Expressing Gratitude

Expressing Gratitude

I’m lost for words; I don’t know what to say;
All I know is the fact that You made my day.
Your words, Your thoughts, Your presence;
Enlightens and enhances my senses.

I’ve been in my darkest times,
And I thought I’ve been left behind.
You’ve shown your power and guidance all the time,
All Your greatness in every thing and dime.

Thanks for the air that I’ve been breathing;
Thanks for the food that gives me energy.
Thanks for everything that I don’t have;
Thanks for the life that I’ll always love. 



Huntress
08072014 
All Rights Reserved © 2014

Wonderful Wednesday

It's a wonderful Wednesday indeed! Aside from the fact that I have less sleep, I'm really happy with whatever had happened today. One thing I wanna share to you is my invention dish. I named it, Chicken in Pineapple Juice!

Let me share a quick background of this dish. My friend cooked this when he was staying at my apartment. He never told me how it was cooked, so I kinda "experimented" on how I'm gonna end up with that dish.

Before anything else, I wanna tell you that I won't be able to upload photos of the dish. My cam would ruin the awesomeness of the dish, so I decided not to take any photo. If I'll have a better cam next time, I promise to publish it here.

Moreover, I wanna warn you that I'm not really good at cooking. I might give you inaccurate measurements of the ingredients. I suggest you follow your intuition if you're going to try this dish. Hehe!

Lastly, I'm not promoting any company for this dish. You can use any product that you wanted and you preferred. I guess you knew more than I do when it comes to cooking, so again, trust your instinct. :)



So.. let's get this started!

The ingredients I used were:

1 small onion
5 cloves of garlic
1/2 kl of chicken (drumsticks)
powdered juice (pineapple flavor)
3 to 4 tablespoons of soy sauce
salt and pepper for seasoning

Procedure:

1. Prepare your pineapple juice. Dissolve two tablespoons of pineapple powder in a glass of water. Make sure that you'll use enough water to soften and cook the chicken. You can add more pineapple juice powder if you want more sweetness.

TIP: You can also use those ready-made pineapple juices in cans. (Like Del Monte Pineapple or whatever) Just don't put too much water that might remove it's taste in the dish. 

2. Mix your chopped garlic, onion, and chicken in a frying pan. You can also use pots if you don't have any pan that's deep enough to hold much water.

3. Add four tablespoons of soy sauce.

4. Add your pineapple juice.

5. Cook until the chicken is soften. It could take about 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the class of meat you've bought.

6. Season with salt and pepper. If needed, you can add more soy sauce. Again guys, it depends on your preference.

NOTE: It's faster to cook younger chicken meat than those from adult ones. According to the Internet. Hehe! 

AND YOU'RE DONE!

I admit, it will look like a simple chicken adobo. However, the taste of the pineapple juice should overpower the taste of the soy sauce. That's actually the twist in that dish. :)



So.. here's another Filipino dish with a sweet twist. If you're gonna try this, hope you'll tell me what happened.



Thanks for reading! :D



 PS: This is dish #1 for my bucket list! ♥



Love,
Ayin

The Art of LDR

Everyone hates that phrase. Long distance relationships. It's usually associated with unlimited fights, awful arguments, betrayal, and treachery. Come to think of it, not all LDR's ends with breakups. It depends on you, two people, who could make it last.


What makes LDR's fail? Let me give you a hint on some of the things I was frightened years ago.

Love at Proximity 

I've read an article before and it says relationships start 'cause of each other's presence. If you had much time with that person, you could start to care and to love and to treasure them.

It happens all the time. I myself is a witness to that. There were some who only love a person while they're near you. Others think they'll stop loving him/her when you're having geographical problems. Others think that their partner would find someone more attractive wherever they are. The truth is, if love is true, distance won't make you feel abandoned.

Insecurities 

Our partners will meet someone new once they've been working away from us. Let's deal with that. Yes, he/she might tell you who's adorable, who's the sweetest, who's the sexiest. There were times that we might feel insecure, and might start to doubt about the things our partner have been doing there.

Lack of trust


I could've listed lots of reasons here, but it all ends up with that phrase. Lack of trust makes LDR impossible! As long as you've been doubting about your partner's love and loyalty, you don't have to expect a happy and stronger relationship amidst the distance.




