You're Here With Me

A song from my heart. Lord, You're all I want, You're all I need!

Then Sings My Soul Saturday - No One Else Knows

Here is a great song I recently heard. Whenever you feel like no one else understands what you are going through, remember that the love of the Lord is real.

Then Sings My Soul Saturday - Remember

When we are faced with trials, let us remember Jesus Christ who endured everything for us.

WFW - John 5:30

If Jesus Himself came to please the Father who sent Him,
how much more should we do everything to please our Father in Heaven?

(Image Source)

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WFW - Mark 5:19

Do you agree with me in saying that one of the most difficult things to do is share our faith with our family? Somehow, they don't always believe in what we say. maybe because they see how we really live at home and it takes longer time for them to see the change in us!
May this verse today remind us to go back to our homes and share our faith with those precious people in our families.

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The Gospel According to Jesus Review

This book has been with me for a year now and it took me so many months to finish reading it for the simple fact that this book contains rich truths and thought provoking statements. Chris Seay challenges what you think you already know about "righteousness" and the "gospel". He continues to give a clear picture of man's fall because of sin and how man has been justified through Christ. Aside from the theological truths, one will also see practical tips on how to live out one's faith. This is a good book to read for new Christians and old Christians alike. The truths you will learn from this book can lead you to better understand your faith in God.

WFW - Matthew 10:22

(source)

There are days that life will seem to be filled with trials and heartaches, but we should remember, that Jesus is with us. He is faithful and He shall see us through the end.

Let us stand firm to the end!

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Then Sings My Soul Saturday - God of Wonders

God is great! Sometimes, when life's trials and challenges seem TOO BIG for us, let us remember how great our God is. All of life's trials are just temporary and they shall pass. But our God will always be there for us!



This is by Third Day, one of my favorite bands....

WFW - Malachi 3:7

( source)

Throughout reading the later part of the Old Testament, I have learned that God has sent out so many warnings to the Israelites! Yet, they didn't turn to God and they had to learn the hard way.

Sometimes, we are like the Israelites too. All the warnings are in His word yet people fail to realize what they are doing is wrong and contrary to His commands. I pray that it will not be too late for us to heed His word and return to the Lord!

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IT Thoughts

I have not been doing web programming for the past 10 years now. I probably have forgotten most of my programming actually. Though it was my college major, I didn't really love programming, whether for the web or programming systems.

But since I started blogging 3 years ago, my IT background was put into good use once again. Though I admit I am not a very artsy person so I didn't pursue blog theme development. I remember HTML but that's it. I enjoy using plugins instead of hard coding widgets into my blogs. I am thankful to see that there are several plugins available like jquery slider which provides Wordpress plugins which I can use for my blogs. . I like the very neat way that the images move, just like a slide show! It is very visually appealing! It can definitely make your blog more attractive. Aside from displaying your posts, you can also explain a process more visually!

I definitely am hoping for some blog theme update soon and I do plan to incorporate this widget to my sites!

WFW - Habakkuk 3: 19

(image source)

To better appreciate this verse... let us read the verses that come before.

Even though the fig trees have no blossoms,
and there are no grapes on the vines;
even though the olive crop fails,
and the fields lie empty and barren;
even though the flocks die in the fields,
and the cattle barns are empty,
¹⁸ yet I will rejoice in the Lord!
I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!
¹⁹ The Sovereign Lord is my strength!
He makes me as surefooted as a deer,^[e]
able to tread upon the heights.

I am truly thankful that God is my anchor. No matter how I feel, how things turn out in my life, everything is anchored in God. I know that I can be joyful in my salvation. I find joy, strength and calm in my God!

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Then Sings My Soul Saturday - Saving Grace

I don't deserve His love yet He saved me. How can I not follow and love you Lord? You are my one desire, my only Truth.

A Review of Solo Flight

Being married for many years, I have always wondered what is it like to be single all these years. Now that I have a copy of Solo Flight Embracing the Single Life and Discovering God's Purpose by Grace D. Chong and Francie Castaneda-Lacanilao, I read it at once to gain some insight.

