Saturday, February 23, 2008
Enjoy Harmony in Your Home - Part V
Posted by P 31 at 2:33 AM 0 comments
Labels: Parenting
Friday, February 22, 2008
“Crossroads” - I didn’t see it
One evening, after a disappointing night from my IELTS class, I turned to my husband and told him that I was not getting up at 3 in the morning to give Caila’s dose of medicine. Instead, I suggested to alter her medication therapy by getting up early the next day and give her dose at 6. It was a lousy plan but having to cut my sleep was the last thing in my mind. I was just dying to get a full straight sleep.
My husband thought otherwise. He volunteered to get up at 3 am to give Caila her dose while I was catching my much needed rest.
That morning, I got a message from him and this was what he wrote:
“This morning I felt a burden of handling my small group of rowdy school boys. They are just so difficult to handle and they drain me out. But the Lord reminded me again just like last night "see others first before you see yourself," and just like last night, the burden immediately went away.”
“I share this with you because this might help you out too. love you babe.”
I didn’t see this. In my heart, I knew I was capable of going the extra mile. I have the ability and strength to get up in the wee hours to give my daughter her dose but I decided not to do so.
Upon reading my husbands message, I was reminded by Philippines 2: 3-4 says, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
I was convicted by the Holy Spirit. As I was going through the study of this verse, I realized the full meaning of it. It says:
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit…. It was necessary for me to point out those undesirable attitudes. Possessing an attitude of “self-centeredness” will destroy me, my relationships, and the unity in the body of Christ. God brought me back to my desert experience and reminded me that this was the very first thing He wanted me to break. Instead, humility should be my priority in all that I do. It should be uncomplicated to maintain if I kept in mind my own faults and weaknesses and my vulnerability to sin. When humility is lived out, God is glorified.
“Consider others better than yourselves”…. Again, I was reminded to look WITHIN and see my own heart condition with all its faults. I cannot keep looking at the faults of others when I, myself, is loaded with unpleasing attitudes. (Romans 12:10b “in honor giving preference to one another)
“but also to the interests of others”….. If I look at the good side of other people and how valuable they are to God, this should eliminate my problem of "selfish ambition”.
God is continually cutting branches that are not bearing fruit…. It’s painful but I know it is for me to grow and mature so I can bear much fruit for His glory. I thank God for my husband who has shown and reminded me this truth.
Passage reference: Ephesians 4:1-32
Posted by P 31 at 12:35 AM 1 comments
Labels: Thoughts...
Thursday, February 21, 2008
I KNOW THE MAN
I know of a man
hardworking and strong
whose hands are busy
and works day long.
He stands with a good name
with integrity, not fame
to his children he leaves
a legacy, unblemished.
To model a life of wisdom
for Christ, as he gets older.
I know this because
He is a father.
I know of such a man
who shares the pain
and rejoices when
a sibling has a gain.
He lends a hand
when trouble comes
and will always
be there to understand.
He sees first the other
before his very own.
I know this because
He is a brother.
I know of that man
reflects the heart
of his love for Christ
Who walks in faith
And trusts so deep
His words he always keeps.
He loves the Lord
for Him to hold his dreams
and hopes unfold
and trust His plans.
I know this because
He is a Christian.
I know the man
from God He gave
to one who loves him so.
His words are gentle
and loves so warm
his touch is always fragile.
A best friend, forever
a wise mentor,
and a mysterious lover.
He treats me grand
I know this because
He is my husband.
Posted by P 31 at 5:29 AM 1 comments
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Crossroads - "The Dash"
This video was forwarded to me by my friend, Loreen. I hope it will bless you too!
I hope you enjoy this as much as I did, and maybe it will help you take life a little slower and with more meaning.
In July 2006, a short 3-minute movie was launched on the Internet called The Dash. Since then, over 40 million people from around the world have watched it; and over 20,000 a day continue to watch it as a result of people passing it along.
The movie has been more successful than we could have ever imagined. More importantly, however, it has inspired many, many people to reflect on their lives and ask that all important question, 'Are my priorities where they should be?'
I hope you enjoy this movie and share it with those who are close to you.
