Into the Dawn of 2012

I am  thankful at the sound of my keyboard as I type. Its thrilling! I intend to write more regularly. I have decided to not wait for the 'perfect words'. I am no longer writing for art. I am writing to testify. And somehow, my love (and struggle) for artful writing has hostaged my testimonies. When you read, I hope you find LIFE not just art.

My last update was in November and I’d like to pick up where I left off.

So the 11^th of November came and we all were hauled to Balai Isabel, a very picturesque venue for the wedding of my cousin Sherl. It was raining the whole time, with forecasts of typhoon. But God was so great! The sun smiled at us when Sherl walked down the aisle.

That day!

Speaking of her walking down the aisle, that in itself is a miracle. She almost didn’t make it to the altar. She was dehydrated the day before due to a stomach malfunction (if that’s an acceptable term..hehehe). She ate a plateful of shrimps and it wasn’t too friendly for her stomach. She was on IV from the car to the resort and slept through the day, missing her own rehearsal dinner. So, when we saw her walk down the aisle, we were in tears.

Cousins with Lolo

Family time after the wedding was awesome. Nothing beats having 30 plus people sleep in one big house. I had to take some Jacuzzi time just so I could nap. Seriously! It was my version of ‘no room in the inn’! haha!

Then, Christmas came!!!!!

Our Family picture after the church choir cantata!

I had a less-busy holiday schedule this year compared to last year. No speaking engagements, no parties. Yeah, the perks of being unemployed includes:  no shopping for office exchange gifts, no rummaging the closet for what to wear, and no worries of what to bring to the party. In other words, no spending! I went to a quiet dinner with friends and the annual high school homecoming. So far those were my two social events. Haha!

Leading the kids during games.

Our high school class, PNULHS Class of '98, had an outreach program again. This year, we teamed up with batch '86. I am thankful for this opportunity that God has given us to bring His love to kids. this year, we also launched our 'RACE to DECEMBER 2013' campaign. Its an effort to get the PNU Alumni excited for 2013, the year when our class hosts the homecoming. 

The girls with the LOGO on our backs.

New years was great! While my side of the world was busy chasing bad energy away via fireworks (so, animistic!), I was tucked in my bed reading an article in a book entitled “Einstein and Faith”.

I felt empty. I wanted a big-bang realization. An Aha! Moment to start the year. A miraculous phone call from a long lost person. A spinning. A thrill.

NONE.

I closed the book. Then,  my ears were suddenly accommodating the sounds of the firecrackers. One by one, as if they come in layers, I peeled them off my system and found myself following  a trail to my soul. My quiet soul.  Yes, a quiet soul I found. No realizations, no spinnings, no thrills. Peace. Just peace.

Peace. And it was enough for me.

Philippians 4:7 “…and the PEACE of God that transcends all understanding will guards your minds in Christ Jesus.”

No firework could beat the grand explosion of peace in my heart. 2012 had some welcome!!!!

I do this when I'm surprised. Just with wider eyes. Hehehe! 2012 will see lots of this! :)