Friday, January 29, 2010

Taking Care Of My Worries


Dear God,

As I go over my quiet time Word for today, I realize that the psalmist, David, had so much tremendous faith in You. It is quite hard to imagine not being afraid when a person has enemies or detractors like the wicked and powerful ones that David had. But he remembered that his strength and salvation were in You alone.

Lord, as a Mom, I often find myself afraid. I worry about the things my DS and DD will face in this world. I get concerned that I really don't know how to be a good Mother; or I'm not also sure if my best is good enough. There are so many things that tempt me to fear.

Please forgive me in my weakness, Lord. Please help me to remember always where my strength and salvation come from. Give me a heart like David's -- a heart that is always after Yours. Help me to say it along with him, "Whom shall I fear... Of whom shall I be afraid?" Thank You, Lord.

The LORD is my light and my salvation—
whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid?
Psalm 27:1

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Tea Talk Time #4



1. I'm having... Take-out iced tea that I find too sweet but refreshing.

2. I'm feeling... Happy because the house is again in order (no more carpentry mess).

3. On my mind... A beach party just for the four of us on Gina's 8th birthday in April (hehe, 3 mos. from now!)

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


Thanks Ruth for the refreshing Tea/Coffee Break! God bless you more, my friend!

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

I Need Wisdom


Dear God,

Without a doubt, and despite being a Christian since the mid-90's, I still need wisdom. Each day I am faced with a lot of decisions for which I have no solid, concrete answers. Like for instance, I have to make discipline choices when dealing with the kids... Or I have to decide if DS or DD need to go see their Pedia when they get sick, or if my gut feel of treating them as a Mom would suffice... I wonder how I should dress my kids -- whether they should wear shorts, but be prone to insect bites, or be in pants sans the cool weather in Manila... Or is the latest toy or computer game safe for them...? May be trivial for some people, but I know You don't think that way, Lord...

And then comes the much harder, more thought-provoking, long-term questions -- such as what method of education is best for my family...? And these are questions mainly about my DS and DD... They don't even touch on other important decisions yet. We also have family decisions, like, will we travel out of the country this year, or the next...? Or, how can we have quality time together despite our busy schedules...? And how much money can we save...?

Lord, it all seems very overwhelming to me. I truly need Your help in this. Please grant me the abundant wisdom You have promised, and help me to rest in the knowledge that You will guide me in everything (whether in shallow times or otherwise), everyday. Thank You, Lord.

If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God,
who gives generously to all without finding fault,
and it will be given to him.
James 1:5

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Real Victory


Dear God,

There are times when I do not feel victorious. Even if I know that You have saved me a long time ago, I don't feel as if I have truly overcome the world. Instead, the world seems to weigh down and press close to me, temptations, problems, and troubles abound. My faith seems very weak -- not the type of faith that might bring victory.

But as I pray and ask for enlightenment, I begin to realize, Lord, that You don't say our faith will overcome IF we feel up to it. You say that everyone born of You will overcome. Those are two different things and I must always keep that in my heart. I can teach my DS and DD this principle: That real victory does not depend on how we feel; rather, it comes from knowing You and depending on Your power and might.

By that I can stand up and shout, "VICTORY!" Yes, Lord, in You I have the assurance of victory. The whole world does not stand a chance. I have read and know the entire story, and in the end all evil will be thrown down. You alone will reign victorious. I praise You, Lord.

For everyone born of God overcomes the world.
This is the victory that has overcome the world,
even our faith.
1 John 5:4

Monday, January 25, 2010

The Simple Woman's Daybook #13


FOR TODAY... Jan. 25, 2010

Outside my window... The sun is high, but the weather is not too hot, praise God!

I am thinking... Of all the exciting activities we can share as a family when summer vacation starts.

I am thankful for... Last night's wedding of DH's best friend, and how DD walked the aisle, all smiles as a pretty flower girl.

I am wearing... A pale yellow shirt-dress with Adam and Eve cartoon figures printed on it. =)

I am remembering... That I have to fix some more additional stuff in our newly renovated children's bedrooms.

I am going... To reward myself with a tall glass of Dark Mocha Frappe from Starbucks after working on DS's and DD's bedroom fixtures completely.

I am reading... The Joy of my Heart by Anne Graham Lotz

I am hoping... That the coming summer months would not be as hot as last year's, because lately, we have been successful in saving on aircon usage at home; our electricity bill dropped down to a more reasonable figure, ptL!

On my mind... Our Valentine's Day present to both kids -- a Maltese puppy that DH and I bought from a breeder last week! (We can get it though, after her 3rd vaccine shot)

From the learning rooms... Seven to eight-figure Addition and Subtraction exercises for the children.

Noticing that... DS and DD are happy in their new rooms, but they need to learn how to fix their beds properly upon waking up.

Pondering these words... He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. -- Revelation 21:4

From the kitchen... Chicken ala King, Sotanghon Soup, and Bean Sprout Vegetable Rolls.

Around the house... DH is busy reading his emails on his laptop...

One of my favorite things... Furry little toy dogs who like to hang around with people, like my Shih Tzu dogs when they were still alive.

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!

Friday, January 22, 2010

Through Your Word


Dear God,

More often than not, lazy people always want things handed to them. They want life to be easy and smooth, and they want to get everything they need. They simply don't want to work for anything. To my shame and confession to anyone who will come to read this, I am that way sometimes.

But through Your Word, I get understanding and enlightenment. It says that to have the knowledge I need, I must work at learning. Without studying Your Word I will not be able to understand what You want for me, Lord. Your Word directs me. And tells me where I should go, what I should do with my life.

How can I show my DS and DD Your ways unless I teach them from the Bible? They have to learn the very basics just as I have -- Working is good; being lazy is not acceptable.

Lord, please help me to be diligent in understanding You and your precepts. Please give me a continuous desire , and an unquenchable thirst to know You better, so that I may also help my children know and follow Your Word as they grow up to be beautiful in Your eyes.

I gain understanding from your precepts;
therefore I hate every wrong path.
Psalm 119:104

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Tea Talk Time #3



1. I'm having... A big glass of take-out iced tea (even so, it still tasted good and perked up my morning after bringing the kids to school!)

2. I'm feeling... Happy because room renovations for DS and DD are over and done! PtL both kids are joyful for having a bedroom to call their own.

3. On my mind... A Valentine's Day gift for the kids (a Maltese puppy perhaps...)

Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers,
and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD.
Proverbs 16:20


Thanks Ruth for the refreshing Tea/Coffee Break! God bless you more, my friend!

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

With My Whole Heart


Dear God,

I always want to trust You. And I want to be able to give all my cares to You and learn to walk away from them, but oftentimes I fail. I start to reason out with myself. And then I begin to feel afraid and next to that doubt creeps into me. I grab back all my cares, worries and concerns, as if I am more capable and trustworthy than You. It's as if I want to "help" You do it for me, Lord, and then things get messed up because I tried doing things on my own strength and will. My steps become unsure.

Please forgive me, Lord. I don't want to be like this. I want to trust You COMPLETELY -- with my DS and DD, with my life, everything!

Letting You have the reigns and total control is easy to say and so hard to do. I feel like I am walking in the dark, not knowing which way You are leading me.

But I realize that doesn't matter, though. Because I know I can trust You with my whole heart. You alone are worthy. So I give it all to You, Lord.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding.
Proverbs 3:5

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Thank You Lord


Dear God,

As I sit down and savor Your Words for me today, I think of all the things that I have so much to be thankful for... My family, a home, the grace and salvation You have given me... My list is actually endless.

Lord, I pray that I will never fail to praise and thank You for the many blessings You have given me. I also pray that my children, my future grandchildren, and each successive generation from them will know and understand that all the glory and honor belongs to You. For without You we would be nothing, and would have nothing.

Thank You for Your unconditional love and constant faithfulness to us... For making us Your people... For being a great and loving Father to us... And for allowing us to be the sheep in Your pasture... Thank You for allowing us to serve such a great, mighty and powerful God!

Then we your people, the sheep of your pasture,
will praise you forever;
from generation to generation
we will recount your praise.
Psalm 79:13

Monday, January 18, 2010

The Simple Woman's Daybook #12


FOR TODAY... Jan. 18, 2010

Outside my window... I can hear the birds chirping endlessly and it makes me happy hearing nature sounds like this.

I am thinking... Of what other things should we improve in the children's new rooms to make it more comfortable for them.

I am thankful for... God's provision for minor renovations at home to provide DS and DD their own private spaces.

I am wearing... A plain pink cotton shirt-dress.

I am remembering... Friday 'til Sunday's huge mess when the entire house was filled with clutter and carpentry stuff because we renovated two rooms for my DS and DD.

I am going... To thoroughly clean and vacuum the house after all the renovations are done.

I am reading... Nothing at the moment; will have to put everything in place first, and clean, clean, clean the house! =)

I am hoping... That the kids will continue to love their new separate rooms and enjoy sleeping on their new beds too.

On my mind... A tall glass of Dark Mocha Frappe from Starbucks.

From the learning rooms... Exercises on Multiplication and Division for both kids.

Noticing that... Gina needs a bedrail to prevent her from falling off her bed at night!

Pondering these words... Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know. -- Jeremiah 33:3

From the kitchen... Beef with Cheese, Egg Drop Soup, and Sauteed Mung Beans.

Around the house... Only the chirping of the birds are keeping me company, and I like it because some alone time like this can also be enjoyable.

One of my favorite things... A happy DS and DD in their new separate rooms! =)

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!

Friday, January 15, 2010

Protecting My Kids From Corruption


Dear God,

There are a lot of temptations facing my DS and DD in today’s world – stuff like drugs, smoking, drinking, foul language, extramarital and illicit worldly activities, a whole lot more one could think of... When they both become teenagers, I also know that peer pressure will be stronger and more dififficult to resist. Satan is seductive and inviting as he will always try to lead Your children away from You.

At this point in their young lives, I want to start praying for protection for my kids, Lord. I cannot be with them all the time. I can only try, in my presence, to instill godly values to them, and arm them both with the spiritual armor they need. But the enemy is a big deceiver. So I ask that You send Your Spirit with them, whenever, and wherever they go, especially while in school – being at work or play... Please always bring to their minds Your Words spoken to them in their quiet times each day. Keep them both from being corrupted and lead them always back to Your truth.

Lord, as I remember Abraham’s obedience when he placed Isaac on the altar of sacrifice for You, I also place my DS and DD before You. Please continue to protect them, Father. And thank You for keeping them in Your care.

But I am afraid
that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent's cunning,
your minds may somehow be led astray
from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.
2 Corinthians 11:3

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Tea Talk Time #2



1. I'm having... Iced tea with lots of ice cubes in it. What a cool way to jumpstart my morning!

2. I'm feeling... Refreshed and better because the flu bug is starting to say goodbye to my body, praise God.

3. On my mind... Minor renovations around the house as we prepare to give our DS and DD a separate room of their own; praise God both are excited!

And the devil, who deceived them,
was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur,
where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown.
They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever.
Revelation 20:10


Thanks Ruth for the refreshing Tea/Coffee Break! God bless you more, my friend!

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Praying For Diligence


Dear God,

It is a nice day, even though I am still a bit under the weather. As I ponder on Your words this morning, I realize that You don't really want me to nag or lecture my DS and DD constantly on Your ways, but I thank You because I am able to fit in little bits of truth, no matter what we are doing, especially around the home.

I know that there are numerous comparisons to Your statutes in our everyday, daily life, Lord. Please continue to help me see those things and convey them in a real way to my kids. At times, my kids are eager to learn; other days they appear as though they aren't listening. And still again many times, I'm the one who gets tired and choose to let it pass. Of course, I always want to make You an exciting and interesting topic in the household. Lord, please give me many creative ideas as we take walks even in the busy mall, fix or clean up some things around the house, do schoolwork, or just simply when we engage in our everyday routines.

Your ways are always awesome, God... Teaching my kids can be a burden in my life, or a refreshing, delighful responsibility. I know that the choice is up to me. And I continue to pray that it will be a delight for all of us.

Impress them on your children.
Talk about them when you sit at home
and when you walk along the road,
when you lie down and when you get up.
Deuteronomy 6:7

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Being Co-Heirs With Christ


Dear God,

I feel blessed and joyful. Because to be called Your heir -- the living God, the Maker of the entire universe -- leaves me awed and amazed to be called a joint heir with Christ Jesus, the Saviour and Messiah for all like me who believe. This is one wonderful promise that is almost too much to understand and grasp in my finite mind.

In the middle of suffering or disappointment, I sometimes forget about the gift You've given me. I have the tendency to always focus on myself. Then I overlook who You are and what You are doing for me. It is even harder when someone in my family is suffering or unhappy. My discomfort is then increased. And my focus on You is blurred.

But I want to keep my eyes on You, Lord. The suffering You endured for my sake makes my trials look like nothing. Please help me look forward to the promise, and not to forget the temporary troubles I have now.

Now if we are children, then we are heirs —
heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ,
if indeed we share in his sufferings
in order that we may also share in his glory.
Romans 8:17

Monday, January 11, 2010

The Simple Woman's Daybook #11


FOR TODAY... Jan. 11, 2010

Outside my window... The sun is shining but I feel gloomy because today Mom goes back to her home in NJ.

I am thinking... Of Mom, and when we can have a trip to the US again to see and be with her or vice versa.

I am thankful for... The time my children and I were able to spend with Mom even for a short two weeks.

I am wearing... A pink house shirt with Tinkerbell on it.

I am remembering... The happy times my DS and DD shared with my Mom shopping for toys in the mall with her. =)

I am going... To wait for Mom's call to inform us they've arrived safely back in NJ.

I am reading... The same book still -- The Joy of My Heart by Anne Graham Lotz for my daily devotions.

