Tea Talk Time #39

1. I'm having... Honey Lemon Green Tea. I had it ice cold! :)

2. I'm feeling... Hopeful for a good, successful day as we welcome the parents to our school's Parent-Student-Teacher Conference.

3. On my mind... That my help and strength comes only from the Lord... Or Psalm 121:1-3. :)

But even if you should suffer for what is right,
you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear;
do not be frightened."
1 Peter 3:14
Thanks Ruth for the refreshing Tea/Coffee Break! God bless you more, my friend!

Teaching Gentleness To My Children

Dear God,

My quiet time verse for todsy seems like a long list of "To Do's" that I should be teaching DS and DD, especially when it is added to the many other things Your Word instructs me to instill in their young (and growing!) lives... Sitting down and relishing it more, I find that it is not that overwhelming though, and I realize if these principles are present in my life and obvious in my behavior, then it would be the best intsruction I can give to DS and DD. The thing there is to make sure that I am applying the principles to my own life...

The first half of this list is not really tough -- perhaps because they are not as personal. But then it becomes a bit harder when it concerns my relationship with other people.

Even so, God, I want to teach my kids to be kind and gentle, and I want to be the right example for them (no matter how difficult it may be for me to try to exhibit those virtues). Please help me and show me the way, Lord...

Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities,
to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good,
to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate,
and to show true humility toward all men.
Titus 3:1-2

The Simple Woman's Daybook #48

FOR TODAY... Sept. 28, 2010

Outside my window... Dark and humid...

I am thinking... Of Oct. 1 Parent-Student-Teacher Conference in school.

I am thankful for... God's unending blessings and provisions.

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

I am remembering... Days when climate was not yet haywire...

I am going... To have a restful weekend...

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

I am hoping... The weather would be a bit cooler especially at night and in the morning...

On my mind... Food (tho'I need to lose weight again)!

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

Noticing that... Climate change is happening everywhere and so we all should be environmentally conscious and love Mother Nature more.

Pondering these words... I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. -- Psalm 139:14

From the kitchen... Mung Bean Saute.

Around the house... Kids are busy with schoolwork.

One of my favorite things... A restful weekend with my family.

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 #31 ~ Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)

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!

Truly, You are amazing, oh God...



Amazing grace
How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I'm found
Was blind, but now I see

'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed

My chains are gone
I've been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy rains
Unending love, Amazing grace...

The Lord has promised good to me
His word my hope secures
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures

My chains are gone
I've been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy rains
Unending love, Amazing grace...

My chains are gone
I've been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy rains
Unending love, Amazing grace...

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow
The sun forbear to shine
But God, Who called me here below
Will be forever mine
Will be forever mine
You are forever mine

Compassion For The Poor

Dear God,

Every year, as the Christmas season approaches, a growing number of people, or establishments would ask for donations for the poor. Sometimes, support also comes from the church and various religious organizations.

Sometimes I become a bit doubtful especially when I am bombarded by those who "solicit" left and right. Please help me not to feel and think that way. It is true that I cannot give to each and every cause, or to all people who need my help. It is also a known fact nowadays, that not all causes or charity drives are legitimate. So by that I need Your wisdom and discernment to know what my part should be.

I do not want to be judgmental no matter how tempted I am to be, but sometimes it seems the very cause of poverty is laziness on the part of the parents, which eventually results to suffering in the family. Lord, help me not to add up to a poor child's suffering by thinking more of his or her parents' neglect and less of that child's need. After all, I wouldn't want that for my DS and DD.

I ask for a compassionate and discerning heart in knowing how much to give to others; add to that blessings from You, to be a blessing to others too. Thank You, Lord.

Blessed is he who has regard for the weak;
the Lord delivers him in times of trouble.
Psalm 41:1

Tea Talk Time #38

1. I'm having... Green Tea Lemon Iced Tea again. :)

2. I'm feeling... Okay...

3. On my mind... Parent-Student-Teacher Conference.

...They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the LORD
for the display of his splendor.
Isaiah 61:3
Thanks Ruth for the refreshing Tea/Coffee Break! God bless you more, my friend!

All Good Things From You

Dear God,

I praise and worship You. Thank You for all the wonderful things You have blessed me and my family with.

