Exercising Godliness

Dear God,

My quiet time for today is full of real, wise words: physical training, godliness, value, and promise. Honestly, I have never been the best at training or exercising my body, but I definitely want to be faithful at exercising godliness. It's hard work, Lord, and I constantly need reminders to continue and live by it.

Oftentimes when I get angry or impatient with my DS or DD, I am not exercising godliness. And I know that at times, I can't seem to help it. Daily pressures tend to build up, and everyday demands take their toll. I fall and ignore my spiritual exercises.

But You have promised, Lord, that "godliness has value for all things...." Bodily exercise is very good, and I truly need it to improve on my health, but I also need to exercise my "spiritual muscles" by faithfully practicing godliness. My DS and DD will truly benefit from a Mom like me, who is not impatient with them, and demonstrates godly character. Thank You lord, for helping me in this. I continue to pray that I will be consistent no matter how hard it is, and be reminded to live by Your word.

Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales;
rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value,
but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.
1 Timothy 4:7-8

On Being Gentle and Patient

Dear God,

They say that gentleness and patience go together. And you know that I am not by nature, a patient person. It's just not one of my virtues (okay, am working hard at it, Lord), so that leaves me with gentleness in question. If there is one thing that children -- particulary my DS and DD need, it's a gentle Mom. They need (and deserve) to be assured by soft, kind words, and easy handling. I know that regardless of what they do and no matter what the surrounding circumstances are, they should know they are loved by me and DH.

Lord, I've read it from dozens of books, and heard it from my spiritual mentors who helped shape me into being the Christian Mom I am today, that harsh and unkind words break down self-confidence and harm a child's feelings of being important and worthwhile. And I also know that it is what You envision every parent to keep in mind too. So please help me not to be responsible for that kind of destruction in the lives of my DS and DD. Sometimes, especially when things get haywire around the house, I am tempted to say things which should not be...

Please always guide me, and remind me how to gently and patiently teach my DS and DD, to discipline them without anger, and most of all to love them no matter what. I want to give them confidence in who they are and what they can do for You someday, to encourage and build them up rather than tear them down. Thank You Lord, for the conviction that You have planted in my heart to always remember these things.

And the Lord's servant must not quarrel;
instead, he must be kind to everyone,
able to teach, not resentful.
2 Timothy 2:24

Home Open Wide

Dear God,

There are times when I am somewhat not generous with my home. It's probably okay if I invited a friend over, but most often, it is the "impromptu" visits that I cannot handle very well. Okay, Lord, but it's not really the unexpected company, or any particular person I abhor dropping by, but the thought of offering and preparing food and refreshment, that is. For one, I am too self-conscious about the way my house looks. Second, I am usually tied up with the kids, preparing for an after-school activity that same day or the next, or am simply busy with household stuff (clutter here and there, things to do for my personal self... you know, Lord) to finish and do. The next thing or many motherly (and wifely) duties after, I find that it's already time to eat dinner...

Lord, please help me be a better housekeeper. I am quite a stickler for orderliness, as some would also notice, but many times, I do realize that it is important to make my house into a "healthy home", by allowing the kids to "make it theirs" too (a clutter here, a clutter there...). Even more importantly, please show me how to always have an open welcome -- and to live up to those beautifully framed words * that are pinned on my front door -- even if my guests see that my house is a "healthy home" to live by.

WELCOME TO OUR HOME*
GOD bless our humble place
of rest, with mercy
from above.
And bless the door that
opens wide, to
stranger or
to friend.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.
1 Peter 4:9

The Simple Woman's Daybook #3

FOR TODAY... Nov. 16, 2009

Outside my window... I can see little red-brown butterflies flying around the trees

I am thinking... Of my DS and DD; looks like they're coming down with the cold

I am thankful for... Some of God's blessings we receive thru other people

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

I am remembering... The days when I was still in College

I am going... To find a way to have daily noontime walks with a friend

I am reading... Fun to Cook Book by the Carnation Company

I am hoping... That my DS will win his Chess tournament next week, and my DD will enjoy her new Ballet school

On my mind... Is how I could lose weight fast

From the learning rooms... The kids are both taking a little break from school because of the recent Foundation Day celebration last week.

Noticing that... My DD dances gracefully and has developed stage presence from years of dancing Ballet

Pondering these words... When Jacob awoke from his sleep, he thought, "Surely the LORD is in this place, and I was not aware of it." -- Genesis 28:16

From the kitchen... Beef with Cheese, Nido Soup, and Sauteed Mung Beans

Around the house... My kids are busy with their own computer activities

One of my favorite things... Capiz Shell Windchimes making a joyful sound from the breeze of the wind

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!

