Mother's Day Series # 1- Photo For Mom

It's fast approaching ... Mother's Day is almost here! In honor of all mothers, I have decided to do a series on Mothers Day. It will be like a smorgasbord of Mothers Day stuff. It will be fun. I'll just keep on posting about Mothers, or Mothers Day until THE DAY itself. I'm very excited about this - ideas already flowing in my head :)

For a start here's a video by Barats and Bereta. These 2 guys are hilarious, at least in this video they really are. I find this video funny - let me know if this made you laugh too :)

Mental Health and Bloggity Update

Guess what? Today, Monday the 30th, I took a Mental Health Day Off to de-stress. I was supposed to do this last week Wednesday but work was busy and I didn't think it was a good thing to do then. But today I know I really have to or else I won't be a "nice person" to be around.

Although I am typing up this post today (Monday night), I won't upload it until Tuesday because today I decided to participate in One Day Blog Silence. If you're a daily visitor, you'll notice that there's a new post added before the One Day Blog silence post. It didn't appear on Monday. I typed it up on Sunday night to post it the next day, but I was reminded that I needed to be blog silent today so I am uploading it tomorrow (which is today when you read this:)

So..... good news: I finally accomplished Urgent/Important Task #5! Sorry, I can't list all the task here because some involves my family. The important thing is I've accomplished it! The catch is now there's a nother 5 new urgent/important task to accomplish. But I won't do the "no taskie, no bloggie" deal anymore. Forget that :)

Back to mental health, it's amazing what one day of "retreat" can do to our disposition. I feel better now than yesterday and this morning. Tara from "Lessons from The Scrapbook Page" blogged about this not too long ago when she posted "Making Time For Personal Retreat".

P.S. - Thank you Jenn for a nice Monday morning surprise. I can't wait to share it here :)

One Day Blog Silence

Sunday Afternoon Blues

If you're a new reader... get used to this: Sunday afternoons are not a good time for me. I almost titled this post "I'm stressed, therefore I blog". Someday I will overcome this (maybe when I retire) but for now, bear with me as I blog away my stress.

So, "Did you accomplish your last Urgent/Important task?", some of you may ask. The answer is "NO, I haven't". This last task is to "write down all the things I need to do or want to do for the next couple of weeks so I can put them is the Matrix". Hopefully, I'd do them tonight. I know... some of you may be thinking "why not do that now instead of blog?" but "I like blogging". This is part of "my quite time"... "my time for myself". Doing the list and matrix is good, and it's also for me, but it's different. It's work, not a "release"...not "cathartic" like blogging.

So on to blogging. here are my random thoughts:

1. I started another blog. SAY WHAT ???? Yes, you read it right...I started another blog. There's no post there yet but I already chose the lay-out and it's got it's own address. It's called "ALL ABOUT TWEENS". I'll tell you more about it later...I just want you to be the first to know that I did this. It's a "ministry".....

*** INTERRUPTED***
I need to do some "house/family stuff"

To be continued on Monday
Correction: To be continued on Tuesday because
on Monday I will participate in One Day Blog Silence

Even youths will become weak and tired,

and young men will fall in exhaustion.

But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not faint.

Isaiah 40:30-31

Men In Love

I don't know what's up today. Today, I happen to read/watch 3 men in love to their wives/bride. It gave me hope. Hope that despite the escalating divorce rate... there are still many couples out there who are in love and are committed to each other ... and men who are hopelessly romantic...

Let me introduce to you these 3 men. I do not know them personally, but I am touched by the way they expressed their love to their wives/bride. It might take a couple minutes to read and watch all these. I truly hope you read and watch all of them. It'll make you feel warm and fuzzy all over:

1. Buzz - Buzz wrote a poem about his love for his wife. It was Boomama who directed us to this post. This poem melted our hearts away....

2. Matt - Matt wrote a letter to his wife Ginny for their Anniversary. If you've been reading this blog for a while, you'll recognize him. He is Eliot's dad. The letter is a testimony of his love to Ginny and their commitment to each other through thick and thin. Gave me goose bumps while reading it.

3. Rob - Rob could not contain his emotion during his wedding with Lea Salonga, as they pronounced their vows to each other. Lea is the most loved, most adored Filipina..and he just feels so blessed being married to her, and you could just feel how much he loves and adores her. I am posting the video of their wedding (it's a traditional Filipino Catholic wedding). I highly recommend that you sit down and watch the whole thing. Lea will be singing a song especially composed for this wedding titled "Two Words". Ahhhh, I cry everytime I watch this.... where's that box of tissue?...

4 Down 1 to Go

I accomplished another urgent and important task so I rewarded my self with 2 postings (the Sunday Scribbling and this). I know... I am cheating. I said no blogging until after I accomplished the 5. But at least I am accomplishing them. 4 down, 1 to go....

Sunday Scribblings: Wings

How does a bird fly? How does a butterfly fly? Is it enough to have wings? How about the airplanes – how do they fly?

Sunday Scribbling’s prompt this week is “WINGS”. I can’t help but associate WINGS with flying. It is possible to fly without wings? Are having wings enough to enable a creature or a thing to fly?

In my limited mind, I would say that having wings does not cause a thing to fly. The air beneath the wings "enables" it to do so. And with this simple explanation a verse from a song came to mind:

Did you ever know that you're my hero,
and everything I would like to be?
I can fly higher than an eagle,
for you are the wind beneath my wings.

I can fly …fly…because I have my family and friends as winds beneath my wings….

For a more creative scribbling on WINGS, go to Sunday Scribblings.

