Showing posts with label books. Show all posts

Work Matters and So Are You

Tuesday, September 5, 2023

Work matters so are you. Life is work. The work itself is work. I am not just talking about the 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. work time or whatever required duration of time your company or employer wants to see on the log. It is more than an employee-employer contract work kind of thing.

Work is a gift from God. It is a blessing. When I was a student, I used to look at work as a resource which is really the entirety of its value in the human economy. Once I have work I can buy, I can do what I want.

Then, I graduated from a state university with a degree, they say it is a ticket to a better job and good life. I got hired and the salary was getting us by. I was grateful I had that job but I kept on searching for a stable job where I could get a better paycheck.

Three years after graduating from college, I did get a stable job with a decent paycheck. I was happy for myself and my family. I dream of the best life for my parents and sister. I want the best for them, and for myself, life has to offer.

During my first few years in my stable job with a decent paycheck, the dream job started to be a burden. At some point, I felt ungrateful. The work became a cross I had to carry like it was some sort of punishment, and I did not like what I felt about my work. The joy of doing it got lost along the way. The passion and dreams I once had for my work were nowhere to be found during the first five years in my job.

The purpose of the job was a source of money so we could buy our basic needs. A resource to get us by in our everyday needs. I was able to get what I wanted, oh yes I did. After getting my wants, I was happy, but it was only temporary. It never lasted and my wants were never satisfied.

We were just surviving and we were barely living.

I wanted to find the joy and spark in my work. I did not want to go on doing what I did feeling it was a burden I completely wanted to put off my shoulder. I wanted to carry the burden with joy and hope that even though things got hard everything would be alright at the end of the day. I sought that joy and spark in my work.

There was something lacking in my work, that was why I was not satisfied or seeing the value of my work. Do you have any guesses as to where I found it?

I found it in God. Cliche as it sounds or superficial as it is, I cannot deny that reality in my life. He made my life brand new. He refreshes my soul as I get to know Him more and more. I have found not only the joy and spark but also the purpose of my life, and why I do what I do.

Ahead is not an easy road. Unpredictable things may happen along the way, and work might feel like a burden big time. I can only pray and hope for you and me that get to see the worth and value of our work through God's perspective. That our work is part of His good plan in our lives.

Work can get hard and annoying sometimes, and this book I just read entitled, Work Matters, serves as one of the many reminders, I get from God that I even brought it here in my new workplace. I would also like to remind you that more than work God cares for your first, your well-being. He wants to be purposeful, joyful, and hopeful with the work He assigns to us.

Our God-given work matters and so you are, first and foremost. Whenever you feel tired and drained from your job, come to Him and you will find rest.

Love Scars, Love Heals

Wednesday, February 1, 2023

January has ended yesterday and February has started today which signals the beginning of love month on the face of the planet earth. How about in some other part of universe? Do they also celebrate love month just like earthlings do? I wonder. I really do.

I hope we are happy with the festivity as others celebrate it with their partner, husband or wife, boyfriend or girlfriend, while you and I bury ourselves in singleness. Or you better join an going book giveaway on my blog this love month which is one of the best things you can do in your singularity. I am giving away copies of my book The Guy with a Tatt on His Leg. You may join the contest by earning raffle entries on the installed Rafflecopter giveaway below. Join now to get a chance of winning free copies of my book and have a glimpse of Lius and Cristina's love story.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I wrote the story last 2017 as part of an online writing class. Those were the days I could write a short novel in just months. I kind of missed those days I overflowed with ideas, feelings, and uncontrolablle emotions to the point that my only outlet was writing them out. But on second thought, I love how I am right now and what I have become, I am more grounded and at peace with who I am. I am more loving and accepting towards myself, unlike before. I used to self-blame, self-pity, self here and self there, all about myself, my pain, my sorrow. All me. All by myself. I drowned with negative thoughts and the worst feeling of not being enough, of being unworthy right to the core, while pretending that I got it all together.

