"Getting My Eyes Fixed Inside My Heart..." for 2014

I was a bummer last year for not following through my resolutions. Inconsistency is the operative word. I had major emotional excuses. Surely, I flopped even with my blogging. I just post whenever and my platform for writing was ambiguous even to myself. There's that writing constraint that is always there to remind me. I thought that I was more concern of my personal grit and not really connecting to my viewers. Certainly, I would like to make amends by posting more relatable topics with substance for 2014.

I plan to post three times a week. That would be Sunday, Wednesday & Friday. I'm not also trying to insinuate anybody into subscribing to my Christian faith. I just want to always share with you that our journey with life here on earth is all about our longings to be loved, validated and be sought and freed by the truth of our existence. When you come to realize it, there's really more that we can do inwardly to exude breakthroughs.

As you all know walking & jogging in the park by myself or with my Lab Cocoa is a regiment for me. Three times a week is my capacity accruing 13 miles altogether per week. Doing it is an acclamation. It does boosts my resistance to the common cold; regulates my blood pressure accordingly and prevents me from adding another unwanted layer in my belly..lol. Most of all, I feel rejuvenated and thankful that my feet are still swift to follow my lead. I'll do better in 2014. I'll see if I can join some walkathon or marathon for special projects this year. That would be really interesting and a bliss.

Networking with other bloggers or writers by attending live podcasts and even seminars are also my prospects in the making. I think that anybody who would give anything to reach out to people successfully should do something about it. That's every writer's creed. We're all artists on our own ways. Keep that in mind.

We should never be contented of where we are because each day is an opportunity to make your life count and productive...or full of regrets and suppositions. I chose the first premise. The second premise is lifeless. I'm tired with hovered regrets and suppositions. And you can be an "ironclad" by becoming the best possible way to be the beautiful &worthy You; no phony maneuvers and no self-absorb infusion to your craft or to anything that you love doing. No apologies and excuses either for mediocre results. It's time you own your mistakes and go above them. Build a ladder for hierarchy out of them. I know I will this time. You are, too. Have a little faith even just a "mustard seed."

I really hope also that 2014 will propel me to the fields of missionary work and that whatever I envision doing will be God's will for my life. One thing I know is that there is no guarantee that our plans will be processed the way we want them to be manifested. Our anchor must be always that our "winning the war inside our hearts" is only through God's divine grace. I know this faithfully because I wrestled with my heart's desire for a long time. After being in the pit, in the hole, and in my own cell with my own making, finally I made a decision not to wrestle but now learning how to surrender fully to God... Drawing closer to my Savior in 2014 is a specific decision I would have to work through diligently--deep inside my heart. There is no "falling out" with Jesus; only triumphs &victories.

I have decided that  this year's primal goals include the joy of writing words of pure intention. The Genesis of a new day.

Hope all your gifts and talents be of service to the Lord, to yourself and to others. Be of courage and always be loving and thoughtful to your words and actions. You only have Today to be where you want to be; not yesterday or tomorrow. Look up. There is a" silver lining" in everything.

Please celebrate with me the joys & prosperity of 2014!

Talk to you, soon.

"When October Goes..."

Two Days After Christmas

This song came on the radio as I was washing the dishes @ mid-afternoon... I told myself, "
that melody and the way it stirred me must be the one and only
Barry Manilow. His  signature is never missed: tender, sincere, thoughtful and just so nice to listen to...
It doesn't really matter how old you are... or how old you've gotten to be; there's that memory in your
past that you can never reconciled or recovered. Only a song like this can for a moment. So just let it be.

"The Heart of Christmas..."

(from left-right: my older brother, me, my baby sister, our mom, my eldest sister, my other younger sister and her daughter)

I wish that Christmas is just being with the Family, enjoying good, funny, reflective conversations and savoring everybody's scrumptious potluck Filipino dish.
I wish that buying tangible gifts would be relegated in the background and just giving your best to creating loving, tender memories of grateful testimonials of how much God really love us; all of us. And that would translate to move ourselves to a higher ground" like cooking a meal for the homeless; visiting the nursing home residents and distributing Bibles in jails or just emptying ourselves from the cloak of pride and saturating our thoughts to His Word and promises.
You might think that I'm so full o f it viewed as a quiet hypocrisy but remember, it's a wish. But I don't think it's a wishful thinking, either.
I guess I'm just drained with so much commercial images and auditory bombardment that has led to how majority of us callously spend money we think we have but in reality, can't afford... We even buy things for the "heck" of buying. We can certainly blame the society's "stronghold" playing on our minds not to be "scrooge" but we can only blame our impulses.
 I believe that giving will always be the catalyst of celebrating Christmas only because of Christ's life- symbolical death on the cross...He gave us His life.
Now that we're approaching 2014, would it be that the greatest gift you could give to yourself is to accept Jesus in your heart as your personal Savior and Lord of your life. I sincerely believe it to be true...
Well, I'm just being raw and my thoughts unrestrained. However, my anchor still is in His refuge no matter what my circumstances are.
Wishing you guys a very Blessed Christmas. And Have a Safe Travel back to your Home.

"My Thoughtful "Take-Aways"

 The following quote by Oliver Wendell Holmes is a precursor to my "take- aways" this year.

      "To reach a port we must sail, sometimes with the wind, and sometimes against it. But we must not drift or lie at anchor."

This year has been an avatar ride. I gave myself permission to be a major proponent to alter my ego on building relationships. One day I just felt my life is all a jumble. My pie chart and bucket list for connecting and re-connecting with people stifled my personal growth. My "flip-flopping" emerges a lot when my expectations of people that I know can sail with me for the long haul just drift. I thought some people are just not cognizant and lacking the right perspective of my value as a woman of creativity and sensibility. I could be right on a target.

Giving your heart away to every relationship whether in friendship or romance and still didn't work out is a divine providence. You can't make people to love you the way you want to if they're not even capable of true reciprocity. They're not your anchor; just vessels for lessons learned. Don't stay in your present circumstances. Leave your safe harbor or niche. Be fearless and yet be thoughtful in leaving things behind. Go where God wants you.

I learned that what you make out of life is based on making wise decisions. Never let anyone put you as an option or the last recourse. That would be a heart's transgression if you allow people you love settling you as a" second fiddle or a third wheel." Know your worth. Demand it with grace. I for one believe in setting ultimatums; and boundaries. Don't drift from your real values. You would be happy to realize that your greatest inspiration is staying true to sacred ground. Chastity,  not being compromised. God honors your obedience of His Word.

IN life, nothing is guaranteed; I've heard and seen so many people who have perished this year which has caused  me to move my heart inwardly to a fresh take on living...and my mind, too!

What would I answer to God when He finally asks me what have I done with my life on earth for His kingdom. That would be the absolute "kicker" for me. And it is shameful to say that I haven't been what I'm supposed to be. That I know I could do more but decided just sailing endlessly because some people failed me audaciously. I just hope and pray that I get there to that glorious day with God's grace & mercy. 

Well, I'll be more passionate and logistic about writing and choosing people to ride with me "on the same boat." My avatar for filling the pages with words and humanity will be in consonance with what the Lord puts in the spirit of hope, and the wonders of His love in my craft and in my heart.

I can't thank you guys enough for reading my posts. 

A blessed, productive Monday, everyone!

"Saturday Dog Adventure"

Word Of Mouth...
My sister told me of Vanguard Veterinary Associates, P. C.  that comes to town twice a month. I knew that they're  scheduled to offer vaccinations, microchips, heartworm pills and other health services for dogs & cats exclusively, today from 9-11am .
Call it serendipity...I was in line with about 45 people waiting in the cold. Mind you, it was icy cold for me & Cocoa. There were increments of moments when I wanted to just go home and forget the great deal of money I'll be saving.
Then something struck my "big head." I should look at this as an adventure. Surely, my lens of perspective changed instantly. There was this immense of gratitude to see how many people are waiting to stand in line just to keep their dogs & cats well & healthy for a blessed price. I got to see many different breed of dogs ranging from Labrador Retrievers, Pitbulls, Chihuauas, Terriers, Bulldogs, German Shepherds & I even saw one that looked almost like my Cocoa. Only, this one is leaner and probably younger. That was a stellar moment.
It did make my heart to a flutter; to witness pet owners' sacrifice and a good sense of responsibility. I  had spontaneous conversations to some people; how their life have been changed to subtleness to the simple joys of living with a kindred kennel.
Dogs...they could really warm your heart and teach you to be more humble & grateful. I know mine does!

"Say Something..."

I go to You Tube and browse for new songs and  also listen to "old-time favorites."  In doing so, helps me craft my words. Music will forever be a very private/personal lifeline. There is an unspeakable joy that surges within that is uncontainable, mystical & gives you a unique freedom when you listen to a good song.

All that encompasses a great song is one that moves you and brings you to a better place in your heart where you don't feel stuck and disconnected; but gives you that audacity to be more of you--loving. hopeful & raw.
 
I could still remember vividly when I was in the elementary grade; I would wash by hands containers of dirty laundry by the front yard near the artesian well where you pump water. That would take me hours to finish the task. I didn't care for the heat that hovers my head & skin. The prickling/piercing temp. didn't bother me. My consolation was to have the radio with me so I could listen to the tunes of the Beatles, Air Supply, Bread, Simon & Garfunkel, Barbara Streisand, Bryan Adams, the Temptations and many more great artists of the 70" era. I say, nothing beats the soulfulness of that generation. That gave me the reservoir of enriched memories.

No wonder, it is a lifeline  for me...

So I heard this song. A couple of versions. But I like this one better...

"I need You Lord..."

          
           God's presence that wraps around us, is what we should be pursuing...through it all;
over the mountains, the seas and our darkest nights, He is all we need.

Love the images that convey the heart of God for us. May I go deeper in understanding
His plans for my life...I need you Lord Jesus.

             

"In Everything, Give Thanks..."

                  As we wait for my sister's lab work result, I trust the Lord's report. I'm just a bit disappointed that she won't be able to join us eat my roasted turkey and its trimmings. I would even let her bring her favorite wine.
I know she's in good hands. If she has to be admitted, we'll take the food to her. That way, she won't miss a thing.

This reminds me that while we pursue the business of the day, God's plan get in the mix. Of course, as a child of God, you will always have an inkling where you've missed the mark. And if we're obedient to the Holy Spirit promptings, no sickness or ailment could savage our bodies.

Meditate on  His truth that our bodies are his temple. Know what to inhale & exhale in your life...like going for an adrenalin rush for black Friday sales or stay home and just continue savoring the spirit of gladness in your heart.

Also thankful to those who read my blogs at heart.

Till tomorrow...

You Take Care Always

      

"Birthdays Are Today's Pivotal Reflection..."

