[ `` MY MAN ``]

Manuel Valdez Soria IV is the name.

He is my man.

The one who asked me from God.

The one who waited for the right time for both of us.

The one who fully trust God to answer his prayers, and that is to have me.

He is not perfect, but I love him.

He let me feel so loved and cared for.

He is the one that the Lord saved for me.

And I love him for the rest of my life.

He is someone I cannot boast fully to everybody, but I am willing to do so.

He makes me laugh, He makes me smile, and most of all He respects me.

He understands my tantrums and embraces them all.

He never fails to accept me and love me just the way I am.

I thank God for including this man in the scene of my life.

Though he has his own imperfections, I know God loves him a lot more than I can do.

He was once washed and redeemed by the blood of Jesus,

and there's no way for me not to love him.

I love this MAN. And I will make God's name great with our love story.

Love.Love.Love

I LOVE YOU! <3

The Long Wait is OVER, Let's start Our FOREVER ;]

Exactly one month when we decided to freeze our communication, me and him, Manuel is the name. It was on the last days of March when we started to communicate again, from not texting to texting me again, from not visiting to visiting me again, from no phone calls to phone calls again. He visited me again and continued the courtship with me. I don't know what was the Lord's purpose of allowing us to be together again, what I know is, it was because of a purpose.

I never get tired of asking the Lord for the right time for both of us. I have my own things, personal things to consider before entering a relationship with someone. And allowing him to court me is but a sign of considering him as my future partner, God permits. =) I have my list of plans on hand, one of the reasons why I cannot give my precious 'YES' to him. Like establishing a cell group first to disciple any of my friends, or people outside my group, and so on. That was my immediate plan. And all the way, I was with the Lord in every decision that I made.

The Lord spoke to me (same way and manner when he spoke to me to freeze for a while) during my devotion time @ KEPCO. It was in Ecclesiastes 11:9 "Be happy, young man, while you are young, and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth. Follow the ways of your heart and whatever your eyes see, but know that for all these things God will bring you to judgment." I have been asking the Lord when to start my forever with this man, and with this verse I found my security to finally commit, to enjoy this stage of my life remembering that in every action that I will make, the Lord will put me to judgment. Either good or bad. I prayed harder to the Lord if this is really what He wants me to do. I don't wanna be in wrong side of making decision, for as long as I am guided by the Lord, I am more than alright.

May 8-- it was a beautiful Sunday for the both of us. He visited me early in the morning and attended the morning service at CLS. I have this idea to finally have a commitment with him. I texted my trusted friends to be with me in prayers the whole day. After the service we went home to have our lunch at home (which we usually do), went back to church for youth bible study with CLS Youth and Ptr. Medel. At 3pm he dropped me off @ hospital for my 3-11 duty, he went home and stayed with my siblings @ home and watched movie. At 11pm he picked up from hospital and brought me home safe. It was a rainy night so he stayed a bit. We exchange stories and then that was the time I actually say YES. Without him knowing that I have plans to start my forever with him at that very moment. He was shocked, obviously, and the rest is history. The last part that didn't come up even in my wildest imagination is when he asked me to pray for him. He held my hand and we did pray for each other. That was the most touching part I wouldn't forget.

I will forever be amazed on how God put us together, it's beyond my expectations. And yes, OUR FOREVER has just begun. =)

I love you MVSIV! =))

More Than A Fairytale

Growing up, I always dream of a much like fairytale love story with of course a happy ending. Who wouldn't love that? Every girl's dream. And yes, I am also a victim of that kind of love story, an illusion of a secular love story.

My perception about love was redefined when I understood how valuable I am in God's sight. God loves me and He has a wonderful plan for my life so I have to take good care of myself in relation with others, with that, God's goodness will manifest in my life then they will find me worth loving, and worth waiting for. I keep my standards high, not to impress anyone but to guard my heart towards people who will plan to pursue me. It's  my God-given wisdom to set my standards high, for I know God saved that special man for me in His own perfect time. Someone who's not perfect, but is willing to ask my hand and pursue me no matter how hard it will be.

Prayers played an important role in my life as I make major decisions in life. I always asked God if this is the right time for me to be in a relationship with someone. I am done with schooling, a Bachelor's Degree holder and a Registered Nurse, what else? Am I not that ready? I have done my part! I studied well, I obeyed my parents, I waited so long!! So can I just give myself a break? I hardened my heart for a while. I kept on insisting that maybe God wanted me to experience the feeling of being loved by someone. And yes God allowed it to happened but not exactly being in a commitment.

