I couldn't believe that it was only nine days ago when I bade 2008 farewell and said hola, 2009! 2008 had been a wonderful, wonderful year for me and here are just some of the reasons why I am thankful for the past 365 days (in no particular order):
- delectable breakfasts, lunches and dinners (courtesy of Aning) and a hot cup of Kopiko or Nescafe 3-in-1
- the privilege to drive a manual car (courtesy of my super bait Kuya Ron) and the hassle-free procedure of taking the licensure and practical examination at LTO San Juan (thank you, Lord!)
- great disciplers who are honest enough to tell me when I am in bad (spiritual) shape, and who are my noisiest cheer leaders, too
- great friends who think of the most heartwarming ways to express how they value and love me
- an ever-supportive mom
- an equally-supportive sister and thoughtful sister-in-law
- protective brothers and brother-in-law
- endless supply of hugs and kisses from my cuddly nephews and niece
- that weird Balucanag/Sanchez/Viernes sense of humor I witness every reunion
- my trusty two-year old laptop
- the Internet ---- and how it bridges the gap between two continents and so much more
- Christian music that always reminds me to behave the way a Christian should
- the diary that Crystal gave me a few years back and which I currently use to write my thoughts and my prayers
- my ever-reliable one and only black office bag which I am supposed to but wouldn't want to retire
- a church that is committed to Christ
- ministry partners from Campus Crusade from Christ who always uphold me in their prayers
- the privilege to study God's Word through Bible Study Fellowship
- my cellphone, and how it keeps me connected to everyone else
- answered prayers that encourage me to keep on believing and praying to a God who delights in answering me in ways I couldn't have guessed
- great Bible verses that are being texted just when I need my verse for the day
- the exciting prospect of discipling ladies, beginning with a girl who walked into my office last Monday
- iTunes, and how it makes listening to mp3's easier
- Windows movie maker, and how easy it is to learn to use it
- my current pairs of office shoes (cos it's so hard to find comfy pairs that are reasonably-priced)
- the honor of introducing Christ to young people and sharing my life lessons (though it's sometimes embarrassing to confess and share about things I did before)
- my eyes, which have been more cooperative this past year compared to the previous ones
- my talkative and highly intelligent dermatologist, Dr. Jay Nunez, who not only manages my allergies very well but who also inspires me to be the woman that God designed me to be (and oh, how he challenges me with his Biblical insights every time I visit!)
- a great team / department that understands my working style and standards
- a boss who gives me his 101% trust
- colleagues who appreciate my strengths and helps me in my areas of weaknesses
- neighbors who constantly look after our house and who are always ready to help us in time of need
- seemingly endless days and nights of trainings for competitions, and winning in them (hehehe)
- the desire to learn how to cook, and being highly appreciated for whatever I whip up in the kitchen
- cakes from Red Ribbon that satisfy my sugar cravings
- KFC and how after all these years their chicken and gravy are still numero uno
- the excitement of springing little suprises on family and friends
- the gift of discernment and how it grows stronger and stronger as I become older
- pedicures that make me feel squeaky clean every time
- great-looking blouses that are being sold at affordable rates in tiangges
- nature spots and how they remind me that God makes all things beautiful in His time
- working at a job I've dreamed of since I was little
- the possibility of shifting careers when I finally made up my mind to do so
- MS Access and SQL, and how I quickly learned how to use them to make my tasks easier
- my current special assignments that force me to be a little more creative
- the God-given ability of knowing what to say at the right time
- former students who still stay in touch
- being mistaken for a colegiala when I am in jeans and when I was a bit thinner (hehehe)
- great books given to me as presents
- naturally straight hair that cooperate very well everyday especially since I do not know how to fix it
- the ability to support missions and extra church projects
- the feeling that I am ultra rich even though I am just a five-digit earner
- a plan on how to save up money this year so I can spend them on some surprises I plan to give to some people
- Dove Beauty Bars, and how they are taming and keeping my allergies at bay
- the promise of greater and better things to come
- free websites like this that make it possible for me to blog
- my 7.2-megapixel camera, and how it's been capturing great moments
- the beauty of being still, being alone and being quiet and just sharing this moment in communion with God, knowing that He honors this sacred time
- the eureka moment of understanding a particular Bible principle or theological issue without the aid of commentaries or notes
- testimonies of couples I heard from my church this year, and how they convince me that a great and lasting love story can only be made possible when two people are Christ-centered
- God, who loves me unconditionally
Yoneda Sensei gets immersed in Filipino culture for a day.