Thank You, Lord Jesus...

http://www.crosscards.com/cards/holidays/thanksgiving/give-thanks-red-leaf-thanksgiving/send.html


  Thank You Lord Jesus For Today:
 
 

                                   "There is a river that flows clear and cool. It winds through some of the gorgeous scenery imaginable and carries with it a beauty that is unsurpassed. To see such sights convinces a person of the reality of God.
God gives us glimpses of heavens here on earth, so that we might long for such a place from the deepest reaches of our hearts.
The part of us that carries the seed of God responds to His beauty in creation. If we will look at the world with our spiritual eyes rather than our physical eyes, we will begin to see God's glories in many new ways.
The gifts of God are indeed abundant. Open your eyes and enjoy them all..."

"A Friendly Reminder..."

photo credit...great wisdom quotes

        And if they come back with renewed minds and committed hearts;  chances are, things would be different. Because everything that is meant to stay, it couldn't go away. True love speaks volumes: you don't vacillate. Making it is a life's decision. Anybody that fidgets or even "fickle-minded" about it needs to leave. After all, love is never a compromise, not even an option.
Just my personal take...

Happy Sabbath Everyone!

You Take Care Always

"Our Words Are In Charge"

"When we can't hold back, or set boundaries, on what comes from our lips,
 our words are in
  charge--not us. But we are still responsible for those words. Our words do not come
from
  somewhere outside of us. Words are the product of our hearts."
 ~ Dr. Henry Cloud & Dr. John
  Townsend

 I'm extremely "biggie" with words. I've been chasing them, writing them, and dreaming
 about them, metaphorically.
 Words are the best conveyor of the soul. Don't be callous with your words. Honor them
 by being
 truthful and respectful. They're you...

 With your thoughtful words, walls are coming down.
Let your words Today empower someone to
 hope, and even love again.

 You Take Care Always...

"A Case Of You..."

I knew that his beautiful delivery on this song will put him on the top ten. When you do acoustic performance, your risks to losing yourself in your song and hitting the hook; the right pitch, range, rhythm were probably on James Wolpert's mind. However, his persuasion and indulgence and passion so clearly distinguished had sung it all the way to my heart and others with such captivity...
He was fierce, unafraid to show his emotions and his voice didn't crack; nerves conquered and his heart revealed. Soulful. Celebratory.

You Take Care Always
Happy 13th of November

"Eyes Of More Than Conquest"

 

Taming of one's soul is the biggest chase, and the dream of all dreams... I thought
If everyone ended up with someone she/he deeply love in this lifetime; you're thinking that your heart may never be hovered with what could have been. But one thing remains: God has our best interest at heart. The Lord will let you journey through your personal choices in which you already know that are against His will. But you still did it anyway despite of His promptings. That whisper, that small voice telling you you're in the wrong path and still challenged it. What a mess that was...and what a way to conquer what's not for you. Better shake it off, shape up and loose yourself to great possibilities. Time to ditch scraps & leftovers from your heart to your mind. It's never too late to transform your mind worthy of you that is wonderfully created by God.
  It might take us awhile to thank Him for the one that got away but in all essence of truth, life is an everyday decision of small and bigger things. And we can only achieve what is Right by believing Who and What gives you Eternal Peace, Joy & Unfaltering Promise where goodbyes, sicknesses, and deceptions are no longer a threat and invasions to our soul.

That name is Jesus, the name above all names; the holy of Holies and the uncompromising Promise of Life Eternal. After all life's misgivings, we all long for Him more than we are willing to admit...Let Him be your Lord and personal Savior Today. I know that He is the Only Way, the Truth and The Life and I should never doubt that in any way. You shouldn't either...

Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus. Don't aspire for eyes that temporarily pleases you.

Happy Sabbath

You Take care Always

November, The Season For Unencumbered Thoughts...

"The sky exhaled more hues than I imagined possible and I found myself
 caught up in the "wonder." I still savor the encounter and live hopeful
 anticipation of another.
On many nights, you'll still find me scouting the sky in hope of catching
 another glimpse of the "wonder."

Have you missed your cues in your life because they presented themselves
 to be at times random, insignificant & metaphorically?
 Thus, we keep losing heart...
Come to think of it; we fall in love, fall out of love or perhaps
the other person falls out of love with you. Powerful crucial moments
yet we settle for the uncertainty. November should be a good month
 to reconsider better perspective on things that matter most.
 Clarity is here. You are.

You Take care Always

"Let God Arise..."

Have A Blessed, Joyful Friday

"It's usually through our hard times, the unexpected and not-according-to-plan times, that we experience God in more intimate ways. We discover an unquenchable longing to know Him more. It's passion that isn't concerned that life fall within certain predictable lines, but a passion that pursues God and knows He is relentless in His pursuit of each one of us."

"A living, loving God can and does make His presence felt, can and does speak to us in the silence of our hearts, can and does warm and caress us till we no longer doubt that He is near, that he is here."

"Before me, even as behind,
   God is, and all is well."


You Take Care Always

" I Know We Gonna Make It..."

You take Care Always...Have a Blessed Sunday

"Bursts Of Invigorating Autumn Photos" (Photo Credits; Traditional Home, Oct. 2013)

 




I've been an avid subscriber of Traditional Home magazine for more than a dozen of years. This is the reason why I do. Their showcasing of their subjects are well-thought of; meticulously picked to my knowledge. These Photos for" Decorating Cozy Fall Palettes" (October, 2013) serve intentional, radiant & gorgeous captures of what would be called traditional strokes of aesthetic beauty. They strike a chord of connection to your heart.

I may not have the same master pieces as of these photographs but that doesn't stop me or overlook my sensual appreciation for finer things. Instead, I look at the deeper elements of what can inspire my creativity of what I already have at home.

I guess, I'm very visual, kinesthetic, & auditory. What heightens your senses is what you gravitate. Sometimes that kind of sensation varies but you know when you hit your mark as a visionary of absolute Art. . Because that resonates in you, wholeheartedly.