I felt the love that I have been looking for from someone. The feeling of being loved, cared, and missed. I just love it every time I remember that I have this special man willing to pursue me no matter what. It is unexplainable. I let this special man to court me, with my parent's permission. He visited me every week from Taguig-Tanay. We went out together, we went out with friends, we went out with family, we were happy. I was so happy. He made me smile, he made me laugh. He sang me a song. He gave me gifts. We went to church together. We remind each other about our Christian walk, about our ultimate lover. He introduced me to his sisters, my entire family knew him well. I knew him more than his name. We held hands, we hugged occasionally, but then, he is but a suitor.

I planned to finally say 'Yes' to him on the 1st of March. But unexpectedly God spoke to me in Galatians 5 during my quality time @KEPCO. I think there's still a lot of things that the Lord wants me to do before having a relationship with somebody. I still have to fulfill myself in serving Him more. So I have decided to cut our communication, from daily texting, phone calls up to messages on facebook. I also told him not to visit me for the mean time. I prayed harder to the Lord on how I am going to say these things in the midst ofour happiness and contentment. But then, God intervened and everything went well. Though its hard, I know we both understand His purpose. One thing is for sure, i am faithfully waiting for the right time to start my forever with him.

To you, i miss you! :(

My Calendar of Blessings 2010

If I have to choose my best year ever in my life, 2010 really made my life! I started my 2010 right and with God through a 7-day Prayer and Fasting @ Victory Christian Fellowship-Pioneer. I listed my prayer requests confidently, claiming that God will work mightily with those things.

It was never been an easy road as I continuously walk my journey for 2010. I encountered a lot of challenges that really measured my faith. But God is enough for me to fight those big events in my life. I was indeed grateful everytime God answers every little prayer that I have in me, maybe not as fast as I what I want, but surely His timing is perfect and He knows what to give in His own proper time.

January-April 2010-- my last days as a Senior Nursing Student, I included this in my prayer list because Nursing Audit wasn't an ordinary subject for me! It defined my life, my career, my future! And as for me who had received a grade of 72.1 for my midterm grade, (despite and inspite of reading my lectures, reviewing my notes and all!) God's grace made it possible for me to pass my Preboard Exam and blessed to be one of the 29 students to take the July Nursing Licensure Examination out of 96 graduates. That was really an answered prayer for me! :)) On 16th of March, we had our Clinical Graduation and on 6th of April, I had received my diploma for my Bachelor's Degree. A Certified Degree Holder through Him and for Him alone. :)

April-June 2010-- His grace is sufficient for me! I started to have my less than 3-months Nursing Review in preparation for the upcoming July NLE 2010. It was another journey, another task, an assignment to make known of His name. From the very beginning, I ask God to be with me during my review because if it was all me, I won't be able to overcome my everyday life during the review. It was hard. I cried a lot telling God that I can't do it alone. And yes, He never leave me, He never even forsake me. "I will make your name great."

July 2010-- On the 3rd and 4th of July, I took my Nursing Licensure Examination with Him. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all His ways acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight."

August 2010-- On 27th of August, I did not make it! God made it for me to pass my Board Exam. To God be all the glory!

September 2010-- On the 13th of September, I started working as a Volunteer Nurse at Tanay General Hospital.

November 2010-- On the 30th of November, I celebrated my birthday with a twist. :) Being one of the four volunteers, I was chosen to be one of the trainees for a 5-week Dialysis Training, all for free, with a weekly allowance (inclusive of foods and transportation), a convinient condo unit (onwed by the hospital), plus my three senior nurses with me! It was an overflowing blessing for me! God sees,God knows, God bless :))

December 2010-- our stay at East Ave. Medical Center, Dialysis Center. I have learned a lot of things, and thankful for letting God's plan happened in my life, I did not plan, I let God work, I trusted, and look at me, hey! I am more than expectant for my 2011, because I know, God stayed with me in my 2010, and He will stay for the rest of my life!

And Yes Lord, these were just part of the my whole 2010, HIGLIGHTS!!:)) Thank You for showing me HOW GREAT YOU ARE! And for that, I know at some point, I DID MAKE YOUR NAME GREAT! TO GOD ALL BE THE GLORY!!!

Goodbye 2010, I enjoyed a lot! Hello 2011, I know we will have a good time together!^^
--LEN:))

Certified SMP ka ba?

SMP. Samahan ng Malalamig ang Pasko. Mabenta tong lines na toh from a certain commercial on TV. Aba kailan ba naging mainit ang pasko? Summer na ba ang Christmas ngayo? E makapag-two piece pala kung ganon. Haha.


