Patience

Today is the first day of my new work and I couldn't be happier. I felt that it's really a good place for me to work and I finally found the right place for me.

I'm very thankful that God gave me this job. I prayed for it so many times and I waited for this job. And the feeling of finally stepping in to the office makes me like...WOW. I mostly don't have words for what I feel. Mostly feel like this is the feeling you get when you finally have what you waited and prayed for.

When you try to relate it to any aspect of your life, it truly means so much, getting to experience it on a different way. Like for instance, waiting for God's best. At times, I can get a little discouraged or hasty to find an answer on who is the one for me. But God is giving me answers gradually while I wait. It's very important to always seek God because He never fails to give you answers. I just need to be patient enough to wait because God promises a bright future and to give us His best. I declare victory in the future. :)

Mmkay, I need to get some shut eye, early start tomorrow.

Goodnight! x

This is how you lose her.

Boom! Just hit me. REPOST.

Source: http://thunderpopcola.tumblr.com/ (love her blog)

This is how you lose her. 

You lose her when you forget to remember the little things that mean the world to her: the sincerity in a stranger’s voice during a trip to the grocery, the delight of finding something lost or forgotten like a sticker from when she was five, the selflessness of a child giving a part of his meal to another, the scent of new books in the store, the surprise short but honest notes she tucks in her journal and others you could only see if you look closely.

You must remember when she forgets.

You lose her when you don’t notice that she notices everything about you: your use of the proper punctuation that tells her continuation rather than finality, your silence when you’re about to ask a question but you think anything you’re about to say to her would be silly, your mindless humming when it is too quiet, your handwriting when you sign your name in blank sheets of paper, your muted laughter when you are trying to be polite, and more and more of what you are, which you don’t even know about yourself, because she pays attention.

She remembers when you forget.

You lose her for every second you make her feel less and less of the  beauty that she is. When you make her feel that she is replaceable. She wants to feel cherished. When you make her feel that you are fleeting. She wants you to stay. When you make her feel inadequate. She wants to know that she is enough and she does not need to change for you, nor for anyone else because she is she and she is beautiful, kind and good.

You must learn her.

You must know the reason why she is silent. You must trace her weakest spots. You must write to her. You must remind her that you are there. You must know how long it takes for her to give up. You must be there to hold her when she is about to.

You must love her because many have tried and failed. And she wants to know that she is worthy to be loved, that she is worthy to be kept.

And, this is how you keep her.

Change

They say that the only constant thing in life is change...that's true. In fact, it's also inevitable. And most people are afraid of it. I, for one, was one of those people. But trusting God's plan for us gives me the confidence to face the fears of change.

For The Better

I found this photo in spiritualinspiration.tumblr.com whom I follow. I wanted to share it because I can relate to it.

For a girl, it wasn't too easy to admit this, but growing up, I was really exposed to the "material world" wherein it was really difficult to say no to temptation. I learned smoking and drinking very young(one of my vices), now quitting wasn't easy, it was not even an option to me before.

Here comes asking God to lead the way for me, things changed bit by bit. Starting over was REALLY hard! Even now, I'm still having a lot of struggles, however, in times of adversity, it became like a reflex to turn to God right away. Anyway, going back, I decided to quit smoking last September. It was so difficult in the beginning because I was really craving for it. It was a routine for me to smoke during my breaks and after lunch, it was also what I do when I'm stressed out, but it did not give me the satisfaction of making myself feel entirely better. Also with drinking, when I was going through a heartbreak, that was the best solution for me, I go home late at night, drunk, feeling emptier than ever, the next day, go through the same thing. Those became a habit that I didn't realize was trying to kill me inside one day at a time.

Aside from my jump-start on quitting those vices, the best solution I had in mind is to rid myself from hanging out with my "drinking buddies". You become the people you surround yourself with, so that time, I was only hanging out with a few friends at work, who only wants to dine out or go to coffee shops to hang out, well more like my thing because I love conversing and drink coffee/milk tea/tea. Lol! And of course, most of them are goal oriented, kind and just amazing people.

