A blessed Christmas everyone!

For the elderly :)

Tomorrow will be our Christmas party for the elderly at the Home for the Aged. We are so blessed that many  responded  for this project. Here are few of the items (personal hygiene)  that we will be giving them.

I am particularly happy how our scholars/youth worked very hard for this. This is their very first "pay it forward" project and they chose the abandoned elderly as recipients. I pray that they will learn to  love to do this and that compassion will flow from their heart even when they aren't with us anymore.

Sharing the love with the elderly

This year, beside the usual Christmas party for kids, we will have another one for the abandoned elderly at the Home for the Aged. 

Our scholars from Fishnets Ministry are heading this event. I asked them to learn to "pay it forward" as they are all recipients of somebody's good deed and they decided to share and make our Lolo and Lola at the home for the aged facility extra happy this Christmas.

I'm excited. We all are actually. This would be their first time, my second. There will be games and they will also have some presentations. I'm sure it's gonna be fun.

Truth be told, we really do not have budget for this, we don't want to ask from Fishnets as the support is just enough for the scholars lately, we couldn't ask from the church also because the need as of now is also huge. 

But that will not hinder us of course. If God has put this in our hearts, He will surely provide for everything that we will be needing for this party. We started soliciting from friends and from individuals and some have responded positively. 

We wanted to give them (the oldies) hygiene kits, as I have seen for my self how they are deprived of these basic necessities, so we are asking friends for bath soaps, toothbrush, toothpaste and the like. I found a kent folding comb also which would be a nice gift for them but that is not priority this time.

We will also serve lunch and I am praying a nice decent lunch is what we can give them. We were informed that there are 89 women and 60 man on that facility. I am not a bit worried of that big number. I know God will send help :)

If you live here in Manila and you want to help, volunteer and go with us, just message me here. You are most welcome.

You shall rise up before the grayheaded and honor the aged, and you shall revere your God; I am the LORD. - Leviticus 19:32

Fear Not

2 weeks ago, I was depressed, disappointed and sad. I was crying incessantly in the office. I wanted to leave everything and be somewhere else where no one can reach me. There were incidents in the office that for the longest time I have trained my self to ignore and just let it be but worst came when I was absent two consecutive days, first day was because am not feeling well, the second I attended the launching of The Fellowship International. 

That day, my boss called our HR personnel and he checked on all my absences and my tardiness which resulted to cancellation of my flexi time. In fairness to our HR department, they said I am seldom absent and the only problem is my coming late but also compensated because I extend time also whenever I came late. 

That gave me the feeling that I am a bad employee. Made me think of all the services I rendered to my boss, sometimes I go way beyond the call of my duties and responsibilities (even beyond office or sleeping hours) sometimes I do work for him that is too personal and I do all that without complaining-and people around me can attest to that-11 years as his assistant-that speaks a lot right? on the other hand there is this girl who also works for my boss- as much as I don't want to compare and see that she's more favored  but I did that time. I was thinking it was REALLY UNFAIR. I know that doesn't sound right coming from me and I regret it  but honestly speaking, that was what I felt that time.

The following Sunday-at the church, God spoke to me through the message of our speaker. I was encouraged and comforted. God made me realized that I don't have to mope because Jesus is interceding for me (Romans 8:34)  which made me realized even more that things may seem unfavorably on my part now but I don't have to feel bad because HE is fighting for me.

And then, that verse above popped up also sometime last week. God is really good. He sends help whenever we need it. In His perfect timing. Today, I was beginning to feel that "unfair " thing again because well, the flexi time ends today :) but here am I writing about this and reminding my self over and over again.."take heart Raquel..Jesus himself is interceding for you and that He loves you so very much :)"

  

Whatever life (or my boss) throws me- I know I have someone to defend me and He is mighty!

Our newest nephew :)

Hello world :) let us all welcome the newest addition to our family..my very cute nephew :)
He was born May 6, 2014.

Isn't he adorable? Those cute little feet..I so love to kiss them.

Obedience is better than sacrifice

These photos were taken last Sunday :) our friend Andrew took it and posted on his facebook page with this message : "Thank you Ptr. Rudolf Abadiano for the great and powerful message last sunday! Indeed Obedience is better than Sacrifice. Keep it up bro!"

