Sick.Plans.Next year

I was down the whole day yesterday, something I ate the night before made my stomach grumble and I feel ill the whole day, as a matter of fact until today but I am feeling a lot better than yesterday. I thought I was going to rushed to the ER yesterday but that's the last thing in my mind. I was actually screaming (silently) in pain because I don't want my husband to worry. I don't want to be brought in the hospital for so many reasons, I'm afraid the doctors will say I need to stay longer to check what's wrong with me and that they will poke me with needles and all and that I'll spend my Christmas in the hospital..so many thoughts running in my mind..but above all that? the expenses!!! Hospitalization is really not in our budget and I know a day in the hospital will cost me a week's allowance and I don't want to spend the Christmas money with the hospital expenses. Good thing I went against the husband's will. I stayed home and pray and pray that I'll be better.

This event made me think though of seriously having an emergency fund, just in case something bad happens to one of us,at least we will not worry about the money for hospitalization. So that would be one of my definite plan for next year. I am also thinking of investing, will not buy gold coins but I heard that's a good one. I am thinking of just small investment, passive income and I hope to achieve that next year. Although I have yet to write down and see our monthly budget next year.

I'm looking forward to the coming year. I know THE BEST IS YET TO COME for us, for our married life, for our ministry, for our finances :)

I love books

even when I was still in grade school, during my first year in school I already manifested my love for books and reading. I was sent to a reading competition during my first grade. And my love for reading blossomed in college where I will spend sleepless nights just because I wanted to finish the book I am reading. I love fiction then, most especially suspense thriller books. Agatha Christie was one of my favorites.

When I became to know the Lord personally, there was a change in the kind of books I read.

Now, I have two daily devotional books for this coming year and I am still not done with my “simple living for women” devotional book which I bought on a sale two months ago. I hope I’ll be more faithful with my spending time with the Lord with the help of these books.

I am sure you would all agree with me that devotional books help us in our Christian growth. I am so glad to be able to purchase from different Christian bookstore during a book fair. Books on discounted price is such a delight to me :) And am so glad that there is now more Christian bookstores in town, unlike before when there was only one.

I also saw some Homeschool Books available there, which is vey interesting to note because well, I do plan to home school if ever and even now that I do not have a child yet, I’ve subscribed to some home school blogs and been checking Homeschool Curriculum somehow preparing my self in the near future.

One of our Missionary Pastor is homeschooling their first born and I thought if we are to be full time missionaries also, we will definitely be using one of the Christian Homeschooling Curriculum that was being used by our Pastor.

And back to books, I would still love to receive some as gifts this Christmas so If you’ll buy me one, know that I’ll appreciate it very very much.

Gift Giving

It was another busy day today for our ministry team, we bought grocery and gift items for distribution tomorrow at our church Christmas party, and I didn’t mind not having enough sleep last night, I woke up early and did what we have to do today. It will be exciting tomorrow as it never fails to excite me to see happy faces in the church especially on Christmas season. Below are the pictures my husband took while we were sorting out the items.

Forty deserving families will receive the bags of groceries and the rest of the church members will receive a small gift. We will be giving also fifty devotional booklet (our daily bread) and everyone wants a copy of that for sure. I bought a lot of small gifts such as mugs, drinking glasses, dinner plates, laundry baskets. A flat iron and an electric fan is also up for tomorrow. We still have toys for our Sunday school kids (but no babydolls anymore, most of what was left were toys for boys,) and we have yet to sort it out. So many things to do, so little time.

Anyways, it is 7 days before Christmas, I am not yet done with my personal gifts in fact have to continue wrapping later and hopefully I’ll finish it before the year ends. Lol

How about you? Are you done now with your Christmas shopping and gift wrapping?

While I'm waiting

by : John Waller

I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am hopeful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it is painful
But patiently, I will wait

I will move ahead, bold and confident
Taking every step in obedience
While I'm waiting
I will serve You
While I'm waiting
I will worship
While I'm waiting
I will not faint
I'll be running the race
Even while I wait

I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am peaceful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it's not easy
But faithfully, I will wait
Yes, I will wait

I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve you while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting on You, Lord

Payday Loans-Just in case you overspent this Christmas

I know it is December and everyone is getting their Christmas bonuses which is one of the reason why December is my favorite month  But then, this is also the month where we spend big time because it’s the season of giving, and for someone who has loads of nieces and nephews and godchildren-someone like me, it’s spending time. But I do not want to sound that I am complaining because I am not. In fact I love the feeling that you can give gifts, I love buying gifts for them and I also enjoy wrapping them.

I just hope we all spend wisely this month because well, life doesn’t end when December ends.

But, if you really enjoyed buying everyone a gift and you didn’t notice you only had a dollar left which is a disaster I know (so I hope you won’t) but let us say you did, and you need money right away, you can always try quick payday loans, and quick means getting it the same day payday loans are something you can always turn on to, there are many online payday loans where you can apply online, no need to fax anything. Just make sure you are capable of paying it.

So this would serve as a reminder to everyone (especially me) to really spend wisely this month.

Stepping stones for your garden

 I found these cute stepping stones at onlinediscountmart.com and can't resist sharing it.

There are more designs and I wanted to save all the pictures because they are all good.
You know, I dream of having my own garden someday and I want those in my garden.I wish they would still be available at that time :)

And if you buy now, you can get discount which is a plus.

Soul for Jesus-Best Gift Ever!

I was more than tired today but my heart is rejoicing. Tonight was the housewives' Christmas party with the theme "soul for Jesus" and to witness the many mothers accepted Christ is simply wonderful. Best gift ever for our Lord. :)

I thank God for the Women's ministry in our church who never get tired of reaching out to housewives and single moms out there. And I pray that indeed we will win more souls for Jesus come 2011.

