Happy Mothers’ Day to your mom!! I pray that as she grow in wisdom, she will always be covered with God’s love, protection, and grace. I thank God for your mom, for she was His instrument that you were born into this world and later on became my good friend. =)

At dahil Mother’s Day ngayon, gusto ko pong ibida ang aking natataging mommy.

My mom can be one of the few interestingly complicated persons that you can meet in your lifetime. She is very loving, yet she is firm with a lot of things. She is nurturing, yet she just allows you to discover things on your own. She is proud of you, but she would not tell you, instead she would tell someone else (and that someone else will tell you that she’s so proud of you). She is confident in your abilities, but she would repeatedly and continuously remind you about the simplest of tasks like closing your bedroom window when its raining.hehe

She would want you to excel but she gets mad when you push yourself some more so that you can live up to everyone’s expectation (including and most especially hers).She abhors it when you did something not right, yet she would instantly forgive you (or sige nga maybe after 2 days…but still she will forgive you..hehe). She loves your friends, but there’s one or maybe a couple of friends of yours that she just doesn’t like..and she would not exert too much effort to like them no matter what happens. (so if mom likes you, then congrats! haha).

She allows her children to go wherever and whenever but she keeps track of all their friend’s number and home addresses (and if you’re lucky, she will also get hold of someone who is an authority over you… say your guidance counselor at school or your pastor in church. And if you don’t reply to her “San ka na?” text message, she would not hesitate to text the whole world to ask where you are. Mom doesn’t like flowers too much but she always comes with me and helps me in each of my wedding. When I was a little girl she used give me clothes that does not suit my age (usually dresses that are just too mature looking for me), but when I grew up, she would sometimes comb (or maybe pull my hair) with a comb, hehe.. (I can’t exactly tell which is which)

She doesn’t like her children to be taken advantage of, but she would still encourage them to help out whenever they can. She hates noisy places but she would not stop talking when she’s irritated and would totally keep silent when she’s really angry. She would not ask you what’s wrong (if you’re obviously sad), but at the end of the day you’ll discover that she knows what’s wrong with you.
You can get anything from her store, but you have to list it down on her trusty notebook… but she will be kind enough and will not ask you to pay. hehehe

She can be a mom or a terrible ogre (I bet there other moms who have ogre moments too…)… you just have to choose which side are you on. Believe me, choose her mom side… you cannot survive any of her ogre episodes. She’s a mom, so chances are, she’s right…if not always, majority of the time.

I guess I can go on and on and on describing how crazy and funny twisted my mom is, but there’s just too many to words to describe her. Mauubos lang ang space ko dito and hindi parin ako matatapos.

My mom is someone I love to love, love na inisin, and even sometimes love to “hate”  but the bottom line and the truth is… (no matter how I refuse to say it out loud)… I love my mom very much! I thank God for her everyday. =) She is heaven-sent to me and my family no matter what.

So that’s my mom. Did I echo some of your thoughts? hehe I dare and encourage you… ibida nyo rin ang mga moms nyo. I’d like to compare notes. hahaha just kidding.

Happy mother’s day to all mothers! I salute you by just being a mom! God bless you every single day! =)

This is my mom. She’s not my sister, just for the record. O sya sige na nga, she looks young enough to be my eldest sister (with 20 years gap hehe)…

I just lost every bit of data that was saved in my phone memory - all 7 years worth of contact details and 5 years worth of treasured text messages. *sigh*

No,  I didn’t lose my phone. I just lost all the information stored in it. The feeling is as good as loosing the whole thing anyway. Huhuhu…. Anyway, it happened when I was waiting for my dad to fetch me at the bus station in Sta. Rosa Complex, I was sending a text message to one of my friends, when suddenly my phone stopped functioning. In short, nag-hang sya then nag-shut down. When I turned it back on, all my messages were erased - everything - inbox, sent items and all folders stored in the memory card. I had it checked right away by a phone technician from the nearby mall but to no avail. huhu

If I wasn’t depressed enough, I received a text message just a few minutes after and  the sender’s name appeared unregistered. When I checked my contacts list, I discovered that even the contents of my phonebook were all deleted! haayy…. I wanted to cry.

