Lux Thinking Aloud Mid-Year Review 2:53 AM Allow me to share my mid-year review. Time flies so fast! One moment we were all welcoming 2014, the next thing you know it's already July! Mid-year. So many things have happened in the past 6 months. Mid-Year Review I have visited five new different places; from the mesmerizing beaches to simple yet relaxing resorts. I went to see these new places and experienced new things with old friends, acquaintances and colleagues. It was a summer worth remembering...and repeating. I para-sailed! I know it's not much for some daredevils, but for an introvert and once-a-very timid girl, that is an achievement. I surfed! Something I never thought I would do in this lifetime. I went snorkeling. What's the big deal? I'm scared of the open water and I'm not a good swimmer. I decided to live on my own. Sure I was living away from home since college, but I always have roommates and housemates. This time, I'm living alone. The bills are a far cry from what I've been paying when I was sharing, but the privacy and the freedom I'm enjoying now is priceless. I get to do what I want whenever I want to without considering another person's feelings or opinion. I have been actively serving in our ministry. Something my soul direly needs. Speaking of serving, I have started volunteering my time for the Cancer Support Group that my oncologist friend organized. Although it's not a regular thing, it's something to look forward to and an opportunity to be grateful for being blessed enough to help. I've read a LOT of books. I'm quite apprehensive about the 100 books challenge I signed up with. I think the most I can read for the year is only 50. Then again, it's only July. I have reunited with some old friends, and said goodbye to a few. Time will come when you have to ditch some friends who have stopped acting as friends. Whoever makes the effort to keep you in their lives are those who matter most. So, every time a friend texts or calls to schedule a meeting, be it a brief dinner or a movie date, I readily go. My submissions on Thought Catalog and The Praying Woman have been published. I finally bid farewell to my Jurassic phone. Sad, but life goes on. Sad part: a close friend died. Consolation: I gained another guardian angel. I joined and survived the 100 Happy Days Challenge. Not as easy at is seems. How I Met Your Mother ended. It didn't make me happy. I've started my online business (books for sale). I'm still surviving the daily chaos at work. There's more, but this is already enough to make me grateful for what I have done so far. So many things left behind, so much more to look forward to. So thankful for where I am today. 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 Dealing With Daily Vampires 2:03 AM Never argue with stupid people, they will drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience. -Mark Twain We are all dealing with vampires daily. Our daily vampires are the people who suck out our every ounce of joy, energy, and patience. They are the toxic people we deal with everyday. You may consider them your daily cross. Here are ways on how to make dealing with daily vampires easier. Dealing With Daily Vampires Understand where they're coming from. Hurting people hurt people. The way you treat someone is an extension of how you treat yourself. So understand that the way vampires attack you is not because of who or what you are, but because of their issue with themselves. Those who love to criticize others are usually those who don't like themselves. They point to others' mistakes because they can't correct or accept their own. Those who talk about other people are bored with their own lives. Nothing great going on in their day to day. They want to make their existence more interesting by taking interest on other people's lives. More often than not, the reasons why haters hate you is because they want to be like you, but can't. They see their own fault in you and they wanted to correct it, but can't. Or they are just purely envious and competitive in nature. They can't accept defeat, and you are a big threat to them. Needless to say, vampires are frustrated people. You must understand that it's hard to deal with frustration if you see someone living a good life. Writer's note: It is different when abuse or demoralization is involved. For serious issues, it is best to seek help or report the attack.
Stories A Story In 25 Words: The Other Woman 12:48 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 3:39 AM 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 1:04 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 12:04 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?
