to wake up tomorrow
And find out this promise is true
I will never have to go back to
The day before you

Was the last day that I ever needed alone
And I'm never going back
No I'm never going back

Now you're here and everything's changing
Suddenly life means so much
I can't wait to wake up tomorrow
And find out this promise is true
No I'm never going back
I will never have to go back to
The day before you

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An Hour of Need

Had a conversation with a High school friend earlier via Facebook. We went through the usual "kumustahan". It was then that she opened up and told me about the pain she is going through now. Apparently, she is having a very serious marital woe. Her husband sends her and her kids (two) out of their family home. And as it happens, he did so because of a third party.

So, the good-for-nothing guy turned his back on his wife and his own flesh and blood because of another girl. No wonder, my friend was beside herself. (This I understand.) As it turned out, she had made Facebook her own  battleground  and had posted a series of hate-statuses against the alleged third party.(This I don't agree.)

She asked for my advise and basically, what I had given her can be summed up in 5 words. 

PRAY

A lot of things that happens to us, we don't understand. Why? because our wisdom is but limited. The antidote then is to seek God's wisdom. My friend has many "whys". Most of it I can't answer. But I know My God can. So I told her, to fall on her knees and ask God herself. Would He answer? Of course He would. He does. He never fails to do.You just need to Ask.

Jesus loves conversations. He is the best listener and friend one can ask. So whenever you are troubled. Whenever you feel like no one on earth would be able to understand you. Don't fear. Because Someone high above has our back. He is the 24/7 friend we all want to have. Seek him zealously!

TRUST

God's plans are unknown to us. Usually we just guess it, and pray that our plans are in accordance to His. But God's purposes are, as I beg to disagree with most of you, NOT unfathomable. They are actually all logical. This is when we see things as He sees things. So again you have to pray for a "seeing" eyes.

Logical in what way? Let me give u an example. When God throws in our way trials, what do you think is His purpose in doing so? Is it to hurt us? Knock us down? Punish us, perhaps? Of course not! Our God is a loving Father. His intention is not to make us suffer. Have you forgotten how He sent His beloved Son Jesus to suffer for us? See, that's how much He loves YOU.

So, what then is the purpose why you are going through all this pain? Simple, He wants you to remember His love.

Most of  the time, we humans, because of the busy life we live. The good job we have. The riches we amass. The new car, watch, house etc. we acquire.We Forget Him. We take credit for the Graces He gives. Like children, we go back to the I-as-the-center-of -the-universe attitude. In short, we displeases God. Thus, He sends us trials. To test us. To make us remember that everything is His. That we belong to Him.

He pokes us so we would remember that He is the Loving Father we can always run back to. All we need to do is to trust Him with all our heart, by offering our doubts, our fears, our troubles to Him, knowing deep well, that He has the best intention at heart.

ENDURE

Everybody can relate, that when the heat is on and life seems to offer no way out. We ask God to take us out of that situation. And when He does not immediately do so, like spoiled children, we start to entertain ill-feelings against Him. We start to feel UNLOVED. We start the series of whys starting from why me???

Some would even go as far as dare God. Dare Him. Push Him. As if it would anger Him more. Would it  really make Him angry? I dare say, No. God made us, so He knows our frailties. Do your own father hit you as soon as you cry because he did not allow you to watch TV during weekdays? I bet not. Instead, he would just give his irritant child a patient look and explain to him his rules. Just so with Our Heavenly Father.

God insists on our endurance. And there is no way to learn endurance than simply to endure. Why? Why do we have to endure? Because He wants us to discover His provision. Because He wants us to realize, that we have Him..and that in His Time, there will be deliverance.

God will make everything right, in His Time and in His Way. Just lean on him and learn of His ways.

 SUBMIT

People are control-freaks. We always want to have control in everything. We easily get irritated when we can't seem to handle the situation. In frustration, we look for ways to gain back control. We forgot a very elementary fact. Our lives  are not ours to control.

Certain things happen because it has to happen. What might take place may not be in our own liking. It might not even be in line with our plans or our visions. But this is certain, everything is God's will. So whether your hurt, your sick or you lost everything. Just Obey. Surrender to His plan. Transfer ownership of your burden to Him and simply Submit. Remember: Our hour of greatest need is His hour of greatest supply.

REJOICE

I had the world on my shoulders. How can I rejoice?

Haven't you heard me say LET GO?  Let God take the rein. Do not be anxious and be weighed down by your worries. When you fear the things that seems to steal your life away. When you say that you can't seem to know how to get by after losing something you think was worth your life. You are actually putting those things/persons in a higher pedestal than God who is the giver of  life. Don't you see the irony of it? That's what would anger God.

