Tea Talk Time #30

1. I'm having... Sugar-free Pineapple juice, and it's so refreshing!

2. I'm feeling... Good and okay. :)

3. On my mind... Loving my DS and DD more. :)

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
John 1:10
Thanks Ruth for the refreshing Tea/Coffee Break! God bless you more, my friend!

The Simple Woman's Daybook #39

FOR TODAY... July 27, 2010

Outside my window... Dark and a bit showering...

I am thinking... Of spending a great weekend with the kids and DH.

I am thankful for... God's unconditional love and provision.

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

I am remembering... To finish making my students's long exam for next week!

I am going... To buy a pizza for DS and DD this weekend.

I am reading... Luke 19 for the Bible study I lead with my co-teachers every Monday.

I am hoping... I could make God known to my co-teachers more, and let them experience the love He freely offers to each one of us.

On my mind... Loving my children more.

From the learning rooms... Science exercises for DS.

Noticing that... Milkshake, our 8 mo. old Maltese is already big, but still cute!

Pondering these words... For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock. -- Psalm 27:5

From the kitchen... Lasagna!

Around the house... Kids are sleeping, but DH and I are having midnight snack -- potato chips with soda!

One of my favorite things... Alone time with 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!

Music Monday #22 ~ More

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 wonderful song is about how God loves us so much; we are always the apple of His eye and nothing can change that, ever. He made everything around us, and we are His most precious creation. Lord, you are so good, and we don't deserve your mercy and grace, yet You give it to us freely and without condition. You are simply awesome.



Take a look at the mountains
Stretching a mile high
Take a look at the ocean
Far as your eye can see
And think of Me

Take a look at the desert
Do you feel like a grain of sand?
I am with you wherever
Where you go is where I am

And I'm always thinking of you
Take a look around you
I'm spelling it out one by one

I love you more than the sun
And the stars that I taught how to shine
You are mine, and you shine for me too
I love you yesterday and today
And tomorrow, I'll say it again and again
I love you more

Just a face in the city
Just a tear on a crowded street
But you are one in a million
And you belong to Me

And I want you to know
That I'm not letting go
Even when you come undone

I love you more than the sun
And the stars that I taught how to shine
You are mine, and you shine for me too
I love you yesterday and today
And tomorrow, I'll say it again and again
I love you more
I love you more

Shine for Me
Shine for Me
Shine on, shine on
Shine for Me

I love you more than the sun
And the stars that I taught how to shine
You are mine, and you shine for me too
I love you yesterday and today
And tomorrow, I'll say it again and again
I love you more

Than the sun
and the stars that I taught how to shine
You are mine, and you shine for me too
I love you, yesterday and today
Through the joy and the pain
I'll say it again and again
I love you more
I love you more

And I see you
And I made you
And I love you more than you can imagine
More than you can fathom
I love you more than the sun
And you shine for me

Children Are From The Lord

Dear God,

From the minute I was informed by my doctor of each little child growing inside my womb, I instantly knew that each child was from You. How could I ever doubt, or even forget, that such miracle of life could come from any other source but You?

As DS, and three years later, DD, entered this world, I could not help but praise and thank You for this wonderful gift You granted me. Through the many joys and many struggles of motherhood, I have been able to rest and marvel in the truth that these kids are indeed from You, and because of Your goodness and grace, I have received them both. Thank You, Lord, that in Your most perfect timing and plan, You've given me beautiful children whom I probably don't even deserve. Thank You for allowing me to become a mother, that the experience of being one makes me complete and fulfilled. That is truly a gift from You.

Adam lay with his wife Eve,
and she became pregnant and gave birth to Cain.
She said, "With the help of the LORD
I have brought forth a man."
Genesis 4:1

Tea Talk Time #29

1. I'm having... Lemon Green Tea in my blue Corningware mug. I'm into tea now! :)

2. I'm feeling... Happy that I am a highschool teacher.

3. On my mind... Losing more weight so I will be able to manage my Diabetes well.

"...but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die."
Genesis 2:17
Thanks Ruth for the refreshing Tea/Coffee Break! God bless you more, my friend!