It's very seldom that Rudolf preach in our church because I believe he is not a preacher but a worship leader. But I am so blessed to see him share the word in the pulpit also once in a while. Often times I get anxious and worried about him speaking in front of our congregation but I let go and let God.

Nevertheless, hearing him speak last Sunday makes me one proud wife. Feels like I have beautiful revlon hair hehe! I praise God for my husband's life, for being available for HIM wherever He needs him, for choosing to obey the Lord and be His servant. It's all worth it.

Glory to God!

God will provide

Trusting that God will provide for all the medicines that my Nanay need.

Today, we (my sister) brought her back to her doctor for the check up and she prescribed another two set of medicines for the brain -because she suffered most in the head at that motor vehicle accident.

To tell you honestly, it is not easy, seeing her so weak, seeing all the mediciness she has to take and thinking of ways how we can financially support her every need. I get tired sometimes but I drew strength from the Lord.

yes, my heart and my strength may fail..but GOD is the STRENGTH of my HEART- FOREVER.

And though the need is big as of this writing-I trust that we will be able to buy all those medicines. God will make a way and  miracles still do happen. 

This weekend, I will go home to take care of her and I trust that God will also provide for my bus fare. I'm sure He will. He never let us down and have always met our needs. My faith tells me that even our future needs have already been secured, our future house, our car, my husband's home studio and all the equipments including studio mixers maybe.

The GOD whom we serve owns the golds and silvers of this world and HE is able to bless us exceedingly and abundantly. Can you say Amen to that?

Grateful

For a lot of things despite of what we have been and going through.these days..

 here is why I am so grateful;

1. Nanay is home! after 20 days in the hospital, she's finally home.

2. She is recovering, every little improvement is a joy to us, every word she speaks means a lot to us.

3. Financial blessings- hospital bill was paid, we were able to get huge discounts thru senior citizen and an unexpected help came thru our Vice Mayor-we didn't even know her but she came to us and helped us, though she coursed it through DSWD. That's a big favor from the Lord.

4. Friends, relatives, neighbors- everyday someone is visiting Nanay at home, someone is giving help, someone is extending help, doing chores for us, helping us take care of Nanay and a LOT prayed for Nanay. We are so blessed to have such lovely people around us.

5. My husband's endless support and understanding (as well as my sisters' husbands) - he also didn't mind that all our monies are being spent with Nanay's needs. I am so blessed. Don't worry mahal, someday I'll get you this numark im9 dj mixer from guitar center for your recording studio and much more. :) You deserve that.

6.  My work-my boss and his family, once again they showed that they care, more than the monetary help, I appreciate the moral support and the prayers extended to us.

God is good  indeed, even in times of trials, HE remains faithful and true.

Faith Confession

I really do not know who the original source of this is, (I made the graphics) the wife of our Pastor gave it to us in one of our Intercessory prayer. Believing there is power in declaration I try to declare this everyday, every morning or every chance I have. Please feel free to grab the image and declare the same in your life. It is best to speak blessings and good things rather than rant and complain everyday di ba?

Click the image for larger view

Loose change for greater purpose

I remember writing a post on my other blog about saving our loose change last year, it was supposed to be for Rudolf's gig bag, how he wanted one for his and Andrew's guitar but God want it for a more greater purpose pala. When typhoon Haiyan hit Leyte and Samar late this year, we both agreed to donate the money in those cans.

This year, we are starting anew and I added a new can :) One can for each coin (no military coin of course) and I still don't know where we will use it, no specific yet. I do want to save it for my second hand keyboard but maybe it can be for another great purpose again di ba?

I am actually encouraging our youth to do that also, save their coins and also my nieces and nephews.

Aside from that, I hope I can save up more also for our dream house :)

Thankful Monday : Provision

Lately, we've incurred unexpected expenses again that brought me back to worrying about money. And again, I had that feeling that our salaries are just not enough for all of our needs (our needs also means support to our parents) which makes me sad for a time. But God gently reminded me that HE IS OUR PROVIDER and that verse I read this morning is his way of assuring me that whatever I ask (or I need) if it is according to His will, He will provide and that He will supply for every need.

God has always been our provider-our Jehovah Jireh and there was never a time that a need was not met in our life. I've been challenged financially this year due to my father's illness and eventually his death and now my mother's hospitalization but HE provided for everything. 

