Please Give Me Self-Control

Dear God,

Everytime I see or hear the word "self-control", I always think of it as being the opposite of having a temper. Even though it might be true as I understand it, I also know that there is something else much more involved in that.

Like for example, when I want to have a few minutes to finish or accomplish something important, it's so easy for me to give in to my children's pleas for treats (food, or perhaps a little material gift) -- even if they have refused to obey me in something I want them to do asap ("Take a bath now!"). I realize that it is a bad idea because it teaches them too many negative lessons -- like the lesson that I have no self-control, and their knowledge that if they pester me long enough, I'll surely give in, and they'll have their way. Sorry God, I know that is so wrong...

I know You won't give in and let me have something harmful just because I have asked for it, Lord. So please help me have enough self-control to use good judgment and make the right, careful choices especially when it comes to dealing with my DS and DD.

Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ,
and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.
Romans 13:14

The Simple Woman's Daybook #9

FOR TODAY... Dec. 28, 2009

Outside my window... The sun is up and I praise God because today is the day we fetch my Mom from the airport!

I am thinking... Of the many places we will go to because Mom missed the Philippines so much

I am thankful for... The opportunity God has given us, that my Mom is here for the holidays

I am wearing... A white blouse with jeans -- dressed up, excited, and ready to leave for the airport

I am remembering... The list that I made regarding places to go for a visit once Mom arrives town

I am going... To park my blogging fingers for awhile after this entry, and to prepare for my Mom's arrival. I'll see all of you again in a few days

I am reading... 50 Great American Short Stories edited by Milton Crane

I am hoping... To spend a great time with my Mom and the family this time of year until early next year before she goes back to NJ again

On my mind... Is where to go and shop with Mom and the kids, and what good treats to eat!

From the learning rooms... The kids are still on vacation mode, so it's still a grand week for them

Noticing that... Some people in the neighborhood are already lighting up firecrackers even if the New Year isn't here yet

Pondering these words... When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart's delight, for I bear your name, O LORD God Almighty -- Jeremiah 15:16

From the kitchen... Lasagna, Breaded Chicken Fillet, Mashed Potatoes, Tossed Green Salad w/ Vinaigrette Dressing, and Caramel Flan

Around the house... We are all excited, especially DS and DD, because their grandma will be arriving from NJ to spend the holidays with us

One of my favorite things... Reed diffusers with rose, cinnamon, or vanilla scents, that make the house smell really wonderful

From my picture journal...


Thanks to Peggy for allowing me to take part in The Simple Woman's Daybook. Blessings and have a great week, everyone!

Thank You For the Past 13 Years

Dear God,

Today marks my and DH's 13th Wedding Anniversary.

I thank You for blessing me with years that taught me so many things. It was not a perfect road, but I know that for all the times I fell, You were always there to pick me up. There were many ups and downs, but always, You were there to patch things up for me. You gave me wonderful children who brought honor to the family as well. I pray that one day, they will use the talents You have given them to glorify You alone.

Lord, as we begin another year ahead in the union, I pray that You change me and instill that desire in my heart to be like the Proverbs 31 woman. I know that it is a long journey ahead, and that it is a process only You can finish. I long to be like her in many ways, but always, I stumble and fall. Let me learn to deal with setbacks and disappointments, Lord, as I also long to give my family a happy home.

I also want to thank You for making me a Mom two times. Though I am also far from perfect, I pray that You will be my guide as I continue to become their parent and friend at the same time. Please teach me to encourage my DS and DD to grow up to be like You more each day. Especially my DS, who is harder to deal with. Continue to show me ways to be creative and inspiring, to be a Mom they will look up to, and to be a best friend as well, as they grow and evolve to be a young man and young woman someday.

I pray for my DH too, for without him, all the great 13 years would not be possible. May You continue to give him the courage to be the head of the family, and to be a source of inspiring, gentle strength to my children as well, especially once again for my DS, who one day, will be the head of the family like his Dad. Please reveal more of Yourself to my DH too, as he tries to be more sensitive to Your voice and calling. I long to hear what You are also telling him, Lord, and am excited and hopeful for the directions You will be giving him this coming New Year.