I wanted to replace those negativity through pursuing romantic love with the opposite sex. I so wanted to fill in the void that nearly ate me up, that emptiness that slowly but surely almost brought me to the end of my journey. I wanted someone to complete me. I tried to find my worth from others. I was desparate, not far from being miserable.

Then, someone came.

Good news!

The nightmare stopped.

He completes me.

Through Him, I am worthy.

Because of Him, I am joyful in good and bad times.

By His grace, I am grounded and at peace with the process and the direction I am heading on.

I may be scarred, but now I am healed, freed from the strongholds and shackles of the past. Love scars, but love beyond any doubt heals. All glory to God who heals broken hearts.

Happy hearts' month!

Book Giveaway: The Guy with a Tatt on His Leg

Sunday, January 29, 2023

Book giveaway!

It has been a while since I had a giveaway on my blog. I decided to be generous this year 2023. The first book to be giveaway is a book by moi entitled The Guy with a Tatt on His Leg. It is a portion of the story about Cristina and Lius. Below is a blurb of the story to give you a perspective of what to expect from the book.

Cristina always believes that love will find its way to her. But being a teacher who has never been in a romantic relationship instigates panic among her closest family and friends reminding her to get a boyfriend the soonest. Despite the pressure and annoyance, she keeps cool about it, believing that the right guy will come. What she really wants to do right now is to visit all the beautiful beaches one at a time and start an adventure.

That’s what she says so.

When she meets a shirtless hot guy with tattoos, it brings fire to her inexperienced heart. She’s not into bad boy looking type of guys but somehow his tattoos and his long, silky black hair bring second thoughts and shake the standards she sets for herself.

Tattoo artist Lius Gevarra, finally grants himself a Sabbatical leave after years of hard work in establishing his own brand of tattooing. Entrusting his shops to his friends-slash-business partners, he embarks in a journey, and Cagbalete island as his first stop is a feast for the eye as he spends peaceful time at the shore except for the woman who rants non-stop at him for such a petty reason—and what’s the best way to shut the mouth of an untamed woman?

...kiss her, kiss her until she can no longer utter a word.

Here are the mechanics of the giveaway:

Rafflecopter Giveaway Link accepts entries starting on January 30, 2023 (12:00AM), and ends on February 28, 2023 (12:00AM).
Prizes are one (1) printed copy for the PH winner and one (1) e-book copy for a winner abroad.
The ages of the participants should be eighteen (18) and above since the book contains explicit scenes.
The announcement of winners is on March 4, 2023. Please visit my blog and other social media handles on that day to know if you are one of the winners.
Winners will be contacted with utmost effort and in any way that I can. Prizes can be claimed until December 31, 2023, 11:59PM.

BOOK LINK

More entries, more chances of winning!

How to earn entries on the Rafflecopter giveaway?

Visit and like my Facebook page.
Follow my Twitter and Instagram handles.
Leave a comment on this post.
Subscribe to my Youtube channel.

You can earn up to twenty-five (25) raffle entries. Make sure you are logged in first on the Rafflecopter Giveaway installed at the bottom of this post so your entries are credited to your account. You may use your Facebook or e-mail to log in.

Let the giveaway begin!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

New Book Alert: Undeserved Grace by Moi

Wednesday, January 25, 2023

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

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

Wednesday, December 28, 2022

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).

Be Stunning Inside Out

Monday, May 30, 2022

You’re Beautiful But You Can Be Stunning Inside and Out by Malu Tiongson-Ortiz is the last book I read two months ago. I tried finishing other books, but I haven't even a single one from five of the books I started reading.

As the title of the book says, it is about beauty and not just the physical beauty it has accounts of the holistic approach when it comes to beauty, inside and out.

Some say beauty is in the eye of the beholder. But what exactly does it mean? Some say it means that beauty depends on the eyes of the person who sees it. Does it really?

