Arlene Manocot's Blog, page 17
November 12, 2020
The Pilgrimage by Paulo Coelho
It took me while to finish reading the next book on the spot on my blog since I got swamp with paperworks and other stuff from my teaching job. The Pilgrimage by Paulo Coelho is such a mystical and heartwarming journey. Like any other books that I read from Coelho, the topics and ideas dwell on reality and spiritual realm. The journey to find what truly matters with the life that we have in this world. I like how Coelho incorporates Bible teaching to his works. There are some beliefs that I agree and some that I disagree with when it comes to practicing one's faith.
Knowing someone's or something's purpose is what this book thought me at the end of my reading journey with The Pilgrimage. That before we realize our purpose, sometimes we have to go through difficulties and others are consequences of the wrong decisions we have made in life. We tend to be elusive of seeking answers to our questions and reasons to our sufferings, and we also have the tendency to complicate things more than they should be. We sometimes reject the simple answers and reasons in front of us, thinking these answers and reasons seem to be so easy and most of the time we are not use to them. We think there is something more.
God is more than willing to give us all the enlightenment we need if only we are willing to listen to Him and obey His command.
Petrus, as a guide and teacher, his character in the book reminded of me that "Teaching is only demonstrating that it is possible. Learning is making it possible for yourself."
Paulo, as the main character, reminded me that we are all pilgrims in this journey called life. We have to be attentive and humble to receive what God wants to tell us or what He wants us to do.
As I read through this book, I could not help but to dream of walking on that same road the main character did.
Knowing someone's or something's purpose is what this book thought me at the end of my reading journey with The Pilgrimage. That before we realize our purpose, sometimes we have to go through difficulties and others are consequences of the wrong decisions we have made in life. We tend to be elusive of seeking answers to our questions and reasons to our sufferings, and we also have the tendency to complicate things more than they should be. We sometimes reject the simple answers and reasons in front of us, thinking these answers and reasons seem to be so easy and most of the time we are not use to them. We think there is something more.
God is more than willing to give us all the enlightenment we need if only we are willing to listen to Him and obey His command.
Petrus, as a guide and teacher, his character in the book reminded of me that "Teaching is only demonstrating that it is possible. Learning is making it possible for yourself."
Paulo, as the main character, reminded me that we are all pilgrims in this journey called life. We have to be attentive and humble to receive what God wants to tell us or what He wants us to do.
As I read through this book, I could not help but to dream of walking on that same road the main character did.
August 23, 2020
The Witch of Portobello by Paulo Coelho
You should not read this.
But everything is up to you.
You have your own will.
You are not a robot to be controlled by anyone, in any way.
But discern wisely on how you use your free gift of own will.
The narration is good. Writing style is superb. The different point of view of accounts talking about one certain is an odd thing for me to get a unifying story out of it, but it works. Everything is interconnected. I didn't miss a single thing about Athena, who is also the main topic of every narration of different people in this book.
I was hesitant to read this book because of how it was written, it was a first for me to encounter or to read a book written this way. I was afraid I would get bored and drop the book half-way, yet just like any other book of Paulo Coelho that I read, The Witch of Portobello did not disappoint me. I was hooked and eager to see how the story would end, what would happen to Athena, and how the author would wrap up the story in a way that it would not end up in tragedy.
It is a story about faith and I will not recommend this book for people who yet to have a deep and rooted faith to the One and Only True God, and also a personal intimate relationship with Him.
It is so natural for Paulo Coelho to touch the most controversial and sensitive issues in our society through his books. I thought may be this book is some kind of analogy of what is happening truly in our society. Once you read this, you decide, but please consider my fair warning from the paragraph before this one.
Right now, I do wonder if I should still read his books. Should I finish the entire bookset? Is it still worth it?
I'm saying yes.
But what do you think?
But everything is up to you.
You have your own will.
You are not a robot to be controlled by anyone, in any way.
But discern wisely on how you use your free gift of own will.
The narration is good. Writing style is superb. The different point of view of accounts talking about one certain is an odd thing for me to get a unifying story out of it, but it works. Everything is interconnected. I didn't miss a single thing about Athena, who is also the main topic of every narration of different people in this book.
I was hesitant to read this book because of how it was written, it was a first for me to encounter or to read a book written this way. I was afraid I would get bored and drop the book half-way, yet just like any other book of Paulo Coelho that I read, The Witch of Portobello did not disappoint me. I was hooked and eager to see how the story would end, what would happen to Athena, and how the author would wrap up the story in a way that it would not end up in tragedy.
It is a story about faith and I will not recommend this book for people who yet to have a deep and rooted faith to the One and Only True God, and also a personal intimate relationship with Him.
It is so natural for Paulo Coelho to touch the most controversial and sensitive issues in our society through his books. I thought may be this book is some kind of analogy of what is happening truly in our society. Once you read this, you decide, but please consider my fair warning from the paragraph before this one.
Right now, I do wonder if I should still read his books. Should I finish the entire bookset? Is it still worth it?
I'm saying yes.
But what do you think?
August 2, 2020
The Lord is my Shepherd by Adrian Rogers
The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want.
Unknowingly, I bought same book with different editions.The Lord is my Sheperd by Adrian Rogers is such an amazing book which brings me to a better perspective of who my God is. This book is a study of one of the wonderful chapters in the Bible which is Psalm 23. David, a man who is after God's own heart,wrote this song of confidence and faith in God. His bold declaration renews anyone's faith and trust in God whenever they come across this chapter from the book of Psalm.
