His work in progress

[mariachezkadg]

This isn't my first time to get promoted during my 8-year working experience, but this is the first time that I really felt how happy and proud are the people around me with regards to my promotion.

I guess that's what makes it different working with Infor, specifically with the team, or should I say family, that I'm working with right now. You will really feel how genuine they are towards your achievement.

I used to just think of getting promoted in God's time and now that it's here, I thought of some things like, what would my life be without God? What would I be if I didn't have Him in my life? Specifically in this area of my career. How will my working attitude be? Will I grow into someone that I am now? Will I treat other people the way I am treating them now? Will I work willingly and humbly? Will I deliver a quality work? Will I help other people wholeheartedly?

The reason why I thought of these is mainly because, I know that what I have achieved right now, it was all because of Jesus. 💖 Aside from the people who has been helping me at work, of course, I know that it was all because of Him and His plans for me. It was all part of His plan to use people as His instrument to be able to mold me into the person I am now. It was all because of His life and His Word that transformed me. Everything has been part of His plan, including the hard moments as it is from there that we get really stretched and tested.

I'm not saying that I'm a perfect employee. I still do get lazy, tired, rants or whatever a normal employee experiences. All I'm saying is, having Jesus in my life, I guess that did change my perspective on how I should do my work, that I am working for Him and that I represent Him. That definitely changed the game.

There will most probably be a time that I'll still fail with what I do, but I know that I can always go back to who's I am and who am I working for.

There's this one time when I called a customer to clarify something about their issue. I greeted him happily and all, but to my surprise, he shouted at me. I didn't know why he shouted at me all of a sudden. My first initial reaction was to answer him in the same way he did to me, but then, I just hit the mute button. While I was on mute, I thought to myself, if I'll shout at him, will I represent Jesus Christ? Is it how Jesus would treat him or would want me to respond to him? I let him speak until he's done. Afterwards, I just clarified everything he said and ended the call… and cried. Lol. I'm that emotional.

With that scenario, I guess, if I were my old self, I would probably shout at him too. Knowing myself, I won't allow anyone to treat me like that, especially when I didn't even do anything wrong with them. But praise God because I know He's been with me on that situation. Praise God for new life in Christ.

The 5-year journey towards this promotion has not been easy. I almost gave up a lot of times but praise God I didn't. Praise God for workmates that turned into family. They are definitely one of the reason why I'm still here. And of course, the reason why I strive are my parents.

Being a Senior is not a privilege not to work hard anymore or just slack off, but a bigger responsibility from the previous tasks that I'm doing. I know that this will not be easy but I know that this will surely mold me even more to the woman that God wanted me to be and praying that I can continuously get to use this season so people will see who God really is and how He is working in my life.

Some things may take time but trust in God's timing. It may take longer than how you wanted it to be but there's a reason why He needed you to wait. Trust His molding season.

Praise God for this early birthday gift of an answered prayer.

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9

Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ. Colossians 3:23-24

[mariachezkadg]

Nowadays, we are highly encouraged to take care of our body and think of ways to help boost our immune system. Although for me, regardless if we are in crisis or not, we should still take care of our body, our health. May it be physical, mental, spiritual or emotional health. Its just that, it is only now that we have realized its importance. This can also be one of those wake-up call during this time of pandemic.

We shouldn't abuse our body regardless if we think that "Bata pa naman ako", "Malakas naman ako", or "Sus, wala yan, hindi ako tatablan nyan". Sabi nga diba, nasa huli ang pagsisisi. I'm not saying that I'm living perfectly healthy but sobrang na-realize ko lang how it's really important to honor our body or our health because this also means honoring the Lord. That includes honoring the Lord with what we take in to our bodies.

You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is good for you. And even though “I am allowed to do anything,” I must not become a slave to anything. 1 Corinthians 6:12 NLT

Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body. 1 Corinthians 6:19‭-‬20 NLT

The context of the above mentioned verses written by Paul to the Corinthians talks about sexual immorality but the principle of honoring God with our bodies also includes maintaining our health.

Are the food and drinks that we eat and drink honors our body? Does it help us become healthy?

One thing I also realized is how God has always been a God of second chances. Yes, He may allow some things to happen to us not because He's trying to punish us or that we deserve it, but because He knows that the result of what is about to happen will still go back to His glory. It can also be a result of what we've chosen. Besides, we have been given a freedom to do this or that and it is just up to us whether what we'll choose. I'm not saying that every sickness that we experience are because of our choices since I, too, have had some diagnosis which I don't even know how I had it. But one thing’s for sure is that He has a purpose of allowing things to happen.

What I'm trying to say is, say He has already healed us of a sickness or diagnosis, what we can do after that is to strive to become more healthy and not to just repeat the things that we've been doing which doesn't even help our health. Remember, anything that is too much is bad. So, should we abuse our body even more?

