Health is Wealth

Materiales Fuertes. When I was young, I took pride in my physical health. Except for common coughs and colds, motion sickness, minor cuts, and bruises, I was always in good shape. I only got hospitalized when I gave birth. Normal spontaneous delivery in both cases. This was my state of health many years back. Not anymore.

At age 42, hypertension set in. And recently, I've been diagnosed to have chronic kidney disease secondary to hypertension and nephrosclerosis. This means more frequent consultations with my nephrologist, laboratory tests every two months, more meds to take, and a low salt, fat, and protein diet.

I may have this state of health but my Creator is powerful and greater than any trouble that might come my way. I trust Him to carry me through.

ASEAN Engineer

In less than a decade, I would be retiring and so I thought I didn't need to apply to become an ASEAN engineer the first time I learned about the process. This line of thinking changed when my colleagues discussed the challenges we face as professional agricultural engineers in light of the ASEAN integration and our pursuit of academic excellence.

In short, we accepted the challenge. Thank you, Lord. I am one of the nine professional agricultural engineers in the country and one of the hundreds of engineers from various disciplines in the region who made it to the ASEAN Engineer Register this year.

A greater challenge is ahead of us. So help us, Lord.

Vitamin SEA

It's the longest weekend this year and my mind tells me that I miss my Vitamin SEA.

Initially, Bobby and I planned to travel to Calapan, visit the cemetery, and take the much-needed dip on the nearby beach with my loved ones.  But, the weather forecast included thunderstorms during the break so we decided to stay and go instead to Munting Buhangin in Nasugbu, Batangas.

We left at past six in the morning and took our baon breakfast when we arrived at the resort. We managed to find a nipa hut close to the beach and right after our meal, we were off for the swim. Yay!

New Eyes

I got my latest pair of eyeglasses last September 2015. This is my sixth pair since I started wearing eyeglasses when I turned 40.

My vision is no longer 20/20 but in 2016, I pray that I will have eyes that:

• will truly appreciate God's blessings to me and my loved ones each day;
• discern what matters most;
• spot a person in need and be of help;
• see the positive side in every situation; and
• witness the awesome beauty of God's creations.

51st and 27th

Today is a special day and I thank the Lord for His faithfulness. Another year has passed filled with blessings from the Almighty God. Looking back, I've seen how He has guided me through the past 365 days. How am I? Definitely, I'm a better person than I used to be. He has challenged me to give my best. To explore talents that I could use in the ministry He has called me to serve. To live a life that will continue to make a difference. To be His channel of blessings to others.

Life is full of surprises, too. I woke up to find a bouquet of red roses.  It was unexpected. I'm not used to receiving flowers on special occasions. There's always a first time they say. I'm truly blessed to have a husband who I've come to love more each day.

Looking forward, I will continue to claim God's promise that He will not leave me nor forsake me. I believe He has a lot in store for me and my lifetime partner. May our lives be always pleasing before Him. Thank you, Lord!