God Will Carry You Through is one of the few books I have read by Max Lucado. Ever since I got to read my first book from him, 365-Day / Everyday Devotional, he has been one of the Christian authors I'm keen on, too.
When life is falling apart, God will carry you through.It has been said that everyone is either entering, in the midst of, or just exiting a trial. Popular author and pastor Max Lucado has discovered that at any given point, almost everyone is dealing with something. Whether the loss of a loved one, marriage issues, illness, job loss, or the stress of everyday life, people everywhere need the assurance that God will carry them through.Through decades of betrayal, abandonment, and false accusations, Joseph never gave up on God or His purpose. And Joseph continually trusted the sovereignty of God as Master-weaver of his life. In God Will Carry You Through, Max invites readers to do the same—to let God’s message through Joseph guide His children through tough times today. Laced throughout Joseph’s story are personal testimonies by everyday people who discovered for themselves that “God had carried them through” as well as quotes and Scripture passages for meditation. This book is rich in hope for finding peace and reassurance through whatever challenge you face.
I like that the book shares personal experiences of different people, which left mark of authenticity through the stories of Christians. Every page is a reminder of God's faithfulness in this life. The world can be cruel, and it can be lonely sometimes. It is reassuring that we are not alone in the struggle, that there are Christians out there who experience the same, and we can learn from them.
It was brave of those people to share their vulnerability and honesty through this book. I was glad I got to have a copy of God Will Carry You Through as I experience personal challenges too in my life right now. It is reassuring to know that God is working through these people and that in suffering He always there with us.
Max Lucado is a pastor, speaker, and best-selling author who, in his own words, “writes books for people who don’t read books.” He serves the people of Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas, and his message is for the hurting, the guilty, the lonely, and the discouraged: God loves you; let him.As a writer, Max is known for combining poetic storytelling and homespun humor with the heart of a pastor. All of his trade books began as sermon series at Oak Hills Church, and his sermons all begin with Max asking himself this question: “What can I say on Sunday that will still matter on Monday?” He’s been dubbed “America’s Pastor” by Christianity Today, and “The Best Preacher in America” by Reader’s Digest.Max’s books have sold more than 150 million copies in over 50 languages worldwide. He published On the Anvil, his first trade book, in 1985. His 46th trade book, What Happens Next, was released in August 2024. Max’s books regularly appear on bestseller lists, including The New York Times. His writing has also been featured in Bible studies, Bible commentaries, songs, greeting cards, and even plush toys. He is the recipient of many book awards and received the 2021 ECPA Pinnacle Award for his outstanding contribution to the publishing industry.Max’s love for everyday people began during his childhood in the small town of Andrews, Texas. His father was an oilfield mechanic, his mother was a nurse, and Max spent a lot of his time either running from or running after his brother, Dee. Max grew rebellious in his teenage years, and after one specific drunken night, he began to wonder if there was more to life than parties and chasing girls. He now believes that if Jesus hadn’t found him and changed his heart, alcoholism would have been in his future.After high school, Max attended Abilene Christian University and left with two degrees and a heart for following Jesus and helping others learn about him, too. He moved to Miami, Florida, and took a position as an associate pastor at a small church. This is where Max started writing about Jesus for the first time in the church’s monthly newsletter, and it’s where he developed his passion for people and ministry.Florida was also where Max met his wife, Denalyn. Together, they lived first in Miami and then spent several years in Rio de Janeiro, helping plant churches. The newsletters Max wrote to family and friends while in Rio, along with the newsletters he wrote at his church in Miami, eventually formed the manuscript of his first book, On the Anvil.Max and Denalyn now live in San Antonio, Texas. They have three grown daughters, three sons-in-law, and four grandchildren.
This was a good read for me as I face my own struggles. I lose hope sometimes because everything isn't going right, and I feel like everything is failing before my eyes. I was losing hope, motivation in life bit by bit, and I could only hold onto God and believe that in the midst of suffering, God promises that He will carry me through.
I hope you get a chance to read this book, and if you have read this, how was it? Did it help you, too?
All along, I thought I had only spent more or less P10,000.00 for my July 21 to 24 Taiwan trip. Behold, let's reveal the accurate computation cost on this blog episode.
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I tried my best to remember some of my expenses during this trip and I just estimated some of the amount or prices. Below is the list of my expenses:
Day 0Plane Ticket (RT) - P6,077.50 ($110.50)
Hostel (2 nights & 1 day) - P1325.50 ($24.10)Bus Fare (to NAIA) - P300.00
Fruitas Smoothie - P200.00
Travel tax - P1,600.00Day 1Taiwan Fun Pass - P3,994.00Bus fare - P 300.00Food - P200.00Food - P1000.00Day 2Food souvenirs - P1300.00
Food - P400Day 3-4Food souvenirs - P200.00Express train - P210.00
Burger King meal - P378.00
Bus fare (to my hometown) - P300.00Total is P17,785.00
I also used Google Sheets to present my expenses hoping it would present clarity.
