Friday, April 30, 2010

Resting In The Lord


Dear God,

There are moments when I just want to shout in anger at the unfairness that life has to offer. I often see in the news how many rich and prosperous people get away with all sorts of crime or misdealings. Am sure if I were the one to do the same, I would surely receive grave punishment. Times like these, I would ask, "How can people like that seem to get away with everything...?"

Then I would use that as a springboard to teach and remind my DS and DD -- I tell them that even though there may be so many times when these bad people think they have gotten away with some wrongdoing, You are watching, and they will all answer for their sins eventually. We all will, Lord, isn't it?

God, please help me not to judge, but to allow You to decide the fairness of things, situations, and all matters pertaining to life in this sinful world. Give me the patience -- to be able to rest and feel refreshed in You, and to wait patiently for Your return. I need You to help me to teach my kids to rest in You too.

Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him;
do not fret when men succeed in their ways,
when they carry out their wicked schemes.
Psalm 37:7

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Tea Talk Time #17



1. I'm having... Watermelon Shake! Can't resist having a second helping even if my T2-Diabetes wouldn't permit it. Oh well, this doesn't happen all the time... :)

2. I'm feeling... Happy because God brought in some rain today! The weather is a little cooler than past days where we had an almost 40 degree celsius climate. Praise God for His never ending goodness.

3. On my mind... Mother's Day and how I will make my Mom feel special even though she is on the other side of the globe (New Jersey, US of A). Perhaps a beautiful ecard from Dayspring will be on my list...

Do not be yoked together with unbelievers.
For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common?
Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?
2 Corinthians 6:14


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

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Reward Of Obedience


Dear God,

I have long realized that obeying You is truly a fulfilling experience. But I also discovered that the reward for obedience surpasses far beyond that feeling of satisfaction because it affects and touches more people in many ways than I could ever imagine. Thousands of years ago, you told Abraham that because of his obedience You would bless the whole Earth through his descendants.

I know that You are a God who never changes, but at the same time You are also an "up to date and modern" God. With that I just want to say, -- that I know You won't exactly use my DS and DD the same way You used Abraham, -- but I know that both of them can still be blessings to a lot of people around them.

Lord, I want to obey You in everything, and also lead my kids to obey You. Through our obedience to You, please help us to reach out to many people for your kingdom and glory. That, truly, is the greatest blessing. I am so thankful that obedience is rewarding.

...and through your offspring
all nations on Earth will be blessed,
because you have obeyed me.
Genesis 22:18

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

The Simple Woman's Daybook #26


FOR TODAY... Apr. 27, 2010

Outside my window... The full moon shines brightly. It is a warm evening, so I guess we need to open the ac before going to bed.

I am thinking... Of who will win as President in the upcoming national elections in my country come May 10th.

I am thankful for... God's never ending provisions for our family.

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

I am remembering... That I have to pay for next month's tuition in Ballet for my DD.

I am going... To my OB-Gyne this Thursday for a routine check-up.

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

I am hoping... That my country's next President will be honest, incorruptible and annointed by the Lord.

On my mind... This coming May 10 Presidential elections.

From the learning rooms... The kids are still on vacation. But they always read their Bibles before going to bed.

Noticing that... All presidential candidates are going all-out in their campaign sorties. There is only 2 weeks remaining before election time.

Pondering these words... For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. -- Romans 6:23

From the kitchen... Chicken Ala King, Tinola Soup, and Fried Vegetable Rolls.

Around the house... The kids are getting ready for bed.

One of my favorite things... Listening to worship songs, getting blessed by their lyrics, and sharing it here on my blog porch.

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!

Monday, April 26, 2010

Music Monday #9 ~ Unfailing Love


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 is one worship song that speaks of how much God truly loves us. Lord, thank You for Your unconditional love for us, and for endlessly looking after us in all that we do.



You have my heart
And I am Yours forever
You are my strength
God of grace and power

And everything You hold in Your hand
Still You make time for me
I can't understand
Praise You God of Earth and sky
How beautiful is Your unfailing love
Unfailing love

And You never change God You remain
The Holy One
My unfailing love
Unfailing love

You are my Rock
The one I hold on to
You are my song
And I sing for You

And everything You hold in Your hand
Still You make time for me
I can't understand
Praise You God of Earth and sky
How beautiful is Your unfailing love
Unfailing love

And You never change God You remain
The Holy One
My Unfailing love
Unfailing love

And everything You hold in Your hand
Still you make time for me
I can't understand
Praise You God of Earth and sky
How beautiful is Your unfailing love
Unfailing love

