The loss of life in both Israel and Gaza has reached into the thousands, prompting believers globally to instinctively seek solace in prayer amidst this profound suffering and tragedy. However, grappling with the situation's intensely polarized and bitterly divisive nature raises the question of how to navigate prayer without taking sides. Can we pray prayers that resonate universally?

Amidst this complexity, the unwavering directive for Christians is to bear witness to the transformative gospel of peace that Christ advocates. The calling is clear – to fervently pray for peace that transcends surface tranquility and delves into the deep-seated systemic issues at the heart of the conflict. This prayer involves advocating for justice, equality, and hope for all, addressing the fundamental needs of Palestinians for self-determination and freedom, as well as acknowledging Israel's concerns for safety and security.

It's not just about praying for peace in a vague sense but for a profound, enduring, and just peace. The emphasis is on active engagement as peacemakers, rejecting violence, and striving for a resolution that goes to the roots of the conflict.

The president of the Council of Local Evangelical Churches in the Holy Land injects an eye-opening perspective into this discourse. He underscores that the protracted conflict over territory has missed the true essence. Instead of praying for one side to triumph, the focus should be on both sides turning to Christ. He emphasizes the transcendent value of Jesus over geographical victories, asserting that without Christ, even the vast expanse from the Mediterranean to the Pacific holds no actual significance. Essentially, the call is not for territorial victories but a spiritual awakening and transformation. After all, there are no winners in war.

So, here I am, looking back at the whirlwind journey that got me here. They say turning 30 is a big deal, a cosmic shift that'll rearrange the stars or something. Well, it's more like waking up to find a few extra creaks in your bones, maybe from heartache or maybe just from the wear and tear of being a grown-up. Life, right?

Now, sit with me for a bit. Let's have a chat, not like a stuffy lecture but more like swapping stories with a buddy who's been through the rollercoaster and lived to tell the tale. I'm no Gandalf or Dumbledore, but buckle up for some nuggets of wisdom, and let me pretend to be this "older sister" for you.

• Outlook
  Life, with all its colors and chaos, is like a wild rollercoaster ride. It's filled with moments of joy, heartbreak, and the everyday grind. Navigating this rollercoaster requires more than just holding on—it demands a mindset of strategic acceptance. "It is what it is" isn't waving a white flag; It's a powerful acknowledgment that we can't control every twist and turn. It's about being savvy, picking battles that truly matter, and finding freedom in the chaos, dancing through life's unpredictability.
  
  Strategic acceptance isn't about being passive. It's more like doing a rain dance in a storm of unpredictability. Some battles deserve your superhero energy, but others are best enjoyed from the sidelines with a knowing grin. It's about finding liberation in the messiness, making peace with reality, and enjoying the ongoing symphony of life, knowing that every note adds to the richness of the experience.
  
  
• Relationships
  Imagine life as a jam session, each relationship contributing a unique melody to the playlist of your life. Forget the fairy tale that love magically fixes everything; In reality, people are the architects of their destinations. It's a concert of diverse beats, and the key is learning to groove to your rhythm while appreciating the variety around you.
  
  Recognizing that everyone follows their unique path, relationships become a dance of acceptance and understanding. It's about appreciating the individual notes without trying to force them into a predetermined melody. Just like in a jam session, the beauty lies in the harmonious chaos created when diverse elements come together.
  
  
• Investments
  In a world obsessed with dollar signs, true wealth goes beyond material possessions. It's an investment in your mind and body, nourishing mental and physical health. Think of it as collecting experiences like they're rare treasures, skipping the allure of FOMO-inducing gadgets, and choosing joy-inducing adventures that add flavor to your life.
  
  This investment philosophy extends beyond possessions, emphasizing the value of memories over material things. Joyful experiences, personal growth, and a sound mind and body are the real MVPs. By prioritizing these intangibles, you not only enhance your well-being but contribute to a more fulfilling existence.
  