Lux Thinking Aloud To Be Truly Free 10:55 PM To be truly free is to follow your heart. To Be Truly Free Since it's the 4th of July, what better thing to talk about but freedom. What does it mean to be truly free? To be free, as defined in the dictionary is to have the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint. To be liberated or to be independent. Having said that, how can you say that you are truly free? For me, to be truly free, is to be no longer enslaved by your past. To remember what happened may be, but to not feel the same resentment, hatred, or regret for what did not occur. To be truly free is to not hinder yourself from doing what you want. To be truly free is to follow your heart. To be truly free is to wake up and go to bed without worrying, because you know that whatever life gives you, you can handle. To be truly free is to not let fear paralyze you from moving forward. To be truly free is to do it afraid. Are we truly free? 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
Rants Ramblings Of An "Old" Woman 5:22 AM 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
People Bo Sanchez, Truly Admirable 3:48 AM People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care. -John C. Maxwell Bo Sanchez, Truly Admirable If you've heard him talk, read his articles, and especially know his story, you will undoubtedly admire Bo Sanchez. Bo Sanchez is a lay preacher, most sought after corporate and inspirational speaker in the country, best selling author, and founder of the Light of Jesus Family and Truly Rich Club, among many things. Why do people admire Bo Sanchez aside from what has been mentioned above? He is a very humble person. People are drawn to him---which is the reason why LOJF has grown phenomenally in the last few years, because despite his status, he has remained down to earth. You can approach him and talk to him (that is after working your way through the crowd asking for his autograph and photos), and he doesn't have this "I'm a leader and a celebrity now and I don't have time for you" kind of attitude. He always has a ready smile for everyone. He admits his faults and frailties. He shows people his wounds and flaws and assure them that their past does not define their future. He walks his talks. He has been bold enough to step out, revealing his struggles as a porn addict after having been sexually molested by people close to him. People who have addictions find hope in his story. People who struggle and are burdened can relate to him. We are all wounded in one way or another. And here's a spiritual guy, living a normal happy life with his wife and kids, assuring you that it's okay to fail. It's okay to fall into sin. It's okay to feel angry. It's okay to be human. As long as you learn to control your emotions, as long as you surrender everything to God, as long as you make a decision that you will not stay stuck but continue to move forward. Everyday, we are bombarded by different information that can trigger a lot of emotions. It is therefore very refreshing to hear encouraging words, to receive inspiration, and to be reminded that you are loved, and are beautiful no matter what the world say. Here's a wounded healer assuring you that you too can be healed. Bo Sanchez admits that he is not perfect. He is very human. He is sinful. He is still struggling. He is faced with temptations everyday. He is very like you and me. But, that is why people admire him. They see themselves in him. But not just as a sinner, but a saint in the making. Not just as a victim but a victor. Temporarily broke, but will be eternally rich. Broken, but blessed. Lost, but has always been and will always be loved by God. Hurt, but hopeful. He believes in you, that you can be truly rich in all areas of your life. That's what people need. Hope. That's what Bo Sanchez gives. People need someone who believes in them. That's what Bo Sanchez do. And that's what makes him truly admirable. photo credit: Google images
Lux Thinking Aloud Why I Write And Keep On Writing 2:03 AM I think a lot. I talk so little. That's why I write. Why I Write And Keep On Writing We all have our own coping technique. For me, it's writing. Why do I write? At first, it was just a place for venting out. Expressing how I feel and airing out my opinion. I like to observe events and people. I write down my observations. I write to preserve my thoughts and ideas (I get forgetful). After a while, my blog evolved. Now I blog about events, my travels, food, book and movie reviews, my faith, about being single and about being a woman, quotes I like, wealth and finances, and almost anything and everything that has caught my interest. Those are the reasons why I write. But, here are the reasons why I keep on writing. I keep on writing because it lightens the load I carry. I keep on writing because I want to share my experiences and the lessons I learned from them. I keep on writing because of the heart-warming and ego-boosting appreciative comments from friends and strangers alike. I keep on writing because I hope that through my opinions and even my rants I might enlighten someone who's confused.I might give hope to those who are on the verge of giving up.I might make someone smile and make their day better, and I might just make someone realize that they're not alone in what they're going through. I write because it makes me happy. And I keep on writing because making someone happy gives me a sense of purpose.
