Thanks to Shawntele of Saved by Grace, for this wonderful meme. There won't be Monday blues for me again because my week starter will be filled with melodies for the Lord!
I worship our God this Holy Week through this wonderful song and video.
Thank You, Lord, for EVERYTHING that You have done for us. You have clearly worn the crown of thorns so that we could wear the crown of life.
I rejoice this coming Easter and Forever!
We rode into town the other day, Just me and my daddy, He said I'd finally reached that age, And I could ride next to him on a horse, That of course was not quite as wide...
We heard a crowd of people shouting, And so we stopped to find out why, And there was that man, That my dad said he loved, But today there was fear in his eyes...
So I said "Daddy, why are they screaming? Why are the faces of some of them beaming? Why is He dressed in that bright purple robe? I'll bet that crown hurts Him more than He shows... Daddy, please can't you do something? He looks as though He's gonna cry... You said he was stronger than all of those guys, Daddy, please tell me why? Why does everyone want him to die?"
Later that day the sky grew cloudy, And Daddy said I should go inside, Somehow he knew things would get stormy, Boy was he right, But I could not keep from wondering, If there was something he had to hide...
So after he left I had to find out, I was not afraid of getting lost, So I followed the crowds, To a hill where I knew men had been killed, And I heard a voice come from the cross...
And it said, "Father, why are they screaming? Why are the faces of some of them beaming? Why are they casting their lots for My robe? This crown of thorns hurts me more than it shows Father, please can't You do something? I know that You must hear My cry... I thought I could handle the cross of this size, Father, remind me why? Why does everyone want Me to die? Oh, when will I understand why?"
"My precious Son, I hear them screaming, I'm watching the face of the enemy beaming, But soon I will clothe You in robes of My own, Jesus, this hurts Me much more than You know, But this dark hour I must do nothing, Though I've heard Your unbearable cry... The power in Your blood destroys all of the lies, Soon You'll see past their unmerciful eyes, Look there below, see the child, Trembling by her father's side... Now I can tell You why, She is why You must die..."
When I heartfully think that You truly are the most high God, I cannot help but rejoice in You. It is only because of Your unfathomable love that I live and breathe. It is only because of Your genuine care that I was placed into a family who loves me deeply. It is Your infinite goodness that has given me my own DH, DS, and DD to nurture. And it is Your marvelous grace that took me into Your arms and made me Your child, belonging to Your wonderful family.
Lord, praising You and rejoicing in You must be the highest on my priority list. Proclaiming and declaring Your love to others must never be lacking or last in my life. Thank You that I am able to rejoice in You.
I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High. Psalm 9:2
1. I'm having... Ice-cold water over brunch with DH. Refreshing on a summer mid-morning. =)
2. I'm feeling... Happy that summer vacation is in the house, and that DS just finished his successful 11th Piano Recital, and DD, her fun Pop Dance performance, both last Saturday. (You may see both videos in my Daybook #21)
3. On my mind... To plot DS's and DD's summer activities, so as not to create overlapping of time skeds this season. =)
You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness. Romans 6:18
I have a question in my mind which comes up every now and then, and finally I'd like to ask You now --- Why is it Lord, that even if I know that You are guiding and helping me, I don't seem to know the way...? I often get caught up in the many cares of the world. DS and DD are demanding attention even if they are not little brats anymore... There seems to be endless tasks to do at home, fixing healthy food to eat, managing my Diabetes... and then cleaning and putting order in the house and home can't seem to wait. Something always calls louder than the voice You are speaking in, yet I know that You are the one I need to listen to the most...
Sometimes I get discouraged when I don't know which way to go -- where You are actually leading and guiding me. Perhaps the problem is that I am not taking the time to truly hear what You are telling me... You are right behind me, God, telling me which way to turn. I want to be quiet and listen for Your guidance. Please always help me, Lord.
Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it." Isaiah 31:21
Outside my window... It's kind of cloudy for a summer's day. Weather reports said there's a low pressure area spotted but are not sure yet if it will go inside the vicinity of the Philippines... All I can say is that, we need some good amount rain to help the farmer's crops and vegetation in the provinces.
I am thinking... Of how good DS is with Piano already, praise God!
I am thankful for... Last Saturday's Piano Recital of DS and DD's Pop Dance show in a mall. God is the giver of talents so to Him we give back all the honor and glory.
I am wearing... A plain pink shirt-dress.
I am remembering... To remind the kids to always give thanks to the Lord for all His wonderful blessing of talents given to them.
I am going... To to do some grocery shopping for stock-up food in the kitchen.
I am reading... Teaching With Heart by Jody Capehart
I am hoping... It would rain even a bit this summer...
On my mind... My grocery shopping list...
From the learning rooms... Summer vacation officially started in our family last Friday, when classes ended for both kids!
Noticing that... Milkshake our 4-month old Maltese puppy is getting a bit naughty by sneaking up and destroying tissue paper from my side table!
Pondering these words... Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. -- John 14:1
From the kitchen... Chicken ala King, Sauteed Glass Noodles with Vegetables, and Fried Bean Sprout Rolls.
Around the house... I can hear DS playing the Piano, and DD playing with Milkshake.
One of my favorite things... Watching our collection of DVD movies with DS, DD, and DH, plus a big bowl of buttery popcorn on the side!
From my picture journal... I have two videos to share instead of my usual flower photos ---
(Friends, if I have my Mixpod music on, kindly turn it off for a while)
This is my dear son, M, playing two, four-hands (duet) pieces with his Teacher and Mentor, Mr. J.P., a Music professor at the University of the Philippines and Filipino composer. Last Saturday, on his 11th Piano Recital, M played "LA TOUPIE" (from Jeux d' Enfants) by Georges Bizet, and "RUSSIAN SAILOR DANCE" by Reinhold Gliere. M forgot to bow after performing, though, haha. Hope you like it...
And of course, my Daybook wouldn't be complete if my dear daughter, G's video won't be posted too! Here is her Pop Dance performance at the Shangri-La Mall also last Saturday afternoon. G is the 2nd girl in the front row, the one wearing the red scarf belt with white skirt, and the only one with a happy smile on her face while dancing! This is part of the Promil Kids "i- Shine! Talent Camp" promotional of Wyeth's latest Promil Milk campaign -- "Observe and Talent will reveal itself" slogan. Hope you enjoy this as well...
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *
Praise God from whom all blessings and talents flow.
Thanks to Shawntele of Saved by Grace, for this wonderful meme. There won't be Monday blues for me again because my week starter will be filled with melodies for the Lord!
Thank You, God, for loving me even if I am a sinner... That no matter what has happened or whatever else will happen, I will never lose my value or worth in Your eyes. And even if I am soiled or pure, wrinkled down or straightened up, I am still priceless to You. Thank You, because You keep me as the apple of Your eye... Thank You for always hiding me in the shadow of Your wings.
Who am I? That the Lord of all the earth, Would care to know my name, Would care to feel my hurt. Who am I? That the bright and morning star, Would choose to light the way, For my ever wandering heart.
Not because of who I am, But because of what You've done. Not because of what I've done, But because of who You are.
I am a flower quickly fading, Here today and gone tomorrow, A wave tossed in the ocean, A vapor in the wind. Still You hear me when I'm calling, Lord, You catch me when I'm falling, And You've told me who I am. I am Yours. I am Yours.
Who am I? That the eyes that see my sin, Would look on me with love, And watch me rise again. Who am I? That the voice that calmed the sea, Would call out through the rain, And calm the storm in me.
Not because of who I am, But because of what You've done. Not because of what I've done, But because of who You are.
I am a flower quickly fading, Here today and gone tomorrow, A wave tossed in the ocean, A vapor in the wind. Still You hear me when I'm calling, Lord, You catch me when I'm falling, And You've told me who I am. I am Yours.
Not because of who I am, But because of what You've done. Not because of what I've done, But because of who You are.
I am a flower quickly fading, Here today and gone tomorrow, A wave tossed in the ocean, A vapor in the wind. Still You hear me when I'm calling, Lord, You catch me when I'm falling, And You've told me who I am. I am Yours. I am Yours. I am Yours.
