Friday Photo Flashback #52

This is my photo when I was about 15 years old.

For more great old photos,

Thankful Thursday # 23

I am thankful for the Word of God which inspires, corrects, rebukes, encourages and guides me. It has become my constant companion and friend. Whenever I feel lost, down and clueless, I can always turn to God and read His word. The Word of God is so alive... and I am thankful for it!
For more Thankful Thursday, go to Spiritually Unequal Marriage

WFW - Matthew 11:28

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."Matthew 11:28
I attended a Bible study last week and I learned that this promise was only given to God's children. I used to think that this was a general promise... but based on the context, it is a special promise only to His chosen ones.

I sometimes get overwhelmed with all the decisions I need to make and the things I have to do, but this promise does bring me comfort and encouragement. I am glad that He gave us this promise!

May we find rest and comfort in Him alone!

Pixel Bug Weekend # 30

We had another full weekend. We spent it mostly with the church since there were Bible study classes. But the kids and I took a break on Saturday and we went to SM to do our grocery shopping and of course, mommy couldn't resist the kids when they wanted to ride the merry-go-round!

Friday Photo Flashback #51

This is me (left) and my sister (right).

Taken in 1997.
We went to Baguio with some friends.

I decided to post about this picture because it is my ate's birthday yesterday!

Happy birthday sis!
I am really blessed to have you in my life!
Love yah!

For more great photos,

Will Be Turning 1 Soon!

Inspirational Insights will be turning 1 this May! Now, I am thinking of holding a contest in celebration of its blogversary. I am wondering if you are interested to be one of the sponsors? You can share cash prizes thru paypal or other items you might want to sponsor. Please do leave me a comment here! Thanks for being part of my blogversary!

Do Hard Things Conference

A year ago, I wrote about Do Hard Things. It is a good book especially for tweens and teenagers who want to make a difference for their generation. Now, there is a Do Hard Things conference here in Manila on June 19. If you have teenagers, you might want to check this out for them!

Dear Hubby

Dear Hubby,

We are celebrating our 10th year wedding anniversary next year, but as early as now, I'd like to let you know that I am so glad that God has led us where we are now. The road is not easy and it is narrow, but is a privilege to be serving the Lord with you. I love our family. I know that there are much more in store for us, we just need to be faithful, by God's grace, we would reach the goal God has set for us.

I love you. Looking forward to many more years with you!

Chris

WFW - Colossians 3:1-4

¹Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. ²Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. ³For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. ⁴When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
Colossians 3:1-4
This is a very timely reminder to me. Sometimes with all the choices we need to make, with all the trials we have to face, we can easily forget that we should set our focus on things that really matter.

Funeral Planning

When a family member passes away, it can be difficult for the grieving family. Especially when there are a lot of things and logistics that you have to organize and coordinate. Just like transporting the deceased or shipping human ashes. That is why I think it is best to have funeral plans, especially when you are still alive.

It is never too early to plan for this since you don't know when you will be passing on from this life to the next. Getting a funeral plan can help ease a lot of burdens to the family members that you leave behind. We haven't prepared for this yet but I definitely think that we should include this in our plans for the future. It can be a big help financially and emotionally to those who will be left behind.

Pixel Bug Weekend # 29

We had a busy weekend...

Saturday, my daughter attended her 1st sketching class... and I attended a child dedication wherein I am one of the ninangs.
But my post for today would show pictures taken on Sunday, from the formal installation of my hubby as the Pastor-in-Charge in Greenhills Christian Fellowship-Sta Rosa satellite.

We were also called to the stage and were prayed for by the pastors and elders.

This was taken during 1st service...

This was taken during 2nd service...

Movies

Ever since I was a kid, I have loved watching movies. We used to go to movie theaters to watch Filipino movies every now and then. When I was in college, I also saved up my allowances for good movies. Now I hardly watch movies in theaters but I still watch movies.

I haven't been able to follow the Twilight saga. I heard that Eclipse is coming out in June 2010. It is the 3rd installment of the series. I am not really a fan of Vampire movies so that is why I haven't watched this. But Twilight has definitely made it big! I can't believe that there are Eclipse store online. They have quite a number of interesting Twilight tshirts. Cafepress.com custom tshirts are the brains behind them.