Adrian Rogers did an excellent job in analyzing Psalm 23 and presenting the one and only true Shepherd mentioned in this chapter from Psalm. He enumerated the different facets of God's characteristics as the Shepherd.The Shepherd We NeedThe Perfect ShepherdThe Shepherd of Second ChanceThe Shepherd of the DyingThe Shepherd of PlentyThe Shepherd of HavenAll of these talked about how Jesus is the ultimate Shepherd that we all need. We are all lost sheep in this world of uncertainties and tragedy whether we accept or not. The only true guide we need in living blessed, happy, and content life in this temporal world is Jesus, of course also for eternity.
I had my doubts and denials before, and there are times that I still have them. But through my personal experience with Him I have realized that He is the real deal, a loving Father who made me feel loved wanted, and protected. That the faith I put in Him is never wasted, mine was never a blind faith.
Psalm 23 KJV
1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
May we all experience here on earth the true joy and peace that only comes from Him!
Unknowingly, I bought same book with different editions.The Lord is my Sheperd by Adrian Rogers is such an amazing book which brings me to a better perspective of who my God is. This book is a study of one of the wonderful chapters in the Bible which is Psalm 23. David, a man who is after God's own heart,wrote this song of confidence and faith in God. His bold declaration renews anyone's faith and trust in God whenever they come across this chapter from the book of Psalm.
Adrian Rogers did an excellent job in analyzing Psalm 23 and presenting the one and only true Shepherd mentioned in this chapter from Psalm. He enumerated the different facets of God's characteristics as the Shepherd.The Shepherd We NeedThe Perfect ShepherdThe Shepherd of Second ChanceThe Shepherd of the DyingThe Shepherd of PlentyThe Shepherd of HavenAll of these talked about how Jesus is the ultimate Shepherd that we all need. We are all lost sheep in this world of uncertainties and tragedy whether we accept or not. The only true guide we need in living blessed, happy, and content life in this temporal world is Jesus, of course also for eternity.
I had my doubts and denials before, and there are times that I still have them. But through my personal experience with Him I have realized that He is the real deal, a loving Father who made me feel loved wanted, and protected. That the faith I put in Him is never wasted, mine was never a blind faith.
Psalm 23 KJV
1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
May we all experience here on earth the true joy and peace that only comes from Him!
July 26, 2020
Teacher Arlene prepares for the new normal
Through little ways... in Jesus name!
It has been almost four months since the Community Quarantine was first imposed in the Philippines because of the pandemic COVID-19, and CQ has been called a lot of names during this period: lockdown, ECQ, MECQ, GCQ, MGCQ and a lot more.
In this new normal, everyone is facing struggles on adjusting with the present setting of their lives. WFH or Work From Home is the new normal set up among some of the companies. Skeletal force is required to report physical in their workplace. All these adjustment are thanks to the blessing of technology. Before COVID-19, I thought advance technology like wifi smartphone, and others are doomed to destroy the lives of every human being because of the proliferation of pornoraphy through these devices. Yet, during this time I realized that God has allowed the invention of these technologies to prepare us to what we have right now and also that good things can come out from the things God has allowed to happen.
The education has received a blow because of this pandemic. Due to virus, we are limited to move and do what we normally do during enrolment and classes. Face to face classes with the students are still prohibited since the learners are consider vulnerable to COVID-19. The Philippine educational system did not even consider the option of cancelling the school year 2020-2021 due to COVID-19. But instead they deviced plan and programs to make sure the education of every young Filipino continues under the program LCP or Learning Continuity Plan of the Department of Education.
The highers up have been exerting every effort to make education possible for every young Filipino in this time of pandemic and it goes same way with the teachers. In little ways, teachers are doing their part to make sure they follow the direction of DepEd despite the uncertainties and anxieties brought by COVID-19. Teachers attend webinars, learn new strategies, techniques, and method on how to deliver the teaching-learning process with the learners, while simultaneously complying to the paperworks and reports required by the school, division, region or even from the national.
It is overwhelming and one may not be excused to experience quarantine fatigue. I thought staying at home or working from home will be a smooth sailing ship, and guess what I was wrong. Definitely wrong.
Paperworks and submission of reports arrive without a warning. They come on Saturday, Sunday, on weekends, at night, midnight, and even during the dawn. It was a bit difficult at first, but DepEd is trying its best to prepare their teachers for the new normal by conducting webinars about mental health, psychosocial, and psychological support. I am glad that finally the department finally made this issue a priority not only for the learners but also for its personnel.
As one of the public teachers, I still struggle with this new normal. It was hard to imagine at first how school year 2020-2021 will sail. Right now, at least I have a little glimpse of what could happen this school year during the teaching-learning process without the face to face learning modality. Our school head conducted a survey about the teachers' preferred mode of teaching in consideration of the learners' preferred learning delivery. I chose modular since my internet is not reliable (Ahem, Globe, baka naman), as of this moment I am waiting for better internet connection through Converge. So, I'll see which is better, I want to remain with Globe, yet the need for a faster and better internet connection is must to have an effective WFH arrangement.
Just today, I tried to create a digital presentation of sample lesson for the LCP campaign of our school and also as a preparation for the new school year. I also made this because I had no choice but to choose to comply (hehe and because of Romans 13:1 NIV: "Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.", to God be all the glory).
