from Him. I wanted to write a year-end post - something to make 2011 more meaningful so I wrote down ten things I am most thankful for in 2011. BUT, somehow, it just felt more natural to share something else – these seven – which are not necessarily events, but lessons I have learned in 2011 (Yes, I learned!)
1. More important than what you GET is what you give
Somehow when I heard it in exactly this way (in Tagalog), it made more sense than its equivalent “it's more blessed to give than to receive”, which I have not really taken to heart all these years. I started being serious with saving or investing this year – so I always made it a point to make the most after tithes and savings, and bills. The remaining usually left me with little room for giving – or so I thought! Now, I fully understand that my life (that I have given to Christ) is a life that ought to mirror his character - ALWAYS passionate to give and serve. I also learned that giving need not only be in the form of money, but it can also be in the form of service. Hello 2012 for more opportunities to give!
2. Invest in the Future
As I have mentioned it was this year that I started being serious with saving or investing. Specifically, May this year. I have learned much and am learning more about the art of budgeting and managing my finances. It’s an achievement that I was able to say “no” to Starbucks about 90% of the time, and to lunch outs because I started bringing baon; so much I saved from these two alone. ACTUALLY, I really needed to save, because of the third one.
3. Spend in Experiences
This year, I spent most of my extra money traveling and LEARNING from those travels. I didn’t get any new gadget for the year, but I got to travel. Hooray! This year, I got to visit Beijing and Singapore. Locally, I visited Ilocos, Bohol, Cebu, Davao, Cagayan de Oro and Zambales. I loved each place and also the company. I wouldn’t trade these for even the latest gadget. Next year, I am planning and praying to visit more. Hopefully my new role also allows for as-easy filing for leaves :)
4. Learn as Much as you can
Relating to the previous point, it is most essential that we become open to challenge, change or new opportunities which may help us grow and learn as much as we can. Sometime in 2011 was also the jumpstart of my new role in the company, Project Development in Amaia. I was very excited because I knew it was going to be a great opportunity for learning. Also this year was a move to a new small group, Phoebe Lucero's; I was so blessed to be part of a new group where I experienced new impartations. We can learn from most anything, from work, books, even with the people we spend time with. Indeed I am also so blessed to be learning a lot from my parents, my colleagues, and even my friends. Thank you!!!
5. Fear Not!
I realized that even when I thought I’ve overcome much fear, some of my actions still speak fear all over, and not faith. 2011 was a year marked with fears, and THANKFULLY, victories over these fears – in giving, saving and forgiving, as shared earlier, in speaking (LIFE Seminar and at work), and in failures. When we overcome fear we exhibit faith, which pleases God. Indeed, there is still room for improvement, but I am thankful for this had been a learning pressed even further deep into my heart through my experiences in 2011. Thank you, Lord for being with me. Your presence has helped me overcome my fears.
6. Trust
Sometimes you just have to let go and let God. I'm all for action and standing up for what you believe in, but sometimes he just calls us to trust him. To understand that our battles are his and will ultimately result in victory. This he calls us to everyday, to trust in him. Our trust in him shows when we are able to break walls and open ourselves up to others knowing he is in full control.
7. Things happen for a Reason
And it’s NOT just always “learning from the experience”. Apart from the learning we get out of challenges we face, there is comfort in knowing that the events in our lives are all part of a good pleasing and perfect plan, created by no other but Our God. Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails (Prov 19:21).
And, the purpose or reason is Him. So I end with this. Thank you, Lord for making 2011 meaningful! You made it so!
Yes, Lord, walking in the way of Your Truth, we wait eagerly for You, for Your name and Your renown are the desire of our souls (Isaiah 26:8)
1. More important than what you GET is what you give
Somehow when I heard it in exactly this way (in Tagalog), it made more sense than its equivalent “it's more blessed to give than to receive”, which I have not really taken to heart all these years. I started being serious with saving or investing this year – so I always made it a point to make the most after tithes and savings, and bills. The remaining usually left me with little room for giving – or so I thought! Now, I fully understand that my life (that I have given to Christ) is a life that ought to mirror his character - ALWAYS passionate to give and serve. I also learned that giving need not only be in the form of money, but it can also be in the form of service. Hello 2012 for more opportunities to give!
2. Invest in the Future
As I have mentioned it was this year that I started being serious with saving or investing. Specifically, May this year. I have learned much and am learning more about the art of budgeting and managing my finances. It’s an achievement that I was able to say “no” to Starbucks about 90% of the time, and to lunch outs because I started bringing baon; so much I saved from these two alone. ACTUALLY, I really needed to save, because of the third one.
3. Spend in Experiences
This year, I spent most of my extra money traveling and LEARNING from those travels. I didn’t get any new gadget for the year, but I got to travel. Hooray! This year, I got to visit Beijing and Singapore. Locally, I visited Ilocos, Bohol, Cebu, Davao, Cagayan de Oro and Zambales. I loved each place and also the company. I wouldn’t trade these for even the latest gadget. Next year, I am planning and praying to visit more. Hopefully my new role also allows for as-easy filing for leaves :)
4. Learn as Much as you can
Relating to the previous point, it is most essential that we become open to challenge, change or new opportunities which may help us grow and learn as much as we can. Sometime in 2011 was also the jumpstart of my new role in the company, Project Development in Amaia. I was very excited because I knew it was going to be a great opportunity for learning. Also this year was a move to a new small group, Phoebe Lucero's; I was so blessed to be part of a new group where I experienced new impartations. We can learn from most anything, from work, books, even with the people we spend time with. Indeed I am also so blessed to be learning a lot from my parents, my colleagues, and even my friends. Thank you!!!
5. Fear Not!
I realized that even when I thought I’ve overcome much fear, some of my actions still speak fear all over, and not faith. 2011 was a year marked with fears, and THANKFULLY, victories over these fears – in giving, saving and forgiving, as shared earlier, in speaking (LIFE Seminar and at work), and in failures. When we overcome fear we exhibit faith, which pleases God. Indeed, there is still room for improvement, but I am thankful for this had been a learning pressed even further deep into my heart through my experiences in 2011. Thank you, Lord for being with me. Your presence has helped me overcome my fears.
6. Trust
Sometimes you just have to let go and let God. I'm all for action and standing up for what you believe in, but sometimes he just calls us to trust him. To understand that our battles are his and will ultimately result in victory. This he calls us to everyday, to trust in him. Our trust in him shows when we are able to break walls and open ourselves up to others knowing he is in full control.
7. Things happen for a Reason
And it’s NOT just always “learning from the experience”. Apart from the learning we get out of challenges we face, there is comfort in knowing that the events in our lives are all part of a good pleasing and perfect plan, created by no other but Our God. Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails (Prov 19:21).
And, the purpose or reason is Him. So I end with this. Thank you, Lord for making 2011 meaningful! You made it so!
Yes, Lord, walking in the way of Your Truth, we wait eagerly for You, for Your name and Your renown are the desire of our souls (Isaiah 26:8)