Thank You because I know that Your plans for us are big. Continue to stay within our family, Lord, as we also continue this journey in life.


ANOTHER YEAR

Another year to create
precious memories together.
Another year to discover
new things to enjoy about each other.
Another year to build
a life rich in love and laughter.
Another year to strengthen
a marriage that defines "forever."

Happy Anniversary!


From a poem by Joanna Fuchs

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

Though one may be overpowered,
two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
Ecclesiastes 4:12

♥♥ Happy Birthday Jesus ♥♥

Dear God,

Happy Birthday to Your Son, Jesus. We rejoice as we all remember this very special day and keep it in our hearts forever. Thank You for loving us, Lord.

We can never repay You for Your Gift, but only live our lives according to Your plans and purposes in us. We offer our lives to You, and make it our gift to You as well. May we become Your willing servants in this world we live in, as we keep in mind that we have a reward waiting for us in Heaven. Thank You, Father, for this wonderful Gift You bring.

THE GIFT

The Gift was wrapped in swaddling clothes
And in a manger laid,
A helpless baby lying there
The love of God portrayed.
The world was dark and quiet, but
The angels couldn’t keep
Their silence any longer as
They watched the nation sleep –
They broke the sky with glory light,
Their praises rang out clear,
They told the watchful shepherds ‘Look
The Gift of God is here.
You’ll find Him in a manger and
One day He’ll grow to be
The Saviour you’ve been waiting for –
The Lord and Christ is He!’

Condensed from a poem by Marion Caragounis



May everything that Jesus is, and everything that He gives,
bless you this Christmas and always.

We always thank God for all of you,
mentioning you in our prayers.
1 Thessalonians 1:2

No One Is Ever Needed But You

Dear God,

It's the day before Christmas and I am excited as the day draws near! Love is always in the air. And I think of the name JESUS. What a wonderful name that is. It is the only name we all need to call on for salvation. The name given to all of us who need grace. The only praiseworthy name.

Lord, please help me to show my DS and DD the way to You while they are still so eager to learn. They love to read and hear Bible stories. They love to pray with me. They enjoy going to children's church, but I don't really want them to do that just to please me... I want them to have a real, good foundation in Your Word.

For them to accept salvation, You will need to become real in their lives, though, Lord. I want to be able to teach them about Your grace and mercy -- and to let them understand the wonderful gifts You have made available to everyone. Lord, I praise You for being the Way, the Truth, and the Life. The only one we all truly need in our lives is You.

Salvation is found in no one else,
for there is no other name under heaven given
to men by which we must be saved.
Acts 4:12

Times Of Brokenness

Dear God,

Sometimes I am such a prideful person. I get caught up in the work or projects that I can produce, the many achievements that my DS and DD bring to the family, the way I can organize my home, and I completely forget that without You, I am NOTHING.

Thank You, Lord, for not forgetting me. I know that You use the many trials You allow me to experience so that I will always be reminded that I need You in my life. There are times when I feel I would much rather be broken because I do not want to be the prideful person that is clearly part of my human nature. I also do not want to be someone You would despise. But I thank You for all the blessings You are also giving me and my family. I know that You have given them to us because of Your unending goodness and great love.

But in those times of brokenness, I want to be able to use my heartaches and disappointments to teach my DS and DD how to serve You, love You, and have faith in You more. We live in a world that lifts up proud people. Lord, please make us all aware how much You value sacrifice. Help us to have the humble spirit we need when we come before You.

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart,
O God, you will not despise.
Psalm 51:17

★★ Honest Scrap Award ★★

I got another award from one of my Blogger friends. Thanks much, Ruth! Am really happy to be “writing elbows” with this blogging site’s community of believers, it is an enjoyable way to spend the day receiving awards like this.

I am supposed to share 7 things about myself and then award it to other people. I had to think well to do this, as I try to share fun facts about myself to share with you. So here goes...

1. I love to eat toothpaste when I was little, my Mom didn't know I claimed a secret corner of the bathroom wall where I always placed a bigger than a pea-sized paste to harden, then licked it off the wall the following day -- a chewy, mildly minty-sweet, dragee. Truly yummy, my own homemade Mentos, hahaha!