A few days ago, I was feeling down and discouraged. As a Mom and as a Christian, I felt like a complete failure. Life and its complexities weighed me down and I just couldn't see anything You have planned and accomplished for me. Then I thought of opening and reading my old quiet time notebook and everything unfolded out in my mind. I started to remember all the blessings I have received from You since way back when and now... I realized that You had actually fulfilled so many of Your promises to me.

The miracle of having DS and DD are one of those big blessings, Lord. Please make ma a blessing to my kids too... One day, when they are older, I will share my list of blessings to them, and allow them to see my little notebook of good things from You. I want to teach them to count all the beautiful things You have also brought to pass for them. Thank You, Lord.

Now I am about to go the way of all the earth.
You know with all your heart and soul
that not one of all the good promises
the LORD your God gave you has failed.
Every promise has been fulfilled;
not one has failed.
Joshua 23:14

The Simple Woman's Daybook #47

FOR TODAY... Sept. 21, 2010

Outside my window... Dark and a bit cool. It rained a few hours ago...

I am thinking... Of the weekend!

I am thankful for... God's never ending help and provisions...

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

I am remembering... Last Christmas when my Mom visited us in Manila.

I am going... To commit to a lifetime of losing weight.

I am reading... The Message Bible.

I am hoping... I could strive harder not to eat that much carbs...

On my mind... Semestral break!

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

Noticing that... Time flies fast... It is the "Ber" months again.

Pondering these words... Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. -- Acts 17:11

From the kitchen... Vegetable rolls.

Around the house... Kids are with their laptops; and DH is glued to the tv...

One of my favorite things... Hugging my kids to the max!

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 #30 ~ Something Beautiful

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!

One of my favorite praise songs... :)



I wanna start it over
I wanna start again
I want a new beginning
One without an end
I feel it inside
Calling out to me

It's a voice that whispers my name
It's a kiss without any shame
Something beautiful
Like a song that stirs in my head
Singing love will take us where
Something's beautiful

I've heard it in the silence
Seen it on a face
I've felt it in a long hour
Like a sweet embrace
I know this is true
It's calling out to me

It's a voice that whispers my name
It's a kiss without any shame
Something beautiful
Like a song that stirs in my head
Singing love will take us where
Something's beautiful

It's the child on her wedding day
It's the daddy that gives her away
Something beautiful
When we laugh so hard we cry
It's the love between you and I
Something beautiful

It's a voice that whispers my name
It's a kiss without any shame
Something beautiful
Like a song that stirs in my head
Singing love will take us where
Something's beautiful

It's the child on her wedding day
It's the daddy that gives her away
Something beautiful
When we laugh so hard we cry
It's the love between you and I
Something beautiful

Teaching How To Forgive

Dear God,

My quiet time verse for today is a very popular one, perhaps especially to children. I also remember it is one of the very first ones I've learned to memorize when I became a Christian and started reading the Bible. But I've also noticed that oftentimes, the verse is used to talk about kindness alone. The other virtues listed -- compassion and forgiveness -- are usually overlooked.

I know that when kids are young and not being mature yet in heart and mind, it is important for us adults to "break" things or ideas down in order for them to fully understand and grasp certain truths like so. Being DS and DD's Mom, I pray that I will not forget or neglect to teach them each concept of Your Word, no matter how old they are. DS is already quite a few years away from becoming a teen, and DD is a little lady, being only 8 years old, but still, I believe that they need to be reminded and taught of every truth behind Your Words.

Father, I know that You will give me plenty of golden opportunities to help my children understand kindness, compassion, and -- in a home with two kids who are uniquely dfferent from one another -- forgiveness. I have learned from experience that forgiveness is one of the greatest kindnesses a person could thoughtfully offer.

Be kind and compassionate to one another,
forgiving each other,
just as in Christ God forgave you.
Ephesians 4:32

Tea Talk Time #37

1. I'm having... Ice cold Honey Lemon Green Tea! Soooo refreshing, really! :)

2. I'm feeling... Happy that our 1st Trimester is over tomorrow. The 2nd Trimester is up and running strating this Monday. Time does fly when you are busy.

3. On my mind... 1st Trimester grades of my students...

In the beginning God created
the heavens and the earth.
Genesis 1:1
Thanks Ruth for the refreshing Tea/Coffee Break! God bless you more, my friend!

