Christmas, what does it means to me?

Christmas Tradition

I grew up in a Christian family. We love celebrating Christmas. As a family, we get together at Christmas Eve, had family dinner together, sing carols, talk about Jesus birth, play some games and open our gifts. It was a fun tradition growing up and I've told myself, once I have a child, I'll make Christmas the most fun holiday ever. But then my grandpa died few days before Christmas in 2010, it shaken me a little bit and makes me realize that sometimes Christmas is not always the happiest season ever.

Christmas Passage
I was once asked which passage is my favorite with regards to Christmas. I would often quote some of the famous one:

Isaiah 9:6
For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given. And the government shall be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace.

Matthew 1:23
“Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”

These are all good passages. I love them. But there is always a passage that I often overlooked, even get bored when reading this. The passage of Matthew 1- the geneology of Jesus Christ.

I don't like history even geneology. Everytime we read Matthew 1, I got so bored that I just want to skip that part.
But few years ago, I started to appreciate and even understand this boring passage and why it was there in the Bible.

The Silent Years
When the old testament ended, there were about 430ish years of silence. It was called Silent Years because during this time there were no prophets, there were no king, they just came from exile. It seems God is so quiet during these years. The Jews have been waiting for the Messiah. The Messiah that has been prophesied by Prophet Isaiah but the exact date of when He will be born is not given.

Imagine the years of waiting of uncertain date. Imagine the years they've been waiting for the Messiah. It's even hard to be patient waiting for a specific date. How much more  waiting for something uncertain. I talked to my students about this. One of my student, honestly shared that it's even hard to wait for your birthdya next year.

But moving forward when we read Matthew 1, the verse opened with

V.1
The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham:

We can see the promised One, the One promised from Abraham and to David is here. He is here. He was born.

And what amazes me is that in Jesus's geneology we can see different people with a past. There was Rahab, a former prostitute, Ruth, a widower and even David, an adulterer and a murderer. It is just so amazing how even different people came from different backgrounds were used by God to fulfill His plan.

What's more amazing is that the Promised One really came. The One promised to both Abraham and David came. He is Immanuel, He is the God with us.

The Suffering Servant

Philippians 2 is another passage that I love. It's not necessarily a Christmas scripture but it is something so humbling about Jesus.

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.
Philippians 2:5‭-‬8 NKJV

He being an infinite God, a Powerful One humbled Himself to be a baby, to depend on His earthly parents. It is truly humbling to know that Jesus obeyed the will of the Father, even unto the death of the cross, a painful death.

There's so many things about Christmas. I love Christmas with every thing in it- Jesus' birth, the festivities, the presents, the food, the gift of family and friends.
But this week when I experienced stress and struggles in Vancouver and Victoria, when the possibility of spending Christmas in the airport struck me, when the idea of celebrating Christmas far from home looks like a reality, I go back to the basic.

What is the meaning of Christmas to me?
Christmas is all about Jesus Christ and what He did. He humbled himself, obeyed the will of the Father, to be born a baby, lived a human life and died a painful one just to save humanity from our sins.

Even when all the festivities, fun, food, and fellowship will be stripped away, Jesus remains the same. He remains the reason for the season.

Thank God we arrived safe to Calgary last night. I'm glad to experience all those hardships to be able to reflect well about this Christmas season. 

What if everything will be stripped away from me, will Christmas still be good?

Have a wonderful Christmas season. May you experience true joy, love and peace through Jesus Christ.

 

9th Year in Canada

 Happy 9th year to me!

Today is my 9th year in Calgary, Canada. It seems like yesterday when I first came here.

I would like to share 9 things about my 9 years here in Canada. 🇨🇦

1. Adjustments and homesickness are real. I had to fought to this feelings during my first 3 years here. But when I first went home in 2017, I told myself that Calgary is my home now. So, if you're new to Canada and feeling a bit homesick, just endure. It will be better soon.

2. If you feel homesick, it's good to find good people who can understand. I'm grateful for my colleagues from Value Village. They are my first friends here and helped me to adjust well here. I'm also thankful for my church family. They're also our friends and prayer warrior. Most especially, I'm grateful for Mike's family here. I can really call them my own.

3. Sometimes, you can be in the waiting period and it's okay. I was in the waiting season for almost 9 years. I really wanted to be a school teacher here in Calgary. Finally, I got my interim license in 2019. Then covid came in 2020. I thought I would never be able to teach in a classroom again. But thank God, I was hired as a subsititute teacher in Emma's school in 2020, in the middle of the pandemic. But now, I'm working full time in that school. God really works wonders if we are just patient to wait.

