As a family, we are, by faith, on the verge of breakthrough out of a critical season in our lives. We were never been the same since we found out exactly a year ago in June that dad has a life-threatening disease, the big C and the rare one, called atypical lung carcinoid. He was a non-smoker. For a year, it had been 3 phases of tough, physically weakening treatments, and costly treatments. However, we’ve seen God’s hand move mightily through the people, new acquaintances, long-time friends and relatives who prayed, gave, visited, and  assisted us through logistical matters. Dad depended on God. He thanked God through all this time. He actually thought more about us his family, than himself. My dad is a true worshiper, in both happy times and trying times. I’ve always admired his faith in God and his commitment to serve him.

Dad paved the way for my encounter with Jesus. I was 10 years old when he explained to me the Gospel. He brought me to church. He financed my youth camps and Christian books over my Nancy Drew books and other things I wanted then. He taught me the Bible. He never gave a practical advice without mentioning God and Bible. He just knows that the best thing he could ever  impart to me is the Word of God. As I’ve said on his 25th wedding, his greatest legacy to us his children is him, modeling Christ-likeness.

I’ve heard somewhere that the best gift a father could give his children is to love their mother. Dad is all that. He loves my mother deeply. He modeled Christ-centered marriage. My mother is truly dedicated to be by his side, proven at the time when dad is sick.

Daddy is one of the greatest gift God gave me and dad’s greatest gift to me is leading me to Jesus. I’m proud to say I’m a daddy’s girl, although some people tagged me with that as they laughed, I wonder why haha!. It’s a great blessing from the Lord to be a daddy’s girl.

Happy Father’s Day Daddy!!!

I love you and Happy Mother’s Day!

I’m forever grateful to the Lord for choosing you to be my mom. He knows just who I need.

You are such a model mom. You’ve raised the 3 of us well (hehe, too assuming ba?). You love us so much.  God has given you a gift of serving others. It’s just your love language. I thank you for always wanting what is best for us and for being so involved in our successes and even in our failures. You are always proud of us though, as for me, I think some of my achievements aren’t a big deal, but for you we are always the best! Because of this, you fill my life with encouragements. When nobody else believes, you are there.

Thanks for always personally praying for us. It’s just an overwhelming expression of your love and care.

Also, you are a model wife. Your undying and self-sacrificial commitment to daddy especially in this crucial stage of his life is something really admiring. I am proud of you!

Enjoy your day! I’m sure someone will treat us out hehe to celebrate your day. You deserve to be treated like a queen.

Thank you for your patience and the lavishness of your love. You’re one of the reason why there’s never a day I felt uncared for. I love you mommy!

Arianne

Today is her 30ish birthday (I’m sorry to give a clue about your age)! However, she never looked like 30 something. What’s her beauty secret?

For those who read this and wonders who she is, it’s just right I tell you a bit about her. She is the beloved wife of a youth pastor, Tyrone Lacerna and a doting mother to the adorable Psalm. Weng is a Davao City native who is now based in Tagum City of Davao Del Norte for church planting. Ate Weng is my Life Group leader for almost 2 years when I worked in Davao. She is a wide-eyed, morena beauty with a bubbly, strong personality and a noticeably leader-ly stature. When I first met her, my word tag on her was SIMPLE. I guess that first “word” impression on her lasted as I’ve observed her to be really good at making the complicated, simple. That ability is so consistent with her top 1 Strenghtsfinder 2.0 theme result, Restorative. Well, talking about our themes has been one of our past times as a peer group in Davao.

Simple as an adjective on her is an understatement because Ate Weng is actually an extraordinary woman. My over-used expression when I react to her is “kakaiba ka talaga.” There are a lot of things she could do that are like rocket science to me, such as her ability to communicate truth to people, her boldness to do what she believes is right, her budgeting skills, how she touches person’s lives with her words and attention, how she creates designs and stuff with balloons, flowers and etc., how she pulls off a great party, and surely, many more.

