THE DARKNESS
I've done many things in my life that I'm not proud of - those that I never imagined I'd end up doing, those that caused great pain not just to myself, but also to God. And for a while, I allowed my mistakes to define who I am. I saw myself as trash, unworthy of love or anything good. I refused to believe that other people would love and accept me for all that I am, sins and failures, included; because even I couldn't do that. 

THE LIGHT
But as I was hating myself, God's love for me remained everlasting. He proved me wrong. Two years of trauma and self-condemnation went down the drain when I heard the truth about God's love. That there is nothing I can or cannot do, no sin too big nor too bad, that can make God love me less. He doesn't love me because of who I am or what I've done, not because I'm good or I'm bad. He loves me because of who He is - a good and loving God. It is His very nature to love, to forgive, to sacrifice, to seek what's best for me, for all of us. And because God loved me first, I learned to accept, forgive, and love myself.

THE CALLING
Someone once told me that because of everything I've been through, I've become a more beautiful person. And he was right in saying that. For it is in our weaknesses, that God's power is made perfect. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 says "But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. This is why I write - to boast about my weaknesses, my sufferings, my hardships, so that God would be glorified as He strengthens and changes me.

THE PURPOSE
There are people all around the world who are hurting because they haven't heard about God's love. So I started this blog back in 2016 with the hope of sharing to others the very truths that changed me. From the bits and pieces of God’s story in my life, my desire is to help others come to know Jesus. That they too, may experience the life full of joy and peace that awaits in His arms.

THE COMEBACK
It's been two years since my last post. I became distracted with work and everything in between. I kept believing the excuse that I had no time to write, but God never stopped tugging my heart. During this pandemic, I've seen how more and more people are suffering - not just from the disease COVID-19, but from matters that kill people's hearts - depression, purposelessness, suicide, pornography, sexual abuse, corruption and injustice. So many people have been broken during this season, myself included. And it is in this season of brokenness that God pulled me back to this calling.

THE PERSONAL
Having to describe myself - this was the hardest part I had to write. Although this is my personal blog, I didn't want it to be focused on me but on Jesus - His work in my life. But I believe it matters for you to know me personally so that you'd see me as a friend too. So here it goes. I'm a Filipina residing in Manila. Charlene to family and Cha to friends. Youngest daughter to six children of Cris and Maris Manalang, wife to Albert Sarmiento and furmum to our frenchie, Hunter, and our Shih Tzu, Chloe.. Currently working as a Product Manager for L'Oréal Philippines, but my ultimate dream is to serve God full-time in ministry. I enjoy writing, hosting, and singing for the Lord. Added in a section below of other people's descriptions of me. The rest of me you'll get to know as you read my blogs.