2. During bedtime, I can’t stop wiggling my foot, rubbing it on the edge of the bed while lying down on my stomach, until I bring myself to sleep. It’s a habit I can’t shake off (since toddlerhood) even my DH sometimes thinks it’s weird.

3. Back in high school I used to write a lot and received good grades from my Literature teacher. That kind of writing brought me to take up an English Studies/Creative Writing course in college. And then while studying, I wrote for a column in two glossy, non-syndicated magazines. I was paid a modest, working student's wage, but I fully enjoyed every single payment I received from them.

4. In college and in my quest for life, I was invited to join this religious group, only to find out later on, that it was a cult. God has (and always is) been very good to me, that he rescued me from this group, and led me to Campus Crusade for Christ, where I got saved. It was also at this point that I met my DH, and realized that God has a purpose and a plan for all of us.

5. I love dogs very much, and grew up with them in the family. My fondness for them reached its height when as an adult I had two lovable Shih Tzus who slept with me on the bed and who accompanied me wherever I went. One died of heart enlargement, and the other, of cancer. I was heartbroken and then I stopped having dogs around for some time. It is only now that we are planning to have one again, because my DS and DD took after my love and passion for these furry little creatures.

6. I can live on corn and potatoes, cooked any style. Also on this Filipino dish called “Nilagang Baka” (Boiled Beef) – cubes of tender beef cooked in a flavorful beef broth with fresh vegetables like bokchoy, cabbage and potatoes. I practically gorged on this dish, everyday for nine whole months during my 1st pregnancy. From Day 1 to D-day, I never got tired of the taste, and ate everything – leafy greens, golden potatoes, tasty soup – all but the beef itself.

7. Lastly, I’m a stickler for orderliness, sometimes bordering on becoming like an OC freak. I can’t go to sleep thinking about the bag of grocery items I left on the kitchen table, and/or similar scenarios like so. I always remind my 3 darling housemates – “A place for everything, and everything in its place.”

I will be giving this award to friends, and look forward to what they have to share upon receiving this award. Once again, I thank Ruth for giving me this "Honest Scrap Award". I truly enjoyed it!

Every Moment Counts With My Children

Dear God,

Sometimes, I find it so easy to put off doing important things with my DS and DD. I have this nasty attitude of postponing the time to instill good manners, or teach them important godly principles. Maybe because I feel tired, or am busy with other things to do and finish. I put it off until the next time or tomorrow, and then totally forget about it after. But they are growing so quickly, and I know that if I don't take the time to teach them NOW, someone else will, and it probably won't be in the way I would like, or be what I would want them to learn.

I realize that time is very short, so please remind me always Lord, to make each moment count. You give me many opportunities to teach my kids throughout the day, and it is my responsibility to use those God-given moments, and I want to take that responsibility seriously. Thank You, Lord, because I know You are always by my side.

Be very careful, then, how you live --
not as unwise but as wise,
making the most of every opportunity,
because the days are evil.
Ephesians 5:15-16

The Simple Woman's Daybook #8

FOR TODAY... Dec. 21, 2009

Outside my window... The sun is not out, but the day is still bright outside

I am thinking... Of next Monday because that's the day that my Mom from NJ will be home for the holidays!

I am thankful for... The Christmas presents we all received yesterday at the family Christmas party of my DH

I am wearing... A pink printed shirt-dress

I am remembering... The list that I made about the places we will have to go for a visit with my Mom next week

I am going... To gather and organize all Christmas cards we received and put them in my scrapbook of memories

I am reading... Beautiful in God's Eyes by Elizabeth George


I am hoping... That on the day of my Mom's flight, the weather will be bright and sunny

On my mind... Is what to have for Christmas dinner with the family

From the learning rooms... DS and DD are having a ball because Christmas break means no lessons at all for the next two weeks or so

Noticing that... DS is really into serious Chess; he even beat a 27 year old cousin, and an uncle -- DH's elder brother!

