"Merry Merry Christmas"

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Five days before Christmas, my eldest sister took this picture of me at our mom's house. You can never tell that I was under the weather; that I had all the flu symptoms except for a high fever. Mind you, I just had the flu shot, too, last week.
All is well now. My mom who has been sick for 7 weeks now had finally come to church this morning for the Christmas service. I'm better, too and thank God for restoring us our good health and for keeping the entire family under his hedge of protection and covering.

This Christmas, I stayed on a budget. Didn't really buy anything for me but, instead, has focused on buying presents that are practical and functional. I believe in saving oneself to mounting debts incurred from buying gifts disproportionately. Thus, I did manage to do that.

Thank you so much for reading my pieces of writing even when my writing is lacking substance. I tend to nurse my circumstances fo my inability to overcome a weakness. May all of you had a Merry Merry Christmas and I pray that 2017 will be a better year for journeys that will take us closer to the understanding that what matters is doing what God put in our hearts.  

I pray that if anyone of you that is in some kind of darkness or under siege of trials, we have a God that heals and provides. That should be comforting enough to know...and much more knowing Him!

Billy Gilman's "I Surrender..."

   Tonight I find myself mesmerized by the way he insanely killed the song-- to the roof!
There's no ceiling here when it comes to Billy delivering a song.
No kidding, I'm an avid fan of Celine Dion. Her trademark is holding that note the longest without cracking her voice every time she sings. This guy is the same way. This performance is beyond phenomenal. I would be truly very very happy if he will win The Voice with Adam Levine.
It would be a massive, colossal mistake for Billy not to be crowned Season 11 winner of the Voice.
And it would do no justice to Adam Levine's gifted coaching. It would be against what the show, The Voice stands for if Billy doesn't win it all.
Just saying...

"Prayer, the Lifeline to the Heavenly God..."

My deepest congratulations to both of them and to all who voted for them. Add caption

Thank you to all my Christian brothers and sisters who cast their support for now-elect, Pres. Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence.
It's so funny to think that all these major television networks were stunned by how Donald Trump has defied the odds of winning. As I said earlier, pollsters are not reliable. Voters suddenly became wise for their hearts were pierced with politicians had constantly bullied their trust and hope for a decent life. Donald Trump is not a preacher but his stand against abortion, his strong faith in the sanctity of marriage between a man and a woman, his great support to the nation of Israel, his fight for our Constitutional rights including our religious rights, his plan to repeal Obamacare, and his good judgment on Mike Pence will not only bring Hope but make our Hopes a reality. Thus, he earned my vote.
All of these commentators have forgotten one thing: What put Donald Trump as our Commander-in-Chief is the vigil of prayers that continuously go out for him and Mike Pence. When are they going to learn that Praying to our Heavenly, Sovereign God moves the hearts of the undecided to a clear path to victory! Praying is a hearty action and it ushers miracles to happen.
I'm overwhelmed with love and praise to God who deserves all the Glory.
Thank You, Jesus

There's joy unspeakable to know that Billy Graham who just turned 98 years old the night before election day got to see this: Hope may not be flickering anymore for America.I thank God for his servant's heart for the lost souls. And I know that he prayed for God's will to be done on Donald Trump's becoming the next President, as the majority of us did. We continue to pray...

Luxurious Pics for Fall/Autumn Decorating...

 Each day I pray earnestly to God that may the body of Christ believers will go out and vote unanimously for the candidate that will help take
prayer back to schools, and will sanction a marriage between a man and a woman.
I have never been so nervous in my life till now--fearing that our constitutional rights, religious rights,
and most of all the right to choose life to those who can't.
We are armored with the truth, prophecies, promises in the Book of Life--the Holy Bible. If we fail to exercise and abide by its truth, we surely had succumbed to what we deserve as to the floodgates of shaking and reshaping the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. It will be much harder to for us to win lost souls for God's kingdom. God help us. God, have mercy on us. We've been callous, weak and weary for our stand on your Truth, myself included. I sometimes forget the power that is given to us Christians; "that ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid." Matthew 5;13-14 KJV

I do encourage you all to go and watch a video called "The Continental Divide" by pastor Tommy Nelson. Compelling, True, Very informative and "a must- hear message..." Also, don't forget to tune in with Franklin Graham the night before the election, Nov.08 Live @ Facebook 9:00 ET. What a way to celebrate our America's beloved Pastor, Billy Graham who's turning 98th that day of Prayer. Happy Happy Birthday Pastor Billy Graham!

