He Answers...

I still could not believe it happened immediately. How fast God answered our prayers. This afternoon, I prayed again. It was a prayer that God will change the heart of the person who was attacking us through text messages the whole day yesterday. She was doing it for her friend without knowing the whole story. Her accusations and devastating words caused moral damages to us - words that my boyfriend and I have never ever received or heard before. Thank God He truly vindicates. I asked Him in my prayer that despite all that, my heart will not harden. That I will still learn to forgive, love, understand and be merciful yet bold and firm. That He will soften and change the heart of that person. Nothing is impossible with Him. Few minutes ago, that person sent few messages of apology. She’s asking for forgiveness. Don’t know exactly what happened but one thing for sure, if it’s according to His will, He answers prayers!

America

My vacation is full of excitement and events. I’ve witnessed how Halloween is celebrated with all those Trick-o-treats, Jack-O-Lanterns and costumes worn by people who were not going to parties but to their regular daily chores and office works. Election is over and I’ve also witnessed how fast this nation can come up with results!

Travel can really give you a different perspective about many things. It broadens one’s view and many times you can't help but compare about cultures and practices. Yes, there are things you would appreciate about the country you’re visiting yet there are also things you observe in other countries that you hope you have in your own place.

One thing that really amazed me is how these political candidates react to their victory or defeat. They have the sportsmanship and real love for their countries.

I was able to listen to McCain and Obama’s speech. Sincerity is very evident and love for country is apparent. I’ve seen how many people cried aside from the fact that the new president is a real good speaker. These two men have proven a lot about their leadership. One has strived so hard to get up from difficulties of life to success. The other one was a hero in his own country. They are both equally qualified. Yet only one had to gain victory and Obama did. But they still chose to support each other regardless of the past issues. They are still after how they can help this country and not for selfish gain or interest.

Many reactions came out about the result. Some are happy, some are not. Some have mixed emotions. I am one of those who feel sad yet excited. I can imagine how other countries especially the poor ones, not to mention Africa, can benefit from the new leadership.

Everyone hopes that this nation will soon rise from the economic crisis. Many countries’ economy also depends on this great nation. What a huge responsibility the new president is carrying on his shoulders. It’s not easy to be a nation’s leader. Yet I still believe that the voice of the people is the voice of God. America may rise or may get worst. But let us all hope. God’s sovereignty will always reign. It is God who allows or puts leaders in their respective positions. Whether to bless the nation or to teach everyone a lesson let His will be done. God bless America!

Trick or Treat?

I thought I was not going to see our neighbors during my stay here in Oahu. Sometimes I think of lighting up a firecracker just to check if we do have neighbors around here. Doing that will surely get the people out of their homes but I may end up in jail. :-) Good thing I did not have to do that. I finally met them when I joined my niece in this special event…

We do have lots of gimmicks during Halloween in my place. That includes parties, costumes and decoration contests, etc. This one is a new experience. Kids get so excited and expect to be collecting candies and chocolates of all sorts while wearing their best, worst or scary costumes. I also learned how to make a Jack-O-Lantern. Pretty exciting!

Aloha!

Finally! Another dream come true. I remember when I was a kid, I dreamed of seeing this land of paradise. God is so good. I'm indeed blessed. It started as a wish. Then it became a dream, then to a goal...then faith. Now I'm here!

Just arrived yesterday. Today is my rest day. I could not imagine a vacation without kids. Yes, I'm staying with a wonderful family with beautiful kids. And I love every moment with them.

DWT – Driving while texting

Three obsessions are very evident in many countries and cities – checking e-mails, facebooking and texting. Would you agree? In many business organizations, e-mail is an essential means to communicate, same thing with texting. I have seen cigarette and sidewalk vendors, bus, PUJ and taxi drivers, farmers even beggars holding their cellphones and exchanging text messages while doing their jobs. Where else can you see these but only in the Philippines!

Texting has also becoming very popular in the US especially for teens. According to CTIA-The Wireless Association , more than 158 billion text messages were sent in the USA in 2006. Have we realized that accidents caused by driving under influence of alcohol are as bad as those caused by texting behind wheels? For sure, there are so many accidents related to driving distractions not to mention driving while texting. DWT can cost lives.

Accidents happen while driving no matter how careful we are. I have witnessed accidents in which the victims were not doing anything; they just got hit by another vehicle driven by reckless or distracted drivers. In my family alone, I cannot count the number of times each of my siblings, my parents and even myself met major and minor car accidents caused by another vehicle. Thank God we are alive. The last one so far was my eldest brother whose van was totally wrecked. Miraculously he survived.

We can’t really do several things at the same time. Yes, multitasking has become the norm in our modern lifestyle. And it works especially for office workers. But research shows that the brain portion that works when driving is the same brain that works when talking to somebody. So why take the risks? Your life and other people’s lives are priceless.

Will it be a good idea then to ban driving while texting? In the US, a law has been passed to make this illegal. According to a source, instant and text messaging while driving tops the list as the biggest driving distraction in the US. It was also reported that almost 80% of all crashes and 65% of near-crashes are due to distracted drivers in the United States. That was in the year 2006. Indeed, DWT is becoming as dangerous as drinking and driving.
Let us be fed up by the daily news we hear and watch on TV related to car accidents. Say no to DWT!

Losing someone...

Losing someone you love is one of the most painful situations one can ever go through. Acceptance is too hard and it takes time.

I just lost my uncle. The pain is too much to bear just like losing an immediate family member, a spouse or a best friend. When losing someone, distance does not matter. Blood relationship also does not matter. It’s the relationship, times, memories and above all, the love you have for each other… That explains why it is painful.

It is true that there is time for everything. Now is the time for mourning and grieving. Tears are inevitable.

We love him so much. And we will miss him forever.

Former UFC Evan Tanner is gone!

Shocking news posted on Yahoo welcomed me this morning as I was checking my email. A former UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) champ is dead! At 37, Evan Tanner died not due to a fight...

I’m not a big fan of this guy but few people know that I love to watch fighting scenes of all sorts – boxing, kickboxing, aikido, judo, karate, wrestling, etc. I love watching WWE and UFC and sometimes Sumo fights. Maybe inspired and influenced by my dad and brothers or a frustrated martial artist, I’m an avid fan of Jet Li, Jacky Chan, Bruce Lee, aikido black belter Steven Seagal, Jason Statham, kickboxer Jean-Claude Van Damme, Marc Dacascos, Tony Jaa (Ong-Bak Muay Thai artist), some female action stars, and of course our very own unbeatable Manny Pacquiao.

Back to Evan, I never knew this guy as an adventurous person. The story of his death caught my attention because I can absolutely relate! As an outdoorswoman(but a fine lady J and not an adventure extremist), I sometimes try to satisfy my curiosity, challenge myself and face my fears by trying out new things and visiting new places without considering the danger and risks. Sometimes, being adventurous can lead to destruction and death. I’m aware of that but Evan’s story is an eye-opener for me to be much more careful. I still love my life; it’s God’s gift. Yes we should appreciate and explore His creation but we also need to use wisdom and be good stewards of our bodies. Otherwise, we will miss out on more fun and adventures and overlook the most important things in this life.

See Tanner’s full story (http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/news?slug=ys-mmaweektanner090808&prov=yhoo&type=lgns)