Merry Christmas To You All

As I woke up this morning, I realized that we have not written a blog for almost 2 years now! Yes, it is Christmas day & as a holiday tradition for many, we look forward to be together as a family! It is indeed a "White Christmas" as the ground is blanketed & covered with beautiful fine snow this morning!

Ben mentioned to me last night while preparing food at the kitchen, "We don't have gifts for each other!"

I responded, "We give gifts to each other every day & every minute of the day!"

Giving gifts to each other is no longer a chore & a recurring "stress" on deciding what to give...but decided instead to share to others in need if we can.

Christmas like today though reminds me of my parents:

One Christmas eve in the Philippines, my Dad came home from work before midnight while my three brothers & four sisters were already asleep.  Dad handed to Mom a small bag with a bunch of grapes (given to him by a friend) and said, "Wake the kids up; share them these grapes!"  My mom did what she was told to do, carefully counting & dividing the grapes before sharing equally to us (these were treats imported from other countries).

While enjoying my share, I offered some to Dad...but he won't accept it. Oh, the love of a Father to his children! We grew up poor but their LOVE overwhelmed us all! I do not remember growing up and decorating Christmas trees, but Dad would gather us together as a family,  morning & evening worships & singing, "Thank you Lord for saving my soul!" 

Christmas time it is the time to think of our experiences this year. My sister was diagnosed with breast cancer. Benj injured his shoulder. A dear friend lost his beloved wife. A friend divorced, then lost both parents within a few months from each other. Another friend lost her mother. Typhoon in the Philippines; etc. What a challenging & nerve wracking year! But the LOVE of our Father above always overwhelms us!

Thank God, the weather yesterday was nice and we were able to visit a very close friend (in Michigan) who was getting ready for a doctor's appointment.  After knowing that I had been mailing relief goods to the Philippines, she & her husband gathered up things from their closet and filled up bags of clothing & stuff.  I could see the joy & smile emanating from both their faces even though I felt their pain & suffering from her illness. She had been fighting cancer for a few years now. With the experience of Ben, I am fortunate to have first hand experience & gained courage to handle situations like this...dealing with friend's & relatives with illness & death.

Before heading home, she showed her Christmas gifts from her daughter & husband and told me that if I wanted them, I could have her gifts! I said, "You opened your Christmas gifts already?" She answered, "Yes," and told me that while opening her gifts, her husband took her pictures...she was smiling & jumping for joy! (demonstrating it).

Once I entered our car, I became emotional and shed tears. Seeing her so happy even wanting to share her gifts to me, I thought of her as saying "goodbye" and may be her last Christmas?

Received a note from my sister, "Just want to take this time to thank you for all the things you have done for me and gave me. I know you've financially helped (us) me since I was in grade school until high school (Christian schools). Even though we don't agree on a lot of things, we are still family and love each other. I am glad we always made things up. I'm really praying that we will all be together in heaven someday including Mom & Dad. Thank you!"

Yes, experiences in life with either family or friends, whether good or unpleasant to me are life strengthening experiences.  They are gifts from the Lord!

With the spirit of Christmas, we always remind our children...everyday should be Christmas & Thanksgiving.

This song comes to mind:

"One day at a time sweet Jesus, that's all am asking from You!"
"Just give me the strength to do every day what I have to do."
"Yesterday's gone sweet Jesus and tomorrow may never be mine."
"Lord help me today, show me the way..one day at a time."
"So for my sake, teach me to take (Lord), one day at a time!"

Merry Christmas to you all!

(Taken this morning at the President Harding Memorial, a place we brought our kids when they were growing up. Sledding down from the top to the bottom of the hill gave them exhilarating joy & happiness! What days to remember!)

2012 A NEW YEAR A NEW BEGINNING

Esther and I am happy to greet all our friends and relatives as a New Year unfolds!

We thank you for your prayers!

Esther is on the mend by the Grace of God! Yes, your loving calls, emails, text messages, flowers, cards & cash gave us comfort and focus our thoughts & attention to the ultimate Great Physician. He is awesome. He answers all our fervent prayers!

