Protected From Fear

Dear God,

You alone are my shield... You go before me, and follow me wherever I go. You also surround me with your protection and care. With You I have nothing to fear. Many times I think -- who am I to deserve such a blessing from You...? But I know that at times, I am also a big whiner. Yet, You respond to me by taking good care of my family and me. Not once did You ever falter or hesitate. Your hands and arms are always wide open.

Lord, I would like to understand the good, right kind of fear. I am in constant awe of You, but teach me how to revere You as You deserve. This way I could pass this on to my DS and DD. Your Word says that perfect love casts out fear. And only by abiding in You all the time do I find perfect love.

Thank You, Father, because as I pray today, I could see the anxiety fading away. Peace once more covers my house and home. Despite the outer flurry or distress of many things surrounding our normal, everyday lives, my family and I will fear only You and be delivered.

After this, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision:
"Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.
Genesis 15:1

Tea Talk Time #8

1. I'm having... Lemon Iced Tea; refreshing on a very hot, summer day! Am taking it in a tall, paper cup glass ala Wendy's. =)

2. I'm feeling... Excited for DH's and DS's Father and Child Camp tomorrow!

3. On my mind... DH's opportunity to minister and disciple other Dads as he leads them during devotion time in the eco-park /camp site tomorrow afternoon.

But so that you may know that the Son of Man
has authority on earth to forgive sins...
Then he said to the paralytic,
"Get up, take your mat and go home."

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

Faith Like Moses' Parents

Dear God,

As I ponder on the life of Moses, I realized that You have given me a great example through his parents. They were faced with the terrible command of terminating young children, but both knew that You had a plan for their child and that You would help them go against the king in that wicked time and situation.

Lord, I know that You also have a special plan for my DS and DD. Please help me to have that kind of faith Moses' parents had. I don't actually face the same situation they have battled years ago (thank You, God!), but there may be people around me who would have me go against Your Word in the way I choose to raise my family. Please give me the strength, Lord, to stand strong and to abide in Your Word always. Lastly, please assist me in providing an environment that will allow my kids to realize the plan You have for them.

By faith Moses' parents hid him
for three months after he was born, because
they saw he was no ordinary child, and they
were not afraid of the king's edict.
Hebrews 11:23

Pattern Of Christlikeness

Dear God,

I truly belong to You... Deep in my heart, I know it, and have told others about it. By that, I only want each and every aspect of my life to show that truth. With your help, guidance, and assistance, my life can be a beautiful pattern for my DS and DD to follow and emulate as they grow up. Through You, Lord, I can live a life that is pleasing not only to You but to other people as well. I only pray, that You will allow my life to be an example that will encourage and uplift my family, friends, and even other people to come to You. I know it will be hard if I do it on my own, but with You I know that nothing is difficult, nothing is impossible...

Lord, it would be a joy for me to stand up in Your presence and to hear You say that my life had been a rich, colorful and wonderful pattern of Christlikeness that You were glad to have others see and follow. That would be a goal to achieve someday as I am still Your work in progress. Please help me reach that goal, and allow You to be the Potter of my life forever.

In everything set them an example by doing what is good.
In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech
that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.
Titus 2:7-8

The Simple Woman's Daybook #17

FOR TODAY... Feb. 22, 2010

Outside my window... The sun is starting to set, and I just love its orangey-yellowish, golden hue!

I am thinking... Of God's goodness in our lives, and the blessings He continuously showers upon me and DH.

I am thankful for... God's great blessings to my children, and the talents He Has given them both.

I am wearing... A pale yellow shirt-dress with an Adam and Eve cartoon design on it.

I am remembering... To prepare the school clothes of my DS and DD, as tomorrow is a school day (Today is a national holiday in the Philippines.)

I am going... To let the kids sleep early tonight so they won't have a hard time waking up early tomorrow.

I am reading... DH's Valentine's Day gift to me -- The Message Bible.

