"What Did I Eat Today?'

Today is Blessed Sunday. 
It's time to Praise and Shout to the lord.
We're still fasting and we have another week left before we could go back to eating what we desire again. However, I didn't go for that kind of fasting. I just pledge to myself that I'm going to eat as usual but everything in moderation.
This morning I had a big scoop of white loose rice with a small cut-size of steak which is my leftover from last night's dinner. And of course a cup of fresh coffee with 2 tablespoons of evaporated milk. I run out of organic whole milk. Who would debate me with giving up just a cup of coffee? I think that's a resounding nobody as a definitive answer! 
This might be viewed as an eccentric choice but I'm living with some funny risks here. You guys should know that Filipinos eat rice three times a day. That's me especially on weekends, holidays, or summer break which is a lot of days "to eat with gusto." 
It was almost 12:30 pm. when I got home from church. I planned not to cook anything. I had to finish sewing my window curtains so I could put them up which are good winter fabrics. This will help me reduce my heating energy. Whenever I have a project to finish on time, cooking is not on my agenda.I will eat a cold sandwich, a chicken/beef or shrimp ramen soup or a tv. dinner; food that can be ready in 7minutes and I'm good.
By the way, the Praise team was leading us to the throne of God. The songs they've chosen to sing were very fitting since tha's the last time that we had to worship in that building. Next Sunday, we will be in a new facility. That is exciting to me to be moving forward.
 Praise God.
Nothing of the aforementioned food I had for lunch or supper. Just had chicken nuggets with soy sauce and a bowl of steamed broccoli. You may be wondering what the soy sauce is for. Well, again, soy sauce is one food ingredients that you find in every Filipino household. Food doesn't taste good without it and we use it to whatever our heart's desire. You should try it sometimes.
So, this is my entry today. Jeff Goins, a good writer that I follow and has led us, his blogger followers into this writing journey for 31 days. He emails us his suggested topic every day and it's up to us if we carry on his chosen topic or go on our own. I just thought that it would be good to follow his advice and I just write freely about it without editing it. I type in my thoughts as I go for my 500 words. It's a good practice but I'm not sure if I'm doing it with substance. 
This New Year I'm also trying to drink more water. Let's see if that would help me get more sleep. 
I'm very positive it will. 
Got to say I went to walk my other dog, Tootsie at 5:00 pm. She is an inspiration. Her lumps are getting bigger but that doesn't slow her down. Her favorite food is ground beef mixed it up with her Science diet dry food. She has a strong hear and body. She motivates me to keep going and staying healthy. I owe both of my dogs that ember that stays burning in my heart--the will to live doing simple things that brings pure joy anytime. They may be just dogs but no one can ever relate to what my heart is saying about dogs' loyalty and affection if you haven't loved one before.
Oh, I think I got sidetracked with my food entry... that's what loving dogs do to you. They take your heart to a place of good remembrance...
I'm done.
Good night!

" Today, I Will Rejoice..."

Saturday is my busiest day. I do 4-5 loads of dirty laundry, walk both of my dogs but separately at different times, clean the house and I just have to do it. Anything or anybody intervenes my routine on Saturdays is going to make me a "crabby apple."
But Today I have had some shiftings of my schedule.
My youngest son asked me at about 9am. if I could sew his 2 pants that have holes in them. I wanted to say no but something has stirred in my spirit... That I should use this situation as my teaching moment and not be bothered by what my time frame for the day.
While I was patching my son's pants, he started cleaning the dishes, sweeping the floor and vacuuming the carpet. I know that he wasn't doing those chores because I was fixing his pants. He just does them to simply recognize my extra effort to get those pants ready for him to wear tonight for indoor volleyball games.
It took me an hour and a half to do it. I was just happy I did. And I know that my son was very grateful.
The sun was ravishingly bright sunny Today. However, the temp. was registering for 37 degrees. Guess what, I still went for a walk with my dog, Cocoa even just for half hour. You can tell people are afraid to come out for an outdoor activity when it's cold. But I think that if you wear layered winter clothes, you would be okay. I can't just be slacking to get exercise when it can be remedied.
It felt that I accomplished something going for a walk even on a cold day.
My ears were intently listening to Air One Radio Station while doing household chores.So many golden nuggets and principles were shared by guests and hosts of the show on topics like on how to preserve your marriage, how to deal with your teenagers and how to minister to atheists; all of which I don't deal anymore except the latter. If I had known all these guidelines when I was still a lot younger, most probably, I will be devoid of any guilt.
By the way, all of the discussions were centered on family moral values. 
At this very moment, while writing this entry, I'm still listening to discussions which are still going on about Iran--how we had ever let our politicians managed to give one  billion or maybe more to our adversary, the country of Iran and all they do in return is murder our soldiers and innocent people. 
Only Pres. Trump has the guts and the wisdom and the heart to freeze it that was given away for reasons that blow our minds. How can they be so callous, and oblivious to dealing with Iran and other countries that are just there to exploit us? This really makes me furious because we're sending our sons and daughters and loved ones, our families to the frontlines, to the battlefield to the wilderness and those people who should honor and protect liberty and the lives of our own are still walking in discord in the Senate and Congress.  That's just appalling if you ask me...
Well, that was the part of my day when I seem to forget that God is still on the throne; that I have to completely cast all my cares on Him but it doesn't mean also that I have to be quiet when my Christian faith is being curtailed. We really have to stand for something honorable and morally right according to His Word.
Good night!

