I'm currently reading Like The Flowing River by Paulo Coelho and I just thought of sharing this piece of anecdote.

Lord protect our doubts, because Doubts is a way of praying. It is Doubt that makes us grow because it forces us to look fearlessly at the many answers that exist to one question. And in order for this to be possible...Lord, protect our decisions, because making Decisions is a way of praying. Give us the courage, after our doubts, to be able to choose between one road and another. May our YES always be a YES and our NO always a NO. Once we have chosen our road may we never look back nor allow our soul to be eaten away by remorse. And in order for this to be possible...Lord, protect our actions, because Action is a way of praying. May our daily bread be the result of the very best that we carry within us. May we, through work and action, share a little of the love we receive. And in order for this to be possible...Lord, protect our dreams, because to Dream is a way pf praying. Make sure that, regardless of our age of our circumstances, we are capable of keeping alight in our heart the sacred flame of hope and perseverance. And in order for this to be possible...Lord, give us enthusiasm, because Enthusiasm is a way of praying. It is what binds us to the Heaven and to Earth, to grown-ups, and to children; it is what tells us that our desires are important and deserve our best efforts. It is Enthusiasm that reaffirms to us that everything is possible, as long as we are totally committed to what we are doing. And in order for this to be possible...Lord, protect us, because Life is the only way we have making manifest Your miracle. May the earth continue to transform seeds into wheat, may we continue to transmute wheat into bread. And this is only possible if we have Love; therefore, do not leave is in solitude. Always give us Your company, and the company of men and women who have doubts, who act and dream and feel enthusiasm and who live each day as if it were totally dedicated to Your glory. Amen. 

I was the kid that never dreamt because I was made to believe that I don't deserve a big dream. Until today, its a struggle for me to dream. 

Its frustrating not to have anyone to share all of these things I'm feeling. That one other person I could just say things to and just be able to bare all of me. Its during times like these that I wished I had a best friend.

Central A3.AB Comm sec 3. In the stillness of the day, the real remains.
Maybe I should consider changing my "lucky number" to 3. 

9 Years and A Month

With my beloved YFC MTQ

If there was one thing about this chapter meeting that assured me it would be these:

1. Service to God doesn't end in YFC 

2. I am leaving my YFC Family to a set of great people whose hearts and passion are to serve Him

So today, I officially said goodbye to YFC-MTQ. I didn't realize how hard it would be to actually say that it would be the last meeting that I'd be in as their chapter head. I've longed prepared for this and when I was about to do it words don't wanna escape my mouth.

I've been in the community for 9 years and most of my days if not spent in school and/ or with my family, it is with my YFC family. They have been my comfort zone, they're the people that the moment I see them, every ounce of problem goes away. It is in these people that I see how much God loves me and how great God really is.

For the past 9 years, God has continually shown me His greatness through my YFC family. Most of my values are centered in what I have gained in my journey as a YFC. I am not the person I am today if not for the people that I served with.

YFC was my life and tonight, just like that, I am walking away from it only bringing with me life lessons and memories with the best set of people God could have blessed me with.

Today, is the beginning and an end. An end to a wonderful journey in serving God and at the same time, today marks the start of my next mission, what this is, not exactly sure, but I'm keeping my faith awaiting for what comes next.

"To YFC-Central A3, I wouldn't not have grown to be the person I am today without you. To every single person I was privileged to serve with, THANK YOU. You guys don't know how much you've touched and moved me. And lastly to YFC- MTQ, great things are coming, prepare your hearts for God's never ending greatness."

Much much love
Mela.

Rising Higher v.02

When I started the previous post, I didn't realize it could end up as sort of a book review. I was originally planning to quote some of what Kelly had written, so anyway, I'm on to Part 2 of my Rising Higher Post, the one with the quotes.

The act of someone trusting my abilities helped me to see more in myself than the problems anger and bitterness.

I cannot allow anyone to dictate whether or not I achieve any degree of significance in this world or give anyone the power to discourage me from what I may want to accomplish in this life. 

Nothing worthwhile comes without some degree of sacrifice and honest work

It was no longer about trying to act like things were fine when my life was actually in shambles

One thing I learned was that men and women could have fun together without compromising morals when the right boundaries are in place

- Rising Higher, Kelly Williams, 2012

and there are so much more, I was just into the book that I pretty much forgot to jot down his words. Whoops!

So if you want more insights on life, then what are you waiting for, head down to the nearest FullyBooked store (and lets hope they already carry the book) and get yourself one! :)

Rising Higher

June 28 2012, was the launch of "Rising Higher" the book written by Kelly Williams. My friends and I made sure that we won't miss the launch and I made sure to grab a copy of the book and took the chance to have Kelly sign my copy as well. (insert fan girl smile here!)


I've long anticipated reading this book. I've always looked up to Kelly, more than his basketball skills, I am in awe of his faith. Hearing him speak during one of the victory parties of Talk N Text made me admire him even more. It could actually be said that I am almost always in tears whenever I hear/ read anything related to him, be it an interview or his own blog. There is just something in the way he phrases his words that moves me. So hearing about his book on his life made me all the more excited. I am not a fan of auto/biography books, but there are always exceptions right?

Some pictures from the launch! :)

Of rare days I'm in jeans.
L-R. Kam, my Sister, Yma and  Me

L-R. Royce, Yma, Me

The girls with Patricia Hizon
L-R. Kris, Royce, Bets, Yma, Kam, Mela, Patricia

With TNT coach and the writer of the Foreword, Chot Reyes
L-R. Kris, Yma, Royce, Me, Coach Chot, Kam, Bets, Joy

With Kelly himself. :)
L-R. Bets, Yma, Kam, Kelly, Me, Royce, Joy and Kris

To my excitement I actually was able to finish this book in one sitting or well maybe two. You see I'm not exactly a fast reader but his book is so engaging and in written in such a conversational manner that you'll really have a hard time putting the book down. You wouldn't want to miss a thing on how he managed to get through one situation after the other. I laughed, cringed and cried while reading it! His story is powerful and moving. While reading it he'll let you in his life when the lights are turned off, in his plain clothes. How he's coping up with having to deal with ITP for 3 years now as well as his 30-year life-journey, with all its his highs and lows, his "almost there" moments and eventually making it. He maybe one of the highest paid basketball players in the country but his story is unlike no other. Above all his story is centered on his faith, he shared how accepting Jesus changed his life.

If you're in need of some light in your life, a moment to see things in perspective, to stop for awhile and dig deeper, a moment to realize how blessed you are, how much loved you are and a moment when you can jump start your life to live with greater purpose then spare some time and pick Rising Higher.

Its not your typical autobiography book nor a sports book, but Rising Higher is all about life and how you juggle up all the rocks thrown at you.

Ultimately its about honoring God and Rising Higher.