Talking about parenting the heart.

If I would ever be given a superpower to protect and choose one person who would never feel hurt; that would be my dad.

He is greatly valued by so many because he knows how to treat people with respect.

Just the unwavering love and loyalty of our household-help and drivers is a solid testimony of his amazing ability to give and to understand others' cares.

Our home is like an open house with people asking for help - with medicines, hospital bills, food, work, school expenses, transport to return to their provinces... the list is endless, I tell 'ya... but daddy always had the heart to give.

As a daughter, daddy makes me feel like I'm the most gifted person to ever walk this planet. I can sense how proud he is with just the way he looks at me. My sisters and brother probably feel the same way. ;)

Considering that he is a big man who has earned the trust and respect of so many people from all walks of life, it's very satisfying to know that to him, my opinions matter.

At church, they once talked about how parents should be parenting the heart of their children. When your sons and daughters embrace the thought that 'what they will do next will either bring honour or shame to their family', that is a powerful indication that they are placed in a right disposition.

I think I can say that I've got that rational impressed on me. Even if I know his love is unconditional, I always value daddy's (and mummy's) approval - not out of fear but out of love.

Happy birthday daddy-o!!

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Don't give up on the dream

I only prayed for a Pass but the Almighty BLESSED me well beyond my imagination. 

I started the Chartered Accounting (CA) program last September and for 4 months, I was like a super machine - working more than 40 hours a week and studying for over 30 hours a week.

There were occasions when I suddenly feel a squeeze in my chest -  then tears fall down my cheeks as I get overwhelmed by the content of my study materials. 

But in the midst of that unwelcomed feeling, I get amazing comfort from this message that I heard from Ps Leon Fontaine the night before CA officialy started - "Pray, Prepare, Persevere and Enjoy!!"

That same night, I poured out all my cares through words again, but never got to posting until now:

*** 

26 September 2010

What is perhaps the most challenging episode of my student life yet officially commences tomorrow. I am finally starting the CA program and although everyone says that it is very intense (and I am sure that it will indeed be tough, especially with full-time work), I have amazing peace inside me and an expectant heart that I know only God is able to provide.

Since I came back to Melbourne, I have been so blessed by a church that I now consider home (http://www.enjoychurch.com.au/).

I wake up every Sunday with great anticipation, knowing that I can shout and give praise without barriers, that I can worship through songs and offerings; that there is God's truth contained in His Word that will surely pierce through my heart.

Today is no exception. The messages in the two services that I attended really stirred me.

I learned that when God gives you a vision that becomes your dream, there is a way (His favour) being made for you. The dream in itself is not the end but it is through the process that we are made into the best we could be.

"If your dream is of God's, you're going to be a blessing to others - Don't shrink back. The end is so much better than the beginning." - Ps Shane Baxter

***

I had my exam last December and after a long 2-and-a-half-months, results were finally released.

I felt my face burn while looking at my computer screen at work. 

I still cannot grasp how I could have made it to the top 5% for the module among all students in the whole of Australia!

It is amazing what can be achieved by blood, sweat and tears but I truly believe that there is nothing greater than what the King of kings can conquer for you.

Galatians 6:9 says, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up".

Thank you, Lord. Thank you, Enjoy Church. Thanks to all the faith-filled people who prayed and believed with me. 

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Friendships and a fab weekend

A back-story. 

*Everything happens for a reason*

I was not a happy camper when I learned that one of the morning classes for my last semester at RMIT (before my final semester in Boston) was cancelled which meant I had to transfer to a night class on another weeknight. I initially had a dream timetable - would've just had to come in to uni for 2 days in a week, if only that morning class wasn't cancelled - FRUSTRATION.

On the first session of that night class, I was outside the lecture room, chatting with my sister over the phone while waiting for the prior class to finish.

When I hanged up, I was approached by someone next to me who apparently understood the foreign language I was speaking - Cheska, a Filipino international student as well!

RMIT is very international but that was my first time to meet a Filipino international student - EXCITEMENT.

If I didn't move to that night class, I wouldn't have met Cheska, and Stella who I met through Cheska, and about 20 other amazing people who I met through Cheska and Stella! My friends in Melbourne suddenly quadrupled!

The girls and I started a tradition of weekly Friday night catch-ups since the start of this year. :)

On a Friday night at Lindt Cafe in Chaddy

Highlights of this fab weekend with the girls:

- Random conversations over dinner at a Malaysian restaurant in QV

- We were already heading to the tram stop when we realised that we left the restaurant without paying for our meals! (we came back and fixed up the damage. don't worry.)

- Stayed over at Cheska and her sister, Ate Rina's home

- Went to bed at 1 am, tossing and turning - found out that at 3.30am, Cheska and Ate Rina couldn't sleep either 

- Cheska and I concluded that it would be pointless to force ourselves to sleep so at 3.30 in the morning, we started watching Regine & Ogie's wedding and random youtube videos

- Finally slept at around 5.30am

 Got up at 8.30am to attend a Zumba class that started at 9am - Breakfast at Westfield Southland straight from the gym - Drove to Mornington (in Cheska's handsome Jeep Patriot)

Strawberry picking at Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm

Chill at Mornington Hot Springs 

Drove back to Cheska's and then meet Stella for Thai dinner

And I received great news today from Edward. He worked extremely hard for his Thesis. So many sleepless nights. It was all worth it. I'm very proud. :)

Best Art Direction. 2nd Best Copy. Best Over-all Campaign. Best Concept.

Congratulations, love!

An awesome weekend. SMILES.

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Small Cakes w/ Choc-Vanilla Butter Frosting

'Baked some yummo cupcakes for Dite & Lolo's 3rd wedding anniversary. =)

Happy anniversary Dite & Lolo! =)

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Strawberries n' Cream

Just finished making this treat :)

It was meant to be a jelly slice but I used a faulty spring tin and the jelly kept spilling out. Good thing I bought strawberries this morning - was very handy for topping.

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