"When "White Lies" Lead To Greater Lies..."

One of God's commandments engraved in a stone is,"Thou shall not lie." It didn't specify or mentioned a lesser connotation of "white lies." I'm sure along the way, "white lies" was coined to look at it like it's okay to make them. They're not too big enough for receiving punishment for disobeying it. Not a mortal sin.

And we all did, believers or not.

We do it consciously. We give ourselves permission to do it for various reasons and lame excuses.

For me, doing so convicts me that is still wrong but it is inevitable. I'm not talking about me confusing with the events that had happened and I can't recall the full length of the details. It is not associated with forgetting with things and then you exaggerate to be believable. 

Making white lies to make yourself believable and making the other person or persons on the receiving end look like fools uncalled for. 

The thing with ignoring the consequence of making it a habit is going to lead you to escalate to doing it skillfully till lying becomes a core in your way of life.

But with God all things are possible. We're no longer under that law but under the grace of God. He knows we can't follow all the ten commandments.

Now with the help of the Holy Spirit in our lives, we are able to bridle our tongues and thoughts. We can now allow The Holy Comforter to guide us on what to say and what not to say. 

Now whenever I find myself leaning to make white lies because it is more convenient and easier to get your point across, I am being reminded that disobedience to the truth of what God says about lying whether white lies or big lies puts me to pause for a moment and ask forgiveness for even entertaining about it.

I find it hard to really understand how God can love us this much, that he sent his son, Jesus to be the sacrificial lamb to redeem us from our sins to have eternal life. There may be still some unanswered questions in my heart about hardened hearts professing other gods and living worldly more than ever before.  

Undoubtedly, to be obedient, repentant and trusting all our cares to Him is all that the Lord is requiring all of us.

The big lie about having many roads or many paths to go to heaven is one pathetic lie that only the father of all lies whose name is Satan can infiltrate that in your mind if your faith is not anchored to what Jesus had finished at Calvary Cross more than two thousand years ago.  

But come on, why do atheists, Buddhists, Muslims and other religions have other gods and idols?

Because they too need to know that Jesus is the only Way, the Truth and the Life. 

Don't they want to experience the pure Joy and the Peace that passes all human understanding that only the love of God can give?  

He is Waiting. 

God Loves You.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

"Holding On To What You Believe..."

There's one thing I know for sure that God is the Healer of all diseases, sicknesses, infirmities; be it be our physical bodies or our spiritual soul...
I don't know why God doesn't heal everybody no matter how much they pray for healing. All that I believe is that He knows what's best for us. And we'll know all the answers when we get to Glory.
I never really understood the message of the Cross until I started listening to SBN. Our faith as believers should focus on what He already finished at the Cross for all entire humanity. 
He died for all of us, sinners. 

In the book of Luke 15:1-7 which is the Parable of the Lost Sheep tells us that if anyone has a hundred sheep and loses one of them that he should leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it. And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.' I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent. 

