Food For The Poor, Inc

Here's another "project-for-a-cause" item I would recommend to you. Food For The Poor, Inc aims to help out the poor of the Caribbean. One of their program is called the "Banana Bark." This has helped alleviate the destitute condition of the lives of many people through the creation of variety of jobs for them. One of the products handcrafted with banana bark is this beautiful card which Gabby and I received from a good friend. Visit their website to find out how you can help support this cause. 

 

Uchie's Birthday

What does it take to give generously and unselfishly without asking anything in return? What does it take to easily forgive those people who have hurt you the most? What does it take to have compassion on people who are in need? 

All it takes is LOVE. 

I thank God for you Sis for He has blessed you with a loving and discerning heart. Through it, our lives are touched.  

Here's to celebrate a special day in your life, God's beautiful work of creation - YOUR creation!

Happy Birthday!

God's Commitment

One of the things I remembered during our trip to Hamilo Cove as I gazed at nature before me is God’s commitment to us in Isa 54:10. I stood in amazement at how His understanding created the fixed ordinances of this world. How His wisdom stretched to give purpose to each and every creation.  I lifted my head up to heaven and thanked God for His commitment of loving kindness and peace that cannot be removed, as those mountains created to be undetachable .  

 “For though the mountains should depart and the hills be shaken or removed, yet My love and kindness shall not depart from you, nor shall my covenant of peace and completeness be removed, says the Lord, who has compassion on you.” - Isa 54:10 (Amp)

Hamilo Coast

We found out about a project developing 13 coves at Hamilo Coast in Nasugbu, Batangas into a residential, leisure and recreational haven yet preserving the cove's natural state and habitat. The first phase of the project, which is the Pico de Loro Cove is still 60% from completion. The four level condominium units will be turned over to the owners in December. The pool side will be ready by July.  The lagoon will follow later part of the year. A boat took us to the other cove across Pico. It is smaller but the sand is almost like that in Boracay, whiter and finer. We think that this is a very good investment and worth sharing with friends and people who would like to invest on properties. 

It took us 1 hour and 30 minute to get there from Taal Vista Hotel, via their shuttle van. After viewing the coves, the shuttle brought us back to Taal Vista Hotel where were served sumptuous lunch and desserts. We also get to enjoy the scenery of Taal Volcano. Made me thank God again for His wonderful creations.

THE COVE

Jesus Is My Salvation...Everyday

The nation took a break from school and work in observance of the Lenten Season. Some headed to the provinces, some flew to Boracay and other beaches, some stayed in their own houses and prayed. This is the season when the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for our sins is remembered. In the tradition I grew up to, Holy Week is a solemn and religious time to repent for the sins committed from the past. It is also a time to remember what Jesus went through, to the point of dying on the cross for our salvation. Part of the tradition is to refrain from playing loud and fast music, refrain from eating meat or pork, refrain from going out on Good Friday and Black Saturday, etc. 

When I become a Christian, I was enlightened to see what salvation truly means. And it should not take an occasion once a year to remember it nor believe in those "religious" tradition. Jesus is God's greatest love for us. Jesus is His only begotten son, offered as a sacrificial lamb to redeem us from our sins and transgressions. Wow! I could not imagine how hard and painful it was for God to do this--and how the pain continues up to this time because Jesus continues to carry and bear our sins up to this time. Every time we sin,  the harder and heavier that burden on His shoulder becomes. Along with this, is the acceptance that we are indeed imperfect and flawed that's why we need a perfect God who can complete us and make us whole. That way, we can stand right back up whenever we fall or screw up, without condemnation and move along forward as His faithful sheep. I recognize that I stand today only because of His grace and loving mercy.

Everyday is a battle against sins, and I being imperfect and flawed, desperately need Jesus in my life everyday to win over each battle.  I also rejoice everyday because I know that Jesus is risen and have overcome the world. Therefore I willfully remember Jesus and rejoice everyday knowing that He has overcome the world. This is my salvation! And I am living it everyday!