Still taming the unrequited beauty...What is that to you? What does it take to rest your soul as a captive of "the forever things?"

You Take Care Always

A Fresh Take On "Living Well..."

      "Life is constantly surprising us, often unpleasantly. How we react to this atmosphere of uncertainty determines to a large extent how happy we are."

Last night I & my sisters & my mom fellowshipped & congregated with other women at our church. Our guest speaker is a cancer survivor. I think that this devastating, ill-fated disease has afflicted the human race especially women in staggering number or statistics.

In her testimony, she said that life was reeling, whirled with exciting and very promising events in her own family. Children are doing well at school, she's selling bigger- scale homes exponentially, and life was just a cycle and series of tangible hopes and celebrations.

But we all know that, "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven." Ecclesiastes 3:1 KJV

She went on to say that "women are incredibly good planners, good executors of running errands that amidst the process and exhilaration as a result of mustering our inherent gifts as givers, we forget that we, too, need to take good care of ourselves. And in challenging times like this when you find out that you have cancer, your relationship with God and your family and friends are going to be pivotal and the only thing to keep you victorious over your physical battle."

Fear of dying never dominated her. She knows the power of God's Word and His promises and she claimed it and affirmed it. She has that cheerful look that brings joy to her heart, and good news that gives health to the bones. Proverbs 15:30 NIV

I think the operative message here is that: Cancer doesn't have to shatter and shake your faith in Gods plan for your life. Know in your heart that your body is His temple. Guard  it well for all the issues of life springs forth there...

Take care Always

"Home Is Where Your Heart Is..."

Everyday whether mundane or as usual, you hear people say, "I can't wait to go home; there's no place like home; or I'm home at last."

 "Home" is more than a dwelling place. Your sweat & blood are invested in building a home for yourself and raising a family. Creating good memories must be its primal  ingredient. They could be sporadic, spontaneous, well-thought of or planned; or they come unexpectedly at your disposal.

To everything has a home. It is where it connects your heart; where it belongs. Home is where you experience the multi-faceted joys and angst of life. It's where you decide whether to grow backwards or forward. It's where you find meaning and differences, the pivotal moments, the isolated and the unity of self; it's where you build your altar of commitment not just making empty promises. It's where your miracles happen because of your faith, hope and love within you. It's the best place for gathering--your family, love ones, friends and your thoughts.

But nothing good happens without the grace, mercy and the love of God. We can't build a home without the solid Rock in our lives. And we sometimes vacillate on that truth. Myself included.

I know my Home ... It's where my heart is.

Take care Always



  

"Can't Take My Eyes Off You"

I would take a hike with my most lightweight versatile sneakers padded with molded arches for support. I would make this trail walks as an adventure with the best stride in my mind. I wouldn't even bring a camera. I would just let my eyes behold  the glorious hues before me. May be I'll take with me a handy recording device so when the words flow that emanates  within of what I'm witnessing, then, that to me is heralding to the most beautiful gift God has given us--Opportunity to commune with Him.

The outdoors in this season is no doubt offers a plethora of tempting Autumn getaways. Find a lodge that invigorates the sullenness, one that relinquishes the deepening shadows and what would ultimately bring you to come back more alive, geared-up with a new artful interpretation of what surrounds you...

"Today is the day that the Lord hath made. We will rejoice and be glad in it."



You Take Care Always...

"It's A Samsung ATIV One 7..."

Fall Blessings

When it comes to gadgets, tablets or any network technological device, I prone to be in 'low maintenance' or in low key. Honestly, I don't care if majority of the human race owns an I-Phone 4 or 5. I don't like multi-features/applications infused in one device. And I'm not willing to pay every feature that all it does is a utility icon, meaning it would be unwise to own something not maximized to its full capacity.

Tonight this new PC belongs to me. I would have been happy with a 400.00 dollar e-machine. But as they say, it's always better not to wish or expect anything. The virtue of waiting patiently can be very rewarding. That pay-off  was much more than the scale of my expectations.

My old PC was  a refurbished. I was contented with what I can do with it. It lasted me seven productive years. I would have "milked" it for another 6 months but my patience was wearing out especially when I'm networking  with other bloggers & twitters and just loses the connection in the middle of a discourse.. It started going waywardly and for a couple of weeks and Christian or not, that "out of order" issue was obstructing my sensibility.  I've done everything in my power to fix the problem. Only to find out that the only solution is to replace it with a new one.

Thanks to my first-born son who's so adept to computers and knows what I really need. One thing I love about this PC is the keyboard. The size is perfect and you won't hear any sound when you're typing. It has also a touch screen mode option. My son working as a Samsung Sales Consultant, decided to surprise me tonight with one that will help me more engaged, honing& waking up& crafting my writing edges .Certainly, it would be a good push to learn more about photo editing.

This one is hard to beat...especially when it's a gift given on perfect timing from a good-hearted soul, my son Josh.

Psalm 103:4-5 TLB
He surrounds me with loving kindness and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things.

You Take Care Always

"Capture October Foliage In Your Heart..."

You know how much I love the spectacular falling of leaves ; how they turn like purple blazing stars, bold yellow honeycomb heads, and into stunning orange, red, amber delights--

 a true sight to behold.  It doesn't matter whether you're in Texas, New Jersey, California, Germany or United Kingdom, Fall foliage with its most picturesque colors will remind your heart that God's hands are full of majesty, ones that stretches unbelievable kindness and love that astounds the poetic side of me.

Fall is never a deceptive time. As cool/crisp air makes its way, the magic and beauty of writing also invigorates my literary senses. Sometimes, I feel so overwhelmed, gripped and quelled by my mind that wouldn't let me rest. And that's where music comes in as a very powerful "hook" in my life. It always offer a unique sense of freedom and ease.

But anyway, obscurity is never an element of this season; neither a period of dormancy. It can't be. Won't let other infusion disguise me. I'll stay very close, warm and thankful.


 

Life can be a festival in October. Take Heart as always...Join me in that Faith , Hope & Love.

"Whom Do You Associate Your Real Identity?"

There's that dark side of us that comes visit and lurk and sometimes if we over welcome the visit , life's tour could be an open vacuum for reclusive wandering: who am I really?

And with an array of options to answer that personally, no one could ever guess for an absolute answer; only if you believe that despite of where you've been and how you've been with others leaves you unaccounted for mistaken identity. I guess that's what you get when you've fallen for the wrong idols, dogmas, and philosophies so enticing yet invading and corrupting the good seed of the Word of God in us.

As they say, "that when you lose your identity, you lose your authority" over everything. What's one thing that you have that no matter what happens, it remains unshakable? And that may be what you need to hold on tight and decide whether it is Family, your Education, Your faith in God, Money, Material possessions, your Ego or could be even Obsessively pleasing people. 

We depend on this question ritually. We should always find God's way to go through it for our identity is best lived in His will...  while we can.

Have a Blessed Sunday. 
You Take care...

"FALL" Back In Love...

Today holds another promise...
Credit photo: Courtesy of crosscards.com

After feeding my dogs at 7 am, I ushered myself to go to my front yard with my red tanktop with gray house shorts and barefoot.. Everything in the sky seemed so clear, aligned, and vastly in splendor. I wish I have more perfect adjectives and verbs to support how that  first real chill of the season has taken me in the realm of thankfulness and hope.

I, then decided to go for an hour and a half walk and a jog in the park. There, I saw an influx of joggers, runners, walkers. I was hoping I would be the only one celebrating a "fall walk" but that was a wishful thinking and a bit of selfishness on my part.

I am thankful that there are some people like me who have that "pitch or hook" in upholding a healthy balance of exercise. As we grow older, our joints are susceptible to fractures but if we're on our feet doing wholesome activities, the fragility of our bones may be manageable and the flabbiness of the skin may not be as bad. Sitting for hours especially in front of the computer is not advisable. There are always ways to get around things to our advantage without engaging our "butt"to sit awhile...

But always remember, that God is  involved in every detail of our plans & activities. For we can never be quite whole and happy without His guidance. His presence equates joy, peace and love. When you experience His grace, you not only smell the roses, and the aroma of morning coffee but also giving your heart access to other scents of hope. Only God's love can do that.

I keep myself to a schedule that is achievable so not to grow weary and vexed in my spirit. What I'm saying is that, with the Fall/Autumn season with its unfading harvest hues, we could be more mindful, appreciative and fall for it...
Lord, we see your goodness in the beauty of the season and in our day-to-day blessings. Thank you for meeting every need to our love ones with whom we share it.

 Happy Fall Everyone

To my fellow Texans & faith believers, you guys know that we've been blessed

You take care...
Shing

"All Of Me"

"Let Your Dreams Guide You"

Any song played in acoustic, violin or piano always leaves me in awe; taking my breath away. Music, definitely, owns my soul anytime, anyplace. It gives me freedom to be where I want to be even for just a moment in time. And it does make my dreams enlightened, enlivened and not encroached with isolation into the deep end. And music is much much more than I could imagine. There's more to the elements or components of a song; it makes you think lovingly and write poignantly with whom your story belongs to: In my case. my life story binds to my dreams, some of them shattered, and a few of them I'm not ready to let go. There is truth to what I've read..."Commit your dreams to God through prayer places your dreams' responsibilities, risks, and rewards into God's hands. Prayer transfers the dream."

So, play and sing along...You'll be surprised how beautiful your tone of voice is. It might reawaken something in you that has been sleeping for sometime. Let it guide you...

Happy Friday the 13th...a very rewarding day

"How To Evade Scam Artists & Fraudulent Acts"

I  read an article about an 89-year-old widow (AARP mag. Sept. issue)who lived alone in Turlock, Calif.) and lost $759, 376 by a scam artist claiming to be an attorney and promising her to collect her winnings (multimillion- dollar lottery)
 She wired/trasfered $255,366 from her Wells Fargo bank account and $504, 010 from her bank of America account.
"She sued the banks for negligence and breach of fiduciary duty. She argued that when she directed the banks to wire substantial amount of money abroad, (England) the banks should have suspected fraud."
"The verdict sided with the banks not required to supervise depositors' use of their own money, or expected to prevent fraud against a customer."

What we can take away from this case:
Scam artists are everywhere. Their expertise lies on finding people who are easy prey: frail, old people who live alone, single parents, lonely souls, and even those that are easily taken by sweet talks of persuasion like that of telemarketers.They use every tactic and employ strategies to the point of digging your physical, social, & psychological profiles.

We can evade common scamming :

1.  Thus, we never give away our SSN; DMV license#; credit card and bank accounts or any personal information.
2. Beware of "tough-talk schemes." Pray for wisdom & patience, stillness and ask God for His heart of wisdom in everything that you do (big or small stuff); Listen to your God-given "gut feeling" that kind of sharp intuition & instinct.
3. I would say be exclusive and choosy on who and what to share in social media. There are many beautiful thieves prowling gaining your confidence, faces with a divisive heart.
4. Be more responsible by equipping & armoring yourself with a lot of reading materials. We have a plethora of guidelines. You can almost Google almost anything now.
5. It's common knowledge that "too much of a good thing" is just maybe not a good thing. Give yourself time to prove yourself right. You'll be glad you've waited long enough to arrive at a decisive decision. After all, life is making the right decision.