30 minutes after the incident, I was in state of panic. An hour later, I was a bit calm but feeling depressed, now, 2 hours after, I’m still feeling sad. Hay…

Nway, I hope I can ask everyone a favor by sending all your mobile numbers to me via text or even just through friendster. My number is still the same, or you can just PM. Thanks! I appreciate it.

I remember the time when my brother deleted all my messages just because, I cried till my eyes felt like they were about to popt. But now, I just want to sell my phone out of frustration. Hay…

Nway, thanks and looking forward to receiving those mobile numbers. Maraming Salamat!

Named after our head pastor and my good friend, Pastor Bernie.

I would like to invite you to visit the Petals and Blooms Website. You may do so by clicking on or by typing this URL on your browser: http://petalsandblooms.multiply.com

To give you a nice picture of what Petals and Blooms is all about, I am sharing with you my self-description of who I am as a floral designer and how it all began.

**For so many years, I have always encountered the question, “San ka natuto mag flower arrangement?” I would simply say, sa Dangwa. Some would think that my reply would be such just to humor them. Little do they know that its true. My first urge and inspiration for trying to create my first bouquet came from the Manongs and Manangs from Dangwa Market. I was fascinated with how well they chose the flowers they used and how fast they can create a complete arrangement.

That was 10 years ago.

My passion for flowers have actually started when I was little kid. My mom would show me some photos of me when I was like 1 year old picking flowers from my Nana’s garden. haha
Maybe some things just stayed on.

I had started arranging for family gatherings, later for church events, and even later, friends started to ask me to help them with their weddings. The rest was history, and now here is Petals and Blooms - my public confession that I am so into flowers, I want to make a career out of it! haha =)

My training is composed of 10% formal training and 90% experience and passion. I can guarantee that the creations that I come up with are put together with much creativity, love, and inspiration.

I look forward to doing business and working with you!

To God be the glory and honor! =P

I hope that you will be able to visit my site, and of course order a bouquet or two, or refer me to your friends. My creations are named after all the people who are special to me. Don’t worry, if ever I haven’t made something named after you yet, I assure that I will have something for you soon. My goal is make an arrangement for every friend and family member. (No matter how labor intensive that may sound, that will materialize, I promise. =P)

See you all!

God Bless You!

Calling
everyone (ke YA ka pa, or CYF, CWA, UCM, Church Staff -from any worship
service- or from other Christian Churches) who have been part (in any
way) of the YA Thursday care group of Cosmopolitan Church.

Top
of mind: Jordan, Jaja, Momma Gaye, Kuya Warren, Rommel (now Pastor
Rommel Ü ), Eileen (now Pastor Eileen Ü), Marge, Daphne, Arnold (a.k.a.
Stanley/Oscar Ü), Marie, Binoy, Christine, Aleili, Paz, Darlene, Inah,
Rex, Gema (now Mrs. Gema Lozano), Maurene, Maurice, Rita, Timai, Irene,
Vicky, Jacque, Kuya Greg, Pepay, Kim Nejudne, Ate Esther Bartolome,
Jinky, Ched, Ada, Pastor Golda, Gladys, etc. etc.

We will have a
birthday tribute for our dear Pastor Bernie on Friday, July 18 at the
Dampa/Seaside (Macapagal Blvd, near blue wave), 630PM onwards.

This
is a very special year for us to celebrate her birthday, reminisce and
thank God for her Ministry, for her prayers and encouragement, for
building each one of us up. Kasi next year baka out of Luzon na tyo
magcelebrate hehe…

Please please free up your skeds to
accommodate this time and day. We are very excited to see everyone
gathered for fun, laughter, love, worship, and prayer.

Please pass this on to those whom I failed to remember. Pagpasensyahan na ang may konting memory gap. hehe

For
any questions or clarification and to confirm your attendance, please
text or call me at 09214929866 or momma gaye at 09178616376.

See YA all! Ü

P.S. Please confirm latest by tomorrow if you will be able to come. This is for the purpose of reservation. Thanks!
God bless!

