Brother Roque Blanco

I've known him since childhood. I've grown up seeing him as one of the leaders in our locale. I can't believe it's true... but friends have already confirmed of the news that he has finished his race...

Although Ka Roque will not get to read this, I'm going to continue anyways for his loved ones to read.. to know.. how much I appreciate his care, support he has given not just to me, but to the locale of Long Beach.

I know that we'll see him again, but I hurt not for him, but for the family he leaves behind... I pray that our Father will give you all the strength you need, most of all the faith that we will all see him again...

You will sorely be missed po Ka Roque.. so very much!!

Like Vapor

I am looking at a photograph of my cousin and I. It was taken this past January during our short family get-together in the Philippines. I'm sad because I didn't get to converse with him as much as I could have... I can't tell him how much I appreciate him traveling just to be with the family... now, I won't be able to encourage him to return to the church... it's just too late...

Life really is like a puff of smoke... like vapor.. that appears for a short time and then vanishes... I don't think I'll ever be prepared for death... whether it be of a family member, a relative, or a friend... Until now, I still remember those who have passed and I think of them often.. how they've finished their course... how I'm happy because they've kept the faith. They've become an inspiration for me...

But what about those I know who have not? How do I feel?? I'm beyond sad... I'm afraid...

I'm going to miss my cousin... the only thing I have left are the memories I had seeing him and the picture that was taken of us together...

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14 whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.

James 4:14 NKJV

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INC Brotherhood

There really is something special about the church that I belong to: Iglesia Ni Cristo(INC) - (Church of Christ). This past Memorial Day weekend I enjoyed seeing and being with brethren not just in my locale but from all over the Southern California District! Some of them were also visiting from the Philippines (a break from their ministerial classes) and I realized how much I missed going to district activities! It has definitely been awhile... Although each locale was competing against one another (friendly competition that is..) everyone cheered for all the participants whether they were part of their locale or not. Brotherhood was truly felt throughout the whole day and I am so glad to have been a part of it!

There is a story someone shared with me. A brother in our locale has competed and is part of the school's track team. So I could only imagine how many medals he must own from all the competitions he's been a part of. Well, he won first place for one of the races and he got his gold medal. One of the children who attended was admiring his medal. "That is so cool!" the child had exclaimed and so the brother decided to give him the gold medal instead of keeping it for himself! How awesome is that? Another comment that made me smile that day was when after a child runner finished competiting.. and although did not win 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place... still blurted out to his friends, "That was so much fun! I want to run again!". One last comment I want to share that I heard about that made my spirits even high was when another brother had mentioned to his friends that it's definitely worth hanging out with church brethren because we know how to have "good, christian fun!".

Our Track & Field was truly successful! I admit that during the closing prayer I was in tears because I was soooo happy! For the wonderful events I experienced this past weekend.. I give all glory and honor to HIM above. I am so thankful to HIM for letting me be a part of this strong brotherhood inside the Church of Christ! I really want to be a part of as much church activities as I can possibly go to, which is why I'll be working around church schedules before booking any photography/videography work... Church comes first always, family and then work... ;-)

Successful Day!

I had a wonderful Saturday yesterday! I attended our Track & Field event and saw a lot of old friends that I haven't seen for ages!!! There was rain in the morning, but towards the afternoon and up to the end of the event, it was just a beautiful day! Thank God for answering our prayers for good weather! Congratulations to ALL the participants... to ALL of us who joined the activity as well! Everyone - E-V-E-R-Y-O-N-E - did a wonderful job!

While I was busy helping to keep track of the awards for each locale as well as the long jump event, my most wonderful husband Ryan took photos throughout the WHOLE DAY! We got over 2,000 photos! But these long jump shots are my favorites.. and of course the group shots!

Thanks Ryan!!!! =D