Alone with God

away from everybody and the busyness of life, it's my 3rd time alone with my Savior. it's a great feeling! i parked my car a couple of times at a park, 1 by my work & the other one by my house and just savor God's word. today when i brought my daughter to her skating i decided to park my car all the way at the end of the parking lot, opened the trunk and sat there while i read and enjoyed the weather. after reading i talked with God and just appreciate the time alone with Him. i believe time alone with God is what we all need in order to internalize our relationship with Him. a time to separate ourselves from everyone and everything and just meditate on God's word. by doing this, it helped me focus on what God really wants me to learn from Him. i saw better view of what He meant word by word. it was peaceful and gratifying. i highly recommend it! i know i have my time at home reading God's word, but it's different when you're outdoors... you get to enjoy the view and the fresh air. you don't need hours and hours of time away from everything coz i know being a mom myself, it's hard to keep away from all our to do list. so, either 15 mins or so... make time for you and God. drive to the nearest park if you have to... it's a moment you will surely appreciate!

c went to her friend's bday party. while ayre, yanna, my hubby, my sis, and i had our afternoon walk. took some pics of some of the few curb appeal ideas i might consider incorporating in our lawn. we're doing some major renovation at the house this summer and it'll be better and easier for my husband if i can break it all down to him ... you know, "my wants" hehehe. Lord willing it'll all be done this summer... at least the major ones.

the kids picked McD for dinner while noel and i enjoyed our mexican food! la magdalena and la hacienda have the best salsa and guacamole! delicioso! k, enough with the food. i'm getting hungry again.

nwayz, it was a great relaxing day today and i absolutely won't trade it for anything else. great weather again tomorrow... church time! woohoo!

nitey nite!

Hi there!

Oooh! i like that school Love ....Awww =( Des and C are gonna be 7th grade this year..Wow! time flies really .. Sorry bru, i missed your call earlier.. Lean stopped by to see Kai... I told her that good thing that we have no plans today..Usually, were out or doing errands.. I told Lean that I miss that when someone just want to stop by and chat.. lolz.. Those were the days.. N-wayz can't wait on May 13th... We were at downtown last week and oh my! Millennium park was crowded..We really didn't go to the millennium but we can see it when we were walking around Michigan. We stayed in Palmer over the weekend so - it was very close and thank God the weather was nice.. Mommy got to enjoy it too.. But she had to go home cuz Tin had school the next day and Daddy had to go to work..

Love, i am so happy for you, your siblings and your dad.. It is always in HIS time and I know that you've been praying for this. That was very sweet.....and yes! you are very emotional..I can just picture you.. I wish I can be a little bit emotional too but I guess that God made me this way so --- I can't complain.. =) ...lolzzz -- Now, i just remember what Lean said earlier about Kai--- she is a little bit of me who's always smiling and can't stay still.. ha ha ha.. She was just talking and smiling to Lina the whole time..ha ha ha ha...

Hmmmm -- Summer is just around the corner.... Actually been busy with all the planning for parties that are coming up... William's mom is turning 60 but she just want something small and immediate family only....So, we had to cancel the party that we were planning for her.. ( per her request -so we want to respect that).. You know what i mean... Tin's graduating on June 2nd and she wants to have a small partay too..Ayayyay!.. Then Kai's dedication...-- I haven't start anything for Kai's dedication... I'll start first week of May...

Miss you guyz this week --no text,no call - no emailz ..lolzz----I didn't get to talk to any of the girls too this week..Guess every one's buzy bee...Next time...

Well-- gotta go -- enjoy the weather this weekend.. Heard it's gonna be around 75 ..Yes!!! I want to get really dark this summer...We'll see----..I just want to see how it's gonna look on me...ha ha ha.. Just for a change... Vavooo! Nitey --

God Bless Sistahs! Keep them beautiful SMILEZ goin --- =) ---

cold feet =(

i went to my daughter's new campus for the next school year -middle school- yup! i can't believe i'm gonna have a 7th grader soon. my husband was not able to go coz he gets off late on thursdays so he told me to just update him with everything. nwayz, we had a pre-orientation and believe me i was holding my tears from everything i heard. not that they were bad, but it felt like i wasn't ready for her to grow up that fast. if you have a child and you've experienced sending your kid to school for the very first time... i'm sure you felt sadness deep inside you. well, i felt like that once again. i wasn't expecting that 'till it happened. especially when the principal said "middle school is different from elementary and high school for it's a chapter of many changes and new beginnings in the kids' lives" that, i wanted to just put my head down and cry. gosh! i feel like a dork... crying for everything. i'm sorry, but i believe i was born with emotional disorder... ha!

