Goodbye 2020

 2020 is a year most of us have a mixed emotions. When it started a year ago, a lot of us hoped that this year will be the best year ever! A lot claimed that 2020 is their year.

January came, series of bad news and events worldwide came... Australian forest fires and volcanic erruption in the Philippines that covered majority of the Luzon area with ashes.

Then of course, Covid 19 came. It was in March, when it was declared a pandemic. Countries around the world struggled. The world paused. We cannot travel leisurely outside our country. Restaurants and bars closed. Schools closed. Most of our plans were halted.
People started to dislike the year even more.

But inspite of the bad news, good news are also rising. People are still helping people. More non-profit organizations helped others. Despite of the bad news and the bad situation, good things are still coming out.

Yes, 2020 is a very crazy year. I personally had a roller-coaster ride this year. But I don't want to forget this year.
This year, when the world stopped, we look on the things that are essential in our lives. We learned to appreciate what we have.

I am actually thankful this year for the following reasons:
🔹️ rest (months of not working)
🔹️ a lot of time in my hand to do what I want (read, watch movies, write on my blog)
🔹️ i was able to connect to more people this year.
🔹️ I'm thanful for the different ministry opportunities. I was able to have bible studies with different groups of people this year.
🔹️ spend more time with my family
🔹️ prayers are still answered
🔹️ babies are still getting born. I know a lot of people who got a baby this year. It brings so much joy to me.
🔹️ people are still getting married
🔹️ for the life that I still have
🔹️ God's sustaining grace and mercy
🔹️ God's faithfulness to His word and promises

Really, a lot of reasons to celebrate and be thankful.

It's my prayer, that next year 2021, I will be a better individual, better person than what I was this year. I will be more conscious with what I eat and drink. I will be kinder, shows more love and extend more grace to others.

I am thankful to God for His sustaining grace this whole year 2020. I am what I am because of Him. I am also thankful to my family and friends who's been a part of my 2020 year. I'm thankful for my prayer warriors who prayed with me and for me. May the Lord continue to bless us this coming year. 

I am healed by His wounds

This morning, I had received a news that makes me cry. I haven't been very open to everyone about my health but I'm not 100% physically healthy for a year already.

I'm trying to live a healthier lifestyle but sometimes, laziness and stubborness affects me to make right decisions.

Today, I had received a news that will definitely will change my lifestyle and everything.

I cried when I received that news. I was emotionally down. But, I still opened my Bible and read my daily advent reading. Today, we read in Isaiah 53 then Luke 5:17-25.
What a timely reminder.

With all the health struggles I had for months and years, I know that only God can heal me. I have this hope in healing because Jesus,  God in the flesh, allowed Himself to be wounded and be crushed because of my iniquities.

And lastly, I know that one day, my body will be healed forever. No more sickness, no more pain (Rev. 21:4).

Right now, I can find comfort in His word. I know that He is in control of my life. (Psalm 115:3). He is my good Father. He loves me and not sickness nor pain can separate me from His love(Romans 8:35-39). And whatever circumstances I am right now, I know His plans for me will still prevail. 

I can also change my lifestyle, eat healthier food, do exercise, sleep early, drink more water. But only God can heal me here on earth, if He wills. If not, then I'll just be waiting for my glorified body in heaven.