DIY: Pallet Party Backdrop

.

This is the easiest DIY, ever!

The pallet was used for my daughter’s birthday Sweets Corner — just 10 DIY steps.

First, you need a pallet — of course!

Good if you can buy at bargain price.

Better if given to you free.

Best if someone sent you goodies — in a pallet crate!

.

Second, lean it on the wall — that easy!

Between 1st and 2nd, remove the parts you do not want — like boards and nails.

Use hammer please!

.

Third, add table and chairs.

Mine were vintage and junky!

.

Fourth, add on other props lying around the home.

A frame,  2-tier holder, and a vintage carousel horse are good for me.

Hammer not included! I used it for the nails where I hanged the frame.

.

Fifth, make pompoms and hang them.

You will love the pallet for making it so easy to tie the pompoms.

But you have to decide beforehand how many pompoms you need — because making them can be addicting!

.

Sixth, add flowers.

No need to buy vases when you have empty beverage bottles.

Notice the trimmings? Those are pompoms scraps.

No need to throw them yet. Just scatter them on the table — because you are the boss!

.

Seventh, add more flowers!

Horse charming got to offer some flowers to the Princess.

And look after her crown while still sleeping — shhh this is a surprise party that the Princess wanted us to prepare.

.

Eighth, don’t forget the sweets.

Because the pallet backdrop is for Sweets Corner!

.

Ninth, show off the pallet backdrop.

Be sure that it is in the back 🙂

.

Tenth, add the sweetest.

Count the fingers — except those that form the binocular to see you.

The sweetest Princess turned six!

.

Now back to the pallet. I do not see its life ending yet.

As is, I have some more things to hang and change them as frequent as I like without worrying on nail holes.

I could paint it. Distressed it. Remove the paint. Paint it again. Whatever.

How about you, what would you do with it? Aside from throw it 🙂

.

Light in a messenger’s eyes brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones. – Proverbs 15:30

🙂

Thinking About It

It’s good to be home.

To slow down.

To linger longer…

With the meals

With affection

With gratefulness.

.

.

My sweet daughter planted the mongo seeds and so some smiles sprouted.

My 10 year old boy is so elated with his medal. He has been thinking about it two weeks ago and now he did have it.

Last week he placed it in the corner of the tv so everyone can see it — on a weekend.

.

.

Then the morning after that, he hung it to Thor so he can see it – before he goes to sleep.

Now he moved it on the cross in the dining table so everyone can see it – every day!

.

Oh yes, the giant clam shell.

It’s not a real one and I’m glad it is not.

I would like to think that the real big ones are still in the depths of the seas.

Clam beds for the mermaids maybe — could they be real?

.

Photo from Google and not the real thing.

.

Oh yes, the giant clam shell.

I bought it for my hubby, for his future fishing cottage.

It’s only P1,200.00 ($27 – 26” x 18”) compared to on line price of $148 at smaller size of 22” x 13”.

For now, I’ll accommodate it.

But I suspect that he knew all along that I want it too.

Well, to give and to receive. Or shall we say sharing?

Oh, there’s our fishing cottage!

.

The the Lord replied: “Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it. For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.” – Habakkuk 2:2-3

🙂

Zoom Out

.

And so the camera was stolen

And the aquarium fishes died

And the mugs were broken

And my right arm is in pain

But I won’t zoom out those things.

.

Today is holiday in here – our 115^th Independence Day

I’m free from office work and be with the kiddos

I’m free to prepare their meals

I’m free to savor the moments at home

And I will zoom out these things.

.

Pork in wild ginger. Yum!

.

Sweet potato fries. Yum!

.

Banana. Yum!

.

Sunburst mirror. Not edible! 🙂

.

Now I am looking at the big picture

I am just glad for all that I have

That I can live in this moment

Here right now

Celebrating!

.

Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy. – Psalm 47:1

🙂

Gotcha!

I love this day. And yesterday. And the day before yesterday.

I had breakfast with my hubby – home made daing na bangus (dried milkfish).

Fresh from yesterday’s catch from Aling Nene’s Pond in Valenzuela.

