Goodbye 2014, Hello 2015

           Another year has gone by so fast. A lot of things had happened in my life that mold me into a better person. A lot of problems and trials that comes along my way that made me a stronger person. A lot of mistakes I did which made me wiser because I learned lessons from them. A lot of not-so-good events and disappointments in my life that I don't want to remember but God let me see them as blessings in disguise. And I am thankful to all of these.

             I'm also grateful for my family and loved ones who stays with me no matter what. For always showering me with their love and support even though we're far away from each other. And most of all to our Heavenly Father for His unfailing love.

What Are Your Goals For 2015?

     

 

          Have you already set your goals for the coming year 2015? If not, then you're not alone. I'm hesitant to make goals because I might not make it. Though it's good that you have a guide to follow but I think what's more important is how you live your life in a positive way and according to God's will.
          We only lived once so I guess what I just said makes sense. But still it's up to you if you will set your goals. With or without just always remember to live life for Jesus in anyway you can.

Love Is The Greatest

          I just simply love this verse from the Bible which tells us that among all these graces it's the love that really stands out. It's the greatest of all. :)

Happy Last Sunday Of The Year!

          I'm beyond grateful of this year 2014. A lot of things had happened in my life. Some are things that I thought I won't get through. But most of those things are happy memories that I will be forever grateful to God. He's been so faithful in my life that I couldn't ask for more. 

      Life has always been easier and happier with God inspite of all the problems I encountered in my life's journey because I know that He is bigger than those.

            Let's all have a grateful heart and look at the bright side of everything.

Mercies In Disguise

          I loved the song "Blessings" by Laura Story. When things doesn't turn out as what I am expecting it to be, when trials come and problems arise, a sudden question gets into my mind. Why? But listening to this song helped me realize that God wants to send message to me. That not all the time blessings come in beautiful packages. Sometimes, they are in disguise. It only depends on us on how we take it. 

          

I Love To Ride The Ferry

I love to ride the ferry

Where music is so merry

There's a man who plays the concertina

On the moonlit upper deck arena.

-The Andrews Sisters

          I remembered this song entitled "Ferry Boat Serenade" while riding on a ferry yesterday. And guess what, it stuck into my mind.

Once Upon A Christmas In Hong Kong

          Yay! The most awaited time of the year has come. I had fun spending christmas day with my church friends. Celebrating christmas with them was like celebrating it with your family. Though there was rainshower throughout the day, it didn't stop the excitement and happiness we felt today. 

            I feel so blessed and thankful for the wonderful year God has given me. He is indeed an awesome God who answer my prayers according to His will in my life. I am also thankful for the wonderful friends I met along the way. And for my family and loved ones who always remind me that distance is nothing when communication is keep open and always make me feel that i'm being loved.

             Happy birthday Jesus!!! 

Hello Christmas, Welcome Home!

          I just realized, it's been 4 years now since I last spent christmas in the Philippines. That's the sad fact. But still, it wont stop me from welcoming christmas anywhere in the world I am.

Hello Christmas, welcome home!
We've been waiting all year long.
So let your light of love shine in
Hello Christmas, welcome home again!

Christmas Away From Home

          There's no better Christmas than celebrating it with your family and loved ones. But like me who work million miles away from home, I have to suit myself with the christmas celebration here abroad. Though it's totally different but i'm still thankful to God because the true spirit of christmas is in my heart. I maybe far from my family this holiday season but in my heart and mind, they are with me.

Hidden Beauty

          For many of us who are always busy in life, we often take for granted to appreciate those natural beauty that surrounds us. But we need to realize that there's beauty in everything. God made beautiful things in this world, from leaves of different shapes and colors to mountains of different heights.

Give thanks to Him

Who created all things!

Real Reason For Christmas

         This afternoon, we had a christmas party in church. It was a lot of fun. Everybody's happy. There were presentations by each group that added fun to the party. There were games that everyone enjoyed. There were gift givings that everyone are excited of. 

            Christmas is not just about all these things. It is all about Jesus Christ who was born in a manger many years ago. I believe, and I know that everyone will agree that this is the real reason for christmas.

             Blessed Christmas everyone!

          

Why Worry When You Can Pray!

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow,

 for tomorrow will worry about itself.

Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

-Matthew 6:34 NIV

          This verse from the Bible always reminds me not to worry about tomorrow. I must admit, I'm always anxious of what tomorrow will bring. But that was before I didn't commit everything to God. Laying everything at the foot of the cross gives me confidence that my future will be brighter with God. There's no need to worry because God is in control.

Hello Sunshine!

          This beautiful weather greeted me a good morning after I woke up today. Obviously, my kind of weather but no matter what i'm always thankful for everyday that God has added into my life. 

Thank You Lord for this beautiful world

For the sun and the blue, blue skies.

For the birds and the fish

And the flowers and the trees

And the cute little butterfly.

Brrr Cold!

          Looking through our kitchen window, you can tell already what's the weather today. For someone like me who grow up in a tropical country, 12°C is quite cold already. To top it all, it's raining outside and the wind is so strong. Oh how I wish i could stay in my bed all day.

            I don't hate winter season but I prefer summer. Or maybe sunny weather on a winter season? Umm, yeah, better than today's weather.

            What better way to keep us warm in this cold day than a warm cup of coffee or milk tea. :) Stay warm folks.

I Got A Friend In Jesus

          In a world full of strangers, we often wondered if we can really find a true friend that will stay with us no matter what. Friends that are not only there in good times but also in the not-so-good times. Friends that we can share our problems with and give good advices. Friends that will not quickly judge us because of a simple misunderstanding and friends that eventually will stand for us when things go wrong.

           I can say that I got lots of friends. Friends who come and go. But there's one friend I know who really stays with me all the time. A friend I can always rely on. A friend who loves me for who I am. His name is Jesus. 

         I am forever grateful that He came into my life. I am blessed that I got a friend in Jesus.

Can we find a friend so faithful,

Who will all our sorrows share?

Jesus knows our every weakness;

Take it to the Lord in prayer.

-Joseph M. Scriven, 1855

Unlikely Friendship

           This is a picture of a real friendship. A cat named Ciel and a turtle named Michael. :) They loved to sleep beside each other. I like how they get along so well. I hope all friendships are like this. No matter who they are or what they are as long as they accept and respect each other then this world will be a better place.

God Cares For You

“Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.”

I Peter 5:7 NKJV

          Life is not perfect. Every now and then, we encounter trials and problems. Don't get frustrated, don't get stressed. Reach out to God and commit everything to Him. He will never ever give us a problem that we can't handle. God cares for you and me.

Happiness Within

          I love this quote of Horace Friess. It is true that if you have positive outlook in life, whatever problems comes your way, you will always stay motivated to go on with life. Never mind the negative things that is happening around you. Stay happy. Always plant that seed of happiness in your heart and don't forget to share it with others.

Have You Smiled Today?

          It was one of the nicest sundays. The weather was good - the sun shone brightly and it was not so cold. We had lots of fun this afternoon with my churchmates. We had a mini christmas party at the park. There were tons of laughter. Everybody were happy. It was unforgettable. 

The Beauty in Sunset (Part 2)

Sai Kung, Hong Kong

Hap Mun Bay Beach, Hong Kong

Ma On Shan, Hong Kong

Shatin, Hong Kong

     

 'Coz you Oh Lord made beautiful things!

Random Stuff

          Life can be as colorful as these paper clips. So choose happiness! 

Life in an Aquarium

Are these two fish kissing each other?

          Sometimes, when I feel tired from work, I sit infront of this little aquarium and watch these small fish swimming. Their environment seems so peaceful and quite unlike here in the outside world. It seems they don't have problems at all. It seems they are all just contented with the place they lived in. 

        Once again, i'm amazed in God's creation. He made everything perfect. And i'm so grateful to God for that.

Appreciate Little Things In Life Today

          Take a moment to stop and appreciate little things in life today. Try to take a second everyday to be thankful for everything you been blessed with. We often take for granted those things that we thought doesn't really matter but actually reminds us more of how much God loves us.

            Stop. Look. And be thankful.

The Heart of Christmas

         Christmas Day is just around the corner. As this most awaited day getting closer, we feel more excited about it. Everyone are getting busier each day planning for christmas parties, what gifts to give and what foods to prepare. 

