What could you let go of, for the sake of harmony?
Let go of people’s expectations so you can have harmony inside and out.
They say a little competition doesn’t hurt anyone; it’ll be fun, it’ll push people up.
They’re right – to some extent.
If you feel this endless desire to cast shade on someone else to lift yourself up, then you’re in trouble.
The best competition we win is not against someone else. We win best when we first win against the competition in our mind.
No wonder the Bible tells us in Romans 12:2, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”
What’s competing for your attention? Your life won’t change unless you change your thoughts first.
This, however, doesn’t apply to the identity that God gave you when He created you in your mother’s (whether biological or surrogate) womb.
No amount of therapy can change what God has designed for you when He first made you. Perhaps, in the midst of everything you’ve tried out there, His design is what you’ve been yearning for. Make a U-turn. He’s waiting.
I remember it like it was only yesterday: our first-ever quick getaway – on our own – as a family of 3.
It took me several days to prepare our luggage for a 3D2N stay. When you have a toddler, it’s “better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it,” as my sister would say.
I found the property on GoogleMaps and made reservations thru their FB/Messenger. I booked 1 cabina (w/ free breakfast for 2) for Wed-Fri and availed of their discounted off-peak rates.
Wednesday: Helpful people
Kuya Allan, our favorite iDol Taxi driver, picked us up from our sunshine home and dropped us off at the resort.
Safe ride from Batangas City to any point in Region 4A/Calabarzon.Kuya Allan, our favorite iDol taxi driver.Our home for 3D2N.
We were late for check-in but it was hassle-free. Shortly after paying for our accommodation, we were ushered in to the Bonifacio Cabina.
We moved the three beds together to make a huuuuge one.
Unfortunately, my OC tendencies failed me. We missed the in-resort restaurant (they were open only until 5pm). And I forgot hubby’s swimming gear!
We had a few minutes before sundown to explore and take a few photos.The kiddie pool.All of these to ourselves!
Hubby thought it will be safer if he left us in the cabina while he searched the vicinity for food and water. I felt otherwise so I insisted that our son and I tag along.
The sun was setting and we were getting hungrier by the minute. Signal was weak, foodpanda was unavailable. We waited by the gate of the resort for public transportation. Zero. We started walking.
Then… God.
God sent help. An angel – a tricycle (or trike) driver – passed by and took us to a water refilling station. It was closed but the people were kind enough to sell us 5 gallons of mineral water in a blue jerrycan with faucet.
Kuya trike driver also took us to an area of the neighborhood where food was sold. Hubby got cooked rice, lechon manok, lechon liempo and pinakbet. Thankfully, there was also an Alfa Mart, so we bought 7 liters of Wilkins Distilled Water for our little one.
In my short chat with Kuya trike driver, I learned that he was a barangay police. He was actually on his way home when he saw us. He could’ve simply said “No” when my husband waved at him but he went out of his way and asked how he can help us.
It was dark by the time we returned to the resort. We blessed Kuya trike driver as he went back to his family. We DIY-ed our way to dine al fresco on a moonlit night.
Then…I found out I forgot to pack our eating utensils! Thankfully, Tatay Cito, Pueblo’s caretaker, lent us some. He also helped us connect to the resort’s internet.
After tidying up and a quick man-to-man talk between hubby and our little one, lights out.
Thursday: No problem!
There’s nothing better than waking up to a reminder that God is always there for you, ready to help when you need it. Beholding the wonders of His creation is an added bonus.
Our verse for the day.
God’s timing is amazing. Our toddler attends an online playgroup every Thursday and the month’s theme coincided with our trip: Nature.
I managed to take a few photos of the cabina‘s quaint toilet and bath.
The lavatory is open. It separates the toilet and the bath, each of which have windows for ventilation and sliding doors for privacy.The toilet can be improved with safety rails but overall it is safe and spacious enough for people with mobility issues.The bath area offers ample elbow room for assisted bathing. Water heater is available.
What is religion but the belief that there is a God who is truly powerful over all?
Perhaps many of us have encountered a religious person or someone who calls himself religious but whose life is broken, useless, meaningless, and full of pain and suffering, devoid of hope, devoid of joy. How come?
“6 Of course, godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, so we cannot carry anything out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these.” 1 Timothy 6:6-8 BSB
1 Timothy 6:6-8 shows us that if a person can be content, then his religion is beneficial.
But how do I find contentment?
How can I be happy and find contentment in the things I think about? What is real contentment?
If anyone knows how to be grateful and be happy that s/he has food to eat and clothes to wear, then religion is of benefit to that person.
Each of us was born with nothing, and in our death, we’ll take nothing with us either.
If, by the grace of God, I will live by the teachings of the God I believe in, then I can live with thankfulness and be content each day.
Great Father, please open my eyes and my mind to learn and live with contentment. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit. Teach me to be thankful for the little things, to be faithful in the little things, so that when the time comes and You be willing to entrust me with bigger things in my family, school, and livelihood, Your Name will be glorified in my life, in the lives of my loved ones, and the people I meet each day. To You alone, Father God, be all praise and worship! This is my prayer and petition in the name of Your Son Jesus, my Lord and Savior.
ancore! 