4. I'm grateful for the free medical system here in Canada. I gave birth to Emma and didn't pay a single cent. When she was 1 day old, she got sick and we stayed in the Children's Hospital for 5 days. She was given the best care and we didn't pay for anything. Also, in the first 6 months of 2021, I battled with a lot of health issues and thankfully all the check-ups, laboratory tests, MRI, emergency rooms are free.

5. Enjoy every season. I love summer because it's hot and we can do a lot of outdoor activities. But I also love winter. The snow is so beautiful. I am still in awe of how the world turned white because of it. I love how the leaves change during fall. I love the cool weather and beautiful color changes that is happening around. I also like spring because that's the time when everything starts blooming and growing again. I've learned in my 9 years here is that embrace the changes of season. Dress appropriately, go out and enjoy! Every season teaches me of something and makes me appreciate how awesome the One who created all this season.

6. I love meeting new people. Here in Calgary, I've met different people from different cultures, backgrounds, origins and experiences. I've learned to appreciate different food cuisine and different cultures. It's just a beautiful picture of the things to come in the future.

Revelation 7:9 "After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, "

7. Explore your community and city. Be involved through volunteering, giving, or attending events.There are so many good places to explore in your city. In my 9 years here, I've volunteered in the library, highway cleanup, Samaritan's Purse. I've attended some free programs of the community. I've given/ donated to some of the non-profit organizations here.

8. In my 9 years here, I learned and appreciate the "Canadian" culture. I appreciate how nice the Canadians are. I learned some slang words and tried to use them in daily basis. I appreciate mapple syrup, bacon, Timmies, and poutine. I loved anything "western" like stampede and boots.

9. As I reflect on my 9 years here in Canada, I can always say that it is only by God's grace and mercy that I was able to thrive here in Canada. There were days when it was too hard because I'm too homesick or I'm struggling with some areas of my life but God sustained me through the years. Through the years, I just hold on to God’s word and promises.

"Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’ Isaiah 41:10

In all of these things, I give back all the glory, praises and thanks to our Lord God.

Praise the Lord! Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.
Psalms 106:1 NKJV

Kdrama review 5: Ji Chang Wook's korean drama

 Ji Chang Wook was first introduced by my sister. I haven't really heard of him nor watched any of his show until I watched Healer. After that, I got hooked watching him.

Disclaimer: The reviews are based on my subjective opinion. I've reviewed it according to the order that I've watched them. 

1. Healer(2014)

20 episodes

Star: 5/5

As I mentioned above, this is the first show I've watched. And I loved it. I am so impressed by how he is so good in the role that he played here.

The theme of the story is about friendship and it's also romantic comedy and thriller. He is called "Healer", which is a codename for an illegal night courier. But, in one of his assignment, he started to unveil some truth from 1992 incident which involved his father and some of his friends way back. The tv show is very good in showing the back story and every episode is really good. Ji Chang Wook is also good in all the action parts of the show.

Eventhough this is done few years earlier, it's well made and I would really recommend this to anyone. 

By the way, I've watched this from Viki App. I'm not sure if this is available in Netflix or in any other platform. 

2. Lovestruck in the City (2020)

17 episodes

Star: 1/5

So, after I've watched his healer, I've tried to watch other of his show. The next that I've watched is this. As opposed to my rating in Healer, I would just give this show a 1 star. I've watched this from Netflix, so maybe it was produced by Netflix. Maybe that explains the style of the show. It's very different from any Korean drama I've watched. It seems that they are in a tv show, like the Office style. They are looking at the camera, it seems that somebody is interviewing them. There are 6 people talking about their dating life.

But the story itself is something that I don't like. In his side of story, he fell in love with a girl. He needs to go back to the city because of work. He and the girl decided to meet in Seoul. But the girl didn't show up during the time they need to meet. As the story progress, we'll found out that the girl is different from whom she told him. It's just really an annoying love story for me because I don't like lying. Whatever excuses the girl makes, to justify what she did to him, I still can't easily accept it. So, this tv show is pure meh for me. 🤮

Honestly, I regret watching this. But I just finished it because each episode is about is about 30 minutes long. 

3. Backstreet Rookie (2020)

Star: 3/5

Episodes: 16

This is another drama of Ji Chang Wook. I've watched this in Viki app. The story is about Dae Hyun (Ji Chang Wook) working in a convenience store. Of course every korean drama always have a love story. So in this story, he has a girlfriend but his girlfriend is insecure when a new beautiful part timer came in his store. The story revolves in his life as a convenience store manager and some of his struggles. This is just a light drama, not too much of a drama or action. 