Pondering these words... Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: "This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too." -- Luke 2:34-35

From the kitchen... Chicken Pastel, Tinola Soup, and Bean Sprout Vegetable Rolls

Around the house... DS and DD are busy doing their free-play activities, enjoying the Christmas vacation

One of my favorite things... Is a cute, playful puppy dog like a Shih Tzu or a Toy Poodle in the family

From my picture journal...


Thanks to Peggy for allowing me to take part in The Simple Woman's Daybook. Blessings and have a great week, everyone!

Help Me To Understand The Sunset Years

Dear God,

I admit that there are times when I get impatient with elderly people. They are stubborn, sometimes a bit pesky and annoying, hard of hearing, grumpy, to name a few. I don't stop to wonder why, but I forget how much You also love them.

Also, it's not that I don't care about them, but I just don't like the idea of being somewhat inconvenienced by them in my life of busyness. A little old lady close to my DH is a 100+ years old, and she lives beside our house -- she is my DH's grandma. And our children's great grandmother. Most of the time, as I get in the car parked in our garage, I can see her through her window and I just couldn't bear the thought or sight of her growing old everyday, getting more and more senile, frail, and helpless... She has her round of midwives to look after her morning and night, and is surrounded by love from family members, but in truth, I feel like I don't really want to be in her shoes...

Lord, please help me determine to put myself in her place, to feel the loneliness and the aches and pains that come from aging, as their bodies wear out. Please give me compassion and love, so that I can show them the respect they need, and because I also know that my own parents, and even I, will be there someday...

When I grow old, I want my DS and DD to respect and love me. By my ways and actions towards other people, I am always teaching -- either respect, or disrespect. Please help me Lord, because I want to set the right example for my kids as I honor older people.

Rise in the presence of the aged,
show respect for the elderly and revere your God.
I am the LORD.
Leviticus 19:32

Times Of Refreshing

Dear God,

Please forgive me (everyday). I don't want to do the wrong things, yet most of the time I sin. I'm so sorry, Lord. I feel like I'm Paul in the Bible -- who said he did the things he didn't want to do. Because most of the time, my sins are unintentional. Honestly Lord, I do not want to think that sin is so much embedded in my system, that I automatically start or end my day with it...

Am thinking of those times when everyday, I would give my DS and DD a bath when they were little, because they didn't know yet how to do it. I don't just wash off the dirt and grime I see on their tiny bodies. But as I soap, scrub, and clean them up, I teach them to wash off the unseen dirt and germs that may be left in their bodies, so that they will be totally clean and refreshed.

At the same time, I also remember the times when I often taught them that when we pray to You for forgiveness, it should not only be for the wrong things we know we've done, but also for the things that we may have committed unintentionally.

I realize, Lord, that when we repent and turn to the other way completely, You blot out our sins, our heart burdens are lifted, and we are truly refreshed. Our tired spirits are lifted and renewed. Thank You, for the opportunity You have given us to repent. You never grow tired and impatient, and You are our understanding Father who is always ready and willing to accept and take us back, no matter where we came from.

Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord
Acts 3:19

★★ The Circle Of Friends Award ★★

I received my very 1st Award from Ruth @ Celebrate Friendship. I am truly honored to receive such an award, and thank God for the blessing of friends even thru cyberspace.

By accepting this award, I will have to share 5 things about myself:

1. I am married for almost 13 years, and am a Mom of two kids -- an intelligent boy aged 11 and a sweet girl aged 7.

2. I love to read books, write in my diary, and maintain a blog in Multiply and Blogger.

3.I like to bead crystal and freshwater pearl bracelets, and give them away as presents to friends.

4. I have Type II Diabetes and am trying hard to maintain a healthy lifestyle -- especially in my diet.

5. I aspire to be beautiful in God’s eyes by praying to Him for help so I can be like the Proverbs 31 woman someday.

May we all continue to share in the bond that God has allowed us to enjoy with one another. To my friend Ruth and the rest of us in The Circle of Friends – Let us all remember, that friends in Christ are friends forever!