Your Love Conquers

Dear God,

Some things cause us to have many fears -- When we hear strange noises outside our homes at night, our heart somehow pounds and we begin to think of scary things happening by our front steps... When my kids were very young and little, they cry or whimper when the lights are turned off, or when there is a power failure... When we hear peole make threats, we tremble or worry in fear... When we know about gunshots or road rages happening even in the broadest of day... When we watch and hear horrible things on the news, we worry and think of what could happen... My kids reflect my fear...

I know that that kind of spirit is not, in anyway, from You, God. The verse which is my quiet time message for today talks to me about power and Your great love. I can have a sound mind and the perfect peace that transcends understanding.

I can now smile... My kids laugh with me now... They are no longer filled with fear or uncertainty when they see me and DH trusting in You. Lord, You are our tower of strength, our stronghold. We can shout and sing and praise You for that promise.

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity,
but a spirit of power,
of love and of self-discipline.
2 Timothy 1:7

The Simple Woman's Daybook #46

FOR TODAY... Sept. 14, 2010

Outside my window... Dark and humid...

I am thinking... Of what grocery needs to buy this week in a giant warehouse supermarket sale.

I am thankful for... God's provisions everyday.

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

I am remembering... To make a list of what to buy in the supermarket sale this week.

I am going... To have to commit to losing weight.

I am reading... The Message Bible.

I am hoping... To have a great bonding and fellowship time with the kids and DH this week.

On my mind... Commitment to L-O-S-E weight and keep it off permanently.

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

Noticing that... Christmas is nearing!

Pondering these words... I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. -- John 15:5

From the kitchen... Vegetable Spring Rolls.

Around the house... DS and DD are busy doing schoolwork.

One of my favorite things... Milkshake, our 10 month old Maltese puppy. :)

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 #29 ~ Everlasting God

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!

Lord we praise You because You never get tired or grow weary on us. You are always in our midst, and we can always rest on Your love.



Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord
Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord

Our God, You reign forever
Our hope, our Strong Deliverer
You are the everlasting God
The everlasting God
You do not faint
You won't grow weary

Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord
Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord

Our God, You reign forever
Our hope, our Strong Deliverer
You are the everlasting God
The everlasting God
You do not faint
You won't grow weary

You're the defender of the weak
You comfort those in need
You lift us up on wings like eagles

Our God, You reign forever
Our hope, our Strong Deliverer
You are the everlasting God
The everlasting God
You do not faint
You won't grow weary

You're the defender of the weak
You comfort those in need
You lift us up on wings like eagles

The everlasting God
The everlasting God
God You are everlasting

Waiting For You

Dear God,

Waiting is not one of my virtues. It is not an easy thing for me, either. I guess that seems especially true when I am waiting for You to answer my prayers. Sometimes I find myself wondering if You have even heard my prayers.

When we were informed last time that DD most likely had scoliosis, we were so worried and afraid it would be painful and hard, and that it would prohibit her from doing the things she loved to do most. We waited for the doctor to give us an answer, and we prayed that we would quickly know her condition. The whole week of waiting for lab results, counting the hours everyday, and waiting for the doctor's diagnosis at the end of that week left us in a difficult, uncertain situation. of course You knew that our DD would be fine, but You reminded us at that time, that our faith must be in You and that You will answer our prayers in Your timing. I pray for that truth to be always in my heart and mind, as I continue to wait for You in all things surrounding my life. Thank You, Father, for the reminder.

But as for me,
I watch in hope for the LORD,
I wait for God my Savior;
my God will hear me.
Micah 7:7

Tea Talk Time #36

1. I'm having... (Just) cold water from my Coleman jug in school... This week is a bit draining as we had to talk to most of our students who are not doing well in school academics...

2. I'm feeling... Hopeful my students will not fail my upcoming 3rd Long Exam, as it will surely pull their grades up before the end of the trimester, and before we get ready with their grades for the Parent-Student-Teacher Conference this September 23rd...

3. On my mind... To rest and be with my family. Thank God it is a holiday tomorrow!

He who did not spare his own Son,
but gave him up for us all —
how will he not also, along with him,
graciously give us all things?
Romans 8:32
Thanks Ruth for the refreshing Tea/Coffee Break! God bless you more, my friend!

Striving To Be Perfect

Dear God,

As always, the word "Perfection" is something I often doubt I can ever attain. It is also true that I would like my kids to be perfect -- I mean, who wouldn't like that...? No Mom likes to think her children are so imperfect that her kids might do something bad or embarrassing, especially in the presence of other people.

