How are you, blog?

When was the last time I posted an entry here? It seemed like a month had passed already, although it was just few days ago.

Anyway, my week was full of a lot of assignments to do, reports to prepare, and deadlines to meet, plus the time I spend having my training at the pep squad. I'd never been so stressful before. I've been lacking sleep consecutive days already and the result is I look older than what my age should really tell other people who see me.

I admit, I feel so anxious most of the time. I do everything just to finish all my jobs before the deadline to get high grades and be a dean's Lister, to have a good reputation in and out of the school, and to never fail the expectations of the people who knew about my capability.

It's hard, I know. I even attempt to give up several times, but it never happened, and thank you for that. I'm still this person/ student who strives harder to achieve a lot of things I want, to make my family proud of me and to reach my goals.

Aside from all the school works this week, I had my recollection last Friday. I was so blessed to attend that activity because I know God wants me to spend my whole day with Him. I felt renewed and spiritually heeled from all the sorrows I had in my life. I always remember Him every day and every night, and I know He is always by my side to always reach out.

The following day, Saturday, was the final examination of all first year students for their PE subject (I was exempted in that exam because I am a varsity, and varsities do not have to to attend that subject). They were graded with their cheerdance presentation and it was also a sort of competition w/ the other sections. I didn't join my blockmates because I danced at the opening w/ the pep squad (boy, I'm too proud to brag about it!) Not only that, my section was announced as the champions! That was equivalent to a perfect score for their final exam! Hooray for them! hooray for us!

The Pep Squad 

My champion blockmates!

Everything paid off knowing that news. Saturday was just the day for fun and merriment!

Oh, and have I told you that within those challenging days, there is always this one person who adds strength in me? He used to tell me that I'm strong, that we're both strong, that we can accomplish all the work given to us because we can. I love that boy so much. Too bad, we're both apart and busy with our own businesses. But that's okay, there will be a day that we'll meet and enjoy each others company  in wherever place we plan to go. I'm already happy to know that he is happy with all the activities he does, and the little time he spares to update me with his day.

It feels so good to be inspired--- to be in love with the guy who cares for me even without any words unleashed from his voice. I can strongly feel that in my heart *blushing*. Sigh. I can't wait for that special moment of my life :)

It's late in the evening again. I'd better be in bed now.

Good night, world! Let's always pray to have a better tomorrow!

Good morning!

If you missed the beautiful sunrise that God made this morning, it's okay. All you have to do is look at the mirror and see a real beautiful creation of God.


Say thank you too!

A brand new day, a brand new life.

I wanted to say good morning to all.


I thank God for giving me another day to spend my time with the people I love, to accomplish all the unfinished tasks, to learn new things, to meet new people, to be able to live the life I always wanted.


It's September 1, the day to start all over again.



Always remember that


“ God is the reason why even in pain, we smile; even in confusion, we understand; even in betrayal, we trust and even in fear, we continue to fight.”


Take care, everyone! Time to go to school.

Avoid the appearance of Evil

I'm of the opinion that it's a good idea not to do unto others what I don't like being done unto me. Revolutionary, I know, but it's my opinion and I'm welcome to it.

You know that guy who sits in every meeting drumming his fingers on the table? Or that coworker who whistles tunelessly and drives you up a wall? Or the kid who sits behind you in church kicking the back of your seat? Or the friend who cannot seem to tell a story without loading it with mindless and quite useless details?

You know, all those people who don't seem to mind at all how irritating they can be. Well, I try not to do that. This creates some difficulties, however. Over the years, I've had people comment to me about this or that and I've tried to change what I do because this or that irritates them ... until I end up being completely unable to do almost anything at all because everything seems to irritate someone at some time.

Enter this famous verse from Paul's first epistle to the church of Thessalonica: "Abstain from all appearance of evil" (1 Thess 5:22). I grew up with that verse. I knew people, friends and relatives, who made it their life's goal. They didn't go to movies not because all movies were bad, but because it was possible that you could be coming out of a theater that was playing Bambi and someone driving by may not have realized that last week's R-rated movie had changed and they would think you were doing something wrong. You don't play cards because, even though you were just playing "Go Fish", someone looking on could easily conclude that you were gambling. As a kid I once took a game for a rainy day to school. This game had dice in it that had numbers on them. You rolled these numbered dice and then tried to fit the numbers into math squares -- "__ + __ = __; __ - __ = __", and so on. An educational game. No, no! The game had dice, and even though you knew they weren't gambling dice, onlookers might not know and you could have the appearance of evil.

This whole thing bothered me for years. You see, it's not very likely that you can find anything you can do that will not appear evil to someone. You may join the military to serve your country and be "evil" because you're joining the military or refuse to join the military because joining the military is wrong and be "evil" for refusing to serve your country.