I think I went over my budget on this trip. Hopefully, next time I'll be able to spend less on my next trip.
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Please use my Trip.com and Klook code if need to purchase anything on these travel apps. I hope this information is helpful if you are planning a trip to Taiwan.
Do you think I spent a reasonable for this trip or not?
Let me know what you think.
Ximending Night Market
Last night of my trip in Taiwan, and I got to witness the night market of Ximending. There were street performers who captivated both locals and foreign tourists. I stayed for a while watching the performers from the beginning of their performance, but I wasn't able to finish recording it since the camera had lost its power. I also couldn't stay late, and I had to sleep early for my return flight the next day. I think I also bought some food souvenirs that night.
Bye Taiwan, For Now
Going to Taoyuan Airport was short, but it was I who was tired from all the touristy activities I did for the 3 days that made me feel so tired. I hopped onto an express train to the airport, I think, it cost me 105 Taiwanese dollars or 210 Philippine pesos.
I decided to have my breakfast at the airport, and the Burger King food stall caught my attention because of their Naruto meal specialty. Unfortunately, I did't get the Naruto meal, because it was a little pricey for one meal for me, it was 300 plus Taiwanese dollars, so it would cost me 600 plus Philippine pesos. Instead, I got their regular meal, probably it was 189 Taiwanese dollars or 378 Philippine pesos.
My tummy was happy and moved on to the boarding and waited for my flight.
Hello Philippines again
With less than two hours, I got back to the Philippines and it was still raining. I left raining and returned raining, just like Philippines, I guess.
It was a tiring Taiwan trip, but it was all worth it. Just like I said before, I would love to visit Taiwan again if I get the chance, hopefully for a trip and not just for a layover.
My expenses:
Food souvenirs P200.00
Express train P210.00
Burger King meal P378.00
Bus fare (to my hometown) P300.00
Total is P1088.00
I got to rest and renew my strength. It was fun sharing with you all my Taiwan trip experience.
Until next, where to? Tara!
Taiwan Blog Episode 5: Finding Yehliu Geopark and Jiufen Old Street in Taiwan
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
It's my Day 2 in Taiwan, y'all!
From Ximen, it was a two-hour ride to Tamsui, and that was a long travel time, but the good thing the view from the train car was something I enjoyed. Along with my unexpected travel buddies, Jewel and Sheila, we got to take some pictures inside the train.
We hadn't had our breakfast, so upon reaching Tamsui, the first thing we did was to check out some food stalls and convenience stores near the train station.
After the train ride, we needed to ride a bus for an hour, I think, to reach Yehli, where we could find the geopark.
The coastal view from the bus ride was superb. The sea was looking blue and divine. That long bus ride was worth it in exchange for all the sights I got to see. It was like having a bus tour of the provincial area of Taiwan.
Yehliu Geopark
There's no denying the wonders I witness at Yehliu Geopark. All the sweat, confusion, and doubt vanished when we saw the magnificent rock formations that looked like mushrooms and the vast blue sea.
We tried our best to explore the place and get the best out of the little time we had there. Photo opportunities were something that was never missed among Filipinos.
There was an area of the geopark that had souvenir stores. I got dried seafood and a ref magnet. Some of the store owners spoke Tagalog words and accepted Philippine currency either cash or via GCash.
Jiufen Old Street
It was another adventure finding our next stop, Jiufen Old Street. We were not sure what bus number we were supposed to hop on; it was all instinct and confidence in our understanding of the Tiktok travel video, which was always referenced by my travel buddies.
The Jiufen Old Street was literally a maze old street turned into a market. There were a lot of interesting stores. Food, souvenirs, a tea house, and restaurants were just a few of the shops I remember. The place had that Studio Ghibli vibe, and I liked it as a fan of their animated movies.
I made sure I got the free Taro balls as one of the complimentary items of the Fun Pass I bought via Klook app.
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Unfortunately, we didn't make it to Sheifen Falls and the Lantern festival. The travel time consumed most of our time. I had this thought, I should go back to Taiwan since I missed a lot of attractions I wanted to visit. I don't know when I would get to explore Taiwan, but I hope to visit it again.
My expenses:
Food souvenirs P1300.00
Food P400
Total is P1300.00
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