Friday, October 29, 2010

♥♥ My Dancing Queen ♥♥


Dear Friends,

I would like to introduce my dear daughter, Gina to you. She is 8 years old, and is just starting to learn how to blog. I would appreciate it if you could join me in welcoming her by visiting her own site, DANCING QUEEN. Am sure leaving a kind note of encouragement would thrill her. :)

Yes, she is our little dancing queen. She has been into ballet since she was 4 years old, and is currently studying the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) ballet syllabus in STEPS Dance Studio.

She is happiest when performing onstage, and that is why we always remind her that someday, she must use her talent in giving glory and honor to the Lord. May she grow up to be a woman beautiful in God's eyes. :)

A good woman is hard to find,
and worth far more than diamonds.
Her husband trusts her without reserve,
and never has reason to regret it.
Never spiteful, she treats him generously
all her life long.
She shops around for the best yarns and cottons,
and enjoys knitting and sewing.
She's like a trading ship that sails to faraway places
and brings back exotic surprises.
She's up before dawn, preparing breakfast
for her family and organizing her day.
She looks over a field and buys it,
then, with money she's put aside, plants a garden.
First thing in the morning, she dresses for work,
rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started.
She senses the worth of her work,
is in no hurry to call it quits for the day.
She's skilled in the crafts of home and hearth,
diligent in homemaking.
She's quick to assist anyone in need,
reaches out to help the poor.
She doesn't worry about her family when it snows;
their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear.
She makes her own clothing,
and dresses in colorful linens and silks.
Her husband is greatly respected
when he deliberates with the city fathers.
She designs gowns and sells them,
brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops.
Her clothes are well-made and elegant,
and she always faces tomorrow with a smile.
When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say,
and she always says it kindly.
She keeps an eye on everyone in her household,
and keeps them all busy and productive.
Her children respect and bless her;
her husband joins in with words of praise:
"Many women have done wonderful things,
but you've outclassed them all!"
Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades.
The woman to be admired and praised
is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God.
Give her everything she deserves!
Festoon her life with praises!
Proverbs 31:10-31


Thursday, October 28, 2010

Tea Talk Time #43



1. I'm having... Honey Lemon Iced Tea.

2. I'm feeling... Happy and peaceful. Praise God for semestral breaks.

3. On my mind... Praying for more happy times like these with DH and the kids... :)

For our light and momentary troubles
are achieving for us an eternal glory
that far outweighs them all.
2 Corinthians 4:17

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

.-:*--*:..Before I Forget..:*--*:-.

Please do visit and/or follow my darling DD's new blog, which she just created last week ---

DANCING QUEEN


I am happy that she also likes to have a place in blogsphere and share some of her adventures in life with us. Please do drop by her site and leave a sweet word or two. Thank you and God bless.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

♥♥ 52 Weeks Of Like Showers On New Grass ♥♥


Dear God,

Thank You for this special day. Another year is added to my life and once again, I feel nostalgic and at the same time hopeful for more blessings to come after this year. One year ago today was my bithday, and I opened this blog by transferring from another social site to Blogger. Seems like only yesterday, but I actually completed 52 weeks of writing about my hopes, and dreams, and prayers to You.

I feel that I need to share more about myself to others, to be more personal this time in letting others inside my private little world. So for the meantime, I will devote Like Showers on New Grass to memes, and open my new personal/family blog, STORIES FROM MY GARDEN to others.

May I be able to reach out to a lot of people too in that site, as I let them in my world this side of the planet, and be able to make more friends in blogsphere.

Thank You, Father, for many opportunities to serve You more each day. May we all become instruments of Your love as we meet people and visit places. I love you, Lord.

.-:*--*:..Before I Forget..:*--*:-.

Please do visit and/or follow my darling DD's new blog, which she just created last week ---

DANCING QUEEN


I am happy that she also likes to have a place in blogsphere and share some of her adventures in life with us. Please do drop by her site and leave a sweet word or two. Thank you and God bless.



Tuesday, October 26, 2010

The Simple Woman's Daybook #52


FOR TODAY... Oct. 26, 2010 -- This marks my 1 whole year of Daybooking with some of the most awesome ladies in the planet! :)

Outside my window... Clear blue skies...

