Thinking About It

It’s good to be home.

To slow down.

To linger longer…

With the meals

With affection

With gratefulness.

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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.

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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!

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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?

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Photo from Google and not the real thing.

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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!

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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

🙂

Hubby And I Crossed The Line

Once upon a time, there was a line between hubby and me.

Line of destructive priorities.

Line of selfishness.

Line of pride.

Line of shame.

Line of hatred. Yes. Yes. Yes.

There was a cross.

I saw the cross differently back then.

And so I wanted to run away from it.

After all it was heavy and left me bleeding inside.

But I wasn’t able to go far. It was painful to walk away wounded and bleeding.

I needed a healer.

And then I saw the cross anew

It stitched my wounds.

It helped me cross the line of surrender.

It brought me to the Healer.

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Drawn To The Cross
by L. Mirabueno

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I had the painting commissioned. I want to be reminded when I was drawn to the cross and not away from it. That there is no point in running away because love is all it is. It is not just cupid’s love but the love of the Father and the Son for mankind — for us sinners.

Jesus saved us on the cross. It is not a lovely sight knowing that the Father is grieving but — He loves us.

Jesus saved us on the cross. He took our shame and He is not ashamed — He loves us.

And where is my hubby in all of these?

In the title! 🙂

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You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. – Romans 5:6

🙂

Dear Hubby

Dear Hubby,

Last year you asked me if I wanted an ipad and I said no because I have a laptop already. But still you bought me one because you knew I will like it.

And true enough I liked it! It’s handy and I can use it while lying in bed. That is if I’m not yet off to dreamland the moment my back touched the bed.

This year you asked me if I wanted an iPhone or Note 2 and I said no because the phone you gave me still works. But still you gave me one because you knew I will like it.

And true enough I liked it! It’s handy and helped me in my current project. I was able to sketch-erase-sketch an organizational chart, among others.

And so I realized that as much as it is important that you should know what your wifey like — like a vintage aqua Volkswagen van (wink wink) it is also important for me to appreciate the gift you feel is important.

Of course I do appreciate them all my techie hubby! I love how you knew I needed something which I didn’t ask for because I am a DIY-junky-vintagey wifey!

And so for your birthday we are giving you something which you might not want but trust me you will love this because…we do!

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Boys Fishing
by L. Mirabueno

Believe me this is priceless because you will remember the times the boys gone fishing with you. Yes, I know they’re quiet in the painting unlike in real life where they scared the fish off so you won’t catch anything! But then, it can still come true one of these days, lol!

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Believe me this is priceless because one day you will remember how your artsy daughters stayed late to finish painting this just for you!

So love it, love it because we love you, love you!

Love,

wifey

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P.S. Your birthday wish for wisdom and prayer of thankfulness to God is a gift itself.

And yes, the greatest gift is already given to us. Not every one may want Him but God the Father knew that we all need Him.

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There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. – 1Corinthians 12:4-6

🙂

Will You?

Will you understand me?

It’s okay if you don’t — at all times.

Because I do not understand myself as well — at all times.

Sometimes I go crazy. Sometimes crazier.

What I don’t understand is I sometimes prefer the crazier me.

Maybe my Creator prefers the same too. Who knows.

He knows.

Will you marry me?

It’s okay if you don’t — I’m married already.

That is not actually a question. It’s the topic in today’s Sunday service.

Well maybe it’s a question.

The important foundations of marriage were discussed — 5 C’s.

Covenant. Communication. Chemistry. Character. Christ.

I would say that if you only take Christ — He is the strongest foundation there is.

Will you?

I take this question with me.

Will you now do that chairs stacked in the garage? Is that my conscience whispering?

Got to move then! And so out the messy chairs — red leather seats torn and removed.

 

 

These chairs have been repainted and reupholstered twice. That’s a different story.

What I’ll share today is I need to do this fast because my conscience might not make me sleep. Lol!

And so no more reupholstering. I just grabbed the spray paint, brush, and poster paints.

And quickly here it is.

 

 

Just like that. It’s done!

Oh the other chair? It has a different question of course.

I will post it next time because I have yet to decide if I’ll include a marriage story with it. Lol!

 

 

Will you please share what’s your “WILL YOU?”

No you may not direct the question to me.

You want to ask God, “Will you…?”?

Go ahead please.

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 ‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’ – Jeremiah 33:3

🙂

 

Will you please  join me in the fab furni party here?

Miss Mustard Seed Furniture Feature Friday

Jennifer Rizzo Fabulously Creative Friday

Redoux Link Party

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

🙂

Day 24: Write A Love Letter

 

Dearest Hubby,

Someone subscribed to my blog with last name same as mine

I couldn’t believe it – it’s you!

