We've Learned from our Mistakes

I was about to write the third step on how to Pay off debts since I and my husband promised that we will share everything we've learned in any way possible. After all the bad things happened to us in the past it's a way of giving back (kahit sa blog lang) so that they will not experience what we've been through. I want people to know that there is hope and there is a big God more than their debts and problems, that they don't need to worry even though they are drowning with debts, been there done that. But before sharing the 3rd step, with a lot of blessings coming our way these past few months I just wanted to share something first.

When that happened to us my interpretation of God's words became different. It became positive, writing some few verses that help us then get through it, that might be useful sa makakabasa. 

      For I know the plan I have for you, says the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. -- Jeremiah 29:11

Eight (8) years ago turning nine (9) this coming August, I still remember because I was about to give birth with my youngest, she is turning nine this coming August. Our life was way, way, lot more different from today miles and miles away if I may say. Thinking how we survived that chaotic part of our lives was still a big mystery to me and my husband. We are drowning with debts, we are living in a one bedroom apartment because the other room need to used as a stock room for my husband business venture. I have three little kids who are still depending on us, no cars, no savings, a lot of posts dated checks need to be paid, lenders calling me left and right just to remind us that they need to bank in their check as soon as possible, living in a paycheck to paycheck salary and not even enough to sustain our everyday needs, because our salary was less than the amount of debt we need to pay, cancer- afflicted me, operated twice, became a single mother of three in an instant (My husband went overseas) some of the most important people in our lives past away without any signs. It was really a rock bottom life. 

       And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. -- Philippians 4:19

Buying something for my children was not on my priority list at that time. I remember one time going back home after office hour, I was thinking of my son and I wanted him to buy a pair of socks. I was with my co-worker walking because we wanted to save our money on transportation, we saw this guy buying used sim cards in the market. Oh, by the way, my husband went overseas after realizing that there is no way we can pay the damage done to us after what happened to our last business and he left everything behind, well what I meant was, he left all the garbage but not his responsibilities. Imagine one room full of garbage? what am I going to do with those garbage? At that time if only I can do magic and turn those garbage into money better isn't it, problem solve, but it was not easy. I ask my husband at that moment on the phone, and without blinking and hesitation maybe out of loosing interest to the business he just told me to throw away everything and he doesn't want to see them again when he comes back (I know those garbage cost a lot but since I am not an Engineer for me they are mere garbage),  but God really works in mysterious ways I was able to dispose and benefit from them, little did I know that after selling those bunch of sim cards I am in front of a vendor buying socks for my son since the next day was the opening or the first day of school and he still needs new pair of socks to wear . Thinking now, those events were meant to happen, because those experiences made us who we are today, it is true that you cannot share unless you have something to share, it gives us more faith and understanding that during those rough times it was the biggest blessing we ever had. 

     Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. -- Matthew 11: 28

Why had the biggest blessing? because my husband and I learned so many things it's a kind of OJT, the most expensive on the job training about life,  that when you cannot do anything about the situation just close your eyes and take a deep breathe. We learned to depend on Him. We learned to ask for something extraordinary, I even challenge Him  (Well God loves challenges, by the way, just to prove that we are wrong and He is right, that He is more than we ask for), we learned the power of humility which we need in able to survive. It was so amazing that most of our lenders which we didn't run away were so kind they even gave us food sometimes just to survive, they supported us all the way. Because during those times It was really difficult to eat decent meals if all our lenders will ask us to pay them all at one time. I save every bit of my salary and every remittance my husband send me just to pay our monthly dues. 

*April 19, 2011, was our freedom day, last payment of the remaining check,  free from debts and from that day on we read, we study, we listened to any informative things then we share as much as possible para ma retain sya. Sabi nga pag nagkamali huwag ng paulit ulit. Now we believe money is not the problem of every person but their pride and attitude.

   For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. -- Psalms 91:11

During those hard times real friends came, those people whom I never imagine I will ask favor from them, sometimes they even have the initiative to lend me money when gas run out when milk was on their last scoop and diaper was on the last piece. (That is why I believed in Angel) God really send the right people to us. Each day was a miracle for me at that time, every struggle there was an answered prayer, and even me, I cannot explain how those things and events happens and those people came out every day. Though according to Bo Sanchez "God stands by his friends. I became more faithful to him, I've learned the power of tithing, the power of giving more than receiving. Now no regrets with all those events. God really works and walks in a mysterious way. We may not know what His plan for us today, but rest assured that He will never leave us nor forsake us. And those angels they remained loyal to us, and it didn't end there because more angels keep on coming.

Have a happy and fruitful life.