My 2012.

Since it’s near the end, I guess it’s time for us to start back from the beginning and recount 2012 as a whole. This post is going to be terribly long, but i’d really appreciate it if you’d read it all. It’s not very well written, as I’m just kind of rambling on, just so you know. 

I changed so much as a person in so little time, it’s astonishing to look back to the person that I was. I was timid, quiet, afraid to try new things, and simply a person I didn't like at all. I struggled with many kept secrets and wanted so badly to let go of a lot of things so that I could start feeling good about myself and how I perceived myself and how I wanted others to perceive me. I’m slowly getting there and I know that I wouldn't be where I am now if it weren't for certain people in my life…and no matter if we aren't all together or if we’re not all friends now, I could never regret anything that happened. I visited different places and met new friends. I appreciate the life that I have now and I’m glad I haven’t died yet…there is just so much waiting for me.

2012 has been the most interesting year of my existence thus far and the anticipation to what 2013 has to offer is almost too much to bare. I want this year to be over so I can start fresh again. (allyourlight tumblr)

WHAT IF WE ARE HIT TO THE CORE?

Very recently we witnessed 2 of our own public figures seemed to "fail" from their expected performances. Regine Velasquez who lost her voice on the concert day itself and Manny Pacquaio who was knocked out by Juan Manuel Marquez in their 4th encounter.

We can say, they were hit to the core. Two things they have in common: (1) they failed on what they do best, singing and boxing respectively, (2) and these happening after they publicly professed their personal relationship with the Lord and striving to live Christian lives.

Some people ask why these things happen to them just when they tell the world about their renewed faith. They are supposed to be more successful because they are "nearer" to God. But God has a different meaning of success. To Him it means when you have shifted your focus from material things and worldly success to things of God and heaven.

Who said that with our relationship with Jesus everything will go as the world sees it? There will be testing of faith and usually they are the things/ people we value which may be involved. It's part of developing our character that will ultimately bring glory to God. I'm sure Regine and Manny cried and got scared at the moment but they showed that they put their hopes in Jesus and believed that there's a greater purpose why things happen.

I admire these 2 people for not giving up their faith despite the painful events that happened to them. And I pray that they remain steadfast and perseverant for they will bring many to the God's kingdom.

I just remembered a verse in Philippians 3:14, "I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."

God is not done with us. And just like Abraham, when he believed God, it was credited to him as righteousness (Romans 4:3).

It's not easy when our faith is tested. But for sure if we pass it God will remember us. And this is more important. (Courtesy: Written by by Judith Atienza-Cinco)