Each building has a solid foundation. Trees have strong roots. When we talk about character, the same principle applies. A solid core is anchored on God and His word. God reminds us that if we adhere to His instructions in the Manual of Life, we are like a wise man who built his house on rock. Even if the storms and winds of life come, we will not be shaken.
Anthony Tomas shares more about this foundation in our Life Coaching sessions. He tells us, “Para bang ang laki ng pinagbago ko. Ngayon, bago ako magdesisyon, magdarasal muna ako at tatanungin ko si God. Damang-dama namin ang kabaitan ni Lord. Para bang bonus na lang ang [bagong] bahay sa mga nangyari sa linggong ito. Natutunan ko na ‘pag malungkot ka, dasal lang ang solusyon. ‘Pag masaya, magpasalamat sa Diyos.”
I am honored to see how God continues to work in the life of the Tomas family. Anthony and Angeline are so blessed to have one another. It is amazing to see how they try their best to raise up their 4-year old son, Kerby. We studied the life of Christ when he was a child and noticed that he gained favor in the sight of man and with God. We saw the need for parents to be able to cultivate the growth of different aspects of life - namely, the spiritual, physical, emotional and mental needs of a person. Anthony and Angeline realized that they have another and powerful team member in their life journey - that is God. “Napakabait lang talaga ni Lord,” the loving husband and father comments. “Para bang busog na busog kami sa pagmamahal ni God at sa pagmamahal ng tao sa paligid,” his wife Angeline informs us. By the grace of God, the Tomas family was able to break free from strongholds of the past that deter them from achieving a meaningful and joyful life.
Aside from this, our coaching sessions also revolved around conflict transformation, the do’s and don’ts of communication and reconciliation, how to address generation gap among individuals and the stages of development of a child. We also agreed that it was necessary for parents to teach their children to love God more than their love for their parents. Together, we were able to brainstorm different business ideas that can help them in saving up for the future. Anthony dreams up growing his junk shop business and hopes to have a fish farm someday. His wife desires to have a fruit shake stand that offers healthy options to customers. Mommy Nene also hopes to open her own carinderia someday. As stewards of the resources that we have, we are called to manage them well and make them grow. After our session on financial budgeting and management, we were able to conclude that starting Anthony’s dream business of a fish farm is within arms reach. “Aba, posible pala, Coach!” he exclaims.
As the Tomas family comes back to their new home, they also bring important life lessons that will be cherished forever.