I am happy with the results of my journey creating a digital content. I was excited after seeing the finish product, because of my excitement I posted the video on my Youtube channel. I am content with my work, and accept that there is still a room of improvement. I hope that through this kind of digital content school yeat 2020-2021 will come to pass, in Jesus name!
It has been almost four months since the Community Quarantine was first imposed in the Philippines because of the pandemic COVID-19, and CQ has been called a lot of names during this period: lockdown, ECQ, MECQ, GCQ, MGCQ and a lot more.
In this new normal, everyone is facing struggles on adjusting with the present setting of their lives. WFH or Work From Home is the new normal set up among some of the companies. Skeletal force is required to report physical in their workplace. All these adjustment are thanks to the blessing of technology. Before COVID-19, I thought advance technology like wifi smartphone, and others are doomed to destroy the lives of every human being because of the proliferation of pornoraphy through these devices. Yet, during this time I realized that God has allowed the invention of these technologies to prepare us to what we have right now and also that good things can come out from the things God has allowed to happen.
The education has received a blow because of this pandemic. Due to virus, we are limited to move and do what we normally do during enrolment and classes. Face to face classes with the students are still prohibited since the learners are consider vulnerable to COVID-19. The Philippine educational system did not even consider the option of cancelling the school year 2020-2021 due to COVID-19. But instead they deviced plan and programs to make sure the education of every young Filipino continues under the program LCP or Learning Continuity Plan of the Department of Education.
The highers up have been exerting every effort to make education possible for every young Filipino in this time of pandemic and it goes same way with the teachers. In little ways, teachers are doing their part to make sure they follow the direction of DepEd despite the uncertainties and anxieties brought by COVID-19. Teachers attend webinars, learn new strategies, techniques, and method on how to deliver the teaching-learning process with the learners, while simultaneously complying to the paperworks and reports required by the school, division, region or even from the national.
It is overwhelming and one may not be excused to experience quarantine fatigue. I thought staying at home or working from home will be a smooth sailing ship, and guess what I was wrong. Definitely wrong.
Paperworks and submission of reports arrive without a warning. They come on Saturday, Sunday, on weekends, at night, midnight, and even during the dawn. It was a bit difficult at first, but DepEd is trying its best to prepare their teachers for the new normal by conducting webinars about mental health, psychosocial, and psychological support. I am glad that finally the department finally made this issue a priority not only for the learners but also for its personnel.
As one of the public teachers, I still struggle with this new normal. It was hard to imagine at first how school year 2020-2021 will sail. Right now, at least I have a little glimpse of what could happen this school year during the teaching-learning process without the face to face learning modality. Our school head conducted a survey about the teachers' preferred mode of teaching in consideration of the learners' preferred learning delivery. I chose modular since my internet is not reliable (Ahem, Globe, baka naman), as of this moment I am waiting for better internet connection through Converge. So, I'll see which is better, I want to remain with Globe, yet the need for a faster and better internet connection is must to have an effective WFH arrangement.
Just today, I tried to create a digital presentation of sample lesson for the LCP campaign of our school and also as a preparation for the new school year. I also made this because I had no choice but to choose to comply (hehe and because of Romans 13:1 NIV: "Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.", to God be all the glory).
I am happy with the results of my journey creating a digital content. I was excited after seeing the finish product, because of my excitement I posted the video on my Youtube channel. I am content with my work, and accept that there is still a room of improvement. I hope that through this kind of digital content school yeat 2020-2021 will come to pass, in Jesus name!
July 25, 2020
Hello, I am Teacher Arlene
Are you a teacher?What is a teacher?Hello! I am Teacher Arlene.
Always, I had an eerie feeling before whenever someone calls me Teacher Arlene outside school. I didn't like it because of the system and the duties and responsibilities entangled with it, they're huge, overwhelming, and some should be done by a different set of personnel most of the times. Thus, I wanted to get away from it. I have tried many times but God is not yet done with me being a teacher. He has put me for a reason and a season. I don't know until when I am going to be a teacher in the system I am in right now, only Him knows.
At the present setting, the new normal is very challenging to everyone else including teachers, learners, and parents. That's why my prayer is may we all find the endurance, strength, and wisdom to thrive in this trying times through Him and in Him.
Let's go back to my question, so what really is a teacher?It isn't someone who teaches something, but someone who inspires students to give of her best in order to discover what she already knows. ~Edda, The Witch of Portabello by Paulo Coelho
I pray that you will be able to find you're true calling in this trying times. Pray for me too.
Always, I had an eerie feeling before whenever someone calls me Teacher Arlene outside school. I didn't like it because of the system and the duties and responsibilities entangled with it, they're huge, overwhelming, and some should be done by a different set of personnel most of the times. Thus, I wanted to get away from it. I have tried many times but God is not yet done with me being a teacher. He has put me for a reason and a season. I don't know until when I am going to be a teacher in the system I am in right now, only Him knows.
At the present setting, the new normal is very challenging to everyone else including teachers, learners, and parents. That's why my prayer is may we all find the endurance, strength, and wisdom to thrive in this trying times through Him and in Him.
Let's go back to my question, so what really is a teacher?It isn't someone who teaches something, but someone who inspires students to give of her best in order to discover what she already knows. ~Edda, The Witch of Portabello by Paulo Coelho
I pray that you will be able to find you're true calling in this trying times. Pray for me too.