I know and I understand that being away from your partner is so darn hard. However, you can make this work! Believe me!

NEVER cut your communication.

It's OK if he/she's been telling you how great his/her new work was. Or how nice her seatmate/office-mate was. Or if he/she told you he/she had a great time with office-mates. He/She should still have a social life. I'm sure you'll have tons of stories to share too, right?

Keep the communication open. Don't hesitate to tell him/her that you've had a bad day, that you need to hear his/her voice to be comfortable again. Speak of sweet things whenever possible. Call to say 'Good morning', or just to ask him/her if he/she has eaten already. Simple text messages mean a lot, guys! Send emails. If possible, send snail mails. Social media gave you lots of chances to send your thoughts to you partner wherever you are and whatever you do.

REMAIN Loyal

You won't start doubting your partner's relationships if you're not doing something wrong, too. Yes, there's no harm in making friends, but please set your limits. Don't forget you're in a relationship. Let friends be friends. Not friends with benefits or other than that.

Don't PROVOKE any conflict.

He didn't text you on time? Might be he was rendering overtime at work. She didn't call when she told you she'll do? Maybe she fell asleep as soon as she come home. It's never hard to understand your situations, people. Ne matured enough to strengthen your relationship. Don't act like high school students who were falling in love for the first time.

NURTURE the Love 

How would you do that? Keep on doing the three things mentioned above. That's how you'll nurture the love. If possible, set a date when you could see each other. Use that time wisely, and don't waste a chance to tell him/her how much you missed him/her. Don't forget to assure your partner that your love won't fade amidst the distance. Let those assurance be your guide in the days that you're not together.




LDR's aren't that bad. It depends on your commitment. Let's make this work people! We'll avoid broken hearts and drunken nights in the end! :D




Love,
Huntress

Bucket List?!?! O_O

Finding it hard to finish your bucket list? I know how it feels!

Your interest may change through the years. Your bucket list may change as you change your preference and interests. Your list might grow longer each day as you realize you wanted to achieve more.

Here's a glimpse of my bucket list. I would like to remind you (and myself) that the list isn't final yet. I'll definitely add more goals in the future, and try to accomplish each and every one of them!

I divided them into three categories, but I can see some that are interrelated to each other. Just don't  mind the categories! Take some time in checking my bucket list! :D

Personal Goals
1. Finish grad school, both masters degree and doctorate degree.
2. Finish accountancy or journalism.
3. Find a stable job.
4. Get a job at one of the biggest multimedia networks in the Philippines.
5. Earn that 6 to 8 digit income.
6. Construct a house for my parents.
7. Buy a condo unit for myself.
8. Complete the House of Night series.
9. Complete the Left Behind series.
10. Complete the Dark Angel Trilogy.
11. Get a copy of all the books written by Dan Brown.
12. Enjoy a spa day.
13. Finish 100 novels.
14. Finish 500 short stories.
15. Publish 1M blog post.
16. Volunteer for a good cause.
17. Learn to cook five new recipes.
18. Be published!
19. Design my new home.
20. Be fit and fab!
21. Enroll in a fitness center.
22. Take a Zumba class.
23. Take yoga sessions.
24. Schedule for an acupuncture appointment.
25. Get a henna tattoo.
26. Grow a garden.
27. Bake a cake.
28. Bake some brownies.
29. Compose a song.
30. Upload a video at YouTube.
31. Record covers of my favorite songs.
32. Buy a piano.
33. Buy a guitar.
34. Buy those drums and learn how to play them properly.
35. Learn to play the violin.
36. Be a manager.
37. Be a supervisor.
38. Be a part of the music team.
39. Be a member of the choir.
40. Get leadership assignments at church.
41. Be the presider.
42. Report another chapter in the morning prayer.
43. Organize a youth summer camp.
44. Sponsor a youth summer camp.
45. Reconnect with an old friend.
46. Schedule a reunion with college friends.
47. Forgive those bullies from elementary and high school.
48. Get annual dental cleaning.
49. Own a restaurant.
50. Have a picnic with my family.
51. Visit and donate to an orphanage.
52. Movie marathon alone.
53. Take photos everyday.
54. Take lots of photos.
55. Make new friends.
56. Kiss in the rain.
57. Write 50 movie reviews.
58. Write 50 book reviews.
59. Write 50 wine reviews.
60. Write 50 product reviews.
61. Write 50 restaurant reviews.
62. Read a classic book.
63. Interview a writer.
64. Interview a celeb.
65. Research a family tree.
66. Find the love of my life.
67. Marry.
68. Have children.
69. Witness and be present at significant moments of my child’s life.
70. Create a home with an inviting, comfortable, loving atmosphere.
71. Live long enough to meet my grandchildren.
72. Make a difference in at least one person’s life.
73. Read the Bible from cover to cover.
74. Write a report about all the chapters of the Bible.
75. Learn sign Language.
76. Learn new languages.
77. Pray and fast for a week.

