Stories A Story In 25 Words: The Other Woman 10:48 AM A Story In 25 Words The Other Woman He got up. She lay still. Would she tell him what the doctor said? He put his ring back on and left. No. She won't. Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
Stories A Story In Less Than 25 Words: Coming Home 1:39 PM A Story In Less Than 25 Words: Coming Home You told me to follow my dreams. When I came back, you were gone. I was hurt. Then again, you never promised to wait. Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
Lux Thinking Aloud A Tribute To A Friend I Lost 11:04 AM Remember me and smile, for it's better to forget than to remember me and cry. -Dr. Seuss How do you say goodbye to a friend? Answer: You don’t. I lost a friend two months ago to cancer. Her name’s Donna. She was a breast cancer survivor. But, Big C came back and got hold of her liver. She was a fighter even before cancer. I know her struggles. She never hesitated to share her story. She’s more than ten years my senior but I never felt the generation gap. We both love cute, girly stuff, juvenile things; chick flicks, young adult themed stories (she’s not much of a reader, but she liked the movie versions), and she’s still crushing on celebrities. We're both cheesecake and tea lovers. The news left me numb at first. I was having dinner with some friends, and was going out of town the following day when a friend texted me the sad news. How do you say goodbye to a friend? I was thinking about bailing out of the summer outing with my other friends. Then I thought, Nang Donna, who was very outgoing, and one of those who always tried to push me out of my dungeon, will disapprove. No, she would have thrown my bag out of the door if I won't go. She’s always been supportive, pushy even. She wanted me to go out there, enjoy my youth as she would often tell me before, see places, meet people, experience new things. She was an extrovert and my personality used to bug her. I dedicated my first surfing experience to her. I was sure it made her happy, seeing me out there, as she always wanted me to. Sure I posted my goodbye to her page to grieve with the rest of the people she left behind. But, the people we love never really leave. They will always be alive in our hearts. When scary thoughts start creeping in, I ask her to shoo them away. She always defended me then. She was always on my side, and believed in me when other people didn’t. When I don't feel okay, tired, hurt, or simply feeling blah, in my mind, I tell her like I used to when she was still around. And, in my heart I feel like she’s telling me the things she used to say, “Oh, well, that’s life. That’s how it is. People will always be like that. There’s nothing you can do about them. Let them be. Just shake it off. Let’s eat! Let’s shop!” She always had a ready smile. Though she had her own personal fight, she always had something positive and nice to say when I needed a boost. I sure grieved, but not for long. Because, I know she doesn't want to dwell in sadness herself. Sure, like any women she was emotional. The funny thing about her is that she tells you her emo stories with laughter. Like she knew she was being silly, but she couldn't help it. So, you just laugh it off together, though you know it's a serious topic. I feel her absence when I see something that I know she would have liked, or hear a story she would have been interested with. The last time we talked, she told me she’s got a story for me. Sometimes, I tell her, “How dare you leave me hanging. You still owe me one juicy gossip.” I will always hear her high pitched voice criticizing me when I don't wear makeup, when my bag or shoes don't go with my dress, or when I'd rather stay in and read a book than go out on a weekend. I will always imagine her stern look when she disapproves of something, or when she thinks someone’s not treating me right (and she’ll threaten to slap them herself). Though I'd end up putting my legs up for hours at the end of the day after shopping with her (she’s the unbeatable tireless shopping and ukay queen), I’d always miss those trips. How do you say goodbye to a friend? You don’t. I won’t. We'll catch up over cheesecake and tea again, Nang Donna. I can't wait to hear your story. Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