I am thinking... How wonderful it is to spend time with family during semestral break!

I am thankful for... Restful days like these.

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

I am remembering... To lose weight and do some walking after my birthday on the 27th, and DS's on the 31st. :)

I am going... To start walking seriously again to manage my Type 2 Diabetes.

I am reading... Birthday cards for me and DS sent by my Mom in NJ, and birthday messages via email and Facebook. :)

I am hoping... Semestral vacations from school could be longer than just a week.

On my mind... Where to eat and celebrate tomorrow -- my birthday. Praise God for another blessed year.

From the learning rooms... None at the moment. Sem break is in the house. :)

Noticing that... The weather could be cold now, and warm tomorrow. So haywire...

Pondering these words... And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. -- Hebrews 13:16

From the kitchen... Chicken Tinola Soup. (So much like a warm, and comforting "Chicken Soup for the Soul")

Around the house... DS and DD are busy preparing their presents for me. Each are in their rooms, making some "secret something" themselves. God bless my children for their purity of heart and thoughfulness. :)

One of my favorite things... Being around my DH, DS, DD and Milkshake, our naughty Maltese family dog.

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!

.-:*--*:..Before I Forget..:*--*:-.

Please do visit and/or follow my darling DD's new blog, which she just created last week ---

DANCING QUEEN


I am happy that she also likes to have a place in blogsphere and share some of her adventures in life with us. Please do drop by her site and leave a sweet word or two. Thank you and God bless.

Monday, October 25, 2010

Music Monday #35 ~ Make Me Over


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!

Father, please help me to become Christ-like in every way. I know I am still a long work in progress. I trust that you will change me as I continue to mature as a Christian, and show my DS and DD about your never-ending love. Thank You lord, for Your faithfulness in making me over...



I've been silent instead of speaking up
Gave my advice instead of giving love
I have been unfair, faithless and unkind
I have shut my eyes just so I would stay blind
It's not what I meant to do
'Cause I wanna honor You

Make me over, make me new
Make me a mirror, a reflection of You
Take me all apart
Take me to Your heart and pull me closer
Oh, Jesus, make me over

Take away the pride that whispers in the dark
Take the stone out of the middle of my heart
Hidden underneath my insecurities
Is the servant that You've destined me to be
But day after precious day
I get in my own way

Make me over, make me new
Make me a mirror, a reflection of You
Take me all apart
Take me to Your heart and pull me closer
Sweet Savior, make me over

I am only made of Your imagining
I'm dust and clay on the wind
Wash me in the river of Your sacrifice
Until I'm changed, purified
Take me all apart
Take me to Your heart and pull me closer

My Jesus, make me over
Make me over
Make me over
Please, take me over
I need You, I need You , Jesus
Make me over


.-:*--*:..Before I Forget..:*--*:-.

Please do visit and/or follow my darling DD's new blog, which she just created last week ---

DANCING QUEEN


I am happy that she also likes to have a place in blogsphere and share some of her adventures in life with us. Please do drop by her site and leave a sweet word or two. Thank you and God bless.

Friday, October 22, 2010

My Calling


Dear God,

Sometimes I think that a lot of people do not fully understand that the call to motherhood comes from You. They just don't quite understand how much work goes into this blessed vocation. At times it's hard for me -- and other Moms, am sure -- because some people expect us to drop whatever we are doing to meet their wants and needs.

And so there are times when I feel like I want to scream, "Hey, being a Mom and taking care of my kids is a time-consuming and exhausting (serious) business!" I either want to feel sorry for myself or pat myself on the back for dedicating my life to motherhood. But, God, I know that both attitudes are not proper in Your eyes.

I should learn to accept my calling with a meek and humble spirit. Only when my outlook becomes Christlike will I truly be considered worthy of this kind of calling.