My Heart's Desires

Dear God,

There are times, just like today, that I feel so unfulfilled. Basing on the world's standards, I should have a good-paying job, run my household affairs well, raise my DS and DD excellently -- be a Supermom in other words! I just don't feel very much like I am doing a great job on those things... Some days I can barely deal with the kids' growing demands and needs. And the (behind my back) criticism I probably get from some friends and even family weighs heavily on me.

I know Lord, that I am looking in the wrong direction for fulfillment. The world around me moves on and does not care about me or my needs. Only You can take care of the many desires of my heart. Please allow me to feel and experience the joy and contentment that come from being filled with You alone... Then my DS and DD will also see the truth and seek You wholeheartedly. That's whats more important. When they know You personally, then my heart will be filled to overflowing.

He fulfills the desires of those who fear him;
he hears their cry and saves them.
Psalm 145:19

Forgiving Others

Dear God,

I oftentimes forget that forgiveness has like, two parts to it. I want to reap all the benefits of Your forgiving grace, as well as the forgiveness of other people who I may have hurt or offended in the past. But the thing is, I am not always so eager to grant forgiveness myself!

For example, Lord, I get so tired of people who meddle with my life, or how I raise the kids, or people who try to boss me around, or step on my toes to get ahead in things, the list goes on and on...

I know that every person has his or her good and divine side, so as much as I could, I try my best to understand and extend patience... It would be so hard all the time for me of course, but if I choose not to harbor anger and resentment, I know I am honoring and glorifying You. And I know I am able to make a wrong thing right. Lord, I need Your help to forgive others as You have forgiven me. I know that it is not only for me that You have sacrificed and died on the cross; You did it also for them.

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

My Comforting God

Dear God,

Have you seen the news for today? Of course, am just trying to make things light here; You know everything that happens. Sometimes I get so afraid and weary. There are people killing people, people killing or hurting kids... Lord oftentimes I feel I do not want to let my DS and DD out of my sight anymore; yet I know I cannot protect them from the many evils in the world.

Long ago, as Abraham placed his son Isaac in Your care, please help me to give You my DS and DD. I know that when I worry I keep taking them back, and remove my total trust in You. Please take away and vanish my many fears. Help me to trust You with them everyday, especially in school. Oftentimes I can see my kids watching me at home. They take their cue from how I react to negative news. God, please remove the fears that bind me so that I can be happy and worry-free in the knowledge that You are there to comfort me -- no matter what is happening.

I, even I, am he who comforts you.
Who are you that you fear mortal men,
the sons of men, who are but grass...
Isaiah 51:12

Faithful Provisions

Dear God,

In my family, we are four mouths to feed, heads to provide shelter for, as well as minds to educate, and we are definitely not wealthy. But Lord I am thankful for each one of us and I know that You have made it possible that we are all here for one another, so I cannot complain about the growing need for food, tons of household bills to pay, and the high cost of education and after-school activities that we need to provide for my DS and DD. I know I do not need to be worried, because for all these times You have met all our needs and have never failed us. Please remind me everyday, God, that You will always provide when the supplies run low -- right along with the cash! :)

You know, Lord, faith is certainly not easy, especially for those in constant need like us, and when our minds are taught and patterned by the world to believe only what we can see. But I know, deep in my heart, that faith in You is rewarding. I should always stick that in my heart and mind that it is always better to walk in faith, because You will never fail us. What we see in this world have the great potential to fail us. So please help us live by faith, and not by sight.

We live by faith, not by sight.
2 Corinthians 5:7

The Simple Woman's Daybook #2

FOR TODAY... Nov. 9, 2009

Outside my window... The sun is shining brightly, flooding the room with a warm, brilliant sunlight

I am thinking... Of our luncheon meeting with the Tarrojas

I am thankful for... The provision God gave us for DH's wedding ring

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

I am remembering... The time when I was still thin and healthy

I am going... To try my best to manage both my weight and sagging health

I am reading... Espresso for a Woman's Spirit Book 2 by Pam Vredevelt

I am hoping... To get my health back in at least good condition

On my mind... Is a big and wide garden with fragrant roses around it

From the learning rooms... Algebra for my DS, and exercises in Division for my DD

Noticing that... The weather is getting haywire again; it is almost December, but the air is a bit warm from where I live

Pondering these words... You have put all my sins behind your back -- Isaiah 38:17

From the kitchen... Chicken Adobo, Molo Soup, and Mixed Vegetable Saute

Around the house... My cleaning lady just arrived to change our beddings to new sheets

One of my favorite things... A tall and frosty glass of dark mocha frappe

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!