I found the book to be very interesting...in fact, it didn't take me 2 hours to read through the whole book. I thought that I was going to read about how to wait for God's perfect mate or what to do while waiting but I was mistaken. Instead, the first part was actually the life story of Ms. Francie. The book narrated her journey through life until God gave her the life long partner she had been waiting for. It was very inspiring and encouraging to know her story.

The second part features different stories of different women who have embraced singleness in their life. The stories give you a reflection of what goes on in the heart of these women who have accepted their singlehood and others who still hold on and wait for their mate. Reading the stories gave me a new perspective about singleness and appreciate the plans God has for each one of us.

The last part of the book is about danger signs single women should watch out for. God has a different plan for each person, what really matters is whether we live our life in obedience and in praise of Him.

WFW - Psalm 119:133

(image source)

When you are faced with decisions, don't forget to ask for wisdom from the Lord. He shall direct your footsteps... and He shall not bring you to shame.

Dear Lord,

Direct my footsteps every step of the way. Let no sin rule over my life. I know you are watching over me.

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Tips to Earn More

If I ask you, do you want to learn how to make more money? I am pretty sure that you would answer me "yes". Everyone wants to learn the art of making money. As a stay at home mom, I know I need to earn extra for some expenses we have at home. I am so glad that I have been given the chance to earn while writing some articles. I started with technical articles in 2008 and moved on to blogging and writing parenting articles. Of course, I only earn minimally though this avenue but still I am really grateful.

I read in this website that there are top 3 ways to earn more money and it includes freelancing, productizing and getting a higher salary. It is not easy to venture into them if you are not aware what each entails. It is important to know where you would fit and how each would fit into your lifestyle. There are pros and cons you need to be aware of. If you want to start a business, it would be wise to know if you need to use automation or not. Most of the start up businesses do not use automation because it can incur unnecessary expenses, besides you are not sure if the business will be needing automation at once.

So just like in any other venture, you need to be aware and willing to take risks to know which is the best one for you.

Inspirational Blog Award

Thanks to JONA for this award!

Q & A

1. What makes you laugh, smile or giggle?

- wonderful memories of family and friends

2. What are your dreams for your future?

- to travel the world and learn new languages

3. If you were to go on a cruise, where would it be and why?

- Europe, very interesting culture.

4. How would you like to spend your vacation and with whom?

- With my family.

5. If given a chance, what life would you choose? Your life now or your past?

- Can I choose both? :)

6. Is there something that you wished for when you were young but you did not get it?

- yes, lots of them.

7. Have you been in a situation where you might have given up but still you chose to move on?

- yes, many times. i remember not being accepted in my desired university, i was depressed but God gave me opportunity to study in a good university as well. i moved on.

8. Is there someone in your life who has been your source of strength and inspiration?

- Yes, my God has been my source of inspiration and strength.

Friendship Quotes

A real friend is someone who would feel loss if you jumped on a train, or in front of one. ~Author Unknown


True friendship comes when silence between two people is comfortable. ~Dave Tyson Gentry


You can always tell a real friend: when you've made a fool of yourself he doesn't feel you've done a permanent job. ~Laurence J. Peter


Friends are those rare people who ask how you are and then wait for the answer. ~Author Unknown


A friend is the one who comes in when the whole world has gone out. ~Grace Pulpit


One doesn't know, till one is a bit at odds with the world, how much one's friends who believe in one rather generously, mean to one. ~D.H. Lawrence


Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art.... It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things that give value to survival. ~C.S. Lewis


Constant use will not wear ragged the fabric of friendship. ~Dorothy Parker


The best kind of friend is the one you could sit on a porch with, never saying a word, and walk away feeling like that was the best conversation you've had. ~Author Unknown


The language of friendship is not words but meanings. ~Henry David Thoreau


A true friend is one who thinks you are a good egg even if you are half-cracked. ~Author Unknown

Venture Capital Firms

If you wanted to start your own high potential high risk company, you might need to read about venture capital firms. Venture capital firms looks for companies usually in the IT or biotechnology fields. Most of the time, they are looking for innovative technology, company with potential for rapid growth, a well-developed business model, and an impressive management team behind the start up company. The firm invests with the hope that as the company rises, the firm will have more control over company decisions.