4. Melting me softly

Stars: 3/5

Episodes; 16

This is another Ji Chang Wook tv show that I've watched in Vikki App. The story is about 2 persons Ma Dong Chan (Ji Chang Wook) and Ko Miran (Won Ji nah) who were the first to experienced the cryogenic sleep. They volunteered to be the first human to be frozen with a promised that they will be awaken after 24 hours. But, there was some anomaly and they were defrost after 20 years. When they woke up, their normal body temperature is now 31oC. If they extend to more than that, it will be very dangerous for them. So, the story is about their struggles after they woke up, their family, financial, and work struggles.

Overall, it's just a light story. The story line is not very relatable. So, I'm only giving it a 3/5

5. The K2 (2016)

Stars: 4/5

Episodes: 16

This is another action series of Ji Chang Wook. His fight scenes are good, but not too good compared to healer. This drama is more political than the others. In here,  Ji Chang Wook as Kim Je Ha was a former mercenary soldier called "K2".  He became a bodyguard for Choi Yoo Jin (Song Yoon Ah) who was married to Jang Se Joon (Jo Sung Ha). Jang Se Joon was running for a president but he has an illegitemate daughter. Soon, Kim Je Ha was assigned to guard the illegitemate daughter of Jang Se Joon. A lot of conflict, a lot of drama and stress in the show. I can say that this is not really my cup of tea. The story line and theme itself is not very interesting to me compared to Healer. Also, the first few episodes with fighting scenes are really good, but slowly the story became so dragging with drama and political problems. It bores me. But I think maybe the last 3 episodes captured my interests again and I pushed myself to finish it. 😊

Overall, Ji Chang Wook is very flexible actor. He is really good in action dramas. He is also good in romantic comedies as well. I hope that they will just give him better shows in the future in which they can really showcase his acting skills. ❤

Which one is your favorite Ji Chang Wook tv show?

Edit additional: 

6. The Sound of Magic (2022)

Stars: 3/5

Episodes: 6

Of course, I wouldn't pass on this one when it showed in Netflix. Since it's only 6 episodes, I've watched it. The story line is not my cup of tea. It's a little bit mysterious, musical, magical and melodramatic. Since I don't understand Korean, I can't appreciate much the musical. But, as usual Ji Chang Wook is very good in his role. It makes me intrigued while watching this drama. I only gave this 3/5 because it just 6 episodes and for me it seems that they rushed to explain all of what is happening at the 5th or 6th episode. Korean dramas usually are good with their back stories, but this one is not so much.

7. Empress Ki (2013)
Episodes: 51
Star: 5/5

This is one of my favorite drama of Ji Chang Wook. This is quite a long tv show with 51 episodes with 1 hr each episode. It is a costume/period drama. Ji Chang Wook was a crowned prince then the emperor. He is really good in his roles. He was like a pathetic crowned prince, then a puppet emperor, then they developed his character to be more better.

This tv show is a mix of drama, betrayal, political conflict and love story.  I've also found out that this was based on a true story. The tv show is about 70% similar to what happened in their history. This is about the life of Empress Ki, who was once a tribute girl then became an Empress of Yuan Dynasty. In this show, Ji Chang Wook is the emperor of Yuan Dynasty. I love how his character improved throughout the story. His acting skills were amazing! We can see his different emotional skills portrayed here. Some articles mentioned that this became the turning point of his acting career.

This show is very different than previous tv shows of Ji Chang Wook that I've watched. I'm so used to see him in modern shows, thriller/ drama/ romantic comedy but this one is different because it's a historical drama. I would definitely recommend this to be part of your binge watch list. I've watched this from the Viki App so I'm not sure if this available in other platform. 

8. Suspicious Partner (2017)
Episodes: 40 episodes
Star: 4/5

This is another modern thriller/ suspense drama of Ji Chang Wook. He is a prosecutor in this show solving mysterious cases of a psychopath sereal killer. I like the storyline and the theme. It's 40 episodes but only about 20-30 minutes long so it's easier to finish this show. It's not all suspense but there's also romantic comedy parts of the show. I like this show and I would also recommend this to others as well. 

So far, I've watched 8 of his shows and would be watching more of his older shows. I really appreciate him as an actor. He is very flexible, his acting skills are amazing, he has different various roles that shows how talented he is. He's also very good looking. 😉

Additional (2024)

9. Welcome to Samdal-ri (2023)

Episodes: 16 episodes 

Star: 5/5

This is his latest show that I've watched. It's a beautiful story of friendship between Cho Yong Pil (Ji Chang Wook) and Cho Sam Dal (Shin Hye-sun). The setting is in Jeju Island. The show gives a "Reply 1988 vibe to me. I love shows about friendship. 

The supporting actors were good and funny as well. They also bring joy to the show. 

