Giving Thanks

It's that time of year again when families get together over a bountiful feast and take a nap after cleaning up before hitting stores and malls for Black Friday shopping.

Is this what your Thanksgiving is like? Mine is too, but what I love about this holiday is the time of reflection and giving thanks. One of my aunts always has a fancy sheet which she gives to each person at the dinner to list what they are thankful for.
-Family
-Friends
-Health
-Resources
-Education
-Jobs

This season is much more about food and shopping. It is the time of year when we all should reflect on the blessings we have (and the misfortunes we didn't have).

With this, I want to leave you with Psalm 95:1-6 "O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods. In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also. The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land. O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker."

Have a blessed thanksgiving!

Happy 236th Birthday, USMC!

The roots of the United State Marines can be traced back to the Continental Marines, which was a resolution of the Second Continental Congress on November 10, 1775 to raise 2 Marine battalions. Since then, the date was regarded as the official "birthday" of the Corps.

In 1923, the Marine Barracks in Pennsylvania hosted a formal dance, while the Marines at the Washington Navy yard held a mock battle. The first formal birthday ball, however wasn't held until 1925 in the Benjamin Franklin Hotel. The tradition grew and the ceremonial cutting of the cake was added by the Commandant, Gen. Lemuel C. Shepherd, Jr. in 1952. Today, the ceremony is kept in the same way.

This past weekend, I was honored to have attended the famous Ball. I and my family have always held in high regard the Men and Women of the Armed Forces, but attending the actual event was priceless.

To all United States Marines - HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Semper Fi.

From the Halls of Montezuma
To the shores of Tripoli
We fight our country's battles
In the air, on land, and sea;
First to fight for right and freedom
And to keep our honor clean;
We are proud to claim the title
Of United States Marine.


Our flag's unfurled to every breeze
From dawn to setting sun;
We have fought in every clime and place
Where we could take a gun.
In the snow of far-off Northern lands
And in sunny tropic scenes;
You will find us always on the job --
The United States Marines.


Here's health to you and to our Corps
Which we are proud to serve;
In many a strife we've fought for life
And never lost our nerve.
If the Army and the Navy
Ever look on Heaven's scenes,
They will find the streets are guarded
By United States Marines.

Health and Wealth

I've been sick with some cough and colds for almost two weeks now. Sad to say, this is better than my normal. Because while it is really annoying and getting in the way of life, I'm actually a lot better than my normal "sick."

You see, when I started feeling a bit sickly, I started amping up on the vitamins, orange juice and warm tea with some honey. I immediately sanitized my work area, changed my bed sheets, etc. I really have a full calendar and so much fun stuff I want to do so that getting sick just isn't acceptable.

It made me think about our spiritual lives. If you are anything at all like me, your praters probably include something similar to my almost constant line "dear Lord, please grant us health and wealth." But what are we doing to ensure we don't get sick in the first place? And when we do get sick, are we taking out all the stops to get better right away? Do we start sanitizing our lives so other people won't get infected?

I know I take better care of my health than I do with my spiritual health and it shouldn't be that way. While our body is the temple of God and must be cared for, our spiritual health is much, much more important than being physically healthy.

Stay physically and spiritually healthy!

Danielle

22 Days of Thanks

Here is part 2 of my previous blog entry:

22

I am very thankful for my EARLY EDUCATION. I can’t thank my mom enough for home schooling me and for my dad who agreed to it. The more I learn about myself and the principles of human development and psychology, the more I love my parents. Proud to be HOME SCHOOLED!

21

I’m so thankful for my COLLEGE EDUCATION and for all the wonderful people I’ve met on that journey, as well as the people who have made life hell because I’ve grown thicker skinned in the process. I have had so many college experiences that have made my life colorful. To my 5 clubs and orgs, I love you all! Matador all the way. ♥

20

I'm so thankful for educational opportunities that go beyond the tertiary level. Super duper excited to be getting my MASTERS DEGREE in THREE MONTHS! Throughout this journey, I have met some pretty incredible people who I’m so proud to call not only classmates but friends. Yes, this shout out is for Al and Niel! We have gone through so many classes and teams. Way to go Beatles! Getting my MS will really impact my life positively and I can’t wait!

19

I am so grateful for my JOB! Sure at times it can be better and there are days I wish I could take off but this job is special to my heart because I’ve been blessed to be in a great work environment. I’ve been in this office since freshman year! It’s like a sanctuary at times. And of course it helps pay the bills. =D

18

I am thankful for my buddies who are forever encouraging me to be a better person (specifically FOTF), who are always ready to listen (shout out to Earlaine and Dhea) and who’s down to creating so many great memories yet willing to live through the bad with me. Yes, Gaby, this is a thanks to you. All you ladies have been inspirational members of my life. I will forever be grateful.

17

I am thankful for the men and women of the Armed Forces here and in the Philippines. Thank you for taking that oath of protecting these two nations from enemies foreign and domestic. This is a thank you to Kuya Lanz, Jazfer, Bryan, Kevin A, and Jason.