It could be difficult to approach venture capital firms if you don't know much about entrepreneurship. It is rather interesting that as I read Both Sides of the Table website, you can see greater insight about venture capital and entrepreneurship. I liked the article on start up advice. It definitely gave me tips on how to go about starting up a business.

I am not an entrepreneur, even if they say Chinese are good in business, I don't think that gene was passed on to me! But it is always good to learn more about business and how it works.

Then Sings My Soul Saturday - Because You Loved Me

4 Hour Work Week?

I have not heard of Tim Ferriss before but as I checked out his website, I realized that he is the author of 4-Hour Workweek book. I was wondering what the 4- Hour Workweek was all about and I saw that it was all about changing your lifestyle. If you have been used to a life doing the usual work routine and you have always dreamed to work on minimal time with maximum output so that you can do things that you enjoy, this book would be of interest to you.

When I was still working in an office many years ago, I was actively involved in church ministry work and also very active socially. I had many travel plans but was always restricted with my 5 day work and desk job. I tried to start my own business with some friends but it didn't work out so we had to close it down. I tried to study about cashflow management because I want my money to work for me. It would be great to be able to invest money on the Philippine stock market and make money work.

I guess the lesson we need to learn from this book and this author is that we should maximize the hours in our day. Life is not just about work but living a life worth waking up to every day.

WFW - Daniel 2:27-28

(source: heartlight)

When Daniel told this to King Nebuchadnezzar, he wasn't afraid of what might happen to him. He just wanted to let others know that His God is great, unlike any other. This really makes us all think - are we brave enough to tell others about the God we serve? Even when it puts our life in danger?

Let us all remember what a great God we serve! No need to be ashamed or to be afraid.

Check out Internet Cafe Devotions for more WFW!

OMF Literature at Manila International Book Fair

It is the time of year again when all book lovers are excited! The annual Manila International Book Fair will happen at SMX Convention Center on September 14-18! One of my favorite booths to visit is OMF!

All books at the OMF Lit Bookshop booths at Aisle D will be at 20% off, visitors with the I Read Postcard can avail of selected titles at 30% off. They can get the postcards for free at any OMF Lit Bookshops in the Metro Manila area.

Booklovers can also look forward to the launch of new titles from both homegrown and international authors.

• Hula, Multo, Faith Healing Atbp by Pastor Hiram Pangilinan explains the different occult practices in the Philippines and how people can break free from them
• Pass or Fail by Ronald Molmisa, a practical and relevant book that teaches young people how to be the best student ever (in Taglish format)
• Solo Flight by Grace Chong and Francie Castaneda-Lacanilao, a guide to single women and how they can make the most of their lives
• The Last Man Dancing: The Nestor de Villa Story by Gicky Soriano, a biography of Mr. De Villa and his faith journey, written by his son
• Oh Mateo 14: Tree for All by Grace Chong which teaches kids good stewardship and taking care of the environment
• The Great Crocodile and Duck Race by Robert Magnuson which teaches kids to get along while at play
• Bee Safe by Joyce Piap Go, a practical and informative book that teaches kids how to be safe in their environment
• Dopple Ganger Chronicles Vol 2: The Secret of Indigo Moon by G.P Taylor, a graphic novella featuring more adventures from twins Sadie and Saskia and their friend Eric
• Cupidity by Hayley and Michael DiMarco talks about 50 stupid things people do for love and how you can avoid them
• Making Room for Leadership by MaryKate Morse, a practical study on the gift of power of servant-leadership
• Things I Wish I'd Known Before We Got Married by Gary Chapman, a practical little book, packed with wisdom and tips that will help many develop the loving, supportive and mutually beneficial marriage men and women long for
• Think by John Piper brings together the life of the mind and the love of God
• What Women Don't Know (and Men Don't Tell You) by Michelle McKinney Hammond and Joel A. Brooks Jr features the unspoken rules of finding lasting love
• Workplace Grace by William Carr Peel and Walt Larrimore which deals with becoming a spiritual influence at work

You will also get the chance to meet and greet these home-grown authors on the following dates:
o Joyce Piap Go - September 14
o Francie Castaneda-Lacanilao - September 14
o Grace Chong - September 14
o Hiram Pangilinan - September 16
o Gicky Soriano - September 16
o Ronald Molmisa - September 17

If you want to find out what books will be on sale, check out this link.