Christmas is all about Jesus. Ano namang kinalaman ng init at lamig sa pasko? Siguro nga kasi its on how people think, na minsan nakakalimutan na nila ang true meaning ng Christmas. Minsan nga ang Pasko wala na lang sa mga tao. They consider it as a regular holiday, or worst is an ordinary day. Sana maisip ng mga tao kung bakit may pasko. At maisip din ng lahat na kung hindi ipinanganak si Jesus, e hindi tayo masesave sa mga kasalanan natin. Sounds weird? TOTOO YUN.


Ang nakakaloka pa, big deal sa mga tao kung committed ka or hindi lalo na daw ngayong magpapasko. Nilipat na din ba ang Valentine's Day ng December? Sabay na ba ng Pasko? hahaha! Oh talagang nagsusuktan lang ng init at lamig ang mga tao with their partners in life? Aba! Kelan pa naging blanket yang mga karelasyon nyo at napapainit nila ang pasko nyo? Haha. Pambihira!


Pero to be honest, isa ako sa mga nabiktima ng idea na magboyfriend before Christmas. Im not saying naman na para uminit ang Pasko ko e gagawin kong blanket yun taong gusto ko. Ang akin lang napaisip lang din ako na ano nga kaya magpalit na ako ng status, from single to in a relationship. Kung ganon man, nagkataon lang din siguro na ngayong magpapasko ako napaisip kung papayag na ba ako na magpaligaw with this friend of mine. Sobrang lagi kong tinatanong ang Lord kung tama ba tong gagawin ko, kung tama na ba na magdesisyon ako. Im not in a hurry, never ko namang ni-rush na mainlove. E ako pa ba magrarush e NBSB nga ako. di ba may point ako? Haha. Nakapaghintay nga ako ng 21 years na walang boyfriend, nakuha ko pa ang license ko as a NURSE nang hindi nagcocommit, so I can prove to myself na God giave me this ability to patiently wait for the right time.


Let just see kung anong mangyayari, after kong sabihin sa Nanay ko na gusto pumunta nitong kaibigan ko sa bahay namin para magpaalam na liligawan ako, at pagkatapos sabihin ng Nanay ko sa Tatay ko na I have this someone nga na willing sila kausapin, tignan na lang natin. Kung nahihirapan sya na papayagin akong ligawan nya, magiging madali ba kapag inuna nyang ligawan ang mga magulang ko? Hahaha! LET'S SEE! :))


Pwede namang simulan ng tama di ba? E di ligawan mo parents ko, para makuha mo ang matamis kong OO! haha! :))

MY TREASURE

Bigla na lang pumasok sa isip ko na ang laki ng pasasalamat ko sa LORD with this life of mine. Sa maraming aspeto sobrang nagpapasalamat ako, sa lahat ng bahagi ng buhay ko. Akala ko hindi ako darating sa ganitong point ng buhay ko. Simula ng isurrender ko lahat sa Lord ang buhay ko, as in wala akong itinira, we patienlty worked for everything. And I believe this life of mine is a long long process and God is still at work in me.

Isa sa mga ipinasasalamat ko ay ang pagkakaroon ko ng mga kaibigan. Hindi lang basta matawag na kaibigan. As in kaibigan, trusted friends. Mga kaibigan ko na simula noon hindi ako inwan, simula noon pinapasaya na talaga ako. Hinding hindi ako nagkamali sa pagpili sa kanila bilang mga kaibigan ko. Hindi naman din sila perfect just like me. Swak nga yung mga kahinaan namin. Nagtutulungan, nag-iintindihan.

Siguro may mga time na hindi kami nagkakaintindihan. Bahagi yun ng samahan, para patuloy na maging matatag. Ang nakakatuwa, God keeps us together, sya yung nagbind sa amin. Minsan nga napapaisip ako kung bakit ang dami nila na pinagkwekwentuhan ko ng buhay ko. Narealized ko, God made me this way, madaling mag-open up, madaling magshare ng stories kasi marami silang ibinigay ng Lord sa akin para pagkatiwalaan ko.

Si Jecai at si Jhave, silang dalawa yung I consider more than a friend. As in nagpapasalamat ako for having them both. Hindi sila nagsawa makinig sa mga kwento ko, kahit pailut-ulit. Lalo ngayon na hindi na kami nagkikita, namimiss ko na yung mga unending kwento at chika namin. Yan yang dalawang yan kahit anong sabihin tinatanggap ko, maganda man o pangit. ayun yung mga totoong kaibigan, sasabihin sayo yung mga mali hindi lang yung mga tama mong ginagawa. Kaya mahal na mahal ko yang dalawang yan.

