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I was not planning to blog during my U.S. vacation as I wanted to savour every minute with my family and friends.  With the sole purpose of relaxing and making memories, my mind was set.  But, I am awakened with the truth that blogging at this point in my life is my calling.  I have received numerous private messages from strangers and friends asking me to update.  Without any sense of urgency, I let the messages slide and went on with my fun.  Yet, the “bloggable” moments (which I believe to be God’s prodding) just came pouring in.  So as the New Year sets in, let me start with this post.  It is my sincere hope that each of you reading this will grow in your spiritual life and at handling life’s curve balls.

Jetlag has been manageable and it has actually fixed my out of whack Manila body clock.  I have been able to sleep early and wake up early over here.  There is a major gift attached to my mornings too.  The gift of quiet time and having the perfect prayer spot in a home so generously lent to us by a dear friend.

 

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a short morning trek to the garden gazebo amidst oranges, lemons, and many other fruit bering trees have made my quiet time so meaningful

 

Then, one morning I woke up to nasty comments on social media.  I read these messages with detachment and said to myself, how can anyone take time out for things like this?  I was surprised that I was not the least bit bothered or angry.  Only bewildered at how one can have so much hate.  Is this person angry with me?  Or is this a simple case of bashing?  But why me?  Why would someone who does not know me want to hurt or shame me in any way?  Too many questions and only one answer—do not take it personally.  Many of life’s problems would disappear if the ego is not fed.  What drives any human to cultivate and draw from that hate at the pit of his or her soul really leaves me confused.  For one to go out of their way to create an account just to bash and feed the desire to hate on social media is mind boggling and pitiful.  But the goal is to reach the point wherein you realize you have nothing to be ashamed of when people make you a target of their anger.  A life mantra for me has been the saying “whatever doesn’t kill you will only make you stronger.”  Hate is a reflection of a troubled and wounded heart.  Bask in the knowledge that yours is not.  It is a precious gift to behold.  How one can think they can make you weak, pain you or shame your very core is absolute arrogance.  Do not succumb to it.

 

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proof that a gentle answer turns away wrath. i answered without being upset and the hater took their whole account down

 

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first signs of apples ready to multiply. hope for days ahead

 

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I leave you with this; in my case, I feel, it is better to be called poor than branded a user.  And as for any nasty comment thrown at you?  Do not let anybody define who you are.  Your only job is to build your own set of strong moral fibers and define yourself.  A peaceful 2016 ahead.  Happy New Year!