           But this holiday season, let us not forget the real reason why we are celebrating it. It's not about the parties, it's not about the presents that we will receive nor it's not about the foods that we are going to serve on the table. It's all about our Lord Jesus who was born in a manger a long time ago. Let us all be reminded that Jesus is the heart of christmas.

I Found A Perfect Peace In Him

He is the Lord of lords, and when He speaks, winds and waves obey.

When Jesus whispers, "Peace be still", then darkness turns to day.

And as I'm trusting in my Savior's Word doubts and fears all cease.

And beneath the shelter of His wings,

I'm at rest in perfect peace.

          This is one of my favorite hymn by Joe Zichterman. It always reminds me to fully trust in the Lord. Whatever problems comes my way, I know He will always be there for me. That whatever life's burdens I will encounter, if I will commit it to God, He will surely take me through it. 

          How wonderful it is to know that only in God we can find that perfect peace we all need in our lives!

       

Mud Spa???

        So yes, my interests with carabaos still continues. Have you ever wondered why they like to dip in the thick mud rather than in clean water? It's because the mud cools them off from the scorching heat of the sun after a long day work in the field. Aside from that, the mud that covers their body keeps them away from all those annoying insects. 

          It's just fun to know that not only human like to have mud spa. Well, of course not in this kind of mud.

Carabao in Hong Kong!

        Carabao or Asian Water Buffalo is the Philippine national animal. So I was so surprised when I saw it here in Hong Kong which is known to be a big city. Obviously, I was so excited to take a photo with it. It makes me miss home. Anything I saw here that reminds me of my home country, whatever it is, gives me comfort in this foreign land.

Well Wishes for Christmas

      Ever thought of giving christmas cards to your family and friends this season? Or you  prefer sending them well wishes in facebook, twitter and other social networks? Or maybe you opted for e-cards. It's not really a bad idea, after all, they're created to connect us to our loved ones who lived in far places. And it's hassle free right? 

       I would still love to give and receive real christmas cards. Those handwritten christmas cards means so much to me. But whatever way we want to greet our loved ones, we should not forget the true meaning of christmas and why we celebrated. 

       

       Happy holidays everyone. Spread the love not only this christmas season but throughout the years.

Ginger Tea (with Lemon and Honey)

        Having a sore throat? Need not to worry anymore. Here's a simple home remedy you can  prepare in few minutes only. Ginger tea with honey and lemon helps cure sore throat. You will surely love the soothing effect on your throat everytime you drink it.

         

          Here are the ingredients you need:

 

• 10 slices of fresh ginger ( you can reduce the amount of slices if you don't want a stronger taste)
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 2-3 tbsp honey

        

        

          Boil 2 cups of water. After boiling, add the ginger and let it boil again for 10 minutes. Using a strainer, pour it in your cup then add lemon juice and honey. And voila, you have a fresh ginger tea now. 

Home-made Pork Patty

        Hello everyone! How's your day? Today, i'm going to share to you my favorite pork patty recipe.

            I love home-made pork patties. I learned this recipe from my mom when I was still in the Philippines. I prefer this than the one you bought in the supermarkets. When it's home-made it means you can add any ingredients you want into it but I like to keep mine simple.

        

       

Ingredients:

       

You can use any brand of soy sauce and black pepper of your choice.

Procedures:

         After frying, put it in a dish with a paper towel on top to drain excess oil.

I like to dip mine in my home-made sauce: soy sauce and lemon

TIPS: If you have leftover patties, you can wrap it in a "plastic wrap" and put it in a plastic bag or ziploc. You can keep it in the freezer up to 3-4 days.

I hope you enjoy this simple recipe. :) xoxo

Hello December!!!

       

    

        Happy first day of December friends! Aren't you excited that Christmas Day is almost here? The day we all been waiting for.
        Christmas season is my most favorite part of the year. It's when we all get together with our family to celebrate this festive season. It's when we receive gifts from our family and friends. It's when we hear all those christmas carols being played anywhere. And most of all, it's when we celebrate Jesus birth.
         As I am writing this right now, a certain song keep playing in my mind. It reminds me of that day Jesus was born in a manger.

       “Only Mary saw the moment when Joseph picked Him up
And cradled Him so gently with whispered words of love
Then maybe Joseph told Him how the angel came
And Jesus learned how it would be to hear us breathe His name.”

         Oh thank You Lord for sending Your son Jesus Christ here on earth!