A lot like Christmas

Last Saturday, the kids and I got an iPad2 as our 2nd Christmas gift for ourselves. I say 2nd because we purchased an LED TV two weeks prior.

These are the pics taken by my uber adorable children!

Love!

Should I or should I not?

This has long been a question for myself. Ever since the hubby went abroad to work, life has been easy and there is no "real" need. I think I just worry too much.

My reasons for wanting to go back to work (online):

1. Extra moolah for occasional retail therapy. Yes, guilty!

2. Savings!

3. Emergency cash.

4. I feel my skills are wasted if I don't work.

Now, the reasons why I feel I shouldn't:

1. Less time with the kids

2. Migraine might return

3. I'll be really cranky (again)

4. Less time for soul

If you were in my shoes, what would you do?

What happened?

You all may ask.. How'd the party go?

It was a success! Yay!

But it wasn't easy! Nope!

Soon to post my preps.. Still on hibernation :)

Planning a Party : HARD!

This is not my first time to plan a party. I have actually been told I was a born organizer since I was in highschool, planning our soirees and my own debut. I've also had 2 boys, to which I am the sole organizer for all their parties. But I can truthfully say that my daughter's first birthday and the 3 kids' dedication is by far the hardest. It's like playing event organizer to a really hard-to-please client and not getting paid for it. Sigh.

What were my preps?

1. Caterer

2. Photo/Video

3. Venue

4. Motif

5. Giveaways/Souvenirs

6. Outfits

7. Entertainment

8. Food cart

9. Booths

and a lot more (small but) intricate details which are necessary to make this event successful.

And as I have mentioned, I have a hard-to-please-fickleminded client. So help me, God! :)

Here is a pic of our venue : (of which I'm actually quite proud of)

Psalm 27

Psalm 27

New International Version (NIV)

¹ The LORD is my light and my salvation—

whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid?

² When the wicked advance against me
to devour me,
it is my enemies and my foes
who will stumble and fall.
³ Though an army besiege me,
my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me,
even then I will be confident.

⁴ One thing I ask from the LORD,
this only do I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life,
to gaze on the beauty of the LORD
and to seek him in his temple.
⁵ For in the day of trouble
he will keep me safe in his dwelling;
he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent
and set me high upon a rock.

⁶ Then my head will be exalted
above the enemies who surround me;
at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make music to the LORD.

⁷ Hear my voice when I call, LORD;
be merciful to me and answer me.
⁸ My heart says of you, “Seek his face!”
Your face, LORD, I will seek.
⁹ Do not hide your face from me,
do not turn your servant away in anger;
you have been my helper.
Do not reject me or forsake me,
God my Savior.
¹⁰ Though my father and mother forsake me,
the LORD will receive me.
¹¹ Teach me your way, LORD;
lead me in a straight path
because of my oppressors.
¹² Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes,
for false witnesses rise up against me,
spouting malicious accusations.

¹³ I remain confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the LORD
in the land of the living.
¹⁴ Wait for the LORD;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the LORD.

Gummy worm

I worry about my second child. He doesn't live with me right now because of certain circumstances that is currently out of my hand.

He was in the hospital last week, for a viral infection that made him vomit everything he took in. I was super worried. Considering that days and weeks before that, I was telling the hubby about his obvious fall on weight and his changing attitude. I have cried nights. But I'm putting my full trust in my husband on what he said. That it will all soon be okay.

I miss my gummy worm. :(

I miss you...

I talk of forgiveness

Last year was truly a humbling experience for me and my family. I have always believed that it was God's way of telling me that I am only human and that I need Him, my family, my friends and yes, even (I say this with truth in my heart) my enemies.

Healing is a process. Forgiveness is a process. I am on that process. I have forgiven but probably not forgotten. And I am praying that I too, will forget. As these memories have been the stake that crushes my heart and soul. Although I can truly say that I am 80% at peace. There are days when I hear about things that I don't like and definitely do not understand why they were even said, and I still get hurt. I pray that God would give me the strength to surpass all these trials. And that God would bless my enemies' soul so they may find peace in their hearts and be content with what they have and be happy for others too.

