“I always thank God for you because of His grace given you in Christ Jesus.” ― 1 Corinthians 1:4 (NIV)
My little girl. My amazing and affectionate little girl turned 3 today! She came down with the stomach flu and a slight fever a few days ago and has recovered in time for her birthday, which she has been looking forward to celebrating. She has been straightforward about what she wants and postponing 2 and 3 on her list is the right thing to do, as she can be contagious for a few more days after recovery. Here’s her wish list:
No Cake this year, just pink Cupcakes
Go to the Movies
Go to Disneyland (and meet ‘Mimi’, again)
Pink and White balloons
I am blessed to be the one she calls “Mom”. I feel tremendously blessed to have a beautiful, healthy, smart and happy daughter that the Lord has blessed me with. Even though I birthed her, I know she belongs to the Lord and I am eternally grateful that He would trust me with her life. I hope I can live up to some of His expectations.
For her third birthday, we added a lot more to her Strawberry Shortcake collection by bringing in some gorgeous vintage dolls and accessories. She loved them all, but not as much as she loved her Just Like Home 40 Piece Pearlized Tea Set which we bought from Toys”R”Us®. We got something for big Brother too, who was so helpful in planning the surprise and doing the countdown. The party has been postponed …
I bought her first Pendant necklace: a Lamb! It’s a beautiful and fun Pendant necklace in a matching velour hinged Lamb box. The pendant hangs on an 18″ chain, it’s made of genuine European crystals and 18 kt gold finish. The pendant is part of an Animal series collection and you can get one for your child on PetCollection.com.
Lamb Pendant in matching Lamb box.1984 Rose Petal Place Doll & Rose Petal Roadster.
We were blessed with a beautiful, warm and peaceful day; filled with love, laughter, gifts, loving memories and lots of hugs and kisses. Everyone is grateful and content. There will be some storytelling in a little while and then we will watch movies for the rest of the night. Today is a good day.
Hello Kitty Cake and Cupcakes.
A heartfelt Thank You, to Family and Friends, who made her day so special and fun!
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” ― Numbers 6:24-26 (NIV)
Twelve years ago today, I married my better half. Every day since then has brought new adventures and the last thirteen years have been filled with great joy as well as some challenges and growth. When we first met, we made a promise to do all it takes to stay friends and when we began our journey as a married coupe, joined together as a single entity; we made a covenant before God and to ourselves to love each other for the rest of our lives.
Us, Before Parenthood.
He brings out the best in me. He supports, protects, provides, comforts, inspires and encourages me on a daily basis and I have watched him turn into an incredible man. He makes me laugh, he keeps me humble and sane. Twelve years ago, I decided that if I had to pick a husband, I would pick him.
Us, After Parenthood.
The best part about being married to my husband is that he has an unconditional love for me regardless of my shortcomings and he supports me in everything I do. We are very grateful that God connected us to each other. As we grow older, I pray that we continue lifting each other up. He is an amazing Dad to our children, he has a great sense of humor and he is a compassionate being. I am blessed to have him in my life.
As Ibn Taymiyyah simply put it, “Don’t depend too much on anyone in this world because even your own shadow leaves you when you are in darkness.” It reminds me that as a People we are unpredictable which in turn can make us untrustworthy. Some situations will cause us to trust no one, including ourselves.
Joy to the World, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King … . What a lovely and powerful Christmas Carol. Christmas is a joyful and beautiful time of the year; it is, as many believe it to be, a time to reconcile with oneself, with others and with God. In Luke 4:18, we learn that Jesus came to set the captives free (both believers and non-believers alike). Christmas season is a time to reflect, to rejoice, to hug someone, to reach out to someone whom we haven’t spoken to in a while. Can we love again past the hurts? Sure we can. Someone did the same for us by dying on the cross to save us all from sin. Another good example is a Mother, whose love for her child is so strong and unfailing. How many times have we brought our Mothers to their knees by our reckless actions? Still, they’ve stood by us, providing for us, keeping us safe and demonstrating their unfailing love for us.
We should love people regardless of what they do or say about us. We should show the same kindness to others as we would like to be shown. I know the hurt of being let down and I am sure that somewhere along the road, I have let a few down too. One thing I hold dear to my heart is the love for Family and even though we don’t often see eye to eye, I love each and everyone of them to pieces. I have lost one too many and I just cannot afford the luxury of holding negative energy or to wallow in the hurts and bitterness. It’s destructive, it’s a drainer and it’s a time waster. I have one brain, one heart and one life which I refuse to poison with futilities.
I love the moment. I enjoy creating good, lasting memories to cherish in my lifetime and to pass on.
God’s Unfailing Love …
As the year 2012 draws to its end, let us all thrive to make these last few days count. Let us look around us and examine ourselves, our lives, our life styles. What did we achieve this year? Where did we go wrong and how did we make it right? This season, let’s make someone happy by reaching out regardless of who was wrong or right. Do not wait until the last minute to regret or condemn; it will be too late then and time, we cannot reset.
“See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.” – Hebrews 12:15 (NIV)
Yesterday was a joyful day as we celebrated the moment, a friendship reunion and new beginnings.
We feel blessed and thankful for all the wonderful people we’ve met along our way through life. We are thankful for those who are no longer in our life and for the life lessons it’s thought us. We are most thankful to those who are still a part of our lives and whose presence (near or far) makes a difference.
Neri and Joan.
Today, I finally met Neri and her loving Family. We are all a DeVry Institute of Technology/University couples. She was Eduardo’s classmate and we used to chat a lot once upon a time, when we weren’t as busy with life and before we got married and started our families. She always had good advice to give and we stayed connected through Myspace and Facebook. After ten long years of wanting and hoping, I finally met Neri, which it seems, I have always known in my head and heart. She is a beautiful, strong and amazing Woman. A compassionate being, a free Spirit and her joy radiates. Have you ever had that feeling of meeting someone for the first time and had the impression of knowing them all your life? That’s how I felt in the presence of Neri.