June 22, 2020
Truths about God in my life
Who is God?
I did not know who God is.
Do I know Him?
I did not know the real Him.
Do I have that intimate relationship with Him?
I thought He hated me because I kept on sinning--and I still do. I thought He did not want anything to do with a sinner like me.
But I was wrong.
I am weak in the human flesh. So weak... But that did not and never cause Him to love me less, instead He loves me more, more than I can imagine.
You might be thinking how do I know that He loves me no matter what. How do I know that He will never love me less? How can I be sure that despite of my weakness or in its plural form I am loved and protected? In any human relationship, we must have an intimate relationship with a person to know them better and the truths about him or her. We spend time with that person and talk to them on a regular basis. And just like in human relationship, to have an intimate relationship with God, we also need to spend time with Him like attending Sunday worship, having quiet time with Him, being part of a small group or Bible study, talking and listening to Him through prayers.
By spending time with Him through my quiet time, I am knowing more about Him and putting my trust on Him as a grow and live my life with Him. His promises to you and me, I hold them dear to my heart because I know Him, I know His truest character and He never fails.
Psalm 62 CEV is the Scripture during my quiet time with Him last Sunday, June 14. It is only now that God is allowing me to post this blog entry. This chapter says:
God Is Powerful and Kind
1 Only God can save me, and I calmly wait for[a] him.2 God alone is the mighty rock[b] that keeps me safe and the fortress where I am secure.
3 I feel like a shaky fence or a sagging wall. How long will all of you attack and assault me?4 You want to bring me down from my place of honor.You love to tell lies,and when your words are kind, hatred hides in your heart.
5 Only God gives inward peace, and I depend on him.6 God alone is the mighty rock that keeps me safe, and he is the fortress where I feel secure.7 God saves me and honors me. He is that mighty rock where I find safety.
8 Trust God, my friends, and always tell himeach one of your concerns. God is our place of safety.
9 We humans are only a breath; none of us are truly great.All of us together weigh less than a puff of air.10 Don’t trust in violenceor depend on dishonesty or rely on great wealth.
11 I heard God say two things: “I am powerful,12 and I am very kind.”The Lord rewards each of us according to what we do.
I am not an expert in Bible verses but these are the truths about God that are revealed through His word on Psalm 62:
1. He is the only one who can save me no one else (Psalm 62:1).
1 John 5:11-12 And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. The one who has the Son has this eternal life; the one who does not have the Son of God does not have this eternal life.
2. He, alone, keeps me safe (Psalm 62:2).
Psalm 18:2 The Lord is my protector; he is my strong fortress. My God is my protection, and with him I am safe. He protects me like a shield; he defends me and keeps me safe.
3. Only He can give me inward peace (Psalm 62:5).
Romans 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
4. God honors me, because He loves me (Psalm 62:7).
Isaiah 41:10 ESV Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
5. God is a trusted friend, my confidant (Psalm 62:8).
John 15:15 ESV No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.
6. God is powerful and very kind (Psalm 62:11-12).
Psalm 147:5 ESV Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure.
7. He is a rewarder (Psalm 62:12).
Hebrews 11:6 KJV But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
Reboot your life and start your journey with Him now!
Know God more! Be intimate with Him! Have that intimate relationship with Him!
Need someone to talk to? In need of prayers? Message me, I'm willing to listen and pray for you. May God bless us all!☺
I did not know who God is.
Do I know Him?
I did not know the real Him.
Do I have that intimate relationship with Him?
I thought He hated me because I kept on sinning--and I still do. I thought He did not want anything to do with a sinner like me.
But I was wrong.
I am weak in the human flesh. So weak... But that did not and never cause Him to love me less, instead He loves me more, more than I can imagine.
You might be thinking how do I know that He loves me no matter what. How do I know that He will never love me less? How can I be sure that despite of my weakness or in its plural form I am loved and protected? In any human relationship, we must have an intimate relationship with a person to know them better and the truths about him or her. We spend time with that person and talk to them on a regular basis. And just like in human relationship, to have an intimate relationship with God, we also need to spend time with Him like attending Sunday worship, having quiet time with Him, being part of a small group or Bible study, talking and listening to Him through prayers.
By spending time with Him through my quiet time, I am knowing more about Him and putting my trust on Him as a grow and live my life with Him. His promises to you and me, I hold them dear to my heart because I know Him, I know His truest character and He never fails.
Psalm 62 CEV is the Scripture during my quiet time with Him last Sunday, June 14. It is only now that God is allowing me to post this blog entry. This chapter says:
God Is Powerful and Kind
1 Only God can save me, and I calmly wait for[a] him.2 God alone is the mighty rock[b] that keeps me safe and the fortress where I am secure.
3 I feel like a shaky fence or a sagging wall. How long will all of you attack and assault me?4 You want to bring me down from my place of honor.You love to tell lies,and when your words are kind, hatred hides in your heart.
5 Only God gives inward peace, and I depend on him.6 God alone is the mighty rock that keeps me safe, and he is the fortress where I feel secure.7 God saves me and honors me. He is that mighty rock where I find safety.
8 Trust God, my friends, and always tell himeach one of your concerns. God is our place of safety.
9 We humans are only a breath; none of us are truly great.All of us together weigh less than a puff of air.10 Don’t trust in violenceor depend on dishonesty or rely on great wealth.
11 I heard God say two things: “I am powerful,12 and I am very kind.”The Lord rewards each of us according to what we do.
