Farewell Fare Well

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My posts are coming very far between.

I think of you my blog friends.

I feel like I kept you hanging. Thank you for hanging around though.

It has been a crazy schedule and let me share to you how crazy it is, here.

My holidays are planned already, 24/27.

I need to refocus. I need to inventory my life.

I am sorry that I need to say farewell to this refuge and to you my blog friends.

I started blogging when I decided that I needed to move on from a very painful season of my life.

Thank you for coming to my life one by one. Thank you for lifting me up, for understanding, and yes, for loving me just as I am.

I have moved on but that is not to say that I no longer hurt each time there are triggers to remind me.

But thank God, He is always there to comfort me.

And now I am moving on, again.

Shall we take one last look of how the spoons were bent?

arrrgghhhh

aaahhhhhh

uuuhhhhh

easy huh! 🙂 🙂 🙂 😦

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The benders have grown now. Look what happened to them after three years — so fast.

They continue to bloom wonderfully. Thank God.

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Got to create memories together with them.

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Blend into the colors of their lives.

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So this is it. Farewell to bended spoon. No, it won’t evolve to bent spoon. I liked it that way, when some still appreciates despite the imperfection.

Farewell bended spoon.

Fare well my friends. Bloom.

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Fare well. Fare well. Fare well.

Bloom. Bloom. Bloom.

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The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy. The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon; they will see the glory of the Lord, the splendor of our God. – Isaiah 35:1-2

🙂

Bittersweet

Knee-deep.

Waist-deep.

Chest-deep.

That’s how high the flood in some areas in the city due to tropical storm Maring (international name – Trami). Classes were suspended but since it’s not signal number 3, the working masses still need to go to their respective offices – if we can.

I can’t. The garage is flooded. Outside it’s flooded.

I can’t float in the flood. I can’t swim through the flood. I can’t fly over the flood.

I can only work at home.

Bittersweet. Not because I am working at home – I am used to it, working — beyond my working hours.

Bittersweet. Us, here, experiencing several storms in a year – the one before this, Labuyo (Utor), visited us just last week. I won’t talk about bitterness — just bittersweet. Because these storms oftentimes bring out the best in us.

We continuously learn how to rebuild.

We continuously hold on to the One who can calm the storms.

Bittersweet — I remember I have this book title by Shauna Niequist . And the first thing that I read was ‘on crying in the bathroom’ because I did cried in the bathroom. Not once, nor twice. Too many times – because it’s less messy to cry in the bathroom!

I can relate in most of the entries, not only because I too had a miscarriage, but because I know how bittersweet taste — and I know you do too.

So many bittersweet thoughts for the day and one of them is — my blog friends. I haven’t been a good friend for a long time. I was not able to visit them as much and when I did, some are no longer writing actively as well.

I know. I know. Our priorities do change as the need arises. We sometimes need to give up something in order to focus on to another thing. Bittersweet.

And like Shauna I also ask for help — to the One who truly knows my heart.

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‘on crying in the bathroom’ by Shauna Niequist

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Yes, I would like to believe that too even though the storm outside is not leaving today.

Even though there is a storm inside.

Heart-deep.

Wish-deep.

Knee-dip.

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‘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

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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

🙂

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!

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

– Luke 11:11

🙂

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

Linked

Between sipping tea and shelling pistachios for breakfast I watched my cute daughter draw. It is a good day, a very good day, a very God day.

I just had a very full and tiring week at work and I see the next coming 18 months that way. I am afraid not of the loads of work but of the time I could be further missing my kiddos. We hardly began the focused works on the overhaul of systems and processes brought by the transition to our new company when I was identified as the potential weakest link in our team because I had pushed through with the holiday vacations with my family. They scheduled meetings on later part of 2012 and first week of 2013 but I declined. I appreciated I was chosen to be part of the team but it doesn’t mean I am giving up my most valuable team, my family.

I have assessed how I did in all the teams I was involved and holy mama I was strong! And I know that the very person who made the forecast was not able to realize his projects on time. Armed with that fact, I offered that they may take me out of the team because I was never ever a yes person. I believe in firm NO — NO to pulling down.

That is the reason why I only had tea and pistachios for breakfast this weekend — otherwise, I’ll have a heap of everything in the table, lol! But it felt good to slowly sip the tea and play with pistachio shells. It is very good to watch my daughter draw while she smiles to me from time to time. It is very good to smile for what God has for me.

 

 

It is a very God day! He reminded me once more that I am loved and I am on His team — linked strongly!

Yes, I am still on the working team.

Yes, I am the missing link — missing you!

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The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights. For the director of music. On my stringed instruments.

– Habakkuk 3:19

🙂

Higher, O Higher!

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

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“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!

