tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86274455334016937642024-03-14T01:20:12.352-05:00A Walk To RememberSharing my blessings during good times and bad times as I walk side by side w/ God. Delivering HOPE when life happens...Lovely Miguel Mirandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08805335853489950494noreply@blogger.comBlogger288125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627445533401693764.post-56673188808855963412021-01-15T13:13:00.003-06:002021-01-15T13:13:30.783-06:00So Many Things to be Grateful For...<p>Well, hello there! Happy New Year! We're now at the 15th day of 2021 and although so much has already happened all around our circle of family and friends, I continue to be saddened by how our country continues to divide and how others feel that violence will somehow resolve it. I'm so sorry, Lord š</p><p>Anyway, I don't want to take up my first blog with a sad topic, but the title is never an understatement because there's truly so many thing we all can be grateful for in spite of the storms in our lives. </p><p>I'll probably follow this blog with some of my sentiments these past few months, but for now I'd like to stick with most of the things I can quickly think of that I'm grateful for. </p><p>* My husband, Noel, is doing much better than the previous months and continues to fight his battle with his new diagnosis of Spondyloarthritis. Hoping that the Lord will use Humira to help with his daily body strains, while we continue to pray for full healing š </p><p>* Kids started their in-person classes this week. All are well š</p><p>* We have our jobs, enormous groceries (which I feel would last for only a week then back to grocery store again) šµ, but still able to bless others. š</p><p>* All my family's health are good, even my 79 y/o dad who continues to be as active as he can be during this very hard and long quarantine time in his life. </p><p>* I have my girlfriends to fill some of the joys I need in my life and I'm blessed with a very loving small group, that have also become my strongest prayer warriors. </p><p>* I'm able to start over again with the things I wish I missed or desired to have improved last year. </p><p>* I have a God who continues to love me whether I fall short or not and who has been very gracious in and through my life. </p><p>* I have things that I don't even need, but blessed with and the Holy Spirit continues to bring this desire in my heart to share my blessings whether in the know or not. </p><p>I know that I have a lot of other things I am grateful for, but just couldn't think much right now since I'm in the middle of working as well š but my hope for everyone this year is that whatever season we encounter in the days, weeks, months ahead, that we will take time to take a quick step back and remember that it will not be this way forever - there will always be good days and bad days, but a lot of things to still be grateful for. Know that in all things God works together for good to those who love Him according to His ultimate purpose. Let's spread love and kindness - it always changes the game, even when the other person is not likeable. </p><p>God bless us all!</p>Lovely Miguel Mirandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08805335853489950494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627445533401693764.post-40259811261371094582020-05-09T14:13:00.000-05:002020-05-09T14:13:22.060-05:00Self-Care in Uncertain TimesI don't know about you, but this is day 55 for me, since we started working from home and distance learning, and I must say it has its ups and downs. It's easier to see it now, since we're left with many opportunities to think.<br />
<br />
I'm grateful each waking day, but sometimes I can't help but to be caught up with the busyness, interruptions and more to do list, that I really neglect to get a breather or even to go to the bathroom. I feel like I'm busier now than ever. Whether it's by choice or I'm really just wired to always find something "better" to do, rather than sometimes taking a step back to just BREATHE.<br />
<br />
This last project for school couldn't have come at a better time. It's about creating our own Self-Care Plan, which I will be vulnerable enough to share in public and hopefully will help others to examine themselves who are also struggling in some, if not all that I struggle with. The main point...<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">"W<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; text-indent: -24px;">hen I go through my day on empty, there is not much left to offer everyone else."</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16px; text-indent: -24px;"><br /></span>
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<b><u><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Section
1: Causes of Stress</span></u></b><b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Time
Demand:</span></b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Being
a mother is no joke. With all the nurturing that my children require, the care
my whole family needs, work, distance learning, quality time as a family and the
dozens of demands needed to run the household, I feel there is not enough time
in the day. Sometimes itās so hard that itās easy to feel like Iām running on
empty day in and day out.</span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Self-doubt</span></b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">I
know itās impossible to apply a one-size-fits-all approach, thatās why I try to
do my best to give what I can offer as long as I am able to, but the sad part
about it is that even if I accomplish something day by day, I know most of
those days, I do it with a little attitude here and there. So when I hit the
bed at night, itās hard to sleep right away because my mind is running and feeling
the guilt, so I constantly reevaluate what Iām doing, looking for new insights
(from parenting experts, Google, or Social Media, which is absolutely the wrong
place to seek advice from), and trying to stay one step ahead the following day.
I feel like itās easier for me to question myself and become stressed by the
consequences of making a mistake. I guess itās all part of being a
conscientious mom.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">When
my plans go awry</span></b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Being
the planner of the family, either by choice or simply because no one else in my
family takes the initiative to plan anything, so I take on the tasks. I have to
say though, that this is one of my weaknesses because I guess when I do all the
effort in planning and all of a sudden it wasnāt happening the way I thought it
would, then I feel like a failure or unappreciated. It could be a small thing,
but sometimes in the moment it doesnāt matter. Itās just enough for me to feel inadequate.
Of course, part of me is also wanting to be in control. I don't attack anyone,
but I stay very quiet.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Relationship
Demands<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">During
this quarantine days, this part of my stress level has gone up. Although good
relationships shouldnāt be a demand sometimes, I canāt help, but feel like it. As
I invest the necessary time into my relationships with my children, sometimes my
marriage takes a back seat, especially when I have two young children that
needs different and more attention. I have to say, there are times when it can
also be vice versa. I feel torn between meeting the needs of my children,
whether itās my adult children wanting a heart to heart talk, my adolescent
daughter whoās in the stage of discovering herself or trying to keep up with my
youngest son whoās full of energy and still having enough energy for a
conversation or intimate time with my husband. Then thereās also my extended
family and friends who I definitely put on the back burner because of exhaustion
from household activities and doing what I can with the little time I have in a
day to help the community during this difficult time. So, what makes things
worse is I end up having this self-exhausting thought when good enough doesnāt
feel good enough. I feel like Iām always trying to do all things right. I give
my best, and when Iām done giving, I go ahead and give some more just to be
sure everyoneās taken care of or I will feel guilty. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">School
and Workloads</span></b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">I
enjoy the work I do and going to school, but I believe I become too absorbed by
it, that I overwork myself and donāt think of taking breaks because if I do,
thatās just another wasted time for me. For work, it makes me feel good that I have my own tasks I'm specifically responsible for (no one else does my job, so I guess there's "some sort" of job-security there - though no one is really secure), but the piled-up work and the lack
of pro-activeness from others to get some of work completed can make me feel anxious and stressed. For
school, I think I prioritize other things first and procrastinate. Nowadays
thereās the combination of distraction from my children while trying to focus
on work also, but they need my help with distance learning. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><u><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Signs
of Stress: </span></u></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">Ā·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Mood
swings. I become irritable and angry ā I notice unnecessary things and make it
a big deal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level2 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">Ā·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Body
aches and pains (Headache, lower back and neck, stiff muscles)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level2 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">Ā·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">My
tone of voice, itās with sarcasm. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level2 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">Ā·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Dry
skin<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level2 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">Ā·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Lack
of sleep often shows my dark circles under my eyes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level2 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">Ā·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Memory
loss. I feel like itās getting worse that I forget so many things. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level2 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN" style="color: #231f20; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">Ā·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN" style="color: #231f20; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Concentration issues. Iām easily distracted, even when Iām
trying really hard to stay focus, my mind is wondering about other things I need
to do.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level2 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">Ā·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN" style="color: #231f20; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Fatigue</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><u><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">My Triggers: </span></u></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">Ā·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><i><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Heavy
workload and too much responsibilities.</span></i></b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"> The demands and workload are heavy. I feel
like Iām not setting a clear (or clearer!) goals for others, therefore, when
issues arise, instead of giving them a chance to take care of it, I end up
doing it for them because I feel itās easier and quicker. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">Ā·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><i><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Too
much to do.</span></i></b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"> I feel like I also put this upon
myself because I have a hard time saying no most of the time, especially when I
see the need to help. So my to do list is piling up.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">Ā·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><i><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Family issues</span></i></b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">.