I am hoping... To be able to spend more quality time with Mom especially that she's already in her sunset years.

On my mind... Is a safe and comfortable flight for Mom and stepfather back to NJ.

From the learning rooms... Nothing yet until tomorrow, when the kids will be back to school!

Noticing that... As I grow older, family relationships become more important on my list.

Pondering these words... "They will be mine," says the LORD Almighty," in the day when I make up my treasured possession. I will spare them, just as in compassion a man spares his son who serves him. -- Malachi 3:17

From the kitchen... Left-overs from last weekend's food tripping with Mom.

Around the house... The kids are playing and I am resting as I am down with the flu.

One of my favorite things... The sight of Mom and my DS and DD bonding together.

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!

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Tea Talk Time #1


This new meme is created by my friend, Ruth, and I am excited to join every Thursday. It is a great way to calm your nerves as you take time to enjoy a cup of tea (or coffee) in the midst of our weekly (Mothering) grind. I invite you to join Ruth in this new meme!

1. I'm having... Hot black coffee with sugar substitute; I just looove brewed coffee and the aroma it leaves in the entire household!

2. I'm feeling... A bit sad because Mom and stepfather will be back in NJ this Monday (Jan. 11th). Two weeks is so short when you are in the company of people you love most.

3. On my mind... The things I will be doing after Mom leaves. That signals the end of my holiday break.

My comfort in my suffering is this:
Your promise preserves my life.
Psalm 119:50


Thanks Ruth for the refreshing Tea/Coffee Break! God bless you more, my friend!

Monday, January 4, 2010

The Simple Woman's Daybook #10


FOR TODAY... Jan. 4, 2010

Outside my window... We are up for a vacation in Baguio City (the summer capital of the Philippines) and I see the tall and fragrant Pine trees from our room; the mountain air is so cool and relaxing, and the ravens are nesting on top of the Pine branches.

I am thinking... Where else to bring my Mom and stepfather for another great tour of the City of Pines.


I am thankful for... The blessings my family and I will receive this 2010 from God.

I am wearing... A light yellow printed top, jeans, socks and sneakers -- not to forget the light jacket to protect me from the cold breeze once you get outside the hotel.

I am remembering... To do this blog entry so I would not miss this Monday's Daybook update.

I am going... To bring the kids out for strawberry picking at the Strawberry Farm later.

I am reading... The Joy Of My Heart by Anne Graham Lotz for my daily devotions this 2010.

I am hoping... To spend bonding times with my Mom, and likewise, for her to be able to create wonderful memories with my DS and DD.

On my mind... A big bowl of fresh Baguio lettuce with Caesar salad dressing, parmesan cheese, croutons and bacon bits all over it.

From the learning rooms... DS and DD are still on vacation mode at the moment; until next Monday after Mom and stepfather leave for NJ again.

Noticing that... Baguio is now very polluted in the city; so much unlike the days when I was little and I could walk with my parents along Session Road without having to cover up my face.

Pondering these words... If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you -- John 15:7

From the kitchen... None at the moment as we are out on holiday vacation; eating out and trying out great foodfare in this cool mountain province is a must =)

Around the house... The doors and windows are locked in our Manila home, and no one is around, except for a visit from my trusty, old cleaning lady, who by this time, may be changing sheets and cleaning nooks and crannies all around it.

One of my favorite things... Freshly picked plump and juicy strawberries straight from the stem to the mouth!

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!

Friday, January 1, 2010

♥♥ The Source Of My Strength This 2010 ♥♥


Dear God,

As I look back at the past year, I had some days that were hard ones. Those were the days when I felt like I woke up on the wrong side of the bed. Or those moments when I felt like the weight of the world was pressing on me, and I could not handle it well at all.

Seemed like most of the things that happened around me in '09 did not function well. The kids had arguments and fought often. DH and I had a lot of bleak moments ourselves. Some friends who I thought were friends weren’t what they seemed to be. I felt persecution and indifference in some of the areas and places where we belong. And some days passed when I was not able to have a chance of spending good quiet times with You. Those times, I felt so weak, my health pulled me down and I felt helpless.

Times like that happen to everyone, I know, and aside from that consoling thought, the one that truly gives me comfort and rest is when You quiet my spirit, Lord.

This 2010, I will revel in the times when You will let me close my eyes for a moment and experience Your healing touch. I know that my very strength comes from You, and not from any other source. I will listen to You more as You calm me and keep me anchored in You and Your spirit, so I will not be dismayed by all that’s happening around me.

Thank You, Lord. As I rest in You more this New Year, I also know that my family’s attitude will be different. What a blessing You are to us.

It is God who arms me with strength
and makes my way perfect.
Psalm 18:32