I love picking out my word for the year. In reality, I’ve only done it once, but I got pretty excited about that one time back in 2011. My word for that year was COURAGE. In 2012 (also known as the year of my blogging incompetence), I didn’t choose a word. But as I look [...]

I love learning, I love stories, and I love learning from stories. There’s nothing like being so captivated by a story that you lose track of time. Great stories can ignite emotions in the depths of one’s soul and unlock new ways of thinking–that’s why I love them so much. Here are some stories that [...]

Today I did something difficult. It was difficult, but I knew I had to do it if I wanted to heal, grow, and live in freedom. In the midst of doing what needed to be done, I was surprised that I actually felt calm and at peace. But as soon as I finished what I [...]

I hate being stuck in a rut, and yet, it’s so hard to get out. For some reason, I often think that being stuck in a rut is like being stuck in quicksand. I’m afraid of making any moves because I think things are just going to get worse.

©iStockphoto.com/DNY59

I know I’m not the only one with this problem. Why do we let ourselves stay stuck? Maybe it’s because once upon a time, we made a move and we got hurt. Maybe we’re just paralyzed by the fear of making a big mistake. Maybe we’re just too numb, too overwhelmed, or too tired. Maybe it’s all of the above.

“Gradually I began to realize that the best planned outings, where everything went as anticipated, left me somehow empty afterward. By contrast–unplanned surprises–contrary to my temperament and my expectations–often left the happiest memories. The more I had anticipated the results in detail, the less satisfying the outcome proved to be.” – Thomas H. Green, S.J., [...]

Have you ever felt overlooked?
Have you ever secretly wished that people would notice you more?
Have you ever been frustrated because someone else took credit for something that you did?

©iStockphoto.com/CamiloTorres

I’ll be honest–I can answer “yes” to all of those questions. But a couple of months ago, I learned a valuable lesson from a fascinating leader named Bob Goff: being noticed isn’t really all that important. Your popularity doesn’t define your purpose, and becoming well-known isn’t a prerequisite for making an impact. [...]

___________________________________. Go ahead, fill in the blank! Are you looking forward to something? I’ve got a number of things on my list. I can’t wait to.. reunite with the rest of our Vanguard University cohort tomorrow (we only see each other one week/semester) watch Tony Bennett in concert on the 24th (I’m a fan, seriously.) [...]

“Obedience…is the means of living within the sphere of blessing and enjoying it; obedience is never the means of earning or deserving the blessing.”

- Christopher J.H. Wright, The Mission of God’s People

It’s been a while since I last watched a movie! But when this comes out, I’m definitely going to watch it. Blue Like Jazz is one of my favorite books…

Here’s a little peek into my life. If you were sitting at my desk, this is what you would see:

This is the spot where I work on my papers, go through my books, pay my bills, write letters to my friends, and have Skype chats with my family. [...]

As of today, I have been living in the US for six months. Allow me to quote a Lea Salonga song when I say, “What a journey it has been.” When I first got here, I was overwhelmed and filled with anxiety. Six months later, I can say that God has been so faithful, just [...]

New experiences can be very tough.

Ever since I was a kid, I’ve always been slightly afraid of meeting strangers. I’m constantly worried that I wouldn’t know how to introduce myself or I’d run out of things to say.

©iStockphoto.com/SimmiSimons

People who know me say that they can’t imagine that I’m like that, especially since I used to work in a field that required me to meet and interact with a lot of people on a daily basis. But trust me, I didn’t just cruise into that type of work easily. Maybe I was good at putting up a strong front, but deep inside, I had to summon up a lot of courage to be able to get by. Thankfully, after some time, things got easier. [...]

Recently, I started reflecting again on the story of Abraham. I’ve always admired Abraham’s faith. Hebrews 11:8 says that “By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.” Have you ever wondered [...]

I’m loving these videos from The Skit Guys. :) Check this one out…

One of my greatest pleasures these days is receiving mail.

Every morning, I look forward to opening my computer and checking my e-mail accounts. While I’m asleep in the U.S., people in the Philippines are wide awake. On a good day, I usually have a couple of emails from my friends and family waiting in my inbox in the morning [...]