Sharing with you the Lord’s message when He gave me the opportunity to speak about the Hope that is in Jesus back in December 07 Simbang Umaga. I just realized that this message does not only apply to the Christmas Season, but to our daily walk with Him. God bless!

A Light to the World (Luke 2:21-32)

Yesterday morning, one of my regular clients called me up in my office. I, being in the world of customer service am responsible to listen to whatever concern that any of our buyers would want to talk to us about. Most of the time, this particular client will call up to discuss her concerns in about 5 minutes or even less, then she will just spend the rest of the time sharing stories about her family, her business, and her points of view about different circumstances. Our conversation yesterday was no different from the rest. Yesterday she chose to speak about the rapid drop in the value of the US dollars against Philippine Pesos. She was really concerned about the drastic change because her mom and brother both worked in the US to finance the property that they purchased from us. She began by saying: “Charms, ang laki laki na ng lugi namin, dati P55 is to $1, ngayon, P40+ is to $1 nalang. Its not because our economy is dramatically improving, but because the economy of the US is significantly declining.” Her statement made me ponder for a while. I wondered if the drop in the value of the US currency directly coincides with the various political turmoil, wars, crimes, intrigues, and other events that are just too significant for the world to miss out on; and if their situation is any different from ours and from the rest of the nations of the world. In our scripture text this morning, we read about a man named Simeon. He was described as a devout and righteous man who had a heart for his nation. Simeon lived in a time when Rome was considered a super power, like the US in our present times. He existed in a society ruled by Ceasar Augustus, a Roman Emperor who was a ruthless politician and soldier who exercised repressive and pagan authority over the people to restore order and prosperity. The state of things in Israel and in the world at that specific era speaks of its extreme need for a savior. Simeon recognized the misery and ruin of his nation but he hoped and waited upon the Lord until he has seen his Salvation, as it was revealed to him by the Holy Spirit. A day in his life came when the Spirit moved him to go to the temple courts. There he saw the child Jesus whom at that time was being presented to the Lord by Mary and Joseph in accordance to the Jewish Law and Custom. When this godly man recognized Jesus, he took Him into his arms and Praised God, saying “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, You now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” The hope in Simeon’s heart did not fizzle away until he himself saw with his very eyes and held in his own arms the child Jesus. God honored this HOPE and was faithful in fulfilling His promise.

HOPE. What does this word mean? To hope means to expect. To hope means to put your entire trust on something that is yet to come. To hope means to faithfully wait for a desired outcome.

Brothers and sisters, we are living in a time which is not different from Simeon’s generation. Corruption, injustice, wickedness, sicknesses and other manifestations of evil in our society and even in our own families and workplaces are happening right before our eyes. In the midst of all of these, can we see a flicker of hope? This morning the Lord wants to teach us about what it means to put our Hope in Him, and believe in the light of Jesus and the certainty of the promises that we are looking forward to manifest.

HOPING IN THE LORD MEANS:

1. Waiting for God’s perfect time- Luke 2:25 mentions that Simeon has been waiting for the Consolation of Israel, who is Jesus. It does not however, go into details of how long he has been waiting. All we are taught about is that he was at the prime years of his life and was just waiting for the Lord’s Christ before he may depart in peace. In the midst of a situation where you believe that you can do things your way and the Lord tells you to “wait and be patient”, what do you do? Or when you are strongly convinced that you are not yet ready to do certain things and obey the Lord, and he says “Go for I am with you”, how do you answer God? I was inspired by the testimony of Daphne, a good friend of mine here in this church. I see this as a classic example of what God’s perfect timing is all about. She had been waiting for the Lord to speak to her and allow her to receive Arnold, also a fellow young adult, into her life. She prayed and waited for God’s go signal. She prayed and waited, prayed and waited, prayed and waited, until God finally answers her prayers. The problem was, the time that God chose was a time that she least expected, hence she lacked “visual aids”, as she described it. It didn’t matter then how aesthetically presentable she was all she knew was that God spoke, she obeyed, and it was according to God’s perfect time. Trust that the Lord has designed a timetable that is far more wonderful that our own set of schedules. When we are too fast in our tracks that we tend to go ahead of God, remember that we are missing out on the scenery that He has prepared for us along the way. When time is always of essence, imagine how wonderful it is to trust in a God who knows when we are spiritually ready to receive the blessings that He prepares for us. A God who knows when we need the warmth of his love or a bit of shaking that will cause us to depend on Him more. The same God who has a higher and glorious purpose for us and who causes us to wait as He reveals that purpose little by little.

