Want a free ticket to Holy Land?

Towards the end of 2018, I finally received the full payment for a real estate deal I closed in May.  I was thinking, did I already tithe for this transaction?  Checking my accounts, I cannot confirm it. I took the time to verify also from the organization where I usually give but they cannot confirm it too. More than a week has passed by and I still am not sure if I already did.  Until it struck me, “Ano ka ba? Nakikipagtuusan ka pa ba kay God.  Sa Kanya naman nanggaling lahat ‘yan.”

Can you guess what I did?

I just gave my tithe and more.  It was a good thing too that early on in our marriage, Bernie, my husband said that I am in charge when it comes to our family tithing.  He will not question it.  I have a hunch that I already gave my tithe, but I no longer want to keep tabs with God about how much I have already given.  And besides, everything came from Him and so I just gave even if it meant that I might be giving double. 

I decided to give through the Kerygma magazine subscription because I believe that the magazine is a window where readers can see how God works and how they can deepen their relationship with God.  It will also be a chance for them to have a glimpse about The Feast and I am hoping that they will attend too.  I prayed and asked God for guidance to whom He wanted me to reach out to and give free Kerygma magazine subscriptions.  

Just obey and God will do the rest.

Funny that after giving, it dawned on me how I already gave back earlier in May and why it did not appear in my records.  But I said, “I am happy Lord.  😊”  Kidding our God, I said, “Advanced ko na po yun for 2019 ha!” 

God is healing my limiting belief.

On the second week of January, I was assessing our family’s financial state and I saw that we do not have much.  I looked backed on my recent deals and realized that God has given me enough opportunity to earn more but instead of charging for the value of my services I just let it pass and give it for free.  There is also an instance when I could have priced a property we developed for a higher amount but I did not, only because I wanted it to be sold quickly and a friend was already interested with it.  I was afraid that it might take longer to sell it if I will increase my asking price.  But properties in the area were selling like pancakes. 

For the first time, I realized that it was not that I am generous or kind but that I opted to let go of the opportunity to earn more just so they will not think that I am only after the money and also because I do not want to be arguing about money.  It was then that I realized that I still have a limiting belief even if I know that God can give me anything and that all He wanted is to bless me.

God has it all planned.

On, January 13, I attended the first session of The Feast at the Bay Area and was intently listening to Bro. Bo Sanchez regarding having the courage to let go.  I was asking myself, was brother Bo talking to me?  He said, “Let go… What you are holding on might even be good. But God has something better for you.”

Prior to attending the session, I was troubled on what to do about a recent commitment.  Doing it will be good since I will be helping a friend, but it will also deprive me of an opportunity to financially grow for my family.  Before leaving the Feast, I already knew what I had to do. 

And so, I left PICC to act on that decision.

I called my sister in the US and asked her to watch the FEAST LIVE STREAM for me and told her jokingly, “Baka manalo ako sa paraffle ng Kerygma” to which she replied, “Kinabahan ako ate!” to us, it meant that I will most probably win it.

A few minutes later, a friend sent me a message announcing that I won the Kerygma Mission Partner HOLY LAND Pilgrimage package! God even chooses who will give me the message.  She is someone I look up to when it comes to real estate entrepreneurship and sharing God’s love.  And here I am alone at the roof deck of the property I am about to renovate, crying with joy. 😊  

Bro. Bo Sanchez announcing the winner - Me! :) 

My tithing got me a free ticket to Holy Land!

I was crying and I was thinking how near our God is.  How he had everything planned: my obedience to Him about letting go, the tithing, me realizing my limiting belief, and me winning the grand prize.  

Bro. Bo with the DTI representatives validating the
winning entry

Simultaneous with this announcement of winning, I also received wisdom on how I will still be able to help my friend without me being too tangled with it and to charge for the actual value of my services.  God is curing me from my limiting belief.  It was like literally God was just next to me watching my every step guiding me as I obey. 

Amazing isn’t? As if what has already transpired is not enough proof that He is present and is always with us, as I am writing this, someone called out in our gate, the delivery man from LBC.  And guess what?  He delivered the letter from Shepherd’s Voice Publication announcing my winning the grand prize!  Of course, it made me cry again. Hahahaha! Silly me! 😊 The arrival of the letter was like God saying to me, “Good job!”

GOD IS ALWAYS WITH US... watching over us and looking after our every need.

Thank you, Lord, for your love and your presence. 😊

If you expect blessings, it will come!

What you believe in sets the tone for your life.

Believing that everything is a blessing sets the tone of hoping and expecting for the good things to come.  And indeed blessings will come.  Blessings will come pouring in. Having this perspective is like having an armour to protect you from negativity.  Whichever way you'll  look, you'll see nothing but blessings! And even if you'll get infected by negativity, it will be easy for you to bounce back and look at things on the brighter side again.  Because, as always, God wants nothing but the best for you.  He wants to bless you... and in abundance!

In reverse, if you keep on thinking that nothing good is happening in your life, then that's what will happen.  That's what will come - nothing good.  Everything you'll look at will seem to be nothing but trouble.