My angler boys made another trip to the pond sans the girls. Could they be challenged from our earlier visit where our one and only take home fish is caught by the mom (that’s me!)?

Here are the photos of the fishing trip 2 days ago and yes, let’s define ‘caught’ later on.

Here’s the first catch of the day! The fish is not big enough to take home so back to the water. And the triumphant smile goes to my heart!

Here’s the 2^nd catch of the day! The fish is not big enough to take home so again back to the water. And the happy smile goes to my heart!

Here’s the 3^rd catch of the day! The fish is too small to take home so again back to the water. And yes, the grateful smile goes to my heart! Finally, he caught one after several fishes got away from the hook.

Here’s the big catch of the day! Just big enough to take home for sinigang 🙂

And yes, I caught it and here’s how:

1. The boys have been convincing me to fish instead of roaming around and so I agreed.
2. My son put the mashed flour bait in the hook and cast it to the direction I pointed.
3. I held the rod, occasionally looking at the floater, while I read a home magazine.
4. Then I felt something is pulling my rod and so I screamed. I screamed!
5. The boys saved me from the struggling fish!

It’s obvious I caught the fish, right?

Hurray for the girls!

And so the next day – that was yesterday, the boys were determined to beat the record. And they succeeded with 18 take home fishes! They were so excited that they forgot to take photos but it’s alright, I’m enjoying the daing na bangus. Not even the vinegar can stop me from smiling sweetly 🙂

There is so much to thank for…

Love.

Fun.

Togetherness.

And hey, don’t be disappointed with the small fish catch because there are large ones meant for the seasoned angler — 10 kilos and above.

As for the family, the priority is to catch smiles and we did!

Now going? Aling Nene has cottages on the side.

And in the middle — go rafting!

And yes, you can fish without renting a cottage.

Enjoy the day!

–

Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead?

– Luke 11:11

🙂

It’s Friday The 13th — My Birthday!

Hello it’s Friday the 13^th, are you afraid? You may have a friggatriskaidekaphobia, the fear of this day and date.

Me, I can’t afford to be afraid of Friday the 13^th because sometimes my birthday falls on this day – like today!

Happy birthday to me!

Because it’s my birthday I got to share with you what happened yesterday. Before leaving for the office, my daughter accidentally broke our mirror. On my way to the office, I saw a teen’s body lying on a pool of blood. Later on I learned that he was hit by the car and sadly he was dead – God bless his soul.

And those happened on Thursday the 12^th.

Just saying that what one might fear on a Friday the 13^th might be actually happening any time, any day. Just saying that it’s not fair to fear 13 just because it’s next to what is perceived as the perfect number – 12. Twelve months in a year, twelve gods of Olympus, twelve numbers on the clock– and maybe 12 eggs in a box.

How about you, how would you feel if some people decided they don’t like you just because they like the perfect lady in front of you?

Because it’s my birthday I got to share with you what happened yesterday. My parents brought me big prawns, big squid, big fishes, big crabs, big smiles and big love! My officemates had pasta delivered as pre-birthday celebration –- surely we will have a feast on the day itself! My hubby and kiddos, as usual, their love made me smile!

And those happened on Thursday the 12^th.

Just saying that there are many blessings in a day that we might have missed because we focused on our fears. Just saying that it’s not fair to frighten ourselves because of superstitions. Just saying that it is one year with twelve months, that there is only one true God amongst more than 12 idols, that I’m writing this on the 13^th hour – and there are 6 eggs in a box which are perfect.

How about you, how do you feel when you decided to appreciate and see beauty, just as is?

Because it’s my birthday I got to share with you my birthday song. Hopefully you’ll take time checking it.

Some people find the lyrics weird and might not like it. I am weird and you might not like me. But I like the song and somebody surely likes me, even loves me – just as I am. You know, the One who can make all things possible.

Happy Friday the 13^th everyone! Shine!

.

This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. – Psalm 118:24

🙂

Higher, O Higher!

Photo from Bluebell Books Twitter Club Short Story Slam Week 22.

*

“He lifted and carried me up with all his might!”

This is Bianca’s doting memory of her Dad when she was a little girl – and really heavy for a 5 year-old. But it didn’t matter, the weight –for love.