but may i say that i love the campus! it's a 2 1/2 yr old school... very clean, big and beautiful. they just finished building their football field and i was stunned by the size of it. huge gym i tell yah! camille's so excited with the extra curricular activities they will have like cooking, sewing, drama, dance club & chorus.

anyway, right when i got back in the car i had to hold myself together and just surrender my fears to the Lord. i said a little prayer. a prayer that most mothers would say "Take care of my daughter, Lord!" i went on to tell the Lord everything i felt while i was driving. although i'm not relieved yet, i have to trust the Lord's guidance and plan for my daughter. i have to let go and let God.

what helped me in a way was when i talked to camille right when i got home. she asked why i was crying and i told her the truth. i made her known my piece... "my anxiety attack" hehehe. but it was a good talk. i was able to release my anxiety. i may not know how far she will take my advice, but i will have to put my foot down and let her take on her journey while my husband and i continue to guide her - i do trust her and i know no matter how much my husband and i try to protect our kids... the best protector we have is God and so i leave them all up to the Lord's hands. wouldn't you?

hey, whatever happens... God is good all the time!
ciao!

God works behind the scene

have you experienced someone so close to you whom you've been longing to feel if you're loved, but no matter what you do they seem to be distant with you? i have, but now i can say that it's ok coz after many prayers and years of waiting, i've finally felt the love i've been hoping for.

long story short, i've been longing for a good relationship with my dad and i'm sure that goes for my siblings as well, but God's time is always so good. i may not know the reason why it had to take this long and why not when my mom was still with us, but God's timing has always been perfect.

today's my dad's 66th birthday. i called him after work, while driving home. the conversation was short, but heartfelt. i felt the sincere "i love you", my dad said before we hung up the phone. see, i never once heard my dad said the word "i love you" to any of us. but ever since my mom went to be with the Lord, my dad's been openly saying those powerful words to us. but for some reason, today was different... right when i finished talking to him, tears started running down my face... i really couldn't help it. i called the Lord and said a prayer of thanksgiving. i'm so grateful that the Lord continues to work on our personal weaknesses. although there are still many things that needs God's attention, i know those things are part of His to do lists... so there's no reason for me to fret.

i wanted to share this to you to let you know that i too am capable of getting hurt, disappointments can still occur and pain will come and go, but most of all i want you to be encouraged that God is good! He always has our best interest in mind. He gives us hope... HOPE that brings light into our dark world. HOPE that reunites love in our broken heart. friends, maybe there is someone you love whom you've been hoping to love you back or maybe someone you've been longing to see changes to, but have somewhat given up the possibilities; take heart my friends, for God's promises are true. His mercy is new every morning. His faithfulness is everlasting. all you need to do is "wait some more" - in God's time... in His absolute time... your heart will overflow with thanks to our greatest King... and that i surely guarantee you.

continue to be blessed my friends!

team unity

i brought camille to her skating class while i stayed in the car trying to study james 2 for the Bible study today. since i didn't finish writing my notes, we had to go to barnes and nobles so i can do some more reading.

the Bible study started at 5p and finished at about 8p. there were lots of interactions, q&a and sharings that were related to our topic. james 2 talks about favoritism and faith. thank God He once again gave us a clear understanding of His word. everyone asked questions and you can tell that they were all interested of what they can learn from this passage. from the youngest to the eldest... they were all filled with curiosity to what God has to say about their thoughts or personal situations and most of all filled with hope knowing that God truly has great plans for each one of us and we can never go wrong when we follow God. well, it turned out to be too long of a session, but it was all worth it. what i'm so amazed about is how much God brings out so many examples out of the blue for me to share. i, myself feel so humbled by His works that He continues to teach me and use me to teach others. believe me, i may be outspoken, but not to the point where i have to lead a Bible study. i underestimated what God can do through people like me. but i'm grateful that i'm one of the many people He chose to experience great joy in teaching the gospel. there's more for me to learn. even if i've read portions of the Bible too many times, there's always something knew to learn from it. that's what this Holy Book can do... bring out the transparency of our lives so that we can see which part needs some dusting.