~*~

So why I was tired? well, actually we had two parties today and I was awake earlier than usual, we went to buy balloons and gifts this morning, Yep! finally! I was able to buy some gifts and crossed out names from the list I recently created, though need to go back and buy some more for friends, (am hoping I can find some kind of nfl t shirts for my guy friends) but if none anything will do :) as long as I have gifts for them. 

And after that gift buying, we started doing the balloon decors, and then after that we rehearsed for the later party (worship team) and then right after rehearsal and a quick bath, we went straight to the first party- and left after few hours for the Houesewives Christmas Party which I hosted. Whoo..I can't imagine I did all that today! and still be awake at this hour and writing!

God really is the source of our strength! Praise HIM!

 

Leaving

We're counting our last days here in our rented apartment and it gives me two contrasting feelings, sad that we're moving again and separating from dear friends that has been our housemate for 17 months, happy that finally for the first time after being married for nearly five years, my husband and I will be on our own. Just the two of us and I can't wait. Though packing and unpacking things is not a happy sight, still am looking forward to it.

Moving means expenses since we have to buy a lot of stuff, new door locks (only if I can afford a nice lock from schlage hardware, I find their door knobs and passage levers so nice)new house stuff since we don't own everything we have here which means we really have to buy for ourselves.

But GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME. He promised to see us in our coming and leaving so I am sure He will be with us. Even with our search for our new home.

Bituing Bulilit Christmas Party

As you all know we had our party for the kids in our ministry last Saturday, we held it in our church at around 3:00 PM. More than 100 kids came and we are only expecting 100 kids but as always the Lord provided for the food and toys. I can not thank our supporters enough for all the help and assistance, those who have given toys and groceries. Thank you so much from the bottom of our heart and please know that the kids were grateful too. I will never forget the child who volunteered to pray for the food, she cried when she said " Thank you lord for this party, thank you Lord for the food and for the gifts". That was very touching and more than enough reason for us to keep doing what we are doing. See her picture below;

 And more pictures!

 

some kids prepared a dance number :)

the gifts and prizes!!

 

enjoying the games

so HAPPY!!!

Again, thank you everyone and of course Thank you our dear LORD!! To you we give back all the glory!!

My blogging Life

As I always say, even if I have been blogging for almost 5 years now, I still have to learn a lot of things about the blogging industry. And it’s a continuous learning process. Even now I still have hard time figuring out html codes that’s why I seldom change my blog template because I don’t want to mess it up. It took me forever to change the look of this blog from the old one.

I’ve been using free web hosting since the day I started but have already bought three domain names, now, my biggest challenge is to self host all my three blogs so I can have better opportunity in the blogging world. And I know I need to exert extra effort and time and patience for that to materialize sooner.

And I have a new blog which I am buying a new domain name soon, I hope I can find from a lot of domain name search a not so expensive one but is very similar to the title of my blog. This one is a niche blog as I intend to use it for my small business and for earning opportunities as well. My timeline is to have it up and working first quarter next year.

And I hope to teach my husband too a lot about domain search, web hosting, blogging and seo so he can also help me maintain all my sites.

It is not easy I tell you but It’s okay. After all it’s helping us not only on our personal needs but sometimes it supports some of our ministry needs also. Plus even if I seldom write inspirational and devotional articles here, I know somewhere out there, those who have read and will read some of my entries about our ministries, our walk in the Lord through this blog were and will be inspired.
And for that alone I’ll face the challenge head on.

Our wedding rings

I wish we had cubic zirconia rings as our wedding bands but we only have those ordinary wedding rings, no shining stones and it maybe cheap to some but for us it says otherwise.

I know ours however simple and cheap it is, will always symbolize the endless circle of love between me and my husband. And it doesn't matter if we had the most expensive rings in the world or the plastic ones.What matter is the love that binds the rings.

"The wedding ring is a symbol of eternity. It is an outward sign of an inward and spiritual bond which unites two hearts in endless love" (author unknown)

December

We are now in the last month of the year, time flies so fast. Two more days and we're doing our last activity for the year of our Kid's ministry. I know I mentioned a lot of Christmas parties and events to attend to this month but this is also the month where all get to rest from doing work and ministries. So I am always looking forward to Decembers, especially the last two weeks where I spend most of my time with my family and special friends.

It's been 4 years now since we started a sort of year end vacation cum retreat with my friends. One of which I would never forget is the 4 days 3 nights we spend in an island :) we slept on our tent, there is no electricity and there are no accommodations available yet but it was so much fun! Camping for 4 days is one good experience I will never forget plus on the eve of December 31st, we have the island all for our selves. So nice!

This year we do not know yet where we are heading, I guess my friends are waiting for me to do the search and the planning, how I wish we could all go on a cruise but sad to say that as of now, we can't even afford a discount cruise, but we are all dreaming of that and I know someday we will.

So I'm excited for December as always. Vacation and family and friends, who wouldn't be excited right?

Christmas Parties

It’s parties here and there here in my part of the world. I am looking at my December month desk calendar and so far I have 9 Christmas parties to attend to not including the family gatherings. God bless me with the food I’ll be gorging up this month. Filipinos are food lovers and I am one of them.

There is this one party (FISHNETS Christmas Party) that I am looking forward to because it will be special, we are going out and we are now picking up on the kind of restaurant we will dine out. I am hoping for a not so expensive but classy restaurant, (one with light music and quiet and yes with POS systems of course, we need the receipts eh :) but those we do not frequent to during ordinary days and because this happens only once a year we want something special. I am suggesting this one restaurant that offers “eat all you can” but is not pricey, you just have to book early because it is always full and it’s quite far with our place.

It’s very Christmassy here now and I can smell the food.

Catching up with old friends

It's holiday here today (National Heroes Day) that's why I was able to go out and see old friends from the Christian School where I first taught. My first real job after college. I only stayed a year but I have established a long lasting friendship with my co teachers. Time and distance separated us for quite a while but Praise God for social networking sites, many years after here we are spending time and catching up.