I am hoping... That rain would start pouring in the Philippines. El Nino is giving the farmers in the provinces a really tough time, and a lot of crops are dying and drying up.

On my mind... Rain that will bring back life to crops and vegetation in the provinces.

From the learning rooms... Math, Vocabulary and Spelling exercises for both kids.

Noticing that... The summer came early this year. Our AC needs to be turned on once the kids come home from school. They couldn't stand the afternoon heat in the bedroom.

Pondering these words... Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. -- John 17:3

From the kitchen... Spaghetti and Tacos, yum!

Around the house... Ds and DD are busy doing their play activities. Nice to see both of them quietly doing the things they love to do. This is better than seeing them argue over trivial things, lol!

One of my favorite things... A big, tall glass of Wendy's Iced Tea.

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!

★★ Beautiful Blogger Award ★★

Judy, from Benmakesten gave this Beautiful Blogger Award to me today. I am very much honored to receive this, as the one who gave it is an admirable peson, whose strength and commitment as a Mother of 10 spans the universe. Thanks, Judy, you are one amazing blogger Mom-friend!

As a recipient of the Beautiful Blogger Award, one must:

- Add a link and a note of thanks to the person giving the award
- Pass the award on to 15 bloggers whose blogs you have recently discovered that you love
- Share 7 things about yourself

So here goes the 7 Things about myself that I want to share with you: (They're randomly thought of)

1. I am a Filipina with two loving children and one great husband, but whose entire family (meaning my Dad, Mom & Stepdad, Sister & Bro in law) resides in the US of A.

2. I am a Type 2 Diabetic, who tries hard to manage it well because I love to eat good food, adore sweet food, and can live on potato chips with dip daily. =)

3. I became a Christian when I was in College -- through a friend from Campus Crusade for Christ. Since then, I discovered, that life can, after all, be a worthwhile journey IF you go through it with the Lord, and allow Him to hold and maneuver the reins for you.

4. I love books and love to read and collect inspirational ones, including Bibles. Just recently, DH gifted me with The Message Bible and I just love this version! I like the way it "speaks" to me in modern, everyday, conversational language.

5. As much as I love kids and teaching, I also love dogs, and treat them as part of the family.

6. I've shared it before, but would like to share it again -- I pray to become the Proverbs 31 woman someday. I know I am a seemingly endless work of art, and a certified (God's) work in progress. I know one day I will get there and trust that God will help me achieve this goal.

7. I love coffee, and the aroma it leaves in the whole household when DH and I share a mug or two. Given the choice, I would take a barrel of coffee everyday. But for health reasons, a mug or a cup should be fine. =)

I now send this Beautiful Blogger Award to the following 15 bloggers, whose blogs I have recently discovered and have been enjoying immensely ---

1. Doylene @ A Gracious Home

2. Ruth @ Celebrate Friendship

3. Ann @ The I-Sisters

4. Anni @ Hootin' Anni's

5. Pia @ Pia's Journal

6. Kathy @ Blooming in Suburbia

7. Joyce Marie @ A Fistful of Dandelions

8. Audrinna @ Audrinna's World

9. Gae @ Cherished Hearts at Home

10. Amber @ Amber Waves of Grain

11. Tamara @ Branch of Wisdom

12. Jo @ Little House by the Railway Line

13. Katia @ My Cup Overflows

14. Buff @ My Daybook

15. Patricia @ Pausing to Consider

Congratulations to each of you! May God continue to bless us all through this bond called friendship. =)

Your Promise Of Forever

Dear God,

As my DS and DD grow older, their worlds grow larger too, and eventually they get exposed to a lot of things new to them. As a Mom, I know that at this day and age, my kids are exposed to different false religions -- perhaps in school, via different forms of media, and even so in the family, when the whole clan gets together!

Everyday, and I guess because the world has truly evolved, -- I hear about tolerance and the need to accept each other's faith and beliefs. More so, with all those differences being "promoted" around, it is hard to separate the truth at times. And all I want is for my children not to doubt the truth...