Iām a deep thinker, so when thereās family issues my mind canāt help to be
preoccupied with concerns. It affects my mood, but thankfully Iām able to
separate my personal and professional life, since Iām fully aware of the
consequences it might do to my job.<b><i> <o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">Ā·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><i><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Being criticized. <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">Ā·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><i><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Planning
a vacation. </span></i></b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">I like to travel and Iām also a
foodie, so when we as a family plan a vacation, I spend a lot of time
researching for places to explore and food to try. Iām also the type who wants
to get our moneyās worth, so when I plan, I have a full itinerary for all of us
by the hour of our vacations. Although, I welcome spontaneity, but only when my
plan is going well, if that even make sense. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">Ā·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><i><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Finding
ways to help others. </span></i></b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">This might sound
counter-intuitive as a human service provider, but I think for me it stresses me
more when Iām trying to find more resources for my client. I guess Iām an
overachiever, which Iām not proud of, since I realize it doesnāt really make me
happy. In the moment, I feel like one resource is not enough or thereās
probably more encouragement I can give a person, so I try to give more.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">Ā·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><i><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Exams
and homework. </span></i></b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">I tend to overthink, which causes me
to spend so much time on portions that are easy, but I second guess myself.<b><i>
</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><u><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Self-Awareness: </span></u></b></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Iām aware of my stress and triggers, but again Iām still stubborn, until I
start sleeping poorly, feeling tired all the time and no matter how much
caffeine I take or eat anything healthy, my body feels achy and feel tired.
Then thereās also my mood swings towards my family, but sometimes Iām still
prideful to apologize, even if my conscience is telling me, āSeriously,
Lovely!ā<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><u><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">My Coping
Skills:</span></u></b><b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">
Both negative and positive. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">Ā·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">I
pray and it helps to keep me hopeful, that to everything thereās a season, and
a time for every purpose under heaven.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">Ā·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">I
stay quiet. However, my family knows that when Iām quiet it means to stay away
from mom because Iām not having a good day. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">Ā·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">I
do other things to avoid that one thing that stresses me out in the moment then
I would realize either during or after the fact that it didnāt help to undo the
harmful effects of stress, so now thereās even more work for me to do. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">Ā·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">I
keep working and end up having back pains and I wonāt be surprised about other
possible health issues. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">Ā·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">I
go to a room for at least 15 minutes to just breathe and compose myself. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">Ā·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">I
use my massage chair.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">Ā·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">I
listen to music.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">Ā·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">I
read devotionals.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">Ā·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">I
watch comedy or drama movies, while working from home, then I would soon
realize that it definitely did not produce a complete relaxation for me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">Ā·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">I
eat too much junk food and drink too much caffeinated drinks that I become
sluggish and the caffeine possibly stopped being effective because of
over-drinking. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">Ā·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">I
criticize and yell at my husband or children and I feel that itās creating
tension in our home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><u><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Section 2: Self-Care Plan for the next 6 months (one step at a time)<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<tbody>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Sources
of Stress<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Potential
Triggers<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
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<b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Signs
of Stress/Triggers<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Work<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Time<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Relationships<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">School<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Self-Doubt<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Heavy workload/responsibilities<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Too much to do<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Family issues<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Being criticized<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Planning a
vacation<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Finding ways to
help others<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Exams and
homework.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Mood swings<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Body pains <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Tone of voice <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Dry skin<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Lack of sleep <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Memory loss <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Concentration
issues<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Fatigue<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<b><u><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Positive
Coping Skills and How to Implement them<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 233.75pt;" valign="top" width="312">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Physical
Health<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 233.75pt;" valign="top" width="312">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Emotional
Health<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 233.75pt;" valign="top" width="312">
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">Ā·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Stay hydrated by
drinking water more rather than caffeinated drinks. Add lemon/lime/cucumber
to help with the taste.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">Ā·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Eat healthier meals and
snacks by prepping ahead of time and drink my vitamins religiously.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">Ā·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Take bathroom breaks. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">Ā·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Join fitness classes
again and do it at least 2x a week. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">Ā·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Walk up and down the
stairs for at least 15 mins every other day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">Ā·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Use my massage chair without
looking at my phone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">Ā·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Cup Fill vs. Empty
Ratio by removing the activities that drains me and fill my day with what
makes me feel good. Remind myself that when I go through my day on empty,
there is not much left to offer everyone else. <i>(Just donāt become
narcissist).</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">Ā·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Set limits when asked
for help ā itās okay to say no.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">Ā·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Talk to my husband
about my stresses instead of keeping it in.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">Ā·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Ask my family for help
around the house.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">Ā·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Set aside at least 30
mins to an hour of daily quiet time <i>(read, journal or just listen to
music).</i><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 233.75pt;" valign="top" width="312">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Social
Life<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 233.75pt;" valign="top" width="312">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Spiritual
Life<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 233.75pt;" valign="top" width="312">
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">Ā·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Resume date nights with
my husband once or twice a month.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">Ā·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Go out with friends or
hang out at their house at least once a month.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">Ā·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Have movie nights with
the family.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">Ā·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Go to the park or eat
out on Sundays with the whole clan. Just like old times!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 233.75pt;" valign="top" width="312">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Pray<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Read my Bible
and Devotionals<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Journal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Listen to
Podcast<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<b><u><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Potential
Barriers</span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">My
potential barriers would be my own diplomat personality, my stubbornness, my habit
of negative self-talk and being a perfectionist.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<b><u><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">How
to Overcome Barriers</span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">For
me to overcome the barriers, I need to remind myself that health is wealth.
