Random Ramblings

I love Sundays, especially when the next day is a holiday, which is the case today. Only in the Philippines (I think) do we move national holidays because it’s more economical to have long weekends. I’m not complaining. I’m usually very tired come Sunday evening, since Sunday is my ministry and church day. I usually end up sleep deprived on Mondays because I end up staying up till the wee hours because I’m still very much awake when I get home and so I end up doing a lot of things other than what I should be doing, which is sleeping. Tonight, I am free to blog and read and watch what-have-you’s on my laptop because tomorrow is still a non-working day for me. Hurrah!

I loved Finding Jonah
We just concluded the series Finding Jonah tonight in church. I found myself teary-eyed a lot of times during the service because what we talked about tonight (and the whole series actually) just spoke to me. Tonight, Pastor Ferdie spoke about how a lot of times, people grow indifferent about what happens around them. When we see injustice, when we see that something is not right, we do nothing. The mantra becomes “if it doesn’t concern me directly, it doesn’t concern me at all.” Sadly, I’ve had moments like that in my life. I remember my mom being disappointed when I didn’t seem at all affected during Edsa Dos. Nothing stirred me anymore. I think it might have something to do with age (and a lot to do with apathy). I’m glad that now I allow myself to get affected about what happens around me. I get mad when I see injustice. I cry when I see that people are lost or on a road to destruction. I get giddy with excitement when something great happens. I am stirred by people who inspire. There was a time I was afraid to feel all of these things and do something in response to how I felt. But those days are over.

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.
Ezekiel 36:26

Nothing beats Sunday evenings with friends
Had a fantastic time getting together with Iris, Meg, and Fida tonight at Starbucks.  We saw Amy and Gaviene passing by so they joined us. The more, the merrier talaga! Had a great time talking about books, movies, weird quirks, and a lot of other things.

Not so small anymore
I just realized today that my Sunday small group isn’t so small anymore. I can’t believe there are now ten women in my group. And they’re a diverse group, too. I have a budding fashion designer and businesswoman, a nursing student, a college freshman, a girl who manages a home service spa, a registered nurse, a soon-to-be registered nurse, three office employees, and a real estate agent. Age range is 16 to 30. It’s a joy getting to know each one of them and seeing them grow in their relationship with God.

Eager to get read
Finally got myself a copy of The Shack, a Christian fiction bestseller that a lot of my friends from church have been talking about. Love, one of the girls in my small group, bought it for me in the US. Can’t wait to start reading!! Amy read it several times and said that it’s the kind of book you’ll read again and again. I’m excited!

Book Club, anyone?
We talked about starting a book club tonight. Since we all seem to love reading and talking about what we’ve read, it seems like a fantastic idea. I’m excited! Oh, and it seems it will also be a movie club as well, since we all love watching movies, too.

Spring Reading Thing 2008

Katrina, over at Callapidder Days, hosts a reading challenge every season. I’ve joined the challenge twice and failed the challenge twice also. This time, I’m hoping I’ll be able to read everything that’s on my list.

Here goes:

FICTION:

1. Baby Proof by Emily Giffin – Picked up this book last week. I’ve been wanting to read this for a long time so I took advantage of the sale over at Bestsellers, the bookstore near my office. Looks like a light read so I’m hoping to finish this quickly.

2. Quaker Summer by Lisa Samson - I finally got myself a copy! I’ve been seeing this book on other people’s lists the past two reading challenges
and have heard great things about it. Can’t wait to read.

3. A Place Called Here by Cecelia Ahern - Ahern is one of my favorite chick lit authors. I thoroughly enjoyed PS I Love You and If You Could See Me
Now. This one’s plot looks promising.

4. The Fiction Class by Susan Breen -  The only book on my list that I don’t yet own a copy of. Borrowing a copy from my friend Varsha. Seems like a good read.

5. Piercing the Darkness by Frank Peretti – One of the books I’ve left unfinished that I’m determined to finish in the next two months.

6. Twilight by Stephanie Meyer – Halfway done with this one. It’s easy to read so I predict I’ll be done sometime in the next few days.

NON-FICTION

1. The Confident Woman by Joyce Meyer - Currently reading this one. Not jumping up and down yet but so far so good.

2. In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day by Mark Batterson - Started reading the first few chapters. It is SO good. I would recommend it to people who need fresh fire in
their lives. Will certainly make you get up and do something!

3. The Seven Pillars of Health by Don and Mary Colbert – I’m on the second section of this book and let me tell you, it’s THE book to read if you want to get healthy. Based on biblical principles, practical, and well researched book.

4. If You Want to Walk on Water, You’ve Gotta Get Out of the Boat by John Ortberg - One of my favorite authors. I’ve read the first few chapters. Inspiring and encouraging.

I would want to add a few more but this looks like all I can manage for now.  If I get to finish two in the next week. I’ll probabaly be able to add a few more titles.

What are YOU reading? Would love to hear from you.