Lord, I thank You for the verses You have shown me today. With that I can show my DS and DD that we serve a living, and loving God -- not one who was here for a short time and then died the next. Because You conquered death. And You alone hold the keys to hell and death. By that we have no need to fear either one.

Forever -- Lord, what encouragement there is in that simple but big word! By that we are reminded that we have all eternity to spend with You in heaven. I thank You for this wonderful gift. Thank You for being the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last. Amen. =)

When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead.
Then he placed his right hand on me and said:
"Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last.
I am the Living One; I was dead,
and behold I am alive for ever and ever!
And I hold the keys of death and Hades.
Revelation 1:17-18

Tea Talk Time #7

1. I'm having... Another tall glass of ice cold water with my breakfast. This isn't my normal afternoon tea break, but it is worth jotting down. Funny because we've been into tall, plastic Halloween glasses lately. Am taking my water in a red-colored glass with black bats all around it. =)

2. I'm feeling... Blessed and thankful for God's care and concern about my family's daily needs.

3. On my mind... Summer vacation!

But now in Christ Jesus
you who once were far away
have been brought near
through the blood of Christ.
Ephesians 2:13

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

Disciplining As God Does

Dear God,

I want to thank You for setting an example for me everyday as a Mom. I admit, there were many times when I did not listen to You. Or the times when I have done what I myself wanted to do. But You have always humbled me. It hurt me, Lord, but I surely learned a valuable lesson from You.

When I discipline DS or DD, of course it is not an easy or fun task for me. Sometimes, I want to be more lenient and easy, even when it should not be. And more so, there are times when I want to be firmer and stricter with them when I should not be! Lord, please help me to keep the seriousness of the sin in my mind. I need to remember that I also needed rebuke. Give me the compassion along with the strong stand I need to take on this concern.

When the discipline and correction is over, always remind me to give them a warm hug, a cheerful pat, or the loving assurance that it is not them that I reject -- but the sin or mistake they have committed. I want to be able to always tell them how much I love them, just as You demonstrate Your love for me when I do something wrong in Your eyes.

Know then in your heart that as a man disciplines his son,
so the LORD your God disciplines you.
Deuteronomy 8:5

Thank You For Your Assurance

Dear God,

As I immerse myself in Your Word this morning, I suddenly realize that You just gave me an amazing promise. Eversince motherhood became part of my life, I always want to be there for my DS and DD. But I also know that there will be a time when I won't be around them... It is comforting to know that even if I am physically away, You will never leave them, just as You have never left me. Thank You, because I know You will never turn Your back on any of us, no matter what we say or do.

Lord, please help me rejoice in the time I have with my family today. I don't want to burden myself in worrying about what might happen in the future. I want to savor and enjoy this chance to nurture and cherish the many blessings You have given me. Thank You so much that I can be content -- not longing for what I do not have or possess, or looking for something more to gratify my wants. I can surely rest in the promise and assurance that You are here NOW and will be in the FUTURE.

Keep your lives free from the love of money
and be content with what you have,
because God has said,
"Never will I leave you;
never will I forsake you."
Hebrews 13:5

The Simple Woman's Daybook #16

FOR TODAY... Feb. 15, 2010

Outside my window... The cool night air fills the room and the breeze is so relaxing. Summer nights are always cool, praise God.

I am thinking... Of the beach for our summer vacation.

I am thankful for... The many blessings given by God not only to me and DH, but also to DS and DD.

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

I am remembering... That last summer, the kids took up advanced Math classes in school. This year, we will hit the beach!

I am going... To grab a bag of potato chips and share it with DH later.

I am reading... DH's Valentine's Day gift to me -- The Message Bible. Thank you Lord, for giving me DH...

I am hoping... We could go out of town this summer; maybe to the far South, like Cebu...

On my mind... Dental appointment for the kids' routine teeth cleaning (prophylaxis), DS's eye doctor, and dropping by my Endocrinologist for my Type 2 D.