2. Walking and Working with the Holy Spirit- In all this waiting and hoping, the Lord is sensitive to the fact that waiting is never easy and we can never do it alone. We see in verses 26 and 27 that Simeon, no matter how established his devotion to God was, the Lord knew that he needed a companion. Therefore, God’s Spirit was with Him until the very day that the promise that was revealed to Simeon was fulfilled. It was the Spirit of God who revealed the promise of Salvation, and it was the same Spirit who moved him to go to the temple courts where he had seen Jesus. The Lord is telling us that in the season of waiting, He is always by our side. When we start working and walking with the Holy Spirit we experience extraordinary peace, patience and faithfulness, all of which are weapons to defeat the tendency of boredom and anxiety of having to wait for something you desire the most. The question now is how do you walk and work with the Holy Spirit? There is no better way of developing close relationships than constant communication. I am reminded of one my closest friends from College. She and I would just look at each other and words would start flowing even without opening our mouths to speak, and yet we understood each other perfectly. Like our other close human relationships, getting really close to the Spirit of God necessitates the same trust and open communication. Pray to the Holy Spirit for comfort. Praise, sing, and dance in the Holy Spirit. Come to Him for counsel. Ask Him to teach you about the deep things of God. For there’s no else who can know about the things of God except the Spirit of God Himself. Enjoy basking in His Presence and companionship, you’ll be surprised that a day will come when He Himself will tap your heart and say, “Its time…”

3. Welcoming God’s will & way- I couldn’t help but wonder how Simeon’s face looked like when he discovered that the promised Salvation will come as a human child. How can Israel be saved by a little boy? This was the interesting twist. Yet verse 28 tells us that Simeon took him in his arms and praised God for the fulfillment of the promises to Israel. He did not question God as to why he sent a baby to his nation nor did He ask the Wisdom behind His ways. He just held the Savior in his arms which gave him peace. In the age where planners and other electronic devices are used to time and anticipate everything that we do, it gets frustrating when God induces His will which is different from our plans. When we wanted to take the left road and then God says you should take the right, our plans are thwarted and we sometimes feel disappointed. When we pray for an apple and God gives us an orange, do we immediately see His wisdom? On the onset, God’s will and ways seem to be restrictive especially when we begin to fear that he might tell us to go somewhere unfamiliar to us or do something difficult. Welcoming God’s will do not only bring hope. God’s will is made perfect in love and supported by an unexplainable power. In the midst of my pre-simbang umaga jitters, my friend Inah told me: “When God appoints, God anoints.” Truly when you let Jesus be the Lord of your life, nothing can stop it. Honestly speaking, never in my life did I imagine that I would one day stand at this pulpit and preach about Jesus. Pastor Bernie knew where I started in this church and its actually fascinating that I am here looking at one of the pews where I sit with my family Sunday after Sunday. Opportunities to serve God and to share Jesus to different people has not ceased since I became serious with the Lord. And I as share with you His message this morning, I feel that the Lord is not yet through with me. I’ve read an interesting article from the Internet with a line that says, “Jesus could ask nothing of you that he couldn’t do through you… Its exciting when God asks the impossible of you for when He does, a miracle is around the corner!” When we cannot see the hand of God moving, have faith and trust with all your heart that He has nothing in mind but our best interest.