Reflecting more on that thought, I guess that must be how You feel too, Lord. I am pretty sure my behavior has caused You so much embarrassment --- even after You have told me in Your Word that I should strive to be perfect. You gave Yourself as a shining example of whom I should follow and emulate. Lord please guide me daily to commit to being perfect, as You are perfect. I know I cannot expect my DS and DD to be perfect if I am not willing to set the example myself. Please help me Father, as I strive to be like You in all ways.

Be perfect, therefore,
as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Matthew 5:48

The Simple Woman's Daybook #45

FOR TODAY... Sept. 7, 2010

Outside my window... It's raining!

I am thinking... That the evening will be cool and breezy because of the rain, and that kind of weather makes me want to sleep like a log. :)

I am thankful for... My children -- big blessings from our Father.

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

I am remembering... To lose weight!

I am going... To walk to shed off some pounds...

I am reading... The Message Bible -- a gift from DH...

I am hoping... It would always rain like this...

On my mind... Food! Hahahaha....

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

Noticing that... December is just almost 3 months away! Time flies!

Pondering these words... This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. -- John 15:8

From the kitchen... Yakisoba Noodles.

Around the house... Kids are getting ready for bed.

One of my favorite things... Soft, gentle rain...

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 #28 ~ Glory

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!

Lord we all wait for that special day to come, when we will all be amazed and awed by Your power and glory!



One day eyes that are blind will see You clearly
And one day all who deny will finally believe
One day hearts made of stone will break in pieces
And one day chains once unbroken will fall down at Your feet
So we wait for that one day, come quickly

We want to see Your glory
Every knee falls down before Thee
Every tongue offers You praise with every hand raised
Singing glory to You and unto You only
We'll sing glory to Your name

One day voices that lie will all be silent
One day all that's divided will be whole again
One day death will retreat and wave it's white flag
One day love will defeat the strongest enemy
So we wait for that one day, come quickly

We want to see Your glory
Every knee falls down before Thee
Every tongue offers You praise with every hand raised
Singing glory to You and unto You only
We'll sing glory to Your name

We know not the day or the hour
Or the moments in between
But we know the end of the story
When we'll see

We want to see Your glory
Every knee falls down before Thee
Every tongue offers You praise with every hand raised
Singing glory to You and unto You only
We'll sing glory to Your name

In His Hands

Dear God,

There are days when I just don't want to go on... When troubles are all around, camping right beside me, and things aren't just working the way they should be. DS and DD look to me as an example, of course, but I just don't feel like I can carry on with that kind of responsibility at times.

Yet I know that I do not have to depend on my own strength, because You give me Yours, Lord, and You never ever run out of it. I can actually picture You holding me up as the difficulties press close and become harder to handle. You always help me when there is no one else to do that.

I just want to thank You, Lord. Because I am forever grateful that I can always show DS and DD where to turn in times of trouble. They don't even have to try to solve it all by themselves, with their own, limited strength, because we are all Your children through Your Son, Jesus. You take care of us all like a superhero Dad, and carry us when times in our lives become rough and tough. There is nothing to fear. I praise You, Lord.

So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10

Tea Talk Time #35

1. I'm having... Hot tea with my high school co-teachers in a Chinese restaurant.

2. I'm feeling... Good that I can bond and have fellowship like this with my co-teachers once in a while...

3. On my mind... Upcoming Parent-Student-Teacher Conference in school this September. :)

He determines the number of the stars
and calls them each by name.
Psalm 147:4
Thanks Ruth for the refreshing Tea/Coffee Break! God bless you more, my friend!

Disciplining With Love

Dear God,

When I get mad at DS or DD, I do not feel there is love inside of me... But when I look at their eyes either filled with tears, or when I know they have a repentant heart and feel sorry about what they've done, I don't want to follow through with any discipline. I want to smile, give them a big, tight hug, and tell them that all is forgiven, But I also know that there are consequences for sin, and my children need to learn that while they are still young.

The world simply has a tainted view of love. Some say that as a parent, I have to show my love if I give or shower my kids with material possessions, or when I allow them to do as they please. But Your Word says something far different, Father.

With that in mind, I want to love DS and DD the way You do, Lord. I want to be strong, to lovingly discipline them so they will grow to be pleasing to You, to honor and glorify You, especially with their lives. No matter how difficult it is, Lord, I will scold and correct with love.

Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline.
So be earnest, and repent.
Revelations 3:19