I am not an expert in Bible verses but these are the truths about God that are revealed through His word on Psalm 62:
1. He is the only one who can save me no one else (Psalm 62:1).
1 John 5:11-12 And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. The one who has the Son has this eternal life; the one who does not have the Son of God does not have this eternal life.
2. He, alone, keeps me safe (Psalm 62:2).
Psalm 18:2 The Lord is my protector; he is my strong fortress. My God is my protection, and with him I am safe. He protects me like a shield; he defends me and keeps me safe.
3. Only He can give me inward peace (Psalm 62:5).
Romans 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
4. God honors me, because He loves me (Psalm 62:7).
Isaiah 41:10 ESV Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
5. God is a trusted friend, my confidant (Psalm 62:8).
John 15:15 ESV No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.
6. God is powerful and very kind (Psalm 62:11-12).
Psalm 147:5 ESV Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure.
7. He is a rewarder (Psalm 62:12).
Hebrews 11:6 KJV But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
Reboot your life and start your journey with Him now!
Know God more! Be intimate with Him! Have that intimate relationship with Him!
Need someone to talk to? In need of prayers? Message me, I'm willing to listen and pray for you. May God bless us all!☺
June 5, 2020
Lost until He found me
Are you still lost?
I was lost until He found me. I am found. No longer lost. And from my journey of finding Him, He instead found me. I am grateful to be able to publish another poetry book. I intend that this book may glorify my God, the One who found me again. This is for Him. All for Him. For those who feel lost just like I was, may you find Him and be found by Him. He is your Shepherd, if you are lost He will definitely come and find you. May you be victorious in fighting your battles, just like I did. With Him all things are possible. May you also develop a personal relationship with Him. Know Him more, know Him better.
A little teaser from the book:
You can't stop me.I will keep on moving forward.You can't shut me out.I will let my voice out.You can't tell me what I am.You have no right anyway.I am what I am.That's the truth you can never change.
I pray that this book may inspire others never to give up. I pray that you will endure all your struggles and overcome them. If you feel less, don't be. You are worth more than you can ever imagine. He redeemed us and paid the most expensive debt one can ever have. He loves you. Come to Him if you feel weary and burdened, He will give you rest. Peace and joy will overflow in your life. You are loved. So don't give up!
If you want to take a chance on this book, you may get it through Amazon for e-book copy or at Shopee for print copy.
I was lost until He found me. I am found. No longer lost. And from my journey of finding Him, He instead found me. I am grateful to be able to publish another poetry book. I intend that this book may glorify my God, the One who found me again. This is for Him. All for Him. For those who feel lost just like I was, may you find Him and be found by Him. He is your Shepherd, if you are lost He will definitely come and find you. May you be victorious in fighting your battles, just like I did. With Him all things are possible. May you also develop a personal relationship with Him. Know Him more, know Him better.
A little teaser from the book:
You can't stop me.I will keep on moving forward.You can't shut me out.I will let my voice out.You can't tell me what I am.You have no right anyway.I am what I am.That's the truth you can never change.
I pray that this book may inspire others never to give up. I pray that you will endure all your struggles and overcome them. If you feel less, don't be. You are worth more than you can ever imagine. He redeemed us and paid the most expensive debt one can ever have. He loves you. Come to Him if you feel weary and burdened, He will give you rest. Peace and joy will overflow in your life. You are loved. So don't give up!
If you want to take a chance on this book, you may get it through Amazon for e-book copy or at Shopee for print copy.
May 30, 2020
Not for the faint of heart: Tempting Victoria by Mina V. Esguerra
Too hot!
Sizzling hot!
Nathan Grant's and Victoria Bennett's romance escapade is not for the faint of heart, and I would not recommend this book for humans under 21 years old, both for male and female.
Tempting Victoria is a new adult novella written by Filipino author Mina V. Esguerra. I already read some of her books and most of them are sweet and clean romance. The best read I got from her works is That Kind of Guy, and finishing Tempting Victoria made me think that her style did mature as time passes by. It is a short read with a bonus story Kissing Day, about Chris and Diana.
Not so long ago, I made a rule that I would not, temporarily, read books with sexual tensions. After almost a year, the ruled expired this week. I needed an ice breaker as I read the Paulo Coelho's book set. Following Dear Alex, We're Dating. Tama, Mali?! Love, Catherine, Tempting Victoria is my second break.
Just like any other books I read from Mina V. Esguerra, I enjoyed reading Nathan's and Victoria's romance. There's a lot of teasing, kissing, and sex, and they could not deny the physical attraction between them. I just sighed whenever they gave in to their desires. The female lead, Victoria Bennett, is projected as someone who is capable and in control of her choices in life, but not until when it comes to falling for our male lead, Nathan Grant, he, on the other hand, is a chic magnet and who loves to have sex with women whom he finds attracted to him.
Vic tried to deny Nathan, but she just could not do that. How is that even be possible? I kid you not.
Get a copy of the book, if you want to more how they end up together despite all her rejections and denial. I was surprised Nathan did not give up on her. And again read this, if only you are 21 years old and above, and you are not faint-hearted, alright? Though I would prefer if they got married first, before doing it, and I know how primitive my idea is, but that is just a thought from me.
Sizzling hot!
Nathan Grant's and Victoria Bennett's romance escapade is not for the faint of heart, and I would not recommend this book for humans under 21 years old, both for male and female.
