BOOK LAUNCH & BOOK SIGNING ON MARCH 2, 2024, WEST CHARLESTON LIBRARY, LAS VEGAS, NV

It was a Saturday, 3:00 - 5:00 pm the afternoon, March 2, 2024 when I launched my two new books entitled: WORDS SPEAK WISDOM and BOOST ME UP: Walk in Faith with God's Words.

Words Speak Wisdom was first published on May 2022 while I was in Esko, MN. That was the reason why the book launching was delayed. This was published by Christian Faith Publishing based in Meadville, PA, USA. This is a book of poetry whose main message is living a righteous life; that is facing reality and challenges in life. The goal is becoming the best human being in one's lifetime. 

The second book is entitled: BOOST ME UP: Walk in Faith with God's Words. This is a 365-day devotional book with M-Morale Verse Boosters and Bible Verses from NIV (New International Version). The M-Morale Verse Boosters are my own created verses taken from the many writings I have done in the past. They are powerful messages of love, peace, hope and righteousness. People who read this book will surely enjoy reading and learning from the many good insights provided for by the daily narratives and meditations. 

The event was successful, participants took active part in the program. A pep talk was delivered by Minerva Honkala, the author. She was introduced briefly by Curtis Helt, one of her good friends in Toastmasters. The opening prayer was also done by a Toastmaster friend named, Woodrow Trice. Emceed by Cristina Scoble, the program was even more smoothly flowing. Karen DeShazer, a past CCSD Head Librarian read the book reviews for both books. Prior to the program, a short TV interview of Minerva Honkala by Esmeralda  Padilla-Gould of Vegas Vibes Junction, FilAm TV was shown to the audience. The program was pepped up by the group singing of WORDS by BeeGees and WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD by Anne Murray.

It was a splendid day. All of the over thirty friends and supporters who joined us had a wonderful time. Book signing followed and it was full of excitement for all those who lined up for books and the signing of the books they purchased. FASFOS through President Felipe Danglapin received a $500 check towards  FASFOS Scholarship Funds. 

It was a huge success. God is good! He makes things happen! Thank you, Lord! Please bless each and everyone of us who were there at the book launching supporting me and my mission of peace, love and unity amongst men. Let us be ONE with our Heavenly Father sitting beside us everyday of our lives. Amen. 

A picture with Esmeralda Padilla-Gould during the TV interview on February 23, 2024 at the FilAm Studio in S Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas, NV, USA. 

 January 14, 2024 (Sunday)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ROGER!

To my significant other, Roger!

I am wishing you the best on your birthday today. May God shower upon you, wonderful blessings: God, grant him the best health condition as much as possible. God, bless you with a cheerful spirit even when if you are in pain and in difficulty. God, bless you with an energetic mind, cheerful heart, and positive outlook in spite of the many challenges that come your way. 

Thank you, Lord. I am very grateful for Roger's presence in my life. He is my best friend and my soul-mate. Keep us under your wings, under your care and love, under your tutelage. May we continue to receive powerful words from Thee, everyday of our lives. This will keep us on track leading our way to a life of righteousness. These, we aspire and we pray to live all throughout our lives. Amen. 

 WOW! It is now 2024. I can't believe how time had passed so fast and furious! I have missed to write a big number of events, occasions, and happenings around me, my family, friends and special people who  had inspired me all the way through. 

Good news is I had published two books in the past two years. First, WORDS SPEAK WISDOM published by Christian Faith Publishing, May 2022, Meadville, PA, USA and the second one is BOOST ME UP: Walk in Faith with God's Words published by AMZ Publishing Master, January 10, 2024, Victorville, CA.

Prior to this publications, on July 2022, Ohmar, my eldest child and his family immigrated to the USA after 21 years of waiting. YES, I petitioned the whole family in 2001 after I became a US citizen. One and a half year had passed, and today the family is building grounds in the USA, particulary in Boulder City, NV. My son, Ohmar got a job with Veterans Affair Senior Facility based in Boulder City while his wife Portia got employed with the Golf Club in Boulder City. The oldest son, Oliver was accepted with the US Army  stationed in Texas. He is being trained as a Nurse at this time and going on his second year as such. The youngest daughter, Priya was assigned outside the US and providing training to new enlisted men and women with the US Army, too. She is pursuing a college degree in Psychology while with the US Army. The second son, Oscar had just graduated in Ateneo and De La Salle University with a degree in BS in Psychology. He is coming back to the US this month of January 2024 to pursue an MA degree in Psychiatry. 