Somewhere Over The Rainbow by IZ

3 Down... 2 More To Go...

I loved Jen's comment on my previous post, so I'm giving her (and all of you) an update. 3 accomplished, 2 more to go. I know...I'm not supposed to blog yet. Just want to give you, my faithful readers and friends, something to enjoy today. Here's for you:

P.S. Happy Birthday Grandmabrk ! :)

Dalai Lama and My Urgent & Important Task

While reading my post, you are probably wondering if I did accomplish my 5 "urgent and important tasks" because I told you I cannot blog until I accomplished them.

However, as I was accomplishing one of the tasks, I got caught in an interesting twist that I thought is worth blogging, so here I am. I am cutting myself some slack. Since this post is related to accomplishing my urgent and important task, I will post this one.

The task that I am talking about is "buying the tickets for my kid's recital". This recital is a big deal and will be held at Maui Arts and Cultural Center. This task used to be "important but not urgent" so it kept on being put in the back burner. Well, times passed and now it's urgent because the seats are being sold and we'll end up seating way far back of I don't buy. As it is, we already have lost any chance of a good seat, but at least if I buy today we won't be in the worst seat. Hey, my 2 kids are dancing! Why did I procrastinate on buying the tickets? I told you I've got problems....

Anyway, so off i go to MACC to buy the ticket when I was stopped at the entrance. They guard won't let me in and told me to go to the War Memorial Stadium and that's where I can buy the tickets. It suddenly occurred to m that the Dalai Lama is scheduled to speak and that's what this guard is directing me to go there. the event was supposed to be at the MACC but they were so many people wanting to hear him speak they moved it to the War Memorial Stadium. I tried to explain to the guard that I am not buying a ticket to hear Dalai Lama speak. I need to buy a ticket for my kid's recital. But the guard won't listen. he kept saying go to War Memorial Stadium, you can buy it there.

At first I thought I'd just come back. But I was determined to check this task off my list so I went to the War Memorial Stadium. Oh my word...the stadium is already full. This was around 10:30 AM and the Dalai lama is not speaking until 2:00PM or so.

Traffic was crazy. Again I thought, just come back. But then I thought...NO, I need to do this NOW! So I waited for parking. I parked. I walked a long way to the ticketing booth. And guess what? They are only selling the tickets for the Dalai Lama event! Grrrrr!!!!! I need to buy a ticket for my kids' recital and I was told to come here! Nope, they don't have them. I need to go back to the MACC around 3PM to buy from there.

So I went back to work without accomplishing my mission. I was bummed! Why did I ever choose this day to buy the ticket? waaaa!!!!

Later in the afternoon, I thought I'd just do it online. Yes, we can purchase the tickets online but I wanted to buy in the box office to be able to ask the staff about seats, etc. Well, guess what? The event was not listed! I don't know why! So I called...waited for a loooong time on the phone listening to the recorder saying "sorry, we're experiencing a high volume of calls at this time. you're call is important to us, please stay on the line...yada, yada..."

At last a lady answered the phone and I was able to buy the tickets. (and just to let you know..even if I called earlier today I wouldn't have been able to buy until after 3:30 PM)

Now, back to Dalai Lama. I know he's a Nobel Prize winner. Not only is he a Spiritual Leader but a Political Leader as well. He's a good man, a noble man, but He still needs Jesus Christ just like the rest of us humans. A good article I found about this. Check it out HERE.

And to those of you who are interested to find out more about Dalai Lama's visit to Maui, click HERE and HERE. Photo was courtesy of Maui News.

Now back to "no taskie, no bloggie". I am going to accomplish my next task. If you feel lucky, I might post about it too once I accomplished them.

Mighty To Save (Lyrics and Video)

by Hillsong

Everyone needs compassion
Love that’s never failing
Let mercy fall on me
Everyone needs forgiveness
The kindness of a Saviour
The hope of nations

CHORUS
Saviour
He can move the mountains
My God is mighty to save
He is mighty to save

Forever
Author of salvation
He rose and conquered the grave
Jesus conquered the grave

So take me as You find me
All my fears and failures
Fill my life again
I give my life to follow
Everything I believe in
Now I surrender

BRIDGE
Shine Your light and let the whole world see
We’re singing for the glory of the risen King

To Blog or Not To Blog ...

As much as I would want to believe that Blogging falls in the category of "URGENT AND IMPORTANT" in my life, I know I am only deceiving my self. It may be one or the two at any point in time. Urgent when I need to de-stress, and important when I need to de-stress...but really...I have about 5 (maybe 10) really URGENT AND IMPORTANT task I need to accomplish. Yes, more than blogging (can you believe that?)

SO..... I am putting another restriction to myself. Remember the time I told myself I can't blog until I pick up that Thyroid Pill prescription which I procrastinated on doing for weeks and only did when I threatened myself of "no pill no blog"? I am doing that again. If I don't accomplish the 5 URGENT AND IMPORTANT things on my list, I cannot blog tomorrow...and cannot blog any day after that until I accomplish my 5 UAI TASKS.

Oh please...oh please... pray that I accomplish them or I'd exhibit blog withdrawal symptoms...

Scroll down to see more photos of Squirt - the friendliest Giraffe :)

Inspired To De-clutter - Works For Me Wednesday

The last 2 posts I had on this topic "getting rid of clutter" I titled it Step 1 and Step 2 but actually they were just intros (duh!). This week is the real step one. I decided to continue posting about my progress reading this book and it's application because I believe this will encourage many who are like me.

Step 1 is titled "Kick Start - Tackling the Surface Clutter".

According to Peter, there are two kinds of clutter: 1) the Lazy clutter which are the stuff that accumulates out of negligence overtime and 2) the Stored treasures which are the ones with sentimental values that we feel attached to.