There's no doubt in my mind that the teachers and the Pharisees of the law were silenced by the truth of what Jesus just told them. And then again in the book of 2 Peter:3;9 says," The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is long suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

So, I'm holding on to what I believe. I am looking forward to that day when Jesus comes to meet us in mid air, in the sky. In the book of Matthew 24:30-31, describes his glorious return. "They will see the Son of man coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory. And he will send forth his angels with a great trumpet and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from the end of the sky to the other."
I'm here to tell you that if you're willing to believe that we're just traversing here on earth. Our eternal address is Heaven. You don't need to carry anything with you; not any of the material possessions you have accumulated including your money in your bank accounts.
Oh, what a glorious, beautiful promise is that!

When you have accepted the Lord Jesus as your personal Savior and Lord, your life is enriched in the things that concern Heaven. You want to share the good news, the safe passage of God; that His second coming is near at hand.We are told to be vigilant and not go weary waiting for His coming.There is a propensity for spiritual battle and we should know our spiritual adversary--the devil if you allow him and if your faith is not solid.
In closing, the kind of healing we should be asking God is spiritual healing. We should pray for Peace that passes all human understanding, for wisdom that comes from His Word, and a compassionate heart to preach the Lost.
How funny we could be sometimes asking God for miracles when in fact the only miracle we need is our eternal salvation, We need to persevere as rampant evil is happening before our eyes. Just remember that God is for us.
Good night.
  

"Writing About Writing As As An Art..."

It happened midway third grade when I started uncovering that there is a seed of passion for words in me. I read all my textbooks which we were allowed to take home for a week at a time except books that deal with physical sciences. I also gravitated to shows and programs that highlight the eloquence of broadcasters, t.v. anchors, commentators. Literally, I was mesmerized and even dreaming that one day I would be doing their craft. Never happened!
What I'm trying to say is that you can't freely write if you're not in tune with reading, listening, watching and experience the thrill of speaking the words.
Started journalling or writing in a personal diary in the fourth grade. I write them as they happened. That's how I started.
When I reminisce my work as a form of art, it delights me enormously, how it makes my childhood and adolescent years a very memorable one.
They say that you write what you know, what you're good at; others say write and share your personal experiences and you can also write somebody else's life story. I say you write impulsively when your emotions are running high and when you're alone at night and every in your household including your dogs have gone asleep. There are also times when I just write when everybody is busy doing their own thing. I could stay on the corner side of the room, watch what they do and write about their countenance. Better yet, I can just write about myself which is a layer upon layer of unpublished books.
What makes me deplore about writing is when you're beset with a writing block. It's not happening. Your thoughts are suspended in the deep recesses of your mind. You can't dispel them into the open and unto a page. Sometimes we need a fresh inspiration. Many writers call it a muse in writing aesthetically.
For whatever it is, I intend to write my personal views and experiences. It may not be tasteful to many but that's okay. I write because I just love words. If they're the only thing I could keep, I'll do. But of course, it's not like that.
However, I can tell you this, writing is really fun. Out of your craft, there will be many naysayers and critics about your work. They will just read your title entry and perhaps the first sentence of your blog and if it didn't grab their attention, you thinking then that you didn't bring it on--what they want to hear.
For me, I write because it gives me altitude on things that are important to me. it gives me pure joy knowing I may have had stirred or encourage one soul to keep going through life. That it is a beautiful life that is lived through by many artists, writers, poets, musicians & actors.
You can, too, have a life full of words that rhyme, dance, and soar within you...
It's time to echo your truth to others.
Start writing even when you're bored and clumsy. Words have a way of positioning themselves.
Create them as they dance to your mind and to your heart...

"Make Your Words Couth & Count..."