Tempting Victoria is a new adult novella written by Filipino author Mina V. Esguerra. I already read some of her books and most of them are sweet and clean romance. The best read I got from her works is That Kind of Guy, and finishing Tempting Victoria made me think that her style did mature as time passes by. It is a short read with a bonus story Kissing Day, about Chris and Diana.
Not so long ago, I made a rule that I would not, temporarily, read books with sexual tensions. After almost a year, the ruled expired this week. I needed an ice breaker as I read the Paulo Coelho's book set. Following Dear Alex, We're Dating. Tama, Mali?! Love, Catherine, Tempting Victoria is my second break.
Just like any other books I read from Mina V. Esguerra, I enjoyed reading Nathan's and Victoria's romance. There's a lot of teasing, kissing, and sex, and they could not deny the physical attraction between them. I just sighed whenever they gave in to their desires. The female lead, Victoria Bennett, is projected as someone who is capable and in control of her choices in life, but not until when it comes to falling for our male lead, Nathan Grant, he, on the other hand, is a chic magnet and who loves to have sex with women whom he finds attracted to him.
Vic tried to deny Nathan, but she just could not do that. How is that even be possible? I kid you not.
Get a copy of the book, if you want to more how they end up together despite all her rejections and denial. I was surprised Nathan did not give up on her. And again read this, if only you are 21 years old and above, and you are not faint-hearted, alright? Though I would prefer if they got married first, before doing it, and I know how primitive my idea is, but that is just a thought from me.
May 28, 2020
Love yourself, who else will?
I'm coming out! I'm coming out. I want the world to know. I've got to let it show!
Selfie taken circa 2015
I am beginning to open up myself to others. Slowly, gradually, I am stepping out to make another debut to the world of society. But this time I am not doing it alone. I have someone greater than anyone have ever lived. I have someone who is all-powerful. I have someone who never runs out of love for me. He never fails me. But I did many times, I failed Him. But He forgives me always. He even sacrificed himself to save me from death. He is my salvation, my redeemer. His name is Jesus. The Son of God.
Last 2019, things got messy in my life. I was broken. Crushed. I was seeing death as something trivial yet scary. All my possessions, what I had achieved were temporary things I could loose anytime. I realized there were things I could not control or even change, more so death.
I had this thought that the pain and grief I felt would be easily gone if I just die, and that was an easy way out. I gave up fighting. Because I always only got hurt. People did not like me or what I do. They rejected me, the real me. I was not good enough and all of us would just die anyway, so why even try to live? If you live, you will just die. Life was meaningless, pointless, even hopeless.
I was withdrawing from the physical reality.
I was living to die. I was...
But, then...
Someone pulled me back to life. He sent angels through people who might know me or not. A divine orchestrated plan led me back to The One who loved me first. To Him who always chased me. To Him who never let me down.
To my LORD.
I lost to surrender my life to Him and learned a lot and still learning and re-learning a lot about Him. I love Him, yet I know that He loves more and more, deeper than the depth of sea. My brokenness works just like what Romans 8:28 says: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose."
I was no longer a slave to my pain, grief, guilt, and shame. I am free. I no longer carry a heavy burden, because Jesus said in Matthew 11:30, "For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." And He brings me genuine peace, the kind of peace Paul said in Philippians 4:7, "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Now, that I know the lengths, the heights and the depths of God's love for me I no longer have the idea of wrong love, the kind of love this world projects and humans unconsciously acquire.
Matthew 22:39 says "And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself," --love others as you love yourself, see? You must love yourself the right way first, God's way, before you express the right kind of love to others. Knowing God and having an intimate relationship with Him will give us more opportunities to learn more about the kind of love He wants us to have and to share to others. How to do that? Own a Bible. Read His words. Talk to Him. Pray to Him.
Some of my Learn to's to better love yourself the right way.
1. Learn to say noWe have that tendency to always yes, even though we want to say no. I think we have that innate mechanism wherein we often do things to please other people. We take pride in saying yes all the time. We do not want to let down other people because they have some expectations, if not too much. As I became an adult, I thought I have to please every single person around me. I was so afraid to disappoint them, though I acted like I did not care I was so scared to be hated by people.
I always wanted to make a facade that I was capable of doing anything assign to me. I was trying to act like I was a jack of all trades due to the fact that I was so afraid that others might say I was useless. That's why I had a habit of saying yes, if someone was asking me for a favor.
So, next time someone asks you for something let's say a favor, it would not be so bad if you take your time and think about it before giving a response. Instead of pressuring yourself and letting others down might as well consider it first. It will be hard in the beginning, you may feel guilty and think of yourself as a bad person. But you'll get through it, pray for it.
2. Learn to take it slowDo not rush yourself. If something needs to be done, let's say a task from work, give yourself time to think. Give yourself space. Breathe in, breathe out, before you start anything, whether it is work or personal task, much better if you even pray for it. Don't rush. Take it slow. You can pause and rest, if things are tiring you down.
3. Learn to give not only takeI came from a poor family, so I tended to get stingy sometimes. I had this idea that I should keep more to myself since I did not have much. I did not hate giving, but I took more what I could and what I should.
I thought if I kept more I would have more. Yet, in God's economy, this belief is so wrong. It is more like the more you give, the more you will be blessed. It will return to you ten folds, you will live abundantly. Spiritual and physical. You will not be lacking. He will supply all your needs. Needs, not wants, alright?
