Jesus Calling: A bible series, Day 201/365

 

Good morning Lord!

Thank you for the great weekend I had. Last Saturday, I had an amazing 12km run and it felt hard, I wore a fitted shoe and the back of my lower right leg sore but overall I had a good run. The weather was amazing. Not too hot nor cold just a cloudy morning with a bit of sunshine and it was perfect. Also yesterday, I joined my cousin, Madel and went to his brother's house in Aylesbury and the place was so nice. Not too crowded, an exclusive estate away from the busy city life in London. Their house was pleasant and lovely. Kelly, my other nephew is already a big boy and very cheery. But he's not that warm and welcome yet to me as I was just introduced and not fairly close to him so I know it takes time for him to accept me but he's so lovely, full of energy and lively but he's temper is so short hahaha. He doesn't want to be laughed or teased. I know he's just a baby still a toddler and he'll grow up soon and understand things more mature. We had Filipino pork style barbecue, grilled milkfish, I also made some ensalada (which is a combination of tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, half ripen mangoes and they added grilled eggplant. It was so colourful and tasty, so healthy and the best pair for the grilled meats. It was so fun as we also sang as Filipino gathering is not complete without KTV with singing and dancing. It was a happy and fun Sunday. Catching up with my immediate family members and eating together our staple Filipino comfort foods. It really felt home. 

Meantime, when my cousin, Michael called his parents while we were eating, I just noticed my aunt, Mary Ann who didn't even said hi or hello to Kuya Mark, Yui's dad. It really hurt me, I felt bad and sorry for him. I just realised that until now, my aunt wouldn't accept Mark and their relationship which is really bad for Ate Madel's mental health which is true. Imagine your own mother would not even dare to ask how you were doing or how they were settling in. Nothing. It was so ruthless, heartless mother!!! Today, my cousin just left a message to me saying that it's just now, today that it was finally sucked in her thoughts and mind. That her own mother was cruel and mean. I just gave her a real life advice that no matter what happen, the Lord is not sleeping. He is listening, he knows everything, every heartache, every tear, everything. She is not alone. I also told her that we are thankful that we are not living in our own parents anymore and we are lucky we are already here living our life. Cherishing our life. She already has her own family which I know that she is a good mum, she does everything for Yui, her daughter and her happiness is now. The present. We are the generation that will stop the cycle. Making sure history will not repeat itself. We will make sure our children are loved, understood and feel home. Not abandoned, not judged, not left or forsaken. Just pure and unconditional love. We will make sure our children are free to choose who they want to love and be with for the rest of their lives. We will make sure our children are treated right, not feeling insecure with their siblings, no favourites. 

Today is a very beautiful verse from Matthew. This verse forms the conclusion to Jesus' metaphor in the Sermon on the Mount, contrasting the demanding path of righteousness with the easier road that leads to destruction. 

''Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way..'' The path to salvation and true life in God's kingdom requires intentionality, discipline and adherence to Christ's teachings, which often go against natural human desires and cultural norms.

''which leads to life'' the difficult journey has a supremely rewarding destination: eternal life and communion with God.

''and there are few who find it'' Jesus acknowledges that because the path is rigorous, the majority of people will opt for the seemingly easier, wider road that ultimately leads to ruin. 

Lord, I pray that you will always keep us safe, keep us away from harm, evil, bad vibes and temptation. Protect my family, my close family and friends even my immediate family members here in The UK. Please provide us with support, love and care always and we lift to you all our worries and pain. May you turn them into blessings and thank you for providing us an unconditional love always. We love you and we give everything to you in your most highest name. 

Amen.

Jesus Calling: A bible series, Day 198/365

 

Good morning Lord,

Thank God it's Friday again. I felt so energized today because I woke up and run for a short 5km and I never felt so energized and boosted today. The sun is shining bright, no sunscreen, no filter just pure sunshine. It was a little breezy and cold but it was bright and sunny. The fresh air was whipping in my face, no pace pressure just an easy 5km inside a 30-minute workout. I felt so amazed and grateful, it was actually my first time to do a workout in the morning before work, it was so fulfilling. I felt proud. Tomorrow, it's weekend, it's Saturday so meaning we're going to do a long run. I am currently thinking if I will do a 12km run just like last weekend or a half mary(21km). I am still undecided but one thing is for sure I am committed. 