To find out more about all the activities and happenings at the OMF Lit booth, log on to www.omflit.com or like OMF Literature on facebook/omfliterature or follow us on twitter @omflit.

WFW - Ezekiel 36:26-27

(source: heartlight)

Through this verse, I can clearly see that the new spirit within me is all God initiated. He is the one who will start the change within me. God will move me to follow His decrees. Isn't that great news? It means that the changes that happens in me, is not just for the moment but something that will last for a lifetime. Because of God's character and faithfulness.

Check out Internet Cafe Devotions for more WFW!

Struggles Through God's Perspective

Today's preaching was about how we should view struggles in life through God's perspective. Peter knew hardship was as he himself faced severe trials during his days and as he wrote to the other Christians during their deepest struggles. He said in 1 Peter 1:6-7 "These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world."

Here is a video you should watch as it can change your perspective about the struggles you are facing in your life.

Then Sings My Soul Saturday - My Desire

Another beautiful song by Jeremy Camp.
The desire of my heart is to be used by God, wherever He puts me.

Builders That Inspire

A couple of weeks ago, we went to SM Mall of Asia and we saw a photo exhibit entitled "Ang Ganda ng Pilipinas, Ang Galing ng Pilipino". This was courtesy of Lego. They featured different Filipino families who inspire others to change and live a life that inspires others!

I loved the theme "Builders That Inspire" and was so amazed by the different families featured!

Janice Villanueva of MommyMundo.com was featured..

Dr. Queenie Lee Chua was also featured...

Homeschooling family of Edric Mendoza from The Master's Academy (TMA) was also featured..

There were more families featured.. and each one has a story to tell!

I hope that many people were able to visit the exhibit, it was truly inspirational!

WFW - Jeremiah 10:7

(source)

As I am reading through book of Jeremiah, I noticed how much heartache God has because of His people. His heart was broken so many times by the very people He loved.

Often times, we forget who God really is and what is due for a King like Him. No one is like Him and we should revere Him, respect Him and adore Him.

Does our life reflect this kind of love for Him?

Check out Internet Cafe Devotions for more WFW!

Letters and Cards

When I was younger, one of my treasures were the letters and cards I have received from friends, siblings and relatives. As I re-read those letters earlier today, I realized how important sending out cards and letters can be. It can bring encouragement, inspiration and love to another person's heart. While some letters can also bring memories of heartaches and pain, but it can also affirm how you have matured and grown from your experiences.

I was blessed by reading all those notes today at my parent's place. I had to do some cleaning up so I had to let go of them. I didn't get to keep all of them, but they will forever be etched in my memory and in heart.

Our Home

It is every girl's dream to have her own house someday. It doesn't matter if that is an apartment she rented or a house she bought. As long as the house is a place where she can reign and redesign. I remember when I was young, I was always fascinated with house magazines. I wanted to see the different styles of homes and I wanted to design the interiors of a house. Though I never really became a professional interior designer but I am glad that God gave me the opportunity to design and arrange the apartment we lived in when my hubby and I got married and God gave me another chance to do that again, here at our own house. Though this house is not my dream house, I am very glad and blessed that we have a place we can call our own.

We didn't get this house through real estate lead generation or any random chance. It is truly God's hand at work because He allowed us to purchase this house at a low cost. He knew that we only earn through 1 income and we couldn't pay a high amount. Also, He knew that one day, my hubby would become a pastor to a local church in this town so He prepared the place for us in advance.

I am overwhelmed and thankful everytime I remember how we got this house and how it fits to our life and ministry now. Truly, God is at work in our lives, way before we even know what is happening. He works in every area of our life, be it in the spiritual side or in practical matters too.

