Phrases from my Book

Whenever I have my quiet time, I would read a chapter from one of my favorite books, "Created for a Purpose" by Darlene Sala.  It gives me the uplifted spirit I need....just like how Oolong tea stimulates me, how red wine provides calmness and how Nutella activates my endorphins when I'm alone.  I bought this book at Powerbooks in Manila.  The reason? I like the cover.  It shows a daisy...a yellow-orange daisy.  They are my favorites - favorite flower and favorite color. They said don't judge a book by it's cover. Not for me! I do judge a book by it's cover. My take on this is...a good author will not only give his best in the content, but also in appearance of her work. It should be a total package.  Also, I am a fan of Harold Sala books, so I got curious grabbing a copy of his daughter's writing.

I am not really a meticulous book owner.  My books have folds, underlines, clips, stickers, handwritten notes on its pages, highlighter pen marks, and beaded bookmarks.  I'd prefer my books this way rather than have glossy covers and clean/white pages...like nobody own them.  It just goes to show that I read, touch, contemplate and sleep on them most of the time.  I am a very engaging book owner....maybe bordering abusive :-p

As for "Created for a Purpose", I have highlighted some phrases, sentences and paragraphs in it. They are food for the soul.  Let me share some of them:

• What makes one woman capable of turning her life around while another cannot?  My experience has been that what a woman believes about herself makes a difference in how she deals with difficulty.  (page 16, 1st paragraph )

•  I believe that if you see yourself as God sees you - if you have a good sense of self-esteem - you will somehow be able to cope with almost anything, because you will find that God's grace is indeed sufficient for you.  ( page 16, 1st paragraph )

• You are precious to Him. When you give your identity to Him, He will give you back more than you can ever imagine.  ( page 23, 2nd paragraph )

• We get so caught up in looking at life from our limited, human perspective, that we become blind to what is real.  ( page 40, 1st paragraph )

• We are most appealing to others and the happiest within, when we are completely ourselves.     ( page 50, 2nd paragraph )

•  Sometimes we all need to risk admitting our own insecurities and weaknesses.  That's the only way we'll be able to help each other.  ( page 53, 2nd paragraph )

•  Do you have a quick temper? Give it to God.  Are you clumsy?  Put your clumsiness in God's hand.  Are you overweight? Offer your body to God as a living sacrifice. Let me repeat myself again: God doesn't want just the "good stuff."  He wants it all.  ( page 85, 2nd paragraph )

•  One of the biggest wounds to a woman's self-esteem can come from the sexual or physical abuse that was inflicted on her in the past.  ( page 135, 1st paragraph )

•  I am unique - no one ever existed or ever will exist exactly like me; God brought me into existence at this precise time in history in a precise location; He knew about me before the world was even created. - Ephesians 1:4  ( page 194, 3rd paragraph )

Finding One's Self

Sometimes, we just need to get lost in the hustle and bustle of anonymity...Stay away from people who know us, and live a life with a new set of circle. It's what we need to learn who we really are, what can make and what can break us.  This had been the epitome of my journey for the last seven years, until I found my self again.

When you hit rock bottom, it's either you let yourself drown or try to swim your way up.  With me, I chose the later.  And I'm glad I did. On my struggle to paddled up, I met so many unexpected individuals who helped me pick up the pieces again.  I made new friends at church.  I had gay employees.  I enjoyed being on stage because I was either showing off something, joining a competition or hosting an event.  I taught Korean students who came here in my country and through online classes.  I developed customers who patronized my home-made munchkins.  I met plant workers and laboratory analysts whom I've worked with for six to seven days a week.  Never in my life had I thought I would be in this roller coaster of adventure....all because I was lost.

Faith in God and love for my daughter were the only reasons I held on to exist during those times.  I'm glad I never let go.  Now, I am in a place I never thought I'd be.  Happiness surrounds me every time I wake up, even with just 4-5 hours of sleep.  It's the joy of knowing God created me for a purpose. I wake up seeing my daughter sound asleep just 15 inches away from me. 

I waited for God's plan to unfold.  I tried not to be impatient even if it took years.  Now, I am back to teaching, and it gives me fulfillment.  My daughter had grown up to be so beautiful, responsible and supportive. 2013 is my year, and the coming years would become even better.  Let my life be a testimony of how waiting patiently and finding contentment can truly give joy to a wayward soul.