All of them are such in a blessed situation, I just can't express my thanks and gratitude to our Almighty Father. YES, all of this events took place because of my FAITH in God and the family's sincere intention of becoiming great children of GOD. THANK YOU, LORD!

Meantime, my other children had accomplished much, too. My second child, Owen is now in Munich, Germany, reunited with his wife Ching. Right now, he is starting to look for a job to help his family particularly his children who are still in the Philipines living with their mother. Kate, who's Katrina, has finished college  from  St. Louis University in the Philippines with a degree in Radiology Technology and is now working in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Republic. His second child, Kryssa is in second year college taking up BS Pharmacy in the same university in Baguio City, Philippines. His third child, Karl is still in Third year High School in Ilocos Sur where he resides with his mother. He stopped school for reasons we do not know, somehow, lost interest. What I heard and learned from his sister Kryssa is, he is studying and getting trained as a Chef in a nearby technological training school.Whatever happen to the plight of these children, we leave it up onto the Lord. The Lord is our Shepherd. Who shall not want?

My third son, Ohrlan Oneill and his wife Myra Picache with their three children are based in Las Vegas. The family owns a house in Providence, NW of Las Vegas where I temporarily live, too. I live in this house since July 3, 2023 with my live-in significant other Roger Douglas. The children are all adults, John who is the eldest had been employed in a pharmaceutical firm, Anaceo Pharm. The second child, Nicole recently graduated from UNLV with a degree in BS Economics and is partially working as an associate in a big department store in Summerlin, Las Vegas. Hannah, the youngest is pursuing a college degree towards Nursing in a community college and partially working with the Cold Ice Cream Shoppe in NW Las Vegas. So, everyone is busy with their own lives, all employed and studying, living their American Dream. From time to time, the family travel around the USA and other countries like Mexico, Canada, Philippines, Europe and many parts of the USA. 

My fourth son, Ohskar Obrien and wife Johanne, lives in Las Vegas, too. They also live in their own house in Alexander, Las Vegas, NV. The three children are adults, too. Jelo, who is the oldest is training as a Flight Attendant soon in February 2024. Jelay who finished a vocational course is into online selling joining Mom and Dad. Justin who is still going to the university pursuing to finish a college degree. Meantime, the whole family is engaged in Online Selling as their means of livelihood. At the moment, everyone loves what they do. They seem to enjoy the online selling, attracting a big number of customers all around the world. From time to time, the family travels in different countries as they see fit. They moved around from the USA to Canada, Mexico, Carribean, Europe and other parts of the USA, putting business and pleasure together.

My fifth child, Marju, or Marie, my  only daughter is happily married to her high school sweetheart, Ryan Anderson of Esko, Minnesota, USA. They live in a 9-acre land, which they consider their playground, in a semi-concrete country home in Esko. They have two children, Ava (13 years old), and Aiden (11 years old) who attend school in Esko. Both kids are very warm, loving, respectful and responsible children. The family is well in all aspects of their lives. I am thankful and grateful to our Heavenly Father for this blessing. Thank you, Lord!

I have to tell you more about my life next time. Please stay tune. 

God bless you all, my family & friends. Till next reading. Minerva MP Honkala

 09/16/2021   Yesterday is Something to Reckon With

January 2021 - present day, 09/16/2021

I just cannot dismiss the past months as unimportant in my life. Everything that happened in the past whether they were a success or a failure contributed to my personhood.

The Covid pandemic had both its advantages and disadvantages. Let me talk about the advantages first.

1. I realized that HEALTH is more important that WEALTH. I had chances or opportunities to earn extra money inspite of me being a retired teacher. I was offered a variety of work from being a personal caregiver to being a language interpreter in the city where I reside. The offers were really tempting, it would mean more money in my coffer. However, I thought and processed all that can happen in many areas of my life. I said NO to all the opportunities, and I said YES to my health. I asked myself, "Why risk my life to this amount of dollars? If I chose to work I thought I was not only risking my life but risking the life of my loved ones as well.