Si Liet, Si Ite, Si Cherry, Si Ching. Yang apat na yan ay mga kabigan ko nung hayskul, kaming apat ang nagpatuloy na lumakas kasama ang Lord. Nagpatuloy kami magtiwala sa mga kayang gawin ng Lord sa buhay namin. They are my friends, my sisters in Christ. Ang laki ng saya ko pag naiisip ko na meron akong kaibigan na kagaya nila, anytime pede mo puntaha, kausapin or kahit ano. Sobrang yung salitang KAIBIGAN, sila yung magbibigay ng kahulugan. I love them so much.

Si Jamie, marami kaming kwento nito. Kahit na magkapitbahay lang kami, sobrang andami namin palaging kwento siguro kasi hindi nmn kmi araw2 nagkikita. Kaya kapag nagkikita kami naiipon yung mga kwento. Natutuwa ako sa kanya kasi hindi sya nahihiya na aminin na mahina sya, na tao lang sya na ang LORD lang ang mkpagpapalakas sa kanya. Siguro sa harap ng mga classmate nya, she's someone na mataray, matapang, masungit, taklesa.. and so on. Yes she is. Pero may part din sa puso nya na gusto nya talaga magbago, na gusto nya makita ng tao na may LORD sya sa buhay nya. Sobrang naappreciate ko yung humility nya, na kahit mapride sya, at nahihirapan sya magbago, tinitiis nya, just to give glory to HIS NAME. Hindi ako magsasawang makipagkwentuhan sayo Jamie:)

Si Joan, hindi na kami nagkikita nito, sobrang namimiss ko na tong taong toh. I look up this girl so much. Kaya nga lagi nya ako nireremind na taong pa din sya, na darating yun time madidisappoint nya ako, kaya dapat sa LORD ako magfocus, para walang disappointments. Naamaze lang ako sa pagseserve nya sa LORD. Nakakainspire. Sobraaa. At yung mga payo nya, yung mga salita nya, filled with Holy Spirit talaga, pumipitik pitik. hahaha. Gustong gusto ko pag pinapagalitan nya ako, pag sinasabi nya namali ako. Natutuwa ako kasi there's someone na matiyaga na ituwid yung mga pagkakamali ko. Hayyy. I miss this girl.

Si Reah fe, ang napaka attentive kong kaibigan. Palagi din syang ready to listen sa mga stories ko, kaya nga lab na lab ko yan e. Hindi nagsasawa makinig sa mga kwento ko, napakabait na bata. Fan na fan ko yan sa love stories ko na wala naman kwenta yun pinaguusapan namin. hahhaha puro crush ko lang. hehehe. at saka pala ung pag-ibig nya. Ay. nakakamiss,

Si Inday, malaki din ang naging part nya s abuhay ko. She's someone I can lean on. Anytime pede ko itxt, makausap, puntahan sa bahay nila, sa trabaho. Sya yun taong alam mo na hindi ka iiwan, na kaibigan talaga ang tingin sayo. May pinagsasamahan, alam mo yun, kahit napakadaming kaibigan, alam mo may babalikan ka talagang isa. Ayyy. Thanks inday!:))

ILAN PA LANG SILA SA MGA KAIBIGAN KO NA SOBRANG MAHAL NA MAHAL KO, NOT TO MENTION MY DBARKADS, ZHEI, BIANCA, LAARNI. MY RTU-CC FRIENDS, CELICA AND JULIE, EDRICH AND BOB.. YAN ANG MGA TAONG KASAMA KO SA CHRISTIAN WALK KO AT SA BUAHY KONG PUNO NG KWENTO.

SO LET US LEARN TO TREASURE OUR FRIENDS. AND LET US BE A GOOD FRIEND TO EVERYONE. I LOVE YOU GUYS! GOD KNOWS THAT. GODBLESS!

SPILL IT OUT

So many words, so many thoughts
All cluttered in my mind.
I don't know how to say it all
But grateful to have my Savior, for me to call.

Not so struggled, for I know God allowed it to happen
As the Bible say, "All things work together for good for those who love Him"
So I will keep on trusting and praising His name
For there is none like Him who will love me the same.

God is enough, and he will forever be.
People may disappoint me,
But my God will remain faithful to me.
Loving the imperfect me, so dearly.

As I walk this Christian path,
Things will remain uncertain to my sight.
Indeed thankful for I live not by my sight
But through my faith, I will fight.

I will keep it on, keeping it on...
For He is my rock that I can lean on.
Thru good times and bad times
God's light in my life will forever shine.



-Len