To kick off, we started with the Lazy Clutter. The acronym is FAST. It's actually a plan of action that means 1) Fix a Time 2) Anything not used for 12 months 3) Someone else's stuff 4) Trash

Like in my previous posts, I really can't go into details because it will be a long post. But I encourage you to buy the book. Last Saturday, I drove to Salvation Army with 3 BIG TRASH BAGS of STUFF that we donated. These are good usable stuff but we really don't need them now and it's better to donate to goodwill instead of cluttering our house. I tell you, it works! There's probably another 3 BIG BAGS that we will have this weekend when we start going through everyone's drawers.

I am happy and looking forward to a more de-cluttered house. I'll keep you all posted. :)

For more Works For Me Wednesday, visit Rocks In My Dryer here

Meet Squirt, The Friendliest Giraffe

For more Wordless Wednesdays, visit the WWHQ.

P.S. Some commenters have asked for more info (like what's up with the name :) so here's a link to more info about squirt. Go here and here.

A Faint Rainbow

Like what I said in my previous post, Monday was a good day. It's that period of Sunday afternoon, Sunday night and early Monday morning that seems to be the hardest for me. Maybe it's the anticipation of another week, when I already felt behind in my previous week that makes me really stressed out around that time.

Yesterday afternoon as I was getting ready to go home and I was locking up the gate to our office, I looked up the sky and saw a faint rainbow. As I stared upon it, I was reminded of God's promises to us. Sometimes, it the midst of trouble and stressful life, we lose sight of this rainbow. But the truth is, it's there. Sometimes it's so faint we can't see it. But it's there.

Yesterday at dawn, after I posted my "mental health day" post, I actually went back to sleep. I was able to get another 2 hours of sleep before I got up 6:30 am to get ready for work. That additional 2 hours of sleep did wonders. My body needed that. My roller coaster week were like that of prophet Elijah on I Kings 19 - there were really some high highs and some low lows that it just made me tired...and God wanted me to rest.

And so here I am on Tuesday morning with a renewed disposition. I hope you all have a good today today. And if the day does not turn as you would want it to be, remember that a faint rainbow is still a rainbow, and God's promises stand no matter how you feel.

Are You Ready To Surf ?

It's been a good Monday. Thank you to all of you who prayed for me, even just a very quick prayer as you read my post about being overwhelmed and needing a mental health day off. I'd post more later but I thought I'd put a bright photo to depict my sunny disposition at this time (as opposed to my stressed melancholic one earlier). More bright posts coming. Stay tuned!

Mental Health Day

I am thinking of taking a day off from work. Reason? Mental health. Shhhh...don't tell my husband I am taking a day off from work. I just need sometime for myself. I just need to de-stress. Maybe I'd take that "day off" on Wednesday because I really need to be in the office today and tomorrow. I hope Wednesday is not too late. Maybe I should do it on Tuesday. But I really can't do it today.

It's 4:30 AM now. I woke up at 3:00 AM and can't go back to sleep. I'm gonna be one tired sleepy working mom today. It's like having an infant who wouldn't sleep through the night - I'm sleep deprived. And you know how a sleep deprived person can be sometimes. Yes, cranky!

I must admit, I am using my blog as an escape and de-stress chamber. I am spending way too much time blogging and reading blogs. Blog hopping and reading other peoples' blog is my meager attempt to put my thoughts in perspective. For example, when I am feeling overwhelmed with my domestic insecurities, I go to Heather's blog, read her posts about her brain tumor, and then I would tell myself that my problems about laundry not being folded is so minini compared to her - therefore I should stop feeling sorry for myself. Aside from balancing my perspective, there are many other benefits I get from reading other people's blogs. I want to list them here but I am feeling sleepy so I'll try to go back to get and get an hours worth of sleep....

Before I sleep, I want to share this website and blog I found for Christian Working Women. Enjoy!

Roller Coaster Ride

This whole week (Sunday to Sunday) had been a roller coaster ride. Emotions ran high and low. So many highs and low's that I cannot share because it involves my family...and I should not blog about my family.... Yes, i am stressed. What's that verse again?

Hear my cry O God
Attend unto my prayers
From the ends of the earth
Will I cry unto Thee
And when my heart is overwhelmed
Lead me to the Rock that is higher than I

Word Of God Speak

I'm finding myself at a loss for words
And the funny thing is it's okay
The last thing I need is to be heard
But to hear what You would say

CHORUS
Word of God speak
Would You pour down like rain
Washing my eyes to see
Your majesty
To be still and know
That You're in this place
Please let me stay and rest
In Your holiness
Word of God speak

I'm finding myself in the midst of You
Beyond the music, beyond the noise
All that I need is to be with You
And in the quiet hear Your voice

REPEAT CHORUS 2x

I'm finding myself at a loss for words
And the funny thing is it's okay

For God did not send His Son into the world
to condemn the world,

but to save the world through Him.
John 3:17

Lessons Learned from Mary and Cho

What do Mary Winkler and Seung-Hui Cho have in common? They SNAPPED! They both snapped! Yes, both of them killed. Mary killed her husband, Cho killed 33 people. Yes, both of them took the lives of others…and it’s sad. It’s very sad.

But the more I read about them..the more I see that these two people SNAPPED! No, they are not innocent. No, they should not be acquitted. Yes, they are responsible for what they did. Nevertheless, they SNAPPED. And that’s what I would like to explore… to learn from…

Both Mary and Cho came from a good family. I read Cho’s family’s statement and I just feel so sorry for them. The letter touched me so deeply. It’s hard to imagine what they are going through at this time. They call it a living nightmare.

Both Mary and Cho were quiet. Maybe in a different way … but they were both quiet. Both did not reach out to their family and friends when they needed their family and friends the most. They kept their frustrations to themselves…and they SNAPPED!