Here is my TOP 5 Ji Chang Wook tv shows (edited)

(No need to explain again, just read my reviews)
1. Healer
2. Empress Ki
3. Samdalri

4.Suspicious Partner
5. Backstreet Rookie

30 Icebreaker Questions

Are you looking for some icebreaker questions? I have here 30 questions/prompt that I used during our church retreat. I got some of these from other sources, but modified it. Feel free to use this on your next church fellowship. ❤

Icebreaker
1. What is one word you are thankful today?

2. What is your favorite verse recently?

3. What is an answered prayer you received recently?

4. Choose one person from the group and give one line of appreciation.

5. Sing one line/ stanza of your favorite song

6. Share one life lesson you have learned to us.

7. What is a skill you want to improve?

8. What is a skill you want to acquire?

9. What is something you are grateful for your spouse/ child/ friend?

10. What is something you missed from your home church?

11. Share one goal this year.

12. Share an unforgettable lesson your mother has taught you.

13. Share an unforgettable lesson your father has taught you.

14. Which place you want to visit this year or soon?

15. Who is the most influential person in your spiritual walk with God?

16. What book (aside from the Bible) has the most impact in your life?

17. What is a hard-learned lesson in your life?

18. If you could ask Jesus to solve one problem in the world right now, which one will you ask Him?

19. Share a trip or experience that has a big spiritual impact on you and why.

20. If you could change your name to something, what name will you change it to be?

21. Share to us one suprising fact about you. 

22. If you could live in one story of the Bible, which story would you like to live and experience?

23. If you have to give up one of your 5 senses, which sense and why?

24. Talk to us a book or a movie that you would like to recommend to us. 

25. What are you thankful to the person at your right side?

26. What is your favorite holiday tradition?

27. Give one thing you are thankful, you are in Canada. 

28. What piece of advice would you share to your younger self?

29. If you had to describe how you’re feeling right now as a weather pattern, what’s your forecast?

30. If you could be fluent in another language instantly, which would you choose, and why?

Feel free to use and share these icebreakers. 

My Thoughts on the Turning Red movie

Disclaimer: This is based on my biased opinion. Read at your own risks. It might also includes some spoilers.

So we've watched this new Turning Red Movie with Emma. And I just want to share some of my thoughts.

Yes, I'm Asian. I grew up in the Philippines and now here in Calgary. One of the reason I watched this is because the setting is in Toronto. The story is about an Asian- Canadian girl's growing up and pains.

I can say that some parts are really relatable in some extent like having a competitive parents. Yes, Asian parents are stereotyped for being competitive. They pushed their kids to excellence. My mom is like that. And now that I am a mom, I also push Emma to excel. I always instill the principle from the Bible that says "Whatever our hands find to do, do it with all our might."

In the story, when Mei can't control strong emotions, the red panda will be released. It doesn't matter whether it's good or negative emotions, strong emotions drive out the red panda. One thing that caught my attention is when she can't control her anger, the red panda do disastrous things. The same with our life. When we can't control our anger, we do crazy things that are sometimes undoable. 

Mei's friends helped her neutralized her emotions. When she thinks of her friends, she become calm and she will not turn to a Red Panda. It reminds me of good friends. It's good to have friends to really help you in life. As the Bible says "A friend loves at all times." True friend loves at all times, in good and in bad. True friends stick closer than a brother and a sister. But I realized that as I grew older, I get fewer friends. I lose some friends but gain some. But I'm glad to have some few amazing friends who shared my joy, my pain, my strength and my weaknesses. I have some sisters who prays with and for me. These are good friends that are worth keeping.

Some of the issues discussed was putting family first above everything else and being a good daughter to the extend of supressing your happiness. Yes, I believe that families are important and honoring parents bring blessings. But anything too much is not good. And maybe it's still true in some Asian family until now. That's why it's important to talk and communicate. Open communication will help lessen this kind of problem. I'm just grateful for my parents who are not that strict. They are very supportive in what our heart desires. 

Now, let's have a break with serious stuffs. 😉

In the movie, Mei and her friends love the "4 Town Band". I remember me and my sister grew up in a Boy Band phase. And this 4 Town Band reminded me of Backstreet Boys. I used to like their songs but I'm not too fanatic like them. 😜

Although there are good things that I can get from this, I would still give this movie a 2.5/5 score. Since the theme is about the growing pains and joys of a teenager I think this is not very appropriate to children under 10 years. I've watched the trailer before watching this movie, it looks fun and cute in the trailer. But, it doesn't show the not so good stuff in the movie. 

Emma watched this with us and there are some things we have to explain to her. There are scenes that talks about periods, boy crushes and lying to parents. Also, there was a scene when Ming was imagining stuffs with her boy crush. And she draw some "sexy" pictures under the bed. It's mostly for girls undergoing puberty.

