The 7 Things I Thank for in 2017 (Part 2 of 3)

So, let me continue sharing to you the 7 things I thank for in 2017. Well, by the way, it's the 2nd of January 2018 today but I'm now facing some emotional struggles! :)

Caption: As I look back on the road I have travelled, I realized that my Redeemer is ever faithful to me

I think it's better to look back and recall the past blessings as our motivation to believe that by faith God will give us greater blessings!

1. I thank God for giving me new friends
2. I thank God for having an amazing family
3. I thank God for the food
4. I thank God for letting me travel often this year
5. I thank God for the gift of health

Now, let's have the 4th and 5th one!

4. I thank God for letting me travel often this year

I don't travel just to satisfy my selfish longings. I travel with a purpose. Whenever I am bound to go outside my home, I pray that I'll become an instrument of warming someone's heart. Last year, my trips were mostly for missionary purposes. I don't have anything to boast about it. It's God who really provided the means for those trips.

Caption: Though people say single women are lonely, (Yes, it could be sometimes) but I choose to be happy. God gave us life, why not embrace it and enjoy it for His glory?

I didn't just learn about cultures, I've also learned about resilience and persistence. When you travel, you have to be vigilant. You have to be careful whom to trust (especially for a young lady like me!). My 2017 journey were not just all about videos and photos taken at the places, they're also about the smiles I received from strangers, the timely provisions of the LORD during challenging times, and the comforting feeling of coming home soon.

Caption: Of course, the Camiguin mission trip was a blast!

When my sister and I traveled to Iloilo, we were not the typical tourists. We were backpackers. On the other hand, as a student in Bukidnon, I realized that despite the zig-zag roads, one can find peace by choosing to chill. I could sleep for more than 5 hours sitting inside a bus! Thank God.

Caption: We wanted to visit Guimaras but we're kind of almost broke already so we decided not to. But God sent us friends who helped us get to this Mango Island for free!

Caption: This was taken at a Monastery in Guimaras. I so love the cool atmosphere!

5.I thank God for the gift of health

Oh!I'm alive, alert, awake, enthusiastic! (Remember that song when we're kids?)
Having survived the typhoon in 2011 that took thousands of lives, being alive and healthy (with my senses normally activating) is a blessing I will always be thankful for!

Although I sort of suffered from colds this year (maybe twice this year), I generally feel good. As the old adage says, Health is wealth! I do believe that having good health is a gift from God. But we are also responsible for making it possible by being careful with what we eat and drink, by having adequate rest, getting some sunlight, exercising, self-control, and daily communion with God.

Caption: Nutritious food :)

So, that was 2017! Well, I'd like to share this quote to you guys:

Happy New Year Facebook Friends!

"Let us enter upon the new year with our hearts cleansed from the defilement of selfishness and pride. " Our High Calling, January 1.