Faithful Transitions Refined

Today, during our team-building activity with our Hanny's Bakeshop family, I found myself reflecting on God's faithfulness through the many transitions of life.

Thirty-five years ago, our family left Parañaque and moved to Batangas City. I still remember crying because I would miss my friends, my familiar surroundings, and everything I had known. Suddenly, I had to adjust to a new home, new neighbors, a new school, and a new way of life.

Looking back now, I can clearly see the gracious hand of God upon our family. Through many challenges, uncertainties, and seasons of hardship, the Lord has sustained us and our business. During our devotion today, my husband shared from 1 Samuel 7:12:

"Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, 'Thus far the Lord has helped us.'"

That verse perfectly describes our story. Through every trial and every blessing, the Lord has helped us. Hanny's Bakeshop is still here today, not because of our strength, but because of His faithfulness.

This season of life also marks one year since we left our home on P. Genato Street in Batangas City. All of our children were born there. I spent nearly half of my life in that house. It was not the grandest place, but it was our home. It held countless memories, joys, struggles, prayers, and milestones.

Leaving that place meant stepping into another unfamiliar season. Our routines changed. Our surroundings changed. Once again, we found ourselves adjusting, meeting new people, and building new relationships.

As I compare these two seasons of my life—the move from Parañaque to Batangas and our recent move from P. Genato Street—I see a common thread: God's providence.

These transitions revealed who genuinely cared for and supported us. They also introduced us to people we never expected to meet—strangers who eventually became God-given friends. The Lord has a wonderful way of providing encouragement through His people.

Today, I can see a little more clearly why God moved us out of P. Genato. He was leading us into something new. Just as He blessed my parents when they took the step of moving to Batangas 35 years ago, I trust that He is also guiding our family today.

The future is still unfolding, and there are many things we do not yet understand. But one thing remains certain: the God who was faithful then is faithful now.

And as long as we continue to seek His face and walk according to His will, we can move forward with confidence, knowing that His plans are always good.

Ebenezer.

Thus far, the Lord has helped us.

God’s Faithfulness Through a Difficult Season

 I want to share a part of my journey that is very close to my heart.

There was a season when I struggled deeply with depression. It was one of the most difficult times of my life. Anxiety affected my sleep, my appetite, and even my ability to focus. As a mom, a wife, and someone involved in ministry, I tried to keep going—but inside, I was exhausted. There were moments when I felt lost and overwhelmed, not fully understanding what was happening within me.

In that season, prayer became my anchor. Whenever I felt low, I would pray and remind myself of God’s promises in His Word. There were days when my prayers were simple and quiet, offered through tears. In my weakest moments, I even prayed that God would take my life so I could be with Him—not because I wanted to harm myself, but because I was longing for rest and peace, and for the pain to finally stop. Looking back now, I see how weary my soul truly was.

Worship also helped me tremendously. Singing hymns and Christian songs—sometimes while doing chores, sometimes alone—brought comfort to my heart. Music reminded me of God’s truth when my thoughts felt heavy. It helped calm my spirit and lifted my eyes back to Him when I felt overwhelmed.

One of the biggest lessons God taught me during that time was the importance of not carrying everything alone. I pushed myself to open up to my husband and share what was really going on in my heart. Being honest with him brought such relief. God also gave me new friends here—people I could trust and safely share my struggles with. Before, I used to keep everything to myself. This time, God showed me how healing comes through openness and community.

By God’s grace, I can now say that I have come out of that season. Life is still not problem-free, but my heart is no longer the same. I see that God used that painful chapter to mold me, teach me, and draw me closer to Him. I understand now that He was with me even when I felt weak and unsure.

I am learning to trust God daily—that He will direct our family according to His perfect will and plan. And I know that true peace comes from walking in obedience to Him.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

— Psalm 34:18

If you are walking through a difficult season today, I hope this reminds you that you are not alone. God sees you, He hears you, and He is faithful to carry you through.