My Grand Life Vacation
Today, I found myself awoke the whole night until dawn. I don’t know what’s this called. Maybe it’s the opposite of jet log, or whatsoever; I don’t care 
In the Philippines I used to sleep at 10-11 pm, having been settled for my prayer and devotion, and then wake up at 4 am, doing the same thing. And then suddenly, when I moved here, everything has changed. Maybe I just want to write now…
I can say that as my year ended, all my sufferings on the year 2008 ended too. (Did you notice that? Oh, you did?) Wow! This is really what we call “Imari, The Champion; The Winner; The Overcomer.” I really don’t like to boast, but please, do give me a chance to get proud for a moment. Of course I won’t boast myself, but instead, I’m gonna boast the greatness of God in my life! I’m not here if it’s not by God. (Of course, much thanks to people who supported me all the way). I don’t know, but, I’m much more excited with my life–on how I will be used mightily and greatly by Him. I can smell the sweet aroma of my good success. Oh, by the way, I told a while ago that everything here is new–the environment, the people, the weather, the foods, everything is new! But, I love it here, you know. I feel comfortable. I like it when my brother and I go driving anywhere, and we used to go to Starbucks and sip coffees, and when my mom and sis go shopping… oh, I just love Washington! And also, it’s fun to meet new people and enter into a new school. It’s really fun! hahahaha… (sorry, I can’t help it.,)
I think this is already God’s rewards to me. This is a time for me to relax and rest for a while… get rid from crying, struggles and problems… like saying, “Imay, my cute and wonderful princess, this is your grand life vacation! Enjoy my promised USA first. Just get ready for the 2009 trials I’m gonna give you!” But maybe later or tomorrow, He’s going to send me to another battles… battles that will make me even stronger in spirit. “Yah, Dad, I’m enjoying! Go! I’m excited!” (I do miss crying because of pain… heheheh… and then get happy after overcoming it…)
*P.S: I just received a promised laptop from my brother last 30th… he said that Sony is better than Apple.. (ok, I don’t want to boast… hahahah.. God just answered my wishes for my christmas and bday! more than I asked Him) Though I haven’t receive it yet, at least I got a promise. But the most important gift that He gave me was the harvested souls of the members of my family. It’s the most beautiful gift I received before and after my bday, more than any material things…
Solo Flight…
My flight was moved tomorrow for USA at 12:40 pm. My carry-on backpack is ready, my visa is ready, my passport is ready, my ticket is ready. Above all, my heart is ready. I’m excited and I’m so blessed! Bon voyage to me!
(P.S: Today is my birthday. Apart from the gift of joy and love that I receive, my greatest gift for today is my journey to US. I’m ready 
Strength in Weakness
It’s December again. It’s been a week since I last blogged. You know what, I have this confession. Sometimes it just comes to my mind that I hope December will not arrive until I leave this country. But no, it’s just a negative thought from Satan that keeps me from trusting the Lord. Few months ago, God gave me a lot of promises and I just keep on holding on to them. And everyday, He keeps on encouraging me and reminds me of His promises when my heart is in doubt. I also receive a lot of rejections, discouragements and curses, but in Jesus’ name, I rebuke them all. God tells me I’m always blessed and my future is bright because I journey with Him. This gives me more reasons to love Him more and more.
Everything looks terrible… uhm this is what my physical eyes see. When I go out and my friends ask me, “Oh, Imay, akala ko ba nakaalis ka na?“, I just answer them. “Hindi pa eh.” Some give me a wave of smile and say, “Ah, ang tagal naman! Bakit naman?” I just answer back. “Ganun talaga. Sabi ni Lord hintayin ko muna sya kasi He’s preparing me for something greater. By the way, si Ate ko aalis na sa December 4.” Minsan magugulat na lang sila bakit ganun na lamang ang reaction ko. But to my friends who have great faith, when they see me, they just give me a tap on my back and say, “Hindi ka pa talaga pinapaalis ni Lord.” And I end up sharing my heart to those people.
This is a storm in my life but all these things too shall pass. I thank the Lord for helping me overcoming my weaknesses; the futility of my emotions and thoughts. The oceans of fear rise and thunders of doubts roar, but God calms my soul midst the storm of my life. Truly when I am weak, I am strong in God.
Alam nyo, sometimes when I doubt, God speaks to me and say, “I love you, of you, little faith!” Bakit ganun na lamang ang pagmamahal Niya sa akin? I have a little faith but still he loves me? For the past two weeks, I’ve learned to get serious of my prayers and it’s really effective. So hindi talaga ako nawawalan na loob. Ito pala ang tinatawag na buhay Kristiyano. hindi pa-easy easy, maraming struggles. Pero alam kong hindi naman ito forever. God’s promise is that, I will just pass through these fires of tests but I won’t get burned. And when I am through with it, I will be like a gold, precious and durable. And besides, nakita ko ang kagandahan ng mga problemang ito. Nai-a-apply ko ang pinag-aaralan ko sa bible.
Someday I will be one of the greatest living testimonies who will testify how I fought against all the hindrances to a great faith. I’d like to boast, not how my own strength helped me escape all these trials, but how I became weak and saw Jesus’ power in my life. God is truly good, for even in the middle of my sorrows, He makes me joyful, and there is a great strength in my weakness.
Now I’m ready for greater battles and I’m confident.
Imay Blooms
It’s nice to hear from some people I meet and old friends that I am blooming. Thank you very much! The truth is, I have a lot of problems, and yet I am still happy despite of all. I guess that’s one of the secrets on becoming beautiful. I mean, this is far from boasting. I just feel beautiful. That is all. I feel good of myself. I can still wear a smile as I go to church even without money on my pockets. I can still have the time to meet my friends despite my loaded household chores. I can still obey what my family members say even sometimes they don’t appreciate the things I do for them (kasi po madalas pumapalpak ako..pero ayos lang yun! heheh) Well, it’s just the beauty that comes from within. The peace of mind. The glow just comes out automatically, giving an it-must-be-in-love effect. (laughs )
Sabi nga sa akin ng iba kong church mates, “Aba, Maymay, siguro may boyfriend ka ngayon noh?” Isa lang po ang sagot ko: “Kay Lord muna tayo!” (sabay turo sa itaas). Bakit, sya lang naman ang naman ang nagbibigay ng overall beauty sa atin, di’ba? So my secret is just about trusting Him… He could make me smile despite my teary eyes. Happy!
Maiba pala ako… Finally, dumating na yung kulang na requirement for my visa and my sister’s US interview schedule. Ngayon nakikita ko na ang isa sa mga reasons kung bakit medyo na-delay ang pag-alis ko. Baka mag-sabay na kami ni Barbie. Please pray for us. Sana by two to three weeks ok na talaga. Trust and patience lang talaga. Thank you, Lord!