The air conditioner is pretty cold in the office. Always a 23 degrees and it's pretty cold actually. I forgot to get a cardigan, next time I'll bring a cozy one which I can wear and leave for office. It was pretty amazing that it will a few days before my 1st month with the company. It felt unreal. But, there are so much I need to learn and do as I am looking forward to my training at Canada these coming weeks. I just wished that the visa has an expedite option so I can see a decision quickly. As the days go by, our holiday is coming too soon. I am also looking forward going to Cornwall, the beach side, specifically in St. Ives. So today I have a moment, I will do some sample itineraries on where to eat and things to do in St. Ives. 

Today's verse is one of my favourite verses in regards in finding strength with God. It serves as a powerful reminder that in times of chaos, distress, or uncertainty, God provides a safe sanctuary, the power to endure, and immediate assistance.

Refuge. A safe hiding place or shelter where you can run for protection from life's storms.

Strength. The divine power and endurance provided to you when your own physical or emotional strength is depleted. 

Ever-present help. The promise that God is not distant or unreachable, but immediately available right when you face hardships.

Because of this constant protection, the psalm often continues in verse two to state, ''Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.'' 

God bless us all!

Jesus calling: A bible series, Day 197/365

 

Good afternoon Lord,

Thank you for this wonderful day! I was a little upset from yesterday's semi -finals when England didn't make it to the grand finals. Everyone was looping in the game and cheering England unluckily Argentina won so I can't complain. 

Midday, Paul was a little fussy about my trip to Canada again. He is insisting I was making it up not having any clue how long my training for. He was insisting that I am making it up. I ignored him for a few hours until he got calm and message me back with calm tone. Like obviously I don't know. I don't have any clue. I just want my Canadian visa approved so everyone can plan accordingly. And that's what really matters. I need this done and about just before our upcoming holiday on the 24th of August. I mean, everyone is so happy for me to travel on the side but work mainly is the purpose. I can't blame Paul honestly but you see I am quite excited and nervous on the side. But I honestly really want this to be done. And that's what I am focusing right now. Because we have a lot of pending opportunities to be done because I can't function fully, everything was passed from one to the other. I am literally confused between Contracts admin and Sales admin. And I really need to find the answers on these questions cos I don't know if what part of the team I need to assist for. 

Anyway, today is a beautiful verse from the book of Ephesians. It talks about hope and power. Verse 18 asks that your heart may see the light to know the hope of God's call and his rich reward. It also tells believers to pray and stay alert with the fully hard work for all saints. 

Honestly, these past few days I don't recall praying the rosary at night. I think it's too hot, is it humid? It's a little bit crazy to think my hormones are activating again and my mood swings are worse. Really worse I notice. Maybe because my period is arriving? Or just because my husband is annoying? I don't know. I'm confused between the two. I felt so mad always and hot-tempered. Guilty thoughts are always at the end of each rage.

One good side of yesterday, I had my first ever manicure with gel polish And I honestly like it. It's my first time to have French nails on my natural nails and it was so quick. Didn't even realise that the technician is a guy who was very pro and steady. The French nails were so perfect. I loved it. One thing is that they don't apply nail oil that's it but for the price? What!? I thought it's just £27 online why did they charge me £32? but I gave them £35 hahaha. Fair enough. That's fine. It made my day, no regrets just obsess.

God bless us all!

Jesus Calling: A bible Series, Day 196/365

 

Thank you Lord! I felt so relieved now that I went all the way to London at Liverpool Street and went to Canadian embassy, I submitted my biometrics and it's all for visa decision now. Like bro?! All by myself! It was so huge, the underground is so crazy. I also tapped twice so shame to me. Now I know next time what lines I need to follow. I felt so proud of myself. I went out of the house at 7.45am then I made it to the centre at 9:05am? So not bad. I hope next time when submitting and collecting my passport, it should be all in courier because when I came back I felt so dizzy, and hungry and thirsty. I am not very sure if my lenses are starting to get high or my vision is really that blurred. Anyway, it was a success. I managed to come back to the office at almost 12noon so not bad. The rush hour is crazy and I can't imagine people commuting everyday. I am very lucky to be living near to my workplace. Also, the temperature is not that hot cos I know that it is just early morning and it's cloudy so the temperature is not that hot. 

Last Saturday, I had a good 12km run. I started as early as 5am cos i the temperature is very hot even during at 7am when I finished my run. The next day before I went to church, I did a short run for 5km and I was so silly to press outdoor walk instead of run so in total I just ran for 4km and a walk for 1km. That was so funny. Anyway, i felt energized in the morning after the short run. That run was not too bad. So I'll try to ran again tomorrow before heading to work for a short 5km until I hit my target for a sub-30. 