I was actually suprised that Pixar and Disney movie produced this kind of film. The feeling of watching this movie is kinda different to other Pixar and Disney movies they've produced all through the years. This movie is something that I would not recommend to anyone. There's a lot of good movies out there that that is better than this.

So, that's my two cents.

Korean Drama review part 4

 This is the part 4 of my Korean drama review. I enjoy giving reviews to these dramas because I love watching them as well. 

Disclaimer: I'm not an expert of Korean Drama. I just reviewed them based on my biased opinion 😜. Also, I've watched these from Viki App. I'm not so sure if they're available in Netflix or in other Korean movie site. 

This is just in chronological order of when I finished watching them. Some of these might include spoilers. 

1. Hyde, Jekyll and Me (2015)
20 episodes

Star: 4/5

I like this story. It is based from a classic book Mr. Jekyll and Hyde. Hyun Bin portrays the role of both Seo Jin and Robin. As opposite to the Jekyll and Hyde personality, Robin the 2nd personality is kind, helpful and charming.

It's funny because it's a love triangle between the 2 personalities and the main character, Ha Na. There is a little bit suspense and thriller in the middle of the story. But overall, it's a good balance of romantic comedy and suspense.

The story ended well. They were able to reconcile the problem in the story. I highly recommend this one. Hyun Bin is really a versatile actor. 👏 I really enjoyed watching him here. 

2. Encounter (2018)

16 episodes
Star: 4/5

The story starred Park Bo Geum, as a young man who fell in love with an older person, a CEO. The CEO Cha Soo Hyun was played by Song Hye Kyo. They first met in Cuba, and they met again in the company where he was newly hired.

Overall, it was a very light love story. It's kinda comedy. There were some struggles but not very stressful to watch. I also love all the music and sound that accompanies the drama. I love the song, Take Me on by Saya, which I recently discovered because of this drama.

I first knew of Park Bo Geum in the series, Reply 1988. He was Taeki in the story, a Go game genius. His role there is very different here so I really appreciate how he's very different in the role he plays.

 

3. Love in the Moonlight (2016)
18 episodes
Star: 5/5

This is another tv drama of Park Bo Geum. I think I'm starting to really appreciate his shows. This is a costume- period drama. I was biased before and thought that I will not enjoy this kind of shows. But, I stand corrected. I enjoyed this romantic-comedy drama.

In this series, he is Crown Prince Lee Young who fell in love with Eunuch Hong Ra On (played by Kim Yoo Jung). The eunuch is actually a woman pretending to be a man.  Park Bo Geum portrays his role very well. The other stories of the drama is very interesting. It's a mixed of political and romantic comedy drama and I truly enjoyed it.

Supporting actors Jin Young who played as Kim Yoon-sung  and Kwak Dong-yeon who played as Kim Byung-yeon (the prince's royal guard) were very good as well. I really appreciate their roles as they give more color and beauty to the drama.

This series won some awards as well. Kim Yoo Jung won as the best new actress in the 5th APAN Star Award in 2016. Park Bo-gum also won an Asia Star award actor in the Asia artist awards in 2016. It won the Best Drama series in the 22nd Asian Television Awards in 2017.

Did I convince you yet? This is something that I would really recommend to watch. 

4. Personal Taste (2010)
16 episodes
Star: 3/5

This is one of the earliest korean drama of Lee Min Ho and So Ye Jin. The story is about an architect who pretended to be gay and a girl who live together. But soon, they both feel warm towards each other. I only gave 3/5 as I don't really enjoy the theme of the story. Also, while I was watching I keep thinking to myself that how did they make Lee Min Ho and So Ye Jin play that kind of role. It's romantic comedy and there are funny scenes in the story. It's just light and if you want to watch a stress free show, you can definitely watch this.

It's just not very appealing to my personal taste 😜

5. My ID is Gangnam Beauty (2018)
16 episodes
Star: 4/5
(This is available in Netflix as well)

I just watched this because I'm just curious of the story. This is about a girl, Kang Mi-rae (portrayed by Im Soo Hyang) who was bullied because of her looks. So, she undergoed to cosmetic surgery to be beautiful. The story started as the girl being a new student in the university. She met in the same department her classmate/schoolmate whom she thought made fun of her back in highschool. But he wasn't really making fun of her. Well, he didn't recognized her because of the changes in her looks but he remember her name and some things about her.

I just found out that "Gangnam Beauty" is an offensive word which means that an attractive person who undergoes to plastic surgery to become beautiful. And she was called by people that name.

This story is just a light story. It's kinda cute as well. One reason maybe because the main lead man, Cha, Eun- woo, is handsome and they look good together. It's actually my first time to watch them. I don't even know both artists before I watched this.

