Funny boots

As I tried on the boots I ordered, the two guys manning the little store tried to fish some information. Spoken in the local language, they barraged me with questions.

Ma'am, why don't you order boots for your husband? - I just smiled.

Are you married ma'am? - No.

Surely, many guys are courting you? - Hmmm... many... define many...

He has a crush on you. - That's right. That's why he didn't send me a text message that my boots were ready for pick up.

Ma'am, how come you have such an aquiline (matangos) nose? - I just chuckled.

You are pretty. - I just smiled.

Ma'am, how old are you? - Chuckling, I said that it is not polite to ask a lady her age.

Why is it not polite? Can I make a guess? - Sure.

25? - I said no, trying to stop myself from laughing loudly.

Less than 25? - Still smiling, I hurriedly and politely thanked them and left.

As I boarded the bus, I was smiling to myself. 25, yeah right! But it was flattering to be thought of as pretty and younger than my real age. Now that I think about it, maybe it was just their way to distract me. It was the third set of boots they made for me this year. Because the quality of the work done on the previous two were substandard. Now I only wish that the third set was okay. Unfortunately, it was not.

Oh well. You win some, you lose some.

Hard to sing

Scars by Corinne May

I just want to run
Just want to hide away
Close my eyes to your gaze
Just want to leave
Don't want to hear them say
"You're no good at this"

When the world swirls with naysayers
Broken wings and torn pages
The road ahead
Drowning in my tears

Break me open
Tear me down
Into pieces
Broken crumbs
On the ground
You can mould and shape me
In your image
Breathe your life
You know I need it
Scars make us stronger for life

Losing myself
Gaining it back again
Forging strength from weakness
All that I am
All that I'm meant to be
Melting in your hand

Let the world swirl with naysayers
Pickled hearts and sour faces
What is real is what I cannot see

Cut away
All within me
That won't bear fruit
Cut away
All within me

Scars make us stronger for life

Counting

I no longer remember how the topic came about but a churchmate, tita emi, talked over lunch about the ages 70 and 80 as the "standard" age limit of the human race. I recalled what she said when I was reading Psalm 90 a few days ago.  

 

Psalm 90

10 The years of our life are seventy,


or even by reason of strength eighty;


yet their span is but toil and trouble;


they are soon gone, and we fly away.

 

Sometimes it is so easy to be overwhelmed by our problems and struggles here on earth. I forget that we are just temporary sojourners here. That we are to keep in mind the eternal consequences of our decisions and actions. For it would determine what we would eternally call home. It is not easy. Especially when you cannot see even the where your very next step would take you. 

And so I pray to God...

 

12 So teach us to number our days

that we may get a heart of wisdom.

And remind myself that everything comes from God, even contentment and joy. Despite the trials and failures. 

14 Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love,

that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.

15 Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us,

and for as many years as we have seen evil.

That one day, I will be able to understand. If not here on earth, then in Heaven. But by then, it wouldn't matter. Because there would just be singing and joy. 

16 Let your work be shown to your servants,

and your glorious power to their children.

17 Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us,


and establish the work of our hands upon us;


yes, establish the work of our hands!

Yes, Lord, let the favor of Your Hand be upon us.

Revelation

When the book of Revelation in the Bible is mentioned, most often than not, we think about the anti-Christ, the signs that the end is near, the mark 666, the wars and the false peace, rapture, the new Jerusalem, etc. We even discuss the pre-trib and post-trib debate. Just as Woodrow Kroll has pointed out in his current series on this book (Back to the Bible www.backtothebible.com), many might have considered this as a book of revelations. He mentioned that we are missing the real content: that it is a book of revelation of Jesus Christ to John. 

For those who are interested, Woodrow is discussing the 25 portraits of Jesus Christ in this book. Great to be reminded and to learn each day!

Why explain?

Many attempt to discover and explain how our world came to being... but once in a while they get stunted by something that does not follow the norm... such as this article - - - (read here). Maybe it is too simplistic of me or maybe I lack imagination... but there are things that I do not try to understand. I just hold on to my faith in God. One day, He will show me. For now, I am believing.

Praying for the Philippines

I am certain that millions of words would be written regarding the passing of our former President Cory Aquino. I am adding my own words here. 

I have no memory of the events that happened in my childhood when we had the assassination of Ninoy Aquino, the snap elections, the victory of Cory Aquino, the EDSA revolution 1 and the presidency of Cory Aquino. What I know of these things I read from political science and historical books. I do see her from time to time on TV and in the newspapers for various events and most especially for democratic and political situations.

I often wondered then why she continued to fight battles. And today I understood as I watched various presentations and as numerous people gave testimony of what she did and stood for. I could not help but admire her life. And shed a few tears for what she fought for – democracy and a better country – I too longed for. Even before the announcement of her disease, I have been despairing over the state our country and wondering where we are heading. There is so much to be thankful for but you get tired of political bickering, accounts of corruption, lack of unity, unattained economic prosperity. What does the common Filipino to look forward to when current leaders of our country do not deliver their promises and fail in serving the people? I had been hoping there could be more but the tunnel of the future seems so dim. With the coming elections, you ask yourself if there is any use voting? I began to understand why many have chosen to leave the country to find better lives and enjoy peaceful existence.

In a sense, her death seemed timely for the elections next year. This event had brought back to the memories of the old the ideals that she stood for and made the young aware of our history. It was a reminder that in the recent past, Filipinos became united to fight for democracy and gained it back. It educated those who were too young to remember and those who were recently born, that it is possible for change to happen. And most of all, taught everyone the power of prayer and faith in God and Jesus Christ.

And now, I am praying. That the legacy and testimony she left would become the benchmark that presidential candidates have to measure themselves to. That her example would be an overpowering call for those who will run that it is not only about their personal agenda but about our country and people. That those who are in political and appointed positions would look at themselves and desire to be honored as she was and this would be translated into actions. That the Filipino people would finally unite and NOT be satisfied with the same mediocre solutions being provided them. That we would intelligently vote based on moral and rational reasons.

As I watch on television the procession and burial of former President Cory’s remains, I utter a prayer for the future of our country. I hope that as we honor her, we would remember to honor God and ourselves too. That we need to seek His face, to humble ourselves and ask Him to heal our land. That we need to love our country and to be proud of our nationality.  That we need to pray and pray. And pray.

God, have mercy on our country. Please heal our land. 

Thankful for the past year

I am thankful for the past year. For the blessings and the sufferings. For the joys and pains. For the laughter and tears. It truly was a learning year. It hasn't ended yet. I feel that this season will continue on. For the coming year. For the many more years that God would allow me to have.

I am blessed for God has allowed me to grow in my faith in Him. It is not an easy journey but who said that life would be easier for those who have chosen to follow Him? Again and again, I remind myself that it is all about Him. When doubts and questions assail my mind and heart, I just focus on one thing, His death on the cross. He died for me and He loves me. That's all that matters.

This year, I only utter two prayers : for greater intimacy with Him and His direction for my life.

Thankful for this learning year! Thankful for loved ones and friends. Thankful for all the blessings. 

Just thankful.