And oh we did talk a lot, the girl in the restaurant kept on coming back to us for our orders and we keep on saying we'll just call you, we kept on talking and reminiscing the good old days, of course we did talk about our present life too and yes, they asked how I became this big :) nope we didn't talked about acsonix reviews but we talked more about babies, pregnancy and future plans.I even went home with an early Christmas gift :) It was such a lovely time. I just hope we can do it again.

Thank you Lord!!

Jollibee Treat

Meet Jollibee- the most famous bee in the Philippines. he is one of the most sought mascot in a children's party. Every kid here in my country knows him and dream of being with him everyday well, others are afraid at first but as they grow older they all learn to love him. But eating in Jollibee's store can be quite expensive especially for the poor, and so they satisfied them selves just by looking at him on television and print ads.

But last week, a good soul chose to celebrate her birthday with the poor kids and we praise God that the Lord sent her to our kids. They are so happy!! They were given the chance to not just look at Jollibee but eat inside the store, play with him and they took home lots of give aways and prizes!!

 (uh-oh, I think Jollibee needs a glucosamine sulphate supplement already, I hope he didn't get hurt)

Event like this inspired us (volunteers) to keep on serving these kids and the Lord. See the twinkle in their eyes? And the smile? I love it!!

I pray there will be more good hearts out there who will share their blessing with these less fortunate kids. Thank you so much again in behalf of the whole Bituing Bulilit (Little Star) Children's Ministry of FISHNETS. And to our volunteers -Thank you so much also..I know it is not easy but no one is complaining. Major applause to all of you!

Girls/Guys talk

I know it’s only us girls that can talk and talk for hours about almost every beauty product available in town. Well, it’s just like guys can talk about cars and gadgets for a lifetime. But at least now, if you have no one to ask about a certain beauty product, you can just consult internet and presto! You can get reviews and suggestions and opinions of other women like you.

So if you want to know what is the best face wash for acne? And your husband doesn’t know a thing about it. No problem. Sit back and click and you’ll get what you need to know. :)

The wonders of the internet technology.

Thankful Thursday-Thanksgiving.Parents

Laurie of Women Taking a Stand is still hosting this week and next month we will all meet at Iris site.

It's Thanksgiving day today in America and maybe some part of the world I think is also celebrating this day. Facebook is flooded with many thankful post. Grateful hearts are overflowing and I am sure the Lord is happy. I just wish we all learn to practice gratefulness through out the year. And for the Thankful Thursday ladies..let's keep on thanking HIM..everyday!!

Today I take time to thank the Lord for the long life He has given my parents. I have just been into a funeral service and I can't imagine my parents being gone so I am super thankful that up to now they are still with us and they are still healthy. We still have time to let them know how much we love and appreciate them. Thank you Lord.

Have a happy thanksgiving everyone! It is also a long weekend here and I hope you all spend great time with your family.

Friends are Friends Forever

It's one of my favorite friendship song. The chorus of the song goes like this;

"And friends are friends forever
If the Lord's the Lord of them
And a friend will not say never
'Cause the welcome will not end
Though it's hard to let you go
In the Father's hands we know
That a lifetime's not too long
To live as friends"

And I am thankful I have friends. And I am not the type who forget old friends. I keep them and I cherish them even if I gain new ones.

I actually am posting this because of friends I'll be seeing this weekend, we only see each other once a year in our "annual sleep over" but we managed to stay close even we are separated by distance. The friendship we built years ago was built in solid foundation and for that I am thankful. It maybe a long trip for me to see them again, going back to where we all met and became friends (where there is a need for cell booster antenna because it's quite far )can be tiring but I will not think twice of going because at the end of the day I know I can say it's worth it. Can't wait for the weekend!!

For the husband (hoping)

I am really praying I can give my husband a gift that he so desire to have this Christmas and that is none other than iPod. I actually browse over the ads for Black Friday sale and I saw one that cost a hundred and forty five dollar. It is 8gb, 6th gen, and touch screen and I know in my heart my husband will love it. I’m still looking and hoping I can find a good deal from Cyber Monday deals maybe one that is cheaper but is as good as the first one.

Make someone HAPPY this CHRISTMAS

Are you done with your Christmas Shopping? Finished putting up your tree? (yes, here in my country it's that early) Done with your christmas wreath? Now, don't you think it's time to share some blessings to our less fortunate brothers and sisters? I know the joy you get when you share is lasting and is deep. No amount of money can buy that.If you are too far to join us, you can find someone you can make happy from there in your place this season. Go to the streets, give food to kids out there, give toys, or better yet invite him to spend Christmas with you. I am sure he will be forever grateful!!

Busy Month.

December is always the busiest month for me, with all the Christmas parties we have to attend plus a lot of friends are having events with this month. Right now, I have 8 parties/events lined up in my calendar.

Along with the parties of course are food and December has always been the month where we all gain weight because of the holiday food! I can imagine my self eating and enjoying all the food this month. And then thinking of how to lose all the weight gained after gorging..haha! I know many of us are into that dilemma. Good for those who can take diet pills but for me who can't it is not a very nice scenario. 

Anyways, for those who are taking diet pills, just make sure you know all the side effects if there is,like if you're taking  phentermine you should know about phentermine side effects. Be informed, read the labels and reviews and know the facts.

But for me, I'll enjoy all the foods first and will think about losing weight later.After all it only comes once a year :)

Thankful Thursday

I miss Thankful Thursday posts!! This month, Laurie of Woman Taking A Stand is hosting so if you want to join us, visit her site and link there.

I know most of Thankful Ladies will be talking about Thanksgiving which is happening next week, how I wish we have that here too.

But this week I am so thankful for a lot of things. The past three weeks that I have not been joining this meme was one of the toughest weeks I had this year.

* I had severe ear infection in both ears, fortunately one after the other. Praise God my ears are doing fine now.

* I also had tough days in work ( toughest was the day when I cried in our office bathroom) - I was there sitting in was crying out to God. Praise God for the ever present comfort we can have in our Father.