This week, I met 2 VPs from the US which are all amazing as well. They are very kind an dedicated hardworking people. Both of them, I booked their taxis from the airport which I felt proud of myself because I used my skills and connections to book their taxis. Also yesterday, I helped Matt to book a table for their lunch today at Browns and they were delighted.

Today, we have a beautiful verse from Revelation which bridges the suffering of the Great Tribulation with the eternal reward of the saints. It marks a dramatic shift from earthly persecution to heavenly proximity, protection and purpose. Historically, people view this passage as the ultimate message of consolation for suffering believers. It reminds the reader that no matter how severe temporal trials become they are insignificant compared to the future glory: an eternity of intimate access to God, free from pain, fully protected by His presence.

God bless us all!

Jesus calling: A bible series, Day 191/365

 

Good Afternoon Lord,

I am extremely happy today because you know what? My corporate credit card came and it's my first time to receive it in my whole career and it is such a privilege! And guess what? My credit card limit is $10,000! It is actually less when you convert it in British pounds but still I can say it's mine. My name, my account, my privilege. 

Another thing is, it's Friday today so TGIF! My favourite time of the week. I am planning to do my long run this weekend. Probably early 5:00 tomorrow so I can finish early and do household chores tomorrow. It's still going to be hot and warm until Sunday and the following days so Paul and I decided to buy an air-conditioner but unfortunately it ran out of stock hahaha! I told him couple of weeks ago as the summer is still long, we just entered July. August, I am guessing it's going to be hotter. 4 fans is not working at all. It literally just circulating and blowing hot air. So yeah, we have decided. 

Also, Ben, our Managing Director asked us about our UPS and DOWNS, so I asked Matt what does it mean so yeah literally he's asking everyone to write their good times and bad times? I am actually looking it professionally but it is quite simple hahaha!

Anyway, I want to share what I submitted to Ben regarding my UPS and Downs. 

Ups 👍

• I have enjoyed getting to know my colleagues across different departments and learning how Agilysys operates globally.
• During my first two weeks, I took the time to organize and tidy up my workspace. Having a clean and well-organized environment has helped me feel more at ease, relaxed, and calm, allowing me to settle into my new role comfortably.
• I successfully completed my onboarding tasks and became familiar with the company's systems, processes, and policies.
• I received my corporate credit card and have been learning the travel and expense procedures.
• I have taken ownership of several administrative responsibilities, including coordinating travel, hotel bookings, taxi arrangements, and supporting visitors to the Windsor office.
• Preparing for my upcoming training in Markham, Canada has been exciting, and I appreciate the opportunity to further develop my knowledge and skills.
• I have felt welcomed and supported by my manager and colleagues, which has helped me settle into my role quickly and build confidence in my position.

Downs / Challenges 👎

• As with any new role, there has been a steep learning curve while understanding Agilysys systems, terminology, and internal processes.
• Managing multiple new tasks and requests at the same time has required careful prioritization and organization.
• Navigating travel arrangements, expense procedures, and visa requirements for my upcoming training has involved a lot of new information and documentation.
• Learning who the appropriate contacts are for different requests across the business has taken some time.
• Balancing day-to-day responsibilities while absorbing a large amount of new information has occasionally felt overwhelming, but it is becoming easier as I gain experience.

Jesus Calling: A bible series, Day 190/365

 

Good morning Lord,

I woke up so guilty today. Full of guilt and shame as I am in my luteal phase again. My hormones are freaking so active and moody again. I asked my self why I always been like this every phase of the month. There was a time that I was sweet and clingy and flirty sometimes but most of the time I am moody and annoyed and irritated. Yesterday after my 30-minute workout, I was annoyed and talked back random things to Paul which at the end of day, it broke my heart. I was in rage, I was irritated. I felt different as if I am not the Benaliza from yesterday. It felt crazy and stupid. So this morning right after Paul said good morning, I made amends and asked him to buy our train tickets on our upcoming holiday. Of course I apologised from last night. I was being silly and stupid. I don't know why I did that and I was feeling independent and b*tchy.

Overall, we are fine now and I am quite relieved. 

Yesterday I receive my parcel from Vinted which I bought a cute shirt that only costs me £2 plus shipping and I was a little stupid cos I did not wash it and it smelled so bad. Lol! It was my first time to smell a body odour from a pre-loved shirt like bro? Why did they not wash it first before selling them. In my first time of my life, I now felt how to have body odour from people hahaha. Honestly it's so bad. And how does a real person with body odour don't smell themselves? Hahaha! You can actually smell yourself! Or am I the only one who can do that? Smell yourself? hahaha! Crazy!

