“Consider
it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,
3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and
complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-3
2013 has
been challenging for us and yet everything that is in God’s Word stands true.
We have walked days of rough and tough testing, but we have set our hearts and
mind to His promise.
The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you;
he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid ;
do not be discouraged.”
he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid ;
do not be discouraged.”
A New Adventure
We have spent the last half of the year in a joint venture with my cousins in opening a restaurant, Plaza Rizal. It’s been both a source of joy and trial. It is a test of patience, hard work and commitment, definitely a life-changing experience. We stand hopeful that we’ll surpass the trials that goes with it. Again, it is God’s Word that is solely sustaining us in our days at the restaurant, its future rest at His hands, because what seems impossible to us is always possible to Him.
We have spent the last half of the year in a joint venture with my cousins in opening a restaurant, Plaza Rizal. It’s been both a source of joy and trial. It is a test of patience, hard work and commitment, definitely a life-changing experience. We stand hopeful that we’ll surpass the trials that goes with it. Again, it is God’s Word that is solely sustaining us in our days at the restaurant, its future rest at His hands, because what seems impossible to us is always possible to Him.
On a lighter note,
it’s been a year of love with weddings for many couples dear to us: Nikki
& Chris, Nowie & Jun, TJ & Courtney, Maria & Ray, Manuel &
Rachel. There were also pregnancy announcements in the family: Uby &
Jopet, Chelle & Richard, Sookie & Cezar. It’s the year of birthday
milestones too, Joey turning 50, Rico turning 60 and our dearest Mom, turning
the Big 80! And lastly, a pleasant visit from Chelle who we’ve enjoyed having
with us.
Whatever may be in
store for us in 2014, we place our hope in our dear Lord Jesus…to trust in
Him, despite the unknown. One can only desire that 2014 bring in new
opportunities, better health, deeper faith and great wisdom that comes from
above. In closing, Psalm 37 creates a deep well of renewed hope that if we
remain in Him, He will remain in us and fight for us and give us His unfailing
promise.
Our
Vacations
Our only family vacation was sometime in the summer going kayaking in the Russian River. Though Lola couldn’t come with us on the canoe, she had a good time staying at the timeshare. Ria and I spent a few days on a mother-daughter trip to Chicago for a wedding, and as a family in Monterey for Maria & Ray’s wedding. But we are looking forward to our trip to the Philippines in just a few short weeks!
Our only family vacation was sometime in the summer going kayaking in the Russian River. Though Lola couldn’t come with us on the canoe, she had a good time staying at the timeshare. Ria and I spent a few days on a mother-daughter trip to Chicago for a wedding, and as a family in Monterey for Maria & Ray’s wedding. But we are looking forward to our trip to the Philippines in just a few short weeks!
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares
the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you,
plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you
will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me
with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:11-14
From
us all, to you and yours,
Merry
Christmas and a Happy, Hopeful 2014
Love and prayers always,
Ray, Avine, Ria, Andrew, Lola/Tita Coring and Alex