What lessons have I learned? Or what lessons do I want to teach my kids in light of these two tragedies we read on the news? The word RESILIENCY comes to mind. I want to teach my kids to be resilient…so that when hard things happen, they will not snap, they will not break. Instead, they will bend, they will flex…and then they will start over. I just googled the word resilient and there are many wonderful resources that came up.

Maybe I’ll add some links here later. But for now…I need to drink my coffee…

UPADTE 9/16/07:

I noticed a lot of traffic coming in here today. Then I realized "Unretourched Photo" placed a link to an old post I commented on. If anyone is interested in what I had to say about the "judgment", I'd say it was a very light judgment. I understand where why Mary could have snapped. I understand that there could have been abuse. But the fact remains that she killed her husband and for that she should suffer a consequence more severe that what she was granted. Yes, we can forgive and understand Mary, but we also must think of the Pastor and his family. A life was taken ... that "crime" should not have been taken lightly.

And this is why Iove Boomama ...

Go to her post ...THIS POST ... and know why I just love this lady :)

I'm rooting for you Boomama. I truly hope you win the award :)

To my faithful readers ... if you have not voted for Boomama yet, I suggest you do now.

Don't forget to vote for Beth and Friends of Heroes too :)

Sunday Scribblings: Rooted

Growing Deep, Growing Strong

When I hear the word rooted,
I can't help but associate it with growth.
It signifies being grounded.
It connotes being nourished.
It represents the making of a strong foundation.

I believe I am rooted
in a family with a strong value
in a community with love
and in the Word of God

As my roots grow deeper
and my body grows stronger
my branches will expand
flowers will bloom
and I will bear fruit
in season

For more Scribblings on rooted, go to Sunday Scribblings.
Photo taken from Wikipedia, here.

My Problem with 3 P's

It's now 4:16 AM. I should technically have enough time to do another longer post to update you with what's happening with me.... but I am sitting here "sighing", thinking of the many things I have to do today. That includes doing that Urgent/Important Matrix that I was talking about for days! I know I have a problem with this 3 P's: Procrastination, Punctuality and Prioritizing. Maybe I should start a post on these 3 P's.... I will do that later (see? I did it again - "later" means Procrastination!)

OK, let's just assume I am trying to be good at one of the P's. - the Prioritizing. Therefore, I should log off now and do some important and urgent things I need to do. Not that blogging is not "important and urgent" in my category :) :), but I have already spent enough time (more than enough time) blogging. Now time to do other things....

And because I am thankful to all of you who come to read this little blog of mine, here's a STRESS RELIEVER gift for you. Go click here and enjoy :)

Go To Notes From The Trenches

I thought I am done posting about Heather and ready to go on with my usual posting. But another touching "decision" happened, I can't help but post it here.

Chris from Notes From the Trenches decided to openly ask her blog readers to financially give to Heather..to support the fund raising that Boomama is doing for Heather. She has organized a drawing for those who will give.

Go here to read the whole announcement (look for post titled GIVING). What touches me the most is when she said "I want to believe in that God of Heather’s, I do." This gave me goose bumps all over. This is actually making me teary eyed right now. I know that "line" will make Heather happy. Heather's testimony has touched Chris. This is wonderful.

Notes from the Trenches has about 5,000 average readers. Thousands of people read this blog daily. She risked posting something about giving (she said she knew some of her reader will not like it and may not come back but that is ok). She may have risk a lot too for announcing openly that she wanted to believe in Heather's God... but I know God will bless her.

So, what are you waiting for? Go there and express your love and gratitude to Chris..and if you have not yet done so, support Heather (love, prayer, and or financial - whatever you can)

A Call To Prayer (Virginia Tech)

Campus Crusade For Christ at Virginia Tech has organized a day of prayer today. It's not too late to join. Go to their blog to let them know you prayed or are praying... Our family will be praying tonight... Here's a link to How Are They Doing section of the blog.

Praying For Heather Update and A Thankful Thursday

I think it is also appropriate to have this as my Thankful Thursday Post!

Here's an excerpt from Boomama's post:

As of 9:00 AM central time, y’all have given $10,030.00 to Heather and her family. I think I need to cry now. THANK Y’ALL SO MUCH!

“Not to us, O LORD, not to us
but to your name be the glory,
because of your love and
faithfulness.” - Psalm 115:1

Fund still growing. Check it our HERE for the most recent update and note from Boomama

For more thankfulness, go to Sting My Heart.

Tyranny of the Urgent

It's 5:19 AM. This does not give me enough time to post a reasonably long post. This is once again going to be a quickie.

As I mentioned on my previous post, I am intending to complete my Urgent/Important Matrix to try to organize my chaotic schedule. Guess what? I have not done it yet. It seems like the "tyranny of the urgent" has overtaken my life. I need to re-group. I must do that TODAY!

I'll be back tonight.

Mysterious Mom Blog - Does She Really Have Kids?

I just realized ... (ok, maybe not JUST...maybe a couple of days ago...) that my blog is listed on many Blog directories as a Mom Blog or a Parenting Blog. Honestly, I do not have the time, the energy nor the desire to change them into a Personal Blog or Life In General Blog in all those directories I've listed...therefore moms and parents are still landing or will land in my blog thinking this is a mom/parenting blog.... and I will be the mysterious mom who claimes to be a mom but do not talk about my kids...

The truth is I miss being a Mom Blog or a Parenting Blog. As my post on "5 Obsessive Thoughts I Have" said, I am constantly thinking about my kids...so it's kind of weird that I won't be talking about them on my blog....