As a prisoner for the Lord,
then, I urge you to live a life
worthy of the calling you have received.
Be completely humble and gentle;
be patient, bearing with one another in love.
Ephesians 4:1-2

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Tea Talk Time #42



1. I'm having... Plain, refreshing, cold water. :)

2. I'm feeling... Excited for our school's Foundation Day program tomorrow.

3. On my mind... For God to be glorified all the time in school, and at home.

But I tell you the truth:
It is for your good that I am going away.
Unless I go away,
the Counselor will not come to you;
but if I go,
I will send him to you.
John 16:7

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

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Your Sacrificial Love


Dear God,

Thank You for the sacrificial love that Your Son, Jesus, gave me. Thank You also for the great example of true love that You have shown.

Father, I know that true love requires the giving of one's self. Everyday, since becoming a parent, I have been learning where that might be true in parenting. Having DS and DD brought about so many changes in my life. They have all been worthwhile, of course, but that does not really mean my experiences have been easy and breezy... A certain amount of freedom had to be surrendered or given up... My schedule had to be renovated in order to meet the demands of the kids. Funny as it may sound, but even basic tasks like grocery shopping had a new level of difficulty. But these many changes are all worthwhile when I look at their happy smles and faces, or when I feel their soft, warm arms around my body and neck. Love is simply beautiful! Thank You, Lord, for Love.

...and live a life of love,
just as Christ loved us
and gave himself up for us
as a fragrant offering
and sacrifice to God.
Ephesians 5:2

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

The Simple Woman's Daybook #51


FOR TODAY... Oct. 19, 2010

Outside my window... Cold and rainy. Classes were suspended this aternoon because of Typhoon Juan.

I am thinking... Of our school's upcoming Foundation Day this Friday.

I am thankful for... God's never ending love, support, and provision for me and my family.

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

I am remembering... Cooler months like this last year.

I am going... To give a quiz tomorrow to a student who missed a lot last week.

I am reading... A book sent by my Mom for my birthday on the 27th -- Short Prayers for Busy Women by Harriet Crosby

I am hoping... The coming semestral break will refresh me and my realtionship with the Lord.

On my mind... Semestral break! Which only means vacation for students and teachers! :)

From the learning rooms... None at the moment as the kids are preparing for our Foundation Day this Friday.

Noticing that... The typhoon that is in Manila caused a terrible disaster in the provinces...

Pondering these words... We love because He first loved us. -- 1 John 4:19

From the kitchen... Chicken Sinigang Soup.

Around the house... Our visiting cleaning lady is hanging all our ironed clothes in our closets.

One of my favorite things... Cold weather 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!

Monday, October 18, 2010

Music Monday #34 ~ Mighty To Save


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!

We sang this wonderful song in church last Sunday and I want to share it here with you...



Everyone needs compassion
A love that's never failing
Let mercy fall on me
Everyone needs forgiveness
The kindness of a Savior
The hope of nations

Savior, He can move the mountains
My God is mighty to save
He is mighty to save
Forever, Author of salvation
He rose and conquered the grave
Jesus conquered the grave

So take me as You find me
All my fears and failures
Fill my life again
I give my life to follow
Everything I believe in
Now I surrender, I surrender

Shine Your light and let the whole world see
We're singing for the glory of the risen King, Jesus
Shine Your light and let the whole world see
We're singing for the glory of the risen King

Shine Your light on me
Shine Your light on me
Shine Your light on me
Shine Your light on me


Friday, October 15, 2010

Alone Yet Not Truly Alone


Dear God,

This week has been a bit tough for my DD. Something in school happened and at one time she felt so alone because some friends have deserted her. My heart aches at the hurt and pain I see reflected on her small face. I simply want to make it all go away -- to erase the incident in her memory...

Tonight, after school, we talked about how Jesus was abandoned by everyone when he faced the cross... Jesus' darkest hour, the time He needed His friends the most, yet they all left Him in that garden... Even so, He was not alone. Because God, You were there with Jesus. You were a comfort to Your Son, Jesus.

I see my DD getting comfort and solace from this passage tonight. The loneliness, I know, will soon pass. Her friends will one day return. But most of all, DD learned that You are always beside her. This is one lesson she won't soon forget. Thank You, Jesus, for setting the perfect example.