* Our finances was down also- bills have to be paid (all of them has given us for disconnection notice) but I am thankful and praising Him because none was disconnected -He is providing for our every need.

* On happy thoughts- I am thankful for the kids event we will be having this Saturday- a mini carnival for 135 SPECIAL Children. Thanking HIM for the provision for all the needs for this ministry.Thanking Him for a dedicated team that is willing to serve and is giving their best effort.

Sorry for my long list. How about you? what are you thankful for this week?

Toys and Groceries for them

Christmas is just around the corner, in fact everywhere you go you can see Christmas decors all around you. The mall, the streets and the houses are all shining with different Christmas lights.

I know Christmas means giving and with this, I would like to knock in your hearts my dear readers if you have extra gifts or blessings you want to share please share it with us.

Our kids in the ministry will be having their annual Christmas party on December 04 and we will be giving them toys and groceries for their family as our gift to them. These kids belong to the poor families and I know they need this.

If you have extra hundred pesos or even if it is not an extra money, you might want to forego buying an acne cream, or a cup of coffee from starbucks ( I know the Lord honors those who give even if it hurts- remember the lady who give cents but Jesus noticed it because she gave her all?) The Lord will bless you in return!!

You can message me if you want to give toys or any grocery item. (noodles,canned goods, toiletries)

Let’s make someone happy this Christmas.

SHARE YOUR BLESSING!!!

A call to Anguish

I do not know with you but this has been speaking to me since last night. I hope a lot will have the chance to hear this so I am sharing.



You can hear the whole sermon in you tube.

20 years and still praying

My father stopped smoking cigars years ago and recently he decided to stop drinking liquors also. And I am the happiest in his decision. When we went home to visit them few weeks ago, he joined us in prayer and we held hands together. I’ve been praying for my father since I become a Christian and it’s been more than 20 years. I admit there are times that I doubted if I would still witness him accepting Christ but I am holding on to God’s promise in his word that “me and my household will be save”

And seeing those little changes going on with my father I have high HOPES. He will accept Christ as his personal Savior before God take him away. I am certain of that.

To GOD be all the GLORY!!

Thank God it's Friday

 :)

I always do that during Fridays because I  look forward to weekends but today I say it with all my heart because work  (and life in general) has been tough this last week. And I really can't wait for the work week to be over.
And even if I don't see  much rest this weekend I still want the change of routine.

At least I can stay late at night, browse and surf, read e-mails (clean my mail box), search for ideas about the upcoming Christmas Party for the Kids in our ministry and even check cheap car insurance available online. I want the weekend because I can do a lot of other things.

How about you? what are you doing this weekend?

Mini Carnival for SPECIAL KIDS!

JOIN US IN SERVING THESE SPECIAL CHILDREN OF THE LORD!!

Concerts

It's been a while since my husband and I went to a concert. I usually receive free concert tickets from my boss because of his connection with several entertainment companies. We missed some good shows this year like the one with Darlene Zschech of Hillsong but we are so glad to have been to PASSION Manila where I volunteered.

There is another one coming up this November 19 although this is a local Christian artist but I know he is good too. I'm hoping the husband and I together with the whole worship team will be able to watch it. I think it's like preparation also in our part for the show we have to do in Cambodia if ever.

Excited but doubting :(

I really do not want to put my thoughts into words right now but here I am... well, the only reason I don't want to is that i don't want t pass on to any of my readers the negativity (doubt and worries) that is within me. I have been praying and I have been contemplating but still..

The reason?

Someone who believes in us recommended us to play in a nice hotel in Cambodia. They said the management is looking for a Christian Band to perform on the 24 and the 31 of December, mostly to sing Christmas songs.
All expenses paid, accommodation is in their hotel plus some talent fee. Blessings right?

And I know I should be happy and excited and looking forward to it.

But guess what? Both me and my husband are thinking-are we really going? Can we really do it? Can we at least pass their expectations if not with flying colors but at least pass it?

We are just ordinary worship band -that's what lingering in my mind since I heard about it.

But there are people who really believe in us and in the GOD we serve. And I know this has been promised/prophesied to the worship team years ago.

I just wish "doubt" will vanish soon. Please include us in your prayers and please please encourage us....that would mean a lot to us. The husband who is the team leader needs that very much too and I know I should be his number one encourager.

~*~*~

Lord..thank you for this opportunity and sorry for doubting..It is YOU who appointed the time. It is YOU who gives talent. We offer this to you..for your glory and for your honor :)

Going Home

We’re going home in the province today and we are leaving in one hour. I am just finishing all my to do list so at least I can have a worry free 3 day vacation with my parents.

Our province is home to vast rice fields (you will not need an ATV with Polaris Accessories there) but as you walk with the small path walk along rice fields you can almost smell the grass and the trees. Lovely province I must say. For sure I’m taking a lot of pictures and will share it to everyone as always.

Enjoy your weekend everyone!

My soul follows hard after thee

I've been listening to this song for almost a week now, this is an old song but it blessed my heart, it motivated me to seek the Lord more. I hope this will bless your heart too!



