wear your glasses
You won't achieve a particular goal if you don't have the proper perspective or if your vision is blurry even though you are certain about it. I just realized it right now, this week I was going into a specific place for my research, I knew where the place is but I rode in the wrong vehicle. I was really disappointed because I wasted time and money, it's just because I thought I saw the signboard clearly. And I was really reflecting during those moments, like what's the lesson here? First is of course to wear my eyeglass even if it's daytime. ( - __ - )
Another one is to really understand yourself- your purpose, vision, and goals in life so you can also find and join those people who have the same as yours. And actually, it's hard because you will learn to let go of some. I think that's the hardest part of growing up, you'll begin to learn more about yourself and outgrow some places and people that you used to be with. That's the reality, we all growing and changing.
self-care
Practice self-care. Give space and grace to yourself as well. I thought it was selfishness when I prioritized myself but actually, it's a must. You must nourish yourself as well, you need to take care of yourself first before others. You cannot pour out the water in an empty cup. Be kinder to yourself. Actually, you don't need to travel or go to different places to do self-care, do what makes you happy, and do what makes you calm and rested. Sometimes it's just a quiet walk, a good book or movie, a song, or simply gazing at the trees and enjoying the simplicity and complexity of life. Taking care of yourself is productivity. Solitude finds gratitude.
ten times seven
Conversing and listening to a wise woman who has been growing in faith with the Lord is priceless. These are some takeaways from her.
- Make sure that the one who will marry is God's will. Pray for him right now, and have your standards- God's standards not superficial. Pray for discernment. It's better to be alone than to be with a person who doesn't come from the Lord. Trust the Lord in all aspects of your life.
- Simplify your life. You don't need a big house or expensive things, invest your money for future purposes- books, education, business instead of material things. Make "saving" your hobby, budget everything, and delay your wants.
- Be faithful to the Lord and serve Him wholeheartedly and joyfully.
- Do what makes you happy, life is short, and enjoy every moment with your family.
- You can earn your money again but you can't buy an hour. Your time is valuable and use it purposely.
stories
This week has been really inspiring, the lessons that I heard from others are worth more than gold and jewel. Different women who have been serving the Lord for decades speak life to me. They have different painful stories, heartbreaking and I wouldn't hope to be in that place, no one would like but they aren't afraid to share those experiences because God turn their sufferings into beautiful testimonies. They are living their best life, are well-educated, and have beautiful careers but they leave all of those for the Lord. Their retirement age is still purposeful. Their vigor and vitality are the same as ours as if they are youth.
They said when you are in the Lord you won't notice that time is pressing so fast because you are so focused on serving the Lord. Like one of them married in her sixties, she's fully surrendered to living a single life and then met her husband at the age of sixty. (Me praying: Huwag naman po ganun katagal Lord, huhuhaha) But I realized, we should really strive for God's kingdom instead of building our own because we're passersby here in this world and heaven is our home.
They also talked about our God-given dreams and that we shouldn't be afraid to pursue for His glory. This was my favorite in our activity. We shouted our dreams and declare in the middle, the others act as distractors- they are the haters, the ones who discouraged you won't be able to achieve that, and there is one at the back who is the supporter- this is the one who constantly prays for your success. It hits me the most because that's the reality of life. Many people would discourage you but having one person at the back of you who constantly prays for your success is enough. I just remember my mom who never fails to pray for me since I was little.
Another one from a seventy-three single missionary woman- "be friendly, huwag suplada sa boys!" HAHAHAH, so to my introvert sissy let's learn from her. Pedi tayong umimik kahit konti tapos smile. HAHAHA (i knew welcoming others and entertaining is hard but let's invest time also in a good relationship, baka si future lab na pala iyon, tapos magkita kayo after 50 years right lalo pang napatagal anels? hahahahha) I read a good book about dating so we're not clueless about it it's entitled "marriable taking the desperate out of dating" when I read it I was hoping that was the first one that I read before making myself ready. It's a nice book. Maybe if I have more time, I would write some lessons learned from there. Or listen to podcasts like BW-tatampalin ka talaga ng truth. Yet, sometimes we really learn hard from our experiences.
I pray that these lessons will remain inside our hearts and may we have the courage by God's grace to do it for His glory. I am also glad and grateful when I am reading your comments like you're trying to get out of your comfort zones. Awdeeeeee, the shy ladies are growing now- we're all growing for His glory. Take heart!
By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches. A wise man is full of strength, and a man of knowledge enhances his might, for by wise guidance you can wage your war; and in abudance of counselors there is victory.
Proverbs 24:3-6