Anyway, the verse today emphasizes that the Christian life is an ongoing struggle requiring vigilance, effort, and perseverance. This ''fight'' is not against people but against sin, doubt, and spiritual distractions, and it is considered ''good'' because it centers on truth, holiness and the glory of God.

God bless us all!

Jesus Calling: A bible series, 187/365

 

Good day Lord,

I felt so energized today even if I didn’t go for a run last weekend. I had a sudden guilt not running and quite fussy. Paul said that it was okay but I felt a little anxious. I did a home workout though so just to overcome the guilt I did a few strength lifting and to mention my 2-km walk going to church and back home was an addition. Last Friday after work, Paul and I had an opportunity to go out and have some few drinks in one of the local bars in Datchet so I blamed him for not getting up on Saturday morning. Hahaha! But overall, we had an opportunity good night. We were both off last Saturday, I went to Slough and grab a few groceries and I was pretty calm and sweet last Saturday to be honest. Yesterday after church, I did laundry and the new fab conditioner that I bought smelled so divine. I cleaned the house all day after I had a quick call from my mum. I was a lil bit tired but satisfies because I cleaned the house which is fulfilling and satisfying in my part. I love making the house tidy and neat as the saying goes, ‘Cleanliness is next to Godliness’ which is true and correct. 

Today, Monday, 9am weekly catch up. Fair enough to ask me how was my week and how do I get along my work and colleagues. 10am, I had a call from Dan, our HR Director and we had a catch up regarding how was I settling in. I said I was ok, it was overwhelming, too many information to absorb and I am quite lucky to be with professional people and supporting people at my back. There are so many things to do and learn and I strive to do it one step at a time. So one thing I need to do is do my Canadian visa for my upcoming training so I can thrive better and do fulfill my duties as an office/sales administrator. 

I am very excited about it aside from that I can travel on the part of the world. 

This is all because of you Lord. It opened to so many opportunities because of your gifts. 

Today’s verse conveys that showing generosity and compassion to those in need is viewed by god as giving a loan to Him. It highlights that acts of charity are not merely social obligations, but hold spiritual significance. In return, God promises to repay or reward the individual for their deeds.

Jesus Calling: A bible series, Day 184/365

 

Good morning Lord, Thank God it’s Friday indeed!

Two weeks with my new work is so relieving. It was so quick. I am always grateful for the opportunity and for the blessings.

Yesterday, I attended the sales meeting with the Europe team and OMG! Literally OMG! I can’t believe it, it’s really big! I finally met the people working from all territories across the UK and Europe. I was seated all day with people working with all the sales and figures. The marketing, lead generation and pledges was crazy. But to be honest, it’s all almost the same when we do area meetings when I was still in the bank. Almost the same. The same strategies, the same commitment, the same quota. I am so lucky I am not in that position to look for prospects/leads and clients. Purely office/sales administration. I am working independently without rubbing shoulders with anyone or with a strict boss inside the office. NONE! Thank you Lord! I am so done with that kind of environment. 

Today, my managing director and sales director are not here in the office. They’re probably meeting customers and busy with meetings. I am all by myself, my the IT guys from India inside the office. Josley, one of the IT head support is going to the same church as me. I saw him last Sunday at church, I never thought he is a Christian because he’s Indian but his name sounds so Spanish. 

Jacqueline, one of the Senior Sales Manager, who is Scottish came to the meeting yesterday and she’s literally like a barbie doll. All dolled-up and so pink. I love her vibe, her alpha-woman attitude. And she brought some Scottish biscuits which were so tasty and delicious. I also booked her a taxi going to terminal 5 yesterday. I am so lucky to get contacts with Five star taxis. And she promised to catch up again soon once she’s back. 

Today, we have a beautiful verse from the book of Hebrews. This verse instructs believers to “make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord”. This verse commands a dual pursuit: actively seeking harmonious relationships with others while maintaining strict personal purity and devotion to God.

Making every effort. In Greek, this means to run swiftly after, pursue intensely, or chase with urgency. It requires deliberate, continuous energy. 

Live in peace with everyone. Believers must actively resolve conflict and foster harmony, extending even to non-believers and hostile outsiders.

Be holy. This refers to sanctification. It means being set apart from sin and dedicated entirely to God’s values and purposes. 