My soul follows hard after thee
Early in the morning will I rise up and seek thee
And because thou has been my help
Under the shadow of thy wings
I will rejoice

Lord I want to praise you..praise you Lord
With all that's in my heart
~~~~~~~

Travel.Bus.Mom

It's almost weekend again and I can't wait for this week to be over because of another long weekend. November 1 is Monday and that is a regular holiday here in the Philippines. It's the day to remember all the departed love ones and for us it simply a day of rest (from work) and day to spend time with the family. I will go home on Saturday so I can be with my Mom whom I've never seen since May of this year. That was long! And I am missing her so much.

Though going home at this time of year is quite tough because everyone is going home, you expect heavy traffic along the major roads and highways and the buses for sure will be full and getting a seat is a major pain but I will not be discouraged. I really want to go home and see my mother.

If only traveling with our motorbike is easier, we would have opted that but our province is four hours bus drive from the Metro and I will not risk hubby’s and my life with the small motorbike in the middle of super high ways.

How I wish we have a car, even a second hand car would do- but it would be lovely if we have a luxury big car, like the one with lambo doors that CariD.com is selling. They are beautiful! I can imagine how exciting it is for the whole family to go road tripping together.

But since we don’t have a car yet, the bus will do us fine. I hope.

Small Washroom at Home-I'm thankful

For spa owners out there: beyondnice.com is offering a huge sale on their hot tub covers and some other items as well. You might want to get it for your home use also. I like the idea of having a spa at home no? I imagine my self relaxing every night when I get home from the office or from ministry work.

But alas- I only have the small washroom in our rented apartment to which I am thankful. Because everyday I see people sleeping in the corner of the streets -they don't even have decent homes so I need not complain about my small washroom.

Be thankful for every little blessing everyone!

Laughter. Medicine

" A merry heart doeth good like a medicine"

My devotion this morning is about laughter. And I am so glad I am reminded to laugh because laughter helps us cope with problems and I needed that. My office life is becoming very stressful and I should laugh more often otherwise I do not know If I can still come and work efficiently for the next few months.

Laughter they say is the best medicine- who knows it might be the best fat burner too. Laughter boosts our immune system that's why it helps us feel better.

And so even if I have take home work this weekend, I will take time to laugh.

Thankful Thursday-Vacation

Thankful Thursday is very interesting today because you'll  know something you do not know yet about all the ladies participating! Head on to Lynn's site and join us.

But before I do mine. I just want to thank God for being so GOOD!!!!! The 5 days vacation we spent with my husband's relatives is such a a wonderful time. I rested and was rejuvenated.

see the reflection of the couds and the blue sky in the clear water?..Beautiful!!

The place is very laid back and I love it, they have no Television, no Internet, not even a radio so we were completely shut off from the world for 5 days and we all loved it!. We had shrimps and crabs everyday (no wonder I gained weight again and thinking of trying tonalin cla to lose some) we swam our hearts out to beautiful river just besides their home and we went boating for two days!! And what's even better is that we were able to share God's love to the kids and to the people as we did one teaching/feeding day for the children :)

And for my list of ten things you do not know about me, here it goes.

1. I find it hard to sleep without a pillow in my feet.
2. I was once a recipient of the highest award in class (first grade)
3. And I didn't get any on the 2nd grade (I really do not know why)
4. I always have ballpen/s in my bag (I feel like incomplete if I have my bag and I do not have a pen on it.
5. I love working behind weddings, parties and events!
6. But I do not love partying :(
7. I do not like sweet foods such as cake, ice cream, jams but I do crave for chocolates once in a blue moon.
8. I am a night person as in I can stay awake the whole night and sleep the whole day.
9. My day always start with a breakfast even if I wake up in the afternoon:) (during weekends)
10. I Do not have a beautiful voic ebut I sing in the church :)

Bridesmaid Dresses

I am helping a friend for her upcoming wedding and we've been browsing sites for styles she could use for her bridesmaids. What do you think about these Mori Lee bridesmaid dresses. Aren't they nice?

If I choose for a bridesmaid dress I want something that they can re-use so it won't be a waste of money. And with a lot of styles out there I am sure we can find one that will suit all her five bridesmaid.I am back to wedding planning again! And I love doing this also. It's like one of my ministry already, helping ladies in their most awaited day!

GOD'S STRENGTH FOR YOUR WEAKNESS

by:  Patricia D. Bailey

God has orchestrated a unique destiny for each of us-one that will exceed our greatest expectations, one that He wants to help us fulfill. But some feel trapped by behavior patterns. Others feel limited by personality traits. Some hide behind their challenges, without attempting to excel beyond them. Others in their own strength create the type of future they think they want, only to discover it isn't as fulfilling as they had expected.

These people have found they cannot transform themselves. Self-help may have provided a degree of success, but instead of depending on God, they have relied on them selves. It's supposed to be about depending on Jesus, so HE can turn our weaknesses into strengths!.

Above all, God wants our hearts. He wants you. Our part is to cooperate with Him by yielding to Him, so He can make the finishing touches on our rough edges. We do this by building an intimate relationship with Him-learning who God is, what He can and wants to do for us, and how to let Him work with us and for us. This takes time, as does any relationship, and it is a process of growing and maturing spiritually. But the investment will pay off as you fulfill God's perfect plan for your life.

~~

Talk to God about your areas of weakness, and ask Him to help you yield to Him, so he can turn your greatest weakness into your greatest strength.

Urgent Prayer Request

Today was a long and exhausting day for us. A friend whom is also a co-worker in Christ needs a lot of prayer. His wife gave birth prematurely (eight months) through C-Section this morning but the baby died. We all grieved with him.

He was so excited to get hold of his daughter..but God has other plans.

Please pray for the mom also, she is still in the hospital and is in pain physically and emotionally. I almost cried when she asked whom the baby looks like. I do not know how painful it is because I have yet to become a mom but I do know it is painful enough to be depressed and sad.

Imagine you have waited and long to see your child, you have waited to hug her, to give her your breast milk, to carry her in your arms, to give her your love and affection.

Imagine going home from the hospital without the baby..

Please please pray for them. They need it badly.

Ministry in Samar?