 

First Sleepover & Barbie

Gabby's first sleepover in Laguna was so much fun. We loved the cool breeze of air made us dose to a sweet and comfy slumber without the need for air conditioning. We don't get to breathe fresh air in Manila anymore, with plants and trees in the surrounding giving out oxygen,  it was quite a respite for us.  

Gabby's friend love Barbie dolls. Her room is filled with her Barbie collection - dolls, dresses, gowns, houses, Barbie appliance and a lot of other stuff.  They played the whole afternoon and through the night, went to bed past midnight. The next day was pretty much like the day before. They played all day. It was always fun dressing up Barbie dolls.  

Sonya's Garden

Sonya's Garden is a haven for people who seeks relief from a mundane lifestyle in the city, for tourists who look beyond a packed down and beaten path, or anybody who are searching for something exotic yet eccentrically memorable. The Garden is not just limited for viewing and hanging about but has a lot more to offer- a soothing salon and spa massages, dining pleasures, freshly baked bread and pastries, useful free lessons on basic gardening, compost making, plant propagation, flower arrangement, wreath making and cooking lessons using herbs.  It also has Country Store, Bread and Breakfast and accepts wedding receptions, honeymoon, birthday parties, special events, etc.

Sonya’s Garden Restaurant & Country Bed and Breakfast is located at Buck Estate, Alfonso, Cavite Philippines.

God And Nature

I posted an entry about Sonya's Garden in my other site as an introduction to my awesome and soothing experience at the garden just as my awesome and sweet experience with my creator. I used to ignore the beauty of nature, not a "nature lover" as they say. I didn't appreciate those flowers I received before from my suitors or even friends. I thought it was boring to go to those places overlooking a scenery or nature. But things change, people change. Now I can say that I love nature. I now appreciate those flowers, I find it worthwhile spending time and looking over a scenery or nature. Why? Because it is God’s creation and I see Him in it. It reminds me of His love, wisdom and power. It gives me peace and assurance that with Him, nothing is impossible. With the wonderful work of His hand I was created, and with it I am safed. Thank You Father! 

I've Got Five Awards In One

I got these awards in one tag from Constance.  Appreciate receiving it from her as she is one of the very good bloggers I have come to know. I enjoy reading your posts.

I am sharing these with equally good bloggers: my mentor Racel, cool Emz, smart Mom Liza,  warm Carnation and exotic Malyn. Girl Power!

My Kid In A Costume Tag

I am doing another one for this tag.  

Gabby was 2 years old here. She came as Elina, a Fairy in an animated film "Barbie Fairytopia" to another Halloween Party. She didn't want to wear this costume at first because the materials it is made of are kinda itchy, aside from the fact that kids at this age are more irritable. The kids had the parachute play, designed their very own pumpkin bag which was later used for trick or treats around the compound of Westgate.

 

Here are the rules:

1. Look for a picture of your child/ren wearing any costumes. For example: a cartoon character, a character from a popular movie or program, animals, flowers, national/country costume, etc.

2. Tell us where you got the costume.

3. Share with us a brief story behind the picture.

4. Pass it on to Mommies like you.

This time I am tagging JoyD When Mom Talks  and SexyMom

 

No More Laziness

I usually have somebody fixed the yearly registration renewal of my car. Just the thought of going to the city transportation office, waiting in a long cue with drivers and other people under the humid weather without the cool airconditioning air makes me not wanting to do it. The laziness and pride ruling over me. So I'd rather pay a "fixer" to get it done for me. What a lazy living creature! Then I realized, three years ago, I was not created a lazy person! We are designed to work, and in the process will develop and improve ourselves to be better creations. So this year, like the past three years after that realization, I filed the renewal myself again. I patiently waited in cue, and didn't think of the discomforts I will experience under this humid weather. Several fixers came up to me offering their services but I refused all of them I won't put my hard earned money to waste. I am able to do things on my own as God designed me to be, a healthy body and a sound mind. No more laziness!   