Esther had the open heart surgery two (2) days before Christmas. It is indeed a sobering experience to spend with her at the ICU on Christmas day...but I am very grateful. We have a great team of Doctors, Nurses & Medical Staff. She came home four (4) days after surgery!

She's alive!

Yummy, a New Year toast at home ... a bottle of sparkling, delicious Red Grape juice, a gift from Linda, our neighbor.

Together we share the joy of being alive and enjoy watching festivities around the world especially the NYC Times Square celebration as the new year was ushered in, A New Beginning! A new meaning of LIFE to us...

Happy New Year to you all!

Esther enjoying the beautiful & melodious voice of Sandi Patty, as she sang the National Anthem.

With Bended Knees..
by: Esther

This is the eve of my surgery, and with all your prayers, love and faith in God...keeps me smiling, relaxed and with good spirits, leaving everything in God's hands.

Yes, I am aware you are all shocked, so with my family and my doctors. One episode of chest pain and my heart will be thoroughly checked and overhauled tomorrow morning. So sorry friends and relatives, I will be relaxed and asleep while you are all thinking of me.

Am so very blessed Ben's partner who is on vacation decided to come back and give Ben (Arthur) the needed break, the rest of the week off, and making sure that there will be two cardiac Anesthesiologists helping the surgeon. 


Almost all the tests were done but the last one (cardiac catheterization) made my doctors decide to do an Open Heart surgery. Fortunately, my heart muscles are still strong and no evidence of damage. All the nurses and medical staff are so wonderful, kind and caring...really enjoyed the extra blankets that kept me warm, their hugs of care and empathy.  My thoughts were distracted by their stories about my husband how good he was with patients and co-workers. I was asked what music I would like to listen to, told them, .."of course Christmas songs." We had good talks while the procedure  was going on.  Unfortunately, the test was bad news....the cath lab Nurse looked sad; my husband was asked to come to my side to comfort me. Ben was shown all x-rays while the procedure was being done.

It then became hectic. We met with the surgeon and three of my medical doctors. All decided what was best thing for me has to be done. More blood tests and x-rays, etc., I was really getting tired and hungry the past couple of days. But it is worth it! I think I feel lighter now, ha, ha!

I am so amazed the good Lord provided me with caring people. It all started with an Echo. The sweet lady in pink, chose me and sent the other two technicians to do the other patients. We had great conversation while she was testing me. I found out that her husband died of cancer...that started my sharing Ben's book, "Choosing to Live," CD of Sacred Songs by my friend Glori Gage and the book authored by another friend, Raymond Puen, "Is That In The Bible?"  Before she left, she asked me if she could give me a hug, surprised and I told her, "..of course, you may!"

I am well entertained by nurses in the floor, I don't have to watch the TV. We all talked about stories of our family and friends. One nurse told me about her relative who said, "I only eat things without a mother!" I got it, she's a vegetarian, and we had a big laugh. Before the nurses changed shifts, everyone took time to drop by my room to say goodbye with hugs.

One lab technician came but saw me sound asleep and decided to come back.  The first thing he said before taking my blood, "For Open Heart?" I answered , "Yes." And he added, "You don't look like one :)"


All my children are keeping me company even though I tell them not to take off from work. But they still did. I do understand, maybe if I were in their shoes, I would do the same.  Happy and thankful they can also keep their dad company, especially with their Ipads, Kindle Fire, etc. I am not as good working these latest technologies, like them.

Ethan and the two boys of my new found friend's children will also serve as my inspiration as I enter the operating room. Their cute and precious smiles will help me fight a good fight...would love to see everyone again especially to meet the two cute boys in person, Trent & Spencer (pictures below)...

The hugs & smiles, the words, "You are in my prayers," are so sweet to hear.

My heart vessels may be blocked but coming out from my heart is overflowing with love to you all.


I feel good and encouraged but sad to see my husband with tearing eyes, but we remind each other, God's plan is the best and there's reason for everything. We have to keep and strengthen our trust in the Lord no matter what.

 This morning, I was able to get fresh air and feel the heat of the sun. Thanks God for sunshine the first day of winter. While in the hospital, I feel and wanted to be independent doing things myself, then I saw the sign: "CALL Before You Fall." This made me think and say, CALL "GOD" BEFORE YOU FALL!"

