Wisdom Through Pains

Hebrew chapter 12 verses 3-17 tells us that God uses our pains to discipline us, sanctify us, and give us wisdom. But why our pains? Have you ever asked yourself that? Pains, based on my own experience, have a way of changing us or molding us. I do have my shares of pains, most of…

Our Wabisabi

Wabisabi is a Japanese word that refers to the beauty found in imperfection and transience. It celebrates the idea that nothing lasts, nothing is perfect and nothing is finished.  Seventeen days ago, I arrived back home after a twenty four day visit with my family in the Philippines. It was a long and quite stressful…

My Dearest Dy,

I started writing this a year after you had left us. But never got around to finishing it. I miss you dearly. I am writing this to celebrate the great and wonderful man, husband, father, and grandfather that you are. You have lived a great life. You may not know it, believe it, or want…

What’s In A Day?

Can you believe there’s only eighteen days left until the New Year? Every night, my daughter and I spend a few minutes talking in bed before I go to sleep. Sometimes it’s just about how our days went, what her plans are for the weekend, or what to cook for the next week. There are…

Revered Words

Just like any typical Filipino family, we are not keen on expressing our love and appreciation for our parents, siblings, or any immediate family members. It’s like there is an unspoken rule. On my last conversation with my father, I opted to say encouraging words for him to stay strong and to get better so…

Invisible Presence

There are times when the words just flow freely. And it’s at these times where I think I write my most memorable pieces. There’s no trying too hard, no pretense, and no desire to come up with something magical or mind blowing. I’d like to think of myself as a writer. That’s what positive thinkers…

Regrets, What’s Yours?

Do you know what is the number one thing people have at the end of their lives? Regrets…. There’s always that feeling of, “if I could,” or “I wish I’ve said this or done that..” What if we could rewind our life and go back to a time when you wanted to do better or…

Superficial Connections

Connect (verb) meaning bring together so that a real link is established. Superficial (adjective) meaning existing or occurring at or on the surface. – appearing to be real or true only until examined more closely. Nowadays, it is very difficult to find and establish real connections. Social media has made it harder for everyone to…

When I Grow Up…

“Everyone thinks you make mistakes when you’re young. But I don’t think we make any fewer when we’re grown up.” Jodi Picoult Ah, the old age wisdom of expecting to have your life planned out at such an early age. Remember when you were asked about what you want to be when you grow up?…

Unity in Chaos

“The greatest among you will be the one who always serves others”. Matthew 23:11 It’s been a few days since Helene devastated Western North Carolina. And in the days that followed, people from all over NC and the neighboring states, showed the world what it’s like to be American. I read a comment in one…