We Are God's Garden

I was up early this morning, prayed, then swung up to my laptop to blog. I was re reading “Mom’s Garden” and I suddenly remembered a verse in the Bible (1Cor 3:9) where it says that "we are God’s garden and vineyard and field under cultivation." Wow. Like the different plants and flowers in mom’s garden, each one of us was created uniquely by God, each has its own identity yet, we are all equal in His eyes. Each one is rendered His ultimate love, mercy and grace. Knowing and understanding that each one, being imperfect, flawed, blemished and uncultivated, needed His appropriate guidance and care. As our Divine Gardener, He knows best what kind of plants and flowers are to be planted in His garden, as well as allows some organism, bugs and insects to thrive to serve its purpose in the ecosystem. This diversity (as compared to life) aims to produce learnings from different experiences (happy and sad) that add meaning or color in our lives. 

He tends His garden without fail, His Light keeps the plants green and alive without scorching. His Word keeps them covered and wet preventing them to wilt and to shrivel. He is watchful over the sins that are always trying to seep into our lives, like those unwanted weeds in mom’s garden. He plucks them out with His able hands. But His wisdom sometimes allow those weeds, thorns, harmful organism, bugs, insects, even drought or a torrent of water to exist in His garden just as He sometimes allow trials and tests to come into our lives. This I believe happens for a reason. And that is for us to realize how much we desperately need Him in our lives, to learn, to change for the better, to make us stronger and able stand any storm thus, helping us to survive, grow and bear fruit. 

Mom's Garden

One of my mom’s interests is gardening. Not really a green thumb at that, but she can sow a seed, plant or tuber into the ground and somehow make it grow. She has two small gardens at home, one in front and one at the back. She has put together a variety of garden plants and flowers, of different colors, shapes and sizes to create a diversified collection of flora and achieve a more attractive look for her garden. It also serves as natural ornaments and decorations of the house. As there are different kinds of plant, there are also different ways of tending each kind accordingly. Some needs watering every so often, some does not. Several kinds can be exposed to sunlight, there’s that kind that withers instantly under it. A few takes months to grow, a lot sprouts leaves in such a short time.  While considering all these, mom also watches out for the unwanted weeds that instantly grow everywhere and when left unattended, will eat up and envelop her plants. Plus some harmful bugs and insects that would try to ruin it. Yes it takes work to keep your garden healthy and thriving. Hats-off to you Mom!

Gabby Is Advancing To AK5

Last night was the last Parent-Teacher Meeting in Gabby's school. The Principal presided the meeting and announced the activities for the rest of the school year 2007-2008. The school has outlined as well the activities for the Summer Program.  The objective of which is to continue training and educating the children.

One of the matters discussed was the performance of the students. The parents were so happy to receive the good news that all Kinder 4 students ( all six of them, including Gabby ) did very well this school year therefore, all six are promoted to Advance Kinder 5 level (AK5). Basically, it means that they are skipping Kinder 5 this year. Call it promoted, accelerated, stepped up  or whatever you may want to call it...I am so glad she did it (it also means less tuition fee, uniform, school supplies expenses for a year for me. Thank you Father!) I told her she should be proud of herself for studying hard and for being obedient to mommy. She gave herself a pretty good pat on the shoulder! This is because I learned that a child needs to develop internal praise for a job well done as it helps build self confidence. So instead of me telling her "I am so proud of you, honey," I intentionally let it come from her. Hmmm. Interesting, isn't it? I will talk more about this in my next posts. So watch out for it!

Journal For A Cause

I admire those manufacturers or organizations that create and/or sell products or services for a cause. I usually buy these products because I know that it will at least help change a life. I found this "This Journal Will Actually Change Your Life 2008" journal, a unique, not-your-usual planner where all you see inside are plain calendars, the metric table, maps, time conversion table and other unnecessary and not so useful stuff. This particular planner features interesting events in history that has relevance to our world today, useful and practical tips and reminders that can help improve your lifestyle, etc. And what's more important is that all proceeds for this planner will go to the building of wells and schools and the planting of trees around the world! 

