30 August 2011

Foods for a glowing you

brocolli
chillies

chocolates
dark green leafy vegies

sweet potatoes

milk

kiwi

kiwi

oysters

yogurt

salmon

29 August 2011

Cultivating a Merry Heart

a day of fun and laughter


Thank you that in Your vast understanding You gave us laughter to make us forget, to restore our wounded spirits, brighten the journey, lighten the load.  Majorie Holmes

The writer of proverbs wrote, "A merry heart does good, like medicine."'What God has always known, medical studies now prove - laughter helps you cope with problems, gives you sense a well being, and even boosts your immune system. Not to mention, laughter is fun! After a good laugh, life seems less stressful. Struggles, which may have felt overwhelming, become more manageable. Even irritations with others are soothed when we share a laugh together.What a joyful way to embrace the simple life- with a merry heart to lift our spirits and ready laughter to ease away our troubles.

Keep Calm in the Midst of Troubles

In everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all undertstanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippinas 4:6-7

Nothing can clutter our spirit like worry. It cluttered my mind last sunday when flood came and washed our things away and created a clutter that I have never seen in my life and worry swept over me and I got helpless and never knew where to start the cleaning with all the water and mud and wet clothes all over. In my mind I started singing "Where do I begin" and I prayed hard to God, calmed myself and focused my mind on things that needs to be done, got the broom and started sweeping the water. The water on the basement was knee length, I helped in  hauling the water, we've been doing it for the past minutes but it seemed the water did not subside, the minutes went on and on and the same the water level is the same despite the effort, we decided to stop it and did manageable things instead.

I calmed myself, prayed to God.Praying to God is like talking to a trusted friend. Open up and share our deepest self with him. God simply longs to hear from us. We can pray anywhere, anytime about anything. Whether we ask hi, to help us with a problem, thank him for good things, or pour out our hurts to him , prayer is a way of communicating with the one who cares intimately for us.

This is where the simple lived; in a place where we can share everything with God, where he fills us with his restful peace, and where he can become godly woman,  free from worry, that he created us to be.

Simplify.....

Memorize this paraphrase of Isaiah 26:3 God will keep me perfect peace because I trust in Him.

Cup our hands and imagine holding our worries. As a child raises a broken toy to a parent to fix, raise our worries to God as we pray.

Let us embrace these words: The peace of God will guard my heart.

18 August 2011

The Nail Bookmark


I like doing bookmarks on excel; it may sound awkward but I can manage it with ease

I printed it using card boards and with other colored papers as well

Then, cut them individually

Since I dont have a laminating machine, I used transparency sheets


I used these clips to hold each bookmark with the transparency sheets

The star of the bookmark; 1 inch concrete nails
Then, I used stapler to permanently hold the sheets and the bookmark and sew ribbon to hold the nail
then, I used glue to secure the nail


The finished bookmark
   Here's the Nail Bookmark :
We have a gift for you-
just a simple nail.
However you will never be able
to use it for the purpose that
it was intended. It will never
join two pieces of wood or
fasten a picture to a wall.
This nail will probably never be
hammered by you – we don’t
think anyone could bring
themselves to do it-
Not this particular nail.
Let this nail, instead, serve
as a reminder each time you
see it, each time you find
it again.
That you matter to someone.
if you ever doubt your worth
or value, if you ever doubt
that you are loved,
hold this nail just for a
Moment and reflect.
God so loved the world
That he gave His only
begotten Son…
while we were yet sinners
Christ died for us.
Believe and remember.
How much you hurt or
How much you suffer,
You are loved.
Never forget that
Jesus was held to the
Cross not by nails
But by love.

16 August 2011

Im a Choleric, what temperament are you?





You Have a Choleric Temperament



You are a person of great enthusiasm - easily excited by many things.

Unsatisfied by the ordinary, you are reaching for an epic, extraordinary life.

You want the best. The best life. The best love. The best reputation.



You posses a sharp and keen intellect. Your mind is your primary weapon.

Strong willed, nothing can keep you down. Your energy can break down any wall.

You're an instantly passionate person - and this passion gives you an intoxicating power over others.



At your worst, you are a narcissist. Full of yourself and even proud of your faults.

Stubborn and opinionated, you know what you think is right. End of discussion.

A bit of a misanthrope, you often see others as weak, ignorant, and inferior.


       

Ending the paper chase

Reward Yourself for getting on top of your own personal paper mountain.....
The joy of being able to put your hands on information you need, when you need it is real.
Georgene Lockwood

Papers- here, there and everywhere!
I uncluttered my packed things and was surprised with the papers I kept for years, some were way back college days and things that I kept bringing with me where ever I go. I decided in my heart to let go of all those papers, and around my room. I have gathered a sack of them and was contented with the feeling of lightness, like im floating, wow, I love it. It seemed that I have accomplished something great, I have  cleaned the clutter and burned the things I ought to burn years ago.Its a powerful step toward simplicity. I have replaced piles with order; I now  where to find things when I need them, I was looking for my civil service certificate and took a longer time to find it coz I have to check every pack and check it one by one. AT least now I feel a sense of calm and control, it makes life simple.
I have to go through the whole process if I have the luxury of time to check each paper singly. Do I need to throw it away, file it away, I know I have to be patient, give it a lot of time. If I will persevere the spot on top of my cabinet will be clean, wonderfully clean.