Whom shall I fear? Whom shall I fear? Coz I am Yours... I am Yours...
I want to thank You for Your Word. It teaches me and guides me how I should live. It brings joy and contentment to my days and gives strength and nourishment to my soul when I am weak and longing. Every morning Your Spirit leads me to read and ponder on something that You know I will need throughout the day. You always amaze me and never fail to give me an anchor to hold on to.
Lord, You instruct me to attend to Your word. As I read and meditate on it everyday, I realize that it is a constant reminder of Your love and faithfulness to me. I cannot ever doubt that You are always with me every waking or sleeping moment of my life, because You said You will never leave me nor forsake me. Your word in Psalm 115:14 also reminds me of how much You love my DS and DD, and that You have their best interests at heart. I pray that They will love and obey Your Word, and understand how truly very special they are to You and that You have something for each of them to meditate on each day. Thank You so much, Lord.
Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long. Psalm 119:97
1. I'm having... Brewed, black Columbian coffee with one sachet of Equal. As sophisticated as it sounds, am taking it in a simple, white styro cup. Doesn't alter the strong aromatic taste, though. =)
2. I'm feeling... Excited because DS will dissect a frog in his 5th grade Biology class this afternoon. Hopefully, there'll be no frantic frogs jumping around the lab, haha.
3. On my mind... Where we will go for a good swim this summer.
I rejoice in your promise like one who finds great spoil. I hate and abhor falsehood but I love your law. Psalm 119:162-163
Please forgive me. I've done it again. Most of the time my mouth overtakes my brain and I end up saying the things I shouldn't say. Just awhile ago I yelled at the kids again and said some cutting remarks out of frustration and exhaustion... I don't ever want to be this way Lord! Just how can I teach them godliness and gentleness when I often lose it like this??? God please, please mold me into a more godly woman and Mother.
I know this world with all its troubles and sorrows will one day pass away, so I shouldn't let the little incidents get to me like that so easily... The spills and a little food mess, some whining, forgetting to clean up after doing an activity, temper tantrums -- a hundred, thousand, million things wear on my nerves. But in the middle of it all, God, please give me the peace I need to be a godly woman -- and most of all godly Mother -- with meaningful, holy conversation. Thank You, Lord.
Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives. 2 Peter 3:11
Outside my window... The sun is shining brightly and the wind is blowing gently.
I am thinking... Of the last few days of classes and how the kids will spend their summer vacation.
I am thankful for... Little showers of rain that God sent the past week. Good for flora and fauna; and also for man! =)
I am wearing... A pale yellow shirt-dress with Adam and Eve cartoon designed on it.
I am remembering... To have my routine blood extraction done for my Diabetes check-up this coming Monday.
I am going... To have to lose weight again, *sigh*...
I am reading... Teaching With Heart by Jody Capehart
I am hoping... For more rain to fall so the summer heat will be a bit more bearable for the kids.
On my mind... DS's Biology activity this Thursday in school: Frog Dissection! (Am excited for him and for the whole class to experience this)
From the learning rooms... Exercises in Math and Spelling for both kids.
Noticing that... Traffic has lessened in the city because some private schools are finished with the schoolyear '09-'10, and students have already started their sumer vacation. DS and DD will end theirs this Friday, Mar. 19th. Summer, here we come!
Pondering these words... Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! -- 2 Corinthians 5:17
From the kitchen... Beef with Cheese, Egg Drop Soup, and Sauteed Mung Beans.
Around the house... Milkshake our 4 month old Maltese puppy is sleeping soundly under our bed, clean and refreshed from her (every Monday)bath time yesterday afternoon. =)
One of my favorite things... DS and DD having the time of their lives in a beautiful beach resort outside Manila.
Thanks to Shawntele of Saved by Grace, for this wonderful meme. There won't be Monday blues for me again because my week starter will be filled with melodies for the Lord!
If there is one thing I want to tell God this morning, that is to thank Him for always being there. As I pray and spend my quiet time with Him this morning, my heart is filled and flooded with emotion and I am renewed with comfort and reassurance from Him. Lord, You are always in control, and I am blessed that I have You in my life -- in all the seasons that came and went, my ups and downs, in need and plenty, all of the time.
