Testimony of the Late Rio Diaz-Cojuanco!

I got it from my e-mail and I know it is worth sharing for...

RIO DIAZ's Testimony (Aug 17,2003)

Six months ago, my family was preparing for my funeral, but I stand here before you today by God's grace because He still has a purpose for my life.

Let me share with you my story..

In April, l99l, I began to host Eat Bulaga!, a noontime show that brought me fame beyond my wildest dreams. I earned good money while I made people laugh. What a blessing!

October of l993, I met Charlie. Single and good-looking, this guy has a terrific sense of humor, a man with a big heart. "Kung sa beauty contestant, beauty and brains." At a certain point in our relationship, we both knew God brought us to be together...for life.

In August, l994, we were married. After four wonderful years of marriage, God blessed us with two children, Claudia and Jaime. Thirteen years earlier, I was blessed with a son, Ali, from a previous relationship.

May of l998, Charlie became Congressman and I became Vice Mayor of Pontevedra (Negros Occidental). November of the same year, during a routine check-up, they discovered some abnormalities in my stomach area which, the doctors said, could be solved by a minor procedure.

A few days later, my supposedly one-hour surgery turned out to be a six-hour-and- a-half surgery. I was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer..

Cancer?

No one had cancer in the family. My life flashed before me. My world suddenly caved in. The doctors were quite frank. They told us that I had only a couple of months to live. Stage 4 cancer is like a death sentence.

As my doctor was speaking, I didn't understand a word he said because all I could think of was Charlie, my children, my family, my in-laws, would whisper, Lord, help me...help them, Lord!

They're all suffering. I don't know how to comfort them. The day before my first chemotherapy, I said, Lord, just tell me you're in control. Tell me that no one made a mistake and I'll be fine no matter what, Lord. Somebody gave me a devotional book entitled Streams in the Desert which I read at 3 o'clock in the morning. It said, this is my doing.

Your weakness needs my strength and your safety lies in letting me fight for you. You did not come to this place by accident. You are exactly where I meant you to be. You were so busy that I could not get your attention and I wanted to teach you some of my greatest truths. The pain will leave you as soon as you learn to see me; in all things. These words became the pillow on which I rested my weary head.

I surrendered to God all my fears, all my burdens and my family as I began my journey of trials. I focused on His promises as Jesus said, Surely I am with you always.

By God's gracious mercy and beyond all medical explanation, after six months of chemotherapy went on remission. Eight months later, the cancer was back. More surgery, more chemo. And then again, God allowed healing for me. The best lesson I am learning from this is how God allows us to enjoy life with His moment by moment of grace. My third bout with cancer entailed three different chemotherapies infused at the same time. The Lord allowed me to learn to NEVER GIVE UP, NEVER GIVE UP...PUT YOUR HOPE IN GOD.

Three times, I was at the threshold of death. Medicines and state-of-the- art treatments were notworking anymore. Not all the money in the world nor the best doctors on earth can make us live if God doesn't want us to. During those times, God comforted my heart with these verses: Why are you downcast o my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God for I will yet praise Him my Savior and my Lord.

But let me tell you about my latest brush with death. After spending Christmas with my family here in Manila , I left for San Francisco in January of 2003 for my check-up. I knew there was something terribly wrong with my body. I had sleepless nights; I was steadily losing weight; I couldn't eat anything.

By the time I had completed all my tests, I was only 96 pounds. My doctor said, the cancer has spread. You need to be confined in the hospital. Your food passage is completely blocked by the cancer. I don't know how much time you have. Not much. Maybe a month. But I promise you will not feel the pain..I hugged Dr. Fisher and thanked him. I told him, don't be sad. I know God is in full control of my life.

I went home that night to make some arrangements and my daughter was fast asleep. I knelt down by her bedside and I cried, Mama loves you so much that it hurts. Lord, you know how much I love my Ali, my Claudia and my Jaime. You gave them to Charlie and me and I thank you. I know in my heart that Charlie will love them and watch over them. Lord, take care of my husband because I love him very much. But much more than this, it comforts me to know that I could never love them as much as you love them. I thank you, Father God.

Charlie remained by my bedside day and night, caressing me, talking to me. It pains me to think how much our husbands or wives suffer the fear of losing us.How blessed I am to know how much my family and friends love me.

The Lord allowed me to experience deep, deep, sleep. I have never ever felt that kind of peace, peace that surpasses all understanding. Dr. Fisher explained to
Charlie that my nourishment would come from a bag of liquid attached to me, which has to be administered on a daily basis for life. I would never be able to eat or drink again.

Surgery was ruled out, so was radiation. As a last recourse, it was suggested that I do the mildest chemo but if I so much as cough, he would remove it and just keep me comfortable. I was in awe when I was told how many people were praying for me. By God's sovereign mercy, I never coughed.. One month later, my cancer level went down by half. I am now only a few points away from being on remission.