Victoria Secret Gift Bag.
Thank you so much, Neri, for your hospitality and for allowing us to share a moment of one of your family’s cherished tradition. Thank you for the delicious food (as well as the ‘Take Home’). Thank you for the laughter, the conversations, the pictures, the gifts, the friendship, etc.
We thank God for you and for your wonderful husband, Michael. We thank God for your lovely children (you are teaching them well). Thank you for your continued encouragements in my life as a Writer and thank you for your invaluable input.
I pray that the Almighty God bless you abundantly and keep you safe, always.
“Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.” – Romans 13:8 (ESV)
LOVE
. What exactly is this four letters word? Could it be gratitude and compassion for every living thing? Is Love other than what we think we know it to be? Do I love you because you give me the ultimate high or do I love you because you are a necessary piece in the Universe? Do I love you because you were molded by the same God who shaped me, advertently making us Brothers in Christ? Yes, I do. You might be a pain, but you are a necessary pain and I need you for my continued growth. We all need love, especially the type that elevates and brings out the best in us. Love is, and without a doubt, a beautiful thing.
When it comes to love, the heart seems present, but the mind is often not. Sometimes we fail even at the basic form of love (to listen, understand, to be open-minded, compassionate, etc). Love is a continuous struggle and we must be very cautious when dealing with difficult individuals. As a friend, I have failed to be patient a few times and I am conscious of my capacity to disappoint (taking too long to return phone calls, for instance as well as standing still in the midst of disrespect). As I am maturing, I’m also learning to be still (Psalm 46:10). I am not afraid to take the first step and ask for forgiveness regardless of the attitude of the other person.
Love is all I have to give; it’s all I seek and it’s all I need. I am not out to impress anyone, I use my words wisely.
Created by katie@kriselen.com.
FORGIVENESS
. Most people (including me, until last week) believe it’s a gift to oneself. Defining forgiveness this way is being selfish because we only think about us. Yes, our offender has done enough damage already, why should we include him/her in the big picture? Well, because our actions and decisions have consequences in the after life. Sometimes we believe that we have forgiven someone when in reality we have not. Take an accident for instance. You’re driving and you get hit badly. Because of the chock you don’t feel a thing at first and you do not see the need to seek medical attention. Then, within a few days or so, your body starts aching from places you never knew existed. Someone hurt you and you think, “Pfff, I don’t care!” and next thing you know, you’re all resentful. How do we go from forgetting/letting go to resentfulness? It takes a lot to forgive someone who has deeply hurt us and it can only be achieved through sincere prayers and love for our offender. If you can look at your offender in the eyes and all you feel is love, then, surely, you have forgiven him/her. If you hear someone talking about that person and all you feel is love, then you have let go of the hurt. There are degrees of offenses and hurts and forgiveness doesn’t happen overnight.
Fourteen years ago, after the death of my Sister, I was hurt. I understood that it was her time to go; however, I just couldn’t live past the fact that the individuals she needed the most consciously turned their backs on her. I was deeply hurt. My Sister and I were deeply connected so much that at times it felt like we were in each others mind. Though gone, the bond has not been broken. My Creator has blessed me with a unique gift which I’ve come to accept and embrace. Like many others, I am a Spiritual being who struggles with shortcomings.
To be shown how things went down and to be told not to hate, to be asked to promise not to retaliate; rather, to pray and love. That was painful to digest. Believing in the Word of God and believing it to be true has helped me tremendously in my quest for serenity. Having convinced myself that I had forgiven and slowly began experiencing bitterness; I was shown a list filled with wrongs that were done to my Sister and was asked again to pray and forgive. This time I had to go on my knees and ask God why? And how was I to forgive after learning about additional hurtful information? I was torn and deeply sadden. Then I stumbled upon the following Biblical passage: Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” – John 20:21-23 (NIV)
At this point, I was determined to pray and forgive. I thought about my own Sister and wondered if her personal sins were forgiven before she left the World of mortals? I hope so. I prayed for my sins, for hers and for that person who hurt her the most. Forgiveness is a painful yet rewarding process. It takes a lot to pray with love for someone who’s robbed you of everything. Once I was able to truly forgive, I felt so light and I received the Love of God. Now I feel joyful inside and out. I no longer refer to certain situations as lost causes because I see salvation and hope. I see new beginnings. You can never forget; you can only forgive and move on.
“Forgiveness is a selfless gift of love to others.” ― Joan Ambu
HUMILITY
. How many times have you heard the phrase ‘I pity you’, ‘you’re useless’, ‘you’re a wreck’, ‘you suck!’? Never? Once, twice, countless times? Those words are very hurtful and untrue.
If I am fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of God (Psalm 139:14), why then, do you pity me? Why do you think I’m useless? Have you walked in my shoes? Are you judging God? Are you having issues with His Creation? “Anyone who withholds kindness from a friend forsakes the fear of the Almighty.” – Job 6:14 (NIV). Don’t pity someone because you think you are better than them. We are not better than someone else. We might have what they don’t and chances are, they have what we don’t. We should pity ourselves for being self-centered (as it can be a sin in itself). In the eyes of our Creator we are all equals. If you truly respect yourself, you will refrain from labeling others.
We should strive to be compassionate beings and practice humility. Do not criticize others or brag of your accomplishments at every opportunity. Listen more, compliment more and help more. Give a little bit of your time to those in need. When you feel the urge to disrespect someone for whatever reason: resist through prayers by calling upon the One who never sleeps. Remember that, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” – 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NIV).
“If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.” – 1 Corinthians 13:1–3 (NIV)
By JM Perez