And You never change God You remain
The Holy One
My Unfailing love
Unfailing love

I will praise You
Praise you God of earth and sky
How beautiful is your unfailing love
Unfailing love

And You never change God You remain
The Holy One
My Unfailing love

Unfailing love
Unfailing love
Unfailing love
Unfailing love
Unfailing love


Saturday, April 24, 2010

♥♥ Happy Birthday DD ♥♥


Dear God,

Thank You for this special day. I remember eight years ago when I received this precious pink bundle from You which I started praying for after having the equally priceless blue bundle which was DS. Funny that just moments after receiving my DS from You, I immediately asked for the next one. You are just too good, Father. You have made it possible after three and a half years, and Your timing was of course perfect. Thank You for blessing me with my DD. She is the most wonderful daughter any Mom could ever have. Today as we celebrate her 8th year, we honor You and give back all our thanks and glory. I continue to pray for my her -- that someday, when we -- DH and I -- have gone back home to You, she will continue to live a life that is pleasing and acceptable to You. And that one day, when she becomes a professional ballerina, she will wow the world and say that all that she has become is because of You, and that every step she dances comes from her heart to Yours.

It always amazes me when I think of Your reasons for creating daughters and blessing us, Moms, with them. Perhaps You were thinking of little helpers for us? Or maybe You wanted Moms to have their own mini-me's? Oh but we have very limited imagination, and our power to reason does not transcend Yours. When DD turned one and we dedicated her to You, am sure You remember, Lord, when we gave away little glass-blown flowers in glass-blown vases? And I tucked-in tiny little scrolls with a pretty poem inside... I want to relive that moment, and include it all down here once again --

WHY GOD MADE LITTLE GIRLS


God made the world with its towering trees,
Majestic mountains and restless seas,
Then paused and said, "It needs one more thing..."
Someone to laugh, and dance, and sing.
To walk in the woods and gather flowers,
To commune with nature in quiet hours.

So God created little girls,
With laughing eyes and bouncing curls.
With joyful hearts and infectious smiles,
Enchanting ways and feminine wiles.
And when He'd completed the task He'd begun,
He was pleased and proud of the job He'd done.
For the world when seen through a little girl's eyes,
Greatly resembles paradise!


That poem, speaks of how truly wonderful and giving You are, Lord. You've made the world a sweeter place to live in because of little girls and daughters. With that I also want to add, that as my DD grows older, I pray for the Holy Spirit to always guide her, and help her in all of her life's decisions. And may she always walk in your ways, and allow You to always be a step ahead of her. I pray for a godly man to be her husband someday, someone who has Your heart and who will lead her closer to You, and someone who will also be a good father to my future grandchildren. When she was little, and I wore socks on her stubby feet, I would always utter a silent prayer that those two little feet will always walk in Your way. But as years gone by, and as she learned to dress herself up, I also pray that she will always discern the good from the bad, and preserve her purity until You bind her with her future husband.

So may things to pray for, and I know there would not be enough words to complete what my heart feels today. I trust You know what else is needed, Lord. Whatever words I failed to write, or failed to say, whatever thoughts of mine are forgotten and unsaid -- I trust You will take care of the rest. Thank You, Lord. I know You will hold my precious DD in Your hands, and she will always be the apple of Your eyes.

A daughter may outgrow your lap,
but she will never outgrow your heart.
~Author Unknown

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Tea Talk Time #16



1. I'm having... Coke Zero with lots of ice. It's 38 degrees today and you could perhaps fry an egg outside the house!

2. I'm feeling... Excited for my DD who's turning 8 this Saturday.

3. On my mind... A simple, but fun family bonding time on DD's 8th birthday. Thank You, Lord, for another year for my sweet, DD...

But in keeping with his promise
we are looking forward to a new heaven
and a new earth, the home of righteousness.
2 Peter 3:13


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

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

The Simple Woman's Daybook #25


FOR TODAY... Apr. 20, 2010

Outside my window... I see the beautiful beach and the kids swimming with DH.

I am thinking... That happy times like these should be shared more often than ever.

I am thankful for... Family times like this beach outing we are enjoying.

I am wearing... A plain white cotton blouse, black capri pants and flip-flops.

I am remembering... That DD will turn 8 this Saturday. How time really flies!

I am going... To thank the Lord all the time for His goodness.

I am reading... None at the moment as we are having a family beach outing to celebrate my DD's 8th birthday (this coming 24th).