Are You A Martha?

How busy can we get? With all the bills, expenses and other stuff lying before us, who could not think about work and getting extra income? Most of the time, we think about how we are going to survive in this world without money, work or a relationship? What food to eat, water to drink, clothes to wear, house to live in. We get so busy keeping our mind busy (yes! its not redundant!) worrying over these things. So we work and work and work. Or shall I say toil, because we would still end up lacking or needy or poor in spite of our working doubly hard.

I remember Martha and Mary in the book of Luke. Martha opened her home to Jesus and His disciples. She had a sister named Mary , who sat down at His feet and kept her focus listening to him. While Martha was so distracted by all the preparations to be made for them she asked the Lord, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself?" And Jesus answered her, "Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but ONLY ONE thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is BETTER, and it will not be taken away from her."

We often forget what's most important in our life. And it is definitely not money, boyfriend or a lover, clothes, a house, a fat bank account, or a job! It is very clear that God is the ONLY ONE we need in order to live. Better than the life we have in this world.  Turn your eyes from anything that destructs you, from the worries and fears of this world. When you turn your eyes upon Jesus , the things of this earth will change in the light of His Glory, His Love and His Power! 

Who are you? 

My Mind, A Battle Ground

It makes me glad and rejoice being reminded everyday of God's Almighty Power, loving-kindness and peace!  I thank Him for His Word, for the Bible which ONLY speaks of the TRUTH. That I am assured because God CANNOT LIE! His word is bigger than every other lie ever spoken in this world! Lies from the devil that are scheming to take away our purpose in life which is to give God Glory!  Yes, everything is in our mind for it is the battle ground. It is in our will and choice to gird it up and hold captive only those productive thoughts and reject those unproductive ones. Bind our mind into only thinking good thoughts. (1Pet1:13) Because those unproductive ones cause toxic, stress, worries and lies. If we choose to let it linger in our mind, it will consume us, until nothing's left of us. 

 

Whenever I get into trouble or have those lies in my head (which we will always have! believe me, the devil is like a roaring lion always looking out for someone to devour 1Pet 5:8), I will not get tired of reminding myself that I am battling against the wicked spirits of the devil therefore I do the ff:

(1) I recognize that those thoughts or feelings are present

(2) Then I acknowledge that anything that is negative and distracts are from the devil (grrrr!) 

(3) I judge that thought! If it doesn't belong to God then it needs to get out of my head!

(4) So I confess with my mouth that I refuse to believe it, I reject it. Because my mind needs to hear me speak, needs to hear me pray. It takes a verbal confession to actually put POWER into your thoughts. Remember, Words are Power! 

Lifeline Foundation Parental Assistance Programme 24-Hour Daycare Centre

With the advent of the call center industry today, there has been a relatively high demand for call center agents to work on graveyard shift at least six times a week. It has opened job opportunities for couples (trying to raise a family) to earn extra income. In a normal family scenario, both parents are probably working from 8am to 5pm five times a week. There are cases on the other hand, where (usually) the wife is left with no choice but to stay home to take care of their child/children. However, given the vital needs of a growing family, the wife had to make her contribution to making ends meet. That's why a lot has considered working at a call center. 

While parents should not feel guilty for having to be away most of the time to work and provide for their family, there is undeniably a vital need for a parent or parents to provide their child/dren their attention, time, actual guidance and care. Leaving the children with a yaya or a househelp whom they do not really know or trust is indeed a valid concern to be considered.