In the above particular situation, I wonder why no responsible person showed up to her rescue; where are the family relatives, friends or anybody by her side? 
What assailed her not to doubt it and ask for common wisdom for the illegitimacy of the claim? Having this huge amount of money in her account already, should she been more aggressive to guard or protect her money? Did greed predisposed her  to be callous or just oblivious because she's old and alone?

Am I being presumptuous or callous myself? My heart goes out to her because after all she was the victim of many contriving factors: alone, old, vulnerable & susceptible to extortionists, impostors & "scumbags."

Let's protect ourselves from people who wear the cloaks of darkness. God's Word warns & implore us to be vigilant...more so in the end times which I believe in the very heart of my heart that we already are.

• Take care...

"Take Me Deeper Than My Feet Could Ever Wander..."

www.youtube.com One of the best songs originally rendered by Hillsong United about Faith. I just heard it Today at our church (FaithPoint) this morning .I immediately embed it to my blog...I couldn't resist.
As I go back to teaching in full circles with the children in the classroom, this is my heart's yearning--"for God to take me deeper than my feet could ever wander. And not to ever let go of His Sovereign hand."

I could wish for carnal things and other worldly stuff but I know that would only create borders  and false alliances in my spirit. That would be fatal...

Have a Blessed Sunday

"A Castle Of Imagery..."

My kind of castle to visit & delve into a peaceful retreat...
especially when you
want to write the first pages of your authorship and 
signature as the
heart-writer. 
I couldn't think of any more romantic place for my soul to be 
entwined with the gift of nature,
 the blessedness of serenity than this place.
Sometimes where you are could take a toll of your energy
 to collapse;
it's up to us to leverage for a solid ground even
 for a single moment
that would transpire Hope against all odds.
In this setting, I would love to unleash
 the untamed notoriety of my
other self, that part of me
 so ingrained with fantasies, dreams and 
ideals that need a complete overhaul...and 
replenishing.
The poetic side of me, anyway.

"Love Always Hopes..."

When you start getting overwhelmed about how you should go about "loving," and thinking about expectations, I believe solely in the admonition of His Word. You can't go wrong with what the Bible says about the true essence of loving which is self-sacrifice & forgiveness.
Forget spending your time looking into the self-help books section, or worst giving your time listening to the media people. 
Every quest, every chase of your dream and every confusion you may still have, the answer is found in the greatest love ever demonstrated...at the Cross.
Who are we to stray ourselves from the only Truth that justifies the end? After all, we are beautifully crafted by His Holy Mighty Hands...
Open your heart Today to Love that truly abounds. He is waiting. 

"Just Asking?"

                              At eight years old, the radiance, the aesthetic beauty of words came alive in my emotional realm. In the third grade, my perception of power and strength only comes from words derivative of their context. I am always akin to words beautifully written and extemporaneously delivered. The very first manifesto that catapulted me to the love for writing was my dad's loving perception of me in his diary; robust, healthy-looking, beautiful baby girl . How enthralled he was by my baby chuckles and everything about me that had brought him joy. My father saw in my eyes that they are the most expressive members of me. He was very witty to have said that about me as  a child. Because I really do have lens that sees a silver lining in every chapter of my life. And somehow in the catalyst of his dream for me to remain a kindred spirit is my life's link to loving without props--just an inspiration that I am bestowed with the affinity of words that connect me to the Creator of the Alpha & the Omega.

Had I ever indulged myself with constant excuses to achieve greater, better and newer dreams? Absolutely. From time to time...not just periodically. Excuses like ,"I feel too much therefore I can't get totally focused,"I need to go on Sabbatical vacation in order to write cohesively and get hooked to a network of readers or followers or the most infamous one which is, "I'm not inspired to write and needing someone to fill the gaps..." and many more excuses which I think they're getting ancient even to my brain cells.

I do believe that I should let go hanging to those old ideas that once were beneficial."Ideals" that have kept me "from achieving the complete fulfillment of my dream. " and that includes people I've loved so dearly and had given them access to my lofty craft but they never had become what I want them in my life. They were just "spectators" afraid to sail and journey with me. That's the "unhealed aspect" of my dream---that they failed my expectations. So, then here I am writing vicariously and unashamed of what my words could take you. Precisely...

I just have to fight for my Divine inheritance...that higher level of awareness, consciousness and God's aligned wishes and desires for my life. Take heart!

As always, thanks for reading with your heart on the line...

Till tomorrow...

God's Splendor

Happy First Day Of July, everyone!

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What comes to mind at first glimpse of this beautiful image: God's omnipresent splendor, an aura of appreciation of His Mighty Hands. Flowers, Trees & Herbs in their own habitat 
 just like this have a grand captivity to my soul. And I'm lost for words...each time. It's no wonder that flowers are like the most romantic living epistle to my heart.

In Genesis 1:11-13 (KJV); And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, upon the earth: and it was so. 
And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind: and God saw that it was good. And the evening and the morning were the third day.                                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                                             

"The Anchor That Holds My Heart...to Safe Harbor"

The moment your child becomes a man is that time he becomes a testament of what you as a mother empowered him to become. For me, I believe that my passion for good,old/classical music has made my son indelible impression on his psyche. I didn't know till this particular event (Valentine's Day)that happened last year how my "taste in Music" turbo-charge his innate musical ability.I thank God for the unmerited Grace that He bestowed upon me as a single parent, raising two remarkable boys. To be able to share my basic skill in playing the guitar with Calvin and surpassed my level was a high end for me. Because of that, he expanded the guitar strumming to playing the piano and finally the knack for drums. Thanks to Google and some musicians at church and school choir experience. Now that he's completing a rigorous basic training in the Air Force, I really do miss him, his singing voice and his wit & humor. He is after all, my son who's after my own heart. Oh, I love my son so much.