It was all good until she felt that he had dropped her down, the family down – real hard.

It was bad.

It was all bad until she felt that he had tried to lift himself up, the family up – real hard.

This is Bianca’s painful memory of her Dad when she was a young girl – and really hopeful for a 9 year-old. It did matter, the wait – for love.

“He lifted and carried my Dad up with all His love!”

This is Bianca’s powerful praise of God now that she’s a teen – and really lovely in and out for a 14-year old. It did matter, the forgiveness – for love.

It was good.

“They lifted and carried me up with all their might and love!”

This is Bianca’s heart song of her Dad and God forever — higher, O higher!

.

As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. – Isaiah 55:9

🙂

DIY: Made with love, for love, to be loved

I thank God that I can create things on times when I felt dwarfed by challenges and can’t seem to hear the singing birds.

 

scrap wood to decor to table

 

I meant to make a table out of this scrap wood but for now it will serve as a reminder that I do not need to wait for that future time to serve a purpose – that right now, in whatever state I am, I can serve a purpose, that I have a purpose, that I may be the purpose.

And so while mommy was busy painting seeds of hope, my little girl joined me. She painted her Snow White in the tray. Wouldn’t the dwarfs be happy with that – even Grumpy?

 

scrap wood to tray

 

I may be the purpose. To make me understand that if the seven dwarfs had Snow White, I have Jesus – who will wash me whiter than snow. This is true. Not a fairy tale.

But that is not to say that I don’t believe in fairy tale – especially if the fairy is my daughter peeking through the gate made of scrap wood 🙂

Wish now and it will come true!

Fairy Beatrice

 

Do I hear you wishing for more fabulous repurposed scrap wood? Close your eyes…wishy, wishy, wishy, wonderful you – your wish now come true! Now open your eyes in Funky Junk Interiors world!

–

If scrap woods can be made for different purposes, ever wonder why we are made? Let’s hear it and not forget that we are loved!

 

Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.

– Psalm 73:25

🙂

ONE OF THE FINEST MOMENTS IN MARRIAGE

Giving thanks when things are going well in marriage is easy

but giving thanks when things are not going well in marriage is very challenging

but it could be one of the finest moments.

It leads one to the inner recesses of the soul to intentionally look for something good

and see God’s child whom He dearly love and wants us to love as well.

Today it’s easy to give thanks for my hubby 🙂

1.For the love 2. For taking care of me when I am sick 3. For working hard for the family 4. For the fishballs, squid balls, kikiams 19 years ago 5.  For praying for me 6.  For kiddos basketball ring 7. For waiting patiently 8. For the almond nuts 9. For the times you are happy being with me 10. For the friendship 11. For the precious kingdom 12. For the wristwatches 13. For the moments you are in love with me 14. For the sandwiches 15. For the hurts that pulled me closer to God 16. For the black Chanel bag 17. For holding my hands 18. For singing in the church 19. For the struggles that taught me how to let go 20. For sharing your fishing accessories for my crafts 21. For repairing the chairs 22. For the morning kisses 23. For the diamond ring 24. For fixing the lights 25. For playing with the kids 26. For bargain hunting with me 27. For sharing your thoughts on church service message 28. For the body massage 29. For lot hunting 30. For your beautiful smile 31. For the mini delivery vans 32. For dreaming happy times with me 33. For attending marriage encounter 34. For family vacations 35. For time for just the two of us 36. For coming home 37. For coming to God.

My dearest that’s only 37 reasons because it’s your 37^th birthday!

If you want to hear a hundred, then grow old with me!

One day the heart may not forget the wonderful feeling of being loved

but it might forget the details and so I record them.

I have several journals and it’s a golden one for my hubby

— just because it’s easier to dream for a happy golden anniversary with it!

Truly one of the finest moments in marriage is giving thanks.

For this moment, can you think of at least 5 reasons why you’re thankful for your partner? You may or may not share it with me but you must ensure that you share it with your partner. They will surely love to hear it direct from you!

 

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds

– Hebrews 10:24

🙂

Love Falls

Him:    I love you!

Me:    I love you so much!

