Strength for Everyday

I've been battling with flu for more than a week now. I have a really bad cough and just yesterday, I lost my voice and all I can manage is a whisper.  There were nights I cried and told the Lord how much I miss the kids.  I also told Riel and Aethan that I miss them and Riel said, "but mom, we are here with you..." and I would tell him that I miss kissing and hugging them - something I cannot do because I'm sick.    In spite of this, I am able to homeschool the kids, cook, wash the clothes, clean the house and read books to them (until the time I lost my voice).  I thank God for the strength He gives me.  And as I read His Word today, I was encouraged. Dt. 33:25 says, "... As thy days, so shall thy strength be..."  Whatever kind of day I will face - 'in sickness or in health' -  the Lord has already blessed me with enough strength! Isn't that comforting?!!

Ray Pritchard illustrated the verse beautifully.  He said, "Some days are filled with joy, light, and happiness; others with sadness, tears, frustration, pain, and heartache. Whatever each day brings, there will be strength enough to meet it... God will give strength to all our days until the end of our days. We will run out of days before we run out of God’s strength. The more days, the more strength God gives". 

The Lord knows when to heal me and I know He will, in His perfect time. And as I continue to battle this flu, His strength is more than adequate for me.

I cannot thank you enough, Lord, for another wonderful day that you have prepared for me.  Though my body is weak, my spirit is rejoicing for what is one day with flu when you are with me.

Mommy Fears

     I was just browsing at our old pictures and videos today and I got really sentimental.  My kids are growing up too fast ... really fast!  A few more years and my little boys would be teenagers. We don't even fit on one bed now.  My husband insists on having them sleep with us because he said a few more years and they wouldn't want to do that anymore.  We call it "siksik days" when we all would sleep on one bed - usually on weekends - and because the kids are growing big, mom and dad are not allowed to move and we sleep sideways til morning. lol.  I can understand him.  The backaches when we wake up (we're not getting any younger, right?) are nothing compared to the joy it gives us.

     As I look at the pictures, I said, "Lord, can you just freeze time"?  Life is so much easier now.  Their present age - 7 and 6 yrs old - is just perfect for every parent.   But as they grow, I know we will be facing more challenges.  I really cannot hold their future, its in God's hand.  I know that. I believe that...and yet, sometimes, fear would set in. Would they also follow and serve the Lord? Will they grow in wisdom & in stature? Would they have good friends? Would they rebel?  Am I doing it right? Am I a good mom? Lord, were they scarred by my harsh words in the past? Are we teaching them everything they need to know? Will they remember all that we did for them - everything we talked about - every magic moment? Will I be there to watch them grow? The list is endless.  And the Lord just reminded me in His Word - "Which of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life span?"  I can't  and so every time I feel like this, I just surrender all my fears to Jesus. I bring to mind the truth that God loves them and wants the best for them.  He holds my children close to His heart and they are precious to Him. Psalm 112:7 says "He will not fear evil tidings. His heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord".

layout credits: gottapixel kits / cluster your heart challenge

                                  

Photo journal states: 

"Being present is not just carving out time. It's also leaving behind our jobs or other tasks in more than just body, but also in spirit". (T.Jones)
-As we give our kids our time - ourselves - we pray that someday, when they're all grown up, they would always love to go back home - a place where they felt a love unlike any other.

GDS challenge-Digidish challenge
summer afternoon kit by kuper doodles,maria designs my cuties 23 alpha

This is a nice song . :-)

Find Your Wings
by Mark Harris

It's only for a moment you are mine to hold
The plans that heaven has for you
Will all too soon unfold
So many different prayers I'll pray
For all that you might do
But most of all I'll want to know
You're walking in the truth
And If I never told you
I want you to know
As I watch you grow

I pray that God would fill your heart with dreams
And that faith gives you the courage
To dare to do great things
I'm here for you whatever this life brings
So let my love give you roots
And help you find your wings

Happy Birthday to Me!

They say that "a birthday is just the first day of another 365-day journey around the sun" but today was different, it was extra special!

I woke up to find the most wonderful gifts a mom and a wife can ever have. Alvin and the kids filled my morning with love and love letters! They just brought tears to my eyes and I would treasure them in my heart forever!

I am especially so happy to read Aethan's letters.  For 2 years (since he was 4), there was always a  struggle whenever I ask him to write something.  He doesn't like writing - unlike his brother, Riel, who delights in it.   It takes sooo much effort for him to write even one sentence.  This year, as we started homeschooling, his first composition was a letter for me and now on my birthday, he made 3!  Thankyou, Lord!

Their letters encouraged me.  I am blessed to know that they really love homeschooling.  Riel said he wants me to homeschool him 'til college (hehe).  I also learned that Aethan delights in the little things I help him with like washing the dishes, sleeping beside him,etc.  The kids help us with the household chores and I actually feel guilty because sometimes, I just let them do it and most of the time, I don't help them anymore. I realized it would make a big difference for Aethan if we would do things together.

I appreciate very much the surprises - (esp. the letters!) that Alvin and the kids prepared for me. They know how to fill my tank and how to speak my love language.  For me, words of affirmation speak louder than any gift or action. And more than anything, I thank the Lord for giving me such a wonderful husband and kids... I cannot ask for more. Thank you, Lord Jesus! Thank you for loving me. Thank you for the life You gave me! Thank you because I am Your child! Thank you, Lord!



October 2, 2011

Another surprise!

I was truly blessed when our dgroup threw a surprise birthday party for me. I was shocked to see them in our house just as we were about to leave for church.  (of course, only then, did I realize why Alvin took such a loooong time dressing up...He was an accomplice!) I felt happier to see that everyone was present.  I truly thank the Lord for giving Alvin and me the privilege to serve Him through our spiritual family. It was the Lord who brought us together and it is His LOVE that binds us. We feel unfathomable joy whenever we see each couple growing in their relationship with each other and with the Lord. We rejoice for each answered prayer and our hearts cry in their trials.   We SHARE not just joys and sorrows but we are also one in our mission to reach out more souls for Jesus Christ.  LIFE will not be the same without them. Thank you, Lord, for our dgroup.