However, I am determined to honor my husband's request (for privacy) that I do not blog about out family life, nor our kids, and most especially - I should not blog about my husband (which by the way is what I am doing right now - yikes!)

So, without thinking further...I have decided to remain a mom blog or a parent blog ...but I won't be blogging about our family specifically, but will still discuss parenting issues etc.. How's that sound?

For Heather . . .

Reminder: Today (actually, April 18th) is the day Boomama is posting the button where you can donate to Heather through Paypal. Go head over Boomama for more details.

Beth is hosting a "draw" for everyone who will (or have had) announce this For Heather cause on their blog. If you've posted an announcement or would like to, head over to I Should Be Folding My Laundry so you can add your blog to the list.

Works For Me: Carmex!

I am a person is prone to cold sore. Even when I was young, I usually get cold sore - partly associated with weather, and mostly associated with stress. It was very embarrassing walking around with this sore on my lips... it's an ugly sight.

A few years ago, I discovered CARMEX and it is a "lipsaver!" It absolutely works for me. I have not had a bad cold sore since then. The moment I feel a little tingling on my lips I put in a lot of this Carmex lip balm and it does not develop into a full blown cold sore. No more embarrassing lips!

I tell you, it's better than Blistex or any other brand out there! I stack them at home to make sure we have a supply all the time.

Many of the surfers here on Maui use that too against lip sun burn. I tell you...it works!

And guess what? Wikipedia even has an article about CARMEX. Here's its Official Site.
And for more Works For Me Wednesday, visit Rocks In My Dryer.

UPDATE: Reposting this for the BRAND-LOYAL Edition today 9-5-07

Wordless Wednesday: Haleakala Crater

For more Wordless Wednesdays, click here.

Random Thoughts ... Very Random!- Part 2

OK, this better be quick! In fact I will just post to say that I will be back for part 2 of my random thoughts posts. I have a lot of updates on that. However, yesterday I spent more time blogging that I didn't get a chance to hop in the treadmill. I have to do that today, so time to log off and I'll post again tonight.

If you're in the mood to read more, why not head over to Heather's blog? She has some new post - and it's very uplifting. What precious posts from someone going through a very difficult time. So, go there and be encouraged. It will put your thoughts into the right perspective.

P.S. We now have coffee in the house! Hubby bought a huge bag of Starbucks French Roast Coffee - we're set! (opsss...I shouldn't blog about my family, right? well, it's just about coffee!) Have a wonderful day everyone!

In The News: Virginia Tech and Mary Winkler

1. Virginia Tech Shooting - I don't know anyone personally in Virginia Tech but I can just imagine how difficult this recent event is for many who lives there, and how devastating it is to the family of those who were killed. This senseless killing is a tragedy ... a sad reminder of the fallen world. While blog hopping yesterday I somehow landed on a blog whose author goes to Virginia Tech. Here's the link to her blog if you're interested. I pray for those who are affected by this..especially the families of the victims. It's sad...very sad...

2. Mary Winkler - I don't like reading news as much because many of the news nowadays are simply depressing. But you know how sometimes theres' a news that would just struck you and you become interested in it more than usual? That is true for me in Mary Winkler's case. For some reason, I am very much interested on this case. I have nothing but compassion for Mary. If she indeed killed her husband, and from the news it she said she did, she has to go through the consequences of that. Nevertheless, I do not judge her. I pity her. I think of her mother's heart right now and I know that it's torture to face her daughter after all these tragic event. This article yesterdy just broke my heart. Therefore, I once again pray for Mary and for her daughters...

Better Than Life (Lyrics and Video)

If this song does not get you dancing for God, I don't know what would :) - I love this song. It's a great way to start a hectic Monday morning!

Better Than Life
by Hillsong (Words and Music by Marty Sampson)

Better than the riches of this world
Better than the sound of my friend's voices
Better than the biggest dreams of my heart
And that's just the start

Better than getting what I say I need
Better than living the life that I want to
Better than the love anyone could give
Your love is

You hold me now in your arms
And never let me go

You oh lord make the sun shine
And the moon light in the night sky
You give me breath and all your love
I give my heart to you because

I can't stop falling in love with you
I'll never stop falling in love with you
I can't stop falling in love with you
I'll never stop falling in love with you

Random Thoughts ...Very Random!

It's Monday morning and I'm already on my "hectic mode"! Yes, I'm panicking - too many things to do, so little time. Somebody find my "calm down" button please... (Thank you, Lord for the reminder...)

* To my faithful blogging friends, have you notice how I had been learning a lot on the "techie side of blogging"? Remember when I posted before about not knowing how to embed You Tube videos here and how I don't have any idea how to do the RSS, Feedburner, etc.? Have you noticed I learned how to do it? I was sooo excited when I learned! And I was so excited to see this morning that there's 1 person who subscribed to my feed - yeah ONE! Whoever you are - here's a "cyber kiss" for you - you made my day! :)

* Heather is still in my thoughts, heart and prayer. I am now wearing a LIVE STRONG yellow arm band with a written note from me that says "Pray for Heather" - it's a reminder for me to constantly pray

* I need a 4 day weekend!!!!! Like what I said, I have so many things to do...many are important, many are urgent.... OR are they really? I started reviewing the good old "Urgent/Important Matrix", the Quadrant that Steven Covey created to help people organize and prioritize their life... Here's a link if you're not familiar. Don't be surprised if my next post will be about this matrix.

* We had a wonderful Sunday Service at church yesterday. Still studying the Gospel according to John. Great job Craig! And oh, there was this very talented guy who played Ukulele like I've never seen before - magnificent! I'll see if there's any video I can embed here - that guy is incredible!

* Can I take a day off from work today to work on my Time Management Quadrant? Maybe not ... but I really wish I could.....

