jessa

Everyday Stories, Lived

Life

  • Letter no. 35

    Dear reader from the future, I am writing from 2023, and it feels like things have finally settled in. From the fears and uncertainties we had in the early 2020s when COVID-19 ravaged the world, we have now embraced a mashup of our old and new routines. At least here in the Philippines, you find… Read more


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  • Entering new spaces

    My husband and I never explored a commercial district we usually visit for supplies, even before we married. When we did, we allowed ourselves to wander for some time, occasionally asking for directions (in person and via online maps). It’s even amazing how we did not hurry but made the most of our time together.… Read more


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  • Work skills you need before 2030

    Navigating our careers through changing times could be daunting, especially when we go through it clueless. And if we do not prepare ourselves while we can, we become reactive to whatever is going on. We might flail our way to survival, but it wouldn’t be so when we know what to expect. The Institute for… Read more


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  • Gauging someone’s attitude by their actions

    We are identified by the lifestyle we lead. If the things we say do not align with what we do, people will evaluate us by our actions. Why? Because the things we do reflect what fills our hearts. If we’re generous, the words we say align with our actions. The same when we’re stingy, even… Read more


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  • What we know defines our life

    What we know defines our life. Therefore, whatever we expose ourselves to (including the songs we listen to) affects how we perceive the things around us. And our perception then shapes the decisions we make and the lifestyle we lead. Read more


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  • Values and compromise

    Our choices are influenced by the values we consider desirable, important, and morally right. As a follower of Jesus, we uphold specific values that we should keep regardless of what environment we find ourselves in. To further illustrate, being in a new land and circle shouldn’t be an excuse to compromise what we value as… Read more


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  • Do you want to live a good life?

    Don’t we all desire to live a life that is good? Here’s a very rich text from Psalm 34:11-14 (ESV) which tells us what we should do to see good [טוֹב (tov)] which is also synonymous to welfare, prosperity, and happiness: 11 Come, O children, listen to me;I will teach you the fear of the  Lord.12 What man is there who desires lifeand loves many days, that he may see good?13 Keep your tongue from eviland your lips from speaking deceit.14… Read more


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