I had taken a pause from the reverberating nuance of the upcoming election. I already cast my vote. My conscience and my heart reside in tranquillity. So I had moments to browse some elegant pictures this afternoon-- that I wish I could have in my own place. However, it's okay to immerse into the mode of appreciation of these awe-inspiring fall decorating...
These are truly mesmerizing!
Thank you, Lord even for this transient moment. But only you  God can give us the eternal joy and peace that we need. That I know for sure.

"America" Is One Nation Under God...

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On Wednesday, October the 27th, I cast  my vote early with the one I know who would protect my right to say "Amen & Hallelujah" to our divine protector, Jesus; a commander-in-chief who would stand for Israel, who would stand for the right of the unborn child/children; who would build borders for the uncanny enemies; who would allow pastors,  ministers & Christian missionaries to preach the Word of God unedited at the pulpit or anywhere God wants them to share the good news of His second coming. If we don't cast our vote for these grounds, persecution among us will be innumerable that proclaims the Word of God.

The dispensation of God's blessings to our nation largely depends on how much we support Israel. Many Christians may not get this in depth but one day everything that we have doubts about will soon be answered. In Genesis 12:3 says, "And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed."
I may not have been strong about advocating changes about our ailing economy because I believe strongly that our spiritual food is more important than the physical bread alone. Besides, I live under my means; I don't buy things on an impulse. I don't mix absolute truths to carnal/flesh temporary desires. I'm not being self-righteous--I just know what feeds my soul, my heart, my mind, that is: I believe in the in his promises dispensed to his apostles with the anointing of the Holy Spirit unto them which is also available to me if I believe it. 

Think about the "Rapture." When we "get caught up in mid-air" with Jesus, can you bring your earthly investments which you prioritized? It is good to work hard for your money but every blessing that you received should be shared to bless and save a soul that doesn't know the Lord Jesus.

God is obviously is on the throne...There is no telling what else he would reveal to us to get our attention who to vote  for the right commander-in-chief. I've never been this passionate about imploring to vote according to the Word of God. We can't be callous this time. There are unlawful conscious mistakes that can't equal lewdness.We've all been guilty of profanity in one way or the other. I say that before you judge somebody's speck in his eyes, look at the log in your eyes first and don't cover it up because you can...

As I was jogging this morning, my heart & mind is in sync. I know I voted wisely!

By the way, my vote went to Donald Trump; that is with sheer conscience...


Thank you SBN, Air-One, Franklin Graham's ministries and many others that are courageous, steadfast, and unwavering faith in the infallible Word of God!

"Choosing The Lesser Of Two Evils..."

It is more than disconcerting to think that we're left with the decision to choose the lesser of two evils" this coming presidential election. 

I have watched all of the presidential debates and also the vice presidential debate. The waves of comments from all the major networks and social media commenters carry no weight of influence on my pick for the future commander-in-chief of this great nation. The presence of bias and sting of favoritism on their candidate is very obvious, more so to the candidate that had managed to allure people with charm & sophistication .I don't also pay attention to recent polls. That's another way of manipulation especially to the undecided voters that might just go to the candidate that has the upper hand at the polls.

I believe that if all true believing Christians are going to vote with wisdom and try to silence the reverberating nuisance around them and just ask God's guidance, we will have a pro-life president, someone who would uphold our right to say,"In Jesus' name and not curtail our Christain faith; someone who would not cut our ties and support to Israel, someone who would pick the right judges to the Supreme Court like putting someone like the late Judge Scalia. And if the vice presidential running mate is also a pro-life Christian, then we can't go wrong.

Remember Life, what that really encompasses in the spiritual realm. God wants us to be wise and conscientious.  This is the most pivotal, critical time to all of us: Let's have our eyes fixed on Jesus. Pray with me that we always choose and celebrate the things that are pleasing to God. We have to cast our vote in spirit and in truth. I agree with Franklin Graham, the SBN Family Worship Center on what they stand on. Vote for the candidate that will keep our freedom to be ministers for preaching the Word of God. And all the rest will fall in the right place. We have to believe that God is on the throne watching and wanting us to do the right thing. Always!