I have placed the award in my sidebar, and share the blessing to some of my friends in this blogging site:

Doylene @ A Gracious Home
Ann @ The I-Sisters
Peggy @ The Simple Woman
Kathy @ Blooming in Suburbia
Mama Bear @ Bears in Exile

Give Me A Pure Heart, Lord

Dear God,

I always keep in mind that I am still Your work in progress. By this, I realize also, that I need to have pure thoughts and a pure heart. Only with Your help is this possible. On my own (just between us, Lord), I know I am (most of the time) full of wickedness. I harbor grudges, think ill thoughts about another person, wish someone bad fortune... This is not the kind of Mom I want my DS and DD to see. I want them to see a Mother who has a heart and a mind just like Jesus.

There are days when, I feel like I am experiencing a "spiritual high", and it's easy to think pure, pleasing, good, and upright thoughts, and to walk closely in Your ways. And on some days when I am having some spiritual struggles -- like when DH and I have a fight -- I think of discouraging thoughts, and frustration fills my heart and mind. Isn't it Lord, just the other week, I cried out to You and blamed You for having a not-so perfect marriage... I'm so sorry, Lord. My actions and eventually my words and attitude on things and people around me become affected. I also suffer a lot as my relationships crumble down. I know I can share all my grievences to You because You are my best friend, but forgive me for dumping all the blame on You.

I do not like it when emotions control me, Lord. Please give me the strength to be pure in every situation. I would like to be controlled by Your spirit, and be able to become a light, especially to my DS and DD. Use me to become an example of purity to them, and to be an inspiration in their eyes on how they should be as they grow up and face the world.

The way of the guilty is devious,
but the conduct of the innocent is upright.
Proverbs 21:8

My Guardian Angels

Dear God,

Every time I do my quiet time, Your promises give me a secure and safe feeling. I know I am surrounded by Your love and protection. Sometimes I think of the moments, especially when my DS and DD were still little -- of the times when they felt afraid... Perhaps of being in a new school, or dealing with a rough classmate, or maybe even a strict teacher... I immediately come to their rescue, hold them tight in my arms, and whisper words of assurance and comfort. They snuggle up close, or never leave my side, and their fears disappear. They begin to calm down and relax as their worries fade away. My heart overflows with love and is filled with assurance as I realize that You love me in the same way.

I can never count the times when I have been afraid, or weary, and You sent Your angels to surround and watch over me... I just know that they are there. You were my comfort and protector.

Because I know that You surround me and care a lot for me, I can do the same for my kids. Someday, I also know that my DS and DD will do the same for my grandchildren! What a big, blessed heritage for my family. Thank You, Lord, for the tremendous peace this heartfelt promise brings.

The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him,
and he delivers them.
Psalm 34:7

The Simple Woman's Daybook #7

FOR TODAY... Dec. 14, 2009

Outside my window... The sun is shining brightly and the wind blowing gently

I am thinking... Of what spiritual and material blessings we will receive for the year 2010

I am thankful for... The big blessing that DS received yesterday in his Chess tournament -- a Silver medal, praise the Lord!

I am wearing... A pink printed Mickey Mouse shirt-dress

I am remembering... The days when we celebrated Christmas last year, and is ultra excited this year because my Mom is coming home from NJ for a visit!

I am going... To prepare gifts for relatives and friends today with DH

I am reading... My yearly Christmas Gifts tickler to help guide me on what to give DH's relatives this season

I am hoping... That DS will win again in his next Chess tournament

On my mind... A big, rich, cheesy Lasagna for Christmas dinner

From the learning rooms... The kids are starting to relax a bit on lessons because Christmas vacation is on Thursday already

Noticing that... Traffic in the city is getting worse as Christmas day is nearing

Pondering these words... And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all mankind together will see it. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken. -- Isaiah 40:5

From the kitchen... Beef Mechado, Picadillo Soup, and Sauteed Mung Beans

Around the house... DD is busy preparing surprise Christmas artworks for me and DH (We are not allowed to see it until Christmas day, she said!)

One of my favorite things... Just like I mentioned up there -- a big tray of Lasagna oozing with cheese in between layers and on the top. Yummy!

From my picture journal...


Thanks to Peggy for allowing me to take part in The Simple Woman's Daybook. Blessings and have a great week, everyone!

