closing 2010

As 2010 draws to a close tomorrow, I found myself reflecting on the year today. 2010 brought many joys to our lives and many big changes as well. I could remember moments during this year when I felt my heart would burst open in it's fullness of joy and thanksgiving. Moments in my life when words aren't enough to describe them. Moments like our son's baptism, my husband's graduation, family trip to FL, my husband's installment in his churches, our son's wonderful success in school, our 10th year anniversary! These were only a few of the amazing blessings He's given us this year. At times like these, you cannot help but say, "God, you are soooo incredibly good!"

2010 also had it's share of valleys. The death of my Uncle Tim shortly before the holidays was particularly difficult for the family and for me. Both my grandfathers suffered a stroke a day apart from each other in the Philippines. The distance definitely made the news harder to bare. The most difficult valley for me to willingly cross was leaving the place I have grown to love and cherish, moving from Berrien Springs back to Canada. It has been especially difficult for me to adjust to my new surroundings and the demands of living in the city and adapting to it's lifestyle have been something I continue to struggle with. It hasn't been an easy year for me personally but through it all, God was and is with me. Whether it be in joy and happiness or in mourning and sadness, He is beside me... holding my hand and forever faithful. And so even during the struggles, one can't help but say, "God, you are sooo incredibly good!"

There's an old song that I used to listen to when I was a little girl that came to my mind today. The words speak exactly how I feel as I look back at the hills and valleys of 2010.

More Than Wonderful

He promised us that He would be a counsellor.

A mighty God and a Prince of Peace.

He promised us that He would be a Father,

and would love us with a love that would not cease .

For He’s More Wonderful than my mind can conceive.

He’s More Wonderful than my heart can believe.

He goes beyond my highest hopes and fondest dreams.

He’s everything that my soul ever longed for.

Everything He’s promised and sooo much more…

More than amazing. More than marvelous.

More than miraculous could ever be…

He’s More Than Wonderful, that’s what Jesus is to me!

I stand amazed when I think that the King of Glory

Would come to lie within the heart of man

Oh, I marvel just to know He really loves me

When I think of who He is and who I am.

For He’s More Wonderful than my mind can conceive.

He’s More Wonderful than my heart can believe.

He goes beyond my highest hopes and fondest dreams.

He’s everything that my soul ever longed for.

Everything He’s promised and sooo much more…

More than amazing. More than marvelous.

More than miraculous could ever be…

He’s More Than Wonderful, that’s what Jesus is to me!

"Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out." - Robert Collier

Merry Christmas!

missing a loved one this Christmas

The day after my husband and I got home from our getaway in Cuba, I found out that my Uncle passed away in the Philippines. It was pretty devastating news for us all especially my Dad. Uncle Tim was the eldest in his family. What made it even harder was that we were so far away from our family in the Philippines. My Dad was able to get time off to go to the Philippines and be with his remaining siblings and lay to rest their brother.

Migrino Family

Uncle Tim's death was a difficult one for me. He's the 2nd death in our immediate family (1st was my MamaLola... my grandma). I still cry sometimes when I think of him. He was so young, only 57 years old. In the midst of the grief, I recognize that God is still love. I don't question Him and I just cling to His promises and love. I'm so glad we have His promises and His promises are real and are not empty. I will see Uncle Tim again and also my MamaLola. I cling to the promise that one day there will be no more sorrow, pain and death. I look forward to the day when sin will no longer have any hold on any of us. I hold tight to the promise of my Saviour that He will come again and take us all with Him.

Hubbs and I went away and celebrated our 10 years in Cuba.

Cuba 2010

The water was sooo clear! I love the white sands.

Tryp Cayo Coo

Yum! Fresh coconut juice!!! :)

We went for our 1st horseback ride during our honeymoon 10 years ago.

This our 2nd time, I have to say, was a much more pleasant experience for me. :)

I guess it helped that my horse and I got along well this time! LOL!

My handsome and sweet date! :)

Visiting a museum in Ciego De Avila.

Us in Cuba 2010.

Looking forward to the next 10... 20... 60 years with

this wonderful man, my husband! :)

This is us celebrating a decade of love and joy!!! Wooohooo!

I LOVE MY ALLENS!

Thursday chill night with Kingsway College Fil-Can Youth. :) A chance to have fun and get to know these wonderful kids. This is them playing Balderdash.

(took it with iPod Touch... not bad huh?!)

Orion Pathfinders visited the country's capital, Ottawa.

Toured the Parliament.

Our son's latest thing is parcouring.

They parcoured all day in Ottawa.

Orion Pathfinders

My dearest and beloved Pastor Husband. :) Love this man!

Reunited with good friends, Judy and Ate Gem. :)

It's soooo NOT easy being a parent! I used to think parents get to do everything. They get to boss you around AND do whatever they want! N O T!!! That is sooo not the reality! This morning, my hubbs and I had to make a hard decision to teach our young man a lesson about being responsible for his time and how he manages it. Lately, we've been struggling with him in the morning to get ready in a timely manner and not have to drag him or get mad at him. Most days, I'm already at work when he is waking up for school but Fridays are my mornings with him and I look forward to them. Well, this morning, he really just was not moving. I kept calling him but nothing. I decided though that I wasn't going to start yelling at him instead I told him that since he was not moving and doesn't think getting to school on time was important this morning, he would have to find his own way to school (which isn't far at all... it's a 10-min. walk but it's a lot when you're already late).

As I watched him angrily walk/run to school, I felt bad and guilty but I knew that he really needed to learn to take responsibility for his own actions in managing his time. Watching my son make his way to school this morning caused me to think back when I was a young girl. There were many times (as I was a stubborn lil' princess) when I would find myself frustrated or angry because my Mom was giving me a "hard time". I used to think that she didn't care and that it was me who was suffering/hurting and not her. We, parents, all know that isn't the case at all! It hurts us too, even more at times!

It made me think about us and God. How often God wants to spare us the unnecessary pain of learning the hard way but, in most cases, we just won't listen. So He has to allow us to learn by experience. How many times have we blamed Him or think how can He allow this hurt to happened. So easily we forget that it was our choice not to listen and to follow His steps. And what we often don't see is that when we hurt, He hurts too... just like a parent hurts when her/his child is hurting.

My Jesus and these two (Nature's Flu Shot & Oil of Oregano) got me through today!

My body was definitely letting me know today that it wasn't feeling good. It just took so much effort to do little tasks at the office today but since I was "out of service" yesterday, I so need to be there today! I brought a bottle of that orange substance in the above picture to help my body fight this bug. A few ladies and I, after our morning worship, started discussing home remedies for colds and flu and one of them shared that a few drops of Oil of Oregano does wonders to aid the body's healing process. I was curious enough AND desperate enough to try it. She suggested that I take it with juice... well, I didn't have any but I did have my bottle of Nature's Flu Shot and that had pineapple juice in it so I mixed it together (15 drops of Oil of Oregano) and drank it. It didn't taste too bad. I didn't feel like upchucking it out so it was all good. lol. Anyway, I have to say tho this thing WORKS! Felt a lot better and could more than survive the day! Praise God! Yay God!!!

Cuba

So we finally booked our 10-year Wedding Anniversary trip! :) It's 71 days from now... lol! I'm so excited and, truth be told, a bit sad coz our son won't be coming with us. I know... I know... it's a couple's trip but still. We're going to Cuba and I'm excited to see it. I'm excited and nervous about flying. lol. Well... I'll just focus on the excitement for now. :)

Yayyyyyyy! :D

Ok... I so need to go to bed. I have to wake up at 5 a.m. to workout then be at work at 7:30 a.m.! :)

lil' Allen and Auntie Aimee holding on tight in fear of being swepted away by the wind at the Navy Pier, Chicago! lol.

We had our yearly church camping this past weekend. This year's retreat was at Sherkston Shores. It's a beautiful community of trailer homes. It was lovely and very quiet. Several families came out and had fellowship with one another. We all had an wonderful weekend!

I was really blessed by the weekend. The place actually really reminded me of our home in Michigan especially the evening walk on Sabbath brought back memories of Sabbath walks/hikes around our neighbourhood and surrounding parks. It was such a peaceful place. I was pleasantly surprised at how lovely the trailer homes were... some were even luxurious! :) I would definitely consider having a quiet family weekend getaway there! A definite alternative to vacations outside Ontario. :) (photos by Jocelyn Henriquez)

Firsts

My young 7th Grader's 1st day at his new school. He's a bit camera shy now-a-days so didn't get to take lots of pictures of him. lol. This was taken in front of his locker... 1st time having lockers. :) He's sporting a new hair cut and new glasses. :) Looking like a young man... a handsome young man, I might add. :^

He's adjusting well so far. Keeping in touch with his teachers to make sure he is making the transition well. There's quite a difference this school year already. He's much more responsible. Praise God! Isn't that what we parents aim for... raising responsible adults. :) Looking forward to the victories our son and his Lord will conquer together this school year! May he experience more of his Father's amazing love and grace this year!

This picture was taken in Missouri during one of our many family road trips. During our 3-year stay in Michigan, while my husband was in the Seminary, we were able to spend wonderful time together. I can't believe that the 3 years are done and we are now back in Toronto! lol. I sometimes find myself thinking if in fact it took place and was real. lol. It feels like it was only several months ago we were packing to move to Michigan. Now, I'm unpacking memories of those years.

I remembered feeling excited as I packed for Michigan years back. Excited to be a stay-at-home Mom and living outside the city. I was looking forward to spending my time with our son and getting to know the person he's become. I was looking forward to doing all the things I wished I could do with him like taking him to school and being there when he got home. I was excited to work on projects together and help him with homework (although I have to say I DISlike homework! lol.). I was looking forward to family time unrestricted by work. And I did! I did enjoy every moment of those unrestricted time with my husband and our son. We talked, laughed and played together. We did all the things we wanted to do together and more!

It, of course, wasn't always sunshines and pink roses for me as a homemaker. I learned very quickly that being a stay-at-home Mom was no easy task!!! Work never ever ends... there's no 9-5... it's just all the time. lol. I have truly found greater respect for all the women who stays at home! You ladies are just absolutely incredibly awesome!!!!!!

God has truly blessed me with my time at home. I learned so much in those years... about myself, my husband and son. I learn more about my Father and how incredible He is. I learned who and how God wanted me to be... how God wanted families to be. I count myself so blessed and I thank God for that precious gift of unrestricted time with my family!

Now that we are back in Toronto, I will no longer be staying at home, not full-time anyway. I'm slowly switching gears. I can't help but feel a little sad... sad at not being at home to send our son off and be there when he gets home. But I am most grateful for the time the Lord has given me and look forward to more quality time the Lord will continue to give me with our growing son. :)

Trust His Heart - Veronica Boyd-Gillis

I love the sound of the waves crashing and the feel of sand under my bare feet. With my eyes closed, I would stand still and just listen. Then looking up into the sky see a beautiful setting sun, I suddenly feel in awe of how amazing God is and how He's been there for me. I could even feel Him in that moment just being there with me... sharing the moment.

I miss that. I miss the sound of the waves and feel the sand under my feet. I miss feeling the breeze and looking up into the sky and just breathe. I miss seeing sunsets like this one and feel completely at peace. :) I miss walking around my old neighbourhood (which was inside the University) and seeing friends and acquaintances. I miss listening to the birds outside my bedroom window. I miss the quietness and calmness of my life in Michigan.