He even provided for our down payment and monthly payment for our lot in Cavite, even blessed us more so we can have that relaxation in Baguio last July. A lot of little things he is providing for us which I tend to take for granted (I'm so sorry Lord) like we were still able to donate for typhoon victims, eat out sometimes with friends. And I'm sure if ever we need supply of u-bolts, he will still provide for that because HE is our provider of everything- as in EVERYTHING, not just financially but all that we need.

Through the years, God has been so faithful to us. True to His word and promises. And for that I will always be grateful. 

7 years 7 months

MARRIED to the man God has specifically chosen for me :)

It was not an all smooth easy marriage, like everyone else, we have some serious fights also, arguments from time to time but I think that makes our marriage even more stronger.

But I know also that I am super blessed with Rudolf. His love is very assuring and I have never felt so loved before. There are times I think I am not reciprocating the same love he is giving me eh because his love is so selfless, so forgiving, so humble, so kind. I don't think I am like that.

 I am trying my best though to be a very good, supportive and loving wife to him, cheering him on when he is in despair, assuring him when he is in doubt, but still I cannot compare that to the many things he is doing for me.

And I thank the Lord so much for blessing me, for giving me that kind of gift.  I hope we will have more 7 years and 7 months to celebrate. 

Now only if I can give him this portable DJ mixer, this traktor z1 at musicians friend, I'm sure that would compensate for my being selfish a lot of times :) You know how anything with his music and recording makes him happy. And I fervently pray that they will finish the album soon because that would really make him happy.

7 years 7 months. Thank you Lord.

Thankful Monday- Health

I skipped last week due to an emergency call from the province, my Mom was rushed to the hospital and needed blood transfusion so we hurriedly went home to be with her. Thank God she's fine now.

So here's my list for this week:

1. Thank you Lord that my Mom is now home and doing ok- 3 bags of blood and 4 days in the hospital. She was diagnosed with bad ulcer that she had gastro bleeding, her hemoglobin went so low thus the blood transfusion.

2. Thank you Lord that you provided for the hospital bill and medications. You amazed me always.

3. I am grateful that at least we have free medical check-up here in the office. Confirmed that I should have reading eyeglasses now. I am still waiting for the laboratory tests but my hopes are high that it's all good.

Thank you lord for everything. BIG and SMALL. Thank you.

Thankful Monday #2 - Husband

It's the first day of the week!! and here's my thankful list :)

1. For the joint worship service yesterday. Once every two months, we have this joint worship service in our church (for the Metro Manila areas) and it is always so good to worship the Lord with all your brothers and sisters in the Lord!

2. The fellowship and bonding we had last night over a burger and a cup of coffee :) Thankful of my friends :D

3. For the good weather-which means no heavy rain, no flooding and no disasters.

4. Thankful for my health, though is not ideal and I am still overweight, in fact a plus swim wear might not fit me (good thing I am not into swimwear) but still I am grateful that I am healthy as well as my my husband.

5. and I want to shout at the TOP of my voice how thankful I am for my husband!!!!! He is not a good preacher, nor the best in worship leading BUT He loves the Lord first and foremost and he fears GOD, and for that I will always be his proud wife :)

God bless everyone!! May we all have a thankful heart!!

Thankful Monday #1

Isn't it great to give thanks to the Lord on the first day of work week? For years, I often complain about Monday mornings only because it's the first day of work week and I want to change that habit now.

So, from now on. I will write a thankful post here every Monday. That would give me a happy disposition every Monday morning, I'm sure it will also bring positive and good thoughts and who wouldn't want that di ba?

So here's my Monday thankful list :)

1. Thankful for the good Sunday worship service yesterday. Grateful for the message "signs of the times".

2. Thankful for very very good friends I have in the church.

3. A lot has colds and flu last week. I am thankful, me and my husband are both doing fine.

4. I am also extremely grateful for the house where we currently live now. Yes, it is small but it is free :) and is helping us a lot to save for our own house someday. And small as it is yet, we can still share it to people we love :) It has flaws and the husband think we need high temperature adhesive for the roof and ceiling but still my heart is very grateful for it.

5. Thankful that we both have a job and although most of the time we think that our salaries aren't enough, still I am thankful for the regular income we get every 15th and 30th.

So there you go!! Actually, I could go on and on and on but the post will be too long...

