My 7th No Smoking Anniversary

I forgot that last 18th of January was my 7th no smoking anniversary. I'm so thankful to the Lord Jesus Christ that because of His grace I've been set free from my smoking addiction. In 2008, three years prior to accepting Him into my life (in 2011) as my Lord and Saviour, He has already blessed me with so much. He has been preparing me all along to be His adopted child. Thank you Lord Jesus. Hallelujah!

Got My New Residence Permit!

Amid the anxieties that continuously befall expatriates nowadays, I want to speak of the blessings and God's never-ending mercies toward His children and here it is: I just received my new residence permit (Iqama) yesterday just in time before the 4-month deadline elapses given by the Saudi Government for those who need to change their job status. Thank you Jesus, You alone are great! Hallelujah!

*I edited some of the important information from the photo of my Iqama above for security reason.

Fruit Of My Labor - Thank you Jesus!

As if it was just yesterday when my eldest daughter Maria was born. I can still remember the first time I saw her face at the hospital, I had mixed feelings then. Happy on one side, and fear on the other. Happy because I became a father, and fear because I don't know if I could be a good father to her. I remember the time when she made her first step, it was amazing. And it was awesome when she spoke her first word, "Dada" - she said.

But of course it was not all amazing, and awsome when you come to realize that this beautiful baby would start growing, and would need things like diapers, milk, clothings and would one day go to school etc. During this time I didn't have a job, I only depended on my parents for everything, (that's so typical of Filipinos, you know!), and I think it's one of the mistakes most young Filipino parents do, and never realized, getting into something without planning, or metaphorically, going to battle without a weapon. But God is good, He gave me a job! 

And that was one of the reasons why I am here in Saudi Arabia, to give my Maria (...and Celina) a good future. Looking back, it was a struggle really just to put food on the table back home, and to prove that I'm a worthy father for my children. I've been through a lot since I had my first job, ranging from having a low salary, depression, battling insomnia to having problem with some of my co-workers. I'm doing this for my family because I love them so much, and I don't need appreciations, just to see them happy is enough for me. 

Fast Forward...2013!

It was that time when the tree bears fruit. Maria graduated from college last April, and it made me even happier to learn that she was 'Cum Laude' in her class. I was a bit disappointed because I wasn't able to attend her graduation. It would have been great if I was there to witness it for myself -- the fruit of my labor. Hotel and Restaurant Management was her course, it was exactly the same course I took in college, but didn't finish. In a way, her graduating from HRM somehow fulfilled my dream. 

Maria turned 20 last week. When I told her on the phone that she's no longer a teenager, she replied that she's 'twenteen' now. Yup!, I'm old. I'm proud of her, and I'm so thankful to God for the wonderful blessings. It's Yahweh who made it all possible! I'm praying that the Lord would bless Maria with wisdom and knowledge, and to guide her walk in this dark and wretched world. Thank you Jesus for all the blessings, and for giving me two wonderful and amazing daughters. Halleluiah!

O give thanks to the LORD; for he is good: because his mercy endures for ever. ~ Psalm 118:1

Giving Thanks To God Amid Difficult Times

Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 

~ 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Prayer:

Dear Lord, first of all, I must confess that I don’t always obey this verse. I am thankful at times, but surely not in all circumstances. When life is hard, when work is scary and disappointing, I must admit that it’s difficult for me to give you thanks. In retrospect, gratitude comes easily. But, in the moment of suffering or sadness or fear or disappointment, I often have a hard time giving thanks. Forgive me, Lord.

Help me to do what this verse encourages. May I be truly thankful in all situations. By your Spirit, remind me of your goodness, when I’m hurting or afraid. Make your presence known to me, Lord, so that I might offer you thanks. For all you have given me, and most of all, for your love and grace in Jesus Christ, I thank you. Amen.

Source: 'A Week of Thanksgiving: Be Thankful in All Circumstances' by Mark D. Roberts, Daily Reflections.

My 4th No Smoking Anniversary (Thank you Jesus!)

Today I'm celebrating my 4th No Smoking anniversary. Funny how time flies, I can't believe it has already been 4 years since I stopped smoking. 

I honestly believe that it was Jesus who helped me stop the addiction back in 2008. I also believe that He was cleansing my body and was preparing my whole being until the day that I will receive Him back into my life, and that's exactly what happened. I received Jesus Christ into my life as my Lord and personal Savior 3 years later, in July 2011, after a huge problem I had during my short vacation in the Philippines, when He used POEA as a tool to draw me back towards Him. 

Thank you Lord Jesus for healing me, not just my body, but my soul. You comforted me whenever I'm troubled, You are my peace of mind. You give me courage whenever I'm in fear, You are my strength. You answers my every prayer like a string of pearls. Thank you for opening my eyes. You  are truly the one and only, all powerful  living God. The name above all other names. JESUS! 

"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

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! ~ 2 Corinthians 5:17