* And oh, we ran out of coffee...we only have grounds enough for 4 cups this morning - this is absolutely NOT GOOD. WE make 10 cups in the morning - and today we'll only have 4! I don't usually go to Starbucks (because I'm cheap) but today I think I'll stop by...

* I need to go hop on the treadmill for at least 30 minutes today. Remember my friend C who ran the "Run to the Sun Marathon"? Well, she invited me to this 3 mile maratahon for women. I said I'll join. I think it's good - will motivate me to exercise. I'll tell you more about it later..but for now I need to log off.

Have a wonderful Monday y'all! (yes, I learned that y'all from you my dear Southern friends :)

Praying...(UPDATED)

Go here and here for details

The long and the short of the story is that
Heather was diagnosed with a brain tumor.

This post here contains a little note of Heather to her dad,
and her dad's response.
Oh, my heart melted as I read them.
What a precious relationship they have.
Here's a bit of what they wrote:

On Heather's post:
Dad, I know you are reading this, and I know there are tears in your eyes-but remember that I love you and I am going to be okay… really- I am.

Her Dad's comment post:
I gave you to our Heavenly Father after I was saved.
I can’t take you back, but I will not let you Go.
I don’t have words, you know my heart.

* * *

And here's another example of Heather's faithful heart.
Yesterday she received an "insensitive e-mail" (my opinion).
Heather's reply is full of grace - read it HERE.

Aside from Boomama, here are other logs announcing this:
Blondemomblog
This Full House
Oikos Online

I Should Be Folding My Laundry

Now it's time for a PAPA Prayer...

I was reading Heather's entry on her blog about the brain tumor...and I had to stop..I wanted to cry...I cried... I know it's time for "Papa Prayer"

Present yourself to God (My red dot)
My first reaction after finding out that Heather has a brain tumor? Now, that sucks! Lord, that really sucks! It's so unfair. Why Heather - the loving mother, and a faithful follower of yours? Hey, there's a lot of "bad" parents out there who I'd rather see have brain tumors. Like those who physically or sexually abuse their kids - those are the ones who needs to be afflicted with brain cancer. But Heather... Oh God... I do not understand.....

Attend To How You Are Thinking of God
OK, Lord, You are Sovereign. You know what you're doing. My mind is limited and I really cannot and would not understand why this is happening. But you are in control. Now I pray that you will give Heather the strength as she goes through this. Comfort her when she needs to be comforted. Embrace her when she needs to feel your love. I ask for a clear manifestation of your love God...give her something she can hold on to...give her the faith, the courage that she needs. You are a God who Heals, and so I pray for healing.... I pray for Heather's family -for each of them to feel your love despite this trial going on in their life. I pray for protection, provision and peace. God.. they need you Big Time! Go show them how Big of a God you are.

Purge yourself of anything blocking your relationship with God
I cannot hide anything from you Lord. You know exactly why I am passionate about this, why I am crying for Heather. I too am afraid Lord. Come to think of it...if I was at Heather's position..if I'm the one afflicted with the Brain Tumor...would I have enough faith to go through this? I would be so afraid..I would be so terrified...I would feel so sad... Lord, help my unbelief...

Approach God as the "first thing" in your life
Hear my cry O God,
Attend unto my prayer
At the end of the earth
will I cry unto thee
and when my heart is overwhelmed
lead me to the Rock that is higher than I

Lord, I pray that you will make this tumor in Heather's brain disappear. But not my will but yours be done. Do as you think is best, for we trust that you love Heather...you love her more than we can ever do.

*Disclaimer: I did not provide the link to PAPA prayer to advertise the book. I just want the readers to know what I mean by PAPA prayer that's why I included the link. I have been praying the way of PAPA prayer even before this book was written. I believe it's the heart of prayer ..being honest to God and trusting God...

Sunday Scribblings: Secret Identity

The Dancer

I don't think I have "freely" danced since I moved to Maui...so this could be my secret identity. Not many of my friends here know I love to dance. I don't think they know I like dancing. That dancer part of me has been dormant for years.... And honestly, now it seems like I am afraid to dance..I am shy to dance...

When I was young, I used to dance a lot. I was always in school programs, always in a dance. Even in high school I did dance a lot. I did not have the formal classes of ballet or jazz and tap because we were poor and can't afford those...but whenever dance is taught at school, I was there.

I danced all sorts of dance - ethnic (like Tiniklingand Pangdanggo sa Ilaw) disco, jazz, swing, salsa, hip hop and waltz. Being part of the Grand Cotillion on our Junior and Senior Ball in High School is one of my best memories of dance.

Yes, I was a dancer. And I think that dancer part of me will remain a Secret Identity here on Maui...until I start dancing HULA ..someday soon :)

For more "Secret Identity" revelations, visit Sunday Scribblings.
Photo courtesy of Wikipedia.

5 Things I Think About Often

Digital Rich tagged me about 5 things I obsessively think about. As much as I'd like to do an elaborate post on this, I will do a quickie post because I might procrastinate when trying to come up with the profound answers :) So, here are the spontaneous answer:

1. My kids - How are they doing in school, Am I doing the best I can to be the best parent for them? Will they make the right choices when they grow up? Will they meet their "soul mate" - the one God prepared for them? Will they go to college? Will they be safe? Are they safe now? Will they grow in the Lord or will they abandon their faith?, etc. etc.

2. My marriage - Will we stay married or will we be like many others who ends up in divorce? Will we be nice to each other when we get old? Will we appreciate our wrinkles? Will we have enough money when we retire that maybe my husband and I can travel around the world?

