What This Coronavirus Pandemic Has Done So Far...

Dear All,

I hope this message finds you safe, well and still full of hope. I don't know about you, but this our 4th week, since I started working from home and there has been a lot of mixed emotions for me. Besides journaling, I thought why not resurrect my blogging to release some of my thoughts during this very difficult time we're all in.

I'm not here to share things you already heard in the news or even add to your uncertainties, but I'm here to just honestly share what this pandemic has done to me so far.

• It sure has brought me to my knees.
• It has opened more doors of compassion for others.
• It has helped me understand different ways of coping.
• It has brought me to tears almost every day just grieving with and for the people who have already been affected by this virus firsthand, their families, the people who lost their income, the people who are alone at home or facilities, the victims of abuse, the homeless, the unprivileged, etc. 
• It has tested my patience.
• It pushed me to work even longer hours every day, just to avoid being bored.
• It has brought me more reasons to be grateful.
• It has challenged my capabilities (sewing masks, making face shields, painting rocks like there's no tomorrow, draw some fun and encouraging messages on the sidewalk for walkers and even cooking) 😉
• It has challenged my tolerance for negativity. Sometimes, we think just by knowing something and saying it justifies our feelings and excuses us from doing the right thing, but what we really lack is confidence of just doing it. Sometimes, it's out of fear (fear of hurting others, fear of being judged, fear of being talked about, fear of being wrong, or even just fear of change). I learned that there are times when you need to choose to remove yourself from too much negativity in this world, whether that's from the fake news from every media there is, people who just can't seem to find anything to be grateful for, and of course too much bad news. I had my days when I didn't realize that I was just being fed with too much bad news in one day by watching the news and reading about the devastation that this COVID-19 has done all over the world and continuous to do so, that I started feeling tension in my body, headaches, lack of sleep, I mean just name everything that stress can do to you, I was already having it, so I requested for my family to just watch enough news for the day (if we really need to) and do other things that will either uplift our soul or keep us from thinking too much. I have to say, it has been helping us one day at a time.
• It is teaching me the true meaning of being still and knowing that God is still in full control.
• It has made me appreciate the sun as I don't like being out in the sun too much, since I get discoloration on my skin so easily, but this time, that's the least of my worries - I try to work outside my patio as soon as I see the sun come out 😉
• It has given me time to go through things I've set aside for months even probably years. 
• It continues to make me realize what matters most in life. No material, no money, or bigger/better stuff can ever amount to spreading love and seeing people the way God sees each of us. 
• It has allowed me to spend more time with my Creator. 
• It has given me more understanding of how loving, merciful and powerful God truly is. 🙏
• It has made me watch more movies, shows, YouTube videos, DIY's and look at memes like never  before 😅
• It has disrupted my sleeping patterns and I've been sleeping at 4am and waking up at 8am 😳
• Last, but not the least, it has made me consume calories after calories each time “I get up” 😁 and can't imagine the rate we’re having to replenish our stock of food 😏 I'm grateful for the provision Lord, but OMG! I will be rolling out of the house once all of this is over 😬
• It has proven that NO VIRUS CAN STOP A HUMAN HEART'S COMPASSION FOR OTHERS. LOVE lives on. 💓

I'm sure there's more I will be discovering while we're in these dark/heavy days. I look forward to celebrating God's goodness and praising God each day I wake up - as it is a great gift to have.

I sure hope you are all taking care of yourselves, staying as healthy and safe as possible. I encourage you to find ways to bless others as you are able - it sure helps to keep your hearts healthy 💗

I do want to end this by giving a HUUUUUGE PRAISE AND THANK YOU TO ALL OUR FIRST RESPONDERS, HEALTHCARE WORKERS, HUMAN SERVICE WORKERS, AND ALL THE BUSINESSES AND WORKERS who continue to work and stay open for all of us. 👏👏👏👏👏💓💓💓💓 YOU ALL ARE AWESOME!!! May the Lord bless you all with His abundance. 😘

Till next time friends! Blessing always 💋

back to regular week!

well, how was everyone's thanksgiving celebration? hope y'all had and awesome one just like mine! the highlight for me was the time we spent expressing reasons to be thankful for, before we started eating. although some were caught off guard, i'm in awe for the sincerity of everyone... from the youngest to the oldest. ahh! thank God for my entire family!

nwayz, thanksgiving week is about to end and i'm back to job hunting, kids are back to school tomorrow and noel's back to work after a week of family time and many expressions of gratefulness from the family to God.

so... how was black friday for everyone? this was my first year not going. thank God i didn't feel quite down about it. i guess coz i was so tired preparing and plus the kids in our family are well aware and understand our situation (i'm so thankful that they do). i know retail was down this year tsk tsk tsk.

just the other day, i was reading the article about the great depression and the economic crisis the world is going through right now and i must agree to all of the people that were interviewed, who experienced the great depression, when they said that the generation nowadays will feel the hardship more due to the lifestyle we have gotten used to compare to their lifestyle in 1930s. well, thank God we have God with us to satisfy our every need and to give hope when the situation continues to exhaust it. i tell yah, faith in God really helps to get back in the game!

yesterday was my friend, larraine's graduation party. it was held in a fully renovated, classic bowl. it was a joy seeing some of my girls i haven't seen in ages... gosh! i miss them again already hehehe. too bad i don't have pics, but i sure hope those who took pics will somehow have the time to forward them to me *ehem girls!* as usual we were all loud, cheeks were hurting coz of laughing and are thumbs were close to getting blisters coz of bowling. it was a fun night and i sure hope rain had an awesome time. congratz again my loves! you did it! we're so proud of you!

here's a shot of the shadow box i made for my friend, rain. i'm glad it put a smile on her face =)

k, this is it for now... y'all have a good nite! God speed!

hAPpy ThAnksGivIng EvE!

thought i'd blog before i start with my busy day. we're hosting thanksgiving this year and i've been trying to joggle my schedule everyday since last friday. see here's one of the many things i'm grateful for even if our budget is tight... i may not have the luxury to be shopping for myself anymore, but the Lord continues to shower us with food. 2 of our fridge are full - it never runs out - that's why i really find it hard to complain coz God continues to provide for our needs.

thanksgiving and Christmas are 2 of my favorite occasions to celebrate... there's nothing like recognizing how awesome our God is... although everyday should be thanksgiving, tomorrow is the highlight of the amazing journey our Christian brothers and sisters (pilgrims) went through. from numerous trials and sufferings... they were faithful to give thanks to our Lord! now that's faith!

so to you my friends, what are you most thankful for this year?

have a blessed thanksgiving to you and your loved ones. may you cherish each moment coz no matter what, everyday is different... and each day is a gift from God.

p.s. it's not turkey day... it's THANKSGIVING DAY - recognizing the blessings God has given you. (it won't hurt to be reminded)

muah! i love you all =)