Credits

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Thankful Thursday

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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!

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

WFW : Psalm 68:3

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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!

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Max on Life by Max Lucado

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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

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This is a song by the David Crowder Band.

Monday, June 20, 2011

Moving Words Monday : 2 Cor 5:17

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(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!


Stock Market Thoughts

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The stock market is a great venue to earn or lose money. That is why it is imperative that you become educated about it first. You may go sites such as top penny stock picks or other local stock market information websites. My sister has been informing me of her recent stock purchases and how the stock market is going here in the Philippines. It is quite inspiring to see your money working for you. Instead of saving it all up on a bank account which only earns a bit, I think the stock market would be a good way to invest some of your retirement funds.

I have read a book about investing in the stock market a few months back, it was entitled My Maid Invests in the Stock Market and it has helped me understand how the stock market works. Of course I still need to learn about the technicalities but the basics were clearly presented. Anyway, it has become my goal to save up some amount and open an online stock market account before the year ends. I honestly am not sure if that goal will be achieved as I am swamped by bills and needs but with God's providence, I do hope to start saving up for our retirement.


Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Moving Words Monday : Proverbs 21:2

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We need to constantly check our motives in everything we do.
Nothing is hidden in the eyes of the Lord!



Friday, June 10, 2011

Then Sings My Soul Saturdays - We Fall Down

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A wonderful song by Chris Tomlin.
We fall down at the feet of Jesus... we cry holy, holy, holy is the lamb!

Financial Woes

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Whenever we talk about finances, we can't help but be disappointed because we always seem to be needing more money for our daily expenses. Our personal credit seems to always be adding up. Bills needing to be paid, renovations waiting to be done in the house, medicines needing to be bought... these are just some of the things we need to have accomplished but we need additional finances.

When we talk about the government, we know that there are so many things that the government needs to fulfill for its people. School classrooms needing to be built, better public highways and roads, bridges and other needs. But finances always seem to be the biggest barrier into getting these done. The analysts always say that the Philippines need to improve credit score in financial institutions. The national government is so deep in its debts that they need to keep borrowing money just to stay afloat.

These type of talks can get depressing but I know that God always provides just in time. He knows our needs and what is best for us so when it seems that finances gets in the way, let us trust in the faithfulness of God. He will see us through these challenging times.

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

BC Bloggers Meme : Grateful

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Our question this week: “What are you grateful for recently?”

>I am grateful and thankful for the financial blessing that comes our way. Financially, it has been quite difficult with so many bills but God has always been faithful! He provides, just in time!

>I am grateful that we are doing well with homeschooling the kids. I am glad that the kids are enjoying our time and study at home.

How about you? Join us at BC Bloggers Meme!


Monday, June 6, 2011

Regret Free Parenting by Catherine Hickem

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Regret Free Parenting by Catherine Hickem challenges the usual parenting styles and myths. The book tackles the importance of being an intentional parent and how it will affect the life of the kids. There are seven key principles shared in this book. Each principle gives practical suggestions, questions and action points to help the parent to become intentional in fulfilling her purpose and role.

I am a firm believer of intentional parenting and this book has definitely given me several action points that I want to implement in my parenting. I don't want to miss out the best years to train my children and to know them so that I can affirm them. The book also reminded me that parenting is partnering with God. I realize that it is not enough that I stay at home with the kids, but I need to pay attention, pray for them and be involved if I want to be a regret free parent someday.

The book also has a coaching plan which can help any parent get started and to put the principles into practice. There are many resources included in this book as well, including websites, books, movies and other tools which can help the parent in her journey to regret free parenting.

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.”

Sunday, June 5, 2011

Moving Words Monday : 1 John 4:19

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A new week has begun! I am joining Moving Words Monday again today! It is a meme where you can share inspiring stories, inspiring words taken from the Bible, inspirational proverbs and quotes. It is a meme that helps us get a dose of inspiration to start our week right.

(image source: Heartlight)

It is God who loved us first. He loved us even when we weren't looking at Him. He loved us when we were rude to one another. He loved us when we lied and didn't care. He loved us when we didn't even bother thanking Him for the blessings we received. He loved us first.

Saturday, June 4, 2011

Grace Found Me by Grace Chong

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Moms like me are always busy, especially now that another school year is about to begin. Everyday it seems like we are on a rush to get chores accomplished. Our schedule is packed from preparing the kids for school, doing household chores, accomplishing our part time work and fulling our roles as moms and wives. Because our roles are important in the house, it is imperative to find a quiet time to spend alone with God. It is in this time of solitude and prayer that we can be refreshed by the Word of God. Grace Found Me : 365 Thoughts for Busy Women, a daily devotional book by Grace Chong, can be a good companion during your quiet moments of reflection. Be inspired daily by short snippets from the author, a short prayer and a Bible verse to reflect on. Be reminded that God has given you all that you would need for a productive day. He has bestowed grace upon grace in every area of your life. This is definitely a perfect gift to moms who need a breather!

Grace Found Me : 365 Thoughts for Busy Women is published by OMF Literature Inc.

Note: I am not compensated for this review.

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Essentials in Life

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Before I became a stay at home mom, I was working full time as an IT professional. Money was never my problem because I had a stable income. Even the medical insurance was provided for by the company I worked for. I had money to buy the latest gadgets. Money never was an issue.

But after I left my full time work to become a stay at home mom, I realized that I know move in a different world wherein I don't have the luxury of having a stable income. I needed to learn to budget the income we have so that we would be able to have enough money for our needs. We needed to categorize our expenses and prioritize the necessities and let go of those which are merely wants.

Here are some of the important expenses which we often neglect. They actually become good investments since the benefits outweigh the expenses for the family. In the area of physical health, it is important to have some form of medical and health insurance. Medicare supplements and insurance is important to our family since medicines and doctor fees are really expensive. Emergencies happen when you least expect it and having a medical insurance on hand does not compromise the health and safety of the family members.

We also wanted to have our own place. So instead of renting an apartment, we looked for a house that suited our needs and budget. Once we found it, we used VA Home Loan to help us finance and pay off the seller of the house. Acquiring a home loan is essential if you want to be able to get a place for yourself and not just be renters until your old age.

Retirement plans is something we often overlook as well. While young, retirement is far off the mind but once you reached the mid-30s, it is important to check sites like AARP.org which has retirement plans and benefits so that when old age comes, we will be ready.

It is truly important to be good in handling our finances, so while young, it is best to invest wisely.