A world without a Sunday would be like a man without a smile, like a summer without flowers, and like a homstead without a garden. It is the joyous day of the whole week.
~Henry Ward Beecher
Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre...
~Luke 24:1
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
A newspaper clip
Normally I don't read newspapers. There are only 3 reasons if I do. 1, for comics and puzzles ( I am sucker for comics especially Archie's) 2, cheap sales/coupons and 3, for jobs. At any rate, My grandparents have a newspaper subscription in which I eagerly go for the comics and puzzles. My eyes caught a Dear Annie clip. Since it was Thanksgiving I decided perhaps this time there will be something good, I'll learn something from this. I'm glad I did. Here down below is a clip from Dear Annie...please enjoy.
From Annie herself:
Today is Thanksgiving. We hope you are lucky enough to be spending the holiday with loving family and friends. Here's one of our favorite Thanksgiving pieces author unknown:
Thanksgiving Prayer,
We come to this table today, O Lord, Humble and thankful and glad. We thank thee first for the great miracle of life, for the exaltation of being human, for the capacity to love. We thank Thee for jobs both great and simple- For wonder, dreams, and hope; For the newness of each day For laughter and song and a merry heart; For compassion waiting within to be kindle; For the forbearance of Friend and the smile of a stranger, for the arching of the earth and trees and heavens and the fruit of all three; For the wisdom of the old; for the courage of the young; for the promise of the child; for the strength that comes when needed for this family united here today of those to whom much is given, much is required. May we and our children remember this. A-men
Dear Annie: I lived on the streets of Los Angeles from 2001 to 2003. I won't go into reasons why, but I didn't think I could go home. The ravages of homelessness took their tool on my eye-glasses pretty quickly. One of the earpieces was missing and a lens kept popping out. It was terribly demoralizing. People are less apt to give you opportunities to better yourself when you go beyond a certain point in appearance. I was ready to give up.
One day on impulse, I stopped into an eye wear boutique on Melrose Avenue. It was a nice store and I was bedraggled, so I expected to be immediately escorted out the door. That didn't happen. I asked the lady behind the counter how much it would cost for me to purchase on earpiece. I braced myself for a sarcastic comment, but instead she asked me to have a seat. She came back in about 5 minutes and said, "Try these one. Do they fit?" And then she handed me a brand now pair of frames. I stammered that I couldn't afford them and she replied, "don't worry, sweetie. You don't owe me anything."
I began to cry. She made a few adjustments and never flinched away from me in spite of my obvious need of a shower. She was kind enough to give me a drink of cold water. She even hugged me before I left.
I don't know the woman's name and cannot remember the name of the shop, but for years I've wanted to thank her for helping restore my dignity and preserve my safety. She also reminded me that there are wonderfully people in the world who don't judge you, based on your appearance or circumstances.
I give her much credit for my getting off the streets because shortly after that, I regained the courage to turn my life around. I'm now a wife and mother to a beautiful little boy, my family is speaking to me again, and I'm about to graduate from college.
Ma'am, if you're reading this, God bless you! Your kind gesture saved my life. I've been and will continue to paying it foreword to others in need, and you will be in my heart forever.
-I can see clearly now
There's not much I can say. Every time I read this clip, I sit in awe and with tears in my eyes. We do have the power to make a difference...the question is are we willing? Will we get outside of ourselves and reach out to others? Will we look past our comforts to look for those who need our help whether it is obvious or not? The choice is yours. What decision will you make?
From Annie herself:
Today is Thanksgiving. We hope you are lucky enough to be spending the holiday with loving family and friends. Here's one of our favorite Thanksgiving pieces author unknown:
Thanksgiving Prayer,
We come to this table today, O Lord, Humble and thankful and glad. We thank thee first for the great miracle of life, for the exaltation of being human, for the capacity to love. We thank Thee for jobs both great and simple- For wonder, dreams, and hope; For the newness of each day For laughter and song and a merry heart; For compassion waiting within to be kindle; For the forbearance of Friend and the smile of a stranger, for the arching of the earth and trees and heavens and the fruit of all three; For the wisdom of the old; for the courage of the young; for the promise of the child; for the strength that comes when needed for this family united here today of those to whom much is given, much is required. May we and our children remember this. A-men
Dear Annie: I lived on the streets of Los Angeles from 2001 to 2003. I won't go into reasons why, but I didn't think I could go home. The ravages of homelessness took their tool on my eye-glasses pretty quickly. One of the earpieces was missing and a lens kept popping out. It was terribly demoralizing. People are less apt to give you opportunities to better yourself when you go beyond a certain point in appearance. I was ready to give up.