  
• Silence
  In a world where everyone's a chatterbox, silence emerges as a superpower. Knowing when to speak and when to remain silent is an art. Not every thought needs a megaphone, and not every situation requires your vocal contribution. Silence becomes a tool for deeper connection, a medium for understanding beyond words. In a world of opinions, being a chill DJ—spinning good vibes and listening with an open heart—often speaks louder than being the loudest voice in the room.
  
  The power of selective expression lies in recognizing the value of silence. Sometimes, people don't need solutions; they need a compassionate presence. It's about fostering genuine connections through thoughtful communication, understanding the potency of words, and allowing silence to speak volumes.
  
  
• Circles
  Envision your life as a wild circus, and you're the fearless tightrope walker. Your inner circle becomes the safety net, ready to catch you when life tosses you into the circus of the unknown. It's not about exclusivity but about cultivating relationships based on trust, reciprocity, and genuine support.
  
  Maintaining a tight circle is like having a close-knit circus team. These bonds go beyond surface-level connections, providing security and joy. Just as a circus performance is more vibrant with a tight team, your life narrative becomes more colorful and meaningful when surrounded by those who genuinely care and reciprocate in kind.
  
  
• Trends
  The glitter of fast fashion and fleeting trends might lure you into a tempting whirlpool, but it's crucial to see it as a financial sinkhole and an environmental threat. Fast fashion promotes a disposable mindset, turning your wardrobe into a revolving door of cheap, quickly discarded garments. Trends manipulate you into spending on items with temporary allure.
  
  Your hard-earned money is better invested in timeless, quality pieces. Not only does this save you money, but it also reduces the environmental impact. Opt for sustainable, ethically produced clothing that aligns with a greater ecological responsibility. Embrace a minimalist mindset, curating a wardrobe that showcases your personal style without succumbing to the transient nature of fashion fads.
  
  
• Gratitude
  Complaining and adopting a victim mentality creates a trap that hinders personal growth and blinds us to the abundance of blessings in our lives. While the world has its struggles, incessant focus on personal grievances distorts our worldview. Instead of perpetuating a victim narrative, widen your lens and appreciate the privileges you often take for granted.
  
  Consider this a call to action: witness global challenges, empathize with those less fortunate, and channel your energy into contributing to the betterment of mankind. Gratitude isn't passive; it's a catalyst for positive change. Acknowledge your blessings, big and small, and leverage your privilege to uplift others. By fostering an attitude of gratitude, you transform your mindset and become an agent for positive change.
  
  
• Procrastination
  Procrastination, the silent thief of time, robs us of opportunities and personal fulfillment. The allure of delaying tasks often stems from a misguided belief in an endless supply of tomorrows. However, time is finite, and each moment lost to procrastination could have been spent in pursuit of meaningful endeavors.
  
  This is a gentle nudge to finish tasks ahead of schedule, to prioritize with purpose, and to conquer your to-do list with unwavering determination. By cultivating a proactive mindset, you create space for personal growth, learning, and the pursuit of passions. Overcoming procrastination leads not only to completing tasks but also to a richer, more fulfilling life.
  
  
• Being Too Much
  In a world that sometimes pressures conformity, embracing your uniqueness might earn you labels like "crazy" or "too much." Yet, it's precisely this authenticity that propels you toward personal success and fulfillment. Instead of conforming to societal expectations, thrive unapologetically in your uniqueness.
  
  Let people think what they may, but as you pursue your goals relentlessly, they'll witness a journey characterized by resilience and authenticity. Your "craziness" becomes a beacon of inspiration for those who dare to step beyond societal norms. Thriving unapologetically is not a rejection of societal expectations; it's a celebration of individuality, a declaration that you are the author of your narrative, and a reminder that success often lies outside the confines of conformity.

Life's a wild ride—unpredictable, messy, and utterly beautiful. Embrace the lessons, dance in the rain, and hold tight to the circles that make the journey not just bearable but a freaking fantastic adventure!