So share what God has blessed you with, and always ask for discernment. We are born in this world with nothing, we will leave taking nothing. We are the stewards of all His creations. We should take care of them and never abuse them. Be more giving.
4. Learn to forgive yourself and othersDon't be hard on yourself. Lower your expectations. People make mistakes. People will disappoint me and you. You and I will disappoint others as well. Don't put too much pressure on yourself. Be more forgiving to yourself and others. If God can forgive us, who are we to deny ourselves and others of forgiveness.
I have to learn and re-learn all of these because they take practice and discipline to make them a habit. The truth is we are still in our sinful nature, our own flesh reeks of sin. It is hard for a naturally bad-nature human to be good without learning and discipline. It takes habits to form a character, a good one. Despite our the messy parts of our lives, God did not forsake us. He sent someone to save us so we can return to our original form. God loves me. Period. So be sure to love yourself, the way God does.
So, again, who else will love you? None other than, but Jesus, certainly, eternally. Accept Him in your life and you will never be the same.
Selfie taken circa 2015I am beginning to open up myself to others. Slowly, gradually, I am stepping out to make another debut to the world of society. But this time I am not doing it alone. I have someone greater than anyone have ever lived. I have someone who is all-powerful. I have someone who never runs out of love for me. He never fails me. But I did many times, I failed Him. But He forgives me always. He even sacrificed himself to save me from death. He is my salvation, my redeemer. His name is Jesus. The Son of God.
Last 2019, things got messy in my life. I was broken. Crushed. I was seeing death as something trivial yet scary. All my possessions, what I had achieved were temporary things I could loose anytime. I realized there were things I could not control or even change, more so death.
I had this thought that the pain and grief I felt would be easily gone if I just die, and that was an easy way out. I gave up fighting. Because I always only got hurt. People did not like me or what I do. They rejected me, the real me. I was not good enough and all of us would just die anyway, so why even try to live? If you live, you will just die. Life was meaningless, pointless, even hopeless.
I was withdrawing from the physical reality.
I was living to die. I was...
But, then...
Someone pulled me back to life. He sent angels through people who might know me or not. A divine orchestrated plan led me back to The One who loved me first. To Him who always chased me. To Him who never let me down.
To my LORD.
I lost to surrender my life to Him and learned a lot and still learning and re-learning a lot about Him. I love Him, yet I know that He loves more and more, deeper than the depth of sea. My brokenness works just like what Romans 8:28 says: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose."
I was no longer a slave to my pain, grief, guilt, and shame. I am free. I no longer carry a heavy burden, because Jesus said in Matthew 11:30, "For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." And He brings me genuine peace, the kind of peace Paul said in Philippians 4:7, "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Now, that I know the lengths, the heights and the depths of God's love for me I no longer have the idea of wrong love, the kind of love this world projects and humans unconsciously acquire.
Matthew 22:39 says "And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself," --love others as you love yourself, see? You must love yourself the right way first, God's way, before you express the right kind of love to others. Knowing God and having an intimate relationship with Him will give us more opportunities to learn more about the kind of love He wants us to have and to share to others. How to do that? Own a Bible. Read His words. Talk to Him. Pray to Him.
Some of my Learn to's to better love yourself the right way.
1. Learn to say noWe have that tendency to always yes, even though we want to say no. I think we have that innate mechanism wherein we often do things to please other people. We take pride in saying yes all the time. We do not want to let down other people because they have some expectations, if not too much. As I became an adult, I thought I have to please every single person around me. I was so afraid to disappoint them, though I acted like I did not care I was so scared to be hated by people.
I always wanted to make a facade that I was capable of doing anything assign to me. I was trying to act like I was a jack of all trades due to the fact that I was so afraid that others might say I was useless. That's why I had a habit of saying yes, if someone was asking me for a favor.
So, next time someone asks you for something let's say a favor, it would not be so bad if you take your time and think about it before giving a response. Instead of pressuring yourself and letting others down might as well consider it first. It will be hard in the beginning, you may feel guilty and think of yourself as a bad person. But you'll get through it, pray for it.
2. Learn to take it slowDo not rush yourself. If something needs to be done, let's say a task from work, give yourself time to think. Give yourself space. Breathe in, breathe out, before you start anything, whether it is work or personal task, much better if you even pray for it. Don't rush. Take it slow. You can pause and rest, if things are tiring you down.
3. Learn to give not only takeI came from a poor family, so I tended to get stingy sometimes. I had this idea that I should keep more to myself since I did not have much. I did not hate giving, but I took more what I could and what I should.
I thought if I kept more I would have more. Yet, in God's economy, this belief is so wrong. It is more like the more you give, the more you will be blessed. It will return to you ten folds, you will live abundantly. Spiritual and physical. You will not be lacking. He will supply all your needs. Needs, not wants, alright?
So share what God has blessed you with, and always ask for discernment. We are born in this world with nothing, we will leave taking nothing. We are the stewards of all His creations. We should take care of them and never abuse them. Be more giving.
4. Learn to forgive yourself and othersDon't be hard on yourself. Lower your expectations. People make mistakes. People will disappoint me and you. You and I will disappoint others as well. Don't put too much pressure on yourself. Be more forgiving to yourself and others. If God can forgive us, who are we to deny ourselves and others of forgiveness.