A friend sent me this special message and quote, " My dear Es, you are strong, and spirited and have so many more exciting things to share and so I know that you will be successful in your surgery tomorrow. You are not alone for God is with you, as He is each and every day. And all of us who love you are with you too!! When you are preparing for surgery tomorrow say this beautiful prayer, "I encircle myself, my care givers, my doctors, my surgeons, this hospital with the white light of God's love and infinite protection." You my dear Es, will be surrounded in God's light....God's love!!!

Merry Christmas everyone...tomorrow, Friday, will be my surgery. Jesus rested on Saturday and rose up on Sunday. Hoping and praying I will do the same! Love you all and if I said and did anything wrong to you, please forgive me.

 

GIVING & RECEIVING THIS THANKSGIVING
by: Esther

Is it better to give or to receive?

I asked this question a few years back on one of our blogs. Responses were varied but all with the same conclusion: "It all depends."

Last weekend, I shared & gave away my last lemon and avocado fruits. The following day, to my great surprise, the mailman delivered a package from California with 30 lemons and 7 avocado fruits. First thing that came to my mind, "How did my friend know I needed lemons and avocados?"

God provides and on time!

A few years back, a friend from Michigan shared two bitter melon starter plants grown indoors early spring ... but both withered, I brought the plants outdoors too early. Shared this sad story to my friend from California, who a few weeks later shipped a package of different variety of bitter melon seeds.

From these seeds ... the plants gave out bounties of fruits and enabled me to share this year (19 families in different States) far and near. Was so happy to express my joy and happiness with my friend who once was able to taste the fruit when she came for a visit in Ohio.

As summer turned to autumn, I suddenly realize I did not share the fruits to my friend. With care, harvested the last and few special ones and sent her right away.

Yes, many times, we share to others and without realizing that we often neglect or forget to thank first the source of blessings. My friend never asked nor complained. The same thing with the Lord, so many times we also forget to thank Him First for all the blessings we receive from Him each day.

Bitter Seeds & Sweet Faith
by: Debbie Anderson (A special friend so trusted and does her work well behind the scenes. She is with the well known Heritage Singers USA and one of the original singers). Below is a beautiful message she wrote recently:

Since sending bitter melon seeds to my dear friend Esther a couple years ago, I have realized that it is a lot like sharing Jesus with others. First you give some seeds to a friend who grow the fruit and shares the fruit and seeds with other friends. Then those friends share with their friends and so on.

Es has shared the fruit and seeds with so many people all across the country, including me, who have been so happy to receive this special gift. The melon mixed with other goodies from the garden make a delicious and healthy meal just like mixing Jesus into our daily lives makes our lives much more delectable.

I am so thankful for God's love and for His gift of Salvation. I am also thankful for the love of my dear and generous friend who lovingly shares the fruit of the Spirit with so many.

Today, reminds me of my Dad years back gathering his family together for morning worships and singing this song:

"Thank you Lord for saving my soul; Thank you Lord for making me whole; Thank you Lord for giving to me, Thy great salvation so rich and free."

From our family to yours, HAPPY THANKSGIVING DAY!

OUR ANNIVERSARY TRIP

Esther is always full of new ideas...

She decided that we must have a "get-together" with some of her bridesmaids, September 24, 2011.

Two were able to come, Leni Banaag Puen and Fernaline Kintanar. Letty Banaag and Mel Dizon, who were also in our wedding entourage, made it with Pastor Ray Puen, husband of Leni.

After visiting the wellness spa where the "ladies" and Ray had their massage, we went by one of the Wedding Chapels at the Caesar's.

Door was ajar!

With a surge of excitement and glee, we slowly entered the hall. It was solemnly quiet, nobody inside but us. Piano was in one corner but locked.

The "bridesmaids" pulled me over, we MUST re-enact our wedding 39 years ago!

Leni & Fe draped Esther with an improvised veil & with some coaching from the entourage, we must KISS, and we did!

What a pleasant & spontaneous event. It was a blast!

After the "brief service," I ventured to say, "Will we do this again 39 years from now?" The problem ... everyone would be more than a hundred years old by then :)

Blessings were received from Pastor Ray's devotional talk on the last night we were together. Encouraging, enriching & invigorating socially and spiritually. We were filled with God's promises as each one shared their life's testimony and how He led the way in our lives.