WFW - Isaiah 41:4

(source: heartlight)

Often times when we are faced with great difficulty, we forget who God is or how great He is. We always see the problems at hand, but God is great and from the beginning, He has proved to His people just how great He is.

So if you are facing tough challenges, don't forget that you have a BIG God! He is bigger and greater than all your problems.

Check out Internet Cafe Devotions for more WFW!

Then Sings My Soul Saturday - Blessings

I heard this beautiful song last week when the worship team in church sang this song. It had a great message and I really liked it!
"What if the trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise.."

Health Insurance

As a stay at home mom, I believe it is truly important that we become aware about our health and health care insurance. Most of the time, we neglect to invest on ourselves and it is often too late when we realize the need.

We should invest on health care because we all know that the day will come when we would need Medicare supplements should we get sick and need some assistance. It is also important to know what the government health care insurace like Philhealth would provide. Medicaid info from the government is something that we should be familiar with so that we can pay for our contributions properly in preparation for the time that we would need their services. If we don't have any healthcare insurance, should we get sick, our family would be burdened by the sudden medical expenses and this could add to the problems on hand. It is wise to plan ahead and save up before we actually need the money.

My Thoughts for Today

There are days that I really feel the pressure of having less in terms of finances. These are the days when the bills just seemed unending, and then several things at home seem to be starting to fall apart, showing signs of being worn out and items needing to be purchased. These are the days when I want to do something but because of limited finances, I know that I have to put my plans on hold. These are the days that makes you want to re-think if you are doing what God wants you to do, but how come I feel limited and unable to do much because of limited finances?

But then, after praying, I begin to realize that these are the opportunities for God to show His favor upon me. God provides opportunities so that I can see His hand and His presence over my life. Even in the midst of uncertainty, God will show Himself to me. He may not answer my prayer the way I expect Him to, but God IS answering my prayers. He knows what is best for me and WHEN things should happen.

Peace in the midst of uncertainty because I know that Jesus is with me - that is enough blessing for me today.

Dating Tips From Parents

Dating is an important subject that parents must discuss with their kids. I believe that parents should be the primary influence in a child's life therefore while they are young, we need to be able to tell teach them about important issues in life such as dating. There will come a time in the child's life when she or he will wonder about first date ideas. I think it would be great if parents and the child have an open communication so that the child can ask any sort of question she or he might have about first dates. It is important that the parents do not dismiss the questions because the child is really curious and wants to share a sensitive topic in his or her life.

The parent could share some dating experiences and give some real life scenarios about dos and donts when going on dates. If the parent isn't sure where to start, they can discuss a movie they have recently seen about dating and relationships. The can even surf the net together to look at top dating sites.

Teaching our children about the dating and relationships is integral because there will come a time when the child will decide by himself or herself who they want to be with. As parents, we can only support their decisions and stand by them when the time comes. I believe it is better to be proactive than be reactive.

Then Sings My Soul Saturday - Like Eagles

A refreshing song to listen to!

Happy Community Foundation

Once in a while, you come across some organizations which inspire you to share more of yourself. Happy Community Foundation is one of those.

"Happy Community Foundation is a licensed non-profit, non-religious, non-government foundation serving within the diverse communities of Bangkok, Thailand."

By serving the people of Thailand in the following ways, we hope to improve the general welfare of inner-city communities:

-improving family life through counseling and other relevant resources

-providing programs that promotes quality education

-helping with basic healthcare needs

-offering livelihood training

This individuals who volunteer in helping the people in Bangkok volunteer because they love the people in the area... if we want them to continue doing their outreach, it is important that we do our share by praying for them and by sharing thru financial support, book donation or volunteering.

Then Sings My Soul Saturday - Take My Life

When I first heard this song during Kyla's ballet recital, i really loved it! what a beautiful song- offering one's life to the Lord!

Diaper For A Cause

Diaper For A Cause is an on-going project by Pinay Mama in celebration for her child, Elijah's 2nd birthday! This is for Baguio General Hospital maternity ward.