Oxford Languages, an online dictionary, defines the famous proverb "beauty is in the eye of the beholder" as beauty that cannot be judged objectively, for what one person finds beautiful or admirable may not appeal to another.

Shamcey Supsup-Lee said beauty is not definite, we define it. She has a point, and what can we expect from a beauty queen like her. Ms. Supsup-Lee previously competed in Miss Universe 2011, finishing third runner-up. Sure, she knows. Yes, she knows.

But the question is, does beauty equate to self-worth? Yes. No. And sometimes I don't even know. We are influenced by many factors and ideals in life that may affect how we view beauty and self-worth, and sometimes it can be a difficult task to even identify and express their true meaning.

Malu Tiongson-Ortiz mentioned in her book that self-worth is not based on looks which always becomes the basis of beauty, accomplishments, or possessions. Instead, self-worth is based on God’s love for us, according to God’s design and original plan for us.

Having a relationship with God directs us to the right track and sight of how we view beauty and self-worth. And as we grow more in Christ, our identity progressively leans and depends on what He did for us on the cross. He has paid the highest price, and that alone is the proof that we are worth more than any gold, wealth, or riches in this world. We live in a passing world where everything is fleeting and temporary. Our looks, accomplishments, and possessions are anything but passing. We are bound to lose all of the materials we thought of high importance in this lifetime.

Another question is, have you ever asked yourselves what makes us ugly or beautiful? The book You’re Beautiful But You Can Be Stunning Inside and Out gives us lists of what makes us ugly or beautiful, and you might wonder which list is longer.

What makes us ugly?

29 They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, 30 slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; 31 they have no understanding, no fidelity, no love, no mercy.
Romans 1:29-31

The list is a bit long, so we have to be aware of them. We don't want a rotten core filled with wickedness, evil, greed, and depravity.

1. Envy, Jealousy
2. Self-centeredness
3. Malice
4. Gossip
5. Slander
6. Pride and Arrogance
7. Vanity
8. Materialism
9. Sharp Speech
10. Nagging
11. Judging
12. Bitterness, Unforgiveness
13. Quick to Anger
14. Neediness
15. Stinginess
16. Domineering, Control, Manipulation
17. Disrespect Towards One’s Husband
18. Bossiness
19. Egotism
20. Hypocrisy

What makes us beautiful?

3 Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. 4 Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.
1 Peter 3:3-4

We only need the fruit of the Spirit to make us beautiful and stunning inside and out.

1. Love
2. Joy
3. Peace
4. Patience
5. Kindness, Gentleness, Goodness
6. Faithfulness
7. Sel-control

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23

You are beautiful, girl, but you can be stunning inside and out!

How to be a Good Money Maker?

Saturday, February 19, 2022

I once read in a literary piece, which I can't even remember the title or story, that money is the root of all evil and I used to agree and support this notion, that it was a fact. People fight because of money. A person gets killed because of money. There is hunger and poverty because of money. Etc. etc. etc. All these bad and sad things happen because of this thing or tool called MONEY.

But now there is a shift in how I perceive money. Money is good. But it is love for money that tends to invite the evil and filth of the world into our lives.

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
Timothy 6:10

I read this little book written by Ed Lapiz entitled Keep Making Money. It gives Biblical advice and tips in the aspect of finance. It greatly affirms the goodness of money if earn and spend righteously as prescribed by the Scriptures, specifically from the book of Proverbs, chapter 31.

The book contains two parts: The Profile of a Good Money Maker and The Lifestyle of a Good Money Maker. The author, Ed Lapiz, listed down the qualities of a good money maker in the book.

Lapiz gives us 12 qualities that should be apparent and included in the Profile of a Good Money Maker, and they are enumerated as follow:

A good money maker works with her own hands.
A good money maker produces what she needs.
A good money maker produces surplus goods to sell.
A good money maker knows what and when to buy.
A good money maker trades.
A good money maker works hard.
A good money maker is positive.
A good money maker speaks sensibly.
A good money maker gives to people.
A good money maker gives to and pays the deserving.
A good money maker lets her workers rest.
A good money maker gives to God.