One valid speculation that you can draw an inference from regarding the words that you blurt out or speak reflect who you are. Regardless your words were forced to come out or perpetuated by a past event, you and I have the power to think and bridle our tongue if all we have to say is embroidered with criticism, faultfinding and judgmental attitude.
You don't want to be around people like that. 
I had worked with somebody before for years that she couldn't help but cuss or say a bad word in every form of discourse.. It seemed to me that cussing is a part of her psyche. I believe I told her one day not to curse when I'm around because I'm offended by such uncouth behavior. I told her in a nice way. I thought I had to say something with conviction before she lures me to talk like her. Then that woudn't be right. I think she kind of mindful of it but lasted very shortly.
You see, you don't make excuses for people for their bad behavior. You can't just ignore it either or worst, go with the flow. That would be a collossal mistake if I stayed and continued to work with her. I used the most refined words, uplifting words I could with her but her pride had prevented her to change her tone and language.
If something or someone is making your life miserable, pestering you with her/his stupidity and obliviousness, don't be naive and stay quiet. Don't keep all your grudges and deep-seated emotions go unexpressed and unresolved. I always believe strongly in the saying that ,"if there's a wil, there's a way. I'm an advocate for myself: I go for trying and taking second chances. If my good intentions still fail, at least I'm freed with suffocating assumptions. I have to go with my "guts" and "grit" in doing things at the right moments.
The same principle applies when you're trying to negotiate with your credit card debts, hospital bills, insurances, and school loans. Before you consolidate all of your debts, write them a good letter explaining your argument why you believe that you deserve a generous adjustment, or just plain and simple, their financial grace and favor.
I remember two years ago when I incurred a lot of hospital bills despite of having my school district employer's health insurance benefits.And I even found out that I didn't really need those tests, screenings and ultrasound procedures. Most of them anyway.
So I did write the hospital billing department detailing them my financial situation. In short, after reviewing my case in just a few weeks, I got a check in the mail for the amount of money I had already paid into it. They also wrote to me that my remaining balance will be paid in full by them. By the grace and the power of our Almighty God, I know that he has worked it all out for me.
For me and in reference to my experiences of dealing with company managers, I am almost certain that everything in the world of business is negotiable. Be it be a five dollar discount to your dish network/ISP Provider, phone or even to your grocer or pet food supplies, I do them all just to save a little, here and there.
I take pride in living a life that is manifested by God's  favors. I have faith that He gifted me with the right words to say and what not to say at the right moment. After all, He is the God of Provision, our El Shadai.
In closing, I do reiterate the good balance of  words that convey strength, honesty and humility.
How you use your words supported with good tone and good body language  will enormously impact others.
Let God use you for His kingdom...with your words filled with His love!

My Random "To Do List" Today

Having "To Do List" for Today is a necessity. I easily get distracted by the nuances, the noise of busyness of life and the silent ramblings of my daily walk--become too much that I have to have reminders, otherwise, whatever I do next is a trite...
After work, my first on my list is to go grocery shopping at Walmart. I couldn't shove items to the cart that I don't really need. Smart shopping is what I have to adhere. That definitely cut down my expenses more than half of what I used to spend. I almost bought a bag of medium-sized fuji apples but I said no this time. I just picked three apples that I know I will eat and not let half of the bag get rotten. I did buy a fresh pineapple, 4 green, just right avocados, tomatoes, and bananas. 
Since we're doing a corporate Fast at church for 21 days, I stayed away from buying red meats.
I thought I did well for not falling into temptation.
I also make a point to take my cart back to where it should be returned. Just imagine if every customer will just leave the cart anywhere that might cause an accident or can cause people to stumble and get hurt. 
My next stop was to get some gas. My first full tank of the year. I fill up my tank to the same gas station, Chevron. You might say gas is the same everywhere, the same content.I don't think so, though.
My list for Today also included walking my dogs. That didn't happen. I spent too much time putting groceries away and preparing dinner. I also can't watch any Netflix or t.v. programs and to tell you the truth I realized that I was spending way too much time watching dramas & comics. No wonder that it's making me feel like I'm reliving my own dramas. As they say, what you watch, listen, and read say a lot about you...No kidding.
Reading the book of Psalms per chapter a day is a must to do list each day. This is where I want to start my reading and will continue even after 21 days.
However, my favorite time of the day is right now...when I can just write freely without the inundation of editing, I just write what flows in my mind. Not really worried about my thoughts whether or not they're making connections to the rest of the sentences. That is the beauty of writing. If you find ambiguity in free writing, it's fine with me. This is helping me in refining me and my craft.
You may find this "to do list" so minimal and it is. I don't want it to bore me that I lose my intention to write about it...
Today I just want it to be simple. No stressing out about some things that if you think about it, they rarely or never come to pass. So, you just obliterated the rhythm of life which is taking your sweet time to be grateful that you're alive to walk on open doors of opportunities to love and be loved!
So, that's my pitch tonight. Not too revealing and zesty but just my honest and true self!
Good night and God Bless