Arlene Manocot's Blog, page 8

New Book Alert: Undeserved Grace by Moi

In case you missed it. 
I have a new book. For those who know me and wonder if I still do this kind of thing, the answer is yes, aside from teaching, I still write and try my best to come up with a collection or story every year. My prayer is to continue doing this for years to come since it is one of my dreams to be a writer. I am not a famous writer or one who receives royalties every month, I am not. Now, I write hoping it can help or inspire someone to keep moving forward all by His grace. My objective in writing evolved as I moved on with God in life before I wanted to write because I had a lot in my mind, heart, and soul; I must let them all out, I needed to, or else it would be the end of me. But that was before. I am beyond grateful and thankful to God for giving and blessing me with this medium to empower and encourage individuals, especially the young ones. 
Here we are, another book from me all through His grace, the Undeserved Grace, my thirteenth (13th) published book. I offer it in digital format. Interested individuals may avail of a copy from this website, in the FreedomJoyFaithShop section. For only 100 Philippine pesos you will have an e-book copy of my latest work. I published it last December 2022. It is in the English language and only has 21 pages. 

I still wonder did you ever feel sorry when you said you are sorry.You appeared on and off in my space and time.I knew there was something odd but I brushed it off.Told myself, to be content at least he replied or sent you letters.Settle for that because you've got nothing else.I even forgot for a moment I have everything I need, everything I love, of course, minus you in my life.I was blinded for a moment.Pained and hurt for a moment.But God shed the light once again like he always did.He showed me the truth.My prayers were never in vain.He answered them faithfully.I was kept in the darkness for a moment thinking about why I wasn't enough.He revealed the truth and freed me from your lies.You tried to cancel me. Were you scared? I wonder.I still forgive you even if you don't ask for it.And I'm still glad I met you even if the feelings were never mutual.Wander

Undeserved Grace is about a girl who pursued a guy who ended up hating her, and how she found God's grace again in that experience as she wondered what went wrong. Written in verses and stanzas, I tried to arrange the poems coherently, all by myself. I hope this book will inspire you to keep on holding on and never give up in life. Whenever you are tired, you can always rest in His presence. There is assurance in His presence. There is clarity in His presence. Even though there are uncertainties that surround us, our God is the assurance and clarity that we all need. God is overflowing with grace. He abounds in grace for we are saved by grace alone. 

BOOK LINK

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith -- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God" Ephesians 2:8

Suki Day Book 2023: Moving Forward To A Better Tomorrow

We're just in the second week of 2023. 

How are you keeping up with what life has been giving you?
Are you still pursuing that dream of yours or do you have a new dream now that we are in the new year? Have you made any plans? Have you listed down your goals? Have you made up your mind to be better? Are you overwhelmed or underwhelmed? 
These are the same questions I ask myself. By now, I have decided to make an affirmation that this year is God's year in my life. He'd be magnified more and more in my life, His glory and majesty alone. That is how flawless my plan is. But the reality is there will always be a constant battle, and you have got to be a warrior. A warrior who never backs down. A warrior whose eyes focus on the cross. A warrior who keeps on moving forward.  
Life is a battlefield, so make sure you and I put on the full armor of God found in Ephesians 6:10-18:The Belt of truthBreastplate of righteousnessShoes with the readiness of the Gospel of peaceShield of faithHelmet of salvationSword of the Spirit, the Word of God.Be on guard against unseen enemies. 
And in the battlefield called life, maybe a lot of things have already been happening to you, or probably, you feel like it seems dull or uneventful. Are you tired of waiting for someone or something, chasing your dreams, making plans, and trying to change for the better just to end up feeling disappointed again and again with yourself at the end of the day?
Well, I hope you never stop waiting, chasing, making, and trying. The same hope I have for myself. I pray that you and I will always look and move forward, all through His grace.