I also got reminded of this when someone shared to me how he's trying to change his lifestyle now. Already quit smoking and trying to lessen his drinking habit, as well as be more controlled with the food he's taking. But what struck me most was when he shared how he believed that God gave him a chance to be more mindful of his body, his health. That he had still been given a chance to change his lifestyle and didn't come to a point na huli na ang lahat. Praise God for that!

I, too, myself have to be reminded of these things as well lalo na I'm not that into eating healthy food. I eat veggies but not that much. I do eat fruits din naman. Most of the time, my mom only cooks fish and chicken. Minsan, seafoods din but not too much. Seldom do we eat pork and beef as well. I also do some exercise and take vitamins. I need to improve my sleeping habit though.

Also, praise God for how He has saved me from being alcoholic years ago. And now, since I already have gastro reflux, I'm already not allowed to drink coffee, milk or tea. Too bad I can't even try to drink milk.  I can't even eat anything that is too spicy or maasim. The Doctor says I can still choose to drink and eat these things but I had to take my medication again and again. I already get used to it and praise God for I know it has also helped me save money. Kaya naman pala.

Taking care of our body isn't only about the food and drinks that we intake but what we also feed our mind. Are the posts and people that we’re following encouraging? Toxic? Inspiring? Does it help us in our walk with God? We should choose and guard our hearts and minds from the post that we're seeing and people that we follow.

So, how have you been taking care of your body?

[mariachezkadg]

Paano kumuha ng lakas sa mga bagay na sinasabi ng mundo e imposible? Na minsan pati ikaw naiisip mo na baka imposible na nga?

Minsan kahit alam naman natin walang imposible sa Diyos, sa totoo lang, hindi pa din natin maiwasan maisip na baka imposible na nga. Pero andun yung kailangan mo labanan yung ingay ng mundo at patuloy na tumingin lang kay Hesus, sa mga pangako Niya, at sa kung sino Siya.

Minsan ang hirap labanan ng tahimik yung mga bagay-bagay kasi kailangan mo maipakita na malakas ka at kaya mo. Hindi para sa sarili mo pero para sa mga taong mahal at inaalagaan mo.

Sa totoo lang, hindi natin kaya ng mag-isa lang, at kaya nandyan Siya. Siya yung pwede natin kapitan kahit saan at kahit anong oras. Na minsan kahit hindi tayo mag-salita, alam na Niya yung gusto natin sabihin at dahilan ng mga pag-iyak.

Hindi mundo ang mag-didikita ng mga bagay na dapat mo pang-hawakan pero yung mga pangako ng Diyos ang pang-hawakan mo. Hindi mundo ang mag-didikita ng oras kung kailan mangyayare ang dapat mangyare pero yung plano at oras ng Diyos ang pang-hawakan mo. Kahit gaano pa ito katagal. Hindi yung sitwasyon mo ngayon ang huling destinasyon mo dahil asahan mo na parte at kasama yan sa magandang pangakong destinasyon sayo ng Diyos.

Kahit mahirap, maniwala ka lang. Kahit mahirap, kumapit ka lang. Kahit mahirap, hindi ka nag-iisa. Kahit mahirap, kasama mo Siya. Kahit mukhang imposible, tandaan mo, walang imposible sa Diyos. Kahit maingay, mas piliin mo pakinggan yung boses ng Diyos.

[mariachezkadg]

JOWA’S ON QUARANTINE 

I just want to take this time to honor my boyfriend, Jhomar, for being so loving, caring, gentle and patient with me. 🥺💖 And to encourage all the couples out there, and lalo na ang mga single ladies and gentlemen out there.

Bago ko simulan, just an FYI that we're not a perfect couple, but just really praising God for how He has been moving in our lives during this time.

So here...

Since day 1 ng dating namin, hanggang sa ngayon, para pa din nya kong nililigawan. Kahit naman nung magkaibigan pa lang kami during college days namin, nakita ko na kung gano ka-respectful and gentleman si Omay sa mga babae and yun yung isa sa mga dahilan kung bakit ko siya nagustuhan (bukod sa pagpapapansin nya 🤭🙄😂).

This quarantine has not been easy for us. Mas matagal pa 'to kesa nung nagbakasyon ako sa states eh. May tampuhan, away or hindi pagkaka-intndihan but praise God na yung mga away na yun e we know na its His way of sanctifying and making us grow more deeper in Him, na we ended up praising Him.