16

I am thankful for FOOD. Seriously, can you imagine life without it? Not just the sustenance part but the joy of eating. It’s good for your soul if you’re alone, it’s fun to socialize over, there’s comfort eating, there’s just plain pigging out. What can be better? Ooooh, eating while watching a good show/movie! (^^,)

15

I am thankful for GOOD READS. It’s almost as good (sometimes even better!) than good eats. =D

14

I am thankful for TECHNOLOGY! I ♥ having technology in my life and I am super duper happy that it exists…and that I am one of the lucky ones that have technology at my disposal.

13

One word – LOVE!

Yup, no matter what kind, it really does make the world go round. I’m really thankful for LOVE and for everyone who’s been my LOVER - familial, platonic and otherwise. (^^,) Heheheeeee.

12

I am SOOOOO thankful for my parents!!!!!! Hands down awesomest mom and dad. I've wanted to make a road trip an annual tradition for my birthday but due to some issues, I wasn't going to have one this year.... Well on Tuesday, my parents came home and said SURPRISE!
♥

Just got back from an amazing time at a RANCH!!! Where I got to go horse back riding. Woooooot!!!!

11

"Most people aren't truly glad until they have had many reasons to be sad." If this is true, then I am so darn happy *that* happened! Three years later and this is the happiest I've been. (^^,) So thank you HATERS for showing me who I don’t need to have or be.

10

MUSIC. Abba was absolutely right – “What would life be, without a song or a dance, what are we? So I say, thank you for the music, for giving it to me.”

9

I cannot say how much I am thankful for my baby sister Gabriella. 14 years ago, she was born in our house (No lie. My mom's hardcore!), I remember it clearly. She almost died because the umbilical cord was wrapped around her neck but she made it! I am so grateful for her and the joy and comfort that she is. She is such a sweetheart! And super smart, talented, beautiful and um, TALL. Haha. We need that height in the fambam! ♥ Love you Gabrie!!!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

8

I'm thankful for my ADINGS (and of course Csun Fasa for making it possible!!!
-Krizia Carungcong (Fall 2010)
-Abigail Dimacali (Spring 2011)
... -Vanessa Noelle Flores (Unofficial from Summer 2011)
-Nathan Yamamoto (Unofficial from Summer 2011)

I ♥ you guys!

7

I am thankful for my BROTHERS. Ooooh yeah, plural - Ian Noblejas de Asis and Sean de Asis LOL.

But seriously, HEARTS YOU GUYS TO PIECES! You drive me insane and I have wanted to pull my hair out so many times because of your antics but that's just why I love you more! ♥

6

Fridays. Can't imagine a week without a Friday! That being said, TGIF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

5

I'm so grateful for all my adventures and of course my challenges as well cause the adventures are doubly wonderful with the challenges along the road!

4

After some health scares and problems, I'm so glad to be able to do normal things for folks my age. So I'm thankful for my HEALTH. Sure it can be better but hey, it's not worse! =D

3

Senses. Can't imagine life without seeing, hearing, feeling, smelling or tasting!

2

FRIENDS. Been living it up with really cool peeps these past couple of days. Thank you all so much!!! Friends make the world go 'round. I ♥ you all!!!

1

I am thankful for the God who has brought me into the world 22 years ago. For caring for me and giving me such a wonderful family. For sending His only Son to die on the cross and wash away my sins so I can be adopted into His family (Romans 8).

A New Birthday Tradition

For my past birthdays, I usually post a couple of facts about myself, and usually corresponding to the age I was turning that year.

Well recently, I have had such life changing and challenging experiences that I felt I was being called to do something better this year.

Today - 22 days from my 22nd birthday - I started a new tradition: the 22 DAYS OF THANKS.

As I was planing what items to put, I was reminded of how amazing our Lord and Creator is.

As I near the end of another year, I keep thinking about what other people can thank the Lord for because of me. Can the people around me see His love through my actions and words? Is my life shouting out "Praise the Lord?"