Refraining From Anger

Dear God,

I have to honestly admit -- my quiet time for today seems like an impossible command to obey. Like, I have some ideals set in my mind about how my DS and DD should act and behave, or how much time my DH and I should spend together, and so on and so forth... so much more...

When things go the other way, or when things just don't happen the way I planned them to be, I break and snap. And I am aware that You can see me take my anger out on aything and everything. Lord, my plans might actually be reasonable, but I know that does not give me an excuse to be so upset when unexpected interruptions occur.

I also realize that You would not have told me to "refrain from anger" if You did not expect me to do it... And just as with other seemingly impossible tasks, I know that You will give me the strength I need when I need it. Thank You, God.

Refrain from anger and turn from wrath;
do not fret--it leads only to evil.
Psalm 37:8

The Simple Woman's Daybook #38

FOR TODAY... July 20, 2010

Outside my window... Dark and cloudy, but a bit humid...

I am thinking... Of what to eat this weekend with DH and kids.

I am thankful for... God's faithful provision for all of us.

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

I am remembering... To give a quiz to my students this Thursday.

I am going... To market this Saturday.

I am reading... The NIV Bible, and am making some notes for leading my Bible Study group in school this Friday.

I am hoping... I could share the Word of the Lord effectively to my co-teachers.

On my mind... Food! Lol! :)

From the learning rooms... Math and Science exercises for both kids.

Noticing that... Although it rains, the weather can still be warm and humid...

Pondering these words... O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water -- Psalm 63:1

From the kitchen... Beef Nilaga Soup and sweet Pineapple chunks for dessert.

Around the house... DH and DS is watching AXN Beyond, and DD is reading her 5th book of Charmseekers by Amy Tree.

One of my favorite things... A big, pizza oozing with gooey, stringy, Mozarella cheese.

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!

Music Monday #21 ~ You Are My Hiding Place

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 Lord, for keeping us safe and under the shelter of Your wings. In You we are free from any harm and danger. We rejoice because You are our refuge, our strength, our mighty deliverer, our fortress in times of affliction...



You are my hiding place
You always fill my heart
With songs of deliverance
Whenever I am afraid
I will trust in You...

I will trust in You
Let the weak say
I am strong
In the strength of the Lord...

You are my hiding place
You always fill my heart
With songs of deliverance
Whenever I am afraid
I will trust in You...

I will trust in You
Let the weak say I am strong
In the strength of the Lord
I will trust in You...

I Trust In You

Dear God,

Those three words are so familiar, I often hear myself whisper that especially in prayer. I even remember, that as a child in an exclusive all-girls school, I would memorize those words in Religion class. The nuns in my old school who were also my teachers taught me to apply them to childhood fears I might face: thunderstorms, darkness, doctor's injections, sleeping alone in your own room, and so much more. I guess some of us look at this as a scripture just for kids.

I certainly want my DS and DD to begin applying this principle while they are still young, Lord, but at the same time I want them also to fully understand that they can carry it with them into adulthood...

It helped me, when I went from a sheltered Catholic highschool to a big university, -- that was almost 20 years ago, -- where I met You (or You found me!), and eventually You became Lord of my life. Because those words were deeply impressed as it rooted in my heart, it gave me strength as I entered the fast-paced life of being in a career driven world. It also encouraged me when I embarked on the marriage journey. And it gave me boldness to totally slow down my pace as I entered the lifelong responsibility of motherhood.

I trust in You, Lord. Those words are so power filled. I commit myself to applying them daily.

When I am afraid,
I will trust in you.
Psalm 56:3

Tea Talk Time #28

1. I'm having... "Sago at Gulaman" -- To my foreign friends and sisters in the Lord -- Sago at Gulaman (translated as Sago and Gulaman), is a sweet and flavorful, iced drink popular in my country. Sago is translated as tapoioca pearls, and Gulaman is simply jelly.