"Mom's milestone moment"

"A New Journey To Embark..."

Letting go of a precious/beloved son on a Mother's Day Week to join the Air Force is a tough one. I know I'm going to cry a lot for a mother's sentiments are very sacred. Nothing outweighs a mother's love regardless how old your child/children may be...
But looking at my son, all I have is pure joy and pride. He didn't vacillate on this new journey. He was sure this is what he wants to do. Serving your country with strength and determination is an allegiance to patriotism. Now I feel other parents' prayer and to those whose loved ones are far away from home. I'm just overtly glad that even as a single parent, God has shown me what matters most: being a good mother is the greatest kind of stewardship God gave me. And I believe I raised my son well...To God I give all the glory!

"What To Do While Waiting For God's Answer"

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Sharing C. G. Trumbull's Insight via Streams In The Desert:

"God is going to test me with delays; and with the delays will come suffering but through it all stands God's pledge: His new covenant with me is Christ, and His inviolable promise of every lesser blessing that I need. 
The delays and the suffering are part of the promised blessing; let me praise Him for them today; and let me wait on the Lord and be of good courage and He will strengthen my heart."

My Personal Take...
Waiting patiently is everyone's "Achilles' heel" which attributes to an area of weakness or vulnerable spot. If we let our emotions and feelings of yearning dominate us, even our faith begin to fail and hope slowly departs.

What Would Jesus Want Us To Do?
"God sees every tear that falls; every whimpers that breathes in us and every prayer that we cried out loud and muttered." God implores us not to be consumed by the process of waiting. The Lord wants us to focus on His Word for His Word gives us eternal Bread of Life. His Word is unfailing and will not return void. When your spirit is vexed with exasperation, just give it all to God. And if there are people that you love that are ignoring your worth despite of you reaching out, it's time to cut them loose. You don't want to be with people that don't appreciate you or have neglected you. It's not worth giving yourself away to those who are weighing you down.
All we need is God's strength working through us. "You can take that to the bank."

What Works for Me...
I have gotten skillful in understanding the root or source of my emotions/feelings racing spirally. It really does take longevity to be real and stick with what truth is. Many times I associated my romantic fluidity to Astrology. Wait a minute, I said to myself, my Horoscope sign as a Sagittarius has no weight for gaining wisdom. As a Christian, that thought shouldn't even be entertained.
Now I can say that whenever I'm perplexed and discouraged, I hold on to the things that makes me whole, beautiful inside & out:
That would be reading God's promises about eternal life; continuing to believe in faith about the importance of family values; gearing on activities that are freeing and endorphin inducers such as jogging/walking 20 miles per week; immersing myself to more reading that makes me adept to everything that surrounds me; and listening to contemporary/soft/rock/classical Christian music and of course...lending an ear and a helping hand and reaching out to the needy. This, I admit, I have to move into the course of action, for Love is...

I think that it is very crucial that we stay physically, mentally, & spiritually fit. Thank God that I could play the guitar and knows when I'm out of tune...Playing a musical instrument is a good way of de-escalating brokenness even just for a Moment. And To God Be The Glory that He gifted me Teaching as my "Bread & Butter. Counting your blessings everyday is a big reminder that He is still on the throne. Please take this for me!

Let me close with this quote by C. S. Lewis:
"God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks to us in our conscience, but shouts to us in our pains."
On a Final note, what was your most beloved-answered prayer? How long did it take for God to answer? Thanks for reading.

Love Always...Shing

"A Good Reason To Keep Believing"

I believe that God opens doors for new journeys and windows of opportunities for us to be better at life. There are no coincidences or what you call"they just happen" point of view. Nothing is insignificant and trivial on His sight. 
The Lord is big on giving second chances. God brings you the people you need to be with to accomplish His plan for your life. And because He loves us so much that even when we don't deserve blessings, God and His unmerited grace showers us in abundance.
I love the fact that He answers our prayers on His perfect timing. You better believe that. We may not see it as that but I have so much faith in His Word that He granted my earnest prayer. Even my prayers got second chances. And it exceeded all of my expectations.
Just when I thought of tossing and quitting and about ready to accept defeat and throw away my dream, He gave me you...

"Take Heart" On Second Chances

We're all guilty of not saying and doing the right choices in our lives. Some of our decisions are hasty for lack of maturity & wisdom. And of course there's that "flesh" and pride in the mix to obscure the right path we should have taken. 
There are also a magnitude of people like you and me devouring every excuse in the planet just not to be blamed for their present condition but in fact,  devoid of real accountability more so, responsibility for wrong and not so good actions.

        What I really Learned Today
Take heart before, during, and after you say and do something. Be honest and speak your mind through your heart. Seek the truth through your heart. The heart never lies...
There's an incredible peace, freedom and joy when we use the heart as the barometer in decision-making. You can never lose...
The same perspective I have with moving forward on second chances. Faced with it, I have no qualms pursuing second chances. I'm a Sagittarius. I speak my mind thoughtfully... I stand vigorously for what I believe to be true. That's liberty and commitment. 
I owe this to myself.
Today is the culmination of God's blessing, grace and wonder in my life. I'm still in cloud nine as they put it when you're overjoyed and ecstatic. Just when I was ready to accept my defeat, something beyond my imagination happened. Who knew I got my dream of owning my second chances today? What I do about it is all up to me. But I tell you this: there will be no regrets hovering for I'm taking my second chances with him. Final closure is within reach. Nothing is happenstance. Everything happens for a good reason.