THE BEST OF FRIENDS

by Esther

In every ones' life God provides special people who make us happy because they share common happiness & joy and many times share experiences of sorrow or sadness.

They are forgiving and accepting no matter what you are and who you were. Yes, what great joys for me to be accepted or cared for whether I acted funny or not, behaving well or not!

Leni (Evangeline Banaag Puen) and Fe (Fernaline Kintanar) are but a few good friends since Elementay and High School years who kept in touched, sharing feelings & experiences all these years, though we don't see each other years (15 years or more) at a time.

When I went to Nursing School, Leni became one of my inspirations in my studies. Her persistent encouragements helped me pull through until I finished my course. She served as my escort during my Nurses Capping ceremony at La Sierra University (LLU), CA.

Coming to US as a teenager and self supporting student was very tough & challenging situation for me. Gratefully, Leni is also blessed with a sister, Ka (sister) Letty (Leticia Banaag) and another special friend, Mel (Amelia Dizon), a sister of one of my classmates (Boy Dizon) in PUC who were there for me too. God never fails, He provides true friendships.

I remember the time we had spent together in California, the memorable experiences and how friends helped me during those challenging times. It made me look forward to the "next time," then it finally happened, a reality! We finally got together 39 years to the day on our wedding anniversary!

We had many memorable experiences to recollect, but one that makes me smile every time it comes to mind was about Leni's bridesmaid wedding dress.

All our dresses including my gown were made in the Philippines by my mom and other relatives. On our wedding day, I had all ready & iron pressed, but Leni decided to do hers again. She accidentally burned a sleeve!

Fortunately, my Aunt Tangunan & my Dad who brought the wedding gowns to US also brought extra materials per my instructions. Thank God, my aunt came to the rescue, she knew how to sew and repaired the dress!

I was a bit sad when finally we had to part after a couple of days together. However, the short time we were together strengthened my faith and encouraged each one to be more prayerful. Yes, I am reminded of our dear parents who were God fearing and loving. They are no longer with us resting in peace, but planted the seeds in our hearts the joy of serving.

Leni & Ray are great examples of dedicated servants of the Lord who unselfishly serve Him far & near. Fe, Mel and Ka Letty are also seriously involved in their own way in their own community & churches. All are in tune with His work on this earth.

For that am so happy, inspired and blessed.

p.s.

Thank you Rose for the comfortable hotel rooms you reserved for us. Truly, I am blessed, surrounded by a Pastor, professor in Music, Nurse, Medical Secretaries, Lab Technician and a Physician husband. Awesome!!!

..at the pool side...king-sized bed
----

Pastor Ray, at one point taught his class the Introduction to Prophetic online class (all SDA students), while we were with them, and was kind enough to share his message with us:

Dear Class,

Please review the difference between OT and NT prophets and prophesying so that you won't be confused about the 1 Cor. 14:3 admonition to which you are limited. It is comprehensive enough and the whole Body of Christ is benefited when people operate in its context.

You can find that in the Introduction and in Lesson One. You are not to do prognosticating. That is a calling the Lord gives. It has historically been given to those who practice Phase 1 a long time and bless the Body of Christ with frequent words. That practice makes you more accurate in hearing and in delivering the word of the Lord. Until then you are not to do foretelling. Instead, you are operating in the gifts of the three inventories of gifts from the Father (Rom. 12), the Son (Eph. 4) and the Spirit (1 Cor. 12).

You will know that prophecy is the only gift common to all 3 inventories. It must then be an important matter to the Lord to equip His people in this gift. (Don't hesitate to check everything against scripture). Below is a word which will have most of the elements you learned in recent labs.

"Preamble" is optional and so that you may benefit more fully from a background, it is included in this instance. The appeal to scripture to strengthen your conveying of any word, the use of the first person in a different way than you were instructed in the beginning to avoid, and the use of the second person (singular or plural) to address the word, are all included. Note the first and last sentences that you just learned in lab last night to work towards being concise and precise. The trigger is obvious though not identified in the word but you will have the following background as explanation.