To me, without a shadow of a doubt, Weng is SIMPLY the best leader-friend God positioned at a crucial time in my life. She has contributed in a significant way to make my appointed independent expat life less complicated, bearable, almost able to pass it with flying colors, memorable and fun. She opened her home for me. (Now my eyes are getting wet, as you’ve dreamed hehe) I was like Psalm’s older sister. I’ve often listed her as my guardian in some application forms where it had to be filled up. She helped me find the “barkada” I could never have. She helped me be wiser with the most impactful small group series on “The Best Question Ever” and with just how she helped me process the “reality bites” moments I’ve had.

For Ate Weng, I love you. I thank God we have different point of views and themes (hehe). No one could replace your spot in my life.

Now, I really wanna write this blog because not writing it is somehow sending a message that nothing significant or worth talking about happened this year, which is not true at all. This year was shocking, if you’d know my story in detail, but I’ve smiled and laughed more this year than ever. His ways are perfect. I thank him for this Top 10 great experiences he has blessed me with.

Let me list my own Top 10 in 2010:

10. My friends in Davao- I feel like I was spoiled in Davao, with the beauty and the adventure that this place offers, and with many loving friends. I was more of a loner when I was younger and had a share of friendships that lost in touch. God gave me a  lot of barkadas in Davao. We go to the beach, food trip, chat in coffee shops and houses for hours. My friends in Davao were really my foster family. When I left Davao for good, we were exchanging “I miss yous” up to the 4th month. I will always miss Davao and all my friends there.

9. I was a bridesmaid in Davao- This shows that God answers even our seem to be less spoken prayers. This was on my list probably a year ago. I was taking note of a lot of firsts in Davao. Then I got a text that I was being invited to be a bridesmaid of Angeli Alagcan, now Swinamer. Moreover, their love story was unique at its best and definitely a God-orchestrated one. It was also an orderly and elegant wedding. I missed helping out in weddings, then I helped out here.

8. I had a prayer meeting in Davao- Haha! That’s really a joke. I attended my last prayer meeting in Davao (at least for this year hehe). I was so blessed when Ate Weng got Pastor Alvin Supan’s approval to send me off with prayers. About 7 full-time ministers prayed and prophesied for me! I added about 20 minutes more to the program. I’ve never felt so special and blessed. Some of the prayers are being answered. Still wondering about the 3 doors opening. Hmmm.. 2 of them seems to have opened…

7. One of which is, I was blessed with a mentor and a new Victory group- This was just amazing! I thank God for Ms. Rica Monzon. She’s such an amazing mentor. She’s a woman of gentle and quiet spirit. She points us to God at all times. I also got new friends in my Victory group. They’re just women blooming as they walk with God. Most of them have Psychology degrees, my dream course then. I’m learning a lot from them and they got a gift with encouraging people. Also I feel so at home in Victory Greenhills. This is the place to be for me.

6. I returned to my hometown, Manila- Davao is one season, but Manila is my home. There’s no place like home. I’m back with my family. I’m in a land of endless opportunity and the city that never sleeps.

5. Since I moved back, I’ve transferred to the head office. Well, here goes, be careful what you wish for because you might just get it. I wished to make financial statements and now I do. Also I love my workplace because people on the top create a united family atmosphere. Am I not made for that? Another is, God knew I was coming that he has sent people who would be peers. They came a month before I settled. Christmas Party of CGC was of course the highlight of my recent work life.

4. I flew 18 times on a jet plane. I thought I wasn’t gonna fly out of the country because were suppose to save as a family for a trip to a farther country, like South Korea. However, unexpected things happened. I flew in and out of Hong Kong and Singapore. I even had a taste of living an expat life by living in Hong Kong. It wasn’t all vacation but cultural immersion is some blessing. Well some of these 18 flights are of domestic, as I went back and  forth Davao and Manila. Call it a taste of my future life… a jetsetter.