Itās real</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">ly a mind over matter and because I have a diplomat personality, I
need to be okay with saying no when I need to. When and if Iām having negative
self-talk, I need to shift my thinking and say the exact opposite to myself. To
embrace the truth that if I donāt step away to hydrate myself, to go for a
bathroom break or even to just get a breather, it will just affect my physical
health and my mental health even more. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">When
feeling stressed because of doubt, I need to look beneath the surface to find
the reasons. Instead of wanting to take over, I need to dig deeper to what
matters most, which is to mind my health, my heart, my habits and my
relationships. To always be grateful of the not just the big things, but most
especially the small things that I have taken for granted.</span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
Bottom line, please <b>TAKE CARE OF YOURSELVES - we're in this together </b>šš </div>
Lovely Miguel Mirandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08805335853489950494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627445533401693764.post-65349996603554145852020-04-07T19:17:00.002-05:002020-05-09T13:45:01.551-05:00What This Coronavirus Pandemic Has Done So Far...Dear All,<br />
<br />
I hope this message finds you safe, well and still full of hope. I don't know about you, but this our 4th week, since I started working from home and there has been a lot of mixed emotions for me. Besides journaling, I thought why not resurrect my blogging to release some of my thoughts during this very difficult time we're all in.<br />
<br />
I'm not here to share things you already heard in the news or even add to your uncertainties, but I'm here to just honestly share what this pandemic has done to me so far.<br />
<ul>
<li>It sure has brought me to my knees.</li>
<li>It has opened more doors of compassion for others.</li>
<li>It has helped me understand different ways of coping.</li>
<li>It has brought me to tears almost every day just grieving with and for the people who have already been affected by this virus firsthand, their families, the people who lost their income, the people who are alone at home or facilities, the victims of abuse, the homeless, the unprivileged, etc. </li>
<li>It has tested my patience.</li>
<li>It pushed me to work even longer hours every day, just to avoid being bored.</li>
<li>It has brought me more reasons to be grateful.</li>
<li>It has challenged my capabilities (sewing masks, making face shields, painting rocks like there's no tomorrow, draw some fun and encouraging messages on the sidewalk for walkers and even cooking) š</li>
<li>It has challenged my tolerance for negativity. Sometimes, we think just by knowing something and saying it justifies our feelings and excuses us from doing the right thing, but what we really lack is confidence of just doing it. Sometimes, it's out of fear (fear of hurting others, fear of being judged, fear of being talked about, fear of being wrong, or even just fear of change). I learned that there are times when you need to choose to remove yourself from too much negativity in this world, whether that's from the fake news from every media there is, people who just can't seem to find anything to be grateful for, and of course too much bad news. I had my days when I didn't realize that I was just being fed with too much bad news in one day by watching the news and reading about the devastation that this COVID-19 has done all over the world and continuous to do so, that I started feeling tension in my body, headaches, lack of sleep, I mean just name everything that stress can do to you, I was already having it, so I requested for my family to just watch enough news for the day (if we really need to) and do other things that will either uplift our soul or keep us from thinking too much. I have to say, it has been helping us one day at a time.</li>
<li>It is teaching me the true meaning of being still and knowing that God is still in full control.</li>
<li>It has made me appreciate the sun as I don't like being out in the sun too much, since I get discoloration on my skin so easily, but this time, that's the least of my worries - I try to work outside my patio as soon as I see the sun come out š</li>
<li>It has given me time to go through things I've set aside for months even probably years. </li>
<li>It continues to make me realize what matters most in life. No material, no money, or bigger/better stuff can ever amount to spreading love and seeing people the way God sees each of us. </li>
<li>It has allowed me to spend more time with my Creator. </li>
<li>It has given me more understanding of how loving, merciful and powerful God truly is. š</li>
<li>It has made me watch more movies, shows, YouTube videos, DIY's and look at memes like never before š </li>
<li>It has disrupted my sleeping patterns and I've been sleeping at 4am and waking up at 8am š³</li>
<li>Last, but not the least, it has made me consume calories after calories each time āI get upā š and can't imagine the rate weāre having to replenish our stock of food š I'm grateful for the provision Lord, but OMG! I will be rolling out of the house once all of this is over š¬</li>
<li>It has proven that NO VIRUS CAN STOP A HUMAN HEART'S COMPASSION FOR OTHERS. LOVE lives on. š</li>
</ul>
I'm sure there's more I will be discovering while we're in these dark/heavy days. I look forward to celebrating God's goodness and praising God each day I wake up - as it is a great gift to have.<br />
<ul>
</ul>
<div>
I sure hope you are all taking care of yourselves, staying as healthy and safe as possible. I encourage you to find ways to bless others as you are able - it sure helps to keep your hearts healthy š</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I do want to end this by giving a HUUUUUGE PRAISE AND THANK YOU TO ALL OUR FIRST RESPONDERS, HEALTHCARE WORKERS, HUMAN SERVICE WORKERS, AND ALL THE BUSINESSES AND WORKERS who continue to work and stay open for all of us. ššššššššš YOU ALL ARE AWESOME!!! May the Lord bless you all with His abundance. š</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Till next time friends! Blessing always š</div>
Lovely Miguel Mirandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08805335853489950494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627445533401693764.post-51463253045196241892017-09-15T19:49:00.002-05:002017-09-15T20:07:38.122-05:00Grateful HeartI'm here at Starbucks doing my homework and I just had to take a break. So what better way to take advantage of my break, but to even more use my brain to blog <span style="color: purple;"><b>š</b></span><br />
<div>
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
As I write my persuasive essay homework, I thought of the word, "grateful". The first people that came to mind, besides my Almighty Father, is my family. I thank God for them soooo much! Gosh! The thought of having to sacrifice our time away from each other while I study melts my heart. I have the best support system ever. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
People ask me how I do it, but I have to say, it's all God's grace. Look, I'm not getting any younger and with all the responsibilities I have and finding ways to be able to manage my time is lifted up in prayer in all times. I wouldn't know how to handle it, unless I pray about it first. That's my first go to, in everything I do. God has shown me His faithfulness and He has blessed me with a great family who understands and cheers me on. However, I know that this journey is not about me, but to be able to help more people as I use my God-given talent. You see, I volunteer at my home church, Willow Creek Community Church's Care Center as a Case Worker. The more I go there, the more I want to be able to help full time. It's not about the money for me, but it's seeing that my ordinary life can be used to be a blessing to others. People think that we're just there to offer resources for those in need (although that is one of the purposes we're there), but honestly, I leave that place even more blessed than those who received some help because meeting different people of all walks of life, carrying heavy loads (emotionally); it makes me realize that my own load is nothing compared to these people who sometimes just want to be heard. My goal is not for me, but for others to no longer feel alone. I want to be able to pray for them and so much so to walk alongside, if given the opportunity. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I find myself, learning to be grateful each day because of the opportunities God gives me. Whether it's a heavy burden that I will have to carry for awhile and/or it's something I have to lift up in prayer about, I feel honored and grateful to be used by my Creator. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Being grateful in everything shifts your thoughts from worry to trust in God. Even when it's hard to find the reason to thank God, I can assure you that it will feel a lot better to let go and let God do what He knows best... what's best for you and everyone. You may not understand the answer to your "Why's" in this side of heaven, but the God who loves you more than you will ever know has planned a good future for you and your loved ones. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Start small and do it daily... you'll see what I'm talking about. I lift you up in prayer, my dear friends, that you will experience God's supernatural grace in the hardest area of your life. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Blessings!!!</div>
Lovely Miguel Mirandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08805335853489950494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627445533401693764.post-16755508097161547772017-08-29T16:14:00.000-05:002017-08-30T12:28:08.008-05:00To be me, or not to be me, that is the question.Okay, I'm not Shakespeare, but I thought the title fits very well as I think of how people become so addicted to attention and praise because that's what social media does to you.<br />