Adventurous Endeavors
1. Ride a roller coaster.
2. Go rock climbing.
3. Go wall climbing.
4. Go ice skating.
5. Climb a mountain.
6. Go scuba diving.
7. Learn gun shooting.
8. Play paintball.
9. Learn taekwondo/MMA.
10. Win an arnis match.
11. Go skydiving.
12. Go canoeing or kayaking
13. Complete a jig-saw puzzle.
14. Ride a ferris wheel.
15. Participate in a color run.
16. Finish a fun run.
17. Go to a bar and party like there's no tomorrow.
18. Attend a gig.
19. Go zip lining.
20. Try the treetop adventure.
21. Shouting at the mountain top.
22. Visit a local museum.
23. Carve something into a tree.
24. Go rollerblading.
25. Throw a party.
26. Crash a party.
27. Finish the Candy Crush Saga
28. Get the 2048 tile.
29. Attend a random concert.
30. Go to a wine tasting bar.
31. Wear a “Free Hugs” shirt at the mall.
32. Play some tennis/badminton/volleyball.
33. Face paint.
34. Bury a friend in the sand.
35. Be buried in the sand.
36. Enter a horror house alone.
37. Have a photo shoot in the rain.
38. Learn a unicycle.
39. Learn to drive a car.
40. Learn to drive a motorcycle.
41. Drive on a race track.
42. Talk to your crush.
43. Drive faster than 140 mph.

Seeing the World
1. Visit Jerusalem. (A must)
2. Attend the Carnaval in Rio de Janeiro.
3. Get a job at London or Italy.
4. Ride on a cruise.
5. Go on a Europe tour.
6. Take a picture at the Great Wall of China.
7. Do a selfie at Taj Mahal.
8. Have fun at Hong Kong Disneyland.
9. Spend the weekend at Hollywood.
10. Visit a public bath at Japan.
11. Travel to an unknown place overseas.
12. Visit the Eiffel Tower.
13. Eat at the most prestigious restaurant at France.
14. Visit Museum of Modern Art.
15. Walk at the Illuminati Path.
16. Celebrate a foreign holiday.
17. Ride a double-decker bus in Europe.
18. Hire a cab in Russia.
19. Visit Vatican City.
20. Go to the Natural History Museum in London.
21. See the Hobbit Huts in New Zealand.
22. Circumnavigate the globe.
23. Walk through the Japanese Tunnel of Lights.
24. Visit Niagara Falls.
25. Learn how to use chopsticks.
26. Ride in a Gondola! (Venice, Italy)
27. Visit the Walk of Fame.
28. A glimpse of the UNESCO Heritage Sites
29. Take a picture with the kangaroos of Australia.
30. Bond with the wild animals in Safari.
31. Santorini, Greece


As I've said a while ago, this list isn't final!

Let's see what activities and goals would be added in the future.

Most importantly, what activities would be done in the next days.

So excited?

Take the quiz too! http://www.buzzfeed.com/ariannarebolini/what-should-you-cross-off-your-bucket-list-next

Let's do this! XD



Love,
Huntress

#TBT: Youth Cell Group

Being part of a cell group helps a lot when you’re just beginning your Christian life. You’ll have someone to talk to when you’ve persecuted. You’ll have someone to confide when you’ve been confused and troubled. Somebody out there would stay with you through thick and thin. Life is a better place when you’re a member.