It is so good to give thanks to the Lord!!! You never run out of stuff to give thanks to :)

Class/Work suspended

Classes suspended today and so is work. It rained hard last night and been raining the whole day, thus the cancellation, you know how it is here in Manila, continuous hours of rain equals flooding of streets :(

My nephews and nieces are all happy with the class cancellation (am sure a lot of  students feels the same way) I was like that too when I was still a student. Class suspension means fun to me. I wish though I knew about student educational travel back then, I would have probably gone to many beautiful places each and every time the class is suspended..hehe.

But anyway, since there is no work today, we stayed home and I slept. :)

Rudolf read and started his preparation for the upcoming worship camp. This is for the worship team of our church including all the outreaches so he really has to prepare. I am also speaking in one session so I need to prepare too.

Please include this worship camp in your prayer. Thanks!!

Grateful

That's written in 1 Thessalonians 5:18. "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus". It's pretty clear that we should not only be grateful when we are in bliss but also during rough times. Why? because that's God's will. I am still learning though because admittedly when you are hurting the least you think of is to give thanks di ba? but if we give thanks even in not so good situation somehow it makes the burden lighter.

So today, I am grateful for all that is happening in our life (yes even with the bumps in the road-that are sometimes painful. For sure it will make me stronger. And of course, I am even more grateful for all the blessings the Lord is showering us everyday.

-food in the table
-electricity
-protection
-our job
-friends

and for that hope that someday soon we will be having our own house, we are grateful that we can dream of the house we like, the furniture, even the comfortable cushion for chair, the kitchen, lanai and all.

Thank you for being able to dream and hope.

Indeed. I am grateful to you Lord.

Thankful Thursday

 

It's been a while since my last Thankful Thursday post. Glad I'm able to participate today. So..what am I thankful for this week? well, life has been hard for the past months since my father passed away but I am so thankful that we are moving on. It is still painful remembering him and the times when he was still with us but then again I am reminded that it is not really goodbye for us but someday soon we'll see each other again.

I also want to thank God for my mother's health-she's been through a lot since my father got sick last year, now we are able to focus on her. We went to an eye doctor and have her eyes checked because she's been complaining about her irritated eyes, thankful that God provided again for her medicines and all.

I am also thankful for our new TV- I only prayed for atleast  a working TV where I can watch news but God gave us more than that. Big. Brand new. LCD. Thank you Lord!!

What are you thankful for this week? share it with us at Laurie's blog and I'm sure someone out there might be encouraged by your thankful post.

Blessings everyone!!!

Update on Selah's worship album

The whole band specially my husband (Rudolf) is so happy because finally after being stalled for months they will now resume their recording session and hopefully will finish the entire album in one or two months.

Someone with a good heart supported the band financially and provided the payment for the recording studio. How awesome our God is indeed! To think, we just recently met this woman and heard the band once when we went to their place but God touched her heart. Bless her.

We already have an appointment with the owner of the studio on Saturday, we will discuss about recording schedules and everything we need to finish the album. That includes the CD cover (to which I am now scouting printers over the net, saw eoncode web 2 print software but I don't know if it will work for us) My husband wants a board type CD case and I have to look into that also.

But yes, we are all so grateful. God has heard our prayers.

Thank God it's Friday

Because it means weekend and who doesn't love weekend di ba? Although for me it still means not getting rest as weekend means ministry time for me and my husband I still love weekend.

Tonight in our prayer meeting,I'll be speaking and I covet your prayers. I've spoke many times in many church gathering but each time  I still feel butterfly in my stomach. I still get nervous :(

Sunday, my husband and the band (SELAH) were invited in a concert for a cause and we are excited for that. It's been a while since they all played and sang together in a worship concert. It will also be preparation for the upcoming fundraising concert of our church in Alabang come September 15.

So now, they are quite busy rehearsing and preparing for that 2 events. My husband bought another gadget for his electric guitar. It's a second hand though and he said it's a good deal so I just believe him. But I told him to stop looking at deal sites offering such gadgets sale and supplies like turnbuckle because he can't resist them. He promised though that the next one he's going to buy will be on December already. I really hope so.

Although I have to commend my husband for finding ways to earn extra money for his gadgets, like tonight after the prayer meeting, we will do t-shirt printing and he will deliver it tomorrow. God bless the hands of my husband :)

What are you up to this weekend? Whatever your plans are may you all have a blessed weekend!!!