<br />
Today's devotional from Proverbs 31 Ministries was so fitting, I had to post it... <a href="http://proverbs31.org/devotions/devo/" target="_blank">Wrestling with #OOTD</a>.<br />
<br />
It's heartbreaking to see some of the people I love find temporary satisfaction by what people think of them rather than finding their true identity, potential and beauty in Christ, who created each one of us. I know we have our own insecurities, but our problem is that we tune out our true self to be someone we're not. Weighing in on the many lies that others lives and beauty are always better than you. Know that it's the devil's greatest tactic to deceive you.<br />
<br />
Look, I have nothing against people posting in any social media medium, but when it's everyday about you, you, you? About your beauty (you go with your confidence š), body images whether it's yours or not, etc. you get the picture... it just breaks my heart when people become narcissist. Google Narcissism, and the meaning says it all. <br />
<br />
My dearest friends, YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL JUST THE WAY YOU ARE. You have so much to be thankful for and are so blessed. Everyone, even "Christians" go through hardships in life. None of us are immune to problems. We all go through it. It just depends on who you put your faith in. No need to be someone you're not. You know deep in your heart that these temporary quick fixes on the outside still leaves some void in your heart. Allow God to lift your head up and accept your true beauty, your true purpose. Allow Him to show you that the best is yet to come, for you have been made in the image of God and He desires for you to experience the best version of you, the blessings He still has in store for you. When the inside is crying, patching it up with things of this world will not heal it. But when the inside is pure and filled with the love of God, your beauty will radiate even more on the outside and will inspire people to want to know your secret and your Savior too <span style="color: magenta;">š </span><br />
<br />
Let me quote Steve Harvey's advise to his audience, he says, "Stop putting your faith in people, and put your faith in God where it counts the most.ā <b>*Triple BOOM right there!* š</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>My dedicated song to you: Scars To Your Beautiful by Alessia Cara</b><br />
<br />
<i>Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in Godās sight. - 1 Peter 3:3-4</i><br />
<br />
<i>Y</i><i>ou are altogether beautiful, my darling; there is no flaw in you. ~ </i><i>Song of Songs 4:7</i>Lovely Miguel Mirandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08805335853489950494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627445533401693764.post-20237755043773119992017-08-29T14:34:00.005-05:002017-08-29T14:34:59.009-05:00What Was I Thinking??? I'm sure many of you can relate when I say, "Where has the time gone?" Noel, my husband, and I were just planning our road trip for our 20th anniversary earlier this month and now that's done. Then school starting, both for my children and I. Yep! I'm going back to school! Or I should say, I'm already back in school. And boy, what was I thinking? I have 2 classes, English and Psychology. I'm not only working full time, but I also have kids to attend to, a husband I need to make sure gets part of my time as well, and I volunteer as a Case Worker at my home church, Willow Creek, I mean... I'm exhausted! <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I've asked the Lord, if I made the right decision to take on this degree after not being in school for over 2 decades now, and all I get is the words, "keep on keeping on!" Everyday now, I worry about the time wasted without reading or doing homework. There's so much reading to do, plus deadlines every 2 days. There was a time I felt like giving up, but the faces of my two older children who are also in college kept popping in my head. I can't give up. I feel like if I give up, it'll discourage them to stay in school. I don't know, I'm probably too hard on myself, but that's how I feel right now and that's what's helping me to stay the course. I know my hard work will pay off. I just need to take time to breathe and be still in the presence of God. </div>
<div>
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I can't let my complaints and worries take over me. Not everyone are given this opportunity and while I have the chance to pursue my goal of being a Counseling Psychologist, I will lift this up to the Lord, for Him to guide my every step. I know it won't be easy, but as long as I have His back and the support of my loved ones, there's no stopping this mama š</div>
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So, if you're in a situation where giving up is starting to creep up on you? Look up and ask for wisdom to make things clear for you. Now, there are times when it's really time to let go, but that's when you have to let go and let God do what He has planned for you. Remember that there is always beauty in the ashes. Not all stories have to end up the way you had hoped it to be, sometimes, you have to let God show you the bigger picture He has in mind all along before you miss out on His blessings. </div>
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<i>For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. ~Jeremiah 29:11</i></div>
Lovely Miguel Mirandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08805335853489950494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627445533401693764.post-8395442851201053192017-02-09T12:30:00.000-06:002017-09-11T08:28:22.712-05:00When You Question Friendship<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hi All! I haven't posted anything for awhile, but I'm baaaack and looking forward to writing more. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">So, about the title of this post... hmm?! Well, have you experienced a time when you felt rejected, outcast, set aside by a friend whom you've known and trusted more than half of your lifetime? </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Have you doubted their intentions, their loyalty, sincerity, respect and/or the love they truly have for you? </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I have and it sure hurts like crazy!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I guess due to circumstances in both our lives, we've slowly grown apart. We both have different interests now, I guess. I'm married and things unfortunately did not work out for her on that end the first and second time. Our kids are growing and life just keeps happening. But I thought, no matter where life takes you, good or bad, true friends will face the highlights and storms of life with you? I thought, true friends knows no envy, but will celebrate your high moments and cheer you on regardless you both are in the opposite ends? I thought, true friends will not tear you down, but lift you up? I thought, true friends will keep your deepest secrets, defend you and pray with you when you need it the most? </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Are those just a figment of my imagination towards friendships? I hope not. I cling to God's definition of true friendship...</span><span itemprop="articleBody"> "Greater love has no one than this, that he
lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I
command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know
his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for
everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you" (<a class="rtBibleRef" data-purpose="bible-reference" data-reference="John 15.13-15" data-version="esv" href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/John%2015.13-15" target="_blank">John 15:13-15</a>).
Jesus is the pure example of a true friend, for He laid down His life
for His "friends." What is more, anyone may become His friend by
trusting in Him as his personal savior, being born again (old self become new) and receiving
new life in Him.<br /><br />
One great example of true friendship is between David and Saul's son
Jonathan, who, in spite of his father Saul's pursuit of David and
attempts to kill him, stood by his friend. You will find that story in 1
Samuel chapter 18 through chapter 20. Some pertinent passages are <a class="rtBibleRef" data-purpose="bible-reference" data-reference="1 Sam 18.1-4" data-version="esv" href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/1%20Sam%2018.1-4" target="_blank">1 Samuel 18:1-4</a>; <a class="rtBibleRef" data-purpose="bible-reference" data-reference="1 Samuel 19. 4-7" data-version="esv" href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/1%20Samuel%2019.%204-7" target="_blank">19: 4-7</a>; <a class="rtBibleRef" data-purpose="bible-reference" data-reference="1 Samuel 20.11-17" data-version="esv" href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/1%20Samuel%2020.11-17" target="_blank">20:11-17</a>, <a class="rtBibleRef" data-purpose="bible-reference" data-reference="1 Samuel 20.41-42" data-version="esv" href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/1%20Samuel%2020.41-42" target="_blank">41-42</a>.<br /><br />
Proverbs is another good source of wisdom regarding friends. "A friend
loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity" (<a class="rtBibleRef" data-purpose="bible-reference" data-reference="Prov 17.17" data-version="esv" href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Prov%2017.17" target="_blank">Proverbs 17:17</a>). "A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother" (<a class="rtBibleRef" data-purpose="bible-reference" data-reference="Prov 18.24" data-version="esv" href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Prov%2018.24" target="_blank">Proverbs 18:24</a>).
The issue here is that in order have a friend, one must be a friend.
"Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses" (<a class="rtBibleRef" data-purpose="bible-reference" data-reference="Prov 27.6" data-version="esv" href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Prov%2027.6" target="_blank">Proverbs 27:6</a>). "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another" (<a class="rtBibleRef" data-purpose="bible-reference" data-reference="Prov 27.17" data-version="esv" href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Prov%2027.17" target="_blank">Proverbs 27:17</a>).</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I thank God for providing His words and wisdom to me and using His people to help me during these times of feeling rejected and alone in friendship. For reminding me that His love isn't based on me or my performance, but it's simply <em>placed </em>on me and it's a place from which we must live, loved. We are all loved by God, period, no question mark.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I would like to share an interview with Lysa Terkeurst regarding this topic at Focus on the Family. Either listen to it, if it's still available or read the transcript. Hope it will bless you as much as it has me. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Overcoming Rejection to live in God's love by Lysa TerKeurst </b>(Book is called <b>Uninvited</b>) </span></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.focusonthefamily.com/media/daily-broadcast/overcoming-rejection-to-live-in-gods-love-pt1" target="_blank">Part 1</a></span></span> and <a href="http://www.focusonthefamily.com/media/daily-broadcast/overcoming-rejection-to-live-in-gods-love-pt2" target="_blank">Part 2.</a></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I pray that as you may relate to my story, that you will find peace in knowing that God is our ultimate friend. He's the one I turn to "AT ALL TIMES". Who knows my deepest feelings and comforts me with His presence as He listens to my on going stories. I know that part of this journey I'm in is to learn to forgive and accept that my friend and I are in different stages of life right now and I have nothing, but good wishes for her. I hope someday this will all come to pass, but whatever God has planned for our friendship, I pray that we will both learn and grow from it for the better. And although I'm still healing from the pain of rejection, I still love her and can still promise to be there for her when she needs me the most. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I've been praying for a special blessing for her as this is the only thing I can do from a distance that will not interfere with her busy schedule. And I'm also praying for myself, that God will continue to teach me and allow me to live life to be the best friend anyone can have as God guides my mouth, my actions and my thoughts that will not crush anyone's spirit, but lift it up for the glory of God. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">For I am proud to say that "I am a friend of God." </span></span>Lovely Miguel Mirandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08805335853489950494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627445533401693764.post-84216714394502360142016-09-29T13:12:00.003-05:002016-09-29T13:12:48.656-05:00Moved by the song, "Why" by Nicole NordemanI can't help, but be moved by this song over and over again. Mixed of stomach turning due to guilt of all the things I've done wrong and feeling of overwhelming gratefulness to God for not giving up on me. If you listen and imagine closely, you will feel the truth of this song.<br />
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Why by Nicole Nordeman - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2F3OKPIJ75M">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2F3OKPIJ75M</a><br />
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Thank you Lord for this heartfelt song called āWhyā. Thank you
for the reminder that I am loved by one amazing God like you. Thank you for
taking my place on the cross and dying for someone like me who so deserve what
you endured. Thank you for your glory and for your amazing love. I pray that
everyone will come to know you even more and feel the joy and peace of being
loved by you.<br />
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I'm a sinner, loved by my Savior, Jesus Christ. Lovely Miguel Mirandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08805335853489950494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627445533401693764.post-16077356924432563072016-09-13T14:31:00.004-05:002016-09-13T14:31:51.508-05:00God of All Comfort<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, - 2 Corinthians 1:3<span class="p"></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="p">This has been my theme verse for the past 2 weeks now. The Lord knows everything about us that as I wrestle with worries and anxiety on this 40 Days of Blessing Others until my birthday, Oct. 17th and the big OCC shoebox packing party I'm having on Oct. 15th plus the hurt I'm feeling towards my friend, God has been comforting me with His messages. Here's a few...</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="p">Sunday's devotional had (9/11): </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="p">God will encourage you! As you pour out your heart to Him, He will say to you, as He did to His disciples when He was here on earth, "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid" (Matthew 14:27)</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="p">Yesterday's devotional had (9/12):</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="p">God is not merely an empathetic listener. You may feel better just for having verbalized your troubles, but God doesn't stop there. He says: "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)</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="p">Today's devotional (9/13):</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="p">Help - that's what you need! If you bow your heart in prayer to Him right now, the God who cares for you will listen - and encourage you - and help you find a solution. He promises!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="p">Feels so good to call on God without any busy signal and to pour out your heart to Him without Him ignoring you or neglecting you. In His divine way, He makes His answers known. Whether through someone or something, you can rest assure He will be there when you need Him the most. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="p">Thank you Lord for your love. Though I don't deserve it, you give it to me freely. </span></span><br />
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<span class="p"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">May you, reading this, take heart that God loves you and is crazy about you. Pour your heart to Him, you will know what I'm talking about :)</span></span>Lovely Miguel Mirandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08805335853489950494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627445533401693764.post-22867175346668685032010-05-21T18:32:00.001-05:002016-09-13T10:25:38.934-05:00Your prayers are needed...<span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #20124d;">today
is Project HOPE's Feed the Hunger Program. i have to be honest with you
all, i was really expecting many will feel the need for this particular
ministry esp. when i posted it on facebook, but i guess i shouldn't
have expected too much =( i failed to just allow the Lord to do what He
wanted regardless of how much help we get from others. though we
continue to be grateful to our repeat sponsors, i was really hoping to
be able to gather more funds in order to help more, but sadly, besides
our yearly sponsors, only our family responded. for a second there i was
really devastated, i neglected to remind myself that as long as the
Lord is in the midst, whether we feed 1 out of hundreds that we at
Project HOPE desire... i'm sure the experience and help that will be
provided will have an incredible and unforgettable impact to us esp. to
those who will be there. that what is important is as long as the Lord
continues to be glorified and His people are helped, that's all that
really matters. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #20124d;">is
it wrong to feel discouraged for not receiving the help i expected? i'm
sure the Lord understands what i feel. forgive me for feeling this way.