And as if this weren't enough, God 's incredible bonus is that I am back to my full d iet. I can eat and drink anything now! Once again, the doctors were amazed. Yes, isn't our God amazing? God spared my life when Stanford doctors had given up on me.

In my heart, I knew why. God allowed this miracle in my life to show us how gracious He is and what a powerful weapon prayer can be. And that God can perform miracles in our lives, if you let Him. I will never fully understand God's ways but I do know that God has a purpose for each of us. When God calls you to live for Him, He will invite you to be a part of something much bigger than yourself, something that requires the very best of you, something that may outlive you. When God calls us to a powerful vision, it may transcend safety and it may transcend common sense because it is all about Jesus Christ. Without Jesus, we will not make it!

Do we know, do you know, what God wants you to do withyour life? If you are uncertain of God's will for your life, surrender all your plans to Jesus because
God's plans for us are perfect.

The cancer in my body, I did not choose. But in God's sovereignty, He allowed this affliction in my life. But I ask you, what is the cancer in your life?

Is it the cancer of unforgiveness, jealousy, lust, anger or bitterness that you are holding on to? What are the wrong choices you continue to make because they give you temporary pleasure but can permanently destroy you -your husband or your wife or your children or your circle of influence?

If you are going through a time of terrifying darkness and despair, or are plagued by doubts that are slowly eroding your hope that things can get better, I urge you to surrender it all to God; give Him full control of your life. It is the only way to live.

Lord, forgive me for all my sins. Jesus, come into my heart; be my Lord and my Savior. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Friends,

Get inspired with Rio 's story like me. It just occurred to me that I am also too busy with my life & work right now. Oftentimes, I forget to pray and thank the Lord for all the blessings that I receive.. I even keep on complaining that what I have is never enough. I keep on questioning Him with all the unfairness that I observe and demanding for a lot more. I don't have any idea on the plans that he has for me because I am usually blindfolded with my own desires - desire for luxury, power & control, recognition , & comfort. I think I must also start surrendering everything to Him and let Him lead me. Didn't you guys notice how exhausting our lives are? I always feel like I' m on a race and catching the leading car! How about you?

I wont wait for a cancer to strike before I will recognize God's plans! I wont promise anything but I'll do my best!

The Obedient Wife

There was a man who had worked all his life, had saved all of his money, and was a real "miser" when it came to his money.

Just before he died, he said to his wife...."When I die, I want you to take all my money and put it in the casket with me. I want to take my money to the afterlife with me."

And so he got his wife to promise him, with all of her heart, that when he died, she would put all of the money into the casket with him.

Well, he died .. He was stretched out in the casket, his wife was sitting there, dressed in black, and her friend was sitting next to her. When they finished the ceremony, and just before the undertakers got ready to close the casket, the wife said, "Wait just a moment!" She had a small metal box with her; she came over with the box and put it in the casket. Then the undertakers locked the casket down and they rolled it away. So her friend said, "Girl, I know you were not fool enough to put all that money in there with your husband."

The loyal wife replied, "Listen, I ' m a Christian; I cannot go back on my word. I promised him that I was going to put that money into the casket with him."

You mean to tell me you put that money in the casket with him!?!?!?" "I sure did," said the wife. "I got it all together, put it into my account, and wrote him a check.... If he can cash it, then he can spend it."

Now tell me who's smarter, men or women?

Symptoms of A Stroke

I received an e-mail and I think it is worth sharing for.

STROKE: Remember
The 1st Three Letters.... S..T.R.

My urge to save lives encouraged me to post it and spread the word.

If everyone can remember something this simple, we could save some folks. Seriously..

Please read:

STROKE IDENTIFICATION:

During a BBQ, a friend stumbled and took a little fall - she assured everyone that she was fine (they offered to call paramedics) .....she said she had just tripped over a brick because of her new shoes.

They got her cleaned up and got her a new plate of food. While she appeared a bit shaken up, Ingrid went about enjoying herself the rest of the evening…

Ingrid's husband called later telling everyone that his wife had been taken to the hospital - (at 6:00 pm Ingrid passed away.) She had suffered a stroke at the BBQ.
Had they known how to identify the signs of a stroke, perhaps Ingrid would be with us today. Some don't die..... they end up in a helpless, hopeless condition instead.

It only takes a minute to read this...

A neurologist says that if he can get to a stroke victim within 3 hours he can totally reverse the effects of a stroke.... totally. He said the trick was getting a stroke recognized, diagnosed, and then getting the patient medically cared for within 3 hours, which is tough.

RECOGNIZING A STROKE

Thank God for the sense to remember the '3' steps, STR Read and Learn!

Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster.
The stroke victim may suffer severe brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke.

Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple
questions:

S * Ask the individual to SMILE.
T * Ask the person to TALK and SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE (Coherently) (i.e. It is sunny out today)
R * Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS.
If he or she has trouble with any one of these tasks, call emergency immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.

New Sign of a Stroke -------- Stick out Your Tongue

NOTE: Another 'sign' of a stroke is this:
Ask the person to 'stick' out his tongue.. If the tongue is 'crooked', if it goes to one side or the other ,that is also an indication of a stroke.

Sturgeon Fish

My uncle who lives in Sacramento, California loves fishing. Just wanna share the picture of one of the biggest fish he has ever caught. It is called Sturgeon, 65-inches long and according to him, it can only be found in California. You can get caviar from this fish which cost about $450.00 per pound. Wow!

Charice Pempengco - A Phenomenal Star

I’ve seen this girl since she was a kid. She joined several singing contests before but unfortunately she always didn’t get the first place (from what I watched). She already got my attention with her singing prowess even before and I just thought maybe it’s not her time yet. I saw her determination to reach her dream. Until her wonder talent was noticed in a singing contest in ABS-CBN’s “Little Big Star”. Though she was not the champion, she was the one noticed by people. I am always been an admirer of Pinoy Achievers, to name a few are of course Lea Salonga, Josephine “Banig” Roberto and Cristine “happyslip” Gambito. And now Charise’ time came. She is now famous not only here in the Philippines but around the world. It started when Ellen DeGeneres herself saw Charisse in youtube (thanks youtube for making people dreams come true). Ellen invited her to her show even it means bringing her all the way from the Philippines. From then on she was being invited in different shows in USA, London, Korea (Star King), etc…

And now the latest tv appearance she had in US is none less than OPRAH! My gosh! I can’t believe it is happening to her now. Well, I know she deserves it but really very unbelievable! All her hard works are being paid now. The latest news about her is she’s working on her singing career in USA. All I can say is CONGRATULATIONS CHARICE! You are being blessed by our GOD Almighty. Stay as sweet young lady and humble as you are. Keep up the good work. Represent the Filipinos around the world! To all the inspiring individual who want to make it like Ms. Pempengco, just have the determination, be focused, follow your dream and put God first in all the things that you do, and surely you’ll be a big hit and phenomenal as Charice. AIM HIGH!

Watch this video below and see what I mean.



See more of her videos at www.youtube.com

Beat the Heat of Summer

Beaches, swimming pools and malls are the common places people visit every summer in the Philippines. Baguio City and Tagaytay City as well because of the cold climate. Halo-halo and ice-cold soft drinks are the common refreshments Filipinos having. Shorts and sleeveless tops are the common attire we wear. Anything to beat the heat of summer.

Today, at 35ºC (normal temperature on summer) we decided to go swimming to freshen up a little. Luckily, we have swimming pools to go to within the neighborhood. Actually we have 4 swimming pools here in the village namely Casanjo Resorts (2 of them) and 2 pools in clubhouses. We went to the latest of them all, the Zone 5 swimming pool. Surely, we enjoyed our swimming especially Sean who’s so eager to learn how to swim. Actually I am thinking of sending him to swimming lesson this summer, I am very sure he’ll love it. How do you spend summer in your place?

Cinnamon for Type 2 Diabetes

I received an e-mail informing me that Cinnamon is beneficial to type 2 diabetes. I was very surprised to know this fact! Really I am. The main reason is… I hate cinnamon!

It says that cinnamon has previously been indicated as a potential insulin substitute for those with type 2 diabetes. It has also been determined that this inexpensive spice increases glucose metabolism 20-fold.

It also says that ½ teaspoon of cinnamon lowers the LDL cholesterol, it has the ability to stop medication-resistant yeast infections, reduced the proliferation of leukemia and lymphoma cancer cells, and It has an anti-clotting effect on the blood. With tablespoon of honey every morning, it has significant relief in arthritis pain after one week and could walk without pain within one month, and one study found that smelling cinnamon boosts cognitive function and memory.

Well, what can you say about these facts? For me I think I’ll love cinnamon from now on.

Sean Kirk as Preschooler

One year is over since Sean started his first year in preschool. I just can’t believe Sean finished his nursery stuffs. When he started schooling, he doesn’t even know how to speak clearly and didn’t know a single letter, number, color and shape. Now I am proud to say that he learned a lot of things (thanks to Teacher Aye and the rest of the school's staffs). Now he knows the whole alphabet and its sounds, numbers 1-100, colors, shapes, and now he performs too! Let me share you one of his performance with his classmates and schoolmates in Green Gable Academy during their Moving Up Program last March 15, 2008.