I would welcome additional comments here from our gracious host and good friend, Ruth, who am sure, misses this drink, haha. Dear Ruth, help! I could not possibly describe this beverage accurately. :)

2. I'm feeling... Excited for my class tomorrow.

3. On my mind... How much I've lost weight (Yes! and I praise the Lord!)

So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ
that we might be justified by faith.
Galatians 3:24
Thanks Ruth for the refreshing Tea/Coffee Break! God bless you more, my friend!

Help Me Speak With Wisdom

Dear God,

I have heard of the saying, "It is better to remain silent and let people think you are a fool than to open your mouth and prove it." There is somehow a lot of truth in that quotation, Lord... And You also said something like that in Your Word.

I am ashamed and embarrassed to admit it, but I often forget these truths. I oftentimes speak before I think, and the words that come out from my mouth are anything but wise... Simply said, they are words not filled with life! Sometimes my DS and DD think it is strange (or funny, according to my DD) when I am so preoccupied with something, that my responses to them make no sense at all. I guess that's only one example of speaking before thinking... And then sometimes, I realize that what I say to other people is hurtful -- even when I am talking to the kids or DH. I am aware of that later on, Lord, and I begin to feel guilty because Your Word says that I have to be gracious, even in my words...

I pray that my DS and DD will be wise enough to think first, and then speak. Please help me be their example, Lord.

Words from a wise man's mouth are gracious,
but a fool is consumed by his own lips.
Ecclesiastes 10:12

The Simple Woman's Daybook #37

FOR TODAY... July 13, 2010

Outside my window... Blue-Indigo-ish skies with cool, breezy, and refreshing air. God has answered our prayers -- it is raining outside, praise God.

I am thinking... If there would be school tomorrow because weather reports say there might be a typhoon coming to Manila...

I am thankful for... The rain.

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

I am remembering... Not to forget to stick to my vegetables and protein diet.

I am going... To try my best to bring down my weight -- but only with God's help can I only do it successfully.

I am reading... Your Best Life Begins Each Morning by Joel Osteen.

I am hoping... I would lose weight to improve my glucose level and be healthier by the end of this year.

On my mind... If my students did not forget to do their homework for tomorrow. :)

From the learning rooms... Science exercises for DS, and Math for DD.

Noticing that... Rainy days are starting to come, and I like it.

Pondering these words... In all their distress he too was distressed, and the angel of his presence saved them. In his love and mercy he redeemed them; he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old. -- Isaiah 63:9

From the kitchen... A light, Roast Chicken and Lettuce Salad, and Egg Drop Soup for me.

Around the house... We are about to eat supper...

One of my favorite things... Rainy, cool evenings like this!

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!

Music Monday #20 ~ A Mother's Prayer

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 the first time that I've heard of this song, and instantly I felt a connection to it. It is a song that echoes the love and prayers I have from the deepest corners of my heart, straight to my DD. I know that perhaps many of you have heard or listened to this song, and I hope that as it continues to be passed around over the net, it would continue to inspire Mothers like me, to allow God to work His ways on our children, receive His tremendous blessings, and for us to nurture the children God blessed us with to grow up beautiful in His eyes.



A Mother’s Prayer (HANNAH’S SONG)

Verse:
My sweet baby on loan from above
No better treasure could I more love
I stand here beside your bed as I pray
I lay my hand on your head and I say:

Chorus:
May you grow up to serve Him
all of your days
May He lead you and guide you
in all of your ways
May His hand bless your future with
friendships that last
May you cherish your youth
and not grow up too fast...

Verse:
I stare in wonder at your tiny frame
Just to think that God knows you by name
He knows every hair on your beautiful head
He knows all your thoughts before they are said:

Chorus:
May you grow up to serve Him
all of your days
May He lead you and guide you
in all of your ways
May His hand bless your future with
friendships that last
May you cherish your youth
and not grow up too fast...

Prayer:
May God grant you peace
in the midst of a storm
May God give you strength even
when you're forlorn
May you answer the door when
Jesus comes knocking
May wisdom guide you when
your mouth is talking
May discretion protect you
and keep you pure
May you never stumble
or fall for a lure
May your heart remain humble
to the very end
May uprightness and truth
be what you defend
May the world not ensnare
or change who you are
May the light that’s within you
shine like the stars
May angels surround you
body, spirit, mind
May favor and peace be yours to find
May rejection and pain
never reach you
May your spirit grow bold
for what youre called to...