Allow me to share my experience when I was still a simple member. I attend the Sunday service. I was never late. With my cousins, I also attend our youth fellowship. With my new friends, I was enjoying my life. I was contented. I never cared if I don’t have the so-called “life” as long as I am staying at the church’s premises.

Weeks passed and the music director asked me if I could join the choir. Why would I refuse? I’ve always wanted to be a part of the team, singing praises with joy and thankfulness. At the same time, I love the lessons shared to us every Friday and Saturday night. It helped a lot in my development as a Christian youth.

Months have passed, and I was given another task. I was part of the enlistment team during the Valentine’s Party. I’ve been assigned as a host. I feel so useful. I feel so important. I feel very blessed. I feel I am rightfully chosen.

One Sunday morning, I saw my name listed as a reporter for our dawn prayer. I am so nervous. I don’t know if I’ll be able to do the task. I’ve been more troubled when I saw the chapter; it consists of the names of a specific clan. I am so troubled. How am I gonna explain that? Hmm. I think I studied the chapter for a month, and I delivered it nicely. That’s what they’ve said.

All those assignments happened again and again. I was assigned to preside our Midweek service. I was assigned to lead the opening prayers and offertory prayers. I feel so blessed and useful. I am so happy to serve the church in those little ways.

Until I was given a bigger task: Be the vice president. It’s kinda awkward, since I don’t think the promotion is right. I’m not worth it – that’s what I usually say to myself. But things have worked out right. My ideas have been heard. My suggestions have been considered. My thoughts have been talked about.

I’ve been given committees to lead, events to organize, and tasks to be done.

I feel so special.

WARNING: PHOTO OVERLOAD!

Gift Giving 2013. After getting our gifts. :D

Viento del Mar. :D Water baptism..

Me, Conrado, and Liezl. :)

Kath, Sarah, Mira, and Angelo. :D

The pianists and the bassist. :D Praise and Worship team. :D

Youth Christmas camp. One of my favorites. :D

Me and the Youth worship team. :)))

My favorite! Group dance.. :D

MC mode. :D

Uhm. Want to say something? XD

Enlistment team. :D

Bham, Paul, and Conrad. :D

Gamesss. :D

I'm sorry Phine. :D This is one of the best group pics that I have. :D

SMILE! :D

But now, everything has gone.

I was acknowledged as a newbie when I visited them last time.

I miss being part of the team.

Well, I guess the right thing to say is, “I miss the people whom I’ve fellowshipped with.”

Wherever they were, I hope they’re not feeling the same depression that I’m feeling right now.

And I hope they know that I am still looking forward to seeing them again. In time. :)

Love,

Huntress

#WeddingWednesday - Make Sense

I guess you've been tired of reading posts about wedding planning and designs. Let me share to you one wedding I've known that will definitely make some changes in your life. Well, I hope it will change your few perspectives.

Ever heard of the Parable of the Ten Virgins? It's one of the nicest parable I've ever heard when I was still on my discipleship training. Based on Matthew 25:1-13, it talks about ten brides who were waiting for their groom to come. Five were wise enough to prepare themselves for the event. The others, the foolish ones, don't have enough oil with them and are simply, unprepared.

If you're getting married sooner, I am so sure that you've been finalizing lots of things for the celebrations. You'll make sure that suppliers would come on time. You'll make sure that your guests are well-informed of the venue and reception. You'll make sure that you'll have enough people for the entourage. And so many more. I'm sure you won't miss any small detail to make enjoy your big day.

Why don't we talk about our spiritual marriage? That parable is one of the representations of Judgement Day. Let me ask, are you well-prepared for the coming of Christ?

If you asked me this question two years ago, I can answer you with a YES. I could say I am definitely prepared for the judgement day. But now, I am not really sure of it.

Being away from the ministry is pretty hard. I mean, REALLY HARD. It's hard to begin another ministry when you've been out of your home church. I can't find a place where my heart belongs. Or where the teachings are the same. I know I've been expecting those differences, but it was hard for me to adopt. I've been troubled.

After two years of living my own life, I've given myself another chance to get back on track. I know it'll be a tough journey, but I know our Savior won't forsake me in my way.

Waiting for your wedding?

I am waiting for the Judgement Day, WISELY.



Love,
Huntress