3. made 1- Victory Greenhills had a challenge for every upcoming leader to Make 1. Have someone to 121, go through Victory Weekend with and so on. Since it’s hard to make schedules for me, I thought I wouldn’t be able to comply with that. But actually, it’s rather I was GIVEN 1 than I made 1. I’m so proud of my friend Hazel for choosing to follow Jesus and live for him all the way. She’s indeed an unexpected blessing. Also before I left Davao, I’ve met Ana, who is the exact kind of friend I’ve prayed for. Thank God for that season’s privilege to speak to her life.

2.Dad- It re-arranged my life when I found out Dad is sick. I didn’t plan on leaving Davao that soon. I didn’t push through with MBA studies in Ateneo De Davao. I went back because I want to be there for my family. It wasn’t easy for all of us. But seeing numerous visitors weekly and having to juggle a lot of suggestions for cure from countless friends gives us strength and warms our hearts. Also, dad has been responding to the treatment after 1 treatment set failure. Our path to ultimate healing continues. Well this is my another open door, a treatment success so far.

1. Jesus- just like in Every Nation’s Year-End Report Top 10. Well but for me, Jesus tops every Best of best list I make. If there’s anyone whoever admired my strength, faith and anything else, only Jesus could give me such which don’t come naturally to me. He gives me purpose, he’s my identity, my restorer and always on my side. I could only imagine a life without Him.

At this time of family crisis, I’ve been witnessing things I thought could only happen in dramatic movies. Family members shed tears out of their concern and love. People serving, researching, wanting to get updated, praying fervently and giving out their resources. It’s so overwhelming and touching that gives me enough inspiration and motivation to pay forward.

My family is not just my immediate family, but part of that are all my relatives, churchmates, friends, colleagues, the doctors, nurses, and bank officers who have helped us.

Hence, this is Psalm 133:1-3 in action:

¹ How good and pleasant it is
when brothers live together in unity!

² It is like precious oil poured on the head,
running down on the beard,
running down on Aaron’s beard,
down upon the collar of his robes.

³ It is as if the dew of Hermon
were falling on Mount Zion.
For there the LORD bestows his blessing,
even life forevermore.

It’s just amazing how God is glorified with such love and unity in such a time as this.

It’s timely to boast about this great gift I was bestowed with from birth. Hear from the thoughts of a DADDY’S LITTLE GIRL forever.

I would have never known who Jesus really is if it weren’t for Him. An example of living by faith in Jesus and being passionate for the Great Commission is the greatest gift my Dad has ever given me, besides of a lot of affection, encouragements and tangible provisions he wholeheartedly gives. My dad is one of the Godliest and Christ-centered person I’ve ever known. He may not be a pastor (yet, probably) but having him around makes me feel like I have a personal pastor. That’s how matured he is in his walk with God.

He is also the humblest man I’ve ever known. That coveted character trait in Him can be simply further explained this way- He is just so secured in God’s being in control of His life and His plans. He’d always teach me the humble way with the full confidence that God would work mightily on one’s behalf.

Dad also has the qualities of an ideal husband. My mom is his most beloved. He makes sure he meets her needs first before ours. That might not be a popular concept, but that secures me and my siblings. The Bible says love your wives as you love yourself. He lives up to that. Their marriage of 27 years is a great love story. I would never forget his vow to my mom on their 25th wedding anniversary, that he’d want to give her his love and devotion for another 25 years more! That’s why, ladies we should choose nothing less of a God-loving man.:)

At times, my dad would tell singles, “It’s better to be a single because you wouldn’t have to experience the hardships of marriage and family.” Whenever I hear that from him, I think he discredits that statement of his. I’m fully-convinced to react: “The joy and blessings that come with your marriage and your parenting shows me is worth all the inconveniences and sacrifices!”

With my dad, we never know what favoritism looks or feels like. My dad is humble enough to know his limitations that he chooses to entrust us to God in prayer. He’s the dad I can call on anytime. He’d take time to listen about, as simple as  my mumblings about the traffic building up in this side of the country to heart-heart talks. He wants the best for us at all times and for all things.