I am hoping... That the kids won't have too much sunburn after 2 days swimming under the heat of the summer sun. =)

On my mind... Wonderful times like these with my DH, DS, and DD.

From the learning rooms... Summer vacation is still in the house!

Noticing that... Milkshake, our playful 5 mo. old Maltese is enjoying the beach by watching the kids swim and taking in the fresh, windy breeze that blows her white, fluffy hair!

Pondering these words... However, as it is written: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him" -- 1 Corinthians 2:9

From the kitchen... We just brought some chips, chocolates, and yummy cup noodles with us for snacking on the beach. =)

Around the house... No one is around the house coz we're having an overnight at the beach. Our cleaning lady though, surely dropped by the house yesterday, to clean her time away.

One of my favorite things... Outings like these with the kids and DH...

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!

Monday, April 19, 2010

Music Monday #8 ~ You Are Good


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!

Yes, You are good all the time. And all the time, You are good. =)



When the sun starts to rise
And I open my eyes
You are good, so good
In the heat of the day
With each stone that I lay
You are so good

With ever breath I take in
I'll tell you I'm grateful again
When the moon climbs high
Before each kiss goodnight
You are good

When the road starts to turn
Around each bend I've learned
You are good, so good
And when somebody's hand
Holds me up, helps me stand
You are so good

With every breath I take in
I'll tell You I'm grateful again
'Cause its more than enough
Just to know I am loved
And You are good

So how can I thank You?
What can I bring?
What can these poor hands
Lay at the feet of a King?
I'll sing You a love song
It's all that I have
To tell You I'm grateful
For holding my life in Your Hands

When it's dark and it's cold
And I can't feel my soul
You are so good
When the world is gone gray
And the rain is here to stay
You are still good

So with every breath I take in
I'll tell You I am grateful again
And the storm may swell
Even then it is well and You are good

So how can I thank You?
What can I bring?
What can these poor hands
Lay at the feet of a King?
I'll sing You this new song
It's all that I have
To tell You I'm grateful
For holding my life in Your Hands

I'll sing You a love song
It's all that I have
To tell You I'm grateful
For holding my life in Your Hands
You holding my life in Your hands...


Friday, April 16, 2010

The Future Of My Family


Dear God,

No matter how a little confusing Your Word for me today is, I realize that Paul is talking about a spiritual family in my quiet time message. But as I read and meditate, and study about it more, I guess I could apply it to my own family life as well. It makes me stop and think, because as I look at some families today, I somewhat see a pattern that does not seem to coincide with Your Word. Kids reach adulthood, and parents quit becoming parents. It makes all the more of me wonder -- do some parents believe that there is nothing they could do more, once their children become grown adults...?

Lord, please help and guide me in how I should be truly, and deeply involved in the lives of my DS and DD. Because while they are still young, I want to instill and plant in them the very basics of Your Word, and show them both how to apply and use Your Word in their daily, everyday lives -- be it in school, home, elsewhere... I guess that is the best investment DH and I could come up with for our children's future. And then as they grow up, reach the springtime of their youth, and become mature adults, please remain a faithful, steadfast, and helpful God in helping me and DH build on Your teachings by continuing to set the right example to them, praying for them still, being there for them still, and caring for them still.

...children should not have to save up for their parents,
but parents for their children.
2 Corinthians 12:14

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Tea Talk Time #15



1. I'm having... A glass of cold water to perk me up on this lazy afternoon. Don't know if it will rain, but am sure a few showers will help freshen up things a bit this summer season.

2. I'm feeling... Happy that I will be teaching high school freshmen this coming June... Thank You, God, for this wonderful gift.

3. On my mind... Beach time with DH, the kids, and Milkshake next week!

Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate
for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple
of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jews.
With Pilate's permission, he came and took the body away.
John 19:38


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

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

A Heart That Serves


Dear God,

You know, from my quiet time message today, I somehow feel that it looks like an inheritance I might not really want, haha... Because the way the Earth is today does not make the gift very appealing. But I understand fully well that this promise is only for those who will inherit the Earth with Your Son, Jesus, and when You establish Your kingdom here. You do not want someone involved in Your heritage or legacy who thinks that she has to be in charge all the time. You want someone full of humility --- someone with a servant's heart...

Most of the time, as a Mom, I definitely need a strong but gentle reminder that what I should be is a servant. I often get so focused in the need to maintain order and system in the home, which makes me completely forget what is truly important: To meet the real needs of my family. Please give me a servant's heart, Lord.

Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
Matthew 5:5

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

The Simple Woman's Daybook #24


FOR TODAY... Apr. 13, 2010

Outside my window... It is a moonless evening, but the night air is filling up all the rooms, and we are happy the summer breeze is making us cool and comfy.

I am thinking... Of the latest blessing I received from the Lord --- teaching Freshman Filipino (language subject) this coming schoolyear in June!

I am thankful for... God's love and faithfulness to me and my family. I will be teaching freshman high school this coming June.

I am wearing... A printed pink shirt-dress with hearts on it.

I am remembering... DD's 7th birthday in Disneyland HK last year. Time flies fast... she's turning 8 on the 24th...

I am going... To praise God all my life and hope others will see God in me too.

I am reading... The Relationship Principles of Jesus by Tom Holladay

I am hoping... We could go to the beach and spend the night there with the kids and Milkshake next week!

On my mind... Things to do this summer vacation...

From the learning rooms... It's summer vacation and we are all enjoying doing random things at the moment.

Noticing that... Summer nights are mostly cold nights these days...

Pondering these words... The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it. -- John 1:5

From the kitchen... Pizzahhhhhh!

Around the house... DS and DD are busy playing their kid-games on their laptops, all three rooms are quiet, and so I am happily answering my Daybook in peace. (DH is in the bathroom taking a shower) =)

One of my favorite things... Hugging fluffy, soft, hairy dogs like our 5 mo. old 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!

Monday, April 12, 2010

Music Monday #7 ~ Gratitude


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!

For whatever it is that comes our way, we thank You always. Because your ways and thoughts are always higher than ours, and You know what is best for us...



Send some rain, would You send some rain?
'Cause the earth is dry and needs to drink again,
And the sun is high and we are sinking in the shade,
Would You send a cloud, thunder long and loud?
Let the sky grow black and send some mercy down,
Surely You can see that we are thirsty and afraid,
But maybe not, not today,
Maybe You'll provide in other ways,
And if that's the case...

We'll give thanks to You, with gratitude,
For lessons learned in how to thirst for You,
How to bless the very sun that warms our face,
If You never send us rain...

Daily bread, give us daily bread,
Bless our bodies, keep our children fed,
Fill our cups, then fill them up again tonight,
Oh wrap us up and warm us through,
Tucked away beneath our sturdy roofs,
Let us slumber safe from danger's view this time,
Or maybe not, not today,
Maybe You'll provide in other ways,
And if that's the case...

We'll give thanks to You, with gratitude,
A lesson learned to hunger after You,
That a starry sky offers a better view, if no roof is overhead,
And if we never taste that bread...

Oh, the differences that often are between,
Everything we want and what we really need...

So grant us peace, Jesus, grant us peace,
Move our hearts to hear a single beat,
Between alibis and enemies tonight,
Or maybe not, not today,
Peace might be another world away,
And if that's the case...

We'll give thanks to You, with gratitude,
For lessons learned in how to trust in You,
That we are blessed beyond what we could ever dream,
In abundance or in need,
If You never grant us peace...

Jesus, would You please...


Friday, April 9, 2010

Loving My Lord


Dear God,

I know that it is important for me to love my DH, DS and DD, as well as other people, but it is even more important that I love You, Lord. Of course, I realize that if I truly love You the way that I am supposed to all other aspects of my life, including love for others, will fall into place.

Thank You for Your promise to preserve me if I love You, Lord. I know that this is an eternal promise. What more incentive do I need to pursue a right walk with You? Besides, I also understand that Your promise to destroy the wicked is equally eternal. How much better it is to love You and spend eternity with You than to be wicked and eternally destroyed!

Please keep me in the right path, Lord...

The LORD watches over all who love him,
but all the wicked he will destroy.
Psalm 145:20

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Tea Talk Time #14



1. I'm having... Ice cold water on a hot day like this. We're (not so happily) waiting for an announced 3-hour power failure today, but still hope our area won't be affected...

2. I'm feeling... Excited for our La Luz Beach Resort trip by the end of this month -- for DD's 8th birthday wish.

3. On my mind... Bringing Milkshake, our soon-to-be 5-month old Maltese puppy with us to the beach! Pets are allowed, and we are looking forward to going on an outing with her.

The angel who talked with me
had a measuring rod of gold to measure the city,
its gates and its walls.
Revelation 21:15


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

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Feeling Like You've Forgotten Me


Dear God,

There are times, when I feel like You've forgotten me. I don't feel Your very presence, I can't even see Your guidance. It's pretty much like walking alone in the misty dark of night.