Live the Life You Have Imagined!
Posted by P 31 at 5:27 PM 0 comments
Labels: Thoughts..., Videos
Lunch Delight
Chops in Hickory Sauce
1 sprite, 8 oz.
¼ cup barbeque sauce
¼ cup hickory barbeque sauce
1 head red onion, sliced
brown sugar
salt to taste
Garnish with fresh oregano and chopped chives.
Posted by P 31 at 5:55 AM 0 comments
Labels: Family Recipe Favorites
Langka Preserve
I thought of Langka preserve. I would have wanted to make candies (candied langka) but the weather has not permitted for it will entail sun drying.
The preserve turned out to be really good. Try this recipe:
4 cups water
4 cups white sugar
1 piece lemon
grated rind of 1 piece lemon
1 tablespoon vanilla
1 tsp. cinnamon
Let it stand overnight.
Let it cool. Line the bottles with wax paper before sealing.
Refrigerate. The preserve is good for 2 weeks only. Great as ice cream topping or mix in special halo-halo, filling in homemade waffles or spread unto buttered toast..
Posted by P 31 at 5:26 AM 0 comments
Labels: Family Recipe Favorites
Just Give
I have learned that giving is such a fulfilling thing! It was modeled to us by God Himself when He gave His only begotten Son to us to save the world from eternal condemnation. Giving is not dependent on the condition of our checkbooks or the balances of our savings account. Giving is dependent on the condition of our hearts.
Giving shouldn’t be expensive or entail expense. There are many ways to give. Let me share some creative ways to give gifts that are straight from the heart:
1. A homemade gift. Giving something you make represents time and effort invested on the recipient's behalf. Each year, I always make it a point that I make something for Christmas as gifts. It has become a family tradition and we just love the thought of giving something that my family makes. (Whet Your Appetite)
2. A treasured gift. Give something you already have, something that is of special value to you. Not your junk, but your treasure. Don't ask the question, "What can I buy for Anna?" Ask the question, "What do I have that would mean a lot to Anna?" I happen to one time weed out my closet and found treasured curtains that I sewed myself. I asked the Lord to whom I should be giving them and He impressed in my heart the names of people to whom I should give the curtains to.
3. A gift of encouragement. Tell someone what they mean to you. Write it down so they can read your encouraging words several times. Writing it down can help you say it better and requires more time and thought. You can also make a tape or CD of encouraging words and thoughts for those who can't see well or for that hurried mom who spends much of her life in a car. In my journal, I have several notes tucked as bookmarks for special verses; notes of encouragement from my daughter and friends that have kept me on my feet during difficult times. (Daisy’s letter to me)
4. A blind gift. Give a gift to someone you don't know; a gift that is given in Jesus' name, just because you love Him. I recently read an article about a millionaire who sets aside large sums of money at Christmas. Dressed in a disguise, he then walks the streets, pressing $100 bills into the hands of the needy. "It makes my whole year," he says. As for my experience, I am always encouraged to receive a surprise gift like a bar of chocolate from an anonymous giver. My heart just bloats to know that someone thinks of me.
5. A secret gift. Give a gift to someone you know without them knowing who gave it. Give with no hidden motive and with no possible benefit to yourself. Like most families in the ministry, Bim and I are on an extremely tight budget. At several occasions, we had no money for groceries, a fact we shared with no one but God. We wanted to see what He would do. And just as when we needed it, an anonymous giver sends us either bags of groceries or an envelop with money or check in it. God is awesome! We don't know who gave us the gifts but every time I remember them, I ask God to bless them for their secret gift. (“Do You believe in Santa Claus?)
6. A gift of time. When we give thirty minutes of time, we are giving thirty minutes of life. My mother is in her old age and as often as I possibly can, I see to it that my family visits her. Along with Bim and the children, we spend a few hours with her. Our presence means a lot to her and I can see it in her eyes that she treasures our visits.
May you find real meaning in giving by sharing a part of what you are blessed with!
