It is this time of the year that I get another two weeks of vacation from my 8-6 corporate job. My 2014 has been a roller coaster ride with so many ups and downs; nevertheless, there are so much I’m thankful for this year:

1) Gift of family

Above photo shows me, my mom and my sister. For the year 2014, we have been blessed financially, and our relationships are much much better than before. My sister and I are closer now than we were before. With my mom, I realized that spending more time with her every weekend allows me to learn how kind-hearted and generous she is as a person.

2) Gift of finances

Every year when I was little, I’d always expect gifts and the pamasko that I’ll receive and be able to save. Then, that time came when I’m à bit older and money was scarce, that even my ninong and ninang were nowhere to be found. Life was à struggle especially when resources were low. As I look back, I’m grateful that God has given me now the ability to give. It may not be much but at least it will give à smile to anyone who will receive it. God has been faithful with our finances. He may not give all our wants, but definitely He does provide all our needs — and that is one thing I am so grateful for.

3) Gift of friends

Though we’re not complete without Den, these gals are my high school friends. They prove to me that friendship can last à lifetime.

Missing Joanne and Nikki in the photo. I consider my vgroup friends as gems when it comes to friendship and fellowship. They help me cultivate my relationship with Jesus and they provide an example of how to be a woman with a heart for Christ. 🙂

They are my Gensan pals, though I’m missing Chelo in the picture. 🙂 When I was alone in the land of the generals years ago, they remind me of my identity and allow me to enjoy what it is to open your heart to these ladies.

My office buddies. When work gets rough and the environment tries to pull me down, they remind me not to be so serious and care for me like I’m their younger sister. Work is hard but definitely they make it easy.

I don’t have photos of my other friends (Genyo, PMCC, Quantum, Devcom) but definitely, they’ve made a mark in my life and for that I am very grateful to God for giving such relationships to cherish.

4) Gift of life

Last but not the least, I thank God for allowing me to exist for 26 years and experience life full of lessons. Many characters become mainstay in all chapters in my life, and though others appear only in one chapter, they still are important factors to who I am right now. That ability to breathe every time I wake up, to see the goodness and wonder of His works, to listen to the songs He has annointed to touch the lives of people, to walk this jouney and run with enthusiasm, and to speak encouragements to people who needed it most is enough for me to be grateful and be contented. I am always reminded of that verse in Isaiah 43:4 (CEV),

To me, you are very dear, and I love you. That’s why I gave up nations and people to rescue you.

This season of giving and celebration, let the love of Jesus overwhelm your being as He came here on earth for our sake. As for me, I will be grateful and contented with what He has given me. 🙂