Buhay Bahay-Bahayan

You can’t have it all.

Hindi lahat ibinibigay ng Diyos.

Do those words sound familiar?

When a successful person is suddenly stricken with an incurable disease, people would utter those words, as if trying to give a reason and/or somehow put blame. It’s the stigma that’s dogged it for all these years.

I too would often hear those words and wonder if that is really true. Would God really limit His blessings? And with those assumptions, are we not limiting God’s abilities? As if doubting if He can really give one everything that he/she desires.

A few months ago, He blessed us with a baby. And what perfect timing it has come. It’s growing day by day. I talk to it, and I sometimes sing to it too. And my wife is fortunate enough not to experience most of the pains and dicomforts most women suffer from.

About two months ago, I was praying for more opportunities and for Him to bless the work of my hands. And you know what? He blessed me with so much work that I don’t even have the extra time to write here.

I know that He has nothing but good plans for us. I refuse to believe that there is a limit to what He can do for me and my family. I believe that He will give us everything that we will ever need (and more), all in due time.

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There was this New Year episode in the TV series Ally McBeal that I wouldn’t forget.

If you think back and replay your year, if it doesn’t bring you tears, either of joy or sadness, consider it a year wasted.

-John Cage

Looking back, I think my wife and I had our fair share joy and sadness. As I’ve said countless of times, it’s one great roller coaster ride. And I wouldn’t trade any minute of our life for anything. It was good. It was bad. But at the same time, it was awesome. And I’m thankful for so many things.

I’m thankful for supportive and faithful family and friends. They never tire of listening and shoving giving advises, whether it’s about love, relationship, marriage, life in general, or sex life (unsolicited but nonetheless appreciated). Thank you.

I’m thankful for a loving and nurturing wife, who held me and took care of me especially during the last two nights that I can’t sleep and coughing my lungs out. I’m feeling so much better now. Thank you.

I’m thankful for a faithful God. He has been very good. I feel blessed beyond my wildest dreams when I go to sleep each night. And though we’ve had our share of hard times, I wouldn’t change them if I could, because through it all, God has been good.

Avalon.ph is holding a What are you thankful for this 2009 contest. Visit the Avalon.ph blog for contest mechanics and for a chance to win a 2010 Moleskine Colour-A-Month Daily Planner.

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This is one of my favorite little thoughts I read long ago.

A member of a certain church, who previously had been attending services regularly, stopped going.  After a few weeks, the pastor decided to visit him.

It was a chilly evening.  The pastor found the man at home alone, sitting before a blazing fire.  Guessing the reason for his pastor’s visit, the man welcomed him, led him to a comfortable chair near the fireplace and waited.

The pastor made himself at home but said nothing.  In the grave silence, he contemplated the dance of the flames around the burning logs.  After some minutes, the pastor took the fire tongs, carefully picked up a brightly burning ember and placed it one side of the hearth, all alone.  Then he sat back in his chair, still silent.  The host watched all this in quiet contemplation.  As the one lone ember’s flame flickered and diminished, there was a momentary glow and then its fire was no more.  Soon it was cold and dead.

Not a word had been spoken since the initial greeting.  The pastor glanced at his watch and realized it was time to leave.  He slowly stood up, picked up the cold, dead ember and placed it back in the middle of the fire.  Immediately it began to glow, once more with the light and warmth of the burning coals around it.

As the pastor reached the door to leave, his host said with a tear running down his cheek, “Thank you so much for your visit and especially for the fiery sermon.”