Maranatha,
Posted by P 31 at 5:01 AM 0 comments
Labels: Thoughts..., Videos
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Enjoy Harmony in Your Home - Part IV
Posted by P 31 at 5:42 PM 0 comments
Labels: Parenting
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Crossroads - "My cup is filled"
It's a cool
clammy morning
I feel the air
breezing,
smell of green grass
my eyes look up
with my empty cup.
A lovely day -
blue skies amass
I lay my Bible
on my lap,
to drink of living waters
to bath in showers
that never rans dry -
pools of streams
refreshes a neck that's wry.
Holy Spirit, it's me, You leadeth,
like a dance
in the heat waves,
my spirit will not waives
or in the desert
my well pollulates.
surely I drink
Posted by P 31 at 7:41 PM 0 comments
Labels: Poems
Enjoy Harmony in Your Home - Part III
Posted by P 31 at 5:58 AM 0 comments
Labels: Parenting
Monday, February 11, 2008
Pata Jamon de Immaculada
The marinade:
Rub the ingredients above unto the leg of pork and let it sit for an hour. Place the leg of pork in a bowl or pyrex large dish (or a marinating container) along with the marinade mixture. Marinate overnight and refrigerate (do not freeze), turning the other side after 12 hours. It is best to prepare the leg after lunch and turn the other side before bedtime.
In a large iron pan with lid, boil the leg of pork, along with the marinade mixture with the fat side down for an hour in very low heat. Turn the leg of pork after one hour. Make sure that the marinade mixture has not fully evaporated. Add in a few tablespoons of water in case the sauce becomes too thick.
Serve in a serving platter and garnish with fresh oregano leaves and chopped chives.
Bravo!
Posted by P 31 at 6:42 AM 0 comments
Labels: Family Recipe Favorites
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Song of Redemption
written February 3, 2007
Dumaguete
Women's Retreat
Posted by P 31 at 6:15 PM 0 comments
Labels: Crossroads, Poems
Seasons of Time Under Heaven
written Februay 2, 2007
Dumaguete
Lectio Divina 1
no reason to weep
no need to look back
Yet no need to burrow
Yes Lord, I trust You
Posted by P 31 at 6:10 PM 0 comments
Labels: Crossroads, Poems
Kiong Hee Huat Chay!
So here, some golden fried mascuvado-flavored tikoy. They looked delicious but knowing they're loaded with fat, I just had a few bites. My kids sprinkled brown sugar and masticated all the glutenous blubber in just a couple of minutes!
Posted by P 31 at 9:20 AM 0 comments
Labels: Family Recipe Favorites
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Name a Blessing
Wow! It just dawned on me. My daughter values relationships with people more than her toys and girly things!!! To add to that, she lays in place these cards on a table each night and adds more cards to the stack. Then, she takes out the prayer stones she prayed for that day and places them on top of the cards with the same names written on them. She then prays a thanksgiving prayer for each names of the stones she picked up from the prayer tray and recites the many blessings she received that day or that week.
I’m just in awe! My daughter recognizes true blessings in people and the importance of praying for them!
This is a tremendous blessing to me! Big time! My daughter just thought of something really brilliant and I am very proud of her.
.......hhhmmm, I might cut some pieces of paper and make my own Name a Blessing cards…. maybe I could borrow some of her pigma and glitter pens… and…. maybe use….. the pinking scissors to cut……
Posted by P 31 at 8:53 PM 0 comments
Labels: Daily Miracles, Kids
Friday, February 8, 2008
"Crossroads" - Change my heart, Oh God
As I was walking towards the escalator, I mused to myself, “There are just bitter, angry, and nasty people in this world.” Then it hit me, just as I was climbing up the last set of stairs to the third floor of the building, God impressed in my heart that I am like that too.
I stopped for a moment and pondered on the impression into my heart. I whispered, “That’s so ugly, Lord! What are you trying to tell me?”
I realized that I can be despicable in my words, in my actions and in my thoughts. Oftentimes, I can be harsh with my words to others without me knowing it. When I’m in a hurry and stressed out, I can be impatient and my actions will show it. When I see people’s mistakes, I think of their weaknesses as stupidity. All these are ugly manifestations contained in me! I’m no different from that fat woman I met earlier.