As you rest in God's care I will rest too
Knowing that Jesus is watching over you,
Amen.

Hannah speaks: I love you, Mommy

We Are More Than Conquerors

Dear God,

I am joyful because through you I have definitely no reason to fear. Through You I have complete victory. Even in times that I do not truly feel victorious, I can ignore those feelings of defeat.

The past several days made me and DH feel worried, anxious, and burdened. There were "forces" in the world that came against my 8 year old DD -- She was physically diagnosed by an Orthopaedic Surgeon for adults -- Dr. L, who said that our DD has Scoliosis. Getting sick with the common cough or cold is nothing to us, Lord. But with a condition like that, we are alarmed as a family, and our faith in You is truly put to a test...

But as the days went by, You have given us enough discernment and wisdom, and led us to the right people -- doctors whom You have chosen to explain and extend help to us and our DD. We've received 2 other opinions from 2 different ends of medicine regarding her spine:

One from a Chiropractor -- Dr. M, who, after scrutinizing DD's back, spine and all, said that DD has NO Scoliosis, and that her chances of getting one is NEVER.

Second, another doctor, -- this time a Pedia-Othopaedic Surgeon -- Dr. T, who told us that DD DOES NOT HAVE Scoliosis. After submitting X-rays taken on her back and spine, Doctor T read her plates and gladly assured us that DD indeed DOES NOT have Juvenile Scoliosis. Praise You greatly for this, Lord!

What is amazing, God, is that we found out later on that those 2 doctors You've led us to, are Christians. Praise You again greatly for that! Thank You for listening and not turning Your face upon us. And for answering our prayers, and granting us the favor that we all need to receive from You.

Romans 8:38-39 says that there is nothing in heaven or on Earth that can separate us from Your love, nothing that has happened before or that is yet to come can separate us. What a wonderful, comforting reassurance that is.

I should always remind my children about that promise from You, God. That there is nothing ahead that they need to fear. Because of You and Your sacrifice, we all have victory. We are more than conquerors through You, Lord, and I thank You so much for that.

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors
through him who loved us.
Romans 8:37

Tea Talk Time #27

1. I'm having... Jasmine Green Tea. It is very refreshing and I take it with my special Diabetic diet. In school where I teach and have my lunch, I take it in my plain, powder blue Corningware mug. At home with dinner, I take it in my printed, beige Corelle mug, haha. Am sure my friend, Ruth, will be pleased because am having tea now. :)

2. I'm feeling... Happy and okay. In my quiz this morning, almost all of my students passed. Only two though, failed.

3. On my mind... How to help these two kids pass my subject. I don't want anyone to fail in my class.

You are already clean
because of the word I have spoken to you.
John 15:3
Thanks Ruth for the refreshing Tea/Coffee Break! God bless you more, my friend!

Help Me To Hold My Peace

Dear God,

At times when another person hurts the feelings of my DS or DD, I simply do not want to have understanding. Especially if this person is a member or relative of DH's family, I feel that I have every right to have hard feelings toward this person. I want to take care of it myself. The anger feels good.

I want to rant and rave, and tell my children what a big, rotten person this certain family member is. But Your Word says we are to return cursing with a blessing... Just like Jesus treated those who beat him and put Him to death, I am to forgive those who mistreat my children.

Lord, this is really so hard! I know I have to place them in Your hands, but I don't want to. Please give me A LOT of strength, grace and ability to hold my peace and show my DS and DD the proper, acceptable behavior. Please grant me understanding, and help me to see that person through Your very eyes.

When the righteous prosper, the city rejoices;
when the wicked perish, there are shouts of joy.
Proverbs 11:10

The Simple Woman's Daybook #36

FOR TODAY... July 6, 2010

Outside my window... Dark and a bit humid... Hoping it would rain!

I am thinking... Of losing weight and keeping it at that. :)

I am thankful for... God's faithful provisions each and every day.