These qualities struck me the most from this book. They are both practical and definitely spiritual. There is such thing as God's economy and it works very differently in the world's economy we are involuntarily or voluntarily has been living and immersing with since immemorial time. Never have I thought that earning and spending or giving and receiving money can be a spiritual endeavor of any human being, if not for God's provision of wisdom in my journey in this world.

We must have the right perspective about money. Sometimes money isn't just cash or coins we all have in our pockets or wallets, it could be our talents, skills, or services we can offer. As Lapiz mentioned in the book "money" can be anything or currency you could give to people in exchange for what they give you or what they do for you.

Lapiz also commented on the lifestyle of a good money maker. It is a lifestyle having a house that will contain great treasure, may it be literally or figuratively, and a comfortable, secure and cheerful life. Indeed, making money has never been this good and spiritually satisfying.

Furthermore, this book leads me to these questions:

Am I a good money maker?
Is it evident in my lifestyle?
Do I possess the qualities in the profile of a good money maker?

Sometimes, if not always, we have to examine ourselves if we already succumb to our sinful love affair with money. We have to keep in heart, soul, and mind that love for money will keep us away from Him, and that is something we never ever want to happen.

Why Jesus, And Why Not?!!

Wednesday, January 26, 2022

I believe in God, that truth that He sent Jesus His only son to save us from death and eternal damnation. But that knowledge alone didn't help me fully understand the gravity of this massive demonstration of love (John 3:16). I couldn't fully appreciate the role of Jesus in this war against the evil forces in the spiritual realm. This might sound superficial and crazy but this battle could not be any more real than it is. I was at bay and didn't want to be considered by others as a fanatic and too proud to approach a God I never got to know up close and personal. I was doing fine and sourcing my strength and power to continue living from the negative emotions and feelings I harbored as I grew up.

I thought the path I headed was "okay" since everyone seemed to be going in that direction. They just go with the flow of the rotten system. It doesn't matter if something is wrong, it doesn't matter if they talk about people behind their back, it doesn't matter if they say hurtful and insulting words as long they have the fun and pleasure of it, it doesn't matter if they step on others just to enhance their own image and a lot more things that I thought and was foolishly convinced that doesn't really matter.

My resistance didn't take long and eventually went with the flow. I thought it would be easier if I do what others do, but it only gave me a hard time. I kept on rejecting the system no matter how much I tried to embrace it. I had a hard time and was left conflicted, lost to who I am and how should I really deal with the world.

Lost, I was in need of direction, like a compass that would tell me where to go or what to do. All my plans for my career, dreams, family, my life as a whole were for naught. Everything was in vain as I recognized the dirt inside me that almost ate me up alive, swallow me whole and spit me in the deepest and darkest pit of hell. I was drowning. I was alive but barely breathing. I was in dire need of salvation from my sin and worst from myself. I was like a ticking bomb ready and wanting to explode in a split second. Self-destruction was just around the corner. Everything didn't make sense. I wanted to see the end of my worthless, shameful, and sinful life.

So here comes the question: why Jesus? Does he have anything to do with my life or with your life? Just who really is He? What's the big deal about Him? Maybe, these are just some of the questions you have in mind. Or if you already received the answers, praise God if that is the case. But if you are still searching and seeking the answers to these questions, then these are just some answers you might need right now. The book Why Jesus? tells us the need to have Jesus in our lives. The author Nicky Gumbel enumerates three reasons why Him, why Jesus:

He satisfies our hunger for meaning and purpose in life
He satisfies our hunger for life beyond death
He satisfies our hunger for forgiveness

So again why Jesus for me, and for you too...