Our God is the God of Second Chances. He hears our earnest prayers. He answers them in His perfect timing, never early; never late. There's a joy unspeakable in my heart, Today. Thank you Lord.

"My favorite Quote Today"

I'm "biggie" on beholding freshness especially on propelling such message on A Blessed Sunday Morning at the pulpit. Freshness to me equates creativity and creativity compels my ears to listen notoriously in the spiritual realm. I say my Amen, Hallelujah, Thank You Jesus and Blessed be the name of the Lord, intentionally. My praise gets louder unabashedly when God's message to the messenger, the Pastor or a Guest Speaker succinctly delivers the anointing...God's Word for Today. I'm all Ears, Heart & Mind. I jot down every word that touches my spirit.

The Splendor Quote 

"We set the conditions to receive what we Honor."

Defining "honor" when it has been relatively distorted by many including myself doesn't give me ease to explicitly write about it.
What I can do is give you a plethora of synonyms such as; respect, reverence, integrity, homage & commitment. These words all carry subsidiary meanings when we know how God divinely uses it in  the book of Proverbs 3:9 (NLT) which says:" Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce. "

My Personal Take on "Honor" used in this Domain

In this day in age where we are bombarded and perplexed with so many secular inundations and relative domains of our society's aggression to  dilute the truth from the Word. That is for me mind-boggling. As a Christian, I try to the utmost of my ability to filter what goes through my mind because I believe that "what you think, you are..."
It is a sole responsibility to honor the truth of what is given to us and put forth good stewardship of what we're called to do. If until now we don't know what our innate calling is, I entreat you to pray with me because I'm struggling with that, too. And I won't rest until I do.

I am blessed that I have a mom who believes strongly in tithing 10% of her income. Because I've watched her do that, I give my "first fruit" on time; even when there were times in the past that I couldn't afford to give 10% of my "take home" pay. And I honor the implication of it...that what you honor determines what you receive according to His will. That is my daily testimony, that God is my "El Shadai," My Jehovah Jireh, my constant Provider, forever.


"Just a penny for my thought and yours, do we really think that giving ten percent-tithe needs to be justified, rationalized and compromised?"

"God's Grander Plan..."

"If you have a relationship with God, this is true for you. Whenever you encounter a closed door, God knows what He is doing. Trust Him; He is for you. He has a plan. But His plan will never come to fruition if you do not persist and persevere. That is your part, and making it all together is His. If you stop when you encounter an obstacle or a closed door, you can't blame your failure on the obstacle or a closed door. If you stop trying at that point, then your ultimate failure is your own responsibility. Keep going until you find the right thing. The obstacle is there not to stop you, but to turn you toward a better way---God's way for your life." 

That's why persistence and perseverance are so vitally important. We have to press on, even when we hit obstacles and roadblocks. They might be the strengthening of the shell that we, like the birdie, have to break through in order to grow strong enough to succeed. Or they might be the closed doors that God uses to redirect our lives to His perfect plan. Really now, in spite of the heartbreak and the agony of rejection, aren't you glad that the relationship you had in high school did not work out?"

 Happy Friday, everyone.

"Golden Nugget for Today"

On Faith by Victor Hugo

   "Let us be like a bird for a moment...perched on a frail branch when he sings; though he feels it bend,
       he sings his song, knowing that he has wings."

 
            Figuratively speaking, our wings represent our faith. If we believe in God's omnipresence, omnipotence and omniscience in our life, there are no mountains we couldn't climb; there are no rejections we couldn't learn to go above them; and no apparent excuses why we shouldn't trust the covenant of His promises.
It's a daily struggle to create an atmosphere of hope amid the high volumes of technology. I can hardly function without operating a gadget, a tablet or sending a text to mobilize almost anything. But one thing that I'm adamant about is how I utilize them. And that's accordingly. I don't make them enslave me. Because if I did, my communing with His Word be compromised. And I know that Faith comes by hearing and hearing the Word of God. (Romans 10:17) NKJV

"Forever, The Hope In My Heart..."

The "blessed rain" has been pouring in for 2 days now in a row. May be even scattered rain that sprinkles in some areas tomorrow. Here in Central Texas, this is glorious.Perfect "chill and nippy" outside but I love the cold, cold,brisk breeze. We appreciate every downpour of rain. I know that every farmer that cultivates acres of heartland breathe a reverberation of an upcoming harvest, a blessing from  the sky. Grace that comes very timely...and Hope thickens its truth within. That is to say...my heart is singing over my brain.

I heard this song today from a different perspective. Played it over a few times then many more times. What I've got is a clear indication that our journey of good, bad and in-between experiences  are the sum total of what your God's given purpose. Sometimes, we don't "hit the nail" of it all especially when we want to maneuver and manipulate the majority  of our souls' will. But we know for a fact especially if you're a real Christian, that, that doesn't cut it...

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One "Sure" Day

I have always been a convergence to spontaneity. Its fervor works for me to a greater length as  thoughts glide into immediate rest. Sometimes, we just have to give to moment's treasure without a pause. It might just pass us by if we're not mindful and accepting.
A trip to Dallas with my  sister and my brother-in-law  just did that...driving 150 miles away from where you live is a form of catharsis and living for the moment. Not putting much thought about something is worth pedaling and seeing what's out there waiting.