Benefits of Spiritual Retreats

I recently joined the FFI team in Manila to minister to some “big names” of the showbiz world…. yes, I said people from showbiz. Ministry time was astounding! The Holy Spirit’s ministry moved mightily and touched each one of them.

Being part of the ministry team of Ancient Paths Seminar (Family Foundations, Inc.) can be very physically draining. On the one hand, being a facilitator enables my spirit to be so connected with the Lord. For me, these are face-to-face encounters with Jesus as He leads and directs.

After the seminar, I was physically bushed and so I thought of visiting family in Baguio, my husband's birthplace and home town. Every end of summer, I usually take a spiritual retreat. Hence, my sudden decision to take a trip up and spend it there.

I stayed a few days with my step dad-in-law, Heiner, then a couple of days with Tita Pynky (check out PNKY Collection: http://www.pnkyhome.com/). My time with them were just precious. I was not only fed physically, as always, but there's something about Baguio when it comes to spiritual retreats: encounters with Him were the most profound and deep.

My trips to the market and other interesring places, my spiritual walks alone were meaningful moments. I can just bask at His wondrous creation through nature and be free of any concerns about life.

Each day, I was awakened by the sweet aroma of freshly brewed coffee, the sweet smell of pine, the melodious chirps of the birds, and the awesome views that remind me of Psalm 23 ("He leads me in green pastures and beside still waters). Most of the time, i took pictures of just about anything that captured my fancy. There's nothing like Baguio at this time of year.

Spiritual retreats provide me an opportunity to find deeper meaning to life. It can be wonderfully uplifting and gives me greater fulfillment. Taking time out alone with my God and leaving behind the problems of this busy materialistic world gives me a chance to think more deeply about what is going on in my spiritual walk and with my inner life and hearing more of God's instructions to equip me for the journey ahead.

I had a super great time with God. Having a retreat in Baguio is probably one of the most memorable ones. The weather, the people, the food, and everything about it is just wonderful.

But really, at the end of the day, it’s not about Baguio. It’s all about Jesus. I thank God that He refreshed my spirit. I’m now ready to face new challenges and give out more of myself as I am new again and filled to overflowing!!!

Mt. Kanlaon

My husband and I took our end-yearly trip with his bike. We prefer the rugged type rather than drive in one of those comfortable SUV's. With our backpacks, thick jackets, and helmets on, we geared up with couple of shirts, a bottle of water each, a spare tire and an air pump. This time we headed towards San Carlos all the way to the top of Mount Kanlaon via Don Salvador Benedicto.

Along the mountain highway, as we climbed up a spur of Salvador Benedicto, the cool breeze and the scent of pine trees, it is not unusual for a young eagle soaring over the clear skies. I’ve thrice seen the raptor while crossing the mountain roads back and forth Bacolod and San Carlos. It could be a Philippine eagle. I gather it is the only bird of prey with blue-gray—as opposed to yellow, orange or brown—eyes, known to live in just four of the country’s 7,100 islands, only about 500 pairs of the eagles exist today (source: National Wildlife Federation).

The route gives the traveller a view of a mini "Chocolate Hills" which can be seen along the Negros Translink Highway in Barangay Prosperidad. Hills differ from sizes & stretches up to Barangay Nataban. It is about 18 kilometers from the city proper & would consume 30 minutes travel time approximately. Fourty-five minutes before reaching San Carlos, you will find Alinsyawan Falls in Aglolood, Panlampas. The local government has built a place by the highway to view the waterfalls. It is frequented by nature lovers and local tourists. Passing through San Carlos, we thought of going straight to Kanlaon where we found a small inn to eat some fresh mountain-cooked lunch. After that, we went to view the awesome Mt. Kanlaon. It was breathtaking!

Mt. Kanlaon remains to be the highest peak in Central Philippines. Rising up to a summit elevation of a staggering 8,088 feet or about 2,465 meters, it is one of the most active volcanoes in the country and is part of the Negros Volcanic Belt. Also called the Cuernos de Negros or Horns of Negros, Mt Kanlaon is surrounded by several craters and volcanic peaks. It is also the host of many waterfalls such as the two waterfalls of Sudlon and the Quipot Falls.

We traversed through river crossings, bumpy and rocky roads, passed through beautiful sceneries of rice paddy plantation near Barangay Lumapao. We were probably on the highest peak of our trip. On the way down, we had a flat tire thrice. So with our handy air pump (that doesnt really work) and spare tire, we manually changed tires with some team work magic. When we were back down the intersection of Prosperidad that divides the road between Cadiz, San Carlos and Kanlaon, we found a Vulcanizing. Funny, they spelt the word, "Bol ka nay sing". It was a pity that I missed to take a snapshot of what I thought the cutest, and funniest signage I have ever seen!