i just really feel bad for those who are in desperate need of something
we always take forgranted of. the types of food that we can so easily
get, but to them what they eat is what's being thrown away by so many of
us. i don't know i just don't get it i guess. i hope the Lord help me
understand why others just can't take that step to open their hearts to a
major need like this. why it's so hard for them to unclench (if that's even a word) their fists? whew! sorry, i just really need to get that out of my chest. i feel the brokenness
of these people, i'm sure it'll be more heart breaking once i witness
it first hand. oh gosh! i probably won't be able to serve to the best of
my ability coz I'll be crying the whole time =(</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #20124d;">anyway,
getting back to my soul purpose for this blog. i would like to ask for
your fervent prayer for this Feed the Hunger program. my sister, my
bro-in-law and with the rest of our crew are on their way to the
location as i type this blog. i heard that one of the hardest things
they are experiencing right now is the hot, dehydrating
weather. please kindly include them in your prayers this moment. that
they will all feel the Lord's presence from beginning to end. that every
person in every corner of this facility will be blessed by the power of
the Holy Spirit. Lord, let Your will be done and may You be glorified
in every way. Lord, You gave us this opportunity and so we ask for Your
provision, strength and guidance that all will be well according to Your
will. in Jesus Almighty and Precious name, AMEN!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>Lovely Miguel Mirandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08805335853489950494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627445533401693764.post-60847112356325100262010-05-11T23:12:00.000-05:002010-05-12T13:48:05.197-05:002010 Feed the HungerWe at Project HOPE have been blessed once again with the opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ to the under resourced children of Tondo, Manila Philippines, stricken with hunger and sickness.<br /><br />With the help of our dear brothers and sisters of Yeshua Emmanuel Community Church and in leadership of Pastor Manuel Ocampo, we will be serving another "Feed the Hunger" program on Saturday, May 22, 2010. A couple of our members, Treasurer, Yvonne Sales (my sister) and Videographer, Aries Sales (my brother-in-law) will witness, volunteer their time and provide what is needed in our behalf during this time.<br /><br />Due to the space, we have estimated only 100 people to be fed. But just like last year when we fed <a href="http://walk2remember.com/id185.html">200 street children in Payatas</a>, Philippines, we will also be serving them 2 dishes, rice and a juice box already on a container for easy distribution.<br /><br />What does this mean to you? This simply means that you are also given the opportunity to extend help to this unpriviledged fellowmen, who have no voice to express their needs and sufferings.<br /><br />We at Project HOPE have come alongside them to be their advocate to YOU, who have been blessed with more than enough, on their behalf. These people are the ones who live less than $2 a day. To them, two meals in one day is a miracle. Their daily routine is rummaging through trash to find scraps of food in hopes to have at least one meal in one day. At times, they force themselves to sleep through hunger hoping that the next day will be brighter, but there are days when they feel that all hope is gone.<br /><br />On the other hand, how many of us have wasted food because of ridiculus reasons and too much of it just makes us sick? These poverty-stricken people are the opposite... how they desire to be able to feel and say, "I had too much to eat" or "I'm full" or "I'm stuffed".<br /><br />We understand that many are still facing financial hardship. However, living in U.S.A. already gives us more reasons to be thankful for and a step ahead to those who are less fortunate. We earnestly ask for you to take a step of faith and give what your heart tells you... help make a mark into the hearts of this hurting people.<br /><br />For those who do not know our organization, Project HOPE is a non-profit family ministry. It was established in 2005 and since then we've been continuously supported by the generous donations of ordinary and compassionate people like you. We're not a big organization, but we believe in the power of "compassion in action". It doesn't take a big organization to help the forgotten. Paraphrasing what Mother Teresa once said, "If you canāt feed a hundred people, then feed just one.ā Friends, the size of the contribution is not what matters most. The key here is to have the heart to do it. Just feeling sorry for them doesn't change a thing, but acting on it brings hope to the hopeless.<br /><br />Please do not think that everything has been taken cared of by somebody else and your contribution will not make much of a difference... I mean, imagine if everyone else starts to think the same way? FRIENDS, YOUR EFFORT COUNTS. Let us set aside our differences and instead let's come together to do what is right and what is needed... that is to be able to feed this people at least one meal on May 22nd. With your help, we will be able to feed 100 poverty-stricken people OR MORE IF GOD BRINGS THE INCREASE. Just one meal my friends and believe me it will be rewarding.<br /><br />We also believe that prayer is a powerful and necessary tool and so we ask for your support in praying for this next humbling task the Lord has put in our hearts. Pray for the Pastor & my sister, Yvonne that they will be able to present the message of the Lord with clarity and with grateful heart. Pray for all the volunteers, that they will be safe, have the strength and God's heart of compassion to serve this people with love. That we will have all the resources needed to make this feeding program a success. Pray for every person that will set foot on this place that they will not only be filled with the abundance of food, but with love for the Lord and hope that is only found in Christ.<br /><br />TO DONATE:<br />Please visit our website at <a href="http://www.walk2remember.com/phupdates.html">http://www.walk2remember.com/phupdates.html</a><br />or by MAIL:<br /><br />Payable to Project HOPE<br />263 Comstock Dr.<br />Elgin, IL 60124<br /><br />I will keep you all posted regarding the progress of "Project HOPE's 2010 Feed the Hunger Program".<br /><br />On behalf of the Project HOPE team, I would like to thank you all in advance for your support and prayers. May God bless you for the action you will take, your thoughtfulness & generosity!<br /><br />In His Service,<br /><br />Lovely Miranda<br />Project HOPE<br />www. Walk2Remember.com/projecthope.htmlLovely Miguel Mirandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08805335853489950494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627445533401693764.post-62826649344259381652010-04-16T13:47:00.002-05:002010-04-16T14:01:35.086-05:00Day 5 (Last day for COH Challenge)ok, it's the last day of the challenge and i'm in awe of God's help in my time of hunger. i couldn't have done this w/o God's guidance. i was soooo jels when my hubby was munching on some chips last night, but he was nice enough to stop right away as soon as he saw me going crazy hahaha - i fell asleep with a stomach ache =(<br /><br />but i'm sooooo grateful i was able to meet another 5 day challenge! i know the day is not over, but hey it's not easy to be in this type of challenge you know with the temptation all around you all the time - ugh!<br /><br />well, i just wanna add too that i thank the Lord for giving my older sis another year of His amazing blessings! HAPPY BIRTHDAY ATE SALLY! WE LOVE YOU!!! YOU'RE THE BEST!<br /><br />wishing you all a blessed weekend! tgif!<br /><br />God speed!Lovely Miguel Mirandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08805335853489950494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627445533401693764.post-6908187877733663572010-04-15T21:02:00.003-05:002010-04-15T21:19:12.050-05:00Day 4 - COHoh gosh! i can't wait - one more day and i'm back to eating normal again! it just goes to show how fortunate we all are to have access to food all the time. wow! i can't imagine how poor people do it to survive =( here's me complaining for not being able to eat what i want for 5days while the less fortunate have no choice but to try to survive for the next days to come.<br /><br />today i felt cramps and dehydration. yes, i was tempted in so many ways... in fact i fell for 2 pieces of peanuts at work, but i caught myself right away. ugh! i feel so guilty =( again, it goes to show how easily tempted we get and without the help of the Holy Spirit ugh! i don't know how we can fight our temptations. my sis even reminded me how things will be if it's the end of the world... wow! thank God the Lord has my family in the book of life =) it's exciting to know that God has a place prepared for us already =)<br /><br />again, this experience taught me the true meaning of abundance and blessed. thank you Lord for your grace! may this experience bring about ways for us to bless others as you continue to bless us. help us to extend the abundance we receive from you to make a difference in someone's life.<br /><br />Lord thank you for this amazing experience. to You be all the glory =)Lovely Miguel Mirandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08805335853489950494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627445533401693764.post-28893074615275880172010-04-14T18:40:00.000-05:002010-04-14T18:39:04.714-05:00Day 3Omg! I'm beginning to realize that I CAN'T LIVE W/O COFFEEEEEE! <p>Besides seeing walking meat, I see coffee everytime I close my eyes waaaa! <p>Ok, 2 more days and hitting the buffet. I'm sure I'm not the only one thinking of doing that. I'M SOOOO HUNGRY! <p>K I don't have much energy to talk about anything else so um, pray for me that I survive 2 more days =)<br>Sent via BlackBerry from T-MobileLovely Miguel Mirandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08805335853489950494noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627445533401693764.post-5083319184404723502010-04-13T12:22:00.002-05:002010-04-13T12:33:43.265-05:00Day 2 (Celebration of Hope Challenge)oh no! my hubby and my son gave up last night already. they explained how bad they feel about what our brothers and sisters go through and how difficult it is to really be starving and not just hungry. my sis just emailed me and she's already struggling too. her son gave up last night as well. so now it's just me, my daughter and my sis. i gotta admit, it does give you enormous headache =( gosh! imagine what the poor people go through? i mean they have no choice but to feel the hunger, the headaches, the cramping every single day.