April Praise List

I observed that every month has a different story to tell. For this month, a lot of people bid goodbye for varied reasons and this is not what I consider a “thanksgiving/praise list” as I really hate farewells and goodbyes.  As a saying goes, "Every parting is a form of death, as every reunion is a type of heaven.  ~Tryon Edwards."  However, what can I do if they are destined to leave? I do not know if the people who left will still return though they promised they will.  Nonetheless, I can just pray for them and cherish the memories we both shared together.  More so, I believe all things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to HIS purpose.

"LEAVE" - another term for resign, migrate, work abroad

1. My house helper who stayed with me for 1 yr and 5 months resigned. She’s well loved by my kiddos.  She’s kind, a good cook, jolly, I could say that she’s the best helper I had since I started hiring one. We have a good relationship. She left because she decided that she will finish her studies in Palawan.
2. Our Chief Operating Officer who stayed with the company for a year and decided to resign whose parents in Australia were confined in the hospital for long period and he needs to be around for them. So far, he’s been the best CEO I ever had. He’s an Australian, workaholic but has a balanced life with family, OC in terms of work but reasonable, not everyone likes him but I like his management style. He also molded me to become a more responsible manager, person and employee. He’s shown me “management by walking around.” He taught me a lot of things I never learned from my previous bosses.  He was able to give more benefits though we are on care and maintenance scheme.
3. Sargado Family, a dear friend of Mare’ Pare left for Australia for good. Though we rarely see each other due to our own busyness in life, I still love and enjoy my memories with Christian friends such as them.  They are part of my life as they used to be around when I was newly married then.  They will be missed even more because my kids will no longer experience playing with their baby Christan Zach.
4. Lastly, my hubby left also for work again and be away for 8 months.  Such a long vacation (5 months) yet a short stay to make more memories and fun moments together with Sam and Ceana.

As there were departures, there were also new comers and they are the new CEO and COO in our company. We are going to start again our mine operation in Palawan.  The former is a Russian while the latter is French. This is another great opportunity to meet new people with different culture, background, personality and character, yet new challenges and adjustments to make as they have varying management styles.  Anyways, thank you Lord for you have a purpose on those who are leaving and new people coming in!

Talking about "leaving", the main message I recalled that portrays the story of departure and reunion is the life of Jesus.  After Jesus was crucified, paid the penalties of our sins, Jesus resurrected after 3 days and went to heaven. He promised to return when the right time comes and bring to heaven all that are HIS.  While HIS children are patiently waiting for His return and He promised Holy Spirit to be with us, be our Counselor and our guide. The truth is, Jesus has not really said goodbye. Jesus is still with us through the Holy Spirit. He is Immanuel. What a great promise!

Again, I thank God for the books I was able to finish this month. These are:

1. Uncommon Beauty by Cynthia Heald – Several names of women were mentioned in the book and they were so inspiring. I just pray that the characters in them will also manifest in my life.  
2. Book of Numbers – I can so relate to the story of Israelites who are so full of complaints despite God’s provision, faithfulness and loving character.  At times, I am like one of the Israelites. I complain of so many things and disregard all the goodness of the Lord. I tend to forget where I came from, like Israelites who always forget that they were redeemed from slavery in Egypt.  They are not grateful, satisfied and contented of what the Lord did to them. Instead of reaching the promised land in 7 days, took them 40 years to reach the land because of their disobedience and complaining attitude.  I pray that I will always be grateful and be obedient to God’s will for my life.
3. Started book of Luke – While this month highlights the holy week, I got interested reading again Jesus' life in the book of Luke. I admire the life of Elizabeth (Mother of John the Baptist) and Mary (Mother of Jesus) for they are truly blessed as women of God.  I believe that there are blessed woman nowadays similar to Mary’s and Elizabeth's life.  I also desire to be like them as the Lord molds me and changes me to be the woman He wants me to be. 

Another item to thank God for are the free foods!!! Like the manna and quail!!! J

In the office, we had several celebrations. We celebrated a birthday of a manager last April 18, had lunch get together/ send off party for COO last April 19 while an ex-officemate provided snack because he got his last pay last April 26. Thank God for generous people who shared their blessings to us.  

Lastly, I had a lot of social and spiritual gatherings I for the month of April.

1. Worship night (April 7) – I missed hubby attending this because we used to go together every worship night.
2. Birthday of Onemig (April 10) – Countless time we attended a party in Jollibee but every birthday is unique and a memory to cherish. Interestingly, most kids are scared of mascots but not for Ceana. She liked Twirlie. She even went her own way to be close and observe the mascot Twirlie.
3. Birthday of Zach (April 12) – This is sort of despedida as well.  It’s good to see relatives, friends and loved ones in special events.
4. Swimming with Pontillas family plus Jing and her kids, my co-small group member (April 21) – Almost all are out of town but we opted to have swimming in the club house.  Kids truly enjoyed plunging the pool especially Sam who always look forward to playmates.
5. Arrival of Ate Jane and family from Japan (April 27) – We had a mini reunion at home after almost 7 years of not seeing each other. They are residing in Japan and they rarely spend vacation in the Philippines.  They only stayed for 10 days in the Philippines and we pray that they will do it again this year with AL around.
6. Victory Weekend plus my 35^th birthday all in one (April 29-30) – one word to describe this double event - GOD IS AWESOME!!! So good to end the month of April.

I declare that He who began a good work in me will be able to complete it in me. He's been faithful to me for the 35 years of my life, He will always prove His faithfulness for the rest of my life. Thank you Jesus!