Also, this tv show helps me reminisce college years, so maybe that's another thing why this show is close to my heart.

 

Which of the following are you going to watch?

My thoughts on the Ukraine- Russian conflict

 I am no expert on politics or even in history. I don't know much about the issues between Ukraine and Russia. But one thing I know is true-that in war there is no winner.

It's been more than a week since I've heard of the news that Russia attacked Ukraine. I've seen a lot of media coverage about this. It's all over social media as well.

I'm not watching much news lately because of all the conflicts, stresses and bad news happening around the world. But me not watching the news, doesn't mean that I don't care about these things.
Actually since last week, I've been shedding tears for the people of Ukraine. I know some of them fled the country. I know some families were broken because they send their kids and their wives outside of the country. I know a lot has died already because of the missels and bombs. I know some were hiding in their bomb shelters where it's not even comfortable to stay for a night.

I cried for some kids who need to be separated from their parents. Those poor children that needs to be send out to a safer place. I cried for those civilians who need to take weapons to defend themselves.

Now how should we respond to this crisis?There are some ways:
1. Go there and help them fight. I know some armies from their allies are going there to fight.
2. Volunteer your time to do some ground work there. The Samaritan's Purse will be building its Emergency Field Hospital there. If you are able to help, go and help.

3. We can also donate financially:
https://www.samaritanspurse.org/our-ministry/ukraine-response/

4. Support local business that is doing fund raising drive to support the crisis in Ukraine.

5. Ofcourse, the last but not the least, We should pray for the Ukraine and Russian conflict.

Here are some of the prayer points that we can pray.
    A. Let's pray for peace to rule in the land and for wars to cease
   B. Let's pray for God's divine protection to the people of Ukraine and continue to do some miracles.
I've read some news about some miracles happening there. Let's pray for small and big miracles to continue to happen. God is a God of possibilities.

C. Let's pray for the children, for the weak and the heartbroken. That God will comfort them and they will know that God's presence is with them.

D. Let's pray for the dying. That those dying people will know Jesus even at their last breathe and be saved.

E. Let's pray for President Zelensky and his family. Pray for God's protection over them. Pray for God's wisdom and direction as He leads his country.

F. Let's pray for those in the bomb shelter to be safe and not to get sick. Pray for comfort for them. Pray for provision as well.

There are so many things to pray about that this page will not be enough.
So, let's pray. Let's pray without ceasing. 🙏

My heart breaks for them. Let us not just be a spectator. Do something! In this time and year, we should not just watch a bully fight a weak person. It's not right. Let us do something right. 

Only one thing that just comforts me with this situation is that God is not blind. God sees all of these. He is in control of everything. He is the right judge who rule the earth. I just pray that God will vindicate the Ukraines against the ungodly nation and the unjust man. (Psalm 43:1). 

Social Media and my Heart

 I use social media. I have facebook, instagram, youtube, pinterest, yahoo mail accounts. I am using my social media daily, maybe sometimes more than what I should be using for.

I tried social media fast for a week last year. I deactivated my facebook and instagram for a week. It seems to work because I have more time to do other things other than checking my phone. But after a week has passed, it seems that I went back to the usual.

Is social media bad?

Well, I believe that whatever we do in words or deed, do it for the glory of God. (1 Chorinthians 10:31). So, even the use of social media should be done for the glory of God. We can use our social media for the good. Through it, we can be the salt and light of the world. I personally tried to avoid posting political posts, controversial posts unless I am convicted to say something about the topic. As much as posssible, I post encouraging things. We can use our social media to share the beauty, goodness, and truth about God and how He is working in our lives.

We can also use our social media to connect to family and friends who are far away from us. I usually posts my pictures for my family to see it. 


We can also use our social media to build relationships to online people. Don't get me wrong. I don't usually accept friend requests or messages if I don't know the person. But building an online community is very common these days. We can connect to other believers online. I am currently in the Daily Grace Community in facebook. It's a private group with fellow sisters in the Lord. In that group, we connect through the different posts and topics that is being discussed. 

But how should we use it?

I will not tell you to use it in a specific time or limit to specific hours or minute a day.
But this is worth asking yourself before you use social media: Did I spend enough time in reading the Word and in prayers?

Sometimes, I am guilty. I know there were days that when I roll up from the bed, that I check up my mail first before praying. I asked the Lord for forgiveness once I realized that. Sometimes, I spend too much time browsing through Instagram or Facebook videos. I told myself that I will just look for some "ideas" for class. Then, I would never realized that I spend hours looking.

