Monday, January 21, 2019

"Justice Be Told..."

I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted (Yes), every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain (Yes), and the crooked places will be made straight (Yes), and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed [cheering], and all flesh shall see it together. (Yes Lord)
This is our hope. (Yes, Yes) This is the faith that I go back to the South with. (Yes) With this faith (My Lord) we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. (Yes, All right) With this faith (Yes) we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation (Yes) into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. (Talk about it) With this faith (Yes, My Lord) we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together (Yes), to stand up for freedom together (Yeah), knowing that we will be free one day. [sustained applause]
This will be the day, this will be the day when all of God’s children (Yes, Yeah) will be able to sing with new meaning: “My country, ‘tis of thee (Yeah, Yes), sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing. (Oh yes) Land where my fathers died, land of the pilgrim’s pride (Yeah), from every mountainside, let freedom ring!” (Yeah)
And if America is to be a great nation (Yes), this must become true. So let freedom ring (Yes, Amen) from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire. (Uh-huh) Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York. Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania. (Yes, all right) Let freedom ring (Yes) from the snow-capped Rockies of Colorado. (Well) Let freedom ring from the curvaceous slopes of California. (Yes) But not only that: (No) Let freedom ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia. [cheering] (Yeah, Oh yes, Lord) Let freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of Tennessee. (Yes) Let freedom ring from every hill and molehill of Mississippi. (Yes) From every mountainside (Yeah) [sustained applause], let freedom ring.
And when this happens [applause] (Let it ring, Let it ring), and when we allow freedom ring (Let it ring), when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city (Yes Lord), we will be able to speed up that day when all of God’s children (Yeah), black men (Yeah) and white men (Yeah), Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics (Yes), will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual: “Free at last! (Yes) Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!” [enthusiastic applause]
Source: 
MLKEC-INP, Martin Luther King, Jr. Estate Collection, In Private Hands
My 500 Words

Today we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King's life. We remember his most famous speech,
"I have a dream."His dream should be everyone's dream, too. He was very bold, unafraid,
and exponentially an outstanding speaker, orator. Let's continue to rally and support
his dream to become a reality. That day is coming soon. Our nation is not divided; it is our political leaders that are clouded with pride undermining the hopes of the people of this great country.
They never learned anything from the life of Reverend, Dr. Martin Luther King. But that's
just them. There are more of us in the Christian community that prays to God to heal our 
nation if we repent from our wicked ways. He is on the throne. Not worried if Pelosi and Schumer
remain in discord with President Trump. We pray for all our leaders whom we give our trust when we elected them. 
I think about those 30 times they put Dr. Martin Luther King in jail. What could have he'd 
been thinking, his heart aching for justice and equality? There was no backing down. No fear
in his vein. Just love for his brothers and sisters, that's us now. We are the heirs of his 
legacy to those who continue to support his dream. Another great figure for defending what she believes to be true was Rosa Parks. When I read about how she refused to give up her seat 
toward the front of a bus to a white male when segregation was written into law made me
admire her conviction so much. Had it not been for that righteous disobedience, "Supreme Court
could have not found bus segregation to be unconstitutional." Just like Dr. Martin Luther King,
Rosa Parks received so many threats and harassment stemming from what they stirred in people's
heart. People were actively listening and moving forward. What justice amongst us do you want
to fight for? In silence or roar like a lion? Or both! We should encourage ourselves to write to our congressmen, to our senators and let them know that we're watching what they say, do in public.
That we're not okay with what they're doing making the American people look like we're
naive & ignorant of their hidden agendas. This is what Reverend, Dr.Martin Luther King
wanted to happen one day; "that we will be able to transform the jangling discord of our nation
into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood." Thank You, Reverend, Dr. Martin Luther King 
for your life. I salute you!



Sunday, January 20, 2019

"Write In Someone Else's Voice..."