2. I realized I need to be CAUTIOUS and not PRETENTIOUS. I became more aware about the people around me and the environment I was  into at the moment. This way I became mindful of my personal safety as well as others'. This safe step had made me prevent negative circumstances that made my life even better than before. I became calmer and had peace of mind more than I used to have.

3. I realized that in SILENCE & QUIET TIMES, many varied tasks can be met and achieved. There is no dull moment in SILENCE & QUIET TIMES. Some of the many tasks I did which made me stronger as a Christian is PRAYER. It lifted my spiritual life. WRITING made me more creative and wiser. My writing made me READ more. Reading made me more knowledgeable about life. Staying home made me spend more time with my loved ones. It made me become more thoughtful as a mother checking in on how my family are and how they are catching up with their lives. It had made me become more as a giver than a taker. It made me become more peaceful, caring and loving as a human being. 

What are the disadvantages?

1. I had less socialization. I chose not to accept social invitations due to fear of contracting the covid virus. Since January 2021 until now, I have limited my socialization to my families here in Vegas. 

2. I had dropped most of my social-civic functions in the community. The only non-profit organization I still work with are PAYBAC, FASFOS & NFTC. I participate in virtual board meetings and speak via Zoom Meetings.

3. Due to the social restraints as implemented by CDC, I cannot meet with people personally much as I want to. 

4. I put off all my travel plans abroad and in the United States. Travels are just locally in the Las Vegas areas. 

To summarize, the advantages are working for me. I am more productive and useful to myself. MY third poetry book entitled, "WORDS SPEAK WISDOM" is underway. Christian Faith Publishing is doing the last steps toward publication. It will be out by February 2022. 

Now, I am working on the script and narratives of my fourth book. It is a devotional book entitled,  "BOOST ME UP DAILY with M-MORALE VERSE BOOSTERS WHILE I WALK IN FAITH WITH GOD'S WORDS". 

It has a long title but it is also a long book with 365 Daily Verses & Devotions.

I need to log off now, thank you for being with me in this blog. Minerva MPicache Honkala

DIFFICULT TIMES (2020 Pandemic-CoronaVirus (Covid-19)

The month of February 2020, when the public became aware of the widespread of the Coronavirus who according to news reports originated in Wuhan, China. From that day on, the LIFE in the world, specifically the USA had turned upside down.

This is now 3/20/2020. The state of Nevada is in total LOCKDOWN. Many had been affected by this problem. In fact, almost all. Who would not?I have been home, just home the last 8 days.

I had been reaching out to my family since then. I am very glad all of my family members are doing good. Ohmar and his family are in Manila. Owen is in Dubai, while Ching (wife) is in Cebu, Philippines. Luene and the children are in Ilocos. Ohrlan and family is in Las Vegas. Ohskar and family is in Las Vegas while Marie and family is in Esko, MN. All is well. Thank God.

What have I been doing these locked days? Writing, watching Netflix, Facebook, emails, and cell phone calling. It is hard to be in this situation, but, I need to follow the guidelines coming from medical authorities and state officials. We are lucky here in Vegas, the family has enough food, and other stuff related to living comfortably. We PRAY and we PRAY all the time. Thank God.

This is one of the latest pictures I have in my album. Ohmar & his family came to the US for the PICACHE REUNION last December 25, 2019. I chose this one because our background and setting was perfect. It seems like we are so close to HEAVEN, the dwelling of our Heavenly  Father who takes care of everyone else in this world. LORD GOD, our Heavenly Father, please take good care of all of us. Take good care of my family, my friends, and my neighbors. Please take care of all the people in this world that they may be spared of all the ill-effects of the coronavirus. 

It's Been Awhile ...

My life had been too busy for Toastmasters after I became an Area Director for District 33 (CA & SNV) in 2016-2017.

2016-2017 Disrict 33 Division D Area 1 Director  --- Presidents' Distinguished Area
2017-2018 District 33 Division D Director ------------ Select Distinguished Division
2018-2018 District 33 Club Growth Director --------- Stepped down on Dec 20, 2018 for special
                                                                                       reasons

On December 24, 2018 until December 31, 2018 my family and I went to London & Paris.Ohskar's family which includes wife Johanne, children Jelo, Jelay, and Justin came along. It was a very tightly scheduled trip from Las Vegas McCarran International Airport to Heathrow International Airport in London, UK.