I've just read from Bo Sanchez's Soulfood, that I am allowed to be hurt and be angry. Because I am only human. To restore my dignity. And become a part of my healing.

Don’t Rush To Forgive If The Wound Is Grave

When the hurt is very deep, don’t forgive right away.

I am progressing but I cannot say that I have been healed totally. I still hurt. But I am better now. I feel better, I see better, I decide and choose better. I thank God for giving me this grace. And for giving me my support group (most especially my husband).

I know I will soon be healed. I will be stronger and better.

A Question of Faith

*For all those who will read this, don't judge. This is my personal opinion. And I'm entitled to it. If you have anything to say, write it on your own blog. Kthxbai!

I was born a Catholic. And up until now, I still consider myself as one. Maybe I'm not 100% Catholic but it's the religion that works for me the most. I believe most of its teachings and how it has provided me with the faith that I have right now. I have a few things that may or may not follow being a Catholic but I call it, freewill.

This past month have been a grueling, if not, hypocritical for me. I have been juggling my Sundays, my worship days, with 2 religions. I attend the Catholic mass in the morning and then I go to a born-again Sunday worship in the afternoon. Before I did this, I consulted myself, my family (who are ALL Catholics) and God (of course). My reason for doing this is that I was invited by my mother-in-law, who is a (renewed) devotee of the born-again Christian fellowship. The children and I were left in her care by my dear husband when he left for his work abroad. And being a doting daughter-in-law and a "law"-abiding citizen (plus the fact that my faith teaches me to "Honor thy father and mother."), I obliged and followed.

Call me whatever you want to call me. I may do so as well if I had your point-of-view. But I know what I want and I know my own faith. I know what I believe in. As my husband says, everything will fall into their right places SOON. I trust that will happen. The Lord has never given me anything I could not handle. I trust that too.

*** I will probably make another blog post about this when things have changed... or not.

The K-raze!

I have been on hiatus for the past (almost) 2 months simply because, I was addicted. Yes. I was. Probably, still am. Ask me on what? On Kpop! I've been bitten by the kpop bug!

It actually started with a Show Lo chi-drama (yes, chinese!), then I moved on to Marry Me, Mary which I originally saw on local TV. I am naturally an impatient person so I had to buy the DVD with English subs. Some parts simply had incoherent subs so I had to ask around and was directed to a streaming site! Yey! Many thanks to my dear friend, Hyun Shin Yee (not her real name).

Here are pics of the "guys" I follow on Kdrama. I actually think they have similar physical traits with 'ze hubby that's why I like them. Haha.

Hyun Bin
Gong Yoo
Show Lo
Jang Geun Suk

**credit to uploaders

Thank you Hubby!

This post is dedicated to my wonderful husband, who's celebrating his 32nd birthday this Friday, July 8, and whom we dearly miss. He's abroad working, to bring food to our table.

I have always thought of going back to work. I still actually have that feeling of my need for work. But I am THANKFUL that my husband is as responsible as he is and is doing his best to provide for us. I seriously don't have to work. We have enough. Not much, just enough. And I am blessed to be able to spend my days and nights with my babies. And no matter how much I go crazy at times because I miss the hubby so much, I am still at that state where I'm content and happy.

I love you By! I'll forever be grateful for what you have given us.. me..

Happy 32nd birthday!

"Here Without You"

A hundred days have made me older
Since the last time that I saw your pretty face
A thousand lies have made me colder
And I don't think I can look at this the same
But all the miles that separate
Disappear now when I'm dreaming of your face

I'm here without you baby
But you're still on my lonely mind
I think about you baby
And I dream about you all the time
I'm here without you baby
But you're still with me in my dreams
And tonight it's only you and me

The miles just keep rollin'
As the people leave their way to say hello
I've heard this life is overrated
But I hope that it gets better as we go

I'm here without you baby
But you're still on my lonely mind
I think about you baby
And I dream about you all the time
I'm here without you baby
But you're still with me in my dreams
And tonight girl its only you and me

Everything I know, and anywhere I go
It gets hard but it wont take away my love
And when the last one falls
When it's all said and done
It gets hard but it wont take away my love

I'm here without you baby
But you're still on my lonely mind
I think about you baby
And I dream about you all the time
I'm here without you baby
But you're still with me in my dreams
And tonight girl its only you and me

Revived!