My 500 Words

My most recent reading influences meaning in Today's version, are Dr. Henry Cloud's
Necessary Endings & The Power of the Other; Mark Buchanan's Spiritual Rhythm and
Jeff Goin's Real Artists Don't Starve. However, my real source of personal/intimate writing

style comes from the Holy Book where revelations of the truth of the "I am" is the real creator of the masterpiece of immoveable words, lyrical writing, and the greatest storyteller we will ever know.

The Holy Bible is the only book that is breathed with the help of the Holy Spirit that is accounted
for by the apostles of Christ. That is why it has to be read with spiritual wisdom that is
beyond our mental capacity. The only one that can help us achieve that is the Holy Spirit.

With Jeff Goins, Dr. Henry Cloud & Mark Buchanan's style of writing is off the charts.
Their voice evokes their personal relationship with the Lord and you see that in their writing.
Mark Buchanan's Spiritual Rhythm is the book that I read every changing season because "it teaches us to respond 
to the weather of the heart, whether we are flourishing and fruitful, stark and dismal, or cool and windy. In comparing spiritual changes to the seasons of the year, Mark Buchanan shows us what to expect from each season and how embracing those rhythms allows our spiritual lives to prosper.''
Thus, I connect emotionally with Mark Buchanan's voice in writing. 
With Dr, Henry Cloud, his expertise in fostering personal and professional growth had given
me good insights moving forward. His "Necessary Endings" book has taught me " to know 
when to have realistic hope and when to execute a necessary ending with a person or
group of people. And how to stop wasting resources needed for the things that really matter."
In short, when to say goodbye and move on!
Jeff Goins' first published book, "Wrecked," on August 1, 2012, was the very first book
I read when I started Blogging. I've read all his books. I had attended his free video conferences on line. Not all of them but I did. His choice of words is heartfelt, honest and engaging.
Reading his work is like I'm in a conversation with him up close and personal. His writing is so dynamic and relatable, easy to understand, as it flutters to the heart. I can't wait to read his next book which is in the making.
Each of us has that creative gift as a storyteller. How we tap it and hone it is real work
that has good benefits, fulfillment to the core of your being.Hope you guys consider reading
my favorite authors' gifts to your soul.

Saturday, January 19, 2019

"While In The Waiting..."

My 500 Words

Waiting requires patience and more patience and understanding depending on the quality or

the result you're waiting on. It may even require a leap of your faith just to be done waiting...
Everybody waits for someone or something for the most part, for the right reasons; sometimes for all the wrong reasons. And what constitutes waiting? Time & your heart. Time is golden and valuable. Your heart determines how you spend your time waiting. But while waiting, for the
meantime, you need not consume all your energy waiting. As they say, we have the in-between 
pauses or downtime to preoccupy ourselves with other stuff that also needs our attention. This
 may be kind of mundane to you guys but I eagerly wait for 3:00 o'clock pm. I'm not guilty of it because when I'm working I facilitate growth learning strategies and goals effectively
to all children I teach and work with my time. I'm strong or big on time management. I'm
just saying that I look forward to going home."My home is where my heart is. "I know this is true to everybody...We despise anything that hinders our coming home on time like the heavy traffic, the uneventful road accident, the flat tire...But how about the waiting that seems endless which makes you quiver or cry because somehow you know your waiting may be a waste of your time. Your
bucket list of wishes you would want to accomplish and go places you've never been and people
you want to see one more time seem painful for time doesn't carry your dreams and desires.
You are waiting and praying for your sons to know the saving knowledge of God and hoping their lives be a living testimony of serving the Lord. But they have other earthly plans. In the physical realm, that is frustrating. However, we need to learn how to be steadfast on the things unseen that God has promised us. Even in the waiting...
I would like to leave you tonight with Psalm of David 27:1-3,14 
"The Lord is my light and salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When evildoers assail me to eat up my flesh, my adversaries and foes, it is they who stumble and fall. Though an army encamps me against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arises against me, yet I will be confident. Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.

Friday, January 18, 2019

"Pick A Fight..."