We arrived London on Christmas Day. We were invited in one of Johanne's friends in London for the Christmas dinner. That was a super-duper treat for all of us knowing we are in a foreign land.

The following days were hectic. We managed to visit as many tourist spots in London including the iconic Westminster Abbey Road Walk where the Beatles crossed in Westminster Abbey, London. This was memorable for me because I love the Beatles. I was a teenager the time Beatles soared up high in the entertainment world. My favorite song is, "Do You Want to Know a Secret."

We walked around London streets and walkways. The roads are quite narrow compared to the American standards. The walkways in between are concrete made, some reddish bricks and stones, mostly standard. I was able to find a number of "old telephone booths" in many corner streets, inevitably they are there just for looks of the old London way. In fact, I had several pictures beside the telephone booth, one of which covers my 2nd poetry book entitled, "Expressions Impressions."

We were using UBER all the time as we moved from one scenic spot to another. We just passed by the Buckingham Palace in one of those rides, reason we had no pictures at the palace. We were able to go to one of the most popular parks in London called Hyde Park. It is a green haven but in winter the park hosts a public event called Winter Wonderland. It features a variety of rides, food from delicacies, sweets & candies, real food from sandwiches to grilled or barbecued meat & hotdogs, too! I found some cotton candies, fresh fruits & vegetables, plus drinks of all kinds.

I will continue the narrative of our trip next time....

MY LONG WAIT FOR MY CHILDREN TO IMMIGRATE TO THE USA

I came to the USA in 1992. My reason for this move is find myself and my family a greener pasture. Twenty four years later, three of my five children are US citizens. I gained naturalization in 2001, so is my daughter Marie Anderson. My son Ohskar gained his naturalization in 2002. My son Ohrlan, third son came to the US in 2008. In December 2014, Ohrlan's wife and three children came to the US as immigrants, by 2015 the children became US citizens. Was it a long wait? Was it difficult and painful? Was it worth it? The answer to these three questions are YES.

I am still waiting, though. My second son' s petition was rejected in 2008 after 10 years of waiting. While his application was in process, he got married, and the office dumped his application in the garbage. I tried applying him a student visa, but he was rejected again. My oldest son's petition including his wife and three children are still in process. My petition was dated 2001 and until now they are waiting, now 15 years wait. The year being processed now is 1994 which means my son has to wait for another 7 years. By that year, my son will be 51 years old and I will be 75 years old. I wonder if I will still be alive at 75?

This is my predicament. I am hoping that an immigration reform can be done soon. IT IS A LONG WAIT FOR FILIPINOS TO IMMIGRATE TO THE US. I REALLY WONDER IF THE PROCESS TO IMMIGRATION CAN BE CUT SHORT.

Baby, Baby ....

Baby, Baby ....

I have the youngest of my babies, Ava & Aiden Anderson
My two adorable grandkids based in Cambridge, MN
Ava is five and Aiden is three
Both are learning in pre-school.

This is Hannah.

Writing as a therapy, is it really?

When boredom arises, I sink in, Uhmmm, what can I do? What will I do to get off this uneasy feeling? Ahhhhh, write? play music and dance with it? watch Forensic Files? walk around the neighborhood? or call friends? These are some of my choices.... Fortunately, I sit down in the computer and update my blog... Here I am, writing!!

B O R E D O M ....

  I think of B as a bait... bait that can attract and seduce an inspiring subject

  Other than that, the optimism within me must run like an electrical current

 Faster than a reverberating musical score roaring amid the airwaves of

 our Mother World

Excellent windows of opportunity must be grabbed by everyone 

whose hearts are full of compassion for the many unanswered questions 

troubling before our own eyes

Demanding for right answers that may help in lifting humanity

Oh, GOD in heaven whom I believe is our FATHER, the parent of all mankind

May you help us bring together the LOVE that you have taught us

Belief must stay within us

Outstanding task must be observed

Respect for oneself and others matter

Excellence we may try to reach

Divine assistance we all must ask

Onward, onward we must march

Meet the best desires, dreams and goals.

BOREDOM, no way I must think of you

Go away, I must just be ME.