i pray that we may apply His teachings in our daily lives. that the Lord will continue to guide us and give us the opportunity to make ends meet. i'm thankful that each one of them left with a big smile and a true understanding of what the scriptures say. we've decided to do it every other sat instead of every sat.

okay, i think it's time for me to hit the bed now coz my eyes are closing already and i might end up typing something that's inappropriate hehehe. but just a quick note in reference to james 2... God wants us to treat everyone the same (equal) and that faith without works is dead. thank you Father for helping me understand everything i need to learn and for using me to deliver Your message. now, i encourage you to back your words with actions so that people around you will see the true faith you carry is real.

nitey nite!

time for a walk with dad

i'm kinda lazy to go outside this time. so, it's noel's turn to walk with the kids. finally! noel assembled yanna's wagon... she's been waiting for almost a month, but we've been bc with parties and such so now's the chance.

had to still make her wear her jacket since it's getting a little chilly outside. but they sure had a short, but fun walk with dad! yanna looked so comfy on her new ride, but when she got home she looked like she walked miles and miles away! lolz!

k, gotta go... have to finish up a video project and study for the next Bible study tomorrow.

heard we have a great weather this weekend... be blessed!

in reference to margery's testimony

just happened to read marge's recent blog and i second the motion that "God opens doors that we think would never even open."

just like the sea, our lives are often filled with waves of turbulence. at such times we may cease to recognize and embrace the presence of Christ in our lives. worry, fear, fatigue, anxiety, and confusion all contribute to our twisted image of the beautiful world God has provided. but when we make the effort to quiet ourselves, just as how marge took her time to gather herself after a day of disappointment, we will hear the Holy Spirit reminding us that we are loved and are precious in God's sight. the waves of confusion calm; the loving Spirit of God enfolds us. as we breathe deeply, we remember that this is the breath of God within us. once again, we can focus on the center of all lives, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

praise God for His undying love for you and me!
continue to be blessed in Jesus' name... for He turns our mournings into dancing!

VA Tech Shooting

i'm in the middle of watching the 1st press conf. for the va tech massacre shooting that took place this morning. the first time i heard of this was early this morning and i didn't know so much about it that it didn't hit me till i got home @ 3p and saw the news. 31 dead, including the gunman and many are injured. there are no words to make this pain go away for the victims, family and friends of va tech, but i pray that all will be filled with God's comfort and love through this difficult time in their lives.

friends, join me in lifting them up in God's hands. take a few mins. of your time to pray for the family, the victims, friends & students of va tech, that in time all wounds may heal and God's power of forgiveness may gradually fill their hearts as they bear this painful experience from this day forward.

Lord, we don't know what caused this to happen, but please help us understand your eternal purpose and help the families, friends, victims and students of va tech heal from this tragic event. Father, 2 more people were pronounced dead in addition to the 31 earlier... may you bring forth your mercy and peace as we continue to watch and fear what else to come. may your glory shine upon them and may they come to know you as they grieve for their loved ones. Lord, you and I know how difficult it is to loose a loved one, please carry us through this tough time. may Your will be done. Amen.

I THINK I'M DONE ----

Halu friends -- I won't make this long..lolz.. Just thought of blogging before I leave for the day. N-ewayz, I was late this morning. I stayed up last nite trying to finished Kalea's scrapbook. lolz. Really, for me - it looks done but I still have a lot of pictures I want to add.. Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and many more.. Ayayyayy! Just never ending.. So, I just decided to do Kalea's pictures and her older sister Destiny ( her 1-12 months ) pics and the rest... NO MORE SCRAPBOOK! I will just do my old style -- putting them in the albums..lolzz..Much easier.. ha ha ha.. Well, really -I was never into Scrapbooking but i know Love tried to encourage me to just give it a try.. And thanks mi love =) .. he he he.. But really, u need a lot of patience of doing that.. ha ha ha.. and it's so hard to make it look so perfect.. Especially -- knowing my hands.. I move a lot.. lolz... -- See, today-- i received another pictures of my little one from my father in law.. Ayayayyay!. And again, i ordered more pics of her.. Yay! Can't help it... Babies are just so cute..... Hmmm, i don't know -- my baby is not looking like her mom at all.. No matter-how much i tried..ha ha ha.. She's just tooo funny -- She likes to laugh/Smile.. ayayy!..