Anyway, movie watching is one of me and hubby's favorite past time. Definitely, I'm looking forward to watching more great movies together.

Friday Photo Flashback #50

I can't believe it! It is already my 50th entry for Friday Photo Flashback... I have been enjoying looking through old pictures and sharing it with you. I wish I had many more but I think I am running out of pictures to share... Anyway, for this week, this is taken in 2001.
Hubby and I went to Boracay. It is a famous beach here in the Philippines.
It has really white and fine sand.

I wish to go back someday with the kids!

Join us at

Dear Bryce

Dear Bryce,

I have been watching Flash Forward because of you. I know that you are looking for Keiko... but Nicole has been there for you since the day you met. I can also see from the last episode that you are falling for Nicole... I hope that you two stay together and even if you meet Keiko one day, I hope you will end up picking Nicole....

One of your fans,

Chris

Still Blessed!

Financially, life has been quite tough recently. With the sickness of hubby and kids, with the prices of basic commodities going up and all sorts of expenses, it makes me wonder how we survive. But we do survive by the grace of God.

God blesses us with people who supports us in prayer and in finances. He also supplies us with opportunities to earn, he gives us coupons we can use to save up on some purchases. We also learned to maximize restaurant coupons. Isn't it amazing how much you save with Savings.com pizza coupons ?

Even if life is difficult, we are still blessed! I know... because He loves us. Amazing.

Are You Blogging TOO Much?

When I started blogging in 2008, I didn't know a thing about it... but as you blog hop and ask around, you learn a thing or two. Now, I don't claim to be an expert but I do enjoy blogging and sharing my stories online. Now, I have 3 sites that I maintain. It can take a lot of time and it also includes blog hoping so I can leave comments and gain visitors too. It can be a lot of work...

There was a time when I realized that I AM BLOGGING TOO MUCH. It has taken most of my waking hours... and I have not meant to do it, but I allowed it. Instead of spending time with my kids, I blog hop or blog... instead of intentional teaching and looking for homeschool materials, I have used all my time.

Now, this article When Blogging Becomes Your First Love, is a great article to read for all bloggers out there! Time to do some personal checking...

Pixel Bug Weekend # 28

That was how our weekend was! We had a blast even if we just stayed home!

Search Me Know Me

Friday Photo Flashback #49

This is my Grade 6 class picture!
Can you find me?

I am the 5th girl from the left on the upper row :)

I got this courtesy of my classmates who posted this one Facebook!

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Happy Easter Letter

Happy Easter! What is it with Easter that makes me hopeful? I guess its because I know that Jesus overcame death and is now preparing a place for me in heaven. I know that death can be a morbid thought but knowing that life doesn't just end here, somehow, gives me hope. Eternity is real and it is because of what Christ has done in the cross. Thank you God for such a great gift!

Always,

Chris

Spring Gathering Giveaways!

Celebrating its 1st anniversary, At The Well is having a Spring Gathering Giveaway and Raffle! Its very easy to join in the fun... so check it out now! The giveaway will end this Friday midnight... hurry!!! Check them out!

Pixel Bug Weekend # 27

With the compliments of my mom, we were able to have an overnight stay in one of the hotels in Manila during the Holy Week. It was a fun family bonding moment! We were able to swim in the pool and the kids loved it!

Then we were able to have dinner with my family.

We were also able to visit Manila Zoo. It was not that great as there were only few animals left in the zoo. The highlight of course was the elephant and the tigers!

I was really happy that we were able to spend time together as a family... I am looking forward to our next vacation!

My Redeemer Lives!

Happy Easter to Everyone!

There is hope because our redeemer lives!

Friday Photo Flashback #48

While I was in high school, I used to represent our classroom in singing contests, as part of a duet or choirs. This picture is taken while I was in 4th year high school. I had a partner and we joined the contest "King and Queen of Hearts '93".

FYI, I never won in any of the contests I joined! :D

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Dear Fool

Dear Fool,

Do you want to continue on being one? You see, the Bible said that "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline."

Do not disregard wisdom and discipline because these will guide you and help you to be wise. If you do not change, the road ahead will only bring destruction.

Here are some warnings for you...

A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son grief to his mother.

He who brings trouble on his family will inherit only wind, and the fool will be servant to the wise.

The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.

So while there is still time, change your ways.

Always,

Chris