I was not able to see the gravity of the situation before, all I knew was those were the darkest days of my life because everything was vague, all for temporary happiness. But nothing beats wanting to change your life for the better and having God take control of your life. Before, those were the things I want to do, but now, I do things to please God, and no one else.

Dealing with the past is something that is a challenge for me, but this is the way to face my future without turning back. I'll be writing more about that soon.

-----

It's weird, because I've been getting these inspiration on just expressing my feelings, writing and just sharing parts of me to everyone. Whoever reads this, I hope that my experiences and the things I learned out of those situations will also help you, it may not be in the same scenario, but in any aspect of your life.

I'm sharing my experiences so you all will see how I was able to overcome it, with the help of the Lord and His grace and mercy. :) I want everyone to know that I could not do this alone, I have God by my side, and he did not leave me nor forsake me.

Follow me on Tumblr: nicoleaquino.tumblr.com :)

Goodnight!
x

PS:

I just want to share this video on Youtube that I can't seem to post here, so here's the link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=dPmxXTfWOvg
It's called, Bible Theater: 1 Corinthians - Running to Win the Prize. :)

-Exactly the message that I needed to hear tonight. Thank you Lord! :)

All Things Are Possible

Last night, before going to bed, I prayed and I asked God a question. Going back to my other post, I was rambling about something surreal, right? The question I asked was about that. Thing is, there was a battle in my head if some things, such as my dilemma are possible. Last night, before going to bed, I received a sign (Your Guardian Angel by The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus) and today when I woke up, while reading me devotional, I got a clear answer. God is reminding me that all things are possible with Him. Let me share you my devotional today from Joyce Meyer: Promises for Your Everyday Life. :)


Mark 10:27 (NIRV)
27Jesus looked at them and said, "With man, that is impossible. But not with God. All things are possible with God."


You Have Potential

It's amazing how many gifted people there are who just sit on the sidelines of life and do nothing. They never take a step forward to use the gifts God has given them because they don't believe they're gifted in the first place. Are you one of them?

The truth is, God has given each one of us gifts, talents and abilities. He has a great plan for you and has equipped you to do great things for His Kingdom. But until you see yourself the way He sees you and trust Him to enable you to use your gifts, you won't live up to your God-given potential.

If you're struggling with low self-esteem, a poor self-image and lacking confidence, I want you to know that God created you with amazing potential. And when you trust God and believe you can do whatever He says you can do, you will fulfill His destiny for your life.

Remember, "all things are possible with God." When you put your confidence in Him, you will be free to live up to your potential.

Prayer Starter: God, help me to see myself through Your eyes, with the gifts and talents You've given me. I believe that You made me with great potential because You are a great God. Today, I put my confidence in You and believe that all things are possible with You!

This message does not only make me feel better because I got the answer to my prayer, but absolutely amazing because this implies to any aspect of my life. I've been afraid on showing my potentials. I know most of it, but every time I try to step up and do all the things my heart wishes to do, I sometimes get dishearten because of setbacks. But right now, I'm a totally different woman, I'm God's warrior and I'm doing this for Him.

God is unfolding His plans for me, little by little. I believe He gives me discernment, but I'm praying for more wisdom.

Oh my, just an aha moment, I remembered my previous boss told me few months ago when we were having one on one talks that she observed that people listen to me and they follow me, it's just a matter on how will I use it for the right reasons. When she told me that, it was overwhelming because I did not see it that way, I mean, I know I can easily talk to anyone but I did not see it the way she did. God used her to make me see my potential. And yes, now I know that it is my purpose to serve Him by sharing His word to people, just like Paul did. I was blind, but now I see.


John 9:25 (NIRV)
25He replied, "I don't know if he is a sinner or not. I do know one thing. I was blind, but now I can see!"


Right now, my heart is filled with so much joy and my love to God and as I'm writing this, I can feel the presence of the Holy Spirit. It is truly amazing.

