moving on

2010 is here. another year has passed and time to move on. yes, move on. to learn, to grow, to be wiser and be stronger. 2009 has been a challenge for us, my faimly and of course the philippines. it was tough all right. but i don't regret ever encountering all those challenges. because amidst all those tough roads, God has also provided some smooth rides. as for my family, we were blessed with another baby on the way, the trip to paris, southampton & london, good health, my husband's new task at work, we were spared from the natural calamity that has passed the country and so much much more. simple things that when add up, are truly great things. we've also had some financial struggles. actually, we are still having a struggle in that matter. but with what God has shown us, i know He wills ee us through. i believe we are still blessed. we still have our family, our good health, our friends, our work and we are still able to eat at least 3x a day. the challenges have made me realize a lof of things and i am bringing it with me this 2010 and hopefully forever. for one thing, re gift giving, its not really the size or the amount that matters, its really about thinking of what the person really likes for him/her to fully appreciate it. and it warms my heart to see them happy upon receiving the gift. another thing is living simply. i thought we were living a simple life already. but i believed we still could live much simpler and it doesn't make us less happy. in fact, it made us stronger. as husband and wife, we become united in making tough decisions, we communicate, we find comfort in each other. we help each other. i guess you could say its different from the movies wherein the challenges, especially the financial struggles, break the relationships. im happy to say thats not the way it is between me and my very patient husband. maybe the movies are just movies. haha. it is really a matter of perspective. i dont want these challenges to bring me down. i want to use it to my advantae. to bring out the creativity and the best in me. if this is the way that God wants us to become better persons, to prepare us for more challenges ahead, or to help stay grounded, then so be it. i welcome it. anyway, it is through Him that i am still here standing, ready to face anything and hoping for the best.