Lifeline Foundation Support Team, Inc a non profit non governmental organization in Manila, has just launched its LIFELINE PARENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMME 24-HOUR DAYCARE CENTRE. It is the First ever 24-hour Daycare Centre in the Philippines which aims to help YOU, hardworking parents and single parents to have peace of mind while ensuring your child's safety and continuing education in the care of professionally trained nannies and professionals. It specifically designed to answer the need of those working graveyard shift (within a 12 hour work block). The facility is equipped with cameras for parental monitoring! 

Click here to find out more!

Living Free

The past weeks have been great! Everyday has been a fresh learning experience of willful surrender to Jesus. Turning away from anything or anyone that distracts. Trusting Him more and more. Choosing not to let my mind be occupied with the worries of this world. Refusing to remain in the dark and obscurity makes me see life in the Light.  For God is Light and in Him, there is no darkness.  If we choose to let these worries creep into our lives, we will remain slaves and victims of the world. Choosing to trust and believe in the bigness of God and the smallness of the things of the world releases us from the chains and actual cords that has bounded us from living FREE in God’s love. 

Vegetable Tempura Delight

Hello! Thank you for visiting my other site and its good to know you are interested on grabbing this. Here is the lowdown of the ingredients and procedures to making that home made Vegetable Tempura delight:

Flour, Cornstarch, Baking Powder (Optional), carrots, mushroom, squash, Baguio Beans, Bell Pepper, Eggplant (or any    vegetables that you can think of!), horse Radish, Japanese Tempura sauce (you can find this in big supermarkets or Japanese Stores) and Ginger.

Procedure:

Tempura Batter:

Mix 2 cups flour, 1 cup cornstarch, about 2 cups of water (or more. Just make sure that you achieve a thick creamy texture). Then add half a teaspoon of baking powder. Add at least 3 cubes of ICE. This will make the batter thicker therefore  enhancing its taste.

Vegetables:

Prepare the vegetables prior to mixing the batter because if you let it sit aside for too long, the batter will get too thick which is not ideal for frying. Also, it is not economical because then, you will have to add in more flour and cornstarch to achieve the right texture again. Then you will end up making more batter than you are suppose to have. Ergo, waste!

Carrots should be shredded, the rest bite size.

Cooking Procedure:

Heat oil in a non stick frying pan. Dip the vegetables in the batter, it should be fully and richly covered with it. Deep fry.

Tempura Sauce:

Add hot water, shredded radish and ginger into the Japanese sauce.

It is better served HOT!

Got An Award From Emz

Emz gave me this award. She said she is passing it on to me, her "new found friend"! Thank you Emz for considering me as your friend and helping me with blogging. This is my new world, and being here for only over a month, has been teaching me a lotabout people and life. I have found new friends as well who are willingly happy to lend a helping hand and share what they know. You know, I learn from and I SEE YOU through your posts! It has been great  meeting all of you on the web. 

I am passing this on to  Annie,  Lisa  and  Malyn

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Pets

 

I grew up without any pets at home, not just because I was asthmatic, but also because my mom is not fond of animals. Though my aunts and uncles used to have dogs around, I never really developed a sense of fondness of them. I am surprised that Gabby is sooo much into having animals around the house. She likes dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, fish just to name a few. We got a poodle, but then again since she is asthmatic (yeah, talk about generational ties) I had to let him stay by the veranda at the back of our house. Since I joined church, I learned that human's compassion on animals resounds the kind of person he or she is. It has a lot to say about respect to God's creation, that including animals.  How one person treats an animal will be the level of compassion and respect that person will render to people. I want Gabby to learn and have that sense of responsibility and respect towards other people, regardless of their status, level or position in life. For the time being, while we are still dealing with asthma ( i know she will outgrow it as I did) and have no choice but to keep "furred-pets" from staying in the house, I decided to get her a gourapa, a small fish that doesn't require oxygen to survive in an aquarium. Gabby's responsibility is to keep 'em alive as long as possible, lol! She feeds them every morning and checks from time to time if the water needs to be replaced and the aquarium cleaned.

 

             Barbie Dora