Him:    I love you so much more!   *kiss*

Me:    Thank you! I have a big smile 🙂 😉   *kiss*

Him:    I’m so happy that I made you smile 🙂

Sweet, huh?

That is not always the case because there was a time when the exchanges were, “I hate you!” and “I HATE YOU!”

Bitter, yeah.

Most of us might have tasted how bittersweet love can be. It will be the case as long as we are humans. And humans expect. And humans fall short of each other’s expectations.

Since human falls, love falls.

It falls…

…

But it can be picked up

And put altogether

But no, the pieces cannot be put all together

There will be cracks and holes and deformities

The question is, “What do you do with it?”

Glue it with insincere repentance?

Fill it with temporary pleasures?

Straighten things up to our satisfaction?

or

Let God seep through every crack.

Let God fill in the holes.

Let God show us that there is really no deformity

But something special.

And what do you do with something special?

Love it!

🙂

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. – Psalm 147:3

🙂

A Very Special Offer

For Bluebell Books: Short Story Slam Week 20.

See their special offer and join — A story in 55 words!

*

‘I SING, YOU SMILE’ – written on a cardboard beside him.

I smiled and the passers-by who read it.

“Why are you doing this? You can’t even see them?” I asked the singing blind man on the sidewalk.

“Because I want to be the reason for a smile,” he said.

What a very special offer.

*

When I smiled at them, they scarcely believed it; the light of my face was precious to them. – Job 29:24

🙂

A Christmas Story, Anytime

Prompt from Bluebell Books Short Story Slam Week 19

Image Credit to Whitebook @ DeviantArt, titled A Christmas Story for Rezzan

*

I ran away from him. It was Christmas time.

That was years ago. Not for good. Just for awhile.

I was confused and in pain.

Faith is amazing. It made me go back.

It connected me to God.

Faith is trusting in the now – that right now great things are unfolding no matter how unbelievable it is. What seems dead may be breathing for new life.

Faith is being excited about tomorrow – that tomorrow great things will be unfolded no matter how unbelievable it may be. What seems dead is alive and fruitful!

Faith is amazing. Faith got me back.

It connected me to God’s graces.

I was overwhelmed and in His arms.

That is now and tomorrow. For good. Not just for awhile.

I ran towards Him. It is me, Rea.

 

Then Jesus answered, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed from that very hour. – Matthew 15:28

🙂

I Am A Heartist

I am now declaring that I am an artist!

I am an artist because I see extraordinary in an ordinary.

I am an artist because I see beyond the defined purpose of things.

I am an artist because I appreciate each supply chain — tracing back to the Ultimate Source.

I am an artist because I am in love each time I create things — my heart actually giggles!

I am an artist because my kiddos are artists – see some of their lovely works! Hmm it runs in the blood!

Self-portrait of my 13-year old daughter. She got her Dad's blood.

My precious daughter. Don't tell me she's not as cute as the portrait.

'Mom & Dad' by my 4-year old daughter. She got her Mom's blood.

I am an artist because my hubby is a great sculpture – my kiddos love his clay dinosaurs! And I love our dining chairs because he repaired and painted them! Hmm it runs in the heart!

I am an artist because I am a child of the Master Artist who created the sky – with changing hues!

Extraordinary wire heart by me! Extraordinary child by God!

I understand that most of us are not comfortable to call ourselves an artist just because our creations are not at par with other artists but does it not matter that God, The Master Artist, is delighted with the beauty that we have created?

The good news is, God is not only an artist — He is also an evaluator and curator – and a Master at those! He appreciates beyond what is seen and heard. He knows genuine Art of Forgiveness, Art of Caring, Art of Giving and all art of the hearts.

I don’t have a shop.

I don’t have a gallery.

Maybe you too.

But we have a home where we showcase kiddos art or table setting or organized chaos.

We have a heart where we showcase love, forgiveness, faith, and much more.

Not comfortable being called an artist? Oh well, let’s call ourselves HEARTIST!

 

He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work as craftsmen, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen, and weavers–all of them master craftsmen and designers. – Exodus 35:35

🙂

Umbrella Of Grace

For Bluebell Books: Short Story Slam Week 18

*

“Lovely daisies,” said the woman beside Dee.