Good friends Ben and Esther Sanidad live in Ohio and contacted a few friends (5) in the Glendale area to come join them in celebrating their anniversary. Ben is a doctor and has written a book I can share with you of his marvelous recovery from cancer. He shares his testimony wherever he can and continues to practice in a medical group in Ohio. He and his wife are always generously involved in blessing others and many miracles attend their ministry.

So we were specially invited. The terms were highly unusual as they offered to pay our air fare or other travel expenses, hosting in a major hotel, including food and spa/massage experience. It was the good life even though the celebration was for them! We expressed our surprise and delight to which they replied, "We want to share with others and enjoy your fellowship. That's our blessing." That was repeated many times through the short vacation.

And so it was that way. In order for us to drive the distance and coordinate the coming together of our 5 who were scattered throughout Southern California with a preaching appointment in San Diego (for me) and a church retreat for two others in Silverwood an hour north of Loma Linda, we had to leave very early on Sunday morning. This meant that at about 10 am we were hungry and so stopped off at Dennys off the freeway. That's when we got a telephone call wondering where we were and urging us to hurry. It was full of eager anticipation at the soon reunion.

We finally arrived and rejoiced in each other's company, were ushered to our suite, taken to a sumptuous meal, and each given generous spending money. The next morning, I got up a half hour earlier than my 5:15 wake-up call, cancelled the wake-up call and meditated on God's word for the ensuing 2 hours, memorizing some more scripture. Ahead of us was the day of pampering via massage and sauna experience, and the disclosure that the rooms had been prepaid for an extra day than we had planned. They themselves had to leave early Tuesday so that left us with an open-ended "blank check" to spend the day or extra day if we chose.

Upon our waking up, we discovered a note of instructions on what to do: how to check out on their behalf because the rooms were in their name and large dollar bills more than several times enough to pay for parking and our driving both ways. This recalled the parable of the Good Samaritan which I recited during breakfast as part of a brief devotional, underscoring the Samaritan's assurance to the innkeeper that whatever extra expense was incurred would be covered by arrangement.

On the first morning after we arrived, I was meditating on God's word and marveling at our not-totally-unexpected blessings but yet still-overwhelming blessings, when I heard very clearly the Lord speaking into my spirit. This is what He said: I await your arrival with eager anticipation. I can hardly wait for you as I have prepared a banquet feast that I am inviting you to share with Me. It is My celebration and you are invited. I can hardly wait as the time draws near for I eagerly desire your fellowship. Don't worry about anything - I paid for everything on Calvary and everything is in place. As you have faithfully fulfilled your commission and followed the instructions I left, I have also made provision to repay you and to reward you "more" for all that you have done "more" while waiting for My banquet to begin. You will see this when I return for I am keeping track of all that you do and will bring my reward with Me, for am I not, the Lord your God, an accurate and perfect Bookkeeper?

I have recorded in the Book of Life all that you have coming and I am bestowing on you to receive nothing but the best. It will be more than you expect. I am withholding nothing. You will be pampered beyond your expectations for you do not know by human perception, your eyes have not seen nor your ears heard what I have prepared for you, because you love Me and have shown your love for Me. So hurry. Do not delay. I await your arrival with eager anticipation.

...make believe veil by Ka Letty..

SPECIAL TRIBUTE

Pastor Jerry (Moises) Jereos
Glendale, California

A surprise visit with friends during my short trip to California after receiving the sad news that their loving father passed away. Pastor Jerry (Moises) Jereos, was a long time denominational leader of The SDA church.

After serving all three Unions of the Philippines as secretary-treasurer, he became the first Filipino President of the North Philippine Union Mission.

Whenever his name was mentioned in my family, my dad always reminded me that he was a very athletic & active man. He loved playing tennis as his sport.

A tearful yet happy meeting with ate Baby (Mercy Lynn) & husband Victor Seralde; Mellie (Romelda) & husband Darryl Anderson. We all believe and know that someday we will see him again! Romelda wrote, "Daddy was ready & told us to get ready with the inevitable."

...with Wilma (Nancy Green) Dauglash. Chance to renew friendship after many years. I was aware she's being missed with other friends who are in Washington DC, but glad I had special time with her...will long be cherished & remembered.