So ... Paul, what are we to do? We can continue to try to meet its requirement but that's impossible. We could throw out the verse, but that's certainly not a good choice. Or, maybe, just maybe, we can figure out what it means.

As it turns out, this isn't as hard as it seems. The Greek word translated "appearance" is eidos. It is, most literally, "form". It references the appearance or shape of something. So what is actually being said here is "Avoid the form of evil." Of course, newer translations have figured this out (so it's not like I thought this up myself). Green's Literal Translation says, "Keep back from every form of evil." The ESV says, "Abstain from every form of evil." The NAS agrees. So does the New King James. So maybe this wasn't such a hard saying after all. The real difficulty occurs when people don't think through what they're reading. "'Avoid all appearance of evil'? How do I do that?"

Now if only someone can help me out with this whole avoiding whatever irritates someone because I'm running out of options.

A taken for granted life

Most of the things in our lives are all taken for granted. We never notice the simple lucky things happening to us. Are you still going to ask for more if you're already complete? That you can see clearly, you can walk, you can talk and many more?

You're already so lucky when you were born that way, because there are other people who have nothing to do but to accept what they are. There are even handicap people who can do what you can do but you're just too lazy to do those. The reason for this is you're too confident of what you had.

Try to play with your mind. You don't have to be intelligent to think about simple things. What's important is you know how to observe and that's what matters.

There is even an instance when you even forget to thank God for the new day He has given you, and sometimes you'll wake up with a frown face.

"Today I Don't Feel Like Doing Anything, I Just Wanna Lay In My Bed"

The moment my coach announced that we'll have no training tomorrow and this coming Monday in our pep squad I was so glad! I even wanted to shout on top of my voice "HOORAY!!!" but I couldn't because he might change his mind. So I just blushed in one corner. At least I am given a chance to sleep longer this weekend because I badly need it. Sleeping 4 hours every night really sucks! My eyes automatically close when I'm already in class, and I hate that feeling! Plus, I can do on the following days tons of my assignments that are to be submitted next week.

sigh.

I thank God for the good news, for my safe travel going to school and at home, for my health and for the abundant blessings I keep receiving from Him every day of my life!

Oh, it's 11:40 in the evening again. I should go to sleep now.

I'll talk (blog) more tomorrow for you.

P.S. I keep thinking about this guy before I go to sleep. I hope I dream of him tonight. He just doesn't know how I love him so much! I can't wait for the day I can hug him tightly.

Ok, I said too much. Good night, world!

Theology 101 (2)

Honestly, when theology subject starts it's either I'm hungry or sleepy because our schedule is from 12 noon to 1:30pm (People are supposed to have their lunch or have a little rest that time, right?), that's why I feel so bad when i'm not listening to our professor for he is discussing about God, His good deeds and what He is trying to tell the people. I'd rather doodle random names on my paper and not listen attentively.

Don't get me wrong, but I really do have strong faith in God, and He knows that. But the case in my school, I'm just really running out of energy.

However, when I hear a quote or poem from my professor I always write it down on my notebook, and the quote I got from Him today is:

"The heart has its own thinking that the mind couldn't understand"

After hearing those words, I began to be alive! I secretly smiled. I can relate to what the quote meant.

I know that each one of you had gone through to a certain decision that you let your heart lead than your mind even though you know it's wrong because you choose to be happy than to be right. I did the same.

Sigh.

Human nature.

A humble thought:

"Never look down on anybody...

Unless you are bending to help them up."

-Maegan Lim's GM

Good morning, world! Time to go to school. I hope this quote gives you a new lesson today.

Have a wonderful and blessed day ahead! (I believe I have mine already)

toodles!

A miraculous Tuesday!

I usually set my alarm clock at 4:15 in the morning every Tuesday and Thursday. Since its Tuesday today, I should be awake at that time. I heard my phone alarmed, I already opened my eyes, but I decided to close them for a few minutes because I still feel so sleepy for I just slept at 12 midnight. As I opened my eyes again, I thought 5 or 10 minutes only passed, and then when I checked my phone it was already 5:30 am! I was like, "Oh my, Oh my!!! I'm going to be late. I should be at the terminal this hour!!!"

I hurried myself to take a shower and dressed quickly because I want to travel to school as soon as possible. I know that if I don't leave immediately I might caught by the traffic jams along the way. While traveling, I prayed hard to God to make a miracle today that there is a possibility for me to be there on time.

I arrived in school at 7:47am, and I was already 17mins late. Fortunately, the professor hasn’t checked the attendance yet, so when I was there already I was not marked late.

I felt a relief, and I thank God for this. He is so good!

P.S. This is the also the very first time that I have not eaten my breakfast in my college life. I just sipped an energy drink before I fully left the house.