Madaming beses na akong gusto puntahan ni Omay but we both know na hindi pwede. Hindi sa hindi pwede dahil may quarantine, but dahil hindi din kase ganon kaluwag dito sa bahay magpapasok and we respect that lalo na sa nangyayare ngayon na ayaw din naman namin i-risk. But most specially, we also both know that we need to honor our parents. If we will just rely on our flesh or own desires, pagpipilitan namin, but praise God for reminding us on what we should do. Kaya lagi na lang nya ginagawa na lambing is inaasar nya si meme pag magka-video call kami na "Tita, see you on Friday!" which is binibiro nya lang si meme na kunyare pupunta sya. Hahaha. At dahil hindi siya makapunta, ang gagawin na lang nya, isu-surprise niya na lang ako ng mga food delivery. Hindi lang para saken but para na din kay meme. I love how he also love and cares for my family. ♡

Samen dalawa ni Omay, siya yung mas gentle, mapag-pasensya at mapag-kumbaba and I know, hindi naging madali kay Omay i-handle yung katulad ko na girlfriend pero andyan pa din sya. Magmula sa mga topak, mood swing at kung anomang ugali ko na hindi maganda or nakaka-offend, hindi niya ko sinukuan. Sabi ko nga, siya yung 1 Cor 13:4-7 kind of man ko, my answered prayer:

4 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous, it does not brag, and it is not proud. 5 Love is not rude, it is not selfish, and it cannot be made angry easily. Love does not remember wrongs done against it. 6 Love is never happy when others do wrong, but it is always happy with the truth. 7 Love never gives up on people. It never stops trusting, never loses hope, and never quits.

That was also the same exact verse na pinang-hawakan ko nung sinagot ko sya. Dati akala ko wala na ko makikilala na lalake na tulad ng mga katangian na meron si Omay but pinadala siya ni Lord saken nung least na ineexpect ko. Yung season na naeenjoy ko lang na yung pagiging single ko with the Lord. And yes, I truly believe na God will send you His best when you least expect it. Na alam Niyang hindi ka na mahahatak Sakanya ng kung sinoman dahil alam Niya ng rooted ka Sakanya.

Tulad ng ibang couple, nag-aaway din kami, tipong walang chat or usap ng ilang araw. He respects yung space and time na need ko pag hindi kami okay kase yun yung gusto ko at alam niya na mas magaaway kami if he insist on talking to me. Pabor naman sakanya kase makakapaglaro lang sya. Hahaha. Kidding aside, I guess, eto din siguro yung way ni Lord para mas mag-grow kami hindi lang para sa isa't isa but para na din sa relationship namin Sakanya. May mga bagay na kailangan i-expose si Lord para maitama Niya kami.

At tulad ng ibang couple, napaguusapan na din naman namin ni Omay magpakasal and we are actually praying about it. Syempre if the Lord permits pa din and in His time. But isa na din sa mga realization namin every time na darating kami sa point na nagkaron kami ng hindi pagkakaintidihan e babalik kami sa baka kaya hindi pa talaga time ng next season namin kase madami pa kelangan baguhin si Lord samen, na hindi lang basta basta ang marriage. So instead of feeling disappointed sa mga nangyayare dahil sa mga naudlot na plans, nandun yung grateful pa kami kase we know that what He's doing sa life namin is for our own good.

Ngayon, mas lalo din nagiging malinaw kung bakit si Omay binigay Niya. Bukod sa para ipaalam at iparamdam saken na walang imposible kay Lord, sa mga pinagdadasal nating God's best, alam kong ginagamit Niya si Omay para mas mapabuti ako, yung mga ugali na hindi nakakabuti saken.

Hindi naman po ako sobrang masamang tao ah. Hahaha. Pero kung sa pagiging impatient, mainitin ulo at iritable, yan ang mga pinag-ppray ko na tulungan ako ni Lord. And praise God, with the help of the Holy Spirit as well, through Omay na din on how he treats me, I know na nagagawa ko na siya sa work ko, and kung nagawa ko sa area ng life ko na yun, how much more yung buong area ng buhay ko. Talagang apart from God, I am nothing. Kung wala Siya sa buhay ko, namin, mahirap.

Sa totoo lang, hindi madali yung walk na meron kami ni Omay but alam din namin na sobrang worth it netong tinatahak namin.  ♡ Salamat, Panginoon!

[mariachezkadg]

Sometimes, God doesn't change the situation not because He wanted us to just continuously be frustrated, in pain or suffering, but He's changing our hearts instead.

Usually, whenever we're on that situation wherein something doesn't happen according to what we want or expecting, we fret and easily get frustrated on why it seems to be happening over and over again - a pattern. Not only it applies to something that we're expecting to happen but it can also be towards a person.

I remember the time I have reposted the below from She Writes for Jesus from facebook which is exactly the same prayer of my heart:

Lord don't give me the desires of my heart, give me the desires of Your heart instead.

I don't want the things that are not from You. I don't want my plans, I want Yours. Let Your desires become mine. I want to live for You, Lord.

Day after that, I’ve faced a lot of things I am not aware I am becoming. That some of the things I desire are really not for God but for my own flesh, my own desires. To satisfy myself but not to bring glory to God.