Lights, Camera, Action: My Bachelor's Odyssey in Media Studies

In the expansive realm of academia, my initiation into higher education unfurled against the backdrop of a Bachelor's degree in Media Studies—an academic domain that served as a captivating window into the intricacies of communication. Choosing this discipline was not just a matter of intellectual curiosity but a deliberate quest to understand the pulsating heart of the modern world—where information and narratives intertwine, shaping our collective consciousness.

Delving into the rich tapestry of Media Studies, my academic journey became a dynamic exploration of theories and practices. From the prophetic wisdom of Marshall McLuhan, whose seminal statement "The medium is the message" reverberated in lecture halls, to the intricate analysis of semiotics and the ever-evolving landscape of social media dynamics, I traversed a labyrinth of concepts that illuminated the multifaceted nature of media.

The transition from theory to practice materialized in a compelling internship with Reuters News (PH)  and the Philippine Information Agency, a pivotal chapter in my undergraduate narrative. Here, I immersed myself in the gritty realities of journalism, donning the hat of a storytelling detective. Each news piece I crafted became a brushstroke in the vivid portrait of my homeland, unraveling the complexities and subtleties that defined the Filipino narrative.

But my journey in media was not confined to newsprint. A subsequent foray into the corporate realm led me to serve as a PR and marketing writer for diverse brands. With its demands for narrative finesse and audience understanding, this role metamorphosed me into a wordsmith, navigating the delicate dance between commercial messaging and audience engagement. These experiences, collectively, were the crucible in which my love for literature and the practicalities of media converged.

Jet-Setting Dreams: My Sojourn into International Development

As the curtain rose on the next act of my academic narrative, I found myself drawn to the compelling field of International Development for my graduate studies. This wasn't just a change in educational scenery; it was a profound shift in perspective, a panoramic widening of my worldview. Having grown up in a developing country, my immersion in economic challenges and societal disparities provided me with an intimate understanding of the issues underpinning the development discourse.

Traveling punctuated my life and further enriched this understanding. Immersing myself in diverse cultures and witnessing the spectrum of socio-economic landscapes became more than just stamps on a passport; each destination became a vivid chapter in my education. Whether traversing the bustling streets of Singapore, contemplating the historical narratives of Japanese cities, or engaging with the vibrant cultures of Southeast Asia, my experiences solidified a conviction—the world was a complex tapestry of interconnected stories.

International Development, therefore, wasn't merely an academic pursuit but a profound call to action. It wasn't about statistics and development indices but about people, their stories, and shared aspirations for a better tomorrow. My background in journalism, which had initially been a window into the narratives of my immediate surroundings, now became a scaffold to comprehend and amplify the stories of communities on a global scale.

The Cinematic Connection: Leveraging Media Studies in International Development

As the final act unfolds, the synergy between my Media Studies foundations and International Development aspirations emerges as a strategic fusion, a symbiotic relationship between creativity and strategic insight. In all its forms, media becomes a potent tool in the arsenal for positive change. My academic sojourn in Media Studies metamorphoses from exploring theoretical constructs into a hands-on apprenticeship in the art of influence.

In the realm of International Development, where communication is the lifeblood of progress, my background in media assumes the role of a secret weapon. The ability to craft compelling narratives, understand the intricate nuances of visual storytelling, and navigate the complex landscape of public perception position me as an observer and a storyteller with a mission.

The power to tell a story isn't just a skill; it's a responsibility. Armed with the narrative finesse cultivated in media studies, I step onto the global stage with a clear purpose. This isn't a mere transition; it's a strategic progression that leverages the creativity and insight honed in media studies to pursue positive change. As the curtains rise for my encore, I am not merely a spectator; I am a protagonist with the ability to shape narratives and catalyze transformation. Lights, camera, action—the blockbuster with a purpose is about to unfold on a global stage.