This is what the Lord says: Put your house in order.
Isaiah 37:1

Simplify.....

In a daily basis check papers around and see how to deal it, dont allow it to grow more and more each day coz there will come a time that its harder for us to manage the paper clutter.

use wire baskets to gather papers so that you can find what you need, when you need it, and experience less stress.

Segregate important papers with the use of folder or clear book for convenience, thats what i did to simplify and organize my papers.

10 August 2011

Beyond Hallmark Happiness

Ask and you will recieve and your joy will be complete. John 16:24
I envy this guy, im complete with limbs and arms yet i dont know how to swim....tsk tsk tsk

never seen a photo of him with a frown; its always with a smile....with joy....

always with a smile...so cute!
I got joy down in my heart , deep deep down in my heart. J - o - Y down in my heart deep deep down in my heart. Joy is a gift from God that we receive as we trust him, regardless of our circumstances. Unlike happiness, which comes and goes, joy is a deep, lasting confidence in God's faithfulness. I saw on youtube this joyful man Nick Vucijic, man born without limbs, but his smiles reveal the kind of joy in serving God and being used by God despite his condition. His life is a testimony of God's goodness, a life that alone trusts in God. Im blessed with his life and his positive outlook, its a miracle. Nick's difficult circumstance becomes the gateway through which God gives him a glad heart.

We too, can consciously choose to receive joy, whatever we face, from life's irritations to overwhelming crises, let's immerse ourselves in thoughts of God's love for us.Let us remember that while events change and shift he never does, he is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. We are secure in the Lord no matter what happens. Allow worries, problems and tensions to lessen their grip in our hearts. "You will fill me with joy of your presence"( Pslam 16:11).


Simplify.....

Read the book of Philippians. The writer Paul,  experienced many hard times and much joy.


Sing or listen to praise songs, especially ones that help us focus on God's faithfulness.


Surround ourselves with joy filled  friends, allowing them to model them for us how to receive a glad heart.

09 August 2011

They call it art, I call it blasphemy

Freedom is not absolute, it has limitations.
The controversial crucifix with penis expression of art has created so much noise. ABS-CBN talked about the issue this morning and I could not help but agree with the host, freedom is truly not absolute. Freedom has limitations.The art people talk about it as a freedom of expression and a sense of art. I checked the picture @ google and it was never an expression art, but blasphemy! Pure blasphemy! Its no wonder why he got death threats, he could have thought of other creative items and made use of other material for his artwork. Its very offensive to the majority. I got angry with what I have seen and to think it was placed in a government art gallery and was displayed for public veiwing @ the CCP. Art is a way of inspiring and revealing the talent and the extraordinary in every artist but I hope not like this art that could hurt others.



08 August 2011

Get Moving to feel Better

She sets about her work vigorously, her arms are strong for her tasks.....
She is clothed with strength and dignity, she can laugh at the days to come.
Proverbs 31:17;25

Exercise! Its god's amazing design to release stress that's fun, free and available the moment we are. Its free, all we need is time to do it and the will to make it as part of our daily regimen. Exercise revs up our body's  capacity to let go of tension, clears our mind, strengthens our body and gives us more energy. As we do this, we'll feel better in body and in spirit as the benefits of exercise help us experience a simpler life. Our bodies feel lighter if we make exercise a lifestyle.

A few months before  the clock hit 5pm, I can feel back pains, head ache and even body pains. it was all stress related, sitting all day as a teller, I even forget to take 15 minute break and only the get the chance to stand up for nature's call.  It was not a healthy lifestyle, it was all work work work, stress stress. Loads of work and I go home late in the evening and most often I sleep without taking my dinner cause I always think Im deprived of sleep and I crave for lots of sleep.It was a vicous cycle, it went on an on and, reached to a point that I got addicted to back massage coz it was the soothing way to chase the back pains away. Then, I realized I was only curing the cause of stress, bottom line, problem not solved. One day our officemate asked if I'd join the aero dance every tuesdays and thursdays, I said yes and joined the first session that afternoon. At first I felt awkward coz im not the dancer type and the steps were somewhat complicated, then as wee progressed I love the sweaty feeling and the sweat dripping from my face was a therapy. Day two was full of excitement and the nest sessions were filled with fun and also served as bonding time with officemates and friends.

As the weeks and months passed dancing regularly felt better, I feel light and energized and the back pains were gone.I had more energy and I felt calmer. My schedule hadnt changed , but my attitude had- and it made a difference.