I may have an inflammed butt from the long trip but it was quite an adventure. Worth remembering for a lifetime.

How about .... New Zealand?

January 28, 2003

Is there a life for us in New Zealand, Lord? Please make it clear to us. Amen.

A basket of groceries!

Jan 27, 2003

- CJ finally is in school from a month of confinement here in the house of typhoid fever
- Gina and Gerro helped out with medications and gave Php.
- Manang Lidj and Manong Ernie also gave Php for CJ's medications
- Gina gave groceries
- Mama gave proceeds of VOS from our farm
- Opportunities for New Zealand
- Gift for kids and chocolates from Tita Myrna
- Chocolates ---- lots from Tita Cindy
- antique long chair from Tita Cindy
- Php from Tita Berting
- Great wonderful time with Sune and Balma

Hello Caila!

Phenomenal woman...."Why I love my Mom..."

I received this email from my sis-in law, Jang. When I read it, I literally cried. It is so true in my life!

Entry: January 3, 2002

Why I love my Mom...

Mom and Dad were watching TV when Mom said, "I'm tired, and it's getting late. I think I'll go to bed." She went to the kitchen to make sandwiches for the next day's lunches, rinsed out the popcorn bowls, took meat out of the freezer for supper the following everning, checked the cereal box levels, filled the sugar container, put spoons and bowls on the table and started the coffee pot for brewing the next morning.

She then put some wet colothes in the dryer, put a load of clothes into the wash, ironed a shirt and secured a loose button. She picked up the game pieces left on the table and put the telephone book back into the drawer. She watered the plants, emptied a waste basket and and hung up a towel to dry, she yawned and stretched and headed for the bedroom, she stopped by the desk and and wrote a note to the teacher, counted out some cash for the field trip, and pulled a textbook hiding under the chair. She signed a birthday card for a friend, addressed and stamped an envelop and wrote a quick note for the grocery store. She put both near her purse. Mom then creamed her face, put on moisturizer, brushed and flossed her teeth and trimmed her nails.

Dad called out, "I thought that you were going to bed". "I'm on my way," she said. She put some water into the dog's dish and put the cat outside and made sure the doors were locked. She looked in on each of the kids and turned out the bedside lamp, hung up a shirt, threw some dirty socks in the hamper and had a brief conversation with the one up still doing homework.

In her own room, she set the alarm, laid out clothing for the next day, straightened up the shoe rack. She added three things to her list of things to do for tomorrow. About that time, Dad turned off the TV and announced to no one in particular, "I'm going to bed." And he did without another thought.

Anything extraordinary here?.... Wonder why women live longer? BECAUSE WE ARE STRONGER..... MADE FOR THE LONG HAUL.....!

Thank you for this child

Entry: January 3, 2001

Dear Lord, thank you that I am pregnant. Thank you that you have allowed us to have our fourth child. Thank you that you have plans for this child. Thank you that before the whole creation of the universe, you have called this child her name. She is created for heaven!
Thank you that even if I don’t fathom your plans and see your hand in this today, you have assured me in my heart that you will cradle us in your arms. This child is another reward from you. I will see her grow, I will see her turn into a blessed woman someday and I will remember this time, this very writing why I thanked you for bringing this child into our lives.
Lord, help me, teach me, show me. Lord, help me rear this child in your ways so that she may not depart from it.
Let me carry this child with rejoicing and dancing! I claim for your redemption from the curse – that I may have no complications, morning sickness or nausea. I claim the redemption of painless delivery. I claim the redemption of normal delivery, good health and abundant provision.
Thank you Lord that we will not lack less but have more. Thank you that you will surround us with people that you will use to encourage us, to support us, to pray for us, and to lighten the load for us.
Lord, I rejoice in you. I love you and I come before you with humility.
Amen

Canada for my siblings!

February 1, 2002

- Opportunities for Jepoy and Chat for Canada!

- My boys received awards today in academic and non-academic

- for so much more!!!!!

My miracles today!

January 31, 2002

- Toblerone Chocolate Bar from Lola Fima
- Box from Chris Deering filled with quilting notions and supplies:
o Appliqué scissors
o Appliqué pins
o Pigma pens
o Stencil burner
o Marking pencils
- Shrimps for lunch
- Free dinner from Tita Fe and Imbiss sausages
- Positive turn-out of interested appliqué students
- Great quilting buddies: Julie, Jojo, Rahkee, Cecille, Dori and Marlene
- PhP******* from Mama

Lord, these things, are so much than I can ever ask in a day! Thank you! Starting today, I will be a miracle collector! Thank you so abundantly, my Lord!