Hello, Sunday!

Good day to all readers!

I'm glad that I was able to go to church and attend mass today. I feel renewed again.God is really good.

How about you, did you attend mass already?

:D

I'm one of the strongest people on earth

Why?

There are so many people on earth, but God has chosen me to handle a very difficult challenge because He knows i'm STRONG and I can over come it all.

Theology 101

"Will you agree with me that God is calling you everyday?"

- Sir Felix Hacbang

I won't let the temptation go over me!

Because it is holy week we, Christians, have to do some simple sacrifices. Like no meat, no luxury, do fasting, etc., etc...

I was thinking of eating a chocolate this afternoon, just a small one. I'm beginning to imagine the illustration of that mini bar inside my head, twirling around like being shown in the commercial. And the fridge is just 5 steps away to grab one. So I started to walk, while walking nearer I was thinking if I should really eat even just one, because I know to myself that I should make a sacrifice. If I'll go over my temptation and have that delicious, peanut butter filled chocolate I might experience karma! Because God knows this was supposed to be a sacrifice.

Finally, I had my decision to not eat at all. I might have those disgusting pimples around my face. And I want to keep my face clean when I go out next week so I will not feel embarrassed with this friend of mine. 

And because of thinking too much about the chocolate, the karma and the pimples, I bumped my head at the refrigerator not noticing the distance! Dannnggg! That’s my Karma!

Catching Up...

On Monday, All graduating students went to San Antonio Padua de Parish Church to have a practice for our Baccalaureate Mass for the following day. I was chosen to be the first reader. I always love reading. I became merrier because I'm using my reading skills for God, to give service to Him. And you know what? I am always chosen to be the reader for God. Why? Last time I had my retreat in Saint Michael's I was chosen to be a reader too, and I'll also be the one to lead the prayer in our Graduation Ceremony. I feel so blessed.

I also noticed that whatever skills you have you can use those to serve God. Just like my sister, she's good in dancing, and because of that she danced a praise song together with her classmates, and one of the teachers in my school was also chosen to sing the Psalm response because she has a wonderful voice.

After the practice we directly went home to have our lunch and to enjoy using my dad's Android!

On Tuesday, My family and I went to the church to attend the Baccalaureate Mass. After that, my adviser released the invitation for our graduation. The sequence of the program and the awards were printed there. I was overwhelmed when I read it. I was the only student in my batch to receive the most number of medals! I felt so proud and I know I made my parents proud too!

Below is the invitation:

(I'll be the one to invocate the program)

These are where you can read what awards I will be receiving on stage on my Graduation Day.

Just look for the name PAULE, Joana Erica Danielle B:

 service award

 academic award and best in computer

loyalty award (been there since 2001-2011)

After everything at the church we went to Duty Free to buy some goodies and other imported items like chocolate, clothes, foods, etc..and the main reason why I loved to be there because I can grab lots of fresh milks!! Yummm.. I'm addicted drinking those liquids. I even make them as an alternative for water (which is totally bad!)

I know all of us were already tired but we still proceeded to the mall at Metro Market! Market! to fix our wrist watch and buy my most awaited book of the last series of Fablehaven..

I can feel the over flowing of achievements from these days.

Wednesday, the graduating students were given a chance to have a rest day for all the practices we've been doing. My family decided to go to Pangasinan, which is a 5-hour drive when you go there. We left home at 1 in the morning and was able to be there by 6AM. It was a total hassle because I lacked sleep.We dropped by at the Manaoag Church to attend the mass and buy those special candles. We also bought some 'Tupig', a native food only here in the Philippines, which is so mouth watering!

 Because it was still early we visited our relative in Tarlac and had a little talk with them. I found something interesting inside the house. They have an OWL! It's adorable and friendly. It's like the Owl, Erol, of Ron Weasley in Harry Potter.

After an hour, the whole family decided to go back home before we reach dark. For us not to get bored we brought our laptops and watched TRON LEGACY inside the car.. amazing day I must say!

Before I forgot, we can never leave without some snacks with us so I put these inside my bag:

Lastly, On Thursday, my sister had her big event, her graduation day! We were all proud because she academically excelled and received an award for 3rd proficiency. For a treat, dad brought us in a restaurant for a family dinner.

I went home so drained. I lack sleep yet I forced myself to upload photos on Facebook because I can't wait to publish them on worldwideweb.

The following day will be my own graduation day! Will be posting here too.

Thank God for the wonderful days!

@ St. Michael's Retreat House

At last, I'm home!

I had an overnight stay at Saint Michael's for the seniors' retreat.

I won't make this too vulgar because the speaker said so.

The retreat house is big, clean and peaceful. I was one of the students to be assigned at the clergy room.
No gadgets were allowed so I didn't bring my phone.