Every evening sky, an invitation, To trace the patterned stars, And early in July, a celebration, For freedom that is ours, And I notice You, In children’s games, In those who watch them from the shade, Every drop of sun is full of fun and wonder -- YOU ARE SUMMER...
And even when the trees have just surrendered, To the harvest time, Forfeiting their leaves in late September, And sending us inside, Still I notice You when change begins, And I am braced for colder winds, I will offer thanks for what has been and what's to come -- YOU ARE AUTUMN...
And everything in time and under heaven, Finally falls asleep, Wrapped in blankets white, all creation, Shivers underneath, And still I notice you, When branches crack, And in my breath on frosted glass, Even now in death, You open doors for life to enter -- YOU ARE WINTER...
And everything that’s new has bravely surfaced, Teaching us to breathe, What was frozen through is newly purposed, Turning all things green, So it is with You, And how You make me new, With every season’s change, And so it will be, As You are re-creating me -- SUMMER, AUTUMN, WINTER, SPRING...
There are many people in this world who are needy. Many even lack the basic necessities of life, like food, clothing, and shelter. And there are also others who are lacking in time or friendship. So many different needs... so little people willing to help...
Lord, please open my eyes to the many needs of others, and guide me to reach out to them as You give and show me the opportunities. Help me, and allow me, to be a blessing to many.
As much as I could, I try to teach my DS and DD to share whenever they can. What better way for me to do that than to give both of them an example... Someday it will be me or one of my kids who will be in need... I have been through that situation many times, God, and You have been witness to those needy moments in my life. I thank You for helping me out, Father.
I would be much more content to receive help from others if I knew that when I'd have the chance I had reached out to them too. Please instill a generous spirit in me, Lord.
A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed. Proverbs 11:25
1. I'm having... Ice-cold Orange soda. Am taking it in my tall red Halloween glass with black bats on it. =)
2. I'm feeling... Happy because a few days ago it rained! And now as I type this, there are a few raindrops falling outside my window. Thank God for this wonderful blessing for us who live in the city, and for the farmers' crops and fields in the provinces.
3. On my mind... The excitement that classes are about to end, and summer vacation is almost here.
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21
You know I need Your gentle wisdom in every aspect of my life. I am so thankful and grateful because You always manage to give me the best. Many times my own imperfect wisdom leads me to deal with my DS and DD in ways that are not exactly gentle. It wouldn't make You at all proud of me, Lord.
Really, I don't want to do things my way. All I want is to be gentle with the precious lives You have entrusted in my hands -- even when I am tired, frustrated, or just plain impatient because of my Diabetes. I know that I can only do and achieve this through the perfect wisdom and great power that You offer.
Father, please lead me everyday to accept and apply the strength that You have offered so that I will truly have the gentle spirit that You intended me to have as a Mother. Thank You, that I don't have to do this on my own. And because I know that You are always there.
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. James 3:17
Thanks to Shawntele of Saved by Grace, for this wonderful meme. There won't be Monday blues for me again because my week starter will be filled with melodies for the Lord!
Thank you for another Monday. This is what my heart wants to tell God this morning. Yes Lord, You are my everything. You are my all in all.
You are my strength when I am weak You are the treasure that I seek You are my all in all I'm seeking You like a precious jewel Lord, to give up I'd be a fool You are my all in all
Jesus, Lamb of God Holy is Your name Jesus, Lamb of God Holy is Your name
Taking my cross my sin my shame Raising again I praise Your name You are my all in all When I fall down You pick me up When I run dry You fill my cup You are my all in all
Jesus, Lamb of God Holy is Your name Jesus, Lamb of God Holy is Your name
Jesus, Lamb of God Holy is Your name Jesus, Lamb of God Holy is Your name
You are my strength when I am weak You are the treasure that I seek You are my all in all When I fall down You pick me up When I run dry You fill my cup You are my all in all
Jesus, Lamb of God Holy is Your name, lets go Jesus, Lamb of God Holy is Your name
You said in Your Word that we have to love one another. And by that I stubbornly ask, "Everyone, Lord?!? No matter what?!?" In all honesty, and because I can talk to You openly as my heavenly Father, I am tempted to ask if You understand what You are asking. But of course, I know You do. After all, You loved me before I even knew You -- and when I still lived for the world, and in the world. How could I even doubt that You know what You are asking of me...?