My 500 Words

I believe in the very sanctity of marriage between a man and a woman. It is more than a written
agreement or promises they have for each other till death do they part. And let no man put that in asunder. It's God's covenant...
Every fiber of my being believes in what marriage stands for. I come from a very traditional family. My parents were married for more than fifty years. It could have been more if my dad didn't pass away fourteen years ago. And my mom remained a widow. It was her solemn choice and we respect and admire that loyalty and the love my mom has for my late dad. The same sentiment or creed that followed in the lives of my siblings. The eldest one has been married for 40 years; the next one is 39 years, and the rest 25 years of marriage and above. Mine survived for 15 years and I, too remained a single mom that dedicated my life to raising my kids. I believe so much in marriage that I pray every night for every marriage in America to get strengthened in the laws of God for there is no broken or hurting relationships that God's grace and mercy cannot restore and heal. We just have to be willing to run to God for our struggles and pains. I think about the children who are crying for their absent parent in their lives. No one can take the place from a mom or a dad to a stepdad or stepmom. It doesn't have to be like this. The real dynamics should be the family God has set for us

in the very foundation of the world. I'm not even gonna say anything about the enemy that attacks
the very core of marriage. He is pitiful and the father of lies and if you fall into his prey, you'll
regret it for the rest of your life. he got nothing to offer you except deception, fairy tales, and a hell of fire and gnashing teeth. So, I say that if you're married, love your spouse as you are commanded to do so according to the Word of God. Every one of us will stand before the judgment day by our Creator with everything that we did and we failed to do....

Thursday, January 17, 2019

" Hope Flickers But Never Dies..."

My 500 Words


Your Word is My Hope mobile phone wallpaper
Add captionmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm





HOPE  is never vague...nor passive.
Even when we can't see it coming to pass in our concept of time. That's the beauty of the heart that trusts in the waiting of the fulfillment of such a strong expectation. We persevere in praying that we never lose hope. It is in the spirit of hope that breathes and gears perseverance & endurance in the pursuit of life everlasting.
"Hope gives us the power to live courageously, to be all God has called us to be in Christ." 
I'm not talking about the hope that many people have staggered it to idleness, a drifting phase, an escape from reality, perishing, which is all a temporary sojourn. 
A Biblical Hope, The Blessed Hope, the Eternal Hope is what I'm talking about. It gives us joy and peace; protection, boldness, and confidence even in the face of death. This is not a cliche'. 
I just read an article about Hope this late afternoon and it says," God is called the God of Hope, meaning, He is the source of all real hope and our hope must come from Him for he alone has the power to give it. It continues to say that, "If you are without Christ, you are without God and without hope. And without God's wisdom which gives God's hope, our hope will be in the wrong thing and it will be cut off. Now may the God of Hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in Hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13)
I agree that our Blessed Hope changes what we value, in life. Do we continue to lay up ourselves treasures upon this earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in or steal for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also...Matthew 6:19-21.
The other night I watched this incredible man of God preached a message of Hope. For me, he is the epitome of an extraordinary example of Hope. He may not have arms & legs but he said that 
he doesn't need his circumstances to change and that he has the wings of the Holy Spirit holding him up. He elucidated hope as hope when you compare your suffering to the infinite, immeasurable love and grace of God. You all know him as Nick Vujicic. 
I know God has not forgotten our pain. The Blessing of Hope is your hope that you know who you are in the eyes and in the heart of God. 
God Loves You...


Wednesday, January 16, 2019

What This 500 Writing Challenge Means So Far..."

My 500 Words

"Writing without judgment or expectation and just experiencing the liberty of it is kind of
"my cup of tea." What's helping me tremendously is the "now" time that I have committed myself
to this writing challenge. With another commitment that I have with the Daniel Fast for 21 days
of not watching any kind of t.v. except for Pentecostal church services online, and no social media
including Twitter, and my mind is just focused on succeeding both challenges which go hand
in hand is what I need to replenish my soul, body & spirit...