I pinched myself to be sure that I’m not dreaming

Ouch! It hurt — so it’s real!

Believe me I didn’t asked why you’re here with me

I just thank God for His miracle, for you

For leading your fingers to ‘Sign me up’ button

Despite that you very well know I might not write anything about cars

But who knows.

Vroooom,

Ferrari 166 Inter

 

P.S.  This is supposed to be a love letter so here’s the love part – I love you!

 

Please click for other days.

It’s Day 24 of Feeling Good!

 

Dear Blog Friends,

Thank you so much for understanding my quirkiness.

Like today, thank you for allowing me to be giddy in love.

Thank you so much for checking here and praying for me.

Your prayer works. Your love works.

Love,

bendedspoon

 

P.S.   There are days that I am too weak to pray long prayers. All I can say is, “God please give back to my kindest blog friends what they have prayed for me.”

 

Feel good, write a love letter to your spouse, to your kiddo, to God, to yourself – yes, why not? Your choice – cheesy or not.

 

“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
– 1 Peter 4:8

🙂

The Dust and The Rib

Out of dust came man

From man’s rib woman was formed

Dust and rib now one

Then the man ribbed the woman

And the woman blew the dust

A perfect prelude

To challenging days ahead

Where rib may crack, dust wiped out.

*

For The Gooseberry Garden on Adam and Eve.

Gooseberry Garden is the new site of Jingle Poetry.

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For the benefit of the doubt 😉

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My darling Adam

Partake this delightful fruit

This shall make you wise

But please ensure my darling

That you take more bites than me

*

For the Purple Treehouse on Tanka 5-7-5-7-7

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In Eden of modern world, have you ever been Adam or Eve or the snake?

We may have fallen but we can rise up. All is grace.

🙂

Home Run

Hubby

Play more than fair

Run towards home

Catch responsibility

Pitch love!

 

Wifey

Count not the strikes

Cheer with love

Let the wild pitch go

Hope for grand slam!

 

In the home field

Play your best in each inning

Follow the rules of the game

Heed the Umpire

Be the winning team!

🙂

X is for Xanthippe

Why can’t you love me like you love that couch?!!! You two are inseparable for hours!!!!! KaBOOM!

I thought you are tired of reading my mind and here you are reading newspaper while my eyebrows sweat watching your every move?!!!  What an ideal partner you are!!!! KaBLAM!

XANTHIPPE is a woman with a bad temper! A quarrelsome woman! You better remember that!

Xanthippe was the wife of Socrates, yes the wise Socrates. But his tongue was no match with his wife — he was beaten in a discussion with her. He surrendered!

You think blahblah was enough? She said to have emptied a chamber pot on Socrates’ head after a quarrel to which he remarked, “After thunder generally falls rain.” Harhar!

You think a bad temper only means a sharp tongue — an explosion? Bad temper is a proud silence too — an implosion. It’s when we practice the silent treatment that even the hot soup gets cold in discomfort.

I realized that Xanthippe is within me for several occasions. Each time I am silent and hold a grudge. Each time I roar in anger.

We have to strive to tame our thoughts and the tongue. We have to because we make the lives of those around us so difficult. So difficult that we want to explode! Again! And again!

It’s not easy. It won’t work by simply refusing the false power in bad temper. We have to accept God’s gift of wisdom and tolerance instead — and  use it.

Yes, use it! What part of USE can’t you understand?

UUUU!

🙂

No Gain, No Pain?

Earlier this week I read 10 Signs the Economy Is on the Upswing.

And I’m sharing with you the 10 signs plus my side comments 🙂

1. Sales of Boxers, Briefs Leveling Off – new undies!
2. Desserts Are in Again – sweet too!
3. Less Sorrowful Searching – smiley!
4. The Venti Latte Makes a Comeback – ground taste!
5. Box Rebound Reflects Rising Demand – just in the box!
6. Fewer Urban Dwellers Are Hoofing It – hello cabbie!
7. Duffers Returning to the Greens – golf time!
8. Faces, Other Parts Getting a Lift – +13M gone under the knife!
9. More Willing to Play Their Hand – gambling life!
10. More Couples Are Calling It Quits – game over!

There are signs that made me glad, sad, and very sad.

I’m very sad for sign number 10.

What is it about money that loosens the bind of marriage and family?