Plans That Were Based On My Own Strength

Dear God,

Two years after marrying DH, I still remember clearly when I planned on having children of my own. I thought I would be a perfect Mom. I knew I had to make a lot of sacrifices, but that time, I was pretty sure that it would just be easy, because I knew I would love my kids completely. I thought of being super consistent, so that my kids would be the perfect angel kids wherever they would go. On top of that, I had planned too, that I would be the prime example of a loving wife.

Over the years that went, I found out that it was easier said, and easier dreamed than done. In all my prideful and purposeful, and perfect planning, I completely forgot that it takes more than my own strength and self-will to do all those things so well -- especially when a lot of things in perfect parenting are contrary to my very nature! (Yes, Lord, I admit I am still very far from Your vision of what I ought to be, and that I am still a big, big work in progress)

Lord, please forgive me for not turning to You since the beginning... For not asking You to lead me, and for being so confident in taking the reigns solely in planning my life. I definitely need Your assistance if I am going to be a good, but not prideful Mom to my DS and DD. Please help me become more obedient, in allowing You to take the lead, to be my driver and decision-maker in everything I would do. And to trust You more in the blue print that You have prepared for me.

For by the grace given me I say to every one of you:
Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought,
but rather think of yourself with sober judgment,
in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.
Romans 12:3

God Is Always Available

Dear God,

Thank You so much because You are never too busy for me. You are always there for me -- ready, waiting, and available. Sometimes that is a bit hard for me to understand, because at times, I can hear myself say to DS and DD, "Wait first, am just gonna finish this..." And it's true, Lord. I really can't be totally available to both the kids every minute every day.

But Lord, You are always willing to hear my requests no matter what the time of day. It doesn't matter if gazillions of other people are bringing their requests like me before You at the same instant. You are God, and You will hear and answer each one of us.

Lord, please remind me that You really do want me to come before You all day long. And please help me to be more available to my own children like You...

Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress,
and he hears my voice.
Psalm 55:17

The Fruit Of My Lips

Dear God,

Am so sorry for what I have done. Last night in my anger, I said something I shouldn't have. At that moment, I felt right, correct, and justified. But now that I have calmed down and slept it over, I know better. It was a wrong response.

You have said in James 3:10 that blessing and cursing should not come out of the same mouth. How can I praise You in front of my DS and DD after they heard my angry words last night? Forgive me, Lord! I have also asked my kids to forgive me. Please give me the courage to apologize to those I wronged. And please give me a bold heart and an opportunity to do that whenever I do something not pleasing to Your eyes.

Lord Jesus, make my praise a sacrifice to You. Instead of speaking in anger or frustration, I want to fill my mouth with words of continual praise to You. I pray in Your mighty name, that everything I say will glorify You, Lord.

Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise--the fruit of lips that confess his name.
Hebrews 13:15

Nothing Is Impossible With You

Dear God,

Sometimes, I cannot fully imagine it -- in all my short, finite, incapable self... I cannot begin to understand, and comprehend Your powerful hand and unfathomable, mighty ability.

There are many times in my life, when I can see and feel the impossibility of a problem or situation, and in those times, I forget that You are the God of the possible. But why do I have to doubt...? And why do I have to worry and fear...? When all I really need to do is to turn to You alone? In my mind, and as I have my quiet times with You, I picture my DS or DD holding out a hand to me and realize that this is what I need to do: I need to have child-like trust in You.

You know, Lord, when I see how You have lifted me up, and made things work so many times in my life, I want to kneel down in our room, fall on my face before You, and cry out to You in thanksgiving. My prayers have always been answered in so many miraculous ways. In those many times too, when all I could see was darkness and uncertainties, You have provided light, and power, and hope for DH and I. Thank You so much, Lord. I want to always keep that not only in my mind, but in my heart as well, and teach my children that in You, nothing ever is impossible.

Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible,
but with God all things are possible."
Matthew 19:26

The Simple Woman's Daybook #6

FOR TODAY... Dec. 7, 2009

Outside my window... The sun has set and the cool December breeze fills the room

I am thinking... Of what to give DH's family this Christmas season

I am thankful for... The provision God gave us to be able to shop for gifts this holiday season

I am wearing... A printed pink shirt-dress

I am remembering... What I gave friends and family last year so I won't have the same gifts for them this year

I am going... To complete my Christmas list this week with DH

I am reading... Bait by Karen Robards

I am hoping... To buy a good priced Christmas tree this week because my 13 year old one finally gave up this year

On my mind... Is when I'll be able to go and visit this place in Manila called "Divisoria" to purchase a nice green tree with DH

From the learning rooms... Some Math exercises for DS, and Filipino vocabulary words for DD

Noticing that... The air is getting cooler, making the surroundings feel more like Christmas

Pondering these words... Enoch walked with God; then he was no more, because God took him away. -- Genesis 5:24

From the kitchen... Chicken with Peas, Sinigang Soup, and Mixed Vegetable Saute

Around the house... I can hear my DD finishing her bath in the shower

One of my favorite things... Is sitting on my computer and feeling the cool December air fill up the whole room

From my picture journal...


Thanks to Peggy for allowing me to take part in The Simple Woman's Daybook. Blessings and have a great week, everyone!

In The Midst Of Affliction

Dear God,

Eversince becoming a Christian, I always try to be joyful in the hope that I have found in You, and I have been faithful in prayer, Lord. Yes, sometimes, I do fall and fail, and forget about Your goodness. But always, I go back to You, in Your loving arms, and long for Your welcoming kindness and grace...

It's having to be patient in affliction that is hard, Lord. When I hurt, or feel discouraged, I want the pain to stop immediately -- not after I learned the lesson I need to learn... not after I said or committed the wrong things... Affliction may mean a lot of different things to one person. It may mean despair, hard times, hopelessness, or even sickness. I want to learn how to be in the middle of these things without cracking up, Lord.

Like for instance, I don't mean to snap at the kids. You know that, Lord. Their enthusiasm for life sometimes becomes an irritant to me. Especially that I have Diabetes. Admittedly, having the Type 2 kind can also be very debilitating and limiting. Even their little accidents make me grit my teeth and bite my lips to keep me from yelling. That shouldn't happen, but it does at times.

As I learn to rest in You, Lord, please, please, please renew me. Please, in the mighty name of Jesus, give me the ability I need to be patient, no matter what trouble is around me, and no matter what ails me. Let my joyful hope and my faithful prayers build up my patience as I strive to become the Mom You intended me to be.

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Romans 12:12

Keeping His Commandments

Dear God,

I know that in this life, what really counts is that I have great respect and reverence for You and that I try my best to obey Your commands. If I do that, I won't go wrong, and that includes being a great Mom to both my DS and DD. Lord, You have given me a lot of instruction and guidelines on parenting, and it makes me feel confident to follow You because I am certain that You know what is best for me and my kids. Thank You for constantly seeing the need to include parenting in Your word. Moms like me can always look back and get the assurance that what we apply to our children is right.

You law is fully packed of other ideas that are not specific to parenting, but they can (and should!) also be used in how we raise our kids. Please help me, Lord, to fear and obey You in all areas of my life, for that is in truth, my whole duty in life.

Now all has been heard;
here is the conclusion of the matter:
Fear God and keep his commandments,
for this is the whole duty of man.
Ecclesiastes 12:13

A Mom's Comforting Arms

Dear God,

You have made a mother's tender, loving comfort to be a beautiful and clear illustration of the comfort You extend to Your children. My desire is to live up to that picture...

All these years, and throughout my growing up days, I cannot really begin to count the many number of times You have wrapped and enveloped Your loving arms around me. You have calmed me in the middle of so many fears. A lot of times You have drawn me near to You when I am faced by sorrow, loneliness and tears, and You have given me lasting assurance when I experienced great disappointments in life.

Lord, I want to do the same for my DS and DD. In this harsh world, I know that there will be many opportunities to offer comfort to my children. Please help me to always be there for them to comfort them as You comfort me.

As a mother comforts her child,
so will I comfort you;
and you will be comforted over Jerusalem.
Isaiah 66:13