I know most of us also experience something like this, wherein when we prayed to God about helping or changing our character to be aligned to His, we're put in a situation where our prayer will be answered, only with a twist. And that is not to punish us nor to make our life hard, but it is to stretch us and make us who He wanted us to be.

Most of the time, we tend to forget that God is sovereign. That He is in control. That we think we're much better than Him or anyone else. That He needs our help to fulfill His plans. Not knowing He can do everything in His own will and power.

After days of revelation from the Lord and was able to reflect about the situation I've been, I realized that it isn't God who will adjust to us, but us adjusting to His plans for us, for our good and growth.

It is also important to have accountability partners. Aside that you have these people to rejoice with you, these people also help you with your walk in Christ. You may not always hear what you want to hear but you will hear what you needed to hear. For the enemy, it might be an attack, but for God, those are corrections that will make our Faith and walk be more deeper and rooted in Him alone.

Above all, let all that you do be done in love. 1 Corinthians 16:14

Sharing the below verses as well to encourage and remind us as God changes our hearts.

1. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. Ezekiel 36:26 (NIV)

This is the promise of the Lord - that if we're already in Him, He'll give us a new heart.

A heart of stone represents resistance, stubbornness, coldness, senseless, and unimpressionable. But a heart of flesh is passionate, soft, tender, loving, and has its spiritual senses. It is a heart that’s alive to the will and word of God.

When you have a heart of flesh, God puts desires in your heart. He can make an impression on your heart because it’s open, receptive and responsive to Him.

2. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. John 15:12 (NIV)

As simple as put yourself in someone else's shoes. Remember the time when we're still not in Christ and how He never stopped pursuing and didn't get tired of us.

3. Trust in the Lord completely, and don't depend on your own knowledge. With every step you take, think about what He wants, and He will help you go the right way. Proverbs 3:5-6 (ERV)

Question: Were there also a time where you asked God about a change of heart and you were put in a position where it has been tested? How did you respond to it? Or is there a pattern in your life that has been happening? What do you think is it trying to teach you?

[mariachezkadg]

Pursue Him first before you pursue me. ♥

You can be happy with someone and yet, you’re still not ready to commit or to enter a new season with that person.

You can appreciate someone and yet, you’re still not feeling that spark.

It’s quite weird to feel this way as this is not the usual me. I used to fall easily for someone and feel that spark immediately by just being showed with sweet gestures.

But as I became to know Christ deeper, I came to realize these things as to maybe why I’m feeling like that:

1. I am secured in Christ

2. My identity is in Christ

3. I know my worth is priceless and not negotiable

4. I am wonderfully made by God

5. I am a daughter of our Almighty Father

6. Christ is enough for me.

I’m not shaken anymore even if I’m single as I’m enjoying this season growing deeper in love with Him. I know God won’t let the enemy steal the joy I’m feeling with Him.

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” Ecclesiastes 3:1

“When the time is right, I, the Lord, will make it happen.” Isaiah 60:22

I want to meet someone who loves God more than me.

Someone whom I can worship and pray with.

I don’t want someone who just attends the church and says they do pray and believes in Him.

I want someone who has a relationship with Christ. Someone who is hungry for His Word and is man enough to lead his own family.

I want to be with someone who’s already in Christ before he pursues me.

This time, I want to have a relationship wherein Jesus will be our foundation and our center because I know that if we are rooted in Him, we will not be shaken and will not be moved, but rather everything else will fall into place, and circumstances will be handled the way He wants us to learn and handle it.

I will stand firm in Faith and trust His timing.

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33

[mariachezkadg]

Sometimes, I still question God... But who am I to question the One?

Sometimes, I still question God on why did He allow us to meet and fall in love with each other if only in the end, He’ll just let us fall apart. But who am I to question the One who holds everything?

Sometimes, I still question God on why did He put a desire in our hearts for our future together if only in the end, He’ll just let you leave me. But who am I to question the One who have given us life?

Sometimes, I still question God on why did He allow me to introduce you to my family and relatives, if only in the end, He’ll not let us grow old together. But who am I to question the One has already a blue print of our life from beginning to end? 

Sometimes, I still question God on why did He allow us to have happy memories, if only in the end, He’ll just allow me to get hurt and be in pain. But who am I to question the One who have sacrificed His own son and died on the cross to save us from our sins?

I’ve always been asking God why and I’ve been telling to myself that it’s for my own good, that one day, I'll realize why God kept me single and felt the pain, that His plans are good, His plans are to prosper me and not to harm me.

We may have many questions in life specially when something bad happens to us but know that He always has a purpose for our pain. He will never give us what we cannot endure. He gives us what will strengthen us and make us grow deeper in love with Him, to hold on to Him more and more each day.

Praise God through the good and bad times!

[mariachezkadg]

“You’re not defined by your past mistakes, but by what you do to fix them.”

Lately, most of my friends have been asking me of these questions: “Wala ba nagpaparamdam sayo?” “May nanliligaw ba sayo?” “Sino ng bago mo?”

Honestly, I’m not used to these kind of questions and I’m sure that neither them are not used to me having no boyfriend or someone who courts me. They’re used to me having a new boyfriend weeks or months after I have just ended with a previous one. Yes, I used to be like that. But my past life doesn’t define me anymore. I am now a new creation with Christ. Yes, I still do make mistakes. I am not perfect and no one is except Him. But I am deeply loved and accepted by Him.

Going back to their questions, I just answer them with “Wala” and they would ask me why. Before, I also wonder why, so I just answer them back with “Ewan ko din e.” followed by a smile. But I’ve come to realized that maybe there really are reasons as to why there is none.

1. It’s not yet the right time. 2. God is still preparing the man He has for me. 3. God is still working on me and preparing me. 4. God wants me to focus on Him first. 5. God wants me to enjoy my season of singleness with Him, my family and friends.

Those are just some points that I’ve heard God is telling me as to why I should be still and not be conformed to the patterns of this earth. I’ve learned to trust God even more with my life right now. He holds everything together and He knows it all better than us. Yes, there comes a time that I miss having that special someone, I’ll be honest with that, but whenever the enemy tries to steal my thoughts on that, I am reminded of this verse – “If God is all you have, then you have all you need.” (John 14:8)

Yes, there have been guys whom have shown interest in me but I guess it’s just really not time. Everytime I catch myself thinking about that person or thought of falling for him, you know what I learned and will do? I learned to surrender that person to God and pray that if he’s not the one God has sent, just let something happen that will make him to stop or anything that will make stop our relationship to each other go to the next level. And guess what? God really hears our prayers. Something really happens. It’s either they will suddenly not talk to me or see me anymore. Disappointed? Nope. Sad? Nah. Why? I know it’s just God’s way of protecting me and saying that “It’s not yet time, my daughter. They’re not the one whom I have sent. Don’t get distracted.”

I have realized so many things for the season I am right now and I know there’s more to look forward to. A friend of mine even said “You are in a beautiful season.” and yes, I believe I really am.

It has already been a year since my last relationship. Yes, at times, I’m having random thoughts everytime I come to think of it, of the guy whom I used to love. On why did we broke up since I never did anything wrong, on why did this happen. We’ve already made plans for our future and all. But how can I question more God of these? I guess this must really be a blessing in disguise. It caused me pain, but it also caused me joy.

I’ve made mistakes from my previous relationships which didn’t pleased God but I am not living on that moment anymore.

We are blessed to have a God who is forgiving and still loves us amidst our mistakes and sins. But that doesn’t give us the right to sin over and over again. Always remember that.

We don’t need to rush to be in a relationship with the opposite sex. If God already wants us to enter that kind of season, we don’t need to chase it. He’ll reveal the right person at His perfect time. Trust in Him, always. ♥

I am saved by Grace.

“We all make mistakes, have struggles, and even regret things in our past. But you are not your mistakes, you are not your struggles, and you are here now with the power to shape your day and your future.” –Steve Maraboli

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old is gone, the new has come.” 2 Cor 5:17

[mariachezkadg]

GOD WILL PROVIDE ♥

“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19

We all have our own worries, problems and struggles in life. But what do we usually do when we are in that stage of our lives? As for me, I pray. I stop with what Im doing and talk to Him instead. Its one of the best feeling when talking to Him. I become worry free, stress free. I just can't explain the joy and refreshment Im feeling when I am having a quiet time with Him.

One problem that I know we all have been through or is going through right now is financial problem. Some may have been struggling with giving their tithes specially when really on a tight budget for the payment of bills, and other expenses.

"Be sure to set aside a tenth of all that your fields produce each year." Deuteronomy 14:22

Before, I'm really not familiar and haven't heard about tithes. But when I became a Christian, I became more aware of His word.

At first, it has been hard for me to give 10% of my salary every pay day because every time I compute my expenses, I felt like I'm going to be short on budget. But as I think of "God will provide", my worry goes away and trusts that God will provide for what I need. And guess what? Since then, I never ran out of budget even though during my computation, I will be short. How did that happen? Simply because of God. He always sends me different people to be a blessing, even on simple deeds. There'll be times that friends will treat me, give me a ride, etc.

I learn not to worry about my finances ever since the day I have fully trusted God with my tithes. Another thing that I won't forget why it has been already easier for me to give tithes is because there's this one preaching that I have heard and honestly, I got convicted. The pastor said, "Ano ba naman yung 10% kumbaga sa binibigay na blessings ni Lord saten.". From then on, it already got stuck to my mind and my heart.

Why worry when you can pray? Why stress yourself out when you can open up to Him?

Always remember, He is always there for us, listening and watching over us. Worrying only stresses us but praying gives us peace. He gives us peace.