Suki Day Book 2023

The planner year-end giveaway of Mercury Drug Store is one of the many things I look forward to at the end and beginning of a new year. It is one of the simple things that completes the start of a brand new year. If I remember correctly, I was able to redeem Suki Day Book three (3)  years in a row since I started saving points in 2020 by purchasing essential products from Mercury Drug Store.
By using your Suki Card points, you can redeem one planner for only forty-five (45) points. Such a steal! Warning. It is not for sale, only redeemable. So, if you have Suki points, don't miss this chance to get a high-quality planner for free. I chose the 𝑺𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒆 𝑮𝒐𝒍𝒅 design from their Better Tomorrow series Suki Book Day 2023. It has three (3) dainty designs and classic colors you can choose from:𝑺𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒆 𝑮𝒐𝒍𝒅  (calm, peaceful, and tranquil)𝑹𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝑻𝒆𝒂𝒍 (joy, good health, and love)𝑫𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒎𝒚 𝑮𝒓𝒂𝒚 (soothing, cooling, and relaxing)

Just like the meaning of the 𝑺𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒆 𝑮𝒐𝒍𝒅 design planner I got by redeeming points, I am so looking forward to a calm, peaceful, and tranquil life ahead of me. We move forward to a better tomorrow with Him. 

Disclaimer. This post is not sponsored.

Another Boring Year, A Better Tomorrow

 

Another Boring Year

Bye 2022, hello 2023!
So what, then? 
This cycle comes every last day of the 365 days of every year. What's new? What could be special about it? Matter of fact, I can't seem to comprehend sometimes the hype people give into this kind of tradition, and that would make me appear so weird and out of this world, am I the only one who thought of it? I do wonder.
I don't mean to minimize or cancel the effort of the people who try their best to cook mouthwatering meals and wonderful dishes, decorate their houses to vibe in the holiday trend, and put up a table with all the best food in the town. In fact, I love it and appreciate it. I want delicious food! Hehe.
Where do they get all the energy every year to consistently participate in this worldwide tradition and share it with the world for all the people to see what they have on the new year's occasion?
I feel like I'm making myself sounds bitter here. Haha. But, I truly wonder. Because I tried following the trend like taking a photo of our food on the table from the little resources we had and I attempted to post a photo of it like some of the posts we can see on our social media news feed, but I couldn't. I lack consistency in this area of my life. Why is that? Am I an odd one for thinking like that? I questioned myself with this petty or silly thought.   

A Better Tomorrow

Sometimes, I wish I have the desire, energy, and of course, consistency to put up exciting posts on my social media handles, instead of my boring content about books and my musings. But I am still glad that most of the time, I am good all by God's grace. That wishful thinking only comes in a while, once in a blue moon. I guess I am the type of person who prefers boringness. Or in other words, the kind of life that isn't exciting and happy as it appears to others? And why would I care anyway? Why would you even care? HAHAHA. 

Just live your life, I live mine. Simple as that!

The important thing is to live a life with a purpose. Live your purpose. Do not leave it. Live it! Do I sound like I am demanding you? No, I am not. This is just a reminder for you and me. Find your purpose and live it. 
A better tomorrow is ahead of us. Another boring year is also another exciting year. I am quite excited about another boring year ahead of me. I am positive that there are a lot of surprises in store for all of us. So prepare your heart, mind, and soul. It is reassuring that God holds our future, I pray that we are all hopeful because the hope that comes from Jesus is much, much greater than the hope that this new year brings. So be hopeful, always!

Only for Hopeless Romantic, or Is this also for You?

I've finished another book by Marcelo Santos III. Yay or nay? Yay, of course!
As I read the book Para sa Hopeless Romantic, I couldn't help but feel the cringe that loomed just around the corner. I almost put down the book and stop reading it, but I was committed to reading and seeing it through until the end. I have to see the ending of everything that was going on with Maria, Ryan, Becca, Nikko, Jackie, Matt, and RJ. I need to know if the author decided to give them happily ever after. 
I believe every character deserves the happily ever after ending in their story. I empathize with characters who don't get their good ending in some of the books I read, such a bummer. It hurt me as well to see the characters, be they, the antagonist or the protagonist. They so deserve the happy ending. They need it! Though they are fiction, I can't help but relate them to the people around me whether they are good or bad, they still deserve a happy ending. Every character has a background story, and if we are not aware of it, it is better to put on hold our judgment and never comment negatively or insensitively on their lives just because they appear weird or peculiar based sometimes on our biased standards, especially if they never do us wrong.
The path to happily ever after is not an easy road and for some, it is even impossible. The fairytale-like ending seems not very fitting to the real world we deem to exist. Most grown-ups no longer appreciate the magic, and it no longer amazes them. Some realized that happy ever after is completely BS, which is very similar to what I feel sometimes. 
This book brought me back to my high school days, while reading this I thought I was too old for this teenage love story, the cringe almost suffocated me in the middle of the story.  But I continued reading anyway, I was sure that the story was good in its own way and I came to like all the characters. They all have their own story to tell. I admire the author and the whole team for making sure that the book will turn out well for every character. 
Everything happens for a reason, be it good or bad. Destiny is real. One big shot is real. Taking a chance is real. Our happily ever after is so real. If we are yet happy, then it isn't the end. Be rest assured that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28).