Before I walked in the room, I uttered a short prayer, “Lord God, forgive me. Forgive my bitter heart. Change my heart, Oh God. I ask you to take away bitterness and anger from me. I ask you to teach me to be forgiving, to be forbearing, and to honor others so I can bless them with kindness, patience and love. In Your precious name, Jesus. Amen.”
Posted by P 31 at 11:38 PM 0 comments
Labels: Crossroads, Thoughts..., Videos
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Enjoy Harmony in your Home - Part 2
Posted by P 31 at 5:06 PM 0 comments
Labels: Parenting
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Enjoy Harmony in your home - Part 1
You step over piles of clutter as you rush to get the kids ready for school. When you open the refrigerator, you discover that you’re out of milk again, but dry cereal will have to do for breakfast. There’s no time to run to the store because you’re running late. Then your kids tell you that they can’t find any clean shirts to wear because you haven’t gotten to the laundry. You wish you could go to school in their places because you just want to escape from the chaos in your house for a while. Does this remind you of your household?
Neither extreme is healthy. You can have a clean, organized, and peaceful home – and time to enjoy it – if you seek God’s wisdom about managing it.
Manage your home as well as you would a business. Recognize that running your home is much like running a business. You and others in your household provide important services like food preparation, child raising, laundry, transportation, housecleaning, caring for the sick, caring for the lawn and garden, home and car maintenance and repair, acquiring goods and services, and financial accounting. Managing your household is important work that requires someone to take charge, and the person who assumes responsibility for serving as the manager deserves appreciation and respect. If you’re a single parent, you’re your family’s manager. If you’re married, figure out who can best serve in the role (you or your spouse) – according to who has the most amount of time at home (even if you both work outside the home). Understand, though, that while just one person serves as the manager, he or she manages a team of family members who all pitch in to do the work – just like in a professional workplace. Divide the various household chores among yourself, your spouse, and your children, according to each person’s giftedness and availability. Know that your work at home has just as much dignity, honor, and value as professional work. Do your best to work together to create a home that runs as smoothly as a successful business.
Posted by P 31 at 6:06 PM 0 comments
Labels: Parenting
New series on Parenting
Hello! I will be posting a new series on Parenting. To start off with the series, I have found this very helpful article from Crosswalk.com. The title is: ENJOY HARMONY IN YOUR HOME.
Posted by P 31 at 5:54 PM 0 comments
Labels: Parenting
Prayerful Eyes
Oh how bright as the skies!
Encapsulated in innocence
bristled with sweetness -
like honey in the wild
so pure, untainted.
They shine like pearls -
like stars, they magically twinkle.
unlike the other girls-
my heart, they tickle.
the very depths of my being,
once touched, gleefully, I sing.
Those eyes, subtle as they seem,
many beautiful days they have seen.
Moments of sorrow, they hide in a shadow.
Though they love laughing freely, like a dove.
Yet like glass, so fragile, so sweet -
a chiseled crystal that crumbles under anyone’s feet.
There was once, those eyes, I glanced,
and was healed from life’s hurts and pains.
A balm like green grass in the fields
of dandelions and fresh rain
or a stream of silver leaves afloat,
Oh heavens! They’re truly I devote!
Those gorgeous eyes belong to-
A child’s prayerful heart.
Those eyes reflect the windows to
whom I dearly love.
Each day, many names she lifts up to
the Heavenly One above.
Protect those eyes, Oh God.
I pray they’re never sad.
For all the blessed years to come
Life’s troubles, I wish she'll never have.
Oh God, grant my cry, a mother’s desire
Unto her heart and spirit, ignite afire.
But only then can I be at rest
May she grow fearing You,
who will stand but never afraid.
May she trust and obey You
unwavering, that she’ll never trade.
And forevermore love You -
a devotion that will never fade.
Posted by P 31 at 7:09 AM 0 comments
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Cutie Jars
Posted by P 31 at 5:28 AM 0 comments
Labels: Family Recipe Favorites, Great Finds
Monday, February 4, 2008
Oops, I have reached my CROSSROADS!
.... and I also want to know if I'm being missed.....
Posted by P 31 at 5:16 PM 0 comments
Labels: Thoughts...