ASSOCIATE OF THE YEAR

When I came to Marriott Manila for my first interview, I already had three goals in mind:

1. Pass the 6-month probationary period

2. Build a good working relationship with my boss (because I heard a lot that she's a difficult one)

3. Be on the wall of outstanding associates of the quarter and year

These maybe simple goals, but trust me, it was tough to achieve. By God's grace alone, I accomplished those three one by one in my 1 year and a half in the hotel. Just recently, I got my photo on that wall by being awarded the Associate of the 4th Quarter 2015. As if that award was not enough, God continued to show me His favor by hailing me as the Associate of the Year - Heart of the House (heart of the house or back of the house). 

Fact: the award is from the Lord. Period.

How do I say so?

Since I accepted Christ in my  life last 2014, this job was the first answered prayer. I knew that this is where God wanted me to be at. I held onto that promise through the stressful and challenging times. That 3rd goal isn't something I was desperate about, I never laid it to Him. But God knows us, more importantly, He knows better than our desires. 

I got the nomination letter for the award during the first day of church-wide prayer and fasting week on the 2nd week of January. It really came as a huge surprise because that morning I was so depressed for a work disappointment. My major prayer item then is seeking the Lord's guidance that I can specific moves to glorify Him at work. I know I haven't been a good servant for being passive Christian at work. Knowing that whatever I do and wherever I am, by God's appointment, I am expected to shine for His glory. While waiting for the results (the awarding happened a week later), it left me confused by the early blessing. All I prayed for, with regards to the award, was for Him to humble me in the process. 

Sitting at the front row of the ballroom, everyone's cheering, suspense music arises, but I on the other hand, was surprisingly calm with a normal heartbeat. I was at peace that God is in control and whoever wins is from His approval. 

So yes, I am beyond blessed to get it. My initial reaction was great praises for God and then I felt bashful for an undeserved favor. I knew that this moment was a chance for me to glorify Him - the chance I have been praying for. It gave me the opportunity to share His amazing work in me on social media with many of my friends and colleagues were able to see. I was able to share this short testimony to my sales & marketing team. And, it continues to humble me whenever people congratulate me, then I give the credit to Him. 

Still not recovered from the first award, the annual recognition awards already happened few weeks later. The annual awardee is chosen from the winners of the four quarters. I am not HOPEFUL for it because the attention and responsibility scared me. I really felt undeserving for the quarterly recognition, what more would the annual award would do. Negative reactions from people that I am not deserving pulled my spirits down. During the recognition day, I woke up feeling so anxious because there are 3 of us in the department nominated for different categories. I know the other two are sure winners. Seriously, my self-esteem is that low. As I sat down on my chair,  I invited my seatmate to pray with me. Prayers are powerful! I thought I saw a slide with a picture of the winner, whom wasn't me. I felt relaxed and texted my friend that I didn't get it. So, when they called my name, I was completely stunned! I was hesitant to even stand up in disbelief. Felt like the infamous funny Ms.Universe 2015 moment. 

This humbling experience is a proof of God's faithfulness if we follow His command in Colossians 3:23-24, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." The verse speaks about us making God the boss of our work. We are working for Him and He pays us for the hard work. However, our performance should be excellent - giving all our heart. Being excellent for Him doesn't require to be the most efficient one, but doing every task with integrity, keeping His commands as our standard. This kept me sane whenever I feel unmotivated, it draws me back to keep pushing because it is the Lord I am working for. The One who only wants the best for me, whose rewards are greater than trophies, and who is faithful forever. 

I completely agree to this: "You are only good as your last achievement." People may only remember that I received the award but not the reason behind it. So, the pursuit for excellence for God continues. 



All for Him, All from Him. 

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This is more than a month late. I know, shame on me! 2015 was an eventful year and it flew by so fast that on its last day, I was still in denial that it was over. For the first time in many years, I ended a year without any regrets and hunger for a new chances. My heart was filled with gratefulness, contentment and love. All because I have accepted God's love. It's true that with Him, my life had meaning and direction. (John 10:10 the thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life and have it abundantly)

I made a long list of goals for 2015, which I am glad to achieve most of it. But, what I am really happy about are the unexpected achievements and blessings. Indeed, I can only plan ahead, albeit God establishes my steps. Here's a brief list of the last year's highlights:

1. Baptized! During our Singles' ministry retreat last June 2015. Definitely, the best decision and commitment I ever made in my life! More of it here. 

2. Discipleship - so unexpected but praise God for tugging my heart to take courage to follow life's great commission. It gave my spiritual walk a clearer direction and purpose. I am blessed to have 2 wonderful ladies under my care. 

3. Better relationship with parents. My renewed faith changed to a better daughter. I'm still working on it but I am hopeful.

4. Traveled solo Saigon, Phnom Penh and Siem Reap! My first solo trip was in Baler earlier this year but little did I know it was a preparation for the most unexpected, yet most fulfilling experience! True enough, once tried, you'll surely do more of it. I will definitely do more of it!

5. Outreach Activity! had a taste of my philanthropist dreams. Had an evangelistc outreach at Ospital ng Muntinlupa with my accountability partner and CCF B1G South family. More of it here 

6. Read 12 books this year when my goal is 10. My top picks are Lolita by V. Nabokov and I Feel Bad About My Neck by N.Ephron.

7. Short trips here and there - two surf trips in Baler, hiking at Mt.Batulao and Boracay with HS friends

8. Launched the Marriott Grand Ballroom - the biggest ballroom in the country! A career highlight and learning experience I am proud to be part of. 

9. Decent Savings - reached my target but I still feeling guilty because I know I could've saved more. 

10. Updated blog. I had 21 posts this year!!! Aren't you glad, dear blog?  :)

If there is one goal I am sad not to do is DRIVING. 

There's so much I want to share and I hope the 21 posts last 2015 captured it all. To end this post, I used to write about the lessons I learned, but this time, I'll just answer this: What is God's biggest revelation to you this year?

Everything is from Him, through Him and for Him! I learned a lot about His love and that my life is meant to love Him back. I couldn't have gone through those written above without Him. And, I went through all those for His glory. (Deuteronomy 6:5 Love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength)

Thank you 2015 for being packed with awesomeness! I did fall in love this year. 

All from Him, All for Him.