God promised us that His burden is light. Because Jesus is the burden-bearer. But we cannot experience His strength while we bear our burdens on our own strengths. We have to choose to let go of our burdens and let Jesus bear them. This is God's plan. This is how He wills it to happen. 

So let go of your will and let your heart and mind have peace. Let God's will be done.

-mcm

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Jurisprudential Quotes

Statistics never lie, but lovers often do.

- Antonio v. Reyes, G.R. No. 155800,  March 10, 2006

There is a right way to do the right thing at the right time and for the right reason.
-Santiago v. COMELEC

He who comes to equity must come with clean hands.

-De Garcia vs Santos, GR.L-1422, October 17, 1947

We cannot castigate a man for seeking out the partner of his dreams, for marriage is a sacred and perpetual bond which should be entered into because of love, not for any other reason. 

-Figueroa v. Barranco, Jr., SBC Case No. 519, July 31, 1997

Love happens to everyone. It is dubbed to be boundless as it goes beyond the expectations people tagged with it. In love, “age does matter.” People love in order to be secure that one will share his/her life with another and that he/she will not die alone. Individuals who are in love had the power to let love grow or let love die – it is a choice one had to face when love is not the love he/she expected.  

-Padilla-Rumbaua v. Rumbaua, G.R. No. 166738, August 14, 2009

Marital union is a two-way process. An expressive interest in each other's feelings at a time it is needed by the other can go a long way in deepening the marital relationship. Marriage is definitely not for children but for two consenting adults who view the relationship with love amor gignit amorem, respect, sacrifice and a continuing commitment to compromise, conscious of its value as a sublime social institution. 

-Chi Ming Tsoi v. Court of Appeals and Gina Lao- Tsoi,  GR No. 119190, January 16, 1997

In our criminal justice system, what is important is not whether the court entertains doubt about the innocence of the accused, since an open mind is willing to explore all possibilities, but whether it entertains a reasonable, lingering doubt as to his guilt.  For, it would be a serious mistake to send an innocent man to jail where such kind of doubt hangs on to one’s inner being, like a piece of meat lodged immovable between teeth.

- Antonio Lejano v. People GR.No. 176389

The law favors the mother if she is a fit and proper person to have custody of her children so that they may not only receive her attention, care, supervision but also have the advantage and benefit of a mother’s love and devotion for which there is no substitute. Generally, the love, solicitude and devotion of a mother cannot be replaced by another and are worth more to a child of tender years than all other things combined.

- Wilson Sy vs. Court of Appeals G.R. No. 124518

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El Alquimista @ 25

Lo and Behold!

Its my all-time favorite book's 25th anniversary!

Thank You, Paulo Coelho for The Alchemist.

I know it had changed a lot of people's perspectives on life as much as it had changed mine.

Continue being a blessing, Maestro!

Maktub!

El Alquimista

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Time and Life

Be careful with whatever preoccupies your mind. It may keep you from focusing on the more important things in life. To have doubts is okay. Don't freak out. You may just need to breathe for awhile. Try to take a step away. Think. Breathe. Pray. Take a look at the bigger picture. Give it time. Everything will fall back to its place.

BUT... if after meditating, you'd realize that you come to a dead end. Don't hesitate. Take Courage. Turn your back and walk forward. As I had said, Life is too short to be stuck on yesterdays. Don't be a worrier. Love is patient, love is kind.... it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, It Keeps NO Record of Wrongs.

This Happens. This is Normal. Don't think otherwise. 

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Live by Faith

God's prescription for our wisdom is to find His.

2 Corinthians 5:7

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Be Still.

Trials and pain are not ultimately harmful unless they diminish our relationship with God. 

Endure. Because Our God does not leave us in our troubles. He puts us there to discover His provision. Lean on Him and learn of His ways. 

Resist Flight.

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Halfway Home

memo-reminder

my personal space with the Child Christ Jesus  on top.

cupboard and lahat na..:)

books, memory aid

more books

where I do most of my research

A BAR-REVIEWEE Room

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Seems like the weather would be better today!.

Ayei! 

CARPE DIEM!

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All gifts, all power, all wisdom, all authority comes from above. When we take credit, we deny God's generosity. Everything we have is a gift. 

Reminder: All we have and all we are is by grace.

Have a blessed Monday. 

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A Mice Life in The City

It's been awhile...