3. Eternal Life - Second Coming of Christ, rapture, life without sorrow, worship all day and night - or we won't even know day or night, no sickness, no wars, being in heaven, etc. etc. - will my family and friends be with me in heaven? ....

4. Financial Improvement - Being good stewards of God's blessings here on earth. Sharing financial blessings with others. I am currently readung a book called "The 5 Lessons A Millionaire Taught Me About Life and Wealth" by Richard Paul Evans. It's pretty good. Maybe I should do a post on it later...

5. Blogging! (need I say more?)

Keanae Peninsula

Quotes Galore!

Rocks In My Dryer's post today contain a lot of wonderful quotes! It's like a feast! Go over there and read some. It'll help brighten your day

Angels Watching Over Me

I almost had an accident yesterday. But the angels assigned by God to watch me did their job well, I was spared.

I was driving on a two (2) lane highway (Actually it's 4. There are 2 on each way, separated by an island of sort), when I noticed that the huge service truck on my right side is drifting towards the left. In a matter of few seconds all these thoughts and actions came into play:
* this guy is is driving to the left - can't he see me?
* oh my, is he falling asleep or something?
* no, he's not asleep but he's really driving into my lane
* quick, Liza, pull to the side!
* gosh, he'll gonna hit me!
* to the side! to the side! quick!
*Oh God, thank you that there's a shoulder to this lane
(by this time I have now pulled to the shoulder of the highway and the truck is now officially in the lane I was supposed to be driving, while I was now driving on the shoulder of the highway because I avoided that stupid service truck!)
*Did I just avoid an accident?
* Yeah, that driver just almost crushed me!
* Stupid driver!
* I don't think he was even aware I was there!
*Yeah, he didn't know I was driving next to him. The highway traffic was very light, we were driving at a fast speed, and it seems like he thought he's the only one on the road. I was on his "blind spot"!
* I'm sure he didn't see me when he was pulling to the left. That happened to me before where I was changing lane to the left and didn't notice that there was a car driving next to me because I didn't see him on my sode mirror when I looked. The car was in a blind spot. (and yes, I was also spared of that one because like me, that driver was quick enough to do what he needed to do to avoid me)
* Oh, I probably shouldn't call that truck driver stupid because it happened to me too
* my gosh, I just avoided an accident!
* Now driving back to the official highway lane, out of the shoulder, I prayed "thank you Lord for sending your angels to watch over me, directing me to the shoulder of the highway while this driver pulls to the lane where I was supposed to be driving, oblivious to the fact that I was there! Thank you Jesus".

All For Love (Lyrics ad Video)

by Hillsong

All for love a Father gave
For only love could make a way
All for love heavens cried
For love was crucified

Oh how many times have I broken Your heart
But still You forgive
If only I ask
And how many times have You heard me pray
Draw near to me

Everything I need is You
My beginning, my forever
Everything I need is You

Let me sing all for love
I will join the angel song
Ever holy is the Lord
King of Glory
King of all

All for a love a Saviour prayed
Abba Father have Your way
Though they know not what they do
Let the Cross draw man to You

* Note: I wanted to post this lyrics and video last week, on a Good Friday, but I didn't get a chance to do it. Well, I thought, better late than never so I posted it here today.

Christian Working Mom

Since I transformed my blog from a mom blog or a parent blog into a personal blog I had been constantly watching my sitemeter, curious as to who will remain visiting me despite the change.

In the course of watching my sitemeter daily, I have noticed many lands on my blog when they googled the phrase "Christian working mom". My heart melts everytime I see that phrase because I know that someone behind that search is a mom who desires to connect to another working mom who profess the same Christian beliefs and values that she has. Unfortunately, there is a scarcity of blogs focused on the life of a Christian working mom. I can tell that some of those moms are desperate because they will not only glance at one page of this blog, but they would explore many of my previous posts that mentioned working moms..and that they stay longer than a few seconds here..they stay for many minutes, some close to an hour. And so I want to pray for many of us "Christian Working Moms":

Dear Jesus,

I woke up at 3:45 am again this morning. It seems like my body clock got stuck in that mode because I have been waking up at this time for several days now. Both homefront and work have been busy .. it's all good busy, but nonetheless very busy...so I guess my mind is constantly thinking too and couldn't sleep long...

As I have said in my intro post above, I would like to lift up to you many of us who are christian moms working outside of our home. Sometimes it gets pretty tiring, sometimes it gets discouraging, sometimes this brings about tremendous guilt and sadness...

Thank you Lord that in my case you have confirmed that it is your will for me (that you are allowing that) that I work outside our home. I am one hundred percent sure of that. Even though I desire to stay at home to be a "full time mom", I know that at this time, you called me to where I am now. But Lord...some of the Christian moms may not have that same "assurance and peace". Some may be feeling the tremendous guilt at the moment. For them I pray that you will give them peace...and comfort... Remind them Lord that you love "Mary and Martha" just the same, even though you said that Mary had chosen better by listening at your feet while Martha do the chores.... Oh yes Lord... your love for Martha is the same as Mary...and your love for us christian working moms are the same as your love for the stay at home moms...and in that love we shall rest...

Lord, I will come back for more specific prayers for them (us). I will regularly post a prayers for them (us). But for now, I need to make coffee and get ready to go to work....

Thank you Jesus that we can come before you in prayer, for anything, anywhere, in any way..and you hear us...

I love you Lord.

Liza

(Updated 7/10/07 : This is a mom blog once again :)

* * * * * * * * ** *

POSTS ON WITH LABEL CHRISTIAN WORKING MOM

Reflections . . .