“This is for my best friend, to cheer her up. But she’ll have this later, the rain won’t stop,” replied Dee.

“Oh, I have an extra umbrella here. Please use it,” offered the woman.

“Are you sure? You’re an angel!” remarked Dee thankfully.

“I am very sure! That is not an ordinary umbrella though. It’s an umbrella of grace,” revealed the woman.

Dee can’t believe her luck. She can’t get off her mind too what the woman said:

“Remember that an umbrella of grace is available for you to use each time there is rain of challenges. All you have to do is accept it, open it, and use it.”

“When you are forced to walk in the rain, allow your senses to be awakened by each drop of cold rain that you may understand how much others need as well the umbrella of grace.  No, you need not pray that it will be provided to them. Pray that they accept it, open it, and use it because it is readily available — for free.”

“And hey, don’t be surprised if wings show up and take you to miracles. Faith moves impossibilities.”

 

I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings. – Psalm 61:4

🙂

January. JaNewRay. TheNewRay

NEW:

1. Having been made or come into being only a short time ago
2. Still fresh

RAY:

1. Radiance; light
2. A small amount; a trace
3. A straight line extending from a point

Let’s talk about new old things. By old, I mean something that already exists or has been always there. And yes, something old can definitely be new.

It can be new when the eyes are new; when the perspective is new; when the heart is new; when the self is new.

How can two people who regularly saw the same sunray not have the same reaction — one saw it with a smile and the other one just squint and frown?

Could the person have seen a ray of hope and that ray is more than enough?

Or he simply saw a ray?

Could the person have seen a burst of warm love and felt it deeply?

Or he simply saw a ray?

Could the person have seen an extended grace and never doubts its source?

Or he simply saw a ray?

Shall we now look close enough with the old and discover something new? I just did.

January. JaNewRay. TheNewRay,Yeah!

TheNewRea? But my hubby isn’t old —  yet 🙂

Happy New Year! Happy New You!

 

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. – Ezekiel 36:26-27

🙂

Cinderella’s Christmas Tea

Cinderella on Her Tea Break from Bluebell Books: Short Story Slam Week 17

*

“Surely the shoe will fit me. It’s mine.”

“And I’m a princess now?”

“But what if there’s no fairy godmother?”

“And I wasn’t able to attend the ball?”

“And what if the glass shoe didn’t slip from my foot?”

“Oh, why do I need to analyze everything? Time for tea!”

There’s jasmine, chamomile, lemon, ginger, green tea…

What caught her eye though is the Christmas tea.

“Yes, I’ll have Christmas tea! Christmas is for miracles and I had just one!”

As Cinderella sipped the spirit of Christmas, she felt calm and her mind restored.

“Great things will be poured upon us for reason that we know nothing of. We need not figure out why but simply take it in with deep thanks.”

And Cinderella decided to live happy thereafter.

But not without sharing how to prepare Christmas tea!

Directions:

1. Pour faith over bag of events in a cup of grace.

2. Let it steep with prayers.

3. Add a sweetener such as trusting smile.

4. Sip with gratitude.

5. For best partea, serve others.

 

“‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. – Acts 2:17

🙂

Not In My Plan

Image from Bluebell Books Short Story Slam  Week 16

*

“I don’t like rain it changes my plans.”

“And what are your plans my lady?”

“The usual — go for a walk, take pictures, stay at the café and have my favorite waffle.”

“How about checking someone else’s plan for you out there? Go out in the rain.”

“Go out in the rain? And wet myself?”

“Why not?”

“Okay. Okay. I’ll go out there with my boots and umbrella.”

“Don’t forget to wear your wow glasses!”

Reena smiled at her Mom.

Reena smiled some more – out in the rain.

She saw Mommy ducky and her cuties picked flowers – and yes she saw the quack wow in their eyes while they strut their way into the rain!

And so she picked flowers too – happy and fresh flowers bathe by the rain!

Silently she said her thanks, “Thank you so much dear duckies for showing me that I always have the option to find beauty even amidst the rain. That I should not automatically envision mud when it rains – but happy duckies!”

Reena can’t wait to get back home – duck walking and quack wowing.