This year, I want to be better in my prayers and in my reading of the Word. I know I've been distracted lately. I've prayed to God to remove the distractions. Well, he answered fast. One of my instagram account got hacked. I could not use it anymore. That second account was mainly used for posting random photos that I used and to follow instagram account of famous people. Well, it got hacked a week ago. I was dismayed. I think I panicked. But truth be told, I believe that it was an answered prayer. God removed that from me to lessen the distractions. God is calling my attention.

"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:21

Am I treasuring my social media so much?
Do I love it more than I love God?

And I am rebuked.

I am not an expert on this topic. Everyday, I will try to do better.
I am asking the Lord to help me grow in my spiritual walk with Him and to help me from being distracted of social media.

I like social media.
I will continue to use it to be an encouragement to others. I will continue to use it to build each other up. I will continue to use it for the good things. I believe the good still outweighs the bad. We just have to be moderate in using it.

Lately, Emma and I had a rule. No Bible, no facebook video. She is my little accountability partner. She is reminding me to read my Bible (well, her reasons might be because she wants to watch the videos). But I'm thankful for that simple reminder that she is doing for me. 

Korean Drama review part 3

 Disclaimer: This post might have some spoilers.

I am not a Korean drama specialist. I just review tv shows based on my biased opinions. Watch at your own interest and risk 😁

If you haven't read the first and the second part of my Korean drama review, you can check it here. 

Part 1:
https://bimmy27.blogspot.com/2020/11/korean-dramas-reviews.html?m=1

Part 2:
https://bimmy27.blogspot.com/2021/08/korean-drama-review-part-2.html?m=1

1. When the Camella blooms (2019)
Star: 5/5
This show started with a mistery. Somebody with the germanium bracelet died. It will leave you intrigued of who that person be.
The show starred Gyong Hyo-jin as Dong-baeki. She is a single mom who owns a bar in Ongsan. She is often the talk of the town because of her status.
Kang Ha Neul played as Hwang Yong-shik, a police officer who is the love interest of Dong-baeki.

It's my first time to watch a show with Kang Ha-Neul. I can say that I became a fan. He's amazing. I like how he acts here. According to my research, he won Top Excellence Award here. His facial expressions and the way he acts is so good.

The story line also is good. It's a mix of romantic comedy and thriller. There was some touching parts in the few episodes before ending. It also have some good twists in the story that will make you get hook in watching it.

I will definitely recommend this one. This is  one of my favorite Kdrama. I've watched this 3x in just a month. 😉

2. Misaeng: Incomplete Life (2014)
Star: 2/5
This tv show is about office life. The main character, Jang Geu-rae, played by Yim Siwan, was hired as an intern in One International. He was not a graduate of any university so he was the least capable of all the interns. But surprisingly, he passed the final presentation and was hired as a temporary worker. The series  focused on his life at the office.

To be honest, I found it boring. It has 20 episodes, and I only enjoyed the last 3 episodes to be good. The reason why I watched this is because I missed Kang Ha Neul. He was here as an intern then a newbie in the office.
But the last 2 episodes made me crave for more of Geu-rae's story. The story ended well though.

One of the newbie that was there Ahn, Young-yi, played by Kang Sora, was also in the Korean movie "Sunny". It was one of my favorite K movie ever. I just didn't recognized her here.

Also, Geu-rae's supervisor, Kim Dong-shik, was played by Kim, Daemyung of the Hospital Playlist. He was the OB Gyne doctor there. His character in Misaeng and in Hospital Playlist are very different and I can say that he is very flexible in his role.

Generally, I just can't relate because I'm not working in a corporate world. But there are parts of the story where I laugh with them and cried with them. If you like stories about the corporate world, then give this a try. 

3. Inheritors (2013)
Star: 3/5
This is the first Tv show that I watched with Lee Minho. He is very famous in the Philippines so I thought I'll give him a try.

The story line is fine with me. I'm not a very fan of it. I think it's because I can't relate to it. I'm  not part of the 1% rich people 😜 or wasnt even involved on that kind of dilemma. It's very light hearted though and has a cute love story. It has some struggles but it was resolved well at the end.

This show is also star-studed. It was led by Lee Min ho, Park Shin hye and Kim Woonin. Also, Kang Ha Neul is there as a supporting actor. 

4. Tunnel (2017)
Star: 4/5
This is a thriller korean drama. This is about a detective (Park Gwang Ho played by Choi Jin Hyuk) who is taking a lead in a serial homicide case. When he passed through the tunnel while chasing the criminal, he will travel through time. The first time he time traveled, he was brought to the future and met another detective who is somehow connected to his past.

Well, to be honest, I like the concept and the story. Every episode is very thrilling. I just don't like the idea of looking at the dead bodies on some episodes.