I have to learn and re-learn all of these because they take practice and discipline to make them a habit. The truth is we are still in our sinful nature, our own flesh reeks of sin. It is hard for a naturally bad-nature human to be good without learning and discipline. It takes habits to form a character, a good one. Despite our the messy parts of our lives, God did not forsake us. He sent someone to save us so we can return to our original form. God loves me. Period. So be sure to love yourself, the way God does.
So, again, who else will love you? None other than, but Jesus, certainly, eternally. Accept Him in your life and you will never be the same.
May 26, 2020
Extra income within the comforts of your home
Where do you get that extra cash during this lockdown?
A lot of Filipinos lost their source of income due to CoViD pandemic. I know that most of us are looking for a job to have an extra income to support our family's basic needs, and the online world posts a lot of potential where people can earn money.
Right now, I have two sources of extra income where I earn not much, but just enough for what my family and I need. I sell online and write reviews.
1. Online selling
I have an account on Shopee which sells brand new and pre-loved books. It also has a small physical store near our house. I started my independent book store last August 2018. The physical book store is not frequent by people, since only few knows it, probably it is just me and the rest of the family. I get my sales more on Shopee, sometimes through Facebook or Carousell. Last time, I checked the sales I already earned and spent 33,000 pesos something in a span of year (excluding the sales thru FB and Carousell) which is not really a cash on hand thing, the digits is more of a system generated sales report from Shopee. In short, I do not have the 33,000 pesos something on my hand in case you are thinking that I have a cold cash in my pocket. I have spent most of them, and keep the capital cycling as it serves its purpose.
Reading books is one of my hobbies, so I enjoy selling books. You may also find things around you which you can sell online. Some of my friends are also selling online through Facebook and Instagram. They sell make-up and pre-loved clothes, bags, and footwear. Maybe now is the perfect for you to clean and organize your stuffs and declutter while earning a few pesos at the same time.
2. Review writing
I came across a post in one of the bookish group I am affiliated with on Facebook. The post advertised about a writing job with an average earnings of 5,000 to 10,000 pesos. I am usually skeptic with this kind of post online, they appear fraud to me. Clicking the message button, I still had doubts in me. I sent interested and I got a reply right away. I was tasked to write a short review of 120 words of the latest book I read which was The Alchemist that time.
Thank God, I got the job and earned almost 7,000 since April 20. And again I do not have the cash on hand. I already spent it on our basic needs. The job requires me to read books and write my impression towards the story I read.
You may also find ways on how to earn online just like me. If your are good in drawing, someone may commission you. Or if you are also good in writing, you may find a job just like mine.
I am blessed that I earn from the things I love to do: reading and writing. You may never know as you scroll down on your Facebook or Instagram feeds with your smartphone or laptop, you might find a part-time just like how I did. Now is the time to start utilizing those gadgets for something profitable and helpful. I refer to the decent ways of using the internet to earn money, alright? Are we clear on that? And I pray that this post somehow help you with what you are going through right now. Keep safe! God bless!
A gentle reminder: For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. ~ 1 Timothy 6:10
A lot of Filipinos lost their source of income due to CoViD pandemic. I know that most of us are looking for a job to have an extra income to support our family's basic needs, and the online world posts a lot of potential where people can earn money.
Right now, I have two sources of extra income where I earn not much, but just enough for what my family and I need. I sell online and write reviews.
1. Online selling
I have an account on Shopee which sells brand new and pre-loved books. It also has a small physical store near our house. I started my independent book store last August 2018. The physical book store is not frequent by people, since only few knows it, probably it is just me and the rest of the family. I get my sales more on Shopee, sometimes through Facebook or Carousell. Last time, I checked the sales I already earned and spent 33,000 pesos something in a span of year (excluding the sales thru FB and Carousell) which is not really a cash on hand thing, the digits is more of a system generated sales report from Shopee. In short, I do not have the 33,000 pesos something on my hand in case you are thinking that I have a cold cash in my pocket. I have spent most of them, and keep the capital cycling as it serves its purpose.
Reading books is one of my hobbies, so I enjoy selling books. You may also find things around you which you can sell online. Some of my friends are also selling online through Facebook and Instagram. They sell make-up and pre-loved clothes, bags, and footwear. Maybe now is the perfect for you to clean and organize your stuffs and declutter while earning a few pesos at the same time.
2. Review writing
I came across a post in one of the bookish group I am affiliated with on Facebook. The post advertised about a writing job with an average earnings of 5,000 to 10,000 pesos. I am usually skeptic with this kind of post online, they appear fraud to me. Clicking the message button, I still had doubts in me. I sent interested and I got a reply right away. I was tasked to write a short review of 120 words of the latest book I read which was The Alchemist that time.
Thank God, I got the job and earned almost 7,000 since April 20. And again I do not have the cash on hand. I already spent it on our basic needs. The job requires me to read books and write my impression towards the story I read.
You may also find ways on how to earn online just like me. If your are good in drawing, someone may commission you. Or if you are also good in writing, you may find a job just like mine.
I am blessed that I earn from the things I love to do: reading and writing. You may never know as you scroll down on your Facebook or Instagram feeds with your smartphone or laptop, you might find a part-time just like how I did. Now is the time to start utilizing those gadgets for something profitable and helpful. I refer to the decent ways of using the internet to earn money, alright? Are we clear on that? And I pray that this post somehow help you with what you are going through right now. Keep safe! God bless!
A gentle reminder: For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. ~ 1 Timothy 6:10