BECAUSE He gave me an opportunity to make a restart (2 Corinthians 5:17). He died on the cross and took all the guilt and shame (Romans 5:8). He defeated death so we can have eternity with and through Him (2 Timothy 1:10). And more wisdom and encounter to bless you and me as we journey and develop that personal and intimate relationship with Him... <3

And why not really? What better reasons do you have for you not to put your faith in Him? Nada.

Of Myths and Men by Catherine Dellosa

Friday, January 21, 2022

What if myths were real? A small-town gamer girl discovers friendly mythological creatures among humans and embarks on a quest to save the world.

Here's another new book about myths by a Filipino author we can all look forward to. It is published under Penguin Random House and here's a little teaser for you all before its official release.

Of Myths And Men

By: Catherine Dellosa

Genre: YA fantasy

Tropes/Keywords: Vampires, Mythological Creatures, Gamer Geek, Save The World

Blurb:

Eighteen-year-old Ava has saved the world 152 times—ever since she got her hands on her first console. It's all fun and games, but after a mysterious encounter with not-a-vampire Brad, she discovers that the mythological creatures she’s only ever seen in video games are actually totally real. Brad reveals they’re alien refugees living among humans—bonus points because Ava finds the guy really, really cute.

As she's suddenly thrust into a quest with a surfer wendigo, a friendly manananggal, a telepathic nine-tailed fox, a Sudoku-loving centaur, and a huggable Bigfoot, Ava embarks on an actual mission to fend off an alien invasion—and she soon realizes that this time, she just might need to save the world for real.

Where's a save point when you need one?

Release dates:

SINGAPORE - FEBRUARY 8, 2022

Penguin Random House SEA - https://penguin.sg/book/of-myths-and-men/
Kinokuniya Singapore - https://singapore.kinokuniya.com/bw/9789814954297

MALAYSIA - FEBRUARY 20, 2022

PHILIPPINES - MARCH 15, 2022

AUSTRALIA - JUNE 15, 2022

Penguin Random House Australia - https://www.penguin.com.au/books/of-myths-and-men-9789814954297
Amazon Australia - https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/9814954292?_encoding=UTF8&tag=prhau08-22
Booktopia - https://www.booktopia.com.au/of-myths-and-men-catherine-dellosa/book/9789814954297.html
Kinokuniya Australia - https://australia.kinokuniya.com/bw/9789814954297
Abbey's - https://www.abbeys.com.au/book/of-myths-and-men-9789814954297.do
Angus & Robertson - https://www.angusrobertson.com.au/books/of-myths-and-men-catherine-dellosa/p/9789814954297
Fishpond Australia - https://www.fishpond.com.au/Books/Of-Myths-And-men-Catherine-Dellosa/9789814954297

NEW ZEALAND - JUNE 15, 2022

Penguin Random House New Zealand - https://www.penguin.co.nz/books/of-myths-and-men-9789814954297
Mighty Ape - https://www.mightyape.co.nz/product/of-myths-and-men/35601770
Fishpond New Zealand - https://www.fishpond.co.nz/Books/Of-Myths-And-men-Catherine-Dellosa/9789814954297

US, UK, CANADA - PRE-ORDER LINKS COMING SOON

Author bio:

Catherine Dellosa Lo plays video games for a living, reads comics for inspiration, and writes fiction because she’s in love with words. She lives in Manila, Philippines with her husband, whose ideas fuel the fire in her writing. She has penned The Bookshop Back Home and Raya and Grayson’s Guide to Saving the World as part of #romanceclass, a community of Filipino authors who’re equally in love with words too.

While she’s never had to befriend Bigfoot in real life, she swears that Jimmy is based on an actual person. She one day hopes to soar the skies as a superhero, but for now, she strongly believes in saving lives through her works in fiction. Check out her books at bit.ly/catherinedellosabooks, or follow her on FB/IG/Twitter at @thenoobwife.