And so, don't miss out on those blessings! Expect it to come!  They are everywhere! (Pokemons suddenly popped in my mind! hehehe...)

Please allow me to share with you my experience of blessings last month. (I've been wanting to share this but I couldn't find the time to sit and write.)

BLESSING#1
"If there's nothing to lose but gain if you try, then by all means try!"  This was the thought that came into my mind when I was feeling timid to ask Engr. Enrico Cruz of Urban Institute, our mentor in Real Estate, what the topic is for the coming week for his Build and Sell Mentoring Course.

I was a graduate of the same course the previous year and I've learned a lot from it.  I wanted to sit in the class again. I was starting on a new rehabilitation project for a townhouse and I was struggling whether to get a contractor or be the contractor myself as I have done in my past project.

And so, motivated by the quote from Napoleon Hill, I messaged Engr. Cruz and asked.  He replied "Reports and Construction Details".

Wow! Just what I needed!  #Perks of being an Urbanite

BLESSING#2
And so I sat in the class last August 27, 2016.  When I thought I was late, I was actually early! It was a blessing that the class was scheduled an hour later than during our batch.  And with that, I had a chance to meet and talk with the speaker for the day, Engr. Oscar Cadag and Engr. Cruz prior to the start of the class.  Engr. Cruz was so kind to introduce me to him.  From my conversations with Engr.Cadag and Engr. Cruz, I'm already getting ideas on what to do with my

dilemma.

BLESSING#3
During Engr. Cadag's lecture he mentioned that he works for DIAR'S, the same company that supplies janitorial services for DLSU.  The company I worked for for almost 17 years. :)  During the break, I recognized a familiar face I see at DLSU - Mr. Bimbo Brillo.  He was with Engr. Cadag.  It was my first time to talk to him.  What a coincidence that we all met at the real estate seminar, we were all affiliated with DLSU and Couples for Christ at Mandaluyong City.  We had a good chat. :)

Mr. Bimbo Brillo is on my right while Engr. Oscar Cadag is to my left (wearing pink polo shirt just like me).

BLESSING#4
Wow! Architect Jun Palafox was also a lecturer for the day! What a blessing it was to be inspired again as he shared his vast experience and his mission.

Architect Jun Palafox

Engr. Cruz has his way of bridging newbies like me to the experts.   Engr. Cruz gets to tap high profile and well experienced personalities in real estate development because he himself is also generous with his time and knowledge.  Most of the attendees are also experts in their field and most of the time, also share their expertise in the class.

Engr. Enrico Cruz taking photos of the students with guest speaker architect Palafox (seated)

I remember Architect Palafox saying, "When you know something and you share it, you become an expert...(the knowledge doesn't die with you)."

I was happy that I sat in for the week's class. :)

But wait there's more!  God is not done pouring His blessings yet. :)

BLESSING#5
The following day, I was early to visit my parents at their tailor shop.

My father mentioned that he was expecting a client who will make a bulk purchase.

Guess who came into the doorstep of the shop?  It was sir Bimbo Brillo!  He was there to represent DIAR'S and make a bulk order for the uniform requirement of their janitors deployed at College of St. Benilde.

Who would have guessed? God only knows. :)  Thank you Lord!

Everything is a blessing.  Isn't? :)

Ms. Beth and Mr. Bimbo Brillo of Diar's and me

You have what it takes!

If you are thinking about starting something in your life now,  something that causes you to struggle, have faith and muster the courage to move forward and make the first few steps.  If you keep working at it, soon you'll see the fruits of your hard work. 

I made a poster and thought of sharing it with you and hoping that it will help you reach for your goals.

Version 1

I got my inspiration from the words of Brendon Burchard, an excellent motivational speaker and best selling author. Listen to his podcast and other online videos available for free on YouTube such as this video "Start Something That Matters". You'll learn a lot from him. I did! :)

I made two versions. The first version starts with "Please, my friend,".  This version speaks to me like a friend is talking to me,helping me focus on my goals. It is more personal. The second version is more universal, without the words "Please my friend".

Whatever poster you'll choose or even if you will not use any, I am just happy to have shared it with you -its thoughts and the source of the words, Brendon Burchard, whom I hope will also inspire you.

You have what it takes!

God bless your dreams! :)

Everything You Need

Feeling down and lost?  Feeling like you don't know if you'll be able to achieve what you've been planning to do?

Be assured that God has already provided everything you need to accomplish these plans. Jump over the hurdles. Rest for a while if you have to, but do not give up! Look up and know that there is a great God who is with you all the way.

Be comforted knowing that He wants the best for you. Just put whatever you have into good use. :)

What do you need to succeed?  First step and simultaneous with all the other steps -lift up the things you have to do to the Lord.  Pray.  Pray for guidance, for strength, for enthusiasm, for the people you will work with, for the materials you will need, for enlightenment... practically for everything about your project or plan.  :)  God will be smiling at you and will say, "Look here... look what I got... Go and get as much as you need... I have been waiting for you.  Come on, let's do it!" :)

Trust in the Lord.  Be strong and courageous -yes, put your hope in the Lord. -Psalm 27:14