I haven't completely adjusted to life in a big city, I'm afraid. I'm having difficulty with such a faster pace of life and busyness of living in a much more populated area. The constant noise that surround me is always a reminder that I'm no longer in the Michigan boonies. lol. Oh, how I miss the "boonies"! The masses of people and cars that are everywhere is unnerving! It just seems like no one ever stops here and just breathe... to take in the sunset or appreciate the trees and flowers or to listen to the birds sing. Despite the awesomeness of having family close by, I must say I often feel out of my element. I have yet to wrap my mind around all the changes and process all that has happened in the past 3-4 months. I must say that it has been such a comfort to see that my husband and son seemed to have adjusted fairly easily. Thank you, Lord!

So here's me finally blogging almost 4 months after our move back to Canada. I'm owning up to having feelings of homesickness. Learning to allow myself to be ok with feeling overwhelmed with all the changes. Actually, I came across my husband's cousin's blog and reading her blog gave me courage and encouragement to face up to me feeling this way. A good friend told me that it takes about 3 years to really settle in and I do recognize it takes time but I wish it was a little easier. It's frustrating at times because so much things/places/people are familiar yet so unfamiliar to me. It was like a lifetime ago that we lived here but lived different lives so nothing really is quite the same.

I'm praising God in this storm because He is loving me through it. He is constantly showing me that He cares and that He is faithful in providing for all our needs. He's been helping me slow down and take the time to adjust. He is so incredibly amazing! And as much as I miss Michigan, I wouldn't want to go back because this is where He wants me... us to be. So I'm going to allow Him, in His time, to show me what He has in store for us here and allow Him to show me the way.

I'm leaning and holding onto Him to do what He has promised to do. The God that created the waves of Lake Michigan that I love to listen to and of the beautiful Michiana sunsets is the same God that will sustain and carry me through this season in my life! And eventually I too will love the Toronto sunsets! :)

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Bow the Knee

I was really touched by the words of this song. It reminded me that in life's journey there are many mountains and valleys and in every circumstance there is One who can give us comfort. He is ever our Guide and with Him we can have sure victory!!!

Bow the Knee

There are moments on our journey following the Lord

Where God illumines ev’ry step we take.

There are times when circumstances make perfect sense to us,

As we try to understand each move He makes.

When the path grows dim and our questions have no answers, turn to Him.

*Bow the knee;

Trust the heart of your Father when the answer goes beyond what you can see.

Bow the knee;

Lift your eyes toward heaven and believe the One who holds eternity.

And when you don’t understand the purpose of His plan,

In the presence of the King, bow the knee.

There are days when clouds surround us, and the rain begins to fall,

The cold and lonely winds won’t cease to blow.

And there seems to be no reason for the suffering we feel;

We are tempted to believe God does not know.

When the storms arise, don’t forget we live by faith and not by sight.

long overdue update...

It's been months since I've updated my blog. Just a quick update. We have now moved back to Canada in the province of Ontario specifically. It's been really nice being close to family but it has also been a struggle adjusting to our new life. God has been ever so close to me as I adjust to so many things. Finding my place in this new world has been quite an adventure already and it's only been 2 months. My husband is strong in the Lord and doing what he loves. Praise God! He's pastoring two churches as an Assistant Pastor. God is good... ALL THE TIME! ... in all seasons of life!!!

More updates to come... :)

My growing boy! =) He's officially taller than me now. lol.

Food Addict...

So I became a fan of Lose It on Facebook. I joined the group then realized that I needed an iPhone to use the program... well I don't have an iPhone! LOL!!! Anyway, I'm hoping to get a used iTouch soon so I can prolly use that app on there.

Anyway, I was looking through the postings and saw this one post on Food Addiction. I thought since I've always struggled with food, it's worth the time to check out the link. It's a good article and confirmed what I've always believed.