Hmmmm, yesterday, we had our HAT'S DAY.... We went to the store and tried on all the hats out there.... So yah! mommy ended up shopping again.. lolz..

Saturday -- going backwards here..ha ha ha.. My hubby was planning to finish his Taxes but we ended up staying in bed from 2PM - 10PM.. ha ha ha.. We didnt do any work but just relax, eat and watch TV...See, that's why the two of us can't stay home because we're not gonna get anything done but eat and relax.. We know ourselves too much. We like to move around like Lovely's friend ( minnie)... ha ha ha.. ..But it was good... We gained 10 lbs..lolzz... ..Okay, gots to go.. i will just update this later.... okie dokie.. vavvooskii

Heart of gratitude

You have turned for me my mourning into dancing-Psalm 30:11

Last Friday's Daily Bread really spoke to me. De Haan couldn't have said it any better, "Thank God in your disappointment, Celebrate His grace and love; Know that He will never leave you and will bless you from above."

Before my exam, I was just like Denzel Washington, I said if I failed, I would give God praise and celebrate. And if I passed, I would give God praise and celebrate. Honeslty it was very hard for me to do what I said I was going to do. God really does nudge you and remind you of your words just like we have a tendency to remind God of His promises. ouch! But anyway, I am so blessed that He has lifted me out feeling so bad for myself and giving me the desire to praise Him and to just continue to trust in His will.

The amazing thing is even in Sunday's message at church, the content was re: a person's heart, the preacher touched on the physical heart as well as our spiritual heart. But he ended with a question, asking all of us what kind of heart do you have? So of course I thought of the prayer that David (the psalmist) had asked for, but then it hit me much more deeper and it dawned on me that I need to also pray for a heart that is filled with gratitude. You see, we may never understand why things happen or why set backs arise in our lives, but if we trully love God and put our trust in Him we must ALWAYS have a heart of gratitude in all areas, in all cirmstances and in all outcomes of our lives.

I thank Him for opening doors that I have never even thought would open. I thank Him for blessing me with a heart that desires and has so much room to be filled with His plans, His word, but most of all His LOVE.

Thank you everyone for your prayers and support, please continue to pray for me. I will be taking a few days off, just a mini break from the books. And then it's back to trying to pass the NCLEX! =) And yes Lord I give you praise always! Nothing is impossible for God, if you believe...I BELIEVE!

buh-bye minnie!

yes, we somehow managed to name our little guest, minnie. ok, here's the story...

right after i blogged last night, i went downstairs hoping that noel caught minnie already. noel was sitting in the couch watching basketball (men... you just need to get them workin' all the time). nwayz, come to find out that ever since i went upstairs little minnie hasn't showed up yet. so here i am, although frightened to face this rascal had to put on my samson gear... hehehe got my broomstick, couple of boxes and surrounded the spot i was guarding. now, it's true when they say, "no matter how long you've been married, you learn new things about each other everyday"... well, my husband who was supposedly tough, was not so tough at all when it comes to this little creatures hahahaha i was laughing so hard when he tried making noises on every spot of the fam room and would jump from one place to another. especially when he had to look under the couch with a flashlight, we were imagining that minnie was ready to throw down... lolz

well, we found out that it came from the side of our fireplace... i guess the builder didn't finish sealing the sides of our fireplace and so there you go... it invites unwanted guests in the house. rrrr, well i've asked my husband too many times to replace our fireplace with something more contemporary anyway so i think i was able to convince him last night. nway, long story short... after hours of trying to find minnie... we finally saw her go inside this hole, sprayed the sides of the fireplace with a bug repellent (couldn't find anything else) and walah! it jumped right out and fell inside one of my fav vases... nway, minnie's life ended inside my vase and so even if i like that vase, i asked noel to get rid of it. yup! minnie finally rested in peace. noel stayed with her till her last breath (he felt bad right after), but me? um, i took a picture of it... hehehe nope i won't keep it in my collection just like what my husband thinks, but i just want to show it to my fam while telling them the story later. what an adventure... we stayed up till 3am cleaning and rearranging the fam room.

that's why i didn't get to load yanna's pics coz i was bc chasing our little guest. noel's gonna buy the foam spray to seal the fireplace temporarily until we replace it with a nice looking mantel.

promise i'll load yanna's pics tonight. gotta stay up again for another video project.

have a nice day!