But a time is coming, and has come,
when you will be scattered,
each to his own home.
You will leave me all alone.
Yet I am not alone,
for my Father is with me.
John 16:32

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Tea Talk Time #41



1. I'm having... Honey Lemon Green Tea.

2. I'm feeling... Happy because the Lord is truly a God of restoration. :)

3. On my mind... Our upcoming school's Foundation Day Program next Friday (22nd). May God be honored and glorified as our students show off their talents to their parents and friends.

Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth,
no one can enter the kingdom of God
unless he is born of water and the Spirit.
John 3:5


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

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Endless Joy From You


Dear God,

My verse for today is from the parable that shows an understandable image of faithfulness to You and the joy that comes from that kind of faithfulness. Like the servant in the story, You have given me work to do and fulfill. I know that I am called to live my life in the way that all Christians are commanded to live.

My responsibility also includes being a godly wife and bringing up DS and DD according to Your Word. I should do everything I do in the way that gives honor and glory to You.

The promised result is eternal joy which brings a great amount of high hope to my heart. What is even more inspiring is that if I am faithful in these tasks, You will trust me with others. Then there will be even more of Your joy to experience.

'Well done, good and faithful servant!
You have been faithful with a few things;
I will put you in charge of many things.
Come and share your master's happiness!'
Matthew 25:21

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

The Simple Woman's Daybook #50


FOR TODAY... Oct. 12, 2010

Outside my window... Dark and humid.

I am thinking... Of many things that make me happy.

I am thankful for... God being there all the time.

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

I am remembering... Homeschooling days with my children.

I am going... To pray about something important.

I am reading... My Bible.

I am hoping... That life will always be peaceful.

On my mind... Many things about myself and kids.

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

Noticing that... Life can be so unfair at times...

Pondering these words... Philip answered him, "Eight months' wages would not buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!" -- John 6:7

From the kitchen... Pizza and roast chicken.

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

One of my favorite things... Peaceful days...

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, October 11, 2010

Music Monday #33 ~ My Own Little World


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!

My Mom sent me this video last week via email, shared by their Pastor from her church in Parsippany, NJ. It is a beautiful song by Matthew West. Hope you'll like it as much as I do. :)



In my own little world it hardly ever rains
I've never gone hungry or always felt safe
I got some money in my pocket shoes on my feet
In my own little world
Population me
I try to stay awake through the Sunday morning church
I throw a twenty in the plate but I never give 'til it hurts
and I turn off the news when I don't like what I see
It's easy to do when it's
Population me
What if there's a bigger picture
what if I'm missing out
What if there's a greater purpose
I could be living right now
Outside my own little world
Stopped at the red light, looked out my window
Outside the car, saw a sign, said, "Help this homeless widow"
Just above that sign was the face of a human
I thought to myself, "God, what have I been doing?"
So I rolled down my window and I looked her in the eye
Oh how many times have I just passed her by
I gave her some money then I drove on through
In my own little world there's
Population two
What if there's a bigger picture
What if I'm missing out
What if there's a greater purpose
I could be living right now
Outside my own little world
Start breaking my heart for what breaks Yours
Give me open hands and open doors
Put Your light in my eyes and let me see
That my own little world is not about me


Friday, October 8, 2010

A More Beautiful Place


Dear God,

This evening after work, I went to the wake of my student's Grandad. Her Mom is also my friend. I know it is heartbreaking to lose a grandparent; much more a parent. I know that the death of someone we love so dearly is one of the heartbreaking things to cope with. I know the Grandad of my student is in heaven, but I selfishly want that person to still be here with her. We can gain comfort from reading Psalm 116:15. Please help me help my adolescent student to rejoice instead of feeling sorry for herself.

DS and DD are also watching my reactions. I can see it in their eyes -- even in their somewhat solemn attitude as DH and the kids dropped me off to the wake and I went down the car. Their reactions now, and as adults, hinge so much on the way I react to the trials other people surrounding me face. Please continue to help me set a good example.

God, fill me with the joy that comes from knowing You are my God for ever and ever. You won't desert me. When death does come, You will be there to guide me to a place more beautiful than I can ever imagine.

