November Gratitude Highlights

I was stalking Dian's blog when I run across her October Thank You List- and then I thought, why not make one myself? My November has been particularly eventful, all of which are made possible because of God's grace and blessings.

Each item deserve a write up of its own but I need to learn to be brief as I enter a new season. Here's my list, in NO particular order:

1. Gifts of Friendship - Thank God for friendships, old and new. Specifically, I thank God for:
*****Celia and her Sydney Visit. She came to stay with us - i have to say her cooking eased my home sickness. When she made nilaga, I had stomach upset afterwards because it was sooo delicious I didn't notice that I have eaten too much. Oh, and her adobo! Remind me to make one, if you like *winkz*
*****Penrith Visits. The Dardah family has been more than a blessing to us - seeing them is always a fond reminder of my hometown, Tago. And we met their good friends Mrs E and Chris as well. Laughter is a sure thing with them around.
*****my new online buddy Karen
*****my Brisbane-based friend Mana Lals aka Insomada whom I only "met" from our hometown website, but when she found out that I have moved in Sydney, she went out of her way to call and welcome me.
*****my new friend Caloy of Center for Volunteering , fellow UPian and new down under like myself, who shared and encouraged me about job hunting issues.
*****when we crave for authentic Indian dishes, Prag and Bhat invite us to their home
*****movie night with Bijit and Rose
*****Mana T's surprise call one evening

2. Our First Wedding Anniversary last November 9th. I can't believe it's been a year! It's funny because Prag called that day to congratulate us - I just said thanks and didn't wonder what for until after hehe! We were suppose to go to Hunter Valley but after a few wrong turns, we went back home - tired.

3. Gift of a Car. Hubby's friends and his first "second" family in Wollonggong practically gave us their green Volvo  so we have something to drive around.

4. Althea's Sutherland Visit. After four months in Sydney, she finally visited our southern suburb for a separate birthday celebration..oh, and the joy of meeting her flatmates, Angie and Mildred who turned out to be fellow Talamban residents back home.

5. Saturday morning family devotions time and Jones' quick prayers every time I rant about something - it encourages me knowing that my husband relies in a power beyond himself.

6. Job offer at HfH. I can't stop raving about God and his faithfulness. Joining this organization is a dream that I didn't know was possible. I got shortlisted but my experience was more than what they advertised for. I wasn't hired, and it really left me desolate. Three weeks after, the recruiter called me again if I was still interested. A position opened, which is close to my experience and one of the interviewers recommended me for the job - is she kidding? i would work for them for free! (but i didn't tell her that of course!) I am hired, pending a reference check. Oh, and did i say the second position is paid more than the first? God's delay is NOT necessarily denial, isn't it?

7. Monday Morning Cellgroup. It wasn't an easy decision because I wanted to go to Every Nation, which is just a few suburbs away. My husband feels that God is calling us to stay in Shirelive. Three months into my struggle, God spoke to me in two words: Trust Me. I felt that He also challenged me about being faithful to Him not because of my ministry affiliation but because of my relationship with Him.

I have always attended cell meetings since I moved here but I didn't feel like I connected with the people. Lest I paint a different picture, these girls are wonderful, but it wasn't until I joined the monday morning schedule that I really connected with them. The girls are between 29-45, could be older, but what draws me to them is their sincere desire to get to know God. They are so warm and animated who just love to worship and pray.

8. Provision for my siblings' studies. End of October and early november wasn't a very good time for my family. In spite of the lack, Joseph and Matet had a 4-day trip to Manila and tuition fee for their enrollment. Isn't God a faithful provider or what?

9. Gift of a Fantabulous Husband. I have never denied that I am a difficult person, but I never realize the extent until I moved in with my husband. There are times that I would have silent spells - times that I just refuse to talk - with no explanation, and it drives him nuts. What is worst, I expect him to leave me alone until I come around - which happens faster when I am ignored.

10. Gift of Family Relationships. I am blessed with wonderful in-laws. They always make an effort to communicate, even when I was still in Cebu, waiting for my visa.

I've never been closer to my parents and siblings, even with the distance that divides us.

How about you? What are you grateful for this month?