I hope my short testimony will help you think about the things you can be thankful of in your lives as well.

~~~

I will update the blog with the 22 Thanks when the time frame is over.

A Father's Legacy

What is a legacy? The Merriam-Webster Dictionary (2011) defines it as "something transmitted by or received from an ancestor or predecessor from the past."


Those of you who know me for quite some time all know that I get very sentimental when it comes to family.


I'm lucky enough to have been blessed with loving parents and crazy siblings that drive me nuts yet make life worth living through hell or high water. (I was also blessed with some amazing friends. If you're reading this, chances are you're one of them. Thank you.)


One of my classmates in my master's program who has now become a dear friend, started blogging some poems he wrote over the years after I told him about my own blog.


I enjoyed reading his poems but this one got me bawling - "Dad's Will"

Dad's Will

It was a cold day in July

And that may sound strange

But not as odd --

As when the lawyer called my name.

We were sitting at a table

8 feet across

Reading of The Will

Of the Father we lost.

My brother and sister,

Sat with me side by side

Our thoughts of our Dad

Our emotions we could not hide

He read my sister's name

He said she inherited the house and the land

She looked confused

She really did not understand

The lawyer read on

A quote to my Sis

"I gave you the above

To give me a Family, I miss."

My Brother was next,

As he pointed to him

He gives you his money

He said with a grin.

The Lawyer read a quote

"Take care of your Sister and your Brother

Take care of your family

And take care of your Mother."

The lawyer then turned

And pointed to me

I was sorta scared

And the youngest of the three.

The Lawyer read about a car

But none of us knew

He would Will me a Corvette

A 1962.

"In a barn in Virginia,

Full of dust

You'll find your Corvette

With minimal rust."

We left the Lawyer

And Virginia we were bound

We were looking for a city

My Dad's hometown.

No rent car at the airport

No AVIS to be found

We were laughing out loud

Asking, how would we get around?

My sister said horseback

We all began to laugh

As I spotted a truck

In the tall weeds and grass

The sale price was 500

Or, O.B.O

My brother asked the farmer,

Are you sure this thing well go?

We piled into the cab

On our adventure we went away

Driving into the sunset

At the end of the day

We fought about everything

From the gas, to what we would eat

As we passed a McDonalds

I offered, this is my treat.

We looked at our map

To find the car on our quest

My sister suggested

Maybe, this is all a big test.

We found us some rooms

To get us some rest

A flea bag motel

My brother was not impressed

Tobacco Road

And turn left at the crow's nest

Down the gravel path

And you'll find the Corvette

We unlocked the barn

And opened the doors wide,

And under the hay

My Corvette did hide.

My brother just laughed

And said, he just keep the truck

My sister insisted

We'll start it with some luck.

In the passenger seat was a simple wooden box

Inscribed on the box, for all to see

Were the names of us all?

My brother, sister, and me

In an envelope under the box

Was a letter I read.

"I am sorry you are all here

For, I must be dead."

"Inside the box

Is a bottle of wine

I hope you enjoyed the adventure

And all of your time."

"I can go in peace

As I give a final toast

Take your possessions,

But never once boast."

None of us talked

As we raised our glasses to the skies

This one is for you Dad

With tears in our eyes.

We later closed the barn doors

And left the Corvette in the hay

I decided to Will it to my son

On that glorious day.


al. newman 7-29-09

From: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/8292473/dads_will.html?cat=42

So what is a legacy? Is it a house, property, money or a '62 Corvette? I guess some of us will be lucky enough to inherit those kinds of assets from our parents but not all of us will (I know I won't! =P). I know my friend Al values the legacy of his father's message more than the car itself.


I consider legacy to be something I can hold on to right now until after my parents have left this world. There are many things I can think of yet none which have monetary value - self-worth, self-respect, self-esteem, self-confidence...and even more important, having skills to be a responsible adult. Sure, they can't pay for my car or loans, but my mom has taught me that I can do it myself with proper budgeting and self-discipline, and my dad has taught me that worrying about bills will just make a person older before their time and it still won't cover the tab.


It's not easy - I'm still struggling with delaying immediate pleasure for later gain (I really want to go on a 2-week trip to the Philippines or a cruise in the Bahamas!) and there are days when I want to revert to being just a kid again - but my parents raised a strong kid from weakness and when the self-doubt comes in the door, Mama and Papa kick it right out the window!


To any parent reading this - carefully consider what kind of legacy you want your children to have when you are gone. How do you want to be remembered?

To any child reading this - think about what you have already inheritted from your parents through your growing up years. Then, if they're still around, make some time for them so you have more precious moments to remember them by.


I know it's way past Father's or Mother's Day but if you still have your parents around, take a moment to thank them for leaving you a legacy whether it be a house on a hill, personal values, siblings (yes, they count!!!), or even just a name.

Beauty for Ashes

Tonight, one of my sisters will be receiving an honors medallion from her University. She is graduating from college tomorrow but the ceremony tonight is for recognizing students with a 3.5+ GPA or 3.0 with a personal achievement.

Finally, after all the years of school, the presentations, projects, study sessions, lack of sleep, frustrations, all nighters… it comes down to the “walk.” It is the moment where a graduate’s friends and family come to join the campus community in witnessing the confirmation of the degree you have worked so hard for.

When I walked for my ceremonies last year, there was a feeling of accomplishment, success, relief, and even a tinge of sadness. This was it, the end of my amazing college life. It reminds me of the text in Isaiah 61: 3 “beauty for ashes.” While college for me was not a handful of ashes, it was definitely something that had to be let go of to embrace the next step – entering what is often called “the real world.”

While it may seem wrong for me to compare ashes to college, the point is that we humans tend to get satisfied with something lesser than God wants to give us. As His children, He wants to give us the best, all we have to do is let go of what we have in our hands – be it addictions such as drugs and narcotics, bad habits, movie shows, computer games, books, food, even seemingly healthy things like sleep and exercise – so we can grasp what He has to give us which is more than what we can picture or hope for.

To all graduating seniors, congratulations! "Well done, good and faithful servant" (Matthew 25:21), you haev fought teh good fight, you haev finished the race (2 Timothy 4:7).

The world is ready to be conquered. Make a difference, leave your mark. Go shine your light.