1. Because it can buy a spaceous house and leave each other alone?
2. Because it can make you hold so much except each others’ hands?
3. Because it can buy time thus no need to rush home to the family?
4. Because it can make you dream big and leave the family behind?
5. Because it can buy toys for the kiddos thus no need to bond?
6. Because it can spill over thus keep it in someone else house?
7. Because it can buy you a new face and nose and heart?
8. Because it can treat the problem to a shopping spree?
9. Because it can buy friends, love, and respect?
10. Because it can make you forget how to kneel?

Money money money…

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Prayer warriors please share your prayers for the family, marriage, and handling of finances. The world needs the Word.

🙂

Love, Me

Remember

Who you are

How resilient you can be

How strong you are

How capable you let go.

Remember
Who’s on your side
How faithful you can be
How powerful you are
How capable you love.

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For Jingle Poetry on Love, Bond, and Relationship

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For my hubby and kiddos. I love you!

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“Will somebody somewhere please love me?

Will somebody somewhere please love me?”

A plea for love written in the diary

of Madalyn Murray O’ Hair,

founder and president of American Atheist

who fought for the removal of prayers in American public schools.

Why did she pleaded when she could instead believe?

Instead love.

Instead pick a flower.

And could have known from the petals,

“He loves me! He loves me not a doubt!

He loves me! He loves me not a doubt!

He loves me! He loves me not a doubt!”

–

For everyone. Happy Valentine’s Day! I hope I can send you flowers today.

🙂

What I learned from My Hubby

NOTHING.

Nothing works without God. God is the miracle worker.

Nothing is more fun than honoring your inner child. He plays with the kiddos; my heart giggles.

Nothing good you do is without a reward. He works hard; thank God for the reward.

Nothing taste as good as home cooked meal. He cooks really well; I eat well.

Nothing compares to him. Who is comparing? I love him.

Nothing can stop you from celebrating. It’s our 13th Wedding Anniversary!

Can we drink to that? I prepared an ice cold lemonade for you. Yeah it’s a bit sour but just add your sweetness and it will be pretty cool…just like life.

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And oh you can or can not use the last straw.

🙂

Wedding Bloopers

caRING

My life is full of bloopers even on my wedding day!

More than a decade ago I stand on the altar where the priest incorrectly mentioned the name of my groom twice. Peter, Peter — when he’s not even walking on water!

On that day I had 2 eyelashes — the real straight ones and the fake curly ones. How could I have allowed the make-up artist to put on another one! But then, me and my bestfriend wouldn’t have fun laughing how silly I look — and so I didn’t took it off!

And then my hubby’s wedding ring fell during the ceremonial opening of gifts! There were whispers, “Oh that’s a bad omen. There will be problems in the marriage!” Whhhat your spouse’ ring fell too? Hmm that explains why…

Why am I sharing this? To say that the omen is right or to prove it wrong? Oh well, I won’t talk about that today.

Today please just join me in celebrating our blog friend Maricel’s wedding with Cleto. We can leave a message for her HERE as our gift so that when she comes back she’ll have something more to smile about.

Thank you everyone!

Any wedding blooper to share? Seen a groom who ate all the cake and a bride who drank all the wine?

🙂

The Janitor

The Janitor -move your mind and heart

You’re a CEO who is loosing control of your business and personal life — yourself, your marriage, your family. Would you heed the advice of the janitor?

Roger Kimbrough, the CEO did.  He had a weekly green tea meeting with janitor Bob Tidwell who shared six simple but powerful principles.

You can read and ponder what truly matters to you through the lives of the CEO and the janitor in the book THE JANITOR by authors Todd Hopkins and Ray Hilbert.

And here’s to share with you briefly the six principles that turned around the life of the CEO.

1. RECHARGE VS DISCHARGE. If you keep pouring energy out and you don’t recharge ,then one day you’ll run empty. You’ll burn out. A burned-up brain won’t start up.

2. VIEW YOUR FAMILY AS BLESSINGS NOT RESPONSIBILITY. Tell your family you love them; remind them of how much they mean to you.

3. PRAY NOT POUT. Sometimes when your plate is full, God will give you great insight on what is important to focus on and what needs to be removed from your plate entirely.

4. PASS IT AROUND. Share your knowledge and wisdom to everyone before it is too late. Anyone can give a meaningless gift. That would be no great reflection on my character, would it?

5. DON’T SPEND; INVEST! Invest your time in things that have value. Is there some eternal significance in what I am doing? Does it have any eternally significant impact on someone else?

6. LEAVE A LEGACY. It doesn’t matter if you live 2 thousand years or twenty. What matters is how you fill the space between the dates on your gravestone. Let your wisdom live and multiply in each life that you touch.

There, THE JANITOR can help me pick up the pieces and I’ll surely enjoy an evening with him sipping hot green tea. How about you?

🙂