...with Ate Baby, Mellie & Darryl. Victor at the background...

The real tight hugs overwhelmed me with mixed emotion of sadness yet with joy & gladness of meeting and seeing each other again. Ate Baby & Mellie, The Good Lord comforts you & blesses you. Yes, our deepest sympathy & love for you & your family from the Hernandos & Sanidads.

-photos taken by Kassie, our grand daughter-

**@**

23rd Psalms

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside still waters.

He restoreth my soul; He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me;

Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:

Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my Life:

and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

GOD PROVIDES..."Historically Hot," Part 2
loving & practicing simple lifestyle
by: Esther

Wow, it is still summer but few more months this year will be over. Many are hoping and so do I not to have the same hot, humid, rainy days as of 2011.

Absolutely true quote, "Behind the clouds the sun is always shinning," for God created our world with beauty and grandeur with the air filled with song as the birds chirp day & night and the loud, whining "chorus" of male Cicadas: click this link as mating begins.

When it is gloomy, many times I like to spend the day sleeping or staying in bed reading & browsing the internet (you are doing it now). Well, we often times do realize that there are balancing factors in our lives... & so with nature.

When the sun explodes its beautiful rays & shed it's light over the trees & gardens, it gladdens the heart. It inspire me to do my morning walks (with a happy & smily face), promoting stronger legs & help defy the early onset of arthritis creeping up with age! With a bottle of water a walk in the neighborhood park sure makes my day another lovely one.

Lately, I have not kept up with the recent news & what's going on around but I thank friends for sharing what they read and hear as well as their own experiences. What caught my attention most and gave me inspiration to express myself again was a note from a student (from the Philippines) wanting to finish college but suddenly, the father died leaving him & his mom with 2 other brothers and 3 sisters. So sad indeed, he can't continue his studies because the source of income is gone. Then, an email from a friend, who was very concerned that her non-profit organization ministry would soon be closed if economic condition would not improve with now fewer people donating to the ministry.

Another one this week, quoting that by the end of 2011 our money and all our savings will just be equivalent to a "play money" that one "cart-full of dollars" would pay for a loaf of bread--similar to WWII? (younger ones don't have idea about this). "What do we do now if this is true?" she asked. Should we be concerned?

For me ABSOLUTELY not. It reminds me of my own experience when I was in grade school. A classmate asked me to go with her to the college store to buy candies. After buying, she unwrapped a candy, ate it and then kept the rest. Maybe, I was too young & naive to get offended or felt bad. At recess time, a sweet lady came by and handed me a bag of candies. She was the store clerk who noticed when I was with a classmate, earlier.

We became good friends since, offering me many times goodies which I also shared with my family & friends until I went to high school. Soon she left our beloved country for the United States. I missed her and made me felt so really very sad...not knowing that someday, too, I would do the same coming to this blessed and beloved adopted country.

Recently, I learned that this dear friend has cancer. I do understand how hard one may be going through--for I am still taking care of a dear husband who went through a lot of difficult times, physically and financially. Learning a lot through all these trials and hardships make us realize to depend, and strengthen our faith in God, the source of all LIFE & well-being! Yes, Ben pulled through & by hard work, patience & following the natural remedies, he is still with us 15 years later.

Back to the question, "Should we be concerned?" For me it's a NO. "Let not your (my) heart be troubled" and always being reminded that God provided for Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden and He will continue providing us too, all our needs. In the book of Matthew, Mark and also John 6: 1-13, we are instructed to prepare the soil and sow the seeds, leaving the rest to God's rain, air and sunshine. What a wonderful PROVIDER.

Happily counting our blessings & joyfully sharing with family, friends & neighbors. Started freezing fresh sweet corn for the winter. Dear God...Thank You!

Painting on the wall by LW 1985: "The Last Supper" adorns our kitchen wall since 1985. A sick "mom" in Marion needed help. It was a surprise when her son handed us this painting that gives us inspiration all these years.

I believe, this was NOT the last supper for the disciples for even after His death, He continued to provide them physical and spiritual needs...even to us who believe these days.


"How do some people always know what's best for me? Most of the time I don't know what's best for me." by Cec Murphey: a friend, writer, author, & speaker.