So it is true, if you love what you do, you’ll find ways to do it even in times that you don’t have to do it. When we went for a vacation last week, we didn’t go to church on Sunday because there is no Christian (full-gospel) church around (which is sad). What we did, we gathered all the kids from the neighborhood, which are mostly sons and daughters of husband’s cousins. We did what we usually do on weekends. Feeding and teaching children. The husband and his brother taught them songs and told the story about David and Goliath.

While me and my brother in law’s girlfriend cooked and served them the food. What else will I cook? Noodle Soup (Sopas) it is. That’s the only feeding food I know how to prepare.

We honestly thought of bringing this kid with us back home! he's so adorable! Look what he did while others are singing

Anyways, the kids enjoyed it. I guess they enjoyed us being there also, especially when the husband let them play with the PSP, kids here don’t see those kind of gadgets everyday, a s I have said, most of the house don’t have a TV or a radio so how would they even know about such Bluetooth headset or an X-box? 

But guess what? Aside from the trees to climb, they have this very clean and peaceful river everyday for them to swim their heart out!

We will definitely miss all of them!

Hi everyone!

 It's been a week since I last posted. My husband and I went to their hometown for a short visit and I didn't know I won't be able to go online there. It was my first time in their province and I was surprised to see  their very simple and laid back place. My eyes feasted on greens, mountains and trees, fresh air. You don't get it everyday here in the Metro. It was very refreshing. You wouldn't believe me if I tell you that the rice we ate for five days are freshly pound by by my husband's aunt. Fresh crabs and shrimp everyday, it really was one vacation I will never forget. I've taken hundreds of beautiful photos and I am sharing it to you all on my next post. For the mean time, I've got to go and check hardware restoration. Stay tuned for the pictures :)

Be strong!

Be strong and take courage..

do not fear or be dismayed..

for the Lord will go before you 

and His light will show the way...

My blogging journey

When I was still in grade school, I used to get good grades in compositions, when I was in High School, I became the editor in Chief of our school paper (it was a small school though) but nonetheless, I was in love in writing, I wrote poems, I wrote everyday in my diary-which are being kept into our old house in the province till now. I even wrote short stories in my native  tongue/language back then.

When internet became the in thing, I made an online diary. When blog was introduced I did not make one immediately but kept on writing in my personal diary. When I was about to get married and I have read a lot of wedding blogs, I decided to make one -for me to document my wedding preparations. That was 2005. And that start to where I am now.

I do not say that I am now a blogging guru but I am thankful I have already inspired? Or maybe influenced is the better term some friends to do blogging also. It was not easy, the first few months where you have to build your relationship to your fellow bloggers, the first few links you have to make, the submission to google cache and the html codes you have to learn, I tell you it was not easy. But looking back now, i can very well say, it’s all worth it.

SOME BLOGGING TIPS

Blogging has improved a lot now, if you want to build traffic and exchange links, there are thousands of sites that can help you achieve such. But of course, you need to check if the site is legit or not. You have to carefully study if it brings you the traffic you want. Exchanging links with higher page rank is a must if you want to increase your page rank too and when you sign up to free link exchange network, make sure they bring guaranteed results and that your sites’s back links will grow. Join forums, advertise your blog –there are hundreds of ways to get free advertising but like any other business, you have to invest time and effort and sometimes money too.

You may also blog for your personal use only like some of my friends, they just want to write and they find blogging as the outlet. Whatever reason, I hope you do enjoy blogging as I do. Have a nice day everyone!

Hope of all Hearts

That's my husband singing the “Hope all Hearts” from the very recent “Dinner For A Cause” This dinner is for the benefit of the SEED OF LOVE ministry.

This ministry helps sick children in the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) through ministering to them, visitation and prayers and occasional gift giving and financial assistance. Health insurance like the one from Blue Cross Blue Shield North Carolina is alien to these people and they badly need help. Most of the patients here belong to the poorest of the poor here in Metro Manila and from all over the country. I’ve visited twice and both visits broke my heart.

I pray they’ll find their HOPE in JESUS.

My diamonds

Women love all kinds of jewelries, no doubt about it. But I guess diamonds would still be on top of our list. Diamonds they say are girl’s best friend. I do not have any diamonds nor would I have one in the near future, I just can’t afford it and so is my hubby, not even if wholesale diamonds are a lot cheaper.

But I have other diamonds in life.

My husband- he’s my bestfriend and he’s far better than any diamonds I can get in this world.

My parents – I will forever treasure them.

My nieces and nephews- like a women who take good care of her jewelries, I will also take good care of them, they bring smiles to my parents faces and to me! They are the family’s gems!

My friends- like diamonds and jewelries, if you have the best cut..you should be proud and I am..I’ve got so many good friends, real find :)

Do you have nay diamonds too?

It's cold :)

Good evening!

Just got home from the church’ prayer meeting although I wasn’t able to finish the whole thing because of my tummy, something is wrong since afternoon and I do not know what it is. I’ve already consumed 2 cups of tea and I hope that would make it feel better.

It’s been raining, I haven’t seen the weather report so I do not know if there’s a storm coming this weekend, I can feel the air coming from the window and surprisingly it is cold here but not as cold as those who have winter season and not as cold as you think we need an electric fireplace already. It’s just right. I love this kind of weather. I need not turn the electric fan here in the room right now so it’s something.

How’s the weather in your part? Do you live in a tropical country too? Or do you live in a country where there are four season?

Thankful Thursday-Vacation

Irish of Grace Alone had that in her title and I smiled upon seeing it. Why? because we're going to have a 5 day vacation too next week! And I can't wait. I know I deserve it because I've been working double time lately. And I am so thankful God has arranged this trip for us.

We are going home to my husband's home town for the first time since we got married and you can tell I am excited to bits! But the husband is more excited than I am, he's so excited to show me where he grew up, where he spend his childhood. It is one hour flight from where we live. A very nice province, very historical, very rich in culture. I know I'll enjoy sight seeing, the beauty of the landscape and the beach. The old homes with rustic furniture and the food. I'll take a lot of pictures and will share it to you promise.

I am thankful that God will provide for this trip. We got the airfare months ago and it was on sale, for the two of us we only paid 318.00 or $8.00 equivalent which is so cheap. Thank God for seat sales!!!