[mariachezkadg]

Everybody has a chapter they don't read out loud.

There'll be a time where you have no choice but to hold back your feelings for someone. No matter how much you like that person, no matter how sweet that person treats you, it just can't be the two of you. Ironic, right? But sometimes, that's how life is. We can't have everything we want. Life isn't easy after all, but life is precious ofcourse, because God gave it to us.

Sometimes, you just can't explain why that person is important to you or how that person really means to you. No matter what the reason is, all you know is that you keep coming back to that person and that someone is important to you like no other.

Sometimes, it's just weird that the person you have spent less of your time is the one who have really made an impact in your life or the one that keeps bugging you at night.  No matter how hard you try not to think of that person, no matter how much you wanted to stay away, you just can't.

Just by seeing that person's name on your phone, oh how can you not answer it. Knowing that deep inside, you really wanted to hear that person's voice. It's like a music to your ears.

You may be opposite in terms of hobbies or lifestyle but there's still something that makes the two of you connect.

I don't know if this means something to you even just a little bit or just playing games, that's why it has been really hard for me to hold back my feelings and guard my heart.

Half of me wants you but half of me backs away. Its like my heart wants you but my mind says I can't like neither love you. Its like I wanted to spend more time with you but I'm afraid they'll be only temporary. Its like I wanted to talk to you everyday but I'm afraid that one day, you won't call me anymore. Its like I wanted you so bad to be in my life but I don't want to get too attached because you might just end up leaving me anyway. Its like I wanted us to be more than friends but I know that this friendship is the only relationship that we can have that doesn't require breakup. No matter what my feelings are, I just can't, we just can't.

[mariachezkadg]

Everything happens for a reason. Nothing occurs by chance, it's all part of God's divine plan. Learn to trust it and go where He leads you.

I don't regret the day I have accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior even after someone have said to me "Pano na tayo nyan, nagpa-convert ka na? Hindi na tayo pwede nyan." It was a joke for that person, but to me, it meant something.

Its not about the religion, but its always about your relationship with Him. That person meant to me, he's someone special and used to be my one and only love. There are times you just wish that you could turn back time and make things right so up until now, you guys are still together. But that's how life is, you just got to accept things things from the past and that it cannot be changed.

God has His reason of allowing things to happen, everything is part of His divine plan. No matter how painful it is, we have to follow His leading and trust in Him.

I guess religion should not be a hindrance for your love to someone but as what says in the bible, "You should not be unequally yoked with a non-believer." Before that someone pursue you, he should pursue God first.

There are times when I just wanted to do some things my way, but then I remember, I should consult Him first and I know He doesn't want me to be with someone who's a non-believer. I got to hold back my feelings. If God really wants us to be together again, He will let it happen. For now, I just have to be still, keep calm and let Him write my love story.

My prayer is that if its not him, I hope it'll be someone who I can be with to worship God. Someone who loves God more than me, more than anyone else. I also pray for that person, may He seek God, of what he really likes, and hoping he would grow spiritually as well.

[mariachezkadg]

Doing what is right > Sacrifice

Admittedly, yes, its quite hard to resist temptation specially when you know that that the person or the thing that you’ll do will make you happy. But here are some questions for you to reflect before giving in to that temptation:

1. Does it pleases God? 2. Are you hurting someone else? 3. Is it right and just thing to do?

If you’re confused on what to answer, then you better resist that kind of temptation. As they say, when it is confusing or when you are doubtful about it, it is not from God because God is not a God of confusion. Surely it is from the devil.

To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice. Proverbs 21:3

At first, above verse was not really clear to me until I consulted a brother-in-Christ to further explain to me what the message really is. There really is a difference between “doing what is right and just” and of “sacrificing”.

One example of right and just: When a guy from the past tries to pursue you again considering that he is committed to a relationship right now. The guy makes an effort to see and talk to you. He is able to do these things as he is in a long distance relationship with his girlfriend. Although you kept on telling him that you two can only be friends and cannot cross the limits, but you also know that deep inside, you are both more than friends but less than lovers, still, it is not pleasing to God’s eyes and to other people, and you’re hurting someone, which falls to the reflection questions above mentioned. Now, since you are aware that this doesn’t please God and it really is a sin, though you are happy with what the guy is showing you, you stop. Stop everything. Stop communicating and seeing each other. You started doing it first. ‘Cause for as long as you’ll continue communicating with him, it will not stop. Don’t ever try to wait for the moment when you both doesn’t know how to fix the problem you have caused. And don’t wait until you are to be put to shame. Do what is right and just.

One example of sacrifice: When it comes to giving tithes, adding up another 2% from the 10% of your income. Why did you do it? Do you need something in return from the Lord? Or have you done something wrong that’s why you’re adding up, to cover up what you did? Well, thats how my brother-in-Christ explained what sacrifice is based from the verse.