Anyway, it has encouraged me to eat healthier and be more intentional about eating again. I've stopped counting my calories and logging my food so it's been kinda whatever is easy to cook and we know that usually entails lots of calories! Anyway, I'm going to eat healthier with very little processed foods to "detox" my body from the addiction... well at least until next Friday. Although I'm prolly going to have to do this "detoxing" again after next Friday because both sides, mine and my hubby's families are coming to see our son get baptized and for my hubby's graduation! And in my Filipino culture, that means LOTS of food!!! Ahhhhhh.... =)

Great Post on That's Fit

Love being a FlyBaby =)

Have you ever been frustrated by the clutter that seem to never disappear and even times seem to grow into an uncontrollable monster??? lol. Well, this past two weeks, that what kinda what I was feeling. I was surrounded by things just left everywhere and the piles just kept growing. I WAS definitely overwhelmed! Didn't help of course the I was sick too so that just makes things 10 times more depressing. lol.

Last week, I decided to check out a website that my prof spoke about in my Spouses' Tools class. The website is www.flylady.com. She recommended it if we needed help to get ourselves into a routine or if we found ourselves frustrated and overwhelmed and needed someone to tell us where to start. lol. Well, as you can imagine, I was in that boat and needed someone to organize me and my thoughts. lol.

Anyway, I joined the group and at first it was a bit overwhelming looking at all the notes, reminders, and suggestions but she was quite reassuring to take things slow. As a newbie, I'm called a FlyBaby. I love that! And so there are Baby Steps that as a "baby" I follow to get me going and get me into a routine. =) The first task is "Shine Your Sink". There's a video that I watched about that and it was funny but so inspiring at that same time. I won't lie and say my home is the perfect clutter free home. It's not and it was inspiring that other women where brave enough to share their journey from chaos to shiny and serene! =)

So I tackled my sink and followed the instructions. And I couldn't believe my eyes... my sink was SHINING!!!!!!! WOW! Even my son exclaimed, "Wow, Mom, I've never seen the sink like this!" lol. We all love how the sink and the counter looks and it just seem so contagious everywhere else. Mind you... I have to take it slow and follow the schedule but I'm definitely loving my kitchen/dining area. =)

Here's some pictures! =)

Creamy Garlic Potato Soup

1 tb. light olive oil
1/2 cup onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced or thinly sliced (I also added more garlic powder)
4 cups of water
4 tsp. mckay's Chicken seasoning
3 cups potatoes, diced (I adjusted this to 4)
1 cup Tofu sour cream (recipe below)
2 tb. fresh dill, chopped or 2 tsp. dried dill
salt to taste

In large pot, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and saute until translucent; add garlic to onions and saute an additional 2 to 3 minutes.

Add water and broth or seasoning and bring to boil. Add potatoes and return to boil. Reduce heat to medium and boil gently 10 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.

Working with half of mixture at a time, transfer to food processor or blender. (Note: I didn't blend all the potatoes as I like to chew on something in my soup) Process until pureed. Return to pot. Stir in remaining ingredients. Stir over low heat until heated through. Serve warm. Garnish with fresh dill and/or green onion slices.

Tofu Yogurt or Sour Cream
1 10-ounce soft tofu
2 tbs. canola oil (I used olive oil)
1 tbs. lemon juice
1 1/2 tsp honey
1/2 tsp salt

Blend together and add to the partial pureed soup.

I added more water as it was too thick. We really liked this recipe.

*recipe taken from More Choices by Cheryl Thomas-Peters & James Peters*

Cooking Adventure...

Encouraged by a friend, I decided to go on a healthy cooking adventure! =D Yay!

Ok, I wasn't really that happy about it yesterday when I had to sit down and come up with a whole month's menu (dinner only since it was the only meal my entire family is together). It was daunting at first. I kept looking at the calendar for the remaining days in March and entire month of April and thought how can I possibly fill the each day with something new and exciting. lol. My friend, Chrystyna, has done this to keep track of her food intake and also budgeting as we all know eating healthy is expensive!!!