“This child” said Simeon “is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel and for a sign which will be spoken against”. Verse 34 mirrors the words of Prophet Isaiah that says “He will be as a sanctuary, But a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense to both the houses of Israel, As a trap and snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem (Isaiah 8:14). Jesus has literally divided the nation into two. Some will take up his cross and follow Him, while others will oppose, insult, and outwardly reject the saving grace that Jesus Christ came here to offer. For Christians, we identify with the rejection that Jesus Himself went through two thousand years ago. Until now, not every heart is willing to let Jesus in. Some hearts are too preoccupied, some hearts are easily swayed, while some are hearts are simply hard that it no longer has any room for Jesus to stay in. The division that Jesus brings reveals the thoughts of many hearts. God always presents opportunities for you to choose. Will the coming of Jesus cause you to traverse downhill or will his birth uplift you that you may share in His glory? As we celebrate Christmas four days from now, may we be reminded of the fulfillment of God’s promise of salvation thru his birth. And may we take comfort in knowing that Hope always springforth for those who give their trust to the coming Messiah. Amen.

Most of you probably know that I live in the boondocks of Sta. Rosa, Laguna and that I always seem to fit as much of my activities (depending on the line of priorities that I have for a particular day) into one day.

Why I do this is basically attributed to the fact that it costs me significant time and money spent on travelling from my home to whereever I am going and back.

But what happend to me over the weekend is probably one of my record breakers. Sure I always go straight to the office whenever I come from one of my local travels (usually from various places in the Phils other than Luzon, and even when I got back from China). But my August 24 to 26 was one exhausting weekend that burns a hole in my planner.

So here goes…

When I woke up Friday morning, I immediately recognized the fact that going to work that day won’t be physically possible for me. My throat was sore, my neck, shoulders and back felt that they weighed a ton, and my nose felt so clogged I breathed through my mouth - yes I was definitely sick. I asked permission from my boss to go on half day sick leave, but as understanding as she is, she told me to rest for the day. Praise God for her consideration! But though I cannot lift my body (literally) to commute to work, I still had to work at home by working on a report and accessing my office email, and I had to work on our YA council report also. So I ended up still working… only I have not taken a bath yet and I was still in my not-so-glamorous clothes we often called pantulog.

Already up by 8am, I worked till 3pm before getting ready for my LGI class which starts at 6pm. When I got to Church, I was feeling so woozy that drinking Ponstan 500 was a good idea. (Though got later on rebuked by Pastor Mina’s lesson on rebuking bodily sicknesses even before they take over me. Illnesses are also the enemy’s ways to attack us and that we should consciously be aware of it and rebuke it before it even makes us weak). Nonetheless, I prayed for my stiff shoulders, back and neck - after I took one Ponstan capsule.

As usual the class was another eye opener for me. Indeed the Lord didn’t want me to miss LGI for there are Kingdom Secrets that He wants to tell me. ( I love the splendor of Solomon kingdom secret!! -a separate blog on this shall follow ). 

After the interesting class, which extended until 9:30pm, I hurriedly took an fx going to cubao - our bus going to Baguio (We attended the Florendo Segundo Family Reunion which was attended by Florendos from all over the globe) was leaving at 11PM. Or so I thought. When I got at the bus station, I learned from my dear cousins that our bus will leave at 12:15am and not 11PM. So at 10:30pm, I was irritated by the fact, that I was there alone, that I had to wait for a while at Goto King (yeah yeah I know…. not very me nor very ALP but did I have any other choice? Yes 711 was there but what, I’ll stand around the store for 1 1/2 hours?), and I wasn’t even informed. But then again, I had to keep my cool.

Finally my cousins (nessa, von, vince, joyce and ate kay) all arrived at around 1130pm and we immediately boarded our bus. The comfy Victory LIner bus immediately took away my irritation. It had spacious seats and leg rests that I can actually sleep comfortably during the entire trip -which happened literally since we arrived in Baguio even before I even consciously reached dream land. By 445 am, we were breathing cold crisp Baguio air. The cool breeze totally took away my irritation. I bought a return ticket to Manila (330am bus trip) since I will have to go back even before all my family leaves Baguio, since I will have to attend to several things in Church.

