Season 1-From Spreadsheet to Stewardship
Season 1 of 9
From Spreadsheets to Stewardship
For nearly fifteen years, I lived among ledgers, receipts, audit reports, and financial statements. As a Certified Public Accountant, I was trained that every conclusion must be supported by evidence, every peso must be accounted for, and every record must be kept with integrity.
"Whoever is faithful in very little is also faithful in much." — Luke 16:10
When I retired, I thought I was leaving that world behind. Looking back, I realize I wasn't leaving it at all. God was simply preparing me for a different kind of stewardship.
A Different Kind of Ledger
As I began to climb mountains, walk rolling hills and rough roads to support the activities of my forester husband, meet tribal and indigent people in the forest, and started to study Philippine medicinal plants, I discovered that my CPA training still guided the way I learned.
I observe before I conclude. I take notes carefully, recording the date, the source, and my own observations — not because I expect every note to become an article, but because careful observation is part of faithful stewardship.
I ask: What is the local name? What is the botanical name? How has this plant been used traditionally? What does current scientific research say?
My accounting background reminds me to pause before accepting or repeating claims. I ask whether traditional knowledge is supported by responsible research, whether the information comes from credible sources, and whether there are recognized safety considerations.
Truth, Order, and Faithfulness
Today, information travels faster than ever, and claims about herbal medicine are everywhere. When the evidence is still uncertain, I believe the most honest response is simply to say, "We do not know yet."
One day, each of us will give an account of how we cared for what God entrusted to us — our resources, our families, our forests, our knowledge, and even the words we choose to publish.
Both accounting and stewardship require truth. Both require order. Both require faithfulness in the little things.
Over the years, I have come to realize that stewardship is, in many ways, another form of accounting. This season of my life taught me that spreadsheets and stewardship speak the same language.
And perhaps that is why I never truly stopped being a CPA. God simply gave me a different ledger to care for.
Author's Notes
I am a retired Certified Public Accountant from the Philippines and a lifelong student of herbal medicine. I am not a licensed physician, pharmacist, or herbal medicine practitioner.
The information shared on this website is based on my personal experiences, continuous learning, and research, and is intended for educational purposes only. It should not be considered medical advice or a substitute for professional healthcare. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using medicinal herbs, especially if you have an existing medical condition, are pregnant, or are taking prescription medications.
I also encourage readers to respect Philippine environmental laws, including regulations of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), when foraging or cultivating plants.
I do not sell herbal supplements or promote products that are not approved by the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA).