If You Want Me To

IF YOU WANT ME TO:

By Ginny Owens

The pathway is broken

and the signs are unclear

and I don’t know the reason 

why You brought me here

But just because You love me 

the way that You do

I’m gonna walk through the valley

If You want me to

Cause I’m not who I was

When I took my first step

And I’m clinging to the promise 

You’re not through with me yet

so if all of these trials bring me closer to you

Then I will walk through the fire

If You want me to

It may not be the way 

I would have chosen

When you lead me through a world 

that’s not my home

But You never said it would be easy

You only said I’d never go alone

So when the whole world turns against me

And I’m all by myself

And I can’t hear You answer my cries for help

I’ll remember the suffering 

Your love put You through

And I will go through the valley 

If You want me to.

Lets keep it moving!

Happy birthday, Lolo Pepot!

Woke up bright and early and had breakfast with Liam and the rest of the family. 

Was fascinated by the bees at the buffet area. A nice British lady came over and taught us the basics on bees and how to find the queen. 

The service was at 9am so we had to get a move on. CCF was about 30 minutes away so we left around 8:30. 

After service we proceeded to Heat at EDSA Shangrila Hotel. 

Tried to entertain Lolo while waiting since we got there a little early.

Dania and Liam sang "Happy Birthday" for Lolo together. Their first public performance together. Not a bad duo! 

Blessed to have this time together with damily and friends. We had more with us but I guess the buffet distracted us. 

Happy birthday, Lolo Pepot! Praying for complete healing and strength! 

Deuteronomy 7:9

Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments.

1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.

Family gets together in Manila - Day 1

Took the 10:30 PAL flight from Iloilo to Manila this morning. Dani was in the most pleasant of moods. So much different from the last time we travelled. She was eager to go on the plane and was trying to be in her most independent self. She wanted to hold the tickets, handed it over to be stamped, greeted some of Bryan's cousins courteously, sat on her own at JD while we waited for boarding.

On the plane she was so cheerful and calm. The peanuts kept her busy, finishing off 3 packs! Plus another pack of bread sticks! She didn't even notice the pressure on her ears or that we were turning or landing. It was like a dream come true! Wish this is how she would be every time we travel! 

We landed a bit late and Joey, Vicky and Liam were already checked in at the Fairmont Hotel in Makati. It was our first visit and Joey is already a member here. Situated right across Landmark and walking distance from Greenbelt 3, it so far has exceeded our expectations. 

We all decided to have lunch at Peking Garden in Greenbelt 5. Got lost for about half an hour. Finally sat down for luch at around 2. 

This was the main event:

Dania and Liam, as always were inseperable. Its been months since they've last seen each other. 

Lunch was more than enough. A nap afterwards was just what we all needed. Dani was out in no time.

Dinner was at Yakimix in Greenbelt 3. Another binge meal for us. But its fun to be around family. This is our first trip together as a family. A far cry from the days when it was just me and Joey. Definitely never was this noisy. 

The highlight of the day, I think, was when Dani and Liam had some bath tub time. Dani still thinks shes ina swimming pool so this made her day. Seeing them together splashing around and bubbles all over, its good to be a kid. Small things are magnified a hundred times over. These are moment I remember having myself with Pam and the other cousins. You have to wonder about the power of memories. Like how far back can it actually go and hols on to those moment for the rest of your life? 

What a night! Its been more than I could have hoped. Thank you, Lord for family and the chance to have these moments. Tomorrow is a big day. Lifting it up for your glory, Oh God. 

Good night! 

Be Prepared

Revelation 22:12-13

Epilogue:Invitation and Warning

 “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.

Costume day!

Seriously disagree with celebrating Halloween. Anything that glorifies things that are not of our Lord is just a big waste of time. 

So I try to make the most of all the activities by involving Dani in more wholesome and positive activities and outfits. 

I knew Hotel Del Rio had annual activities so when I saw they had Prima Galaw's "The Little Mermaid" musical on their schedule, I couldn't resist passing it up this year. 

The activity cost about P300 including snacks. Dani loved the fun costumes and music. This was her first show ever so I was really curious how she would behave. But with so mamy kids there, she was dancing and responding with the games. They alternated the play itself with interactive games so it wasn't dragging for the kids. From months to 11 years old, the place was packed with kids in different costumes. 

Dani insisted on the pink dress we got from Tita Mimi Lopez. Of course, we topped it off with a crown I got at a LaFarge dealers conference last year. 

Simple snacks were served at the venue. Not bad for the price we paid. 

Obviously, she was in awe with the whole show. It was something new for us and I love being there watching the look on her face. 

After Del Rio, she changed into her Rapunzel costume. This one I got online. Funny how she is turning out to be a fashion diva when I am so not into this at all. 

Family came over and the usual trick or treating in the subdivision took place. 

Someone obviously had her fill of goodies. 

One thing I do appreciate about the trick or treating is seeing some of the street kids pass through. I don't think they are part of the plan amd must have snuck in. But it humbled me to give them something all kids should enjoy. It may not have been much but I know they don't get these treats often. Had some bandi made from mom's place and I snuck in more for them. Some may be sharing with other kids and their parents. You never know. 

Such a stark contrast from the life my daughter has. One day I hope she gets to learn how to truly give to those in need. Little moments like this, God sees our hearts. Quiet and simple. But the ripples are bigger than what is believed to be. 

Looking forward to the Christmas season. Hoping Dani gets to learn that it is Christ that is the center and not Santa. The lines are so blurred these days. The true meaning is somehow shoved to the side. As far as my family is concerned, the King will be front and center. Now to look for my belen.