Accordng to the blog, they are in need of:
60 packs of newborn diaper
60 packs of adult diaper
20 packs of medium size diaper
20 packs of large size diaper
20 packs of XL size diaper

If you want to join this noble cause, they are open for possible sponsors of food and baby items. For more questions feel free to e-mail AYIE@PINAYMAMA.COM and check out the
DIAPER FOR A CAUSE FAN PAGE.

WFW - Psalm 46

Life has been a bit chaotic for me for the past weeks, with our internet connection not working properly, so has been my laptop. But God has been faithful and constantly provides for all my needs. Thank you Lord for being faithful- for being You! For always showing me, that you are always in control.

Check out Internet Cafe Devotions for more WFW!

Moving Words Monday : Psalm 118:24

When it is gloomy and life is hard, we often complain and forget about what God has blessed us with. Today, we are reminded to rejoice and be glad, because no matter what we face ahead of us, God has chosen to give us another day to live. There is hope in Him!

Stay on the Path of Purity

Psalm 119: 9-16

How can a young person stay on the path of purity?

By living according to your word.

I seek you with all my heart;

do not let me stray from your commands.

I have hidden your word in my heart

that I might not sin against you.

Praise be to you, LORD;

teach me your decrees.

With my lips I recount

all the laws that come from your mouth.

I rejoice in following your statutes

as one rejoices in great riches.

I meditate on your precepts

and consider your ways.

I delight in your decrees;

I will not neglect your word.

Psalm 112

What a great blessing from the Lord!

1Blessed are those who fear the LORD,

who find great delight in his commands.

² Their children will be mighty in the land;
the generation of the upright will be blessed.
³ Wealth and riches are in their houses,
and their righteousness endures forever.
⁴ Even in darkness light dawns for the upright,
for those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous.
⁵ Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely,
who conduct their affairs with justice.

⁶ Surely the righteous will never be shaken;
they will be remembered forever.
⁷ They will have no fear of bad news;
their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the LORD.
⁸ Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear;
in the end they will look in triumph on their foes.
⁹ They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor,
their righteousness endures forever;
their horn will be lifted high in honor.

Thankful Thursday

I am so thankful that we have begun our 2nd year of homeschooling the kids. We are all very excited with what we are learning daily and how the kids grow! It is amazing to be able to be a part of their learning process! I pray for a fruitful homeschooling year for us. It will be the first time we are homeschooling both of our kids. To God be the glory!

WFW : Psalm 68:3

Being happy and joyful is a product of being right with God.
If we are right with God, our life would be in the proper perspective and eventually, we would be joyful and happy.

If we are not happy and joyful, maybe it is time to do a heart check!

Check out Internet Cafe Devotions for more WFW!

Max on Life by Max Lucado

Along our Christian walk, we always have questions in life. It could be questions about life itself, our circumstances, our faith and about God. We don't always have the luxury of finding time to talk to someone who knows the answers to our questions or the questions might be too personal to ask. Max on Life by Max Lucado answers these type of questions. The book is actually a question and answer type of book. It is a compilation of 172 questions Max Lucado has received over the years being a pastor and a writer at the same time.

The questions are categorically arranged. The 7 categories are hope, hurt, help, him/her, home, haves/have-nots and hereafter. The questions are real life and challenging. Max being the gifted devotional writer that he is, answers the different questions based from the Scriptures and uses real life examples to make his point. I thought I would get bored reading this book, but apparently, I was mistaken. The questions are actually the kind of questions I would have asked myself. I was able to get a different insight into several seasons of life. This would be a great gift especially for new believers and those who are looking for answers in life.

At the end of the book, there is a special section for those questions about writing a book. I will end this review with a quote that I especially liked from this book. "Written words go to places you'll never go and descend to depths you'll never know."

Disclaimer: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Then Sings My Soul Saturdays - How He Loves

This is a song by the David Crowder Band.

Moving Words Monday : 2 Cor 5:17

(image source : heartlight)

What a blessed assurance we have in Christ!

We are new creations in Him, therefore we don't need to live in our past (living in our mistakes, regrets, bitter feelings)
Let us start fresh with God!