Have a great weekend ahead everyone! :)

x

Act On It

Today, I've been reflecting on what needs improvement in me and my life in general. There were some things that I couldn't control. I mean, I do realize my faults and all, but I need to follow through, I need to have a strong conviction on what I need to, well, not really change, but let me just put it this way, I need to turn my weaknesses into strengths.

On the days that I feel like I'm ready for everything, comes a setback (unfortunate events, you name it). I know I'm being tested, but it gets frustrating sometimes. And I'm just thankful that more often, I have God and He also uses my sister to talk to me, but it's not going to be that way forever, especially now that she's married, her priorities change. I figured that I need to step up and make my relationship with God stronger than ever because He is all I have when I come to think of it (aside from my family).

Despite all my rants, or the over-thinking going on, I feel so inspired. I realized that it's always easy to say that I want to make things happen in my life, but it's much better to act on it and make things happen. I really feel like this will be the year that things will start happening for me.

So, as I'm turning 25 in September 29, I really don't want to go through a quarter life crisis, and that's not even an option. I had some things listed out that some I was able to start, like:

Learn French, Spanish or any other language aside from Tagalog and English.
-I've been into this since I was in college, and it's about time that I learn both languages that I've been dying to learn since I was 14. I know a little Mandarin because I studied it in high school, but that's all forgotten now. And I always see myself settling down in Spain (so now, I'm wondering why I'm practicing French basics first), unfortunately, coming from a family that has a Spanish bloodline, I didn't learn to speak the language. :( I'm always asking my Grandma and Mom to teach me, but their Spanish is rusty so they just gave me tips like, if I want to learn, I should start by learning a Spanish song, and that would be a good start. Hmm, good one (light-bulb moment). Ha ha  :)  Well, one more thing why I want to learn both languages is because I want to travel (given that I'm able to save money for my trips to those places), and I want to be able to experience the place the way I always dreamt to, conversing to people on their own language, etc.

Learn how to drive.
-Okay, this is really funny because I tried to drive once and it scared the heck out of me. But, one failure doesn't mean I'll quit. ;)

Healthy lifestyle not just physically but emotionally and spiritually.
-This one is the most important, because not being healthy stops me from doing the things I want, like surfing, etc. So working out is a must, watching what I eat, etc.
Emotionally and spiritually, I figured that the way to do it is working on myself and surrounding myself with people who also has goals and have the same outlook in life, people who will also inspire me.

I can't believe I'm saying this, but good thing I'm still single, because I'll get to completely work on myself while I'm waiting for God's best. :)

Anyway, I have more in mind, but I don't want to write it down. I'm also having a hard time staring at the screen because I have a massive headache. :(

For anyone who gets to read this, sorry if I may seem self centered and keep on writing about myself. See, this is my outlet, so I'm better in expressing my feelings when I write it rather than talk about it. Oh I'm so chatty since yesterday.

I'll try to sleep early because it's going to be a busy Friday for me tomorrow. :) Oh goodie!

Good night loves!

x

Devotional

Thursday, April 4th
4:04AM

For the past few days, I've been starting my day my way. But I noticed that I was always in a bad mood, easily irritated, you name it. I hated the fact that I couldn't control my emotions, it was so fickle, it switches in a snap.

I can feel that the enemy is attacking me using the circumstances that I'm facing. It started last week, during the Holy week. I was not in the mood to talk to anyone, I was always dealing with something that irritated me the most (like having my allergy for weeks and spraining my left wrist to name a few). Everyone annoyed me, especially when I was in pain. There were struggles, here and there, I can't specify everything, but I was pressured and in pain. So I snapped.