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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

🙂

I Am Not A Good Girl

Oh yes, I am not a good girl

I whipped someone with my words

I crushed myself with my thoughts

I fought out of pride

I allowed myself beaten

I wished for someone else’s death

I wished for my own death

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 Oh yes, I am not a good girl

I cannot stop hating passionately

I cannot control my evil thoughts

I cannot move on from bitter past

I cannot have freedom from guilt

I cannot be a good girl on my own

Unless I am dependent on good God

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Happy Independence Day to all my American Friends. This might means so much to you as it means so much to us Filipinos when we celebrate our independence from Spanish and American colonies. But honestly, I am not so sure if we are truly independent as a nation. Can one indeed be free just because the tangible prison wall is brought down?

What I am sure is I am free when I allow my Saviour to rescue me from the intangibles that imprison and stop me from being a good girl.

How about you, are you a good girl? Are you free?

You may not answer the questions but please feel free to listen to this  song.

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In my anguish I cried to the LORD, and He answered by setting me free. – Psalm 118:5

🙂

Why I’m Sad with the Result of the American Idol Season 11

Or any other contest where a Filipino or with a hint of a Filipino wasn’t proclaimed the winner.

Ugly words can be heard all over. Or is it just me who doesn’t like the sound of “Racism” when it could really be not. Or “The winner is not really beautiful or smart or talented” or “The judges and voters are unfair”.

Millions of Filipinos could be bitter, salty, sour or a combination of two or three.

I am not sure if there’s even a food that tastes good with all three flavors in it.

I am a Filipino with 1 liter of Chinese blood. And I would be one of the happiest if Jessica Sanchez won the American Idol title.

I am a human with 5 liters of red blood. And I would be one of the happiest if we are gracious enough to accept that someone is better than us by human standard.

I am not a TV fan thus I’m not a fanatic of American Idol or any show. If I can, I only watch the finals where a Filipino is a finalist. I love Filipinos — how they can be very resilient, kind, beautiful, talented – but even then, no race has a monopoly of these qualities.

I may be sad but I am happy as well with the result of American Idol Season 11. A Filipina is first runner up. Wow! Congratulations Jessica Sanchez! You are a great singer and how you have dealt with the defeat is a sure win!

And congratulations Phillip Phillips! How you dealt with victory sealed the title! I enjoyed your finale performance and I like the song “Home” especially the line, “Don’t pay no mind to the demons they fill you with fear…”

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He looked up to heaven and with a deep sigh said to him, “Ephphatha!” (which means, “Be opened!”)– Mark 7:34

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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

🙂

Let Us See: Invisible Mercedes-Benz

Let us see

if we can find the Mercedes-Benz

 Oh we found it!

INVISIBLE STORY HEREIN

And the comments that exposed my teeth are here!

– I’m sending an invisible car payment to the loan company

– I have a similar feature on my car. My Lamboghini is cloaked to look like an AMC Gremlin. So far nobody suspects a thing.

– My invisible Mercedes is sitting in my invisible McMansion’s garage next to my invisible super-model wife’s invisible Porsche.

– I’ve been invisible to women for years.

– Why is there so much invisible money in my wallet???

– i drove this car to my doctor, and he said he couldnt see me today,,,

– Hey I just got hit by a …………….uh uh I know I wasn’t drinking………license plate number??? I told you it came out of nowhere. What!!! taking me to the police station, what for?? Officer you gotta believe me!!! LOOK, LOOK there goes another one – WHAT !!!! you didn’t see it !!! UHHHHH

– (invisible comment)

We have no doubt at all of the car’s existence before we figure out where it is, right?

Why could that be?

Because we trust the manufacturer?

Because we believe in the genius of humans?

Ever wonder why it’s so hard for some to believe in the existence of God?

Why they cannot trust the Creator?

Why they cannot believe in God’s genius despite how awesome His creations are?

Let us see…

🙂

No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. – 1 John 4:12

🙂

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!

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‘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.

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

🙂

Fish and Oil and Heaven’s Cure

Catch the smile!

Sharing my hubby’s big smile when he caught a 0.87kgs sea bream (bakoko) – we caught the smile as well! Surely he will catch something bigger than that – fish or not! We’re preparing for that bigger smile – by smiling now!

Smile – heaven’s cure!

Sharing my family’s love for massage – my hubby and I massage each other; I massage each of my kiddos, all of them massage me. And when we’re all dead tired, the masseur puts us into sleep – that we may wake up minus the sore. Thanks to Heaven’s Cure Body Oil, Massage Gel and Coco Rub!

Touch Therapy – heaven’s cure!

Sharing my love for fish oil capsules – for preventing ordinary cells from mutating into cancer cells! But the most obvious effect on me is it eased up my depressions. Yup I prayed much about it that it better leave me and if one of the ways is to welcome the fish in, why not? I prefer the fish than the devil!

I even applied the fish oil in my toes that got itchy after trying different shoes in Payless. Gone! As if eaten by the fish – similar to fish spa where, without mercy, you allow the fishes to bite your dead skin. Yay! Thanks Squalene — you’re beyond skin deep!

Fish and oil – heaven’s cure!

And how about you — would you care enough to share something that you love and makes you smile?

You — heaven’s cure!

 

You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness. Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions; – Psalm 45:7

🙂

A Christmas Story, Anytime

Prompt from Bluebell Books Short Story Slam Week 19

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

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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

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“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

🙂