Being Role Model Parents

Dear God,

Whether I like it or not, there are so many people out there, and around us, who attract the attention of my kids. In today's world, there are so many times and ways that my kids are exposed to negative role models. Lord, I ask You to please protect my DS and DD from these people. In my mother's heart, I want to limit the contact my kids have with these sources of bad influence, and ask for Your help in doing so.

And even more importantly Lord, please guide me and my DH to be a good influence before our kids, and show them, even while they are still young, how truly important it is to walk in Your ways and obey Your commands. Please help us to live according to Your word and guidelines, and show DS and DD that Your plan is always best as they strive to live for You. Thank You Lord, for always helping us bring them up the way You want them to be.

I will be careful to lead a blameless life -- when will you come to me?
I will walk in my house with blameless heart.
Psalm 101:2

Holding My Children's Hands

Dear God,

As I watched my kids at play today, I somehow felt afraid for what the future holds for them. I felt like crying as I thought of all the times that You have been there for me when I was afraid. You have held my hand and helped me in so many difficult situations. With Your help I have walked when I might have actually fallen.

Not once did You ever laugh at me or told me how silly I was to be fearful. Lord, sometimes the things my DS and DD are uncertain about seem so unimportant to me. I struggle not to laugh or chuckle. God, please help me to be understanding, to encourage rather than discourage. I want to take their hands and walk with them, as You have taken mine to walk with me, and never letting go.

For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you,
Do not fear; I will help you.
Isaiah 41:13

Bringing Up My Children

Dear God,

I know that for many times, You have always reminded me not to worry, but I can't seem to help it. I try to train the kids correctly, and try my best to show them by example, but at times my DS makes some bad choices. I am afraid he might stray away from You, Lord.

Isaiah 55:11 says that Your word won't return to You empty but will accomplish its purpose. Please help me to trust that Your word, plus the things I teach the children will help them go the right way, especially my DS, who, between the two, is harder to deal with, God... Please help him remember and keep in his heart the verses that he reads everyday during his quiet time with You, because I cannot always be with him, Lord. As he grows older each day, the time he spends with his family is divided by the time that he has to spend in school too. Please do not let him escape the truth, God. Always instill in his young heart that whether he eats or drinks, or whatever else he does, he should do it all for Your glory.

I know You desire that no one will perish -- even wayward children. Thank You Lord, that You care even more than I do.

Train a child in the way he should go,
and when he is old he will not turn from it.
Proverbs 22:6

Real Contentment

Dear God,

Sometimes I find that gaining something big or great is obtained from wordly achievements. I even teach my DS and DD this when I praise and uphold them more for their scholastic, or artistic successes than I do for their faith in You alone. Sometimes I somewhat crave to hear the praise of people for the good job I do when I should in truth, be concerned more with what pleases You...

Lord, please show me how to be a godly woman and Mother, how to have true and lasting contentment that comes from service to You. I don't want to gratify or please my selfish desires. Please help me always to reinforce that in my home and family life -- the need to be satisfied and contented with doing and achieving Your will. I know that that kind of contentment will bring great gain to my family and will be a lasting, strengthening blessing for us through all time.

Godliness with contentment is great gain.
1 Timothy 6:6

The Simple Woman's Daybook #1

FOR TODAY... Nov. 2, 2009

Outside my window... The leaves from the trees are swaying

I am thinking... About the things am supposed to do for the week

I am thankful for... For my DS's 11th birthday and God's provisions for it

I am wearing... A pink shirt-dress with Tinkerbell in front of it

I am remembering... The days when my DS was just a 3-year old toddler

I am going... To start walking with a friend starting this week

I am reading... Bad Dogs Have More Fun by John Grogan

I am hoping... For abundant blessings from the Lord

On my mind... Is a big wide manicured garden with lots of fragrant roses around it

From the learning rooms... Formal Chess training for my DS, and some exercises on Subtraction with regrouping for my DD

Noticing that... Climate change is greatly affecting so many lives and we need to pray more because of this

Pondering these words... The entrance of Your word gives light -- Psalm 119:130

From the kitchen... Beef Calderetta, Misua Soup and Chopsuey

Around the house... The kids are busy doing their own stuff and DH in the Library uploading some birthday pictures from yesterday

One of my favorite things... Relaxing on a windy porch with white wicker chairs overlooking a rose garden

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!