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

I am remembering... What my weight was, before I started on this special diet for Diabetics like me, and hoping I would trim down permanently to my ideal size. :)

I am going... To try to exercise, I promise!

I am reading... A novel by our national hero, Jose Rizal.

I am hoping... My freshman highschool students will continue to love the subject I am currently teaching them.

On my mind... A big, good serving of lettuce greens with French or Italian dressing, and roasted chicken on the side. :)

From the learning rooms... Science exercises for my DS, and Math for my DD.

Noticing that... The rainy season is not really making it's presence felt even it is supposed to be the rainy season month(s) in my country. Afternoons can still be so hot, humid, and sunny...

Pondering these words... Jesus answered, "A person who has had a bath needs only to wash his feet; his whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you." -- John 13:10

From the kitchen... Beef Misua Soup, and sweet Melon for dessert.

Around the house... DH is glued to the tv watching the FIFA World Cup, DS is playing online chess, and DD is playing Club Penguin.

One of my favorite things... Peace and quiet in the house like this, lol!

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!

Music Monday #19 ~ God Speaking

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 am so touched by the words of this beautiful song. It simply brought tears to my eyes. And I also know that when God wants to say he loves us, He uses the things we least expect to show that kind of special love to us.



Have you ever heard a love song that
Set your spirit free?
Have you ever watched a sunrise and
Felt you could not breathe?
What if it's Him,
What if it's God speaking?

Have you ever cried a tear that
You could not explain?
Have you ever met a stranger
Who already knew your name?
What if it's Him,
What if it's God speaking?

Who knows how He'll get a hold of us?
Get our attention to prove He is enough
He'll do and He'll use
Whatever He wants to
To tell us, "I love you..."

Have you ever lost a loved one
Who you thought should still be here?
Do you know what it feels like
To be tangled up in fear?
What if He's somehow involved?
What if He's speaking through it all?

Who knows how He'll get a hold of us?
Get our attention to prove He is enough
He'll do and He'll use
Whatever He wants to
To tell us, "I love you..."

His ways are higher
His ways are better
Though sometimes strange
What could be stranger
Than God in a manger?

Who knows how He'll get a hold of us?
Get our attention to prove He is enough
Who knows how He'll get a hold of you?
Get your attention to prove He is enough
He'll do and He'll use
Whatever He wants to
To tell us, "I love you..."

God is speaking,
"I love you..."

Blessings and Hope

Dear God,

The words Blessed, Trust, and Hope are like magical, enchanting words to my ears. Studying the words out, blessed means like a refuge, hiding place, or shelter -- You wonderfully bless me by being my shelter, my ever-reliable protector, and my very hope when everything else seems discouraging and impossible.

In Verse 8, it clearly tells me that this person who trusts in You is like a tree planted by the river. The trees receive the sustenance they need, even when drought or dry times arise. Lord, You are a source of food and nourishment for me. I want my roots to go deep and to be well watered by You.

As my DS and DD grow, I also need to treat them like young, supple trees, planting them firmly and deeply in Your Word. Then as I see them getting stronger and taller everyday, I pray that they will trust You completely, Lord, experience the hope that can only be found in You, and be blessed in everything that they will do. :)

But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD,
whose confidence is in him.
Jeremiah 17:7

Tea Talk Time #26

1. I'm having... Plain water. Today I start on a new special diet good for Diabetic people like me. I will be trying it out for at least a month, and check if my glucose level will improve. It's from Kitchenelle Gourmet Convenience -- (check the site) they will deliver 3 main meals + 2 snacks to my doorstep everyday for a month, plus tea, or coffee, and dessert. Please pray with me that it works. It's like my last try to lose weight and manage my Diabetes well. :)

2. I'm feeling... Hopeful and excited in trying out this new diet food delivery service.

3. On my mind... And may I add -- in my heart, as I pray to God everyday: Losing weight and managing my Diabetes well.

And I will ask the Father,
and he will give you another Counselor
to be with you forever...
John 14:16
Thanks Ruth for the refreshing Tea/Coffee Break! God bless you more, my friend!