With the Daniel Fast, my food doesn't include anything fried, just baked. No sweets either and not
drinking coffee was probably the hardest for me to give up for 21 days. I drink coffee to keep
my adrenalin going especially I get up at 5 in the morning or even earlier than 5 am. I also love its aroma and how it feels so good going down my throat to my esophagus and to my stomach. The smell of a freshly brewed coffee to wake you up in the morning is just heavenly to me.

I'm kind of surprised with the result I'm getting with my Fasting. My mind is clear, no clutter;
I feel healthier. I no longer suffer indigestion, insomnia and my forgetfulness, impatience, and anguish have mitigated to a point where I can really be a good listener and a better communicator to people
especially my loved ones. So, that's where my writing has nudged to where I want it to be--
consistency in writing. Hoping to be that way even after these two challenges, Daniel Fast for 21 days and the Writing challenge for 31 days are over. That's the plan. But God has always the better plan for all of us if we let Him...
When the flesh starts to put nasty things on my head like discouraging thoughts that these challenges I'm doing are not going to amount to anything, God gives me His Word of faithfulness
and direct me to His promises in the Bible. When you cast all your cares to the Lord, He will straighten your path and He will be with you in the valley of trials that He already won the victory for us. For sure that you are going to be under attacks from the enemy but if you plead the Blood of Jesus on anything or anybody that tries to harm you, that name of Jesus makes the devil flee. We just
have to realize how powerful and beautiful the name of Jesus in our lives. And talking about Him
in my writing is the most fulfilling "muse" in my writing. It gives me hope, faith, love and inspiration to walk in my field of dreams...

Tuesday, January 15, 2019

"The Food That Makes Me Happy..."

Chicken Adobo with Bacon and Egg


My 500 Words


Writing about your favorite food is today's topic. I'm Filipino all the way. If there's one thing 
I want to eagerly eat after our 21-day Daniel Fast is chicken adobo. It doesn't have to have eggs and garnished with bacon. I love it cooked the "Ilokano" way. I remember our first two days of driving going to Las Vegas with myself, my mom, my eldest sister, and her husband. My brother-in-law
brought with us a pot of chicken/pork adobo and put it in a large cooler. We ate that for two days.
What makes adobo tastes better the next day is the apple cider vinegar, kikkoman soy sauce and 
thinly sliced/cut fresh ginger root. Oh, I tell you, Filipino cuisine is one of the most savory, 
delicious food you can have. I really missed how they cook everything back home more tasty that 
you forget you're vegetarian. I can never go near good the way they prepare and cook them.
One day, I will go back home for one pleasurable goal in mind--eat with" gusto" like there is no tomorrow. It's not just the food that is so good but also the many bountiful fruit-bearing trees and shrubs of succulent green leafy vegetables. No wonder, we hardly or never had gotten sick because 
of the fruits, vegetables, fish/seafood and a very small portion of meat into our plates. I still believe that to date. 
Who would forget the late, very famous Celebrity Chef and CNN Food Critic, Anthony Bourdain?
How he loved the Filipino cuisine and most of all, he loved communing with the Filipino people.
He was hilariously enjoying his time eating fine food and drink and storytelling in all of the videos
he captured in the Philippines. That tells me that he was really a very good food critic. His level of adventure when it comes to food was amazing.
Well, I have a lot of favorites but I'm not a good cook. I can cook, very average. I love looking at laborious pictures of food but kitchen is not my domain. I'm just happy that my two sons can cook better than me. I just found out yesterday that they just opened Baskin Robins and Dunkin Donuts 
not too far away from where I live. So, that's something I look forward to when I'm done with my Daniel Fast next Monday. Funny that I'm not having withdrawals from not drinking coffee for almost a month now. Praise God. My nerves are better. Not eating red meat especially has mitigated my indigestion and stomach issues. Also not watching anything at all from tv's and social media
have given me time to introspect and think better with my conscience about Life. Just learning
that we really can discipline our appetite to eat food that is naturally unhealthy. Fasting, Praying and Praising Him will do that for you. For sure...Take it from me!