Just as You have loved me (and I know the reason is NOT based on my actions, but because it is Your gift), -- I also need to love my DS and DD based on Your perfect example. They are blessings from You and worthy of my love and care -- even when their "human nature shines brightly" everyday.
I myself could not count the times I acted like a spoiled two-year-old. How many times have I been like that, Lord...? Only You have seen but NOT once did You count! Father, please fill me with Your unconditional, absolute, and total love, so that I may fulfill and obey Your law. May I always love like You love.
Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. Romans 13:8
1. I'm having... The coolest, slurpiest, iciest Mango shake ever. Perfect to quench my thirst and sweets-craving on a very hot Thursday morning. Am taking it in a large white take-out plastic glass with cover, complete with straw.
2. I'm feeling... Thankful for God's provisions and blessings in the family.
3. On my mind... DS's and DD's last day of school on the 24th, and their line-up of summer activities starting April.
In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. John 14:2
I always pray for my DS and DD, and I know that as a Mom, I should. But sometimes when I am faced with whining, nastiness, or arguments all day, I need to make sure I have first forgiven them completely. After all, it does seem rather conflicting to ask for Your blessings on them when my own heart doesn't exactly feel like blessing them...
I guess Lord, what I am asking from You is to give me a clean heart -- one that will have the proper, motherly attitude to both my kids. That way I will truly be able to forgive them, and I will have the right outlook when I pray for them. I cherish them very much, and want Your blessing on their lives, especially as they grow up. Please help us all, Lord.
And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins. Mark 11:25
Thanks to Shawntele of Saved by Grace, for this wonderful meme. There won't be Monday blues for me again because my week starter will be filled with melodies for the Lord!
This Monday morning, I just want to praise and worship God through this wonderful video. Lord, I thank You for the two children You have given me and DH.
Our children are His precious gifts to us. Someday, I pray that my DS and DD will use the talents and strengths God has given them to honor and glorify Him, and impart the love they have for God to my future grandchildren.
It's always been a mystery to me How two hearts can come together And love can last forever But now that I have found you, I believe That a miracle has come When God sends the perfect one Now gone are all my questions about why And I've never been so sure of anything in my life
I wonder what God was thinking When He created you I wonder if He knew everything I would need Because He made all my dreams come true When God made you He must have been thinking about me
I promise that wherever you may go Wherever life may lead you With all my heart I'll be there too From this moment on I want you to know I'll let nothing come between us I'll love what ever you love Now gone are all my questions about why And I've never been so sure of anything in my life
I wonder what God was thinking When He created you I wonder if He knew everything I would need Because He made all my dreams come true When God made you He must have been thinking about me
He made the sun He made the moon To harmonize in perfect tune One can't move without the other They just have to be together And that is why I know it's true You're for me and I'm for you Cause my world just can't be right Without you in my life
I wonder what God was thinking When He created you I wonder if He knew everything I would need Because He made all my dreams come true He must have heard every prayer I've been praying Yes, He knew everything I would need When God made you When dreams come true When God made you He must have been thinking about me
"Fifty years from now, it will not matter what kind of car you drove, what kind of house you lived in, how much you had in your bank account or what your clothes looked like. But the world may be a little better because you were important in the life of a child."
-- Anonymous
Followers
Friendship is Continuous
Hebrews 2:13
Hello and Nice to See you Here
Hello and nice to see you here... I am inviting you to sit and stay a while with me on my blog porch. Let us both feel refreshed, get to know each other, enjoy, savor, and smell the flowers... :)
I thank Gregory N. Robinson of Victoria, BC Canada, for all the flower images on this site. God bless you, Greg, as you continue to share your beautiful work on the web.