So I gathered all my cookbooks and even found some that I didn't know I had or had never opened! lol. It took me a few hours but I filled in a whole month and a half without pulling my hair!!! That took a lot out of me. lol. But now that I had the menu down, it was time to cook. Yikes! I don't think I'm a bad cook but I'm not very adventurous so this was a bit out of my comfort zone.

Today was the 2nd day. Yesterday was "Over Rice" Day like Stir-fry over rice kinda stuff. I made Teriyaki Vegetable Stir-Fry... making homemade teriyaki sauce and the family like it! Yay!!! Then today was Soup Day. I made Creamy Garlic Potato Soup. It took me a while to make it. It just does when I try new things coz I wanna make sure I got it right. It was a simple recipe tho and doesn't really take that long to make... it was just me being picky. lol. Anyway, it turned out really good. My son and husband loved it and so did I!!! =) I served it with salad (which was hardly touched other than myself) and a 7 grain loaf bread. I was a delicious meal! =) Great recipe, Cheryl!!! (author of the recipe book. lol.)

trusting His heart

"But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." ... For when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Corinthians 12:9,10

~God is enough for me... for my problems, my pain, my hurt and my desires. When I am afraid or worried or self-condemning, I will remember WHO sustains me! God is sufficient! So I will lay my burdens, flaws, needs, guilt, anger, frustration, fear, disappointments and desires on His shoulders and trust His heart!!!~

princess

I realized that I'm a princess!!! Yes, you read right... I'm a princess! Not only did I mentally acknowledged it but also I felt like a princess!

If God is our Father and He was the King then that would make you and me princesses and princes! I knew that. But it was only this weekend did I really feel it from the top of my head to the tip of my toes. I felt incredibly loved. I felt special and incredibly precious even with all my flaws. I felt Him loving on me! And boy, it's an incredible feeling to be loved like that!

It's incredibly humbling to experience the connection between the knowing and the feeling of being loved greatly. But what's even more liberating is finally accepting that kind of love from Him. To allow Him to love me. To allow myself to feel His love without attaining "perfection" first so I would deserve that love. To allow Him to see and touch the hurt inside my heart... to acknowledge that it's there and it hurts. That it's ok that He sees it and that I share it with Him. And that it's ok to let go of it... and allow Him to heal it. Oh, I felt so filled... filled to overflowing with His love.

I am His and He is my Father. And I am HIS princess!

S.T.O.P

satisfied to look on Him

This week has been a little rough. It wasn't because I was so busy but more like I was often discouraged and frustrated. I wanted to go to Revive tonight (vespers) but I came home late from helping one of the Auntie's at church and it had started already. So instead of rushing everyone out and knowing me it would frustrate me... I opted to just stay home.

I ended up listening to some of my favorite songs online. I came across this song called "Before The Throne of God Above" and oh... the comfort and peace the words gave was exactly what I needed. An awesome reminder of my Savior's mercy and love. My favorite part says... "When Satan tempts me to despair, and tells me of the guilt within, upward I look, and see Him there who made an end of all my sin. Because a sinless Savior died, my sinful soul is counted free; For God, the Just, is satisfied to look on Him and pardon me, to look on Him and pardon me."

Oh what comfort that is!!!

Before the throne of God above

I have a strong, a perfect plea:

A great High Priest, whose name is Love,

Who ever lives and pleads for me.

My name is graven on his hands,

My name is written on his heart;

I know that while in heaven he stands

No tongue can bid me thence depart

No tongue can bid me thence depart.

When Satan tempts me to despair,

And tells me of the guilt within,

Upward I look, and see him there

Who made an end of all my sin.

Because a sinless Savior died,

My sinful soul is counted free;

For God, the Just, is satisfied

To look on Him and pardon me

To look on Him and pardon me

Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Praise the One,

Risen Son of God!

Behold him there, the risen Lamb

My perfect, spotless righteousness,

The great unchangeable I am,

The King of glory and of grace!

One in himself, I cannot die

My soul is purchased by his blood

My life is hid with Christ on high,

With Christ, my Savior and my God

With Christ, my Savior and my God