Teng Kyu Channel

01/16/2025

Spotted fresh Malunggay Fruits here in Canada, but at $7.99.per pound, it’s quite pricey compared to the Philippines, where it’s super cheap and often just picked from the backyard! Back home, it’s a common ingredient in dishes, but here, it’s treated as a specialty item. The price difference really makes you appreciate how accessible these nutritious greens are in the Philippines. Anyone else miss the affordability of Filipino produce?

01/16/2025

01/15/2025

Back then, Kaimito (Milk Fruit) fell from our backyard trees, ripe and ready to eat. Now, here in Canada, they cost $10.99 for just two!

Is this more to your liking?

01/15/2025

Lesson from the California Wildfires

The California fires serve as a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty over all things, including our wealth. As Scripture teaches:

"The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord" (Job 1:21).

Wealth is a blessing from God, but it is temporary and not something to boast about. God warns us through His Word:

"Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment" (1 Timothy 6:17).

Instead of clinging to possessions, God calls us to use our blessings to serve others:

"Do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased" (Hebrews 13:16).

Ultimately, when our life on earth ends, we take nothing with us. However, the good we do will have eternal significance:

"But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal" (Matthew 6:20).

Let us heed these lessons from God, living humbly and generously, so that our lives reflect His love and purpose.

01/11/2025

01/11/2025

His Perfect Timing

Sofia sat on her bed, gazing out the window as the evening sky turned shades of orange and purple. Life felt like an endless race she couldn’t win. Deadlines loomed, her relationships felt strained, and her dreams seemed farther away with each passing day.

She sighed deeply, reaching for her journal. Flipping through its pages, she stopped at a quote she had written months ago: "God is patient. You are not." A faint smile tugged at her lips. It reminded her of a day long ago when a kind stranger at church had handed her a small card with those exact words.

The memory stirred something in her. Closing her journal, Sofia folded her hands and whispered, “Lord, I surrender my plans to You. Help me trust Your timing and find peace in the waiting.”

In the days that followed, nothing dramatic changed in Sofia’s life—at least not outwardly. But something shifted within her. The weight of frustration began to lift. She embraced her tasks with patience, finding joy even in small victories.

One morning, she received an unexpected offer: her mentor at work proposed collaborating on a project she thought was beyond her ability. The next week, an old friend she hadn’t spoken to in years reached out, rekindling a bond Sofia had deeply missed.

Little by little, she realized that surrendering her timeline didn’t mean giving up. It meant making space for the blessings that were already on their way. What was meant for her would always find her—in His perfect timing.

Sofia smiled one evening as she wrote in her journal, her heart lighter than it had been in years. Peace wasn’t in controlling the future—it was in trusting the One who held it.

01/11/2025

01/10/2025

A Shift in Opportunity

As an international student, Maria had arrived in Canada with high hopes. She had secured admission to a reputable university in Toronto to pursue her master’s degree in business administration. Alongside her was Lucas, her supportive husband, who had left his job back home to be with her, expecting to find new opportunities in the Canadian job market.

In their first few months, things seemed promising. The vibrant city life, the diverse culture, and the friendly people made them believe they had made the right choice. Maria was excelling in her studies, and Lucas quickly found a part-time job, though it wasn’t in his field of expertise. They were optimistic about the future.

However, as time passed, reality began to set in. The cost of living in Toronto was much higher than they had anticipated. Their modest savings were dwindling fast due to the exorbitant rent and everyday expenses. Lucas struggled to find a job that matched his qualifications. Despite his experience, employers were hesitant, often citing the need for "Canadian experience," a barrier that seemed insurmountable.

Maria, too, faced challenges. She noticed that even with her advanced education, the job market for international graduates was fiercely competitive. Many of her peers, both local and international, were grappling with underemployment. They were working jobs unrelated to their fields just to make ends meet.

The couple often discussed their future over late-night dinners in their small apartment. They had hoped that by the time Maria graduated, Lucas would have established himself in the job market, and they could consider settling down in Canada. But with each passing day, that dream seemed to drift further away.

Maria began hearing stories of other international students and immigrants facing similar struggles. Some were leaving Canada, seeking better opportunities in countries like the U.S. or even returning home. The once-promising land of opportunity now seemed like a place where survival, rather than prosperity, was the immediate goal.

Despite the hurdles, Maria and Lucas were determined. They knew they were not alone in their struggles. They began attending workshops on networking and job searching, meeting others who shared their experiences and learning ways to navigate the system. They still believed in the potential of Canada, but they realized that it would take more effort and resilience than they had initially expected.

Maria kept pushing through her studies, and Lucas continued his job search, hopeful that the right opportunity would come. They clung to the belief that with perseverance, they could carve out a place for themselves in this new land. Yet, the journey was proving to be far more challenging than they had ever imagined.

01/10/2025

Light Within

Sarah had always dimmed her own light, believing the whispers of doubt that followed her. One day, while helping a stranger with dropped groceries, the elderly woman grabbed her hand and said, "You have such a beautiful soul." That simple moment sparked a revelation. Sarah realized she'd been seeing herself through a cracked mirror all along. Day by day, she began embracing her worth, and like a flower turning toward the sun, she bloomed into the person she was always meant to be.

Lesson learned: Often, it takes just one moment of kindness or recognition to remind us of our true worth. We are all carrying gifts that we sometimes fail to see in ourselves. The real journey begins when we learn to value ourselves as much as others value us.