I have come to realize

that I am most at peace
when I focus on what I can do
rather than what I cannot do
and think of what I have
rather than what I do not have

when I acknowledge that I can't do everything
and yet, there's something that only I can do

when I believe that God knows what's best for me
and I'll be the best in whatever God purposed me to be

I have come to realize that
I'll only be in this world for a short time...
Life is too short for me to focus
and dwell on my problems

I have come to realize
that joy comes from enjoying life...
but not just anybody's life
or what other think of my life should be...
It comes from enjoying life...
the life I'm called to live!

Thanks Tim for letting me use a photo from Second Timothy

Getting Rid of Clutter (Part 2)

Yes, this is Part 2 of my post discussing this book "It's All Too Much" and implementing my mission to de-clutter our house and my life.

Unfortunately, I deleted my previous post about this while doing my "blog transformation". I should have left it, but you know how you do some stupid things when you are PMSing and upset at something...well, I did just that - stupidly deleted a post I should not have deleted.

Anyway, here's the Part 2 of this "Getting Rid of Clutter" series here on my blog. This episode is called" Excuses, Excuses (corresponds to chapter 2 of the book).

Pete Walsh listed 10 excuses people use when confronted with clutter in their home and offices. He offered explanations and help to overcome each of these:
1. I might need it someday
2. It's too important to let go
3. I can't get rid of it - it's worth a lot of money
4. My house is too small
5. I don't have the time
6. I don't know how it got like this
7. It's not a problem - my husband/wife/partner/child just thinks it is
8. It isn't mine
9. It's too overwhelming
10. _____________

I was planning to do a more detailed sharing, but I couldn't get it to a reasonable size post. It will be long as there are many important things to ponder and consider. So I really recommend that you purchase the book (no, i do not get a commission, I just really think it's helpful)...

I'll try to post more later.. maybe in part 3 (or I might just add some more here). In the meantime, visit Rocks in My Dryer for more Works For Me Wednesday Posts.

Manila Bay Sunset

Photo courtesy of ABANIKO. For more Wordless Wednesday, visit HERE.

Thinking Blogger Award - Thanks Beth!

One of my favorite bloggers (the one who's posts are my daily dose of delight) gave me an award called "The Thinking Blogger Award". This award meme was started by The Thinking Blog. It was originally called '5 Blogs That Make Me Think'.

The participation rules are simple:
1. If, and only if, you get tagged, write a post with links to 5 blogs that make you think,
2. Link to this post so that people can easily find the exact origin of the meme,
3. Optional: Proudly display the 'Thinking Blogger Award' with a link to the post that you wrote


Well Beth, what can I say? Thank you for this honor :) - I am glad I make you think because you do the same to me. Of course my favorite part about your blog is that you have the ability to bring out the laugher in me (yes, that Beth is so funny) but many of your posts also inspire me to think deeper. I'm glad you got tagged and won the award, then you gave it to me (don't we just love each other :)

So, without further adoo, I'd like to pass on this award to 5 bloggers who I think deserves this award:
1. Digital Rich
2. Second Timothy
3. Poppycock
4. Fearfully Made
5. Joyful Days

It's hard to choose just 5 because I have more...but I had to abide by the rules. If you're interested in checking out more blogs, check my favorite links on the sidebar. All of them will make you think :)

My Dad

I probably woke up at 3:45 am. I stayed in bed for as long as I can trying to go back to sleep. As I was trying to fall asleep, I turn every stressful thoughts into prayers. But sleep seems far away...

While turning thoughts into prayer, my mind wondered back to memories of my childhood, more specifically, about dad...

I know I said I won't be talking about my family on this blog anymore...but that's "my family" as in my husband and kids (see this post). I am pretty sure my dad won't mind that I talk about him. He probably would be a bit embarrassed (simply because he's so humble)... but he won't mind. In fact, he'd be happy that I am sharing part of his testimony...

When I was a child, part of my house chore was to clean the ash trays around our house. They were many of them. Many days I would have it all nice and clean during the day only to find them all full in the morning. You see, my dad smoked cigarette a lot. Like me, he also wakes up in the middle of the night or very early morning due to stress and anxiety. What he used to do was listen to the radio and smoke.

One day (or night) he decided to read the Bible while he smoke. Work was extremely stressful. He needed something to relieve the stress and he thought since he's up anyway and he was tired of listening to the radio, he started reading the Bible.

The reading continued every night and early morning...and as the days pass...the cigarette butts that I clean gets lesser and lesser each day....

Somewhere in those early morning Bible reading, my dad said a prayer and he was "born again". No one talked to him about it, he did not hear the message about being born again at church (we were Catholics), but God, in His loving way, met my dad in our tiny little kitchen (where my dad reads his Bible) and God revealed Himself to him in a more personal way.

As you would probably have guessed, my household chore of cleaning the ash trays were eventually terminated. There were no cigarette butts to find in the mornings anymore. They were empty. All I could find is an open Bible and an empty cup of coffee on our kitchen table.

My dad still worries a lot and stresses out easily (I must have gotten that gene from him :) - but now he does not depend in cigarette to relieve him of his stress. Having been a smoker before, my dad (and our family) are very accepting of people who smoke. You know how some Christians would judge smokers and tell them they are sinning because they are ruining the temple of God? My dad is not like that. My dad would say..in God's time they would stop, and then he'll pray for them :)

It's 5:31 am and I need to get ready for work. Thank you Dad for the memories, thank you for the legacy, and thank you for praying for me that I come to know the Lord like you did...because now I do...

Jesus said unto her,
I am the resurrection, and the life:
he that believes in me,
though he were dead, yet shall he live:
And whosoever lives and
believes in me shall never die.
Do you believe this?
John 11:25-26

*If you're new to my blog and you came here through Karen's e-mail... Eliot and Rebecca's story CLICK HERE