Contact info (available for interviews, video chats, readings, features, what-have-yous):

Name: Catherine Dellosa

Email: catherinedellosabooks@gmail.com

Website: bit.ly/catherinedellosabooks

Amazon: amazon.com/author/thenoobwife.catherinedellosa

Twitter: https://twitter.com/thenoobwife

Instagram: https://instagram.com/thenoobwife

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNoobWife/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/TheNoobWife

#ofmythsandmen #teambrad #teamconnor

TSIAS: A Young Adult Book For A Not-So-Young Adult

Tuesday, January 11, 2022

The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.
Proverbs 16:9

Everything happens for a reason. There's no doubt there is, always. No single event in this universe exists wholly for itself, everything is related and interconnected. You and I, she and he, they and them, we all are, just like Daniel Bae and Natasha Kingsley. It may sound superficial, but it is the truth. You know it is, and you don't have to deny it.

My first book in 2022, tanan, The Sun Is Also A Star by Nicola Yoon, is a young adult book for a not-so-young adult like me. haha

Yoon's book is dreamy, yet ironically realistic. The drama and comedy of life are vivid in this short-lived love story between Daniel and Natasha. Fate brought them together and soon enough they got separated in a one-day time. A fast-paced love rendezvous from morning 'til nighttime of two youngsters who have opposing beliefs about love.

The alternate point of view of the male and female leads in the book brings equilibrium to the whole concept of the story. It balances the opposing ideas incorporated in the story. Life is a comedy and a tragedy. Love is superficial and scientific. Human existence can be good and bad. But it is the whole experience of living the life where we can get the most of it. That despite the pain, there can still be joy.

We only have a dainty span here on earth and the best we can do is to live it with a purpose. Have you found your purpose in this confusing world? I pray that you already did, if not yet, let's continue to pray about it. Let's go!

The pacing is divine. The timing is perfect. The book is superb. A good book to start the year right!

Mahal Mo Siya. Mahal Ka Ba? 'Di Bale Na Because His Love Endureth Forever

Thursday, December 30, 2021

Mahal ka ba?

I don't even understand the question. Please translate it. haha

Kidding aside, this is my second book from the king of hugot, Marcelo Santos III, and my last read this year 2021.

The content of the book felt irrelevant to me as I read it. I wonder why I felt detached from the ideas written on some of the pages. I thought I might be bitter and not so in love like the ones who could definitely relate to the content of the book. That must be one of the many reasons I can't relate at the moment.

Manhid na ba ako? I asked myself, maybe that's another reason I couldn't empathize or even sympathize with the author's point of view. I am afraid my heart is becoming calloused when it comes to romantic love which I haven't formally and officially experienced. Kay God na lang ako kinikilig, I thought sometimes.

I don't want to demean the purpose of this book, some readers can and will definitely feel the message of this book just how it is supposed to be. It's just that right now I can't feel anything from it as if there's no spark or connection between me and the book.

Nevertheless, I certainly learned a thing or two. One thing that struck me the most is that God must and should be the center of a relationship and I must add that it should be applied to any kind of relationship, be it romantically or whatnot. He should be! And that's irrevocable!

I would also like to mention that the layout and the quality of the physical book are superb. Glossy paper all throughout with some colorful pages of calligraphy! It is aesthetically pleasing.

Another thing is I love the part where the author asked his friends and acquaintances about the meaning of forever. One of them is KZ Tandingan, a singer here in the Philippines, who answered "His love endures forever". Her answer reminded me of the extent of forever, which is not and never based on human standards. Eternity is God's, His mercy and love endure forever.

Psalm 136
1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.
His love endures forever.
2 Give thanks to the God of gods.
His love endures forever.
3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords:
His love endures forever.

4 to him who alone does great wonders,
His love endures forever.
5 who by his understanding made the heavens,
His love endures forever.
6 who spread out the earth upon the waters,
His love endures forever.
7 who made the great lights—
His love endures forever.
8 the sun to govern the day,
His love endures forever.
9 the moon and stars to govern the night;
His love endures forever.