Also, I think they were able to reconcile the end of the story to the whole story itself. Although, I have some questions in mind. One question in my mind is why he is time traveling through the tunnel when he is chasing the suspect? It was

not explained in the show.

Also, I would love to see a changed future when he was able to change the past.
Overall, I like the story and will definitely recommend this if you love thriller shows. 

5. Tomorrow with you (2017)
Star: 4/5

This Kdrama was suggested by my sister. I was able to watch this one before it was pulled out from Netflix.

It was about Yoo So-joon (Lee Je hoon) and how he can travel and see the future. He rides on the subway, and he can go to the future and with whatever changes he made on his life, it also changes his future.
He marries Song Marin (Shin Mina) to changed his future. But their life is actually intertwined because of some subway accidents that happened few years back.

Well, I can say that the story is cute. I even asked my husband to watch this with me and even likes it. I like the twist of the story as well. It's not so stressful to watch 😁

Which of these shows have you watched already? Did you like them as well?

Covid Diary

I never thought that I will start my blog post this year about this.

Jan 10 (Mon) - Mike is feeling unwell. We just thought that maybe he is overfatigue because of our back to school schedule. He works at the airport until 12:30, will reach home past 1am, then needs to wake up by 7:45am to drive us to school. He is feeling tired. We just let him take some medicines and vitamins. I started sleeping in Emma's room so that he can have his rest.

Jan 12 (Wed)- Mama started to have light fever. I think I am still good. I don't feel anything yet. I am still working.

Jan 13 (Thur) - During class time, I feel that my throat is getting very itchy. I drank a lot of water, but it seems different. It doesn't stop. I asked the vice principal if I can just work half-day.
That afternoon, I tested positive using the rapid test we have at home. Me, Mike, Mama and Papa tested positive. Surprisingly, Emma tested negative.

To be honest, when I tested positive, it seems that I am expecting it because of the symptoms I have. I think I was ok at that time, because I don't have any symptoms yet, other than itchy and sore throat.

Full disclosure: I am double vaccinated by Moderna (last dose was August 2021).

Jan 14 (Friday)
I woke up with some chills, and I am sweating. I feel that I am really sick. I am lightheaded and very dizy on this day. I was just on my bed almost the whole day.
I kept sleeping.

Jan 15 (Sat)
I started coughing, and I have congested nose. I started taking medicine for my cough. I can't sleep well because my cough is so bad at night.

Jan 16 (Sun)
I feel better in the day. I have hard time sleeping at night because of my cough.

Jan 17 (Mon)
I started to get better. Mike and Papa is 95% well now. My only concern is that I am still coughing so bad.

Fast forward to today, Jan. 23. I am better now. I had my rapid test and thank God it's negative already. Actually all of us at home tested negative now.

My thoughts about this covid:
1. Covid is real. It's not the same as "flu like" symptoms only. Although I had mild symptoms, I can feel that this sickness is very different from normal flu, colds and cough. It affects your sleep. It affects your whole being.

2. Vaccines work. Thankful because I am vaccinated and I can say that it helps one way or another so that I can only have mild symptoms.

3. Covid is contagious. Eventhough, we are always washing hands or sanitizing, we still don't know exactly where we got it. So, our protection from covid is not in vaccines but only from the Lord.

4. God is still good. Me and Mike were contemplating what if we got this covid in 2020 or 2021, when we were not even vaccinated or when there was still not much study about this. Everything happened for a reason. I thank the Lord for 2 years of sparing us from this virus.

5. Worship is the best way to combat fear. At night when I can't sleep, I would listen to Christian songs. I've been listening to Psalm songs, to healing songs and to other uplifting songs.

6. Future is so uncertain but God is sure. A lot of people died from this virus. A lot of people were hospitalized or even in ICU. A healthy body is not a guarantee that you won't get this. But God is sure. Our future is secure. We just have to trust God that He will see us through when we experience this covid or any sickness or difficulties in life.

7. God knows how to encourage us. On the day we got a positive covid result, I received an answered prayer. My uncle who had a stroke few days ago, was already at home. He is not yet fully recovered, but God made a way to bring him home. He provided for all of his needs and more. Despite of us being sick, we saw God's hand touching my uncle's body and healing him.

I've been meditating and contemplating on Psalm 46 these days. Actually I started my 2022 with this psalm in my heart.

"God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah
There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High.
God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God shall help her, just at the break of dawn.
The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved; He uttered His voice, the earth melted.
The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah
Come, behold the works of the Lord, Who has made desolations in the earth.
He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two; He burns the chariot in the fire.
Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!
The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah

 

Run to Him. 

God is our refuge and our strength. 

He is the Lord who is with us, who sees us and will see us through. 

He is still the God who do miracles. 🙏