God is so good! he knows when we need a break..I so love HIM!!

What are you thankful for this week? Share it with us and be blessed to!!

Dinner For A Cause

Me and my husband are attending this dinner tomorrow, the Pastor who spearheads this ministry is our Pastor so we are all there to support. proceeds for this will go to sick children of the PGH. If you're in Manila and you want to help, you might want to dine in and help. This will be held in Makati Parks and Garden tomorrow at 7:00 PM. There will also be a mini concert and my husband will be playing the base guitar for the first time. :)

The Time is Right for Roberto Coin Jewelry

If you have waited until the last moment to get that piece of jewelry to “wow” your family and friends and are telling yourself “it's time to get out of my comfy zone” and find something, Roberto Coin has all you need in fine jewelry. You won't have to look long aRoberto Coin jewelry before you find something that will knock you off of your feet. With pieces such as the 18kt white gold C-Profile Diamond Pendant, the 18kt yellow gold O Diamond Pendant, and the Centro Florentine Bracele-18kt Gold Bangle with Diamond and much more, the only hard part would be choose one magnificent piece over the other.

Unique Jewelry Pieces

The history behind Roberto Coin jewelry is quite amazing. He founded this company in 1977 and, in the beginning, was suppose to create prestigious jewelry for fine international brands. As it would turn out by the year 2000, the pieces in his collection allowed the company to rank 7th amongst all of the best-known jewelry companies world wide. These pieces have an interesting hidden gem fixture. In 1996, Roberto Coin started signing the pieces that were in the Appassionata Collections by affixing a ruby to each piece, and this signing or “secret gem” is a part of all the collections. This piece is wrapped around a legend and lore and is thought of as a secret gift of good wishes.

The Roberto Coin Collection

Collections includes the Appassionata, Barocco, Capri Plus, Centro Diamonds, Chic & Shine, Circle of Life, Classica, and the Elephant Skin. They have a variety of styles and colors of rings, earrings, watches, necklaces, and bracelets to choose from. Dazzle a young person with a graduation or birthday gift they will never forget. This will be the perfect anniversary gift or a conversation piece you can showcase at a special event.

Online Resources for Ministers

If you're someone who has decided that an online college is the best choice for your ministry education, then congratulations! You’ve made a good decision. There are plenty of resources available on the Internet that offer courses for those wishing to become an ordained minister. Hopefully, you’ve already done some research to choose the program that works best for you.

There are several advantages to taking virtual classes. Ministry students will enjoy the flexibility of online courses because they can fit their classes into community service, benevolence, or outreach ministries. They can also save money because they don’t have to commute to school every day to attend classes. It’s a win-win situation.

You’ll be happy to know that the qualifications for an online ministry education program are just as stringent as most traditional colleges and universities in your area. An added bonus is the fact that you can take virtual classes from any university in the country offering e-learning. For example, Liberty University has several online college courses available to people all across the U.S.

Although Internet-based colleges and universities have raised a few eyebrows from some people, the education provided though virtual colleges and learning centers is just as valuable as the education offered anywhere else in the country. If you wish to pursue a degree in ministry, do your best to find a fully accredited school. In the long run, you’ll be glad you did.

As a word of caution, you should avoid so-called fake diploma mills on the Internet. With some services, you pay a fee, and a company sends you a diploma. That’s about all you get. You don’t receive the benefit or reward that fully accredited institutions offer.

When you choose a distance-learning program, you're setting yourself up to learn as you focus on other aspects of your life.

Cancer Warriors Foundation (CWF)

is looking for 300 kids with Acute Lymphocytic Luekemia(A.L. L) using the ff chemotherapy drugs:

Metotrexate tablets
Metotrexate vial
Mercaptupurine tablets
Vincristine
Leunase

We can sustain them for the next 12 months, at the minimum, and for the rest of their chemo treatment if everythings goes as planned!

The child should be under a pedia hema or pedia hema-oncologist to qualify for assistance!

*~*~

They are asking to spread the word so I am sharing this. You can visit their site to get more details information about this. http://www.cancerwarriorsfoundation.org

Thank God for organizations like this, at least people who do not have the funds can ask for assistance, I'm sure they also help those who have Mesothelioma cancer, Ovarian cancer and many more.

God bless you guys!!

Run the Race

Do not quit, run the race till' you see HIS face...RUN TO JESUS if you're tired, if you're lonely, if you feel alone, if you feel abandoned. Run to the Father and He will welcome you with arms wide open because He loves you so much!!

Promotional Items

Anybody here need promotional items for their company or website or any business or ministries? If you need t-shirts with print or umbrellas, mugs, fans, fridge magnet, key chain and eco-bags. Please message me and maybe we can customize one for you!

We have made several t-shirts for different ministries already and we are happy we are getting repeat orders which means customers are satisfied.

I hope we can get many more orders for Christmas.

Spreading the Love!

Before I start reading about document management software, let me just share to you that I am excited and proud to be a member of an e-group where love abounds and overflows!! This is actually a group of newly weds where one share experiences about parenting, being married and everything. One year ago, A mom gave birth to a precious little girl with Apert syndrome, Just recently, the girl had her first surgery/operation. We all prayed for her and she is now recovering well. Praise the Lord! Financially exhausted by the hospital expenses, the mom said they’ll not be able to throw her a 1st birthday party just like they did for his older brother ad that it hurt her but can’t do anything. So, here comes the Newlyweds community, organizing a big party for the girl :) Love is overflowing not only because everyone is sharing in terms of money but the thoughts are there. Love is spreading through this community and I am so blessed to be a part of it!!!

Scholarship ministry

As you all know my dear friends, we do have a scholarship ministry where we help youth from the Urban Poor areas finish their school. we believe that if they have a diploma they would have better chances of finding good and stable jobs thus in return will be able to help their family.

The first semester of the school year is about to end next month, please help us pray for supports for our scholars, we have yet to pay in full their tuition fees, If we can not pay they will not be able to get the final examination.

Please keep on praying for this ministry.

Biggest Loser- I will be