Many people don't realize the magnanimity of what this election means. They'd rather stay home and not exercise their civic duty and responsibility to cast their vote. I am urging everyone to go out and vote. It is critical that the government hears our voice one last time. It is a government of the people, by the people and for the people.

America is still "One Nation Under God."

Helpful Scriptures
Genesis 12:3
Jeremiah 1:5
Psalm 127:3-5

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" Terri Savalle's Two-Day ICING Women's Event"

Interestingly enough that I jumped on the invitation of Senaida, a very good friend of mine who invested her trust and support on my coming and to other three Christian women/friends of hers. 

These snapshots are indicative of luminous smiles and expectant hearts as to what this Conference means to us...

During this two-day women's conference, (Oct.14-15, 2016), I took notes--writing the words and phrases in my notebook that when I go back and reread them will be transformative to my soul...
I believe that my readings of non-fiction, Christian books have catapulted me the discernment I need.
From Terri Savalle Foy's 2 days of motivational teaching engagement to us, women of Faith, I will take away the confidence and the acceleration of her passion towards choosing and releasing our words in Faith that as if they already come to pass. I admit that's not my strength in my finances; however; God's grace has been always overflowing in my physical body. I can still walk and jog without chronic pain and free from taking prescriptive medicine. That's my hallelujah of the proclamation of" how great thou Art."
What she said that we're not created to live without resistance is true. Many Christians still believe that they're excluded from experiencing the turmoils and the "dryness in our bones," and infirmities that befall us and the pangs of depression and physical death. For us to bounce back hard, we have to armor ourselves with the heart of thanksgiving, intentional worship, and steadfast-unwavering faith that God the father, his son Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are working together as One to heal, provide and guide us in all of our ways.

I do have a vision board but not quite established. Still thinking how to be more specific in laying out my dreams that slipped away and revive them by admitting that I let excuses be the frontrunner of my choosing. May I find myself again very passionate about writing a book with no apologies--just straight up, the raw and beautiful epitome of my soul longing for God's divinity...

It was a very refreshing camaraderie among the five of us women...I can't speak for all of them what this event meant to their spirit. I can only attest that all of them have a heart full of gratitude. And that itself will make them resolute with their individual journey with God's purpose in their life. My heart is also filled with thanksgiving!

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"Out Of The Darkness Community Walk..."

Walking in Faith...


My second walk/run for the season...This walk to fight suicide is very dear to my heart. 
Today I've heard testimonies from people who've lost a spouse, a sibling, a parent, a friend, a relative and someone who's right now suffering from this mental illness. I've read too many people mostly celebrities who committed suicide and I guess I was prematurely presumptuous to think that they welcomed that disease to themselves by the way they live their life as rich & famous!

But Today I realized after hearing the voices that echoed deep-dismal sadness and in a way still in pain for their lost loved ones, that depression ultimately leads to having suicidal thoughts does not discriminate. Anyone is susceptible these days or can be a candidate if we lose the truth that mental illness is a great magnitude of our spirituality. And that we are never alone if we open our hearts to Jesus.

All these charity and fund-raised walks are all so humbling, commemorating and in a way a closure to all of us who've seen the darkness of this illness. We're more driven now to talk about it because of the staggering number surrounding it, thus, the stigma that attached to suicide is no longer hidden. We could all be the voice of Hope to those who are suffering now.

However, there is one thing that need not be overlooked or denied: We refused to cling that our help must come first from the Lord. Everything else is inferior outside the realm of God. The only suicidal prevention that I know for sure is having a personal relationship and accepting Jesus as our personal savior and Lord.

When will we ever learn that we are powerless without the help of God? When do we stop bullying ourselves that we can overcome such darkness in our life with our own strength and power?

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"Getting Creative..."

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"FALL Into the Landscape of the Season..."

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Today Is All Good...

 Fall weather is here...Feeling the zeal of the glorious day stirring in my heart, I took Tootsie for a walk at the park. So happy that she didn't indicate for a rest so we walked and jogged alternately. There's nothing more alluring and intimate to me than breathing fresh chilly air into my lungs. 