See the Lord. This means experiencing intimate fellowship to God, both in this present life and ultimately in eternity.

This verse serves as a vital safeguard when someone is facing an intense social isolation, financial loss, and temptation to abandon their faith in this high-pressure environment. 

God bless us all.

Jesus calling: A bible series, Day 182/365

 

Good morning Lord,

Today, I am happy. My current work credited me my first salary just by coming in for few days. A thousand quid!!! Wow! Thank you Lord! I am so grateful to be honest because I never know which day will my former work credited me my last salary. And I’m broke now! Surviving on this expensive country is triumph. With so many bills, inflation, transportation. I would never save enough for myself. Good thing, Monzo, my other bank provider offers a day to day savings which luckily I already earned almost 600 quid. I am relieved. 

Last night, Paul and I had an argument. Regarding to my training in Canada. Honestly, he doesn’t want me to go because he misunderstood and he is worrying too much. Like, he thinks I’ll be staying there and never come back here in the UK, which is impossible because it is all just a training. Equipping me to do all my task as an office/sales administrator. Nothing to do in migrating there. And that is why, Ben, my managing director is instructing me to do my visa which is only a visitor visa and nothing else. I mean, yes, I totally understand how he feels but it’s just a training. He’s worried. And I want to make sure and guarantee that it’s going to be fine. I have no plans moving there. Here is my home. My husband is here and that role is for Windsor. Things like this make him vent and sometimes terrible. He always worry, which is totally normal since I will be going all alone. I don’t have the details yet like how long and when is the itinerary but Ben already asked me to process my visa and see what requirements do they need to provide. 

I like traveling, I admit that. Yes, I want to do the training overseas. But am I selfish? Do I not see and think about Paul? Or vice versa? Before we slept last night, we hugged and apologized to each other. He was relieved, I am also relieved. 

Today, Paul was calm. I came to work with peace of mind. I prayed last night, no terrible things will happen as God will be on our side always.

This verse today is a foundation call to spiritual growth, urging believers to reject worldly cultural pressures and instead allow God to change our thinking from the inside out. Chapter 12 from the book of Romans marks a major transition into practical application. This verse serves as the instruction manual for verse 1: if you want to offer your life as a “living sacrifice” to God, you must start by changing how you think.

God bless us all!

Jesus Calling: A bible series, Day 180/360

 

Hello Lord, today is my 2nd week! My weekend was so amazing. I did a 16.6km run last Saturday. I wasn't really planning to run that long, just a normal 10km but I was thrilled to see what's on the end of Long walk and I was amazed. There stood the Copper horse with King George. And the path going to the Great Windsor Park was so breath-taking. It was like a scene from Discovery channel, the Safari. Amazing view to be honest. I didn't feel my feet soar, I was sweating so hard. I applied my sun screen but I got tanned naturally. Golden brown. I love the wind blowing against my sweaty face and body. I felt the strength and power while I was running. I just rushed home because I was starting to feel extremely thirsty. I didn't realized that I didn’t get anything to eat. When I got home, it was extremely hot inside the house. I elevated my feet and had a post-running stretch. My hair and body was so sweaty, I rested for a few minutes before having a cold shower. I made breakfast and did the laundry while Paul prepares to head out and get his haircut. 

During the afternoon last Saturday, we went to do a private tour at the newly opened gym in Datchet called VYBE. Then, we head to the riverside after we bought some açaí bowl from Acai club. The flavor was fine, not really impressed to be honest. The riverside view was so calming with ducks swam around and boats parked on the side. The wind rushed to our faces as a nice way to get fresh air from the terrible heatwave here in the UK. Fortunately, this week the temperature is not too bad. A mix of rain and humid air with vibrant sunshine. We need to prepare again for the next week heat wave. It is very terrible, we are planning to get an air-conditioner though but wish us luck. 

Today’s verse talks about a powerful declaration of trust, surrender, and God’s protection in the face of anxiety or adversity. Peace over anxiety. The psalmist, King David, wrote this while facing intense personal trials and opposition. Despite the stress, he could res soundly because he surrendered his worries to God. 

True safety. The verse emphasizes that security doesn’t come from human strength or external circumstances, but from God alone.

Releasing control. Going to sleep requires us to stop striving. This verse acts as reminder that God is ultimately in control, allowing the believer to let go of the day’s burdens.

Many people meditate on this verse to overcome insomnia, panic, or nighttime fears. It serves as a comforting reminder that we are secure in God’s care, no matter what difficulties the next day brings.

God bless us all!