Doing what is right and just is because you know that it isn’t right, from the words itself in short. Sacrificing is offering or doing something because you need something in return or you have done something wrong.

The Lord is never blind to our obedience so don’t give up. We shouldn’t envy other people. We just have to keep the faith, hope and wait patiently for His reward. Surely, all the pain and waiting will be worth it.

[mariachezkadg]

How can you stop yourself from falling to someone you cannot fall in love with? How can you stay away to someone you would want to keep in your life? How can you choose between what your mind says and where your heart is? How can you not think of yourself but think of another person's feelings? There are some things in life that no matter how badly we want it, we cannot have it. Not because we don't want it but the universe and God tells you that it is not the right to do and not the right decision to make. It is by these times that we are tested to give in or listen to the voice of God. Not because we want something means we should go for it. We need to seek for God's consent first. If it is really His will, though a sacrifice is to be done, He will let it happen, with the right person and right timing. It may not happen or it may not be this time yet. We have to obey what God is telling us. As they say, obedience is greater than sacrifice. Let go and let God take over. Let Him work in you and provide the one when it's time.

[mariachezkadg]

"I may have lost something good but I gained something better."

One of the best feeling of being an only girl (daughter/unica hija) in the family is being able to be open with her parents. Well, in my case, I really had a hard time being open specially with my dad. But that was before. God may have removed a person in my life that caused me so much pain, but He has replaced that pain with beautiful changes in my life. Im starting to have a deeper relationship with my parents already. Though Im already open with almost everything about whats happening in my life to my mom before, since I grew up with her, it became deeper the moment I lost that person. Weird, right? With my dad, I find it hard at first since I didn't grew up with him, but I realized that this might be the time to make everything right and be open to him.

We may have not grew up to them being together, but I am grateful to have them as my parents.. very supportive parents. They have always been supportive in everything I do and everything that I would like to try, with my hobbies and most specially, with my travel thing.

Right from the very beginning, they have always been supportive about what I love. I started singing when I was still in elementary. They even brought me to Center for Pop Music to take voice lessons. After which, I also discovered that I love dancing. Ever since my high school days, Ive been joining cheerdance competition and dance organizations, became a cheerleader during my senior year as well. At once, they tried to stop me from joining the cheerdance thing since they are afraid of the liftings. But with every performance that Ive had, I gained their trust. College came and still, I joined cheerdance competitions and dance organization. Everytime we have an event, my mom is always there to watch me since my dad is kind of busy with his work. They have also been bothered about my studies since they think that Ive been spending more time with dance training and goes home late most of the time. But guess what, I graduated on time! Now that Im already working, I still join dancing activities. Aside from that, I became fond of travelling already and trying out something new. At first, they are hesitant to allow me to go here and there. I understand. But everytime I do inform them regarding my whereabouts, I always pray to God first and hoping that my parents would allow and understand me. They would ask me many questions ofcourse, on who am I going with, where is the place, what am Im going to do there. It sounds irritating (sometimes) but I tell you, you need to very patient 'cause in the end, they would allow you already.

I am very blessed to have them. Really. I thank God for being able to have a deeper relationship with my parents. Sometimes, God's blessings are not in what He gives; but in what He takes away. He knows best!

[mariachezkadg]

"The joy of letting go and let God."

The pain that you've been feeling can't compare to the joy that's coming. Romans 8:18

You know why it has been hard for some people to move on? It's because we keep holding on to our feelings which we thought is right, where in the first place, we should already let it go.

I learned to let go not because I want to, but I need to, I have to and God wants me to. I don't want to be stuck in a place of darkness and grief. Also with God's revelations in me as I go through this pain, I learned to trust and surrendered Him everything. It's not about sacrificing but more of obeying Him. Not because I have to, but that's the right thing to do.

For some, it may be hard to surrender everything to Him, everything about us, all of who we are. But I tell you, there would really come a point that you have nothing else left but to kneel, seek and cry over to God and just say, "Lord, I cannot do this anymore. I lift everything up to you. I surrender everything to you. Your ways, not my ways." He doesn't allow pain without a purpose.  Let go and let God take over. Everything has a purpose, we all know that. God reveals something on every situation that we are in. At first, we might think that God punishes us, but actually, He's not. He's a loving Father. It's like a parent trying to discipline his child. He allows his child to play and go for what he think is right, but in the end, when something happened, he'll still run back to his Father. Surrendering to God means surrendering every aspect of your life, not just one aspect of it but all.

God never removes something/someone in our lives without replacing it with someone/something better.

Lately, I've been thinking about my past experiences, how God helped me get through those and realized that whenever I lost something/someone, He replaces it way better than I was expecting. May it be related to work or a person. He truly is faithful to His promises for those who obey and surrender to Him. But even after God has already fulfilled and answered His promise to us, we should never ever forget to thank and honor how God gave us the strength to overcome it.