One day on impulse, I stopped into an eye wear boutique on Melrose Avenue. It was a nice store and I was bedraggled, so I expected to be immediately escorted out the door. That didn't happen. I asked the lady behind the counter how much it would cost for me to purchase on earpiece. I braced myself for a sarcastic comment, but instead she asked me to have a seat. She came back in about 5 minutes and said, "Try these one. Do they fit?" And then she handed me a brand now pair of frames. I stammered that I couldn't afford them and she replied, "don't worry, sweetie. You don't owe me anything."
I began to cry. She made a few adjustments and never flinched away from me in spite of my obvious need of a shower. She was kind enough to give me a drink of cold water. She even hugged me before I left.
I don't know the woman's name and cannot remember the name of the shop, but for years I've wanted to thank her for helping restore my dignity and preserve my safety. She also reminded me that there are wonderfully people in the world who don't judge you, based on your appearance or circumstances.
I give her much credit for my getting off the streets because shortly after that, I regained the courage to turn my life around. I'm now a wife and mother to a beautiful little boy, my family is speaking to me again, and I'm about to graduate from college.
Ma'am, if you're reading this, God bless you! Your kind gesture saved my life. I've been and will continue to paying it foreword to others in need, and you will be in my heart forever.
-I can see clearly now
There's not much I can say. Every time I read this clip, I sit in awe and with tears in my eyes. We do have the power to make a difference...the question is are we willing? Will we get outside of ourselves and reach out to others? Will we look past our comforts to look for those who need our help whether it is obvious or not? The choice is yours. What decision will you make?
Thursday, June 11, 2009
A last glance at 18 years before tomorrow
Wow. Nearly a year has gone by. Tomorrow I will wake an eighteen year old and go to bed as a nineteen year old. The fact whether I like it or not, my birthday is nearly here. I wish time would stand still for a moment, but that is a hopeless wish. Like every night before my birthday arrives, I sit and ponder what I have learned.
Last year I had my birthday in Honduras. 20 or 30 people sung to me. For the first time I had little Debbie's as my cake for my birthday. Mom and Dad brought two gifts (Kate brought me two one a beautiful yellow rose which was brought quite recently and scotches which I have yet to find)...a happy camper cap and my all time favorite Archies Comics. That was it. You know what? It was perfect. That was it. My birthday entailed being embarrassed by singing people ( which shall remain foevere in my memeory and I'm so glad they sung), little Debbie's, and gifts. I wouldn't change a thing other than the fact I'd wish Chris would have come.
The law viewed me as an adult. The problem was...until recently I saw myself NO where near as an adult. To some degrees I still don't. Yet, I look back and see how far I've come.
I went on my 1st mission trip. For three months I took care of the house and family. Started college. Went to a prom with a guy. Yes...I actually agreed to go to a prom as friends with a guy. My 1st outing so to speak with a guy except to give boys rides back and forth to destinations. I've taught two classes in Jubilee Shores ( kid's church); the first time with an adult who was just there to help, and the second I taught by myself. Started my blog. Took pictures for a wedding. Asked to take pictures for a wedding down in Flordia. Crochet my first adult blanket and 2 baby blankets. House/pet sit for a week. The list goes on, but I shall stop here. All of these are my "1st".
I've had to think a lot of my future. Now I have a good idea of what will happen. But of course, I am prepared if God say nope! I want you to do something else. This has been the only year that I've had to think a lot of the future, more than I care to actually. But I must be perpare and not forget to enjoy today for "today".
For my birthday, I'll have homemade soy icecream. Mom's allgery won't allow her to have dairy prodects much. Until evening comes, it'll be me and mom. Chris works, and Dad works. Last year I had a brother who did not come to my birthday. This year, my best friend and sister will be for the first time will not be attending my birthday. It's hard to imagen my sister not being there. But I know she'd be here instead of Chili if she could. At least we'll be able to celebrate her birthday together and on the beach too which will thrill me.
So I have the most blessed oppertunity to have mom for my birthday. What a gift! Tomorrow is going to be a wonderful, incrediable day. Despite I want something very different...like actually have friends my age over, I'll take time with mom any time. The best part...is my Father will be here celebrating.