I read from a showbiz site that we will be having “The biggest Loser” show here in our country next year and that a very famous actress who is also on the big side is hosting the show but she is now on the process of losing weight and preparing for the said show. I’m sure she’ll be as fit as she can when she hosts next year. Losing weight in good and healthy way takes a lot of time. And I am quite sure her being a celebrity is losing weight under a supervision of a good fitness teacher and maybe she’s even doing Home workouts because she can afford to have the luxury of a gym in her very own house.

To lose weight means to exercise, to do work outs, to move and of course to follow a healthy diet. But it is also important to know what your body needs during and after work out. I bring a bottle of water when I go to the gym (unfortunately that was 2 years ago already) because I know we lose a lot of water when we exercise thus it is very important to replace them after. A supplement like P90X Recovery Drink is another nice to haves. It helps in replenishing the fluids loss during a rigorous workout.

Another nutritional drink you might want to complement your weight loss program is Shakeology. It is made up of essential amino acids, vitamins and minerals and is also is loaded with anti-oxidants and phytonutrients which help eliminate toxins and shed stored fat. You can have a thirty day love it or send back sort of guarantee thing if you like. Honestly, my sister tried a similar drink before and yes she lost weight and did something great about her hormonal imbalance which eventually leads for her conceiving and giving birth. (That I am currently praying for)

I will not join the biggest loser but I joked hubby about it but as soon as I start an exercise again I’ll share every bit of weight lost here and I hope I'll lose big.

God has a place for you

by : Gloria Copeland
He brought us to this place and gave us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey. Deuteronomy. 26:9

God has a plan for each of us, but did you know that He also has a physical place for us? When God created Adam and Eve, He made a place for them in the Garden. When He established the children of Israel as a people, he gave them the promise land.

I believe God has a physical place for us, but to receive it we are to diligently seek Him and His way of doing things. When we seek after God, we find His wisdom, we run into His goodness, and we open the door for the kingdom of heaven to be manifested, so we can live life supernaturally.

We don't have to live like the world lives. We have a Father in heaven who is in control, and He wants us to be like Him. That's why He gave Adam dominion over all things. Then God gave him instructions on how to live in the Garden.

Everything was perfect, nothing missing, nothing broken, until Adam and Eve failed to follow the wisdom of God for their lives and disobeyed Him. As a result, they lost their Garden.

God has a place of blessing for you, and I believe that if you'll stay connected to Him and follow His wisdom, your “place” will continually increase. You can't follow the wisdom of God and not increase.

“Are you in the place that God has for you? If so, thank Him for it. If not, receive your “place” by faith and stay expectant.”

Wearing True Religion on Your Back

When you think about religion, the first thing that comes to people’s minds is not usually clothing. But those up on the latest fashion trends and styles it might. That’s right, not only can you follow a true religion, but you can buy it and wear it too: True Religion Brand Jeans.

True Religion started as a small boutique store in Manhattan Beach, California, back in 2002, founded by Jeffery Lubell and Kym Gold. Their first line of clothing was just jeans. But these are not ordinary jeans you can get down at Walmart. True Religion jeans are focused on a very high-end market. Their jeans can cost anywhere from between $175 to more than $300. Most of their jeans are in the $200-$300 range.

True Religion Jeans are also not just plain pants. The reason they are attractive and fashionable is that they specialize in a type of western vintage look and feel for their jeans and other apparel. Of course, when they started, the company was only jeans, but as they have grown (they now have over 900 stores across the globe) they have branched out into t-shirts, hats, handbags, jackets, boots, accessories, and even kids clothing.

It might be disturbing for devoutly religious people to hear that you can now buy True Religion and wear it on your back, but all that commercialization may not be a bad thing. If you think about it, even if “True Religion” is a band name, it’s still a phrase that will be seen and heard as this clothing line grows and becomes more popular. And as people begin to discuss the brand, they may also begin to consider the meaning of the name. And the more they think about its true meaning, they’ll want to find out more about it. If more people are searching for true religion, that’s not a bad thing.

A credit card that is not a credit card

Credit cards have its advantages and disadvantages. If you are a wise credit card user then by al means it can be a big help for you. But a lot of people think that credit card is money at hand but that is not the case. I should know, I have several credit cards before but I already cut them off now.

However, there are times that I wish I didn’t cut them all. Booking for a plane ticket for instance is one of the major reasons. It is easier and much more convenient for me to book a ticket using a credit card. There is this airline that have always seat sale and you need to book fast to avail of them. Now when I book, I have to go out and pay from their accredited bank to confirm the booking.

Virtual credit cards is now available and I read that it is widely accepted. How it works? You can use it like any credit cards, you can purchase stuff online so shopping online is possible even without a credit card. And they don’t do any credit check, you can apply anytime and registration is fast!. What I like about it? You decide how much to deposit on your virtual card, in that way you only got to spend money that you actually have so very different from credit card where you spend money that you do not have.

Thankful Thursday-Books

Life is hard but God is good.. (from a friend’s FB status) and I couldn’t agree more.

And so it is just fitting to give thanks to God for He is good. Iris of Grace Alone is hosting this month so if you want to be inspired, go visit her blog.

This week I am particularly thankful for these devotional books I got from book fair. Each book only cost $2.30 or 99.00 pesos in our currency. They were on sale and I am so thankful I was able to avail them.

Books help me a lot in my spiritual walk, especially the devotional type which leads me to God’s word daily. I so love to read personal testimonies. I get inspired and blessed by the works of God in their lives.

How about you? what are you thankful for this week?

Pure heart is beauty

I know yesterday I was asking for eye cream, today me and my friend who is getting married next year are talking about acne scar removal cream and about diamond peel. We agreed we will both have facial next month (we need to save first). She got a leaflet from our nearby shop and we concluded it's the cheapest one around this area.

But guess what, beauty is deep, it is more than what the eyes can see. It is something you hold in your heart and no one can take it away from you. Old age, diseases can make you ugly physically but if you have a good and pure heart, you are still beautiful.

Be joyful, be pure in heart, be thankful and you'll be pretty forever!!!