JOINING ME in this journey is...
IRMEE CASTILLO
- A mom to Aloysius, Archilles and Alexus and a committed wife to a loving husband Lito... They are the four boys in Irmee's life whom she treasured more than any wealth in the world. Her family is living in Toronto, Canada for three years now. She works as a Documentation Specialist in a Global company.
Irmee was my longtime friend. We went to the same school - from the
elementary days to high school. We knew each other like siblings and shared so
many things. One of the best and meaningful things we shared is blogging.
My most favorite lines she wrote in a post during their summer camp at Finnegan Lake Ontario, Canada...
Love for the Real Tree
Irmee used to be attracted to trees because of their sizes and shapes but her amazement became more intense when they went to Ontario during Fall. She had the opportunity to see all kinds of trees and colorful leaves. Her eyes were in awe to see those trees with enormous trunks, wide branches and autumn colored leaves.
IRMEE CASTILLO
- A mom to Aloysius, Archilles and Alexus and a committed wife to a loving husband Lito... They are the four boys in Irmee's life whom she treasured more than any wealth in the world. Her family is living in Toronto, Canada for three years now. She works as a Documentation Specialist in a Global company.
Amongst her favorite things include making memories... from
planning trips, travelling, taking photographs of her kids and the picturesque places they've been to,
collecting souvenir items and postcards, scrap-booking and making photo
books.
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| The four boys in Irmee's life |
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| Irmee and her beloved family enjoying life to the fullest |
New Life in Canada
She brought her blog followers to a place she called her
second home-Canada. Her blog is a
resource of tips for new immigrants or aspiring immigrants to Canada. You may
check out these articles here. She also featured many tourist attractions in
and some interesting destinations near Canada, giving tips on how to maximize tourists' stay and make every moment worthwhile. Reading her trips made me feel like going
there myself.
God has put her where she is now for a reason
Because I knew her personally, I noticed that there is
something new or has changed in my friend's view of life when she moved to Canada. According to her...
"God must have loved me so much that He put me in this place to appreciate His creation and to realize that I need Him in my life. It's about time that I heed to His call, to live with and for our Lord Jesus Christ."
Her site used to account her family's daily activities, her blog posts
became more inspirational and spiritual. In all the events and achievements
that her family experienced, she always gives credit to the Almighty. In one of her year ending Q&As, her
answer as to... What's the one thing that would have made your year immeasurably more
satisfying? -
"To serve God by sharing His words and inspiring others to come and accept Him as Lord and Savior. "
"I know that we live in a world far different from yesterday where everything seems to be fast-moving. High technology makes everything easy, instant and convenient.
In today's time, humanity is more susceptible and being exposed to all types of advancements... there's possibility to go astray. People may experience anxiety, exhaustion and distress. These factors may result to engaging in various delinquent acts. If faith is weak... temptations take over.
Because of this imperfect world, I wish to become a good servant of the Lord... I want to touch people's lives and be an inspiration to others. My own life is a reflection of my mission. God has put me in a situation for a purpose. God is our light so we let Him shine."
Love for God's Music
"I woke up early to meet my God in the midst of His wonderful creation. My quiet time was the best with the mala-postcard scene in front of me and the serenity of the place. I didn't mind singing worship songs, the place is conducive to praising and worshiping God.
Summer, August 2012 At Finnegan Lake
I am a music lover but I found out that music for and from God is sweeter in my ears and heart. Here's one of those songs that I am listening to. I like the beat but the lyrics really what attracts me. I hope you check it out and read through the lines, truly God wants us to be something else but it is not on our own, it must be Him and His goodness.
I discovered this and I can`t help but share. You will find music videos from Christian artists and sermon videos too. Here is my latest favorite from Building 429 -Where I belong."
Love for the Real Tree
Irmee used to be attracted to trees because of their sizes and shapes but her amazement became more intense when they went to Ontario during Fall. She had the opportunity to see all kinds of trees and colorful leaves. Her eyes were in awe to see those trees with enormous trunks, wide branches and autumn colored leaves.
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| These captures proved her love for trees and leaves |
"Only when the tree is stripped off its leaves, you will see the true beauty of it. The trunk, the branches, the shape and structure - from the roots to the thickness of the trunk, the branches until you see the thinnest stem from where the leaves used to be attached.
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| The bare tree where nests are attached to its branches |
"Now I'm raising the level of my thoughts of the tree from the Purpose Driven Life book by Rick Warren. It still holds true that a tree rooted to The Source will bear fruits but I firmly believe now that the tree with nests on it rooted to The Source, has more value. The fruit after it is consumed is gone but the nests become a witness to the strength of the tree and more birds will come and make it their home.
And what about us... you? What kind of tree are you? When you are stripped off your leaves, will God find nests inside your heart or you're just beautiful outside?
Only God knows."
It's nice that he keeps his passion for blogging even in Canada. I'm sure her loyal followers continue to be inspired by her works.
ReplyDeleteIrmee will always carry her passion with her in any place she may be and I'm sure she will continue to spread good news and good vibes.
DeleteWhat a beautiful family :-) Canada is not far from us. We visited it a couple of times, beautiful country as well :-) I am glad that they are adjusting life really good in Canada :-) It takes a while to get use to a new environment :-)
ReplyDeletehttp://www.mommies2ks.com/2013/04/things-to-know-before-applying-to-nursing-schools-in-cyprus.html
She and her family now live in comfort and prosperity in Canada. I think the only big adjustment they had is the weather.
Deletea person whose excellence is ramified into three T's: Trips, Travelling, and Taking Photographs. The title is so to speak. You're good in using words. A good writer in person, that is, in three Ms: the "me", "myself", and "-Mee".
ReplyDeleteThat's a wonderful thought Sir Gil and being her long-time friend, I feel much happier knowing that she is blessed more than her heart's desires.
DeleteGod has indeed given your friend a reason to be sharing her new-found spirituality.
ReplyDeleteWe may not be physically acquainted now and can hardly communicate often but we have that kind of connection which makes us close. She has found inner peace through GOD's words.
DeleteYour friend exudes that rare spirituality and inspiration. You probably have been very honored to have known her and be her friend since grade school and up until now that you both belong in bloglandia. Thanks for sharing the same inspiration to us.
ReplyDeleteLAINY'S MUSINGS
Her spiritual strength gives her the drive to inspire others and this same strength guides her in the journey through life's complexity and simplicity.
DeleteI am so glad that you shared Irmee's life to us and her passion for her faith. It's good to hear that blogging is just not all about travel or food or family outings or product reviews and endorsement. It's good to here that someone through blogging shares how great and good our God is and the things that He has done in our lives. Irmee's really has become an instrument of faith. Thank you for sharing this =)
ReplyDeleteThank you Sir Ricky for your nice words. I know each one of us is born with a special mission... "A Purpose Driven Life". We have our own way of fulfilling it and Irmee knows exactly how it's done.
Deletesomehow, migrating to another country changes us in a positive way. I guess, because we're now seeing things in a very different perspective.
ReplyDeleteVery true Sir Jessie... exploring life in other countries may somehow change our views but what's important is, we are heading to the right direction.
DeleteThank you Marri for this opportunity. I seldom update my blog and it's refreshing to see your post with all these comments. salamat po! I am also inspired and encouraged by people giving hope. Let us continue to be positive, spread hope and love...in this blog or to the next person we talk to.
ReplyDeleteMay God bless us all.
You're the one who really opened up the blogosphere world to me and I am deeply grateful to you. As I always told you, we may not see each other or talk that often but you're always be a true friend. I know you have the kindest of heart and the ability to share something of yourself to others.
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