Ready to de-stress?
Talk a walk, dance. And as we step out marvel at God's intricate design; feet that support us, the knees to bend just right, bones that give us structure and muscles that strengthen us.As we walk and dance our heart quickens to match the tempo of our steps and our lungs inflate fully to bring to our body the oxygen it needs. As we do this  lets turn our thoughts to the Lord. Thanking him for knitting together our body and mind so that as we move physically, we move mentally too. tension slips away. We  feel lighter and more energized.

Simplify.....

Little choices add to big benefits. Take the stairs, park farther from the store or walk the dog.

Exercise with a friend to enjoy good physical and mental heath plus great conversation.

Start walking slowly, then gradually build up your endurance until you notice increased energy and decreased stress.

Forgive yourself for times you've started to exercise but did not follow through.

05 August 2011

Learn to Love Your Life

Be Content with what you have Hebrews 13:5

Have you ever slipped into an attitude of discontentment?
I am guilty of such an attitude. I have become dissatisfied by dwelling on what I dont have rather than being grateful for what I dont have. Its common in the office, I hear my office mates complain about compensation, grumble about work, griping about issues about management, I nod and cant help but agree, it then  awakens my rebellious side. Not so good, tsk tsk tsk DISCONTENT. This book talks on how discontent can grow strong, stubborn and hard to weed out. Simplicity, on the other hand, consistently and consciously can nourish  contentment. When we are content, we are aware of God's many blessings and feel satisfied. God's abundance fill us up. We experience inner peace - and the simple life - as we rest in the assurance that God provides for every need. In my case its how I appreciate the current job I have while others dont have a job for a living im blessed to be here in this company working and serving others, its a way of sharing my life to others and giving them the best service they deserve.
To grow in contentment is to grow in gratitude. We notice the Lord's blessing and thank him daily. Count the people: the parent who taught us  to dream, the friend who makes us laugh, the office mates who brigtens up the day and makes you laugh when your stressed out. Count the familiar: the sky above, the ground  beneath, the rain that cools, the smiling mr. sun. Count the unfathomable: freedom and faith and God's  unfailing love that goes on and on, just like the blessings we receive immeasurably.
as we do this, we will nurture contentment like a well watered flower. A calm, restful sense  of simpliciit moves aside the dissatisfaction that once stirred up our complaints.

Simplify.....

Choose one area where you feel dissatisfied and ask God to help you move toward contentment.

Think of five things you love about your life and thank the Lord for them.

Create a gratitude journal by counting your blessings on paper. Write it everyday.

I look back on my life like a good day's work - it was done and I am satisfied with it. I was happy and contented; I knew nothing better and made best of what life offered.
Grandma Moses


04 August 2011

Ampalaya with egg ala Zelmarq

I am in charge of cooking every tuesdays and thursdays, and I would like to share those food that I cook on those days. I took picture of my version of ampalaya with egg, I was not brave enough to picture the almost black longanisa and hotdogs, the result of multi tasking ( frying and slicing) tsk tsk tsk.

What we Need:

 2 pieces medium size amplaya or bitter gurd
6 pieces eggs
garlic
onion
oil
salt
shrimp paste

Procedure:
1. Slice ampalaya thinly and soak on water with salt.
2. Saute garlic and onion, add the sliced ampalaya, then add the shrimp paste.
3. Add the beated eggs and simmer for a few minutes.

Ticktock Stop The Clock

Help me, God, to slow down, to be silent, so I can hear you
and do Your will not mine.
Marian Wright Edelman

We have many responsibilities- so many in fact, we sometimes wonder how will we able to accomplish everything. Life feels like a whirlpool of activities as we press more tasks into fewer hours. Sometimes I wish there were more than 24 a hours a day so that I have more time to do more things, yet no matter how we try to do things as efficient and and fast as we can it seems that time also passed by so swiftly we never noticed it. The key is to pray, seeking God's wisdom about how to best use our time, then lets begin to do changes and as we do this we will experience a more leisurely schedule and calmer spirit, as well as discover the simplicity we desire.

I wake up early in the morning, have my quiet time, its the best secret that my bible study leader to start the day, read God's word for today to sustain us and to prepare us what ever comes along. I dont rush and I take time to hear what God wants to tell. I take time to exercise, just a few bending and stretches to awaken the physical body and take an early bath. Eat breakfast and go for work early. With this lifestyle I have I realized that I am not doing things in a hurry and always have time pause in the office and prepare things before I start my tellering activities. I used to bring work at home but stopped doing it coz I got lesser time to rest and relax at home.God cares about even the smallest detail of our day, so let us trust Him to help us. I am assured that God desires rest for me, taking the heart of the words of Psalm 46:10 "Be still, and know that I am God."
As we pray to the Lord and have faith in His guidance, our lives become less hurried. We will slow down and discover a calm, restful spirit as we live a simple life.

Simplify......

Pray each morning for God's wisdom on how you can best use your time that day.

Set aside several evenings per week