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 After lunch, it just dawned on me that Pet Medical Center where Cocoa & Tootsie get to have their check- ups are having their 15th- year anniversary celebration from 10am-2pm. I only had half hour to take Cocoa there and we made it. We ended up getting a lot of freebies and also they served us brisket and hot dogs--for free! I was glad to have followed my instinct to still go even for half hour. When we got there, there were only a few dogs left checking out the venue. They also took a snapshot of me & Cocoa. That was really nice of them to celebrate all of the dogs & cats that's been coming to that Pet Center.

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 It wouldn't be  a good ride back home if I didn't walk Cocoa to her favorite Carl Levin Park. And it turned out I still had more than enough energy to enjoy the pond. Sitting there lulls me into smiling serenity & contentment...Oh, how I love to enjoy the simple things that draw me nigh closer to His presence!
It feels really good to have walked both of my dogs "fair & square," on the same day.
Thank you, Lord, for a marvelous day!

"My First 5K-Run/Walk With My Buddies"

Ms. Kayla, a real chum; a great game changer, educator...

It just turned Fall last Wednesday... my heart is hefty, full of anticipation with great expectation for Saturday's 5K run/walk for the entire school district.

This is it--the day to prove and compete with myself whether I'll stumble or see victory within reach. When I got my number and the electronic monitor tied on my shoe, nostalgic memories of running competitions during my high school and freshman and sophomore years flood my mind.
 For me, today is not about racing. It's more like a wholesome, family activity; with friends and colleagues just making connections by sharing a barrel of passion for this sport.
I thank God for serendipity...I encountered some former colleagues and yeah thank the Lord  for iPhone easy-grip snapshots. Still not suave navigating it but as long as I get the purity of their smiles, I'm happy. The proof is undeniable! Thank you guys for your radiant smiles and good energy.
So, you may be wondering how I did my 5K run--It might be under or about 40 mins.I could be wrong. When the DJ announced my name as I crossed the finished line, that moment was a signature of fulfillment. I knew then, that this is the beginning of many more 5k-10k's journey to be in...Thank you esp. to Ms. Lopez for partnering up with me. By the way, your sprints have challenged me to traverse the path at full speed better than I thought!

Philippians 1:6 KJV
Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.

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Ms. Ivy, it was really good to see you ...

Ms. Lopez, thank you for your gentle and beautiful soul--running side by side with me!

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"Psalms 46:1..."

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever- present help in trouble."

A child-like faith is what we need. Love this image...

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"Optimizing Most Favorable Fall Bucket List..."

Balancing that kind of grit that the "fifty- somethings" wants to keep it going  is tough. Aging with chronic backaches, joint pains, and your faculties in its steady decline may propel one and many to clinical depression... If there's one thing I could do over is go back to my younger self and hijacked all the high ideals, perturbed, wrong notions brought by reading fairy tales, intoxicating romance novels, movies,alluring music which are all defined by my quintessential era restrained!
In my ladies' university dorm, you see a poster of Eric Clapton with his guitar near my bed. Oh, that was ever the best generation, I believe...yet I'm here declaring a "do over" when it obviously became a big part of me. Maybe what I really need is just focus on what's really going on and what's in store for "grabs." That's more like it...
So here I am feeling recluse for a while now. However, the prelude to Fall season makes all these nemeses of thoughts fall backward!
I have already been doing the majority of this bucket list but not heartily as I could have had. I have yet to learn how to maximize/optimize what befalls me not just watching those fall leaves on trees and on the ground but actually adorn them, feel them for their transient arrivals like the gusty wind that just wraps your shoulders and legs.

It must have been that "fifty something grit" that's been there that propelled me to take a walk with my dog this morning. My back aches and my joints still bother me but I "gotta' beat that pain and just walk not jog or run. I have to relearn that my mind may want to do more but my physical body is not as young as my heart. That really sucks to the bone, you know... Finally, knowing that what Jesus had finished at the Calvary Cross for me and you, His blood covers and heals every infirmity, disease, and sickness a Christ believer may have.

God Bless Everyone!

"Thy Will Be Done..."

"Jesus, The One True God..."

"Cocoa, My Beloved Dog..."

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Cocoa's getting a nail clipped by two lovely, sweet ladies.

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Then, these two ladies had surprised me with 2 snapshots of Cocoa. I couldn't be more grateful especially Today that Cocoa is 11 years old in human years. I don't really want to number her age in dog years for that would make her close to 80. And that would make me feel very sad that she may not live forever...

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