10 to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt
His love endures forever.
11 and brought Israel out from among them
His love endures forever.
12 with a mighty hand and outstretched arm;
His love endures forever.

13 to him who divided the Red Sea asunder
His love endures forever.
14 and brought Israel through the midst of it,
His love endures forever.
15 but swept Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea;
His love endures forever.

16 to him who led his people through the wilderness;
His love endures forever.

17 to him who struck down great kings,
His love endures forever.
18 and killed mighty kings—
His love endures forever.
19 Sihon king of the Amorites
His love endures forever.
20 and Og king of Bashan—
His love endures forever.
21 and gave their land as an inheritance,
His love endures forever.
22 an inheritance to his servant Israel.
His love endures forever.

23 He remembered us in our low estate
His love endures forever.
24 and freed us from our enemies.
His love endures forever.
25 He gives food to every creature.
His love endures forever.

26 Give thanks to the God of heaven.
His love endures forever.

Singleness is not a curse

Saturday, December 4, 2021

The Iwas Sawi Project is a collaboration of Marcelo Santos III and Rhadson Mendoza. It is my first book from Santos and probably the second book from Mendoza. Written in Taglish, the book caters to the interest of young people, adolescents, or teenagers, and maybe also to everyone who loved and was loved.

It contains tips and account of their personal experiences about heartbreaks, specifically in the area of romantic relationship. Some of the contents reminded me of the encounter I had with a guy online. It was an unpleasant experience in general. I thought it was all bliss but I was heading in the wrong direction. I was led and willingly complied with whatever happened in the conversation between us. I even wrote poems about him. I am regretting it a little as days pass by after that encounter. I thought I would definitely have pleasant memories about him or the experience, but no, it wasn't.

I was blinded by my selfish desire and almost trudged on the path of no return. Almost. Just almost. I was happy, but whenever I look back on the memories all I can sense is a dark cloud that covered me from the light. Like I got almost separated from the light of the lamp which serves as the navigator of my life. I almost got lost again.

But I will always be grateful for the light, to the only true light.

The lies and deception of a person even in a virtual setup do not minimize the gravity of its negative impact on the person being lied to or even to the liar himself. It will have its consequences one way or another. It will come after you and no one can stop it. Forgiveness is the only way to move forward while trusting the process.

I learn to forgive myself and others from the One who forgave and redeemed me from everything that dragged me down.

And now, I am still single at the age of 31 and I am loving it. I am more joyful about the fact that I am single and that can never be rooted alone in my own effort, rather there is great satisfaction coming from the One who can only fill the void inside me. I never thought I could ever be this joyful in this season of my life even if everything isn't perfect or the way I wanted it before because in the first place nothing is ever perfect in this world we live in.

Despite the imperfection, I am blessed.

Singleness or being single is not a curse, it is never a curse. It is a blessing we all experienced in a season of our lives and for some in the entirety of their lives. A blessing!

So if you are the type who is not in a relationship right now, has never been in a relationship, or just do not have the intention to be in a relationship romantically, it is totally fine. No judgment! Do your thing, whatever is within your control.

I remember Paul's story and his take on singleness, which I just read a few days ago in the book of 1 Corinthians 7:25-40. I believe it was a reminder from God that singleness is also a blessing because He knows exactly what I was going through the past months and it felt reassuring like there is peace in my heart and mind.

There is a purpose in our singleness and that alone can bring trust and faith from the One who made us wonderfully. The frustration is fading away and I am enjoying the process more so I am trusting the process because I know that there is someone greater than me who is in control of everything. Forever grateful to Him!

I hope and pray that you get to see your purpose in times of uncertainty because there is also someone who is always certain and will never ever change. He loves and did everything to take you back to Him, and be assured that He still working on you just like what He is doing on me. Focus on Him, you'll never be lost. You will always be found, always.

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