We all can surpass any storm, especially when we are with God. We just don't want to help God with ourselves to get through over the pain. Instead, we dwell on it so much. Does it benefit you? Does it help you? A big NO NO. It's not yet too late to surrender to Him. Maybe the pain or the situation that you're actually in right now is God's purpose for you to seek Him, to run back to Him. Trust in His plans, His ways, His purpose.

[mariachezkadg]

"Family, where life begins and love never ends." I grew up with a broken family. Yes, its hard. Specially during those days that I have to be with my mom, then on some days, I need to be at my dad's. There also came a point that I got fed up and said to my mom, "Ang hirap naman ng ganito. Palipat lipat ng bahay. Nakakapagod." I was at my young age during that time thats why Im not careful or Im not really aware of what Im saying. As time passes by, I became used to our setup. Weekdays, Im with my mom. Weekends, Im with my dad. I grew up with my mom. My dad provides for us financially since Im still studying and my mom doesn't have a work. Thats what Im thankful for about my dad 'cause even though they are already separated, he never forgot to support us. On the other hand, my mom takes care of me. My dad is a hard working person. Though he has some illnesses, he doesn't use that one as his excuse to stop working or doing a business. My mom is a hands on mom, "ulirang ina" as they call it. Sometimes, I still ask God on why He has let my parents be separated. Sometimes, I also wish that we are still together, just like what other family have. I can't help but cry when I think of these things. God has a purpose for everything. Im proud to say that even though we grew up in a broken family, we did not thought of being a rebellious daughter and son. Why? Simple because its nonsense. Will it help? Will that get back my parents together? No. What we did was we strived hard until we finished our studies. That even though we grew up in a broken family, still, we achieved our dreams, the dreams that our parents would want us to achieve. I still do thank God and will always be thankful that He has blessed us with a loving parents. They support us in everything we do. We cannot avoid those moments that they scold us but that is only because they love us. Honestly, Im guilty at times that I forgot to text my dad, that I forgot to visit him. As for my mom, I became easily irritated and impatient. I realized that while they are still here for us, we need to cherish those moments and do not forget to make them feel that we do care and love them though we are already growing up, enjoying with friends and going out. We are so busy growing up that we forget to spend time with our parents. The parents that took care of us since birth. Be grateful and say I love you to them always. 5th commandment: Honor your father and your mother. PS: The picture was during my debut and I think the only picture that we have ever since they got separated. Sorry for the emoji, thats my brother's ex-girlfriend. Hehe.

[mariachezkadg]

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, and not for men.” Colossians 3:23

Happy 3 working years to me!

2 days after my graduation (March 23, 2013.), I already started working at QBE Philippines (March 25, 2013). Big thanks to my college friend, Lorenz, for referring me to the company.

I got interviewed March 20, 2013. I really have no idea how will it go or how its going to be since this is my first time to apply for a job. After my interview with the recruiter, one of the IT’s Australian Manager called for a phone interview. QBE Philippines is an Australian based insurance company. Interviews done already. Unexpectedly, that same day, an hour after my phone interview, the recruiter already handed me the contract. I got surprised at first ‘cause I wasn’t really expecting for the process to be that fast. I accepted the job offer. I worked for QBE Philippines for 2 years and 6 months. From IT Service Desk, I got promoted to IT Team Leader. 7 months after after my promotion, I resigned due to health reasons. It was really hard for me to give up that job specially with the salary Im earning, with the people I got used to be with. But I know that God doesn’t also want me to suffer since its already affecting my health. 

2 weeks after I have resigned, I got hired at Bank of Makati as a System Administrator. Thankful that I didn’t have a hard time with finding a new job. This time, it is a nonvoice work already which is much better. Although salary offer did not met my asking salary and is too lower than previous salary, still, I grabbed it. What I just thought about during that time is me being able to give allowance again to my mom and just thought of the knowledge and learning I will get from the bank. I only stayed there for 5 months then Ive decided to resign due to work schedule. Though it has only been 5 months, what I loved about working there was the people Ive worked with. They are one of a kind. They work together as one. No competition.

It took me more than a month to find a new job. This time, Ive already experienced the hardships on finding a new work. That, which I have already mentioned on my first ever post here on my blog.

Yes, I know I have stumbled and not put the verse Ive mentioned above into practice but we all learn from our mistakes and experiences, right? This time, Im making it right. I will not waste the chance that God has given me. He has given me more than what Ive asked for. Now, Im already working at Infor as a Support Analyst.

My prayer for my new work is that may God give me extra strength and patience not to stumble and get lazy. I also pray for my workmates and for the people we are supporting. I pray for knowledge and understanding. May the Holy Spirit be with me as I work and support our customers. And lastly, may God always keep me, us , safe, as we go to our work and goes to our home. In Jesus’ name, Amen!