I have been a hermit!

I missed blogging. Internet was down for a few days and I have been really busy with momhood. But now I'm back! And I hope this one's for good. (regular updates, please)

So, what has happened? Let me tell you a quick view... first, was my eldest son's 9th birthday. Oh, that was a busy day, err, week! MIL and I cooked and prepped food for his classmates and teachers on the day of his birthday. Then I prepped for another party that was held here at our house Saturday of that week. I was here and there afterwards. Now, its the fourth of July and it's a hurray day for me, considering I've got most bases covered now. Bills and all. I just need to find myself a good project this month so I can help out in payments and of course, buy myself a really nice gift. Just because.

Hope to see you guys here soon!

Today's Gospel

I got this email because I'm subscribed to Bo Sanchez's website :

ANYTHING BUT THAT

“But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you…” – Matthew 5:44

I was very angry with somebody. No… the word angry is mild. I was livid.

I had a mixture of emotions about something that transpired, and my human instinct told me that I needed to strike back to defend myself. But it was something I knew I didn’t want to do. Instead, I lashed out at another person involved and said all the hurtful words I could say. The sleeping monster inside me awoke.

I carried this anger in my heart for many years. And each time I came across the chosen verse above, I would always cringe. Love my enemies? Pray for those who persecute me?... “Lord! Please make me do anything but that!”

To this day that remains a tall order for me. It is not easy. I prayed for the blessing of time, believing that it heals all wounds, and that in God’s perfect time the anger in my heart will fade.

True enough, the time came. It felt as if a big thorn in my heart was pulled out. Only then did I actually know what it’s like to forgive — the peace of Christ enveloped me and renewed my spirit.

May His peace fill your heart every day. Nova Arias (nova.svp@gmail.com)

14

REFLECTION:

Was there ever a time when you loved your enemy? If you managed to do it once, you can do it over and over again.

Grant me a change of heart, O Lord

This struck me hard as it was so close to what I felt recently. Very similar. And I am very thankful that I have been free from this tragedy. Now, although I may still hold grudge on some people, the feeling is not as bad as it was last year. The cliche goes that, time heals all wounds, and I know it would. God has never given up on me and never left me. Who would've thought I would come to a point where I am deeply humbled by my experiences and it has taught me a lot about myself and others. I continue to pray that I will always be reminded of how lucky I am to have been forgiven and receive forgiveness.

What I have now...

Got a mail regarding a comment in one of my old blogs. So I started to read. I was a really unhappy, depressed, whiny woman! That was 5 years ago. I think I still am, though, but in a mature kinda way (that, I'd like to think!).

I was really sad. I can't help but pity the person I was. I was constantly looking for things from different areas in my life. I only had 1 child then. Maybe the kids brought more "life" to me, more optimism. Come to think of it, I think I have more patience, more time, more humility, more "ground".. I'm more like what I need to be.

I guess it was the pressure. It was the environment, the people around me. Actually, things started to get really bad after that. Then it was okay again. Then bad again. Okay, bad, okay, bad. It's okay now though. And I seriously hope it stays this way. Although there are missing "parts" of me now (hubby being away and all), I still consider this time as one of the "better" days.

See yah.

Satan’s Letter … a memoir of days…

Hey you,

I saw you yesterday as you began your daily chores. You awoke without kneeling to pray. As a matter of fact, you didn’t even bless your meals or pray before going to bed last night. You are so ungrateful. I like that about you. I cannot tell you how glad I am that you have not changed your way of living.

Fool, you are mine. Remember that you and I have been going steady for years and I still don’t love you yet. As a matter of fact, I hate you because I hate God. I am only using you to get even with God. He kicked me out of heaven and I am going to use you as long as possible to pay him back.

You see, Fool, GOD LOVES YOU, and He has great plans in store for you. But you have yielded your life to me, and I’m going to make your life a living hell. That way, we’ll be together twice. This will really hurt God. Thanks to you. I’m really showing Him who’s boss in your life. With all of the good times we’ve had… We have been watching dirty movies, cursing people out, partying, stealing, lying, hypocriting, fornicating, overeating, telling dirty jokes, gossiping, backstabbing people, disrespecting others and those in leadership, NO respect for the Church, bad attitude: SURELY you don’t want to give this all up.