Greatest Gift Ever: We're Not Perfect but We're Getting Better

Christmas is...
It's the most wonderful time of the year. 
It's the season to be happy. 
It also means only a week before the end of the year 2022. 
And another year is about to begin. Isn't it surreal to be able to survive another life year here on earth where everything is passing and only temporary? Yes, it is, definitely. 
How life has been for you? 
I hope you have lived and have been alive in every moment for the past 358 days. You did a great job of making it today, and in advance, as well as in the years to come!
The year 2022 has been good for me. Well, I'm not saying it's perfect and free of concerns and challenges just like the past years which I thought were not even good. I am just glad and grateful that I am here. Having the time to do things that must be done. Though difficulties and failures are ahead of us, it is important that we move forward. To keep on moving toward the future and never look back or dwell in the past. We must forgive but never forget. We learned so much from the past and it is a great gift to live in the present and look forward to the future. 
Every year has its own difficulties. Be it a problem, heartache, frustration, disappointment, failure, fear, sorrow, or even death, this passing life can never be free from any of it. They are also here to pass, thus, life is still good.
Why do I say that life is still good?
Because the Giver of life is good. He made everything good with a purpose. I wouldn't be able to say that life has been good or that life is good if it wasn't because of receiving the greatest gift ever. The peace, the love, the life, the hope, and the joy He brought to this passing world make everything seems bearable because of Him, the greatest gift ever. 

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.John 3:16

Have you received the greatest gift ever?
If you haven't, then, now is the perfect time to receive the perfect gift and the greatest present ever. Don't let it pass on you. May I just remind you that accepting Him doesn't mean we already become perfect in this imperfect world, this sounds cliche but it's true. Instead, we're getting better and better because He is the great enabler we all need. Receive and you live! Unwrap the greatest gift ever!

Story Time: YOLO or YODO?

When memories flashed before your eyes in broad daylight, it was one of the most peaceful experiences you could ever have during your stay here on earth. It was calming and mind-blowing all at the same time. And after a few more days, you realized how scary the experience was. It was surreal. 
That's exactly how I felt when I got involved in a road incident. After more than a week, I finally fully grasped the severity of the incident, I almost lost my life in that one wrong move in a split second. I never thought this kind of accident would ever happen in my existence. And there you go and it did happen, but I thank God, I'm still alive and kicking. I should always be reminded that I have to be extra careful always. 

One philosopher said YOLO or You Only Live Once, and another contradicts the other, he coined YODO which stands for You Only Die Once. Do you YOLO or YODO?
I guess I may agree more with the latter and it is a reality that we have to face that we really die once, physically. No one in this world is exempted from death, when one's life expires, that's it, it will cease to exist. We have to be reminded that we get to live every single day. It is a chance, an opportunity to live, love, worship, be grateful, and make the most of the life that has been given to us. 
For once, I thought life was fleeting and senseless to be celebrated and lived victoriously. That life was nothing. It had no purpose. I questioned the Creator who made us in this sickening world that we dwell in. Why would He make us only to experience pain and suffering? Why would he mold a sinful human being? Why would He? I was ignorant and foolish not to know the answers to these cries.       There was a time in my life when I wanted to end my existence. I no longer wanted to live. I had lost the purpose of life and was blinded by the pain other people caused me. I blamed them for the misery and losses. At one point in my life, I became a ball of negative and dark energy, like a bomb that could explode anytime and damage everything around it. I was basically self-destructing and it was affecting the people around me, especially my loved ones.   
I knew I couldn't escape the ball of negative energy with my strength and power alone. The negativity held me back from the light and I needed someone who could pacify and put peace to the raging thoughts that bombarded me and wouldn't let me be. I knew I needed someone.
And that someone is Jesus. He reached out to me. He saved me. He healed me. He freed me. He became my peace and hope, the light on my feet. He brought life into me and filled it with joy. 
I am far from being perfect. I still have problems to deal and challenges to overcome with. Flaws are everywhere to be pointed out in me, and there are times when I feel like I am a walking disaster at my worst. 
But the good news is in life I don't have to go through with it alone. That also goes for you, yes you! You don't have to go through with it alone. You are not alone, never alone. Walk with Him and experience the abundance of joy in brokenness. You will be healed, in the mighty name of Jesus!
Live every single day of our life! Make the most of it! Love and be loved! 
Ingat!