We started yesterday at 10 in the morning. Our sessions and other activities were fun. We talked a lot about our parents, family and God. Few about choosing the right friends. I was very emotional inside that session room. I had two handkerchiefs, both soaked in wet. I can't help but to cry. Tears kept falling. They were not tears of sadness, but of happiness. I know for so long that I am very lucky in life. I tried to stop the tears but didn't worked out, i'm just really such a crybaby.

We ended our activity last  night around 10:30. My roommates and I didn't sleep as soon as we entered the clergy room. We had our midnight snack, talked more, and I took a bath even I'm shivering in cold. I was only able to sleep for 4 hours or less.

By 6:15 in the morning, today, the mass had started and i am blessed to be chosen as the 2nd reader and felt more better because I was able to give service this Sunday even if  I'm not with my family together at the church.

We've shared so many stories, listened to their problems, prayed for each other and so much more. I just have to leave them there.

For the second time of my life, after 4 years, I have revived my spiritual and mental health. My heart has recovered from all the pain in the past and was healed by God. I feel so refreshing, accomplished, complete and thankful!

I got home safe and sound around 11:30 in the morning bringing the joy from the retreat house to my own home.

God is so good! :)

Full of Inspiration and Motivation

Good evening to you my friend.

I am just done with my Valedictory speech that I am talking about earlier @ LJ where you can read here.
And before I go to bed, let me tell you more about this very hour.

These past days, many people are making me feel great and fulfilling. Must be the way how I emit my feelings to others. And I am thankful to those people, and to God of course, He is always included in all the gratitudes that I am giving.

As I checked my twitter account, I was full of accomplishments for the compliments that I have read from people who follow me and at the same time I follow them back too.

Here's why: (Click the photo to enlarge)

(There are things that are easy to explain by showing than by saying)

.. and I never thought that not only few enjoy reading my blog, but there are many. And because of those people I just have a new strength to do more greater things in life.

I know that you know who you people are touching my life filling it with glory, love and happiness.

Thank you :)

Thank God, exams are over!

Woohoo!

I have nothing to worry now. No classes, no quizzes, no projects, no school academic activities.
This is good!

All I have to do now is attend all the practices in school---- for the graduation!


At last. I can sleep longer now.

I thank God for all of these.

Amen.

1st day had just finished!

I just got home from school.

It's my last examination week and i just had the first day.

So far, so good. I thank God for this wonderful day! I am thanking him for many sure answers. He answered my prayers, to give me the guidance and strength and to remember all what I have learned from the past.

I just hope this will continue until the end. (:

not to mention that I even think of my crush while answering my exam sheet ( for inspiration of course. I know you have one too!)

LOTS OF LOVE,
Erica

I am thankful now that...

I saw my name listed as one of the honor students AGAIN in our year level.

Hooray to me! I'm so happy!

I also thank God for this wonderful blessing, for guiding me, giving me strength and the knowledge to do my best to be part of this achievement.

That's not the only reason why I am so glad today. At  first quarter I made a good start, I was placed as 5th. Not bad. But when 2nd Quarter came, my rank went down, I was then placed 8th. Now, this 3rd quarter of  the school year I can't believe I came up to 4th. It's a miracle!

Well, I've always wanted this. I am so blessed, so, so blessed. I don't know what else to say. I just want to share with you my happiness, my bliss!

I made once more my parents proud! I will continue this until the very END.

So help me, God.

Morbid Monday!

I felt mortified in front of the whole student body today. Early this morning we had our rehearsal for our field demonstration. There's a dance number that 10 selected students from each year level will be introduced and dance for that number. I wasn't chosen by my adviser because I was absent the day she had listed the students who will participate.

I felt bad because I always wanted to join the final dance of the program and now I wasn't included. This was supposed to be my final year performing in ALLS.

Not until my adviser approached me and said, "Why don't you join the final dance? Go ahead and join." My mood brighten up when she said that. But I still felt the worry that I may not be allowed to dance because the  number of the participants in the senior year will exceed. She asked others to join as well. I was so happy she lets me dance.

Then the practice started. The seniors were introduced through the microphone. The 13 of us were standing on stage. Other students from different levels were watching us as well to see the dance number. Suddenly, our directress counted us. Oh, no! I knew this will going to happen. She said she only needed 10 and the 3 other students have to back out. But i don't want to back out!

No one wants to leave and the directress was madly waiting for us. I swallowed my pride and stepped back and went down the stage.

It was such a shame!

But I have to be fair. It was my fault also because I was absent the other day when they were looking for participants.

So, I let this happened. Geez!

Good thing it was replaced by a very nice compliment from a teacher regarding my performance and my good grades in school. All the bad vibes easily gone away.

I still thank God for this.

Amen.