Come on Fool, let’s burn together forever. I’ve got some hot plans for us. This is just a letter of appreciation from me to you. I’d like to say THANKS for letting me use you for most of your foolish life. You are so gullible. I laugh at you. When you are tempted to sin, you give in… HA HA HA, you make me sick.

Sin is beginning to take its toll on your life. You look 20 years older, I need new blood. So go ahead and teach children how to sin. All you have to do is, smoke, drink alcohol, cheat, curse, gamble, gossip, fornicate, and do all things bad. Do all of this in the presence of children and they will do it too. Kids are like that.

Well, Fool, I have to let you go for now. I’ll be back in a couple of seconds to tempt you again. If you were smart, you would run somewhere, confess your sins, live for God with what little bit of life that you have left. It’s not my nature to warn anyone, but to be your age and still sinning, it’s becoming a bit ridiculous. Don’t get me wrong, I still hate you… IT’S JUST THAT YOU’D MAKE A BETTER FOOL FOR CHRIST.

SATAN

P.S. And if you really love me, you won’t share this letter with anyone.

————————-

UST-DWTL Batch 21

Starting Small

I have been a Virtual Assistant for the last 6 years, but took a "leave-of-absence" the past year. I gave birth to my little girl and the hubby asked me to lie-low for a while. As a doting wife and mother, I obliged. No questions asked.

Now that my little girl is getting older and Bigger! I have decided I would like to go back to work again. Freelance this time. I'm starting small by coaching, consulting and some writing. 4 hours a day is probably not bad for this mom.

Lookit my new "flyer"/marketing stuff for The VA Coach :

Sounds good? Spread the love.. please! :)

Back in the game?

How do I go back in being a work-at-h0me-mom? It has been months (ok, a year maybe) since I haven't been doing some real work online. Hubby and mother-in-law asked me not to. But this time, since things are going downhill (well, not exactly.. i just can't seem to think of a better word) financially, I think I need to revive an old money-making business.

How do I do that? It's not like I have all the time in the world. I have learned to be too domesticated the last couple of months, that I have my hands full already. So yes, please tell me how do I do it?

I know I'm good at certain "virtual assistance" stuff but I'm humble enough to say not all of them.

I will start small. Small steps again. Then I'll tell you about it.

While waiting, you can visit my other sites :)

http://virtualassistant.i.ph

http://beautyreview.i.ph

http://radiantbrown.wordpress.com

http://manilaassistant.webs.com (my business website)

Chuck Bass is in town

Well, I don't know yet if its official. News just say he'll be here for a photoshoot for a local clothing brand. They say he'll be here first week of June!

Oh, I'm such a fan girl!

Making ends meet

Things have been pretty harsh (financially) for us this past year. It was the hardest time we've had.. ever. And though we've managed to make ends meet, there are days when I still panic that we might not have food on the table. Yes, I am a worry-wart. I don't intend to be, and I know the hubby is almost always stressed by it, but I can't help it. I worry that my kids won't have what they need, when they need it. I worry that there will come a time we would need to ask help from people we don't know, just because we are THAT poor.

Situations have come and gone, but thank God, we have always been able to manage. There was always food on the table, and clothes to wear. I have also learned to be humble and simple. I realized that it's the best way to enjoy what we have for the day, to be happy and be less stressed.

I am a housewife. I used to be a work-at-home mom, but my hubby requested me to just stay at home and take care of the kids. I found this very hard to do, but I did it. I also somehow, enjoy it. I love being with my kids. I love doing stuff that I never had the chance to do when I was working 3 jobs a day. Although sometimes, I still wonder if its the best decision since we don't have savings. What if something happens and we need money? I honestly don't know. As ironic as it sounds, I still need time to think about that.

What made me smile today

This was today's pic. The youngest (my baby girl), Tanya, was fighting with his Kuya Juju, and was trying to get his notebook. She was tapping furiously at the keys, so Kuya was getting mad. the little girl, also got mad, and shouted. LOL. Happy days.