When Everything Seems Uncertain, Plant Hope

There is nothing certain in life. And in the world, we live in, the happiness you feel right now may eventually turn into sadness. Or it could be that one minute you're sad then the other you're happy. How exciting life really is! I wonder if God, who is in control of everything intended it to be that way. The roller coaster ride we get to experience in life is an invigorating adventure we must all live to the fullest. 
Humbled by the knowledge of the One True God and His supreme sovereignty, I am in awe of His majestic and grand plan for those who love, obey, and put their faith in Him. Living a life that abides in Him alone is a difficult rocky road we can all trudge on only through Him and in Him. 

There is fear every time we face uncertainty in life. We lose hope and all the rationality we have mustered throughout our lives when worries and disappointments confront us face-to-face, upfront, and unapologetic. We feel defeated, discarded, unwanted, and worst, unworthy.
When hope is nowhere to be found, where do you look? Who do you seek? To whom do you turn? The answer is we turn to Him, to the One True Hope we can all put our faith with confidence and certainty. To the One who is the sufficient and limitless source of the truest form of hope. Jesus. The only hope that we all need. Pain, hardships, and rejection will always be there, they are part of the so-called life we all try to pass through victoriously. 
May God help us to plant hope in the weary hearts of those who thirst for peace, truth, and the perfect form of true love. Share the good news of salvation. 

Always plant hope, when everything seems uncertain. 

Biking-biking or Banking-banking: Which is which?

Biking-biking or banking-banking, which is which? 
Biking seems to be a fun idea for those who enjoy strolling around and exercising at the same time. As well as a good alternative of transportation for those who consider themselves eco-friendly citizens of the earth, provided that there is a shower area at their destination. Biking as we all know can be sweaty, one can perspire a lot; whether, in a gloomy or hot sky, sweat will always be there.  
Strolling on a bike is also an exercise, which I decided to do so since I felt breathless for the past weeks since face-to-face classes started. Going to the gym is an option but I am short on a budget, so biking is a go since I have my MTB getting stuck at home and it is much better to put it in use instead of letting it rust and turns old without putting it in good use. 
Banking-banking, on the other hand, is a made-up term I heard from my friends slash workmates. It is a humorous name they use for a boyfriend and girlfriend's road trips on a motorcycle, where the guy drives and the girl hugs her boyfriend from behind in the fast lane while doing an angle drift on a wide road. That is the extent of my imagination about the banking-banking thing. For quite a while, motorcycles depict danger on my part, whenever I see them on the road, they just move too fast and always want to get ahead of the others, like it is always a race, a very dangerous race. Nevertheless, using a motorcycle is beneficial for many it is convenient and practical for some. 
Biking-biking is a term I came up with to counter banking-banking. Well, biking-biking appeals more like a friendly road trip across genders and relationships. Whether you are solo, in a duo, or group, biking is satisfying and breathtaking. My panting for the past weeks, whenever I climbed stairs at school, is not that persistent anymore since I started biking again. It helps. I am trying to be consistent in biking to lessen or totally diminish my exhaustion from exertion to breathe whenever I walk or climb a short distance. So whenever I get the chance to bike I so get it!
Strolling on a wide road on a bike is a pleasant experience, a street free of other road users is a dream! An impossible one! I seldom see some lady bikers around the area I go to for biking. Where are they? Happy or sad, let's go biking-biking!