Last year I had my birthday in Honduras. 20 or 30 people sung to me. For the first time I had little Debbie's as my cake for my birthday. Mom and Dad brought two gifts (Kate brought me two one a beautiful yellow rose which was brought quite recently and scotches which I have yet to find)...a happy camper cap and my all time favorite Archies Comics. That was it. You know what? It was perfect. That was it. My birthday entailed being embarrassed by singing people ( which shall remain foevere in my memeory and I'm so glad they sung), little Debbie's, and gifts. I wouldn't change a thing other than the fact I'd wish Chris would have come.
The law viewed me as an adult. The problem was...until recently I saw myself NO where near as an adult. To some degrees I still don't. Yet, I look back and see how far I've come.
I went on my 1st mission trip. For three months I took care of the house and family. Started college. Went to a prom with a guy. Yes...I actually agreed to go to a prom as friends with a guy. My 1st outing so to speak with a guy except to give boys rides back and forth to destinations. I've taught two classes in Jubilee Shores ( kid's church); the first time with an adult who was just there to help, and the second I taught by myself. Started my blog. Took pictures for a wedding. Asked to take pictures for a wedding down in Flordia. Crochet my first adult blanket and 2 baby blankets. House/pet sit for a week. The list goes on, but I shall stop here. All of these are my "1st".
I've had to think a lot of my future. Now I have a good idea of what will happen. But of course, I am prepared if God say nope! I want you to do something else. This has been the only year that I've had to think a lot of the future, more than I care to actually. But I must be perpare and not forget to enjoy today for "today".
For my birthday, I'll have homemade soy icecream. Mom's allgery won't allow her to have dairy prodects much. Until evening comes, it'll be me and mom. Chris works, and Dad works. Last year I had a brother who did not come to my birthday. This year, my best friend and sister will be for the first time will not be attending my birthday. It's hard to imagen my sister not being there. But I know she'd be here instead of Chili if she could. At least we'll be able to celebrate her birthday together and on the beach too which will thrill me.
So I have the most blessed oppertunity to have mom for my birthday. What a gift! Tomorrow is going to be a wonderful, incrediable day. Despite I want something very different...like actually have friends my age over, I'll take time with mom any time. The best part...is my Father will be here celebrating.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Reflections of Daniel and King David
Last Wednesday, as I was getting to leave for house sitting for the night I took a glance at my mom. She was doing Beth Moore's devotions. My eyes caught the name Daniel. Daniel...had been long my favorite name and book of the bible. I always wondered why? What was about Daniel that I loved? Mom and I fell into a conversation about the men of the bible and how God used them.
I did not relate to Moses, Abraham, Elijah, Elisha, as well as I did Daniel and David. To be sure I learned much from the other men, please do not mistake that I am passing them by. No...simply Daniel and David have longest held my attention.
As I talked with mom I made an astonishing discovery. Was it perhaps I relate to Daniel because of his faith? Daniel had FULL confidence in God. If Daniel had full confidence in God, he must have known grace. Because with faith there must be grace. Daniel's relationship with God I believe was a foundation of faith, grace, and love. How else could he have stood up to Nebrazzarah; willing to risk everything, but his relationship with his Father? I began to think of Daniel a grace filled man because of his faith.
My equation may be wrong. When you accept Christ as your Lord and Savior, you experience love. From love come faith, and faith grows into grace. You can not have one with out the other.
David...the second king of Israel...a man after God's own heart. As usual I am always amazed, at the thought of God calling David a righteous man and a man after his heart. How awesome, how great that is. Just IMAGINE! David, who had faults just like me was called a righteous man.
What I have learned from David is...you will mess up and you will fail. BUT... when you find where your mistakes lie...turn to God. You can't fix your mistakes on your own...it's IMPOSSIBLE, however, He understood that with God that he can overcome his weaknesses. David wanted God's heart, he yearned for it.
Despite David's short comings...God gave him one of the best gifts. The Messiah would come from the line of David. David...knew what he wanted and He recieved God's heart.
I can't express what I am trying to say...my writing is probably all in shambles. But I hope that you get what I am trying to say. Daniel, who understood faith was a man filled with grace. David...longed and yearned for God's heart. God loved him in return though he was not perfect.
I did not relate to Moses, Abraham, Elijah, Elisha, as well as I did Daniel and David. To be sure I learned much from the other men, please do not mistake that I am passing them by. No...simply Daniel and David have longest held my attention.