For this God is our God for ever and ever;
he will be our guide even to the end.
Psalm 48:14

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Tea Talk Time #40



1. I'm having... Ice cold honey lemon green tea! (Again) :)

2. I'm feeling... Good!

3. On my mind... New lessons for the 2nd Trimester in school.

You are my friends if you do what I command.
John 15:14

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

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Taking You At Your Word


Dear God,

Once again I have realized that in order for me to have a close and intimate relationship with You, I have to completely trust You and take You at Your Word. Too often, and many times, I only partly trust You.

For example, when You say (in 2 Cor. 12:9), "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness," my mind screams out in all directions, "God, I do not understand! One of my kids is not obeying me again, one is having health problems, I am surrounded by insensitive, uncaring people in my workplace, I am completely exhausted, and I do not understand how any good can come out of this."

I am ashamed to let You or my Christians friends know, but I have to admit, Lord, that at times I have a difficult time taking You at Your Word. Please show me how to trust You more, even when my mind cannot grasp it and my heart cannot accept it.

As for God, his way is perfect;
the word of the LORD is flawless.
He is a shield
for all who take refuge in him.
Hebrews 4:12

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

The Simple Woman's Daybook #49


FOR TODAY... Oct. 5, 2010

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

I am thinking... Of today. It's World Teacher's Day! Happy Teacher's day to all teachers like me! :D

I am thankful for... God's help and endless love.

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

I am remembering... To give a quiz tomorrow.

I am going... To rest after this Daybook.

I am reading... The Message Bible.

I am hoping... To have a restful weekend with the family.

On my mind... That my students will study well.

From the learning rooms... Science for DS, and Vocabulary for DD.

Noticing that... Christmas is just less than a 100 days to go!

Pondering these words... For great is your love, higher than the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies. -- Psalm 108:4

From the kitchen... Take out food -- McDonald's!

Around the house... Kids are doing their schoolwork...

One of my favorite things... A restful weekend with the kids.

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, October 4, 2010

Music Monday #32 ~ Only Grace


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 thank You for the grace You have given us. For by that we are saved, cleansed and forgiven...



There is no guilt here
There is no shame
No pointing fingers
There is no blame
What happened yesterday has disappeared
The dirt has washed away
And now it's clear

There's only grace
There's only love
There's only mercy and believe me it's enough
Your sins are gone
Without a trace
And there's nothing left now
There's only grace

You're starting over now
Under the sun
You're stepping forward now
A new life has begun
Your new life has begun

And there's only grace
There's only love
There's only mercy and believe me it's enough
Your sins are gone
Without a trace
And there's nothing left now
There's only grace

And if you should fall again
Get back up, get back up
Reach out and take my hand
Get back up, get back up
Get back up again
Ohh get back up again

There's only grace
There's only love
There's only mercy and believe me it's enough it’s enough
Your sins are gone
Without a trace
And there's nothing left now
There's only, there’s only grace

There's only mercy and believe me it's enough it’s enough
Your sins are gone
Without a trace
And there's nothing left now
There’s only grace
So get back up, get back up again
Get back up again


Friday, October 1, 2010

Peaceful And Quiet Leadership


Dear God,

I am not a King or a Queen, nor am I even close to being a member of any royalty, or a person who has that kind of big power. However, I do have authority over DS and DD. When DH is not around, I am the only one they both look up to for leadership.

Lord, there are many times when I don’t really feel very peaceable and quiet. The kids aren’t peaceable and quiet too. Some days they can’t seem to settle down; they argue, or simply always disagree with each other, or they do not perform the responsibilities expected of them at home or perhaps reach their goals in their school work too... When those days happen, I feel that godliness is so very unattainable and hard to achieve. Seems like it is more of an idealistic thought that is so hard to reach, rather than the lifestyle that it should be. I can understand why some leaders become harsh and somewhat calloused toward the people they lead...

Lord, please help me to achieve and maintain godliness even on difficult, low days. Assist me and guide me in bringing peace to my home. Thank You.

...for kings and all those in authority,
that we may live peaceful and quiet lives
in all godliness and holiness.
1 Timothy 2:2