Addicted to ML, are you?

How does ML affect me so far? 

For some of you who doesn't know ML,  it is a popular online mobile game nowadays that is well loved and enjoyed by youngsters as well as by adults. 
During the 2-year CoVid-19 pandemic, I avoided playing the game since I couldn't seem to get the ins and outs of it, so I decided to stop and uninstall the app. I thought it was a waste of memory on my phone. The bottom line is I didn't know how to play the characters that's why I stop. 
Fast forward to 2022, I finally learned how to play the game even just a little. In victory and defeat!
For the past five months, I am consistently playing Mobile Legends: Bang Bang. Oh, what a waste of time, some people might say. Maybe, yes. Maybe, no. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Maybe, I am addicted to ML, probably. The goal is to raise my rank. What a noble and priceless objective!
When I was just in Master and Grandmaster rank, I so wanted to reach the Epic level. It took me a month, during vacation to be exact, to finally reach the Epic rank. So what? Did my life got any better because I achieved that rank? The answer is no, but there is a big YES. It brought happiness when the game is played moderately. It connects people of all ages. It is fun, fulfilling, and satisfying game. It develops relationship, even fellowship if played in moderation.
Playing ML can be quite frustrating, especially for a beginner. There is a lot to learn about heroes, skills, builds, skins, and more and more. It was overwhelming at first and confusing as well, but if you have a good group of friends who are willing to teach you and patiently explain the essential details, then everything is a lot easier and a lot better. But do expect some harsh words in the game, as much as there is good vibes, there is also some bad vibes. It's either they get on your nerves or you get on their nerves, either way play it nice. Never give a remark that is below the belt, that is not fair and never pleasant. Play it nice, always.
Up until now, I want to raise my rank. Next goal is Legend and it is difficult. I persist on playing the game, and maybe next vacation, I will be able to make it on Legend rank. That's the spirit!
So far, I am enjoying the game. It brings good vibes from time to time in a once boring atmosphere. It is fun. So much fun, but again can be frustrating sometimes due to lose streak or an encounter of negative player during the in-game. Just be mindful and careful. Play and slay!

What do you pray for?

What do I pray for?

I pray for him. I pray and pray. Why do You never listen? You heard them, all my prayers, but Your response is silence. 
Only love can hurt like this. The song keeps playing in my head. Only love can hurt like this. There is a pain every time and sometimes I wish I no longer feel my heart breaking, it is tearing apart.
At night, when I am on my bed, waiting for sleep to visit, there are times I always end up crying. Tears flow like a river down my cheeks, asking You why I always end up like this whenever I like or I am praying for someone.  
Your grace is enough. This song never fails. Your grace is enough for me. This song speaks the truth. But why am I still yearning for him? Why do I feel this wanting and desire for him?

What do I pray for?

I pray that my desire for him to end and completely vanish because it only hurt me at the end of the day. I am happy when he pays attention to me. I am delighted when he replies to my message. I am on cloud nine when he appreciates me. I want all of him, but I know that it is impossible. He is not mine, to begin with. I pray that he will choose me, and pursue me, despite my weaknesses and flaws and shortcomings and all. I want him to want me like I want him.
He never told me his intention. I form a conclusion based on his random or maybe intentional action. We're a mess, going circles, round and round. Left and right, I don't know where to go. Should I stop and forget about him? Never look back, start moving forward once again in this journey where I keep on coming back and forth. I am stuck. It's a cycle, a loop, a paradox.

What do I pray for? 

I pray why do You let this happen to me, falling again and again, and now for him. I know there is a purpose for this experience, but what is it? I want to know. I need to know. Now. Do I sound demanding? Oh, Lord, You know how much I pray for someone like him. I am aware of the uncertainty and I fear it. But the assurance that You are always there surpasses all the doubts I have in my mind and heart. I know You're in control, sovereign, almighty, and all. You are the end and the beginning. You're my God, my Lord, and Saviour. 
Still, right now, I pray for him, his safety, good health, happiness, and all the best for his being. I want him to be joyful and rejoice in Your presence. 
I pray for him. 

Does he pray for me too?

I wonder.
And tonight, I am not crying. He made my night.
TYL. Again and again, I surrender.