As I talked with mom I made an astonishing discovery. Was it perhaps I relate to Daniel because of his faith? Daniel had FULL confidence in God. If Daniel had full confidence in God, he must have known grace. Because with faith there must be grace. Daniel's relationship with God I believe was a foundation of faith, grace, and love. How else could he have stood up to Nebrazzarah; willing to risk everything, but his relationship with his Father? I began to think of Daniel a grace filled man because of his faith.
My equation may be wrong. When you accept Christ as your Lord and Savior, you experience love. From love come faith, and faith grows into grace. You can not have one with out the other.
David...the second king of Israel...a man after God's own heart. As usual I am always amazed, at the thought of God calling David a righteous man and a man after his heart. How awesome, how great that is. Just IMAGINE! David, who had faults just like me was called a righteous man.
What I have learned from David is...you will mess up and you will fail. BUT... when you find where your mistakes lie...turn to God. You can't fix your mistakes on your own...it's IMPOSSIBLE, however, He understood that with God that he can overcome his weaknesses. David wanted God's heart, he yearned for it.
Despite David's short comings...God gave him one of the best gifts. The Messiah would come from the line of David. David...knew what he wanted and He recieved God's heart.
I can't express what I am trying to say...my writing is probably all in shambles. But I hope that you get what I am trying to say. Daniel, who understood faith was a man filled with grace. David...longed and yearned for God's heart. God loved him in return though he was not perfect.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
My Mom
Soft, Bright blue eyes twinkle in mirth and joy. Her curly brown hair gleams almost reddish brown in the sun. Her 'average' height of 5"4' barely an inch taller than her baby daughter, made her perfect to play games of all sort. Her lips part with laughter.
Even if I wanted to...I could not photograph my mom's beauty. A sound recorder would not do justice to her laughter. No stories can contain her goodness and love she has for me...for her family.
When I was younger...I vowed I'd take a picture that paints her inner beauty. So I did. Eagerly, I set to capture my mom. I painted her face, made her hair curly brown. Her eyes seemed to glisten in laughter. Excitedly, I made her a frame as well as a 10 year old could. Glittered covered every square inche of the frame in making. When I gave it to her... I waited breathlessly to see what she thought.
She smiled broadly and hugged me. I ran off to play. When I came back, she had hung it in the laundry room. She explained to me...that way when I do laundry I can always see it. Every time we opened the doors...I'd see my picture right there. Boy...I was proud of the picture.
Then one day...I noticed. I had forgotten her nose. My mom would not let me remove the picture although her nose was indeed missing. She loved it...for it was my first attempt of painting her.
Once more I tried to make something to describe her. For Christmas...I made a book of poems for her. I search for hours and hours...trying to write and find poems which could describe her. I wrote each poem down carefully and drew pictures to illustrate the poem. Delightfully, I pictured her face as she opened the present. She cried in happiness and read through the book over courses of days. Treasuring each poem and drawings I did. When I got older in my teen years, I read through the book. There was so many mistakes and the drawing...of a little girl. But as I read through I remembered how I wanted everything to be perfect for my mom.
This year....my mom was sick for close to three months. My dad had to work and Chris was working and doing college. Dearest Kate was in college an hour and a half way. I tended to my mom, clean the house, did shopping, prepared meals, a basic Secretary, hostess for life group, and started my first semester of collage. When I finally went to bed, I was dead tired. I murmured to myself...How on earth does mom do it?
She raised my best friend and sister along with me to be godly girls with a passion for Christ. Every chores...she taught us to do our best. If we lost it...we paid for it....we wanted it...we paid for it. She encouraged us in our walk with God. And let us know...no matter what we could always come to her....even if we sometimes/rarely disagreed on whatever topic we need advice on. She's not perfect...but she's my mom.
My mom has taught me so much, more than I can ever dream. What she has helped taught me the most is value, commitment, balance, understand responsibilites, and love. I only hope that I can help raise my kids along with my husband for God as well as my mom did.
Like I said before....no picture can capture my mom's beauty. No sound recorder can capture my mom's laugh. No story would be big enough to tell of her love and goodness.
Even if I wanted to...I could not photograph my mom's beauty. A sound recorder would not do justice to her laughter. No stories can contain her goodness and love she has for me...for her family.
When I was younger...I vowed I'd take a picture that paints her inner beauty. So I did. Eagerly, I set to capture my mom. I painted her face, made her hair curly brown. Her eyes seemed to glisten in laughter. Excitedly, I made her a frame as well as a 10 year old could. Glittered covered every square inche of the frame in making. When I gave it to her... I waited breathlessly to see what she thought.
