“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 [...]

It’s Memorial Day here in the US, which marks the transition from spring to summer. I arrived here in the winter and now it’s already summer? I barely had the chance to enjoy spring! Oh, how time flies! At the beginning of the year, when I prayed about it and I decided to settle down [...]

Moving to a new place is no joke. It’s exciting, but it’s also exhausting. It’s full of promise, but it comes with pain.

In spite of the challenges, I realized that there’s much to be thankful for because God makes sure I have everything–or everyone–I need. Sometimes I just don’t see it.

©iStockphoto.com/joeshmo

Soak in these beautiful melodies…

Gungor – You Have Me (live at the Relevant Studios)

Phil Wickham – You’re Beautiful

A wise woman once told me:

“In moments of fear or confusion, take the next best step. It’s as simple as that. Take the next best step. Don’t worry about where you’ll be in 5-10 years… just handle today. There is freedom in abandoning the ‘what if’s’ and life plans created in our minds. Let God be good… He’ll open and close doors!”

I never forgot Bianca‘s advice. It was simple, but it was powerful. Now, every time I feel lost, I ask myself: “What’s the next step I need to take?”

©iStockphoto.com/Fenykepez

Sometimes, I arrive at some pretty convicting answers. But most of the time, the answers are kind of funny.