Life had been a roller-coaster ride for me this past months. I've finished law school. (Thanks Heaven!) Been out of BeeTown for two-months already.(The longest I had been away from my mom.) and now currently taking my law review classes here in Manila.

My days are waaayyyy different now. No Mom, to cook food and cheer me up whenever I feel like I had enough reading. No student around to goof with. No classroom to stage and No friends to hang out with.
Instead, what I have, is a small room for myself and my books. Strangers as neighbors. And a whole big city that seems unfriendly. This is how the mice felt when he found himself in the middle of a busy street. Lost. Lonely. Scared.

LOST

There were days when I just feel that I simply don't fit here. You have to understand, I had always been a small-town dreamer. I lived my whole life in BeeTown , took my studies there and had been surrounded by my family ever since. This is a complete 360 for me. If not for the review, I doubt if I would have ever left my literal comfort zone.

But Jesus is said to be more pleased with the Doer than the Dreamer. "He expects the keepers of the land to till  the soil,water the seeds, and cultivate their growth. So off I go.Taking the vision He planted in me and constantly asking Him to guide me in His timing.

LONELY

It is true,  that the loneliest time of the day are early dawns. Those times when the city as well as every living soul on it are finding peace on their sleep, and you... - well,  you are wide awake. Listening to every little sound there is to hear. And thinking how the lack of sleep or none of it can drive a person mad and  doubting, along the way, whether you still have in your hands the string connecting you with your sanity.

And then, everything just feels so overwhelming, with all the anguish, pain, loneliness and even anger, that you simply burst into crying. And then you talk..at first you think you are talking with yourself. Comforting your own heart. ..when BANG! realization hits you. Indeed, you are talking. But not with yourself. You are talking with your God. He becomes the Direction to where you Lean. And after that conversation, you'd be at peace again. Completely trusting Him coz you know that He would not lead you somewhere you would regret. He is a Possible God. He Delivers.

SCARED

Along with loneliness comes fear. Many times I had doubted God's plan for me. I constantly have doubts. And that battle within me scares me a lot. And that's when praying becomes a daily medicine I have to take. An undivided heart is difficult to have (what with the constant doubts that we allow to creep in) But it, too, is Possible to have. We just have to ask for it daily. Life is a struggle. I do not trust my own wisdom.I do not think I am strong enough to take on life and its many battles. But then, I realized that God does not leave us in our troubles. He puts us their to discover His provision. We are not to be strong. Rather, we have to find our strength in Him. Let God's Wisdom be Our Refuge.


Life in the city is hard but nothing beyond enduring when you have a God like mine. A Persuasive God. Let His Peace speak louder than our doubts. Our fears. Our trials. We just have to Guard our Hearts for it is where our Saviour dwells.


His WORD stands firm at all times. Can you?

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Just Give Me a Reason- Pink

Right from the startYou were a thiefYou stole my heartAnd I your willing victimI let you see the parts of meThat weren't all that prettyAnd with every touch you fixed them
Now you've been talking in your sleep oh ohThings you never say to me oh ohTell me that you've had enoughOf our love, our love
(Chorus)Just give me a reasonJust a little bit's enoughJust a second we're not broken just bentAnd we can learn to love again
It's in the starsIt's been written in the scars on our heartsThat we're not broken just bentAnd we can learn to love again
I'm sorry I don't understandWhere all of this is coming fromI thought that we were fine(Oh we had everything)Your head is running wild againMy dear we still have everythin'And it's all in your mind(Yeah but this is happenin')
You've been havin' real bad dreams oh ohYou used to lie so close to me oh ohThere's nothing more than empty sheetsBetween our love, our loveOh our love, our love
(Chorus)Just give me a reasonJust a little bit's enoughJust a second we're not broken just bentAnd we can learn to love again
I never stoppedYou're still written in the scars on my heartYou're not broken just bentAnd we can learn to love again
Oh tear ducts and rustI'll fix it for usWe're collecting dustBut our love's enough
You're holding it inYou're pouring a drinkNo nothing is as bad as it seemsWe'll come clean
(Chorus)Just give me a reasonJust a little bit's enoughJust a second we're not broken just bentAnd we can learn to love again
It's in the starsIt's been written in the scars on our heartsThat we're not broken just bentAnd we can learn to love again
Just give me a reasonJust a little bit's enoughJust a second we're not broken just bentAnd we can learn to love again
It's in the starsIt's been written in the scars on our heartsThat we're not broken just bentAnd we can learn to love againOh we can learn to love againOh we can learn to love again oh ohThat we're not broken just bentAnd we can learn to love again

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