One thing saved me, even though I was feeling that way, I'm so thankful that the Holy Spirit nudged me to go to God. Every time I felt annoyed or in pain, I prayed. But I'm still being attacked by the enemy, and you know what, I got this message come Monday on my Facebook app for God's daily message, it said that I should start my day with God. So when I woke up technically yesterday morning (since it's already the 4th), I was supposedly going to do what I normally do, but I saw my prayer book and I prayed. After I prayed, I checked my devotionals on Youversion...I follow Rick Warren's Daily Devotional and Joyce Meyer: Promises for Your Everyday Life (which was the perfect combination because with Rick Warren's devotional, it speaks to our generation and Joyce Meyer's devotional is for women). I decided to catch up starting April 1st.

The message on my devotionals truly touched my heart. Talked about God knows my frustrations, stress, and the future. There's also one on fear. It's basically just perfect for the day it was for, I realized that if I read this topic last Monday or Tuesday, those days would've been different. After I read the devotionals, I prayed. I talked to God, thanked Him, asked for forgiveness, cast all my worries and care upon Him. I prayed for my new job that will start in 18 days. I prayed for my goal board. I prayed for all my heart's desires. When I prayed, my tears just kept flowing, I felt His presence as I talk to Him, and the Holy Spirit.

Right after my prayer, I felt absolutely amazing. And you know what, I want to feel this great everyday.

When God touches your heart, you can never go back. You'll want more and right now, I want to learn more about God, I seek for Him. The day went great, God kept on talking to me in His way. I was able to finish The Bible series (which made me cry like a baby when Jesus was crucified).

Anyway, I feel chatty than usual today, my apologies. Here were some of the messages on my devotional (not in order):

Feels great to share this. I'll sleep in a while. Good morning!

x

Enjoying Who God Created You to Be by Joyce Meyer

Enjoying Who God Created You to Be
by Joyce Meyer

Start believing today that you are a rare, one-of-a-kind, valuable and precious woman. To help you learn how to be successful at being yourself, I want to give you some easy-to-follow suggestions:

Speak good things about yourself. Declare what God’s Word says about you. For example, say to yourself, “I am the righteousness of God in Christ. I am made acceptable in the Beloved. God formed me with His own hand, He loves me, and God doesn’t make mistakes.”

Avoid comparing yourself with other women. God must love variety, or all of us wouldn’t look so different. He has created each of us differently right down to our fingertips. We can look to certain people as good examples to follow, but even then, good traits if duplicated will manifest differently through our individual personalities.

Focus on your potential instead of your limitations. Refuse to concentrate on your weaknesses except in an effort to turn them into strengths. Keep your flaws in perspective. People with a high level of confidence have just as many weaknesses as those without confidence, but they focus on their strengths instead of their weaknesses.

Learn to cope with criticism. If you dare to be different, you’ll have to expect some criticism. Going along with the crowd when you know in your heart that God is leading you in a different direction is one of the reasons women don’t succeed at being themselves. You won’t be comfortable in your own skin if you go against your own convictions.

You are a woman who is perfected and complete in Him. When you start to believe that, you will no longer feel that you are lacking anything or that there is anything wrong with you.

Remember this: God will never anoint you to be anyone other than yourself. Let now be your time to go forward and be set free from the torments of comparing yourself with others and trying to be someone you’re not. God is proud of who He made you to be!

Source: spritualinspiration.tumblr.com ☺

Chosen

Sunday, March 31st 

3:56PM

There's this amazing feeling when someone chooses you...at least that's what they say. 

I actually don't have a first hand experience on being chosen. Well, just a few instances, but not for the things I wanted. I bet it feels absolutely amazing, beyond wonderful.

With all the uncertainties I dealt with people I've been with, it just made me realize something, I want to be someone's first choice. I know it shows a lot of issues on my end, but this is how I address what I want to improve in my life. You see, now I don't tolerate people who treat me as an option, I don't deserve that. I won't even wait for someone who chooses everyone else before me.

I guess this is a part of me dealing with my past and embracing my future. I want to change things in my life I never thought I would. But I want things to get better for me, avoid heartaches (although it's unavoidable), and not to settle because I know that great things are in store for me. 

I want that amazing feeling people get when they get chosen. I want to be someone's first choice. Only choice. 

x