By 510am we were already at the Manor Hotel, where I was trying to wake up my mom who was still in her deep sleep. It must be the good sleep or the ponstan that I took, but my body didn’t to sleep the moment we arrived in Baguio. By 630am, everyone was awake. How my day went after that was crazy and I guess I have to share it with you with less details since it will take me forever to write it down. Let me plot it by time sked:

8AM- With mom, tita jen, nette and tricia at the Mines View park eating corn a cob and shopping knitted tops and pasalubong to our heart’s content

10AM- Walked to Good Shepherd convent to buy yummy ube jam and other goodies

1030AM- back in the hotel. took a bath, and before I know it, my auntie noris wants us all to go with them at… guess where??… back to MInes view and Good Shepherd! (I was like…. what???!!! We were just there a few minutes ago?) But then again….

11-12:30 - I was back in MInes with some more aunties and cousins and amma too (took a pic of us with the huge Saint Bernard ) and later again walked going to the GS convent. At this point, I was already so exhausted from all the walking).

1:30PM***- having lunch with entire Lorenzana family at the Baguio Golf and Country Club. At the end of the meal, my eyes were threatening to shut down.

3:00PM*** - back at the hotel. I told myself I was going to sleep but no…. the very presence of ate kay’s magic sing kept me awake.

4:30PM***- cousins came to our room to practice the dance that we didn’t want to dance but aunties and uncles were giving us no choice.

(***Simultaneously happening with the continuous texting with different YA’s and a long phonecall with Aleili regarding the preparation of the YA booth. God’s grace became our blanket which made communication effective despite the distance. Supervision is even more challenging when you’re not there to actually oversee things. But of course, I didn’t have to be there to ensure a job well done. Aleili, Marie, Daphne, Maurice, Aaron, Rita and the rest of the YA’s were there to make sure that everything was executed as planned. Galing galing nyo po!! )

6:00PM-Preparing for the Florendo farewell dinner

7:30PM- Having dinner at the Camp John Hay Club House

9:00PM-Despite the growing disapproval from my cousins and myself to perform in front of our family, our names were called, and we just gave our best shot to entertain them. One very embarrassing experience. However, brought joy and entertainment to our entire family. So I guess it was ok. Plus we have a new discovered talent among our cousins - Von, you’re the man, I’m your fan, and I know I owe you venti Starbucks! Its a date! hehe

From that time till around 12mn, the family reunion was in full swing, singing, games and laughter were dominant the entire time.

1230AM- back at the hotel. took a bath, prepared all my things and went to bed. (and set my alarm at 230AM)

330am- oh great! my alarm either didn’t go off or I didn’t hear it! Stressed, I called up the hotel operator three times to find out if shuttle service was available that early since I knew that I missed the cab that I contracted to pick me up at the hotel (and later on found out from the front lobby that the cab didn’t even arrive.)

4:00AM - I had my shuttle service which brought me to the Victory Liner Terminal

4:15AM- On board the bus where I positioned myself in my seat ready to snooze off.

430AM- Bus left the terminal

830AM-Woke up at the pit stop at Tarlac (missed the first one! I was fast asleep), ate breakfast and then went back to sleep.

1100AM-Woke up at the Pasay Bus Terminal.

1130AM- Attended 2nd English Service

12:00nn- YA Booth Manning. Fullfilling God’s instruction of being Fishers of Men for Christ. It was a hit Praise God! (The brewing coffee and Marie’s yummy cookies were plus factors too!!)

1:00 - Having lunch that was prepared by Tita Lily Navarro for the Church Council Meeting (mau and I were supposed to be hosts as well… but we just gave our contributions and dear Tita Lily did all the cooking. Praise God for her! )

***The meeting transpired for I think that was over 5 hours before I even got to report.

6:00PM- my turn to report about activities that the YA’s have lined up for the year based on the visions that we received to the Church Council. Fortunately and thank God, the council approved of it.

6:15- Putting away some things used at our booth.

6:30-Finally, on my way home!!!

8:15PM- Home at last!!!

I know there are other worse schedules experienced by other people, but this one holds a spot in my heart and memory. Thank God for the energy and motivation that He has provided all throughout the week, which actually sustained me upto the very last minute.

Now…. where was I….. oh yeah, good night! hehe