“Mom, fresh flowers for you. I love you!”

“Wow! Thank you my lady and I love you too!”

“Welcome but you have to thank a mommy duck and her cuties as well!”

“Mommy duck and her cuties?”

“Yes Mom and thank you so much for today – a happy rainy day. Not in my plan — but a real gooooooood One!”

—

After series of tests, the doctor confirmed that a cancerous cyst has to be removed in my cervix.

I got to see a cardiologist in a while to confirm that it is okay for me to push through with the operation which is scheduled this coming Saturday.

Not in my plan — but I trust the real gooooooood One.

*

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”. – Jeremiah 29:11

🙂

Sprinkles of Heaven

 

It is cold inside

Does it have to be outside?

Warm them with your smile

 

It is cold outside

Does it have to be inside?

Defrost chilly heart

 

For Gooseberry Garden on November, Winter, Change, and Hope.

*

Earlier I had a schedule of breast ultrasound. It was still early in the morning and a weekend. No hurry, no worry.

But the radiologist had other plans. He wanted to hurry, to worry. He blah blah about I should have come earlier.

“But my appointment is between 8:00AM and 9:00AM and it’s only 8:30AM?”

“Yes, but if there are ten of you, only one shows up at 8:00AM and the rest at 9:00AM…blah blah blah.”

Thank God the procedure only takes around 5 minutes. I got to get out of that place fast but not without leaving some words in the reception with the lead amongst the staff.

“I come here for my well being not to seek for someone who will dampen my day. You are well aware that you charge much higher than other health companies, right? And that premium charges must be for a better service?”

“Yes, Ma’am and we’re really sorry. Will you please write here in our complaint form?”

“Write the complaint for what? Don’t tell me that this is the first time it happened because I won’t believe you. An attitude like that must have been well practiced.”

“I would be lying Ma’am if I say that this is the first time it happened with him.”

“What is the complaint form for? How many complaints do you need before you do something about it? If you can give me a figure and show me the number of complaints I will be more than willing to exert further effort.”

“We’re really sorry Ma’am for your bad experience. “

Oh well, it is December already but I remember Gooseberry Garden’s topic for November because of the incident. I need to cool down.

Good that my awesome daughter is with me – wearing an awesome shirt.

sprinkles of heaven - awesomeness

 

Good that my favorite green tea frappe is near.

sprinkles of heaven - book and green tea

 

Good that I have a good book with me – at the Still Point, an inspiring collection of devotional readings by Sarah Arthur.  And so I randomly open it and here’s what I get…

I saw the world end yesterday!

A flight of angels tore

Its cover off and Heaven lay

Where Earth had been before.

 

I walked about the countryside

And saw a cricket pass.

Then, bending closer, I espied

An ecstasy of grass.

(Eschaton by Elizabeth B. Rooney)

 

See the word bend in there? That made my day! And of course in the thought that sprinkles of heaven are all around if we choose to see!

And so I see the cool red shoes the man is wearing in the table besides us.

And the lovely floor!

sprinkles of heaven - red shoe and lovely floor

 

And I remember too some of my November blessings…

1. All Saints Day and All Souls Day – that includes me and you, think about it
2. 2011 People’s Manager Award – deliver results, engage today’s talent, shape the future
3. November birthdays that brought my Mom and my son to me
4. Family day, crafting days, bazaar
5. Feast of St. Julian of Norvich who said:

“all shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well”

“God made it, God loves it, God keeps it.” – referring to the nut size thing in God’s hand which is the entire universe

 

And so much more — including YOU!

 

From whose womb comes the ice? Who gives birth to the frost from the heavens. – Job 38:29

🙂

But Time Won’t

Image from Bluebell Books Short Story Slam Week 15.

*

Grain by grain, bit by bit, each moment drops.

It is a slow death.

“Will somebody bond those grains together, form it in one big ball, and roll it into oblivion!”

With pains oozing from her whole being she wants nothing but to speed up time.

But time won’t.

 

Grain by grain, bit by bit, each moment drops.

It is an expeditious death.

“Will somebody crush each grain, turn it into millions, and fuse within me through eternity!”