<br /><br />i don't know how long <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">i'll</span> last, but <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">i'm</span> still trying and have yet to give up. i don't even know how i did it the last 2yrs <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">lol</span><br /><br />i know the Lord doesn't need us to do this to prove something to Him... it's just a way of knowing what our brothers and sisters go through when faced with hunger or starvation.<br /><br />what did i eat for lunch yesterday? i ate the chicken off of the $1 chicken sandwich i bought. for dinner, rice and beans... wow! that was <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">somethin</span>' else. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">i'm</span> not really a fan of beans, but i had no choice... i was hungry =)<br /><br />for lunch today, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">i'll</span> probably eat the same thing or chicken bits w/ rice - depends what i find. but i realized yesterday how much i spend for lunch here at work alone..... it's crazy!<br /><br />well, i need to eat now <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">coz</span> the people walking by right now are beginning to look like steak to me <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">hahaha</span><br /><br />adios!Lovely Miguel Mirandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08805335853489950494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627445533401693764.post-29442016117022743962010-04-12T09:38:00.005-05:002010-04-12T10:19:09.787-05:005-Day Challenge "Celebration of Hope"happy monday! ok so my hubby, my son, my daughter and i are on a 5-day challenge to identify with the poor. though this is my 3rd year doing this with our home church, <a href="http://www.willowcreek.org,/">www.willowcreek.org,</a> it's still not an easy thing to do, but since the 4 of us are doing it together... it will be easy to support and encourage each other =) for those of you who are new to this challenge i'd like to give you an idea of what this 5days will have to be like:<br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#660000;">5-Day Food and Water Challenge</span></strong><br />As an act of solidarity w/ our brothers & sisters around the globe fighting hunger and thirst, we challenge you to eat for five days as half the worldās population eats every day. Eat the meals of your day using the options below. Set aside money you would have spend on additional groceries & donate it to Celebration of Hope 2010 to support those who struggle w/ hunger, thirst, & sickness.<br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">Meal Options</span></strong><br />ā¢ Plain oatmeal or Cream of Wheat<br />ā¢ Rice & beans<br />ā¢ Rice w/ bits of fish or chicken<br />ā¢ A small portion of carrots, cabbage, onions, tomatoes, squash or broccoli<br />ā¢ Tap water<br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">Food Portions</span></strong><br />Portion sizes around the world are much smaller than those of a typical American meal. One cup or 8 oz is a generous portion. Meat is a luxury; the average African consumes less than an ounce of meat per day- about the size of a small chicken nugget. Fresh fruit & veggies are rare, available only if grown locally & in season.<br />While these meals seem small by American standards, they actually represent diets in the broad middle when compared to the rest of the world. Half the worldās population lives on no more than $2 a day. Approximately 1 billion people live on even less- only $1 per day.<br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">Tap Water</span></strong><br />Public water systems in the US generally provide adequate, accessible, clean water for the common good in environmentally sustainable ways. For 5days, we challenge you to drink only tap water & remember the more than 1.1 billion people who donāt have access to clean water.<br /><br />ok, so now u get the idea... i pray for whoever's taking this challenge, that we will feel the true message and lesson that God wants us to learn from this. that the Lord will break our hearts for the needy and that it will stir our hearts into a different meaning of how truly blessed we are and how extending help to the needy really makes a whole lot difference in someone's life.<br /><br /><strong>DAY ONE:</strong> all 4 of us ate oatmeal for breakfast. i still need to figure out what to eat for lunch, but i know for sure oatmeal again for dinner =)<br /><br />to God be all the glory!Lovely Miguel Mirandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08805335853489950494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627445533401693764.post-5451162115440529622010-04-09T13:08:00.000-05:002010-04-09T13:07:07.425-05:00Checkin inHey bloggers! And so I was convinced to reactivate my FB... I'm a bit cautious who I accept as a friend now so let's see how this will work. I thank God for privacy settings since I still wanna maintain my privacy and don't wanna broadcast the whole world things they don't have to know. Plus, it saves me from mysery =) I'm still not a huge fan since some people really uses it to live their fantasy life through it ( u know - 2nd personality).
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<br>On another note, I'm glad and grateful to the Lord for reconnecting me with people who played a significant role in my life. So all in all, I really wish this experience with FB will turn out to be glorifying to God =) if it leads me to a different route (a one ugly route) then there won't be any second thoughts for me... I'm closing it for good!
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<br>Ok, so I'm blogging while I wait for my sashimi rice. Something new for my lunch menu... I keep alternating between bibim bop, sushis and makis - now it's time to get somethin new! I'll tell you the verdict later!
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<br>Oops! Gotta go - time to fill up my one hungry belly =) happy friday!
<br>Sent via BlackBerry from T-MobileLovely Miguel Mirandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08805335853489950494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627445533401693764.post-76029411819849430622010-04-03T12:13:00.000-05:002010-04-03T12:12:08.497-05:00HaPpy EaSTEr!I know it's not till tomorrow, but I'm all excited already in spite of the weather =) the celebration must go on! <p>Hope y'all are having an awesomely sweet Easter weekend! May this very important day bring joy and freedom to you and your loved ones =) I love you all with the love of the Lord! <p>The tomb is empty... Woohoo!<br>Praise the almighty King!<p>God speed!<br>Sent via BlackBerry from T-MobileLovely Miguel Mirandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08805335853489950494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627445533401693764.post-15636311482120884002010-03-27T12:49:00.000-05:002010-03-27T12:48:03.936-05:00Its THEE daughterr :)Ok, well this is my first time blogging so bear with me. Lemme introduce myself...<p>The name's Camille Miguel Miranda. 15 years youngin' and proud to be a teen :) I'm my mom's first, so that means she loves me the most :)...sike! More like the least :P aha. I attend South Elgin High School(SEHS) as a freshie. I go to Willow Creek Church every Sunday, and I attend the highschool ministry: Student Impact :) hmm..what else... I'm a chill person, LOVESSS to LAUGH, and LOVESSS FOOD! So hook me up with any kind of food, we'll be bff's! Haha, jk, I'm friends with everyone :D keep your friends close, but keep your enemies CLOSER! I keep that phrase with me all the time! <p>Well I guess I'll catch yah guys laterrr! Gotta get ready fo thee FASHION SHOW :)))) I'll end this the way I end my own journal: PEACE&LOVE<3<br>Sent via BlackBerry from T-MobileLovely Miguel Mirandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08805335853489950494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627445533401693764.post-77386610943085662362010-03-27T01:59:00.000-05:002010-03-27T01:58:44.512-05:00Mixed Emo...I know it's late, but I can't sleep still... listening on some old songs w/ hubby =)
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<br>I need your prayers... tomorrow or should I say, later on today is the fashion show already. I'm nervous, excited, scared, happy, stomach turning, feet hurting, and so on... the best part of this whole experience is the chance to be able to do this in this lifetime (um, i'm 33 yrs old w/ 3 kids) and to be able to do this w/ my best friends of 19yrs - c'mon who wouldn't take the opportunity? though it's still sad not to be complete coz our 3 other girlfriends couldn't join due to circumstances =( I know they wish us well and I believe they will still be there to watch and support us - which is always comforting.
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<br>I gotta admit, it's been a wonderful experience thus far for all of us... being together makes it all worthwhile - it removes any negativity =) plus ALL my girls still looks GORGEOUS the more they get older - I'm so proud of them! not only have we gone through so many ups and downs, we've grown to keep each other grounded by encouragement and by building up and not tearing down =) I really think that's been the key to our long lasting friendship. I mean you can hardly find group of friends (esp. 10) who are still as close as we all are for this many years. We are extra extra blessed - I know that for sure.
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<br>K, well I gotta go and get me some rest. Pls kindly pray for a successful show and that we will all exceed everyone's expectations and of course definitely enjoy every second of it =) tanx much guys!