She smiled broadly and hugged me. I ran off to play. When I came back, she had hung it in the laundry room. She explained to me...that way when I do laundry I can always see it. Every time we opened the doors...I'd see my picture right there. Boy...I was proud of the picture.
Then one day...I noticed. I had forgotten her nose. My mom would not let me remove the picture although her nose was indeed missing. She loved it...for it was my first attempt of painting her.
Once more I tried to make something to describe her. For Christmas...I made a book of poems for her. I search for hours and hours...trying to write and find poems which could describe her. I wrote each poem down carefully and drew pictures to illustrate the poem. Delightfully, I pictured her face as she opened the present. She cried in happiness and read through the book over courses of days. Treasuring each poem and drawings I did. When I got older in my teen years, I read through the book. There was so many mistakes and the drawing...of a little girl. But as I read through I remembered how I wanted everything to be perfect for my mom.
This year....my mom was sick for close to three months. My dad had to work and Chris was working and doing college. Dearest Kate was in college an hour and a half way. I tended to my mom, clean the house, did shopping, prepared meals, a basic Secretary, hostess for life group, and started my first semester of collage. When I finally went to bed, I was dead tired. I murmured to myself...How on earth does mom do it?
She raised my best friend and sister along with me to be godly girls with a passion for Christ. Every chores...she taught us to do our best. If we lost it...we paid for it....we wanted it...we paid for it. She encouraged us in our walk with God. And let us know...no matter what we could always come to her....even if we sometimes/rarely disagreed on whatever topic we need advice on. She's not perfect...but she's my mom.
My mom has taught me so much, more than I can ever dream. What she has helped taught me the most is value, commitment, balance, understand responsibilites, and love. I only hope that I can help raise my kids along with my husband for God as well as my mom did.
Like I said before....no picture can capture my mom's beauty. No sound recorder can capture my mom's laugh. No story would be big enough to tell of her love and goodness.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
April
The roofs are shining from the rain,
The sparrows twitter as they fly,
And with a windy april grace
The little clouds go by.
Yet, the back yards are bare and brown
With only one unchanging tree-
I could not be so sure of Spring
Save that it sings in me
Sara Teasdale
The sparrows twitter as they fly,
And with a windy april grace
The little clouds go by.
Yet, the back yards are bare and brown
With only one unchanging tree-
I could not be so sure of Spring
Save that it sings in me
Sara Teasdale
Monday, April 13, 2009
Spring
Spring...a time of refreshing. Spring...a time for new things. Spring...a time for fulfilment.
It always seems at the end of winter, spring is around the corner. Filled with excitement, we watch day after day for the coming of spring. Eagerly, we await for the smell of flowers, sunny cool days, and walks in the blooming gardens. A purpose seems to fill the air that gives rest and refreshment to our weary souls. Wintery days have passed....the waiting has ended.
I can't help, but think of My Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in moments like this. To me...He is spring. He's always here and yet always around the corner. How I long for His coming. He seems like spring, when the burdens of this world has left me empty and dried. He give me anew strength carry out the tasks, He has for me. Like a flower, He tenderly tend me...preparing me for days ahead such as the harsh, cold winters. Through all troubles, He's there making me stronger through Him. Through all joy, He's there teaching me how to live in Him.
I long to touch Him, see Him, smell Him, and take long walks in His gardens. He reminds me of His love, and holds me so I can stand. Unlike spring, Jesus is in my heard all year around. But there are seasons, (Winter/summer)when it is time for me be tested, and (spring/autum)a time for me to be rested.
It always seems at the end of winter, spring is around the corner. Filled with excitement, we watch day after day for the coming of spring. Eagerly, we await for the smell of flowers, sunny cool days, and walks in the blooming gardens. A purpose seems to fill the air that gives rest and refreshment to our weary souls. Wintery days have passed....the waiting has ended.
I can't help, but think of My Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in moments like this. To me...He is spring. He's always here and yet always around the corner. How I long for His coming. He seems like spring, when the burdens of this world has left me empty and dried. He give me anew strength carry out the tasks, He has for me. Like a flower, He tenderly tend me...preparing me for days ahead such as the harsh, cold winters. Through all troubles, He's there making me stronger through Him. Through all joy, He's there teaching me how to live in Him.
I long to touch Him, see Him, smell Him, and take long walks in His gardens. He reminds me of His love, and holds me so I can stand. Unlike spring, Jesus is in my heard all year around. But there are seasons, (Winter/summer)when it is time for me be tested, and (spring/autum)a time for me to be rested.
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