With love oozing from her whole being she wants nothing but to slow down time.

But time won’t.

 

Our hands are almost same size now! Hands may let go but heart won't. Happy 10th Birthday Benedict! I love you! We love you!

 

Today is my son’s 10th birthday! He’s growing up so fast. Five months ago I wasn’t able to control my tears when he left for 1^st day in school –his 1^st day wearing pants uniform. The year before that he was still wearing khaki shorts – my young boy. Oops got to stop now else today turns out a Saddy Birthday.

Happy 10^th Birthday Dearest Son! I’ll share with the world 10 things I am thankful for about YOU!

1. You love numbers. A math whiz just like your Dad!
2. You love letters. My scrabble, boggle, and book buddy!
3. You handle your money well – you trust your Mom to handle it for you!
4. You are not a complainer.  “Mommy please buy me a new shirt. This doesn’t fit well with me anymore after 4 years.” Or are you?
5. You know how to give thanks. “Thank you sooo much Mommy for the new book! I will massage you for two months.” How can I not give someone like you a whole library?
6. You are thoughtful. Most of the times you spend your Kid’s Church bucks to buy something for your sisters and brother – and sometimes for Mom and Dad too! We are all touched!
7. You are sweet. You tinker with me – bending wires, sanding woods, appreciating junk!
8. You excel in what you like to do. Just like your Dad! You deserve all those medals that you give to us!
9. You cry. Just like your Mom! Let those tears remind you not to make others cry in pain. Make others cry in joy? That will make me cry!
10. You love God. Because you do, you love us too – thank you sooo much! I love you! We love you!

 

There are more reasons why I am thankful for you but I’m not writing them all here right now.

There is no hurry – writing them.

Let’s hurry now – finishing our crafts, hunting for books, loving each other, creating memories…

 

This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. – Psalm 118:24

🙂

‘T’ Time

time

to thank

tough times

turned my life upside down

trained me how to hold on right

throwing away what could loosen my grip

taking me to the place where my trust won’t be broken

there, up on the cross He loved me even before I loved Him.

 

my son bent the wire for love

 

Thankful for my son who made the Son on the cross

Taught me that loving involves a lot of bending

That bending is not deforming but purposeful

 

from the family that bends together

 

Thankful for the time with my family

Touching, talking, teaching, trying

Transforming whatever we have into love

 

Unto thee, O God, do we give thanks, unto thee do we give thanks: for that thy name is near thy wondrous works declare. – Psalm 75:1

🙂

Day 31: Remember Your Death Experiences

 

Less than a month ago I discovered a lump in my breast. What immediately came to mind is the possibility of breast cancer and of near-death. It made me pause and check myself.

There was no fear. There was no worry. How could it be?

I realized that I have been prepared for this – with my death experiences.

Death of dreams.

Death of trust.

Death of happiness.

Death of confidence.

Death of enthusiasm.

Death of hope.

Death of courage.

Death of spirit.

With those deaths I never asked, “Why? Why? Why?”  But nevertheless I am now given an answer if ever I ask, “WHY?!”

I was being prepared to give birth to my faith.

I gave birth to 4 living babies and my 1 unborn was taken from inside. Pure labor and pain before the release of lives from within me – very much like the birth of faith.

Please click for other days.

 

It’s Day 31 of Feeling Good! And I’m talking about death? Surely death is painful if we focus on the loss. But if we shift our focus to what it gave birth to – it has beauty on its own.

I never thought that faith alone could give birth to so many wonderful things.

Birth of dreams.

Birth of trust.

Birth of happiness.

Birth of confidence.

Birth of enthusiasm.

Birth of hope.

Birth of courage.

Birth of spirit.

Yes, what were lost are best lost. Now I have new ones — better ones plus so much more.

And oh, the lump in my breast is possibly not cancerous. The doctor told me to go back after a month to confirm if I need an operation but as of now, it subsided already. Death of lump?

Now tell me, how can I not feel good? Sometimes feeling good is not about feelings but about trust. That we are better off with it; how others are better off with it – with what is given or taken away.

This is the end of my 31 Days of Feeling Good series – but not the end of feeling good!

 

‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” – Revelation 21:4

🙂