From the learning rooms... High School Math reviewer for DS, and some Fraction exercises for DD.

Noticing that... The summer arrived early this year and we frequently open the AC to combat the heat at home.

Pondering these words... Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke them. Then he gave them to the disciples to set before the people. -- Luke 9:16

From the kitchen... Take-out KFC and homemade Potato Salad -- both leftovers from yesterday's little celebration of V-Day at home.

Around the house... Milkshake the pup is sleeping soundly under our bed, her chew toys scattered all around her.

One of my favorite things... Lots of laughter by the children when they play with our Maltese puppy, Milkshake.

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!

♥♥ God Is Love ♥♥

Happy Valentine's Day To All!

God's love is meteoric,
his loyalty astronomic,
His purpose titanic,
his verdicts oceanic.
Yet in his largeness
nothing gets lost;
Not a man, not a mouse,
slips through the cracks.
How exquisite your love, O God!
How eager we are to run under your wings.

Psalm 36:5-7
The Message

Thank You Lord, for all that You have done for us. We are forever blessed by Your love to us through Your Son, Jesus Christ.

Tea Talk Time #6

1. I'm having... Hot black coffee with Equal -- refreshing even on a warm summer's day. Am taking it in a simple, white styro cup, with popsicle stick stirrer. No more washing for me! =)

2. I'm feeling... Happy because Milkshake, our new 3 month old Maltese puppy is such a joy to be with in the family! She just arrived in our home last Monday. =)

3. On my mind... Milkshake's vaccine and well-puppy visit to the vet tomorrow. I'm like a new Mom again! Gina tells everyone that Milkshake is her baby sister, lol! =)

Wait for the LORD;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the LORD.
Psalm 27:14

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

The Simple Woman's Daybook #15

FOR TODAY... Feb. 8, 2010

Outside my window... The sun is shining brightly; summer is slowly making its presence felt!

I am thinking... Of our new Maltese puppy; she will be home later this afternoon -- DS and DD are very excited (so is the new pet Mom!)

I am thankful for... DS's GOLD MEDAL from yesterday's Chess Tournament. It is his 2nd tourney and now he got the Gold. PtL for His awesomeness!

I am wearing... A printed pink house-shirt with Mini Mouse on the pocket.

I am remembering... How God helped my DS in his tourney. He told us that he prayed 3x during the last tough match, and haggled for 3rd place. God gave DS the Gold instead. His opponent was a 16 yr.old boy, and DS is just 11. He beat the other one in 73 moves.

I am going... To dress up after this post and get ready to pick up our new Maltese puppy from the breeder.

I am reading... Dogs of the World by Walter R. Fletcher

I am hoping... That this new puppy will be easy to paper train around the house.

On my mind... Where to buy Holistic Recipe Puppy Dog Food for our newest family member. Previous owner says that is what the puppy eats...

From the learning rooms... Kids are gearing up for a Field trip on Friday!

Noticing that... Everyday, the summer's heat becomes unbearable, especially during noontimes and afternoons.

Pondering these words... Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. -- Matthew 7:24

From the kitchen... Chicken with Peas, Chicken Sinigang, and Fresh Vegetable Spring Rolls

Around the house... DS and DD are excited in getting dressed because we are gonna pick up our Maltese puppy today!

One of my favorite things... Seeing DS rely on God's power and might when he asks help from Him especially during his recent Chess Tourney last Saturday and Sunday!

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!

I Like To Make A Difference

Dear God,

I know that giving (even a little bit of) compassion goes a long, long way. There are times when I think that all I need is a hug to make me feel better. I am sure that other people out there who will come to read what I am writing feel the same way. It's obvious that my DS and DD often do.

Last Sunday, my DD got a little hurt during stretching exercises in her Ballet class. I was watching from the studio outside, and could have easily told her to just sit and rest a few minutes, and she would be okay. Physically that might have been true, but she would only have become more frustrated. What a joy it was for me to be able to sit with her, comfort her, and to see the healing powers of a Mother's compassion. After a while she was able to recover.