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<br>God bless! Gnite!
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<br>Sent via BlackBerry from T-MobileLovely Miguel Mirandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08805335853489950494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627445533401693764.post-72992653515875166802010-03-03T14:43:00.003-06:002010-03-03T15:35:54.886-06:00there's always a reason...<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#ffffcc;">as i mentioned on my last blog, i had 3 parties over the weekend. thank God we went to all 3. i not only saw some old friends, but i also met some cousins i never knew before. the fun part was we all bonded like there was no tomorrow. did some planning to stay in touch and all that good stuff. my cousins live close by my house too so that's awesome! ahh! such a great feeling to see old friends and gain more important people in your life isn't it? there's always a reason for everything =)</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#ffffcc;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#ffffcc;">for the past 2weeks i've been searching for the cheapest way to go to cali. see there's 8 of us traveling and imagine how much that will cost? ugh! at first my mom-in-law suggested to take the train since the kids enjoyed riding that before anyway, but i'm worried for my 4yr old... she might get irritated (idk). i mean i was really leaning towards that already since the airfares are just ridiculous, but thank God i found one yesterday almost half-price so i made sure i reserved it already. now i can't wait till that day =) my kids are way too excited and have really been saving their money coz they want to be able to buy on their own. so that's a relief for me and noel since we've seen how responsible they are with their spending anyway and how they really make sure they have money saved for rainy days. my 4yr old saves money to buy books and educational activities. she loves paying for her items on her own at the register. such a wonderful feeling to know that the values you teach your children are being practiced even if you sometimes feel like they're not listening =) the gift of parenting... hard, but it pays off eventually. </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#ffffcc;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#ffffcc;">k, gotta go now... still have work to do =)</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#ffffcc;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#ffffcc;">have a blessed wednesday!</span>Lovely Miguel Mirandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08805335853489950494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627445533401693764.post-52010138299254242482010-02-27T08:30:00.001-06:002010-02-27T08:30:23.187-06:00Fashion Showgood a.m. everyone! I'm just taking a few mins of my busy weekend to blog about something very exciting my girls and i are into lately.
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<br>well, we're fortunate enough to model for this filipino designer, victor miller, who will be showcasing his wedding gowns this coming march 27th.
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<br>we were informed about this last year and of course we were all excited then, but for some odd reason almost half of us wanted to back-out at the last minute of our 1st rehearsal. but after practicing "THE WALK", we were all back at the same page... EXCITEMENT is all I can feel with everyone.
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<br>one great thing about this is that my daughter and my goddaughter are in it too... so my best friend, char and i will be able to experience this once in a lifetime opportunity with our daughters =) i still can't believe that our daughters are part of what we do now - ugh! they're growing up too fast. my daughter, camille, is turning 16 this year while my son, ayren, will be facing his first teen year. gosh! where did the time go? Hmm, in a way i'm happy for them coz they get to experience more of God's plan for their lives. It will be tough, but life is worth living for esp when you're in the care of our gracious Father, our Creator.
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<br>anywayz, we have 2 bdays to go to today and another one tomorrow. it's crazy that i haven't even bought anything yet. so i think it's better to sign-off now before i fall asleep again since im bloggin' while layin' down hehehe plus still need to run some errands. k, have a blessed day people! today is a gift from God, let's live like we believe it!
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<br>God speed!
<br>Sent via BlackBerry from T-MobileLovely Miguel Mirandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08805335853489950494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627445533401693764.post-27541373747967655222010-02-22T21:17:00.003-06:002010-02-22T21:40:15.140-06:00thank God for EBay & Craigslistyep! it's that time again to get rid of stuff we don't need and make extra bucks off of it =)<br /><br />just sold <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">noel's</span> blackberry storm for $200 through <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">craigslist</span>. thank God we tried <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">craigslist</span> first before <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">ebay</span> - otherwise <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">i'd</span> have to pack worry about the bids and shipping. i find <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">craigslist</span> much easier esp for big things.<br /><br />have you used <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">ebay</span> or <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">craigslist</span>? if so, tell me your experience!!! i know i made more than $2k last summer before we moved using both. just imagine if i gave my stuff away or left it at my old house? ugh!<br /><br />i really think good photos and honest descriptions sells your stuff easily and problem free. i had people drive 2 hrs to my house to buy my stuff and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">i'm</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">soooo</span> grateful =)<br /><br />i still have a few to sell and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">i'm</span> sure <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">i'll</span> have more when it gets pretty nice outside. i do have some <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">furnitures</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">i'd</span> like to sell too since i don't have room for them anymore. we had to use part of our garage to store 'em so hopefully we'll be able to get rid most of them this summer.<br /><br />there is a possibility we might move again <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">coz</span> of my husband's job. i kinda want to, but i kinda don't for many reasons - but wherever the Lord leads us... we're all for it =)<br /><br />well, thought <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">i'd</span> drop a quick blog before i do my devotional and hit the sack. wishing you all a good night and a peaceful sleep =)<br /><br />God speed!Lovely Miguel Mirandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08805335853489950494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627445533401693764.post-50635907277810511522010-02-21T17:41:00.002-06:002010-02-21T18:00:29.854-06:00bored =)thought i'd drop a quick blog before i bring my daughter to her youth group.<br /><br />so yesterday, i met with some of my girls to the kid's expo. i brought my lil' one, my son and my nephew. the kids obviously had an awesome time, but i was unhappy when my daughter finally wanted to get her face painted and we waited for 1 1/2 hrs. and she was the 4th person in the line, we were told they won't be able to get to us coz they had to close.... ugh! AFTER ALL THAT WAITING?! ugh! i could've bought our own paint and painted her face myself - grrr! it didn't take long till i realized how tired the artist must have been. he was there non-stop from 9a-6p... so i'm sure his back was in pain already hehehe so that's ok =)<br /><br />nway, we went to my husband's relatives for dinner and had a relaxing time for at least 2hrs... a much needed rest i tell yah. i just love the company of old people - they're so hilarious!<br /><br />btw, how was everyone's valentine's? ever since i started working full-time again, my hubby and i haven't had time to go out on a date, so we made sure nothing will stop us on love-day! first, we had to do the most important time of the day... our praise and worship at church =) then we took the kids to fuddruckers then watched tooth fairy. for dinner, noel took me to jade asian infused. so much humor and productive talk, plus enjoyed the 6 course dinner we had. we give this place 5 stars! will definitely recommend the food the ambiance and the friendliness of the staff. price? very reasonable =)<br /><br />oops! gotta go =) will blog again some time soon! have a blessed week!Lovely Miguel Mirandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08805335853489950494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627445533401693764.post-15679558428206997642010-02-19T10:32:00.003-06:002010-02-19T10:46:08.098-06:00thank you, sponsors!i want to take this opportunity to thank our Project HOPE sponsors for the HAITI relief funds that we donated through Bright Hope:<br /><br />The Love & Kindness Bible Ministry<br />Ms. Girlie Vinas<br />Bacerra Family<br />Apple Umali<br />Hernandez Family<br />Carol Miranda<br /><br />may the Lord continue to richly bless you all with His abundance! we have donated $415 to sponsor Med Packs to help the people in Haiti. any help we can offer the poor brings great impact to their lives. we cannot thank you enough for your out pouring support and God's provision, but our continued prayers for your well being is all we can offer =)<br /><br />THANK YOU!Lovely Miguel Mirandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08805335853489950494noreply@blogger.com0