But Lord, this passage You have given in my quiet time today goes on to tell me that though a mother might forsake her child, You will definitely not forget me. Because I am engraved and carved on the palms of Your hands. I've begin to realize the truth that the Maker and Creator of the whole universe holds me in His mighty hands... How could I ever let those weird feelings of being forsaken overwhelm me...? I'm so sorry, Lord.

Forgive me Father, for all those times when I have doubted Your love. Touch and close my eyes, hold my hands, and let me know that You are there. You are leading, guiding, and loving me, no matter what my emotions say, or whenever they carry me away from You. Thank You for being always with me, Lord.

But Zion said, "The LORD has forsaken me,
the Lord has forgotten me."
Isaiah 49:14

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

The Simple Woman's Daybook #23


FOR TODAY... Apr. 6, 2010

Outside my window... The sun is warm and it makes us want to open the a/c...

I am thinking... Of DD's new Ballet school which she says is better than the last.

I am thankful for... God's provisions and the love that He always has for my family.

I am wearing... A pink printed shirt-dress with little hearts and Pooh on the pocket.

I am remembering... Last Sunday's Easter Quail Egg Hunt that we gave the kids at home. No matter how they've grown (a bit), they still want to have this fun activity every year.

I am going... To start dieting and buy brown rice for our meals.

I am reading... The Message Bible given by DH last Valentine's Day.

I am hoping... The sun would be a bit more friendly on our skin this summer as we plan on hitting the beach on DD's 8th birthday!

On my mind... KFC! Still the best chicken on the planet!

From the learning rooms... Summer, summer, summer vacation is very much in the house!

Noticing that... My DS is almost as tall as I am now!

Pondering these words... I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. -- John 10:11

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

Around the house... DS and DD are happily playing with Milshake, our Maltese puppy.

One of my favorite things... Doing random things at home with the kids this summer!

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!

Monday, April 5, 2010

Music Monday #6 ~ I Am


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 honor and bless God with this song. I thank the Lord, because He is always The Answer in my life. Everything that concerns me is His concern. Eversince learning how to pray and from vivid childhood memories of long ago, God was always there to pick me up. May it be a small, tiny speck of trouble in my life, or a big, tough, insurmountable one, God is always beside me all the way... To hold me. To assure me. To guide me. To save me. Thank You so much, Lord.



Pencil marks on a wall,
I wasn't always this tall,
You scattered some monsters from beneath my bed,
You watched my team win,
You watched my team lose,
You watched when my bicycle went down again...
And when I was weak,
Unable to speak,
still I could call You by name,
And I said “Elbow-healer, Superhero, come if You can...”

And You said, “I am...”

Only sixteen, life is so mean,
What kind of curfew is at ten pm,
You saw my mistakes,
You watched my heart break,
Heard when I swore I’d never love again...
When I was weak,
Unable to speak,
Still I could call You by name,
And I said, “Heartache-healer, Secret-keeper, be my Best Friend...”

And You said, “I am...”

You saw me wear white,
By pale candlelight,
I said forever to what lies ahead,
Two kids and a dream,
With kids that can scream,
Too much it might seem when it’s two am...
When I am weak,
Unable to speak,
Still I will call You by name,
“Oh Shepherd, Savior, Pasture-maker, hold on to my hand...”

And You say, “I am...”

The winds of change,
And circumstance blow in,
And all around us,
So we find a foothold that’s familiar,
And bless the moments that we feel You nearer...

And life had begun,
I was woven and spun,
You let the angels dance around the throne,
And who can say when,
But they’ll dance again,
When I am free and finally headed home...
I will be weak,
Unable to speak,
Still I will call You by name,
“Creator, Maker, Life-sustainer,
Comforter, Healer, My Redeemer,
Lord and King, Beginning and the End..."

"I am, yes, I am..."


Sunday, April 4, 2010

♥♥ Happy Birthday DH ♥♥

Dear God,

Thank you for my DH.




To Y,






May the Lord continually bless you
with heaven’s blessings
as well as with human joys.
Psalm 128:5
TLB

♥♥ Happy Easter Everyone ♥♥

To all my wonderful friends in Christ ---








He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.
Matthew 28:6

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Tea Talk Time #13



1. I'm having... Clear soda with lots of ice. Taking it with DH this Thursday evening as a light midnight snack. =)

2. I'm feeling... Blessed for the gift of life and grace that God has allowed us to receive from Jesus' death on the cross.

3. On my mind... Jesus' passion, death and resurrection, and how loved and blessed all of us are in this world we live in.

Forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
Matthew 6:12


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