Lord God, sometimes compassion is all a person needs to gain strength. Please help me make a difference, as I pray that I will always be ready to offer it freely, with a giving heart, especially to my children.

Be merciful to those who doubt...
Jude 1:22

Tea Talk Time #5

1. I'm having... The best drink in the world -- ice cold water! =)

2. I'm feeling... Thankful for God's blessings and provisions.

3. On my mind... DS's Chess Tourney this Saturday; hope he wins again.

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth,
for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away,
and there was no longer any sea.
Revelations 21:1

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

Blessings For DS and DD

Dear God,

Your Words are truly packed with so much promises. Today for my quiet time with You, I claim the one from Isaiah 44:3. Because it is my heart's desire to see my DS and DD be filled with the Holy Spirit. I want them to joyfully serve You and be able to experience all the blessings that You want to shower upon them.

Lord, as I claim Your promise this morning, please continue to draw my family closer to You. Please fill our house with Your presence and help us always make it into a home. Fill our hearts with Your love as well, so that we may also be able to give much love to one another. In turn, help each one of us -- DH, Myself, together with our DS and DD, to realize the importance of also being able to bless other people. You have given us so much and never fail us, and provide for our daily needs; but still, each day, we need to be drawn closer to You. Please continue to instill that longing and desire within our hearts. And thank You for Your many wonderful blessings.

For I will pour water on the thirsty land,
and streams on the dry ground;
I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring,
and my blessing on your descendants.
Isaiah 44:3

I Don't Want To Be A Fool

Dear God,

The very last thing I want is to be a fool. But honestly, I must admit, that in my anger sometimes, or just when I blow my top and lose my patience, I've made my foolishness clear on more than one occasion.

Lord, I don't like to be angry with my DS or DD... Surely, some of the things that they do need to be corrected (especially my DS), but there is a right and godly way -- or a wrong way to handle this. I know that the choice is mine... I guess the old saying, "Two wrongs don't make it right" could be well applied in cases like so. My lashing out (often with my tongue) does not counteract or correct their mistakes, but only confirms my own foolishness. My very behavior says that hasty anger and quick temper is an appropriate response when something upsets me, and it doesn't demonstrate how to properly handle frustration. Lord, please guide me, to correct my kids without becoming angry... I confess I am more often than not, quick in getting angry, and I become judgmental and hard on them. Lord, I do not want to succumb to the evil one's temptation for me to forget Your Words and fall... I ask for Your help in helping me guard myself so I won't be a fool...

Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit,
for anger resides in the lap of fools.
Ecclesiastes 7:9

The Simple Woman's Daybook #14

FOR TODAY... Feb. 1, 2010

Outside my window... I can see the clouds and the clear blue-white sky and it makes me praise God for his artistic hands.

I am thinking... Of how else can I show my love to my DH, and to honor God for giving him to me.

I am thankful for... All the blessings that God has been providing for us in the family.

I am wearing... A pale blue shirt-dress with Tweety on it.

I am remembering... To go see my doctors again for my Type 2 Diabetes.

I am going... To strive hard to come close to be like the Proverbs 31 woman, and ask God to help me each day as I wake up and keep her in my mind.

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

I am hoping... That we will have a FUNtastic summer vacation!

On my mind... Nothing but the Proverbs 31 woman.

From the learning rooms... Dividing a Fraction by a Whole Number for DD, and the Decimal Checkerboard for DS.

Noticing that... The weather is a bit getting warmer during the day, but nights are still cool these days.

Pondering these words... My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. -- John 10:27

From the kitchen... Beef Steak, Beef Nilaga Soup, and Chopsuey Vegetables

Around the house... Our cleaning lady is busy returning the vacuum cleaner back to its hiding place.

One of my favorite things... Windy days and gentle sunshine around me.

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!