Our God the Father is so loving, so good and so faithful. It’s an internal conviction so true, that my dad’s example has taken part to cement. I love you Daddy! Your Father in Heaven is even prouder for you!

Our life group (a.k.a. small group) is something I look forward to on Wednesdays. Everybody wants a place to belong and anyway, God didn’t create us to live life alone. I’m so glad I found my home with them.

We rejoice with each other’s triumphs and empathize and pray with each other’s through our trials. It’s amazing how we all feel free to pour out our hearts to one another sans pretensions.

This life group is led by Ate Weng Lacerna, a pastor’s wife whose heart is to make a difference among single women. She is indeed excellent at building quality relationships with people of all walks of life.

We are composed of:

1. Geli- the blushing bride and new attorney

2. Ems- the versatile girl-next-door and the angelic-voiced worship leader

3. Joy- the gentle and of course, soft-spoken beauty

4. Tina- the most-high tech among us

5. Eden- the always awed

6. Ana- cute, confident and sweet

7. Suey- a potential CEO

8. Ervie- woman of few words, but is actually interesting

9. Leizel- courageous, confident and the life of the party

10. Arianne- I’m writing this blog…

11, 12, 13, 14 and so on.. there’s room for more

⁶ in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight. ^[a]

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)

That’s a classic verse up there which has been quoted a lot of times by preachers, counselors and any other person, even those who take Christianity quite casually. However, the depth and impact of this wise saying is still potent, it has the power to revolutionize your mindset and give so much comfort.

We are raised up to be responsible individuals by living our own lives, exhibiting self-control and having mature self-reliance . Being responsible is what must be, but when we begin to come to the extreme of taking ultimate control of our lives and trusting in ourselves more than God, that when these two twin temptations confront us.

1. Pride- we all have the proclivity towards pride. It’s part of our human nature that when we experience success and achievement, unhealthy arrogance could slip into our heads and could later on convince us that we are in control of our own world.

2. Despair- on the other side of the spectrum, we could feel drowned in difficulties, disappointments and uncertainties. We could begin to think that we’ve got all the answers to our questions and needs, and when we feel we don’t we fall into the trap of being in despair.

Daily dependence on God is our way out from these temptations. It’s an attitude of acknowledging that God is the source of all good gifts and successes, and the only safe and sure refuge when life is difficult. If you’re in good times, always remember that you are not there yet and there’s more to see. That keeps your feet on the ground. When we know what to do, we acknowledge him in all our known ways and he will make our paths straight. However, if you’re venturing out into the unknown, trust his heart and lean not on your own understanding.

When we don’t trust, we are prone to complaining, fear and despair. There’s a story in the Bible about how the Israelites were led to their promised land out of their bondage and slavery. They were notorious for complaining to God for getting them out of Egypt! They were tested to trust Him by providing manna in installments. Everyone was just allowed to get enough for the day. Those who hoarded and stored had their food spoiled. God was teaching them to take it from him one at a time as he provided.

God can turn around a situation in the moment! Here’s another encouraging verse for those who chose to trust God.

³ He put a new song in my mouth,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear
and put their trust in the LORD.

⁴ Blessed is the man
who makes the LORD his trust,
who does not look to the proud,
to those who turn aside to false gods. ^[a]

⁵ Many, O LORD my God,
are the wonders you have done.
The things you planned for us
no one can recount to you;
were I to speak and tell of them,
they would be too many to declare.

Psalm 40:3-5

Trusting brings blessings. There are so many things God has planned for us that no one else can recount to you.

I’m used to seeing great Christian marriages among pastors in my church, in the church and my parents’. Something like this is really shocking and grieving.

From the blog link I posted, I assume that Hinn must have prioritized his ministry over his time with his wife and family, which must never be the case. This is also a sober reminder that our leaders have to be prayed for constantly and that we can get on this race relying on God’s grace everyday. It’s not how long we’ve been a Christian, how much we know God or how effective ministers we are, but it’s really a choice to everyday humble ourselves before God and ask his help to live for him.