Faith Encounters With The Devil 10:04 AM Encounters With The Devil Be alert and of a sober mind. Your enemy, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. -1 Peter 5:8 I don't often share my encounters with the devil. I don't think people believe in such things anymore. People have nightmares. They dream about being chased, drowning, getting stuck, or falling. I don't know if I can call my encounters nightmares because they usually happen when I'm half awake. Sharing my encounters with the devil here: First encounter with the devil The first encounter was too long ago; I couldn't remember when it happened exactly. It was after I read the illustrated Children's Bible. I went to a Catholic school from kindergarten to college. But I remember that while reading the children's Bible, I was saying, "Ah, so that's what happened?" It was so long ago I really can't remember what it was. Then I fell asleep. Or was about to when I felt a presence standing beside my bed, scolding me. It (not sure if it's a he or a she) was so furious, shouting and reprimanding. It said, "Why did you read the Bible?! You shouldn't have read it! Now, you know!" I was taunting it. "Now I know. You're a loser." It was a long conversation. The entity told me off, and I told him he was losing. All the while, I was trying to turn to take a look at this "thing" I was talking to. But I couldn't, just like having a nightmare. I felt paralyzed. I was trying to open my eyes, and I could somehow see my feet, my sister's feet, and the shelves on the wall, but I couldn't open them fully. It was heavy. But I was not giving up on this verbal combat. Because I knew I was on the winning team. Then I felt its presence "dissolve" (it sure felt that way). I woke up exhausted. I told my sister, with whom I was sharing a bed then, about the encounter. After a few days, when she was about to say her early morning prayer, a visitor intervened. The visitor was not mad at her, though. In fact, it was bribing her. It told her, "Bow down to me, and I'll give you your heart's desires." That's what it told Jesus during the temptation, right? It didn't work. Both encounters happened when we were not fully asleep. Me, drifting off. Her, waking up. Second encounter with the enemy Second encounter. I was in our dorm. At that time, I was emotionally on a roller coaster. I literally didn't laugh or smile for one whole week. I was weak. This time, I was sleeping but felt a pain in my chest. It must be the result of not laughing for a week. But it felt like someone was gripping my heart. The pain woke me up, but again, not entirely. I knew I was on my bed, but that's all. Muscles paralyzed. My heart literally aching. I felt someone saying, "Your heart is mine now." Again, the fighter in me rose. In my head, I was shouting, "You will never, never have my heart! It belongs to Jesus." Of course, it felt like lying then. I can't remember praying for days. I was spiritually parched. But there's power in the name of Jesus. Slowly, I was able to open my eyes. Slowly, I felt the presence at my bedside backed off. And I decided to be happy again. I didn't want darkness to enslave me and something to claim ownership of my heart again. Third encounter with the devilThe third encounter happened just recently. Right after watching Heaven Is For Real. Such impeccable timing, if you'd ask me, like the first encounter. After crying my eyes out and watching the movie, I slept peacefully. That is until I felt a chill (imagine Harry Potter sensing the presence of a Dementor). I thought I was awake, but maybe I wasn't. Nightmare? Maybe. It always felt that way. Only that, you're aware of a presence, you can't move, so try as you may to turn around and look at the invader, you can't. This is a recent encounter, but I couldn't remember what it told me. I just remember it was something stupid. Maybe a threat. Perhaps it was taunting. I remember sitting on the chair beside my bed and feeling its stare. Angry stare. I'm not easily intimidated, though. Yes, I was terrified, I won't lie. But I have Back Up. At first, my prayer didn't work. The invader just laughed. I realized it didn't come from the heart. Then I made it personal. I felt revived. I was telling it to back off. To stop whatever it is it's trying to do to me. To quit it because it's already lost, to begin with. Again, I won the verbal combat. Again, I woke up drained. Like, I ran 100 miles or something. I know the battle is not yet over. The enemy is gaining strength. Many believers are giving up their faith. I stumble and fall to sin all the time. I found this Tony Evans sermon powerful and helpful when faced with the enemy. We have authority over them.But we're not alone. We have an army and a sturdy Back Up who will fight alongside us. A mother whom the enemy fears, a battalion of angels ready for war, and a Champion for a God. That's enough reason to never back down when the enemy attacks.Have you ever encountered the devil in your sleep?
Rants Ramblings Of An "Old" Woman 3:22 PM Women may be the one group that grows more radical with age. -Gloria Steinem Ramblings Of An "Old" Woman What’s the fuss about getting old? I've never made it a big deal. I actually still feel like I’m just starting. Call it Peter Pan Syndrome, call it immaturity, call it denial, if you please. Honestly, age never bothered me. What bothers me are the people who are making a fuss about it. I started working when I was 20. At that time, my youngest colleague was 27. The rest are in their early and mid thirties and even fifties. I never called them “old” because I don't consider them as such. I never made snide comments about their age and their status though majority were still single at that time. First, because I think it’s rude and inappropriate. Second, because I don't think being old is a bad thing. Why would it be? And third, because I think it’s none of my business what they do with their lives. When people tell me I'm old I don't argue, because I know I am definitely not that young anymore. But, when people say it like it’s a bad thing, like it’s a curse, like I’m suffering from this pathetic life and doomed to be alone and lonely forever, it bugs me. It shocked me at first. It also bothers me that there are people who have such an idiotic mindset. You'd think people will be more progressive in this modern world, but no. There are still those who choose to live backwards. I didn't realize we are living in a world full of morons until I hit 27. It was then when people started asking me the stupidest questions from, “You’re really that old?” (which is flattering at some point because it is followed by “You look so young!”) to “Are you gonna be an old maid?” and “Don’t you want to have babies?” Valid questions, yes. But to a 27-year old who just got out of a toxic relationship, and is finally starting to enjoy being single? Unfair. Some of these people? They’re 27 now or thereabouts, and they claim that they're still young. Uhm, okay. I think I'm missing something here. Fast forward to today, comments are getting worse, nastier and somewhat more hilarious. I know that some of these people are only concerned with my well-being. They are good friends with good intentions. They just want me to be happy. They just want to see me “normal”, and I'm thankful for that. Not everyone's blessed to have people looking out for them. On the other hand, there are still those who see me as a freak. "Single and over 30? Oh, dear. What's wrong with you? You're doomed." Am I really? Funny, because most of those who are pushing me to be in a relationship are those who are not happy with where they are, some obviously miserable and would want to get out of their relationships given the chance. Others are not even half as experienced as I am. What do they know about what I need and what’s best for me? Modesty aside, it’s not like I don't have a choice. There are those who express their interest. I still have strangers approach me for my number and send random messages online saying they want to get to know me (Now, that’s not flattering. It’s creepy and annoying). If I wanted to, I could easily text someone to come to my place and bring some foods (Filipino inside joke). If I wanted to. But, I don’t. When I say I don’t like this guy, it’s not me playing hard to get. It’s just that I respect their time, and I don't want to waste it as much as I don't want them to waste mine. If I think it’s not going anywhere, why give my attention? Now, you may be asking, how do I know if it’s going nowhere if I don’t give it a try? My answer is, if he really, truly, seriously, undoubtedly, sincerely wants to get to know you, he will find a way. He won't easily give up. Nothing worth having comes easy. And I'd like to believe that I am worth having. So, suck it up. It’s not because I have sky-high standards. After dating frogs, my image of the prince just got clearer. I now know what I want. I have non-negotiables. I think when you've had your fair share of unsuccessful relationships, and have been single for quite a while, you realize that, to be alone is not scary. To be with the wrong person is. Biologically, I know they have a point that my body clock is ticking. I may or may not get pregnant and if I would, it will be risky. So, what about Sarah (wife of Abraham)? What about Elizabeth? Or Ruth? Weren't they way past pregnancy age, and were still blessed? Are you saying they're more favored than you and me? That God has stopped making miracles with the people in the Bible? Even in the present, there are women I know, or whose stories I've heard of that are over 30, but are still able to give birth. I know I sound over-confident here, but I believe that if God is calling me to be a mother, He will make me. There’s a reason why He is infinite. There’s no limit to what He can do. If He’s got other plans, it surely is for the best. I've also got friends who are happily married, in a relationship, and also happily single who tell me to take my time, never rush it, never force it, and be grateful for this special time I have for myself. Guess who I listen to? If your relationship status defines your worth and is tied up to your identity, then you are doomed. If your relationship is making you a better person, by all means, stay in that relationship. If it makes you a miserable human being, leave. Difficult, but not impossible. Same goes with being single. If being alone makes you lonely, it’s best to go out there and meet new people. But, if you’re comfortable and at peace with yourself, there’s no rush in changing that. You can’t stop people from thinking the way they do. Everyone’s entitled to their own opinion---no matter how moronic they may be sometimes. At the end of the day, it’s your opinion that matters, because it is your life. When all the noise of the world fades away, it’s about what your heart whispers. It’s not about what the society dictates, it’s where you feet leads you. When you’re alone in a cold rainy night, are you wishing to be somewhere else, or are you happy exactly where you are? In solitude, it’s not those comments, or insults, or genius suggestions from people who don’t even know what you went through that you will hear. It is your inner voice that will resonate in the silence. What does it say? via Some eCards Photo credit: The Odyssey Online Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
