Never Lose Hope, Never Give Up

Last year was a challenge-full year for me. A year of survival, a year of financial battle. But that year made me a better, wiser and stronger person. And that year has proven how good my God is. God has showed me that in times of trouble and trials, He will never, ever leave me. I am always touched by the song "Foot Prints in the Sand". He says that, "In times of trouble, I walked with you all the way. In time you only see a set of footprints, it was then that I carry you." So, never lose hope, never give-up, don't quit, God is there to help... all the way!

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." 1 Peter 5:6-7

Still Begging...

This morning my husband and two children went at the mall. It's been two months since we last took our children on a mall trip. That's was a part of budget-cutting :-)

We took our lunch at Jollibee, my kids favorite fast food restaurant. While eating, my son saw an old beggar. He asked me, "Mommy, what happened to that woman? Why is she dirty?" I answered, "I don't know, maybe she doesn't have a family anymore that could take good care of her?". I saw in my son's eyes how he pity the old woman. She is just one of the many elders left at the streets. No permanent shelter and begging to have something to eat. I asked my son, "Would you allow mommy to beg when I get old?" He answered, "No, I will take good care of you." My heart was touched and I felt my son's sincere desire to help me when I get old.

Parents should be thankful for having caring children. But while preparing for our kids future, while we are helping them build a career, we should also be prepared for our golden years. Our children will have their own life, their own family. We should not put our future on their shoulders.

Biblical Rules

This was sent to me by a friend, just want to share to bless others too:

Rules from God for everyday living:

1. Wake Up !! Decide to have a good day.
"Today is the day the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it" Psalms 118:24

2. Dress Up !! The best way to dress up is to put on a smile. A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks. "The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at outward appearance; but the Lord looks at the heart."
I Samuel 16:7

3 . Shut Up!! Say nice things and learn to listen. God gave us two ears and one mouth, so He must have meant for us to do twice as much listening as talking. "He who guards his lips guards his soul." Proverbs 13:3

4. Stand Up!!..... For what you believe in. Stand for something or you will fall for anything.. "Let us not be weary in doing good; for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good...." Galatians 6:9-10

5. Look Up !!... To the Lord.
"I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me."
Philippians 4:13

6. Reach Up !!... For something higher. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, And He will direct your path."
Proverbs 3:5-6

7. Lift Up !!... Your Prayers.
"Do not worry about anything;
Instead PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING."
Philippians 4:6


Always remember, "God answers prayer".

Puzzle Fanatics 2

Finally, the 1000-piece puzzle is finished! Way ahead from the target we have set. But six puzzle pieces are missing :-(

Life in the Midst of Financial Crisis 2

One of the solutions to cut the family expenses is to transfer our son, Jarrel, in a public elementary school. We have saved P24K in tuition fee; P3,600 in books and P2K in uniforms. Yesterday was his first day in his new school, my husband and I dropped him off. In an hour of staying in the school, we observed its needs and the adjustments that our son needs to cope-up.

Jarrel belongs to Grade I. The class is composed of 50 students. The desk which can accommodate two students is being shared by three. There is only one electric fan, not enough to provide proper ventilation to all students. This situation is far different from 1980's elementary school where I was in. Our class was not crowded, there were only 30 students per classroom. Now, my son needs to adjust with the environment of big crowd and crowded classroom.

I have watched documentaries that enumerated public schools' needs several times. And seeing those in reality moved me to think and ask (once again) what can I do to help. I told my husband to ask if the teacher will allow us to bring a chair for our son. I would also want to talk with my fellow parents if we can contribute/share to buy electric fans. I know our little ways will reduce the burdens that the school are facing. This is an opportunity to show our concern and camaraderie. I just hope people in our government will prioritize the improvement of the educational system in our country.

Puzzle Fanatics

This is a 300-piece glow in the dark Eiffel Tower puzzle

My husband and I got hooked in doing puzzles. We're done with 300 and 500-piece puzzles, and now we are doing a 1000-piece Ravensburger puzzle which I bought three years ago. We started it last month. Everytime I arrived at home from the office, I spend sometime to put 10 puzzle pieces before I go to bed. The activity helps to relieve my stress. Whenever I put the right piece on its place, gives me a sense of satisfaction and happiness. It is not yet done, but we are looking forward to finish it before June ends.

The 1000-piece puzzle we are working on and

targeting to finish before end of June

Put it in a poem...

I wrote this poem four years ago...

Just A Friend

We can talk about anything,
So free to share each other's thought,
No single hesitation in each conversation,
Yet we are just friends.

We open each day with the sweet sound of
"Hi" and "How are you?"
Exchanging texts that expresses
endearment and care,
Yet we are just friends.

We never say we don't have time for each other,
We never failed to listen on each other's burden,
We never get tired to understand and forgive,
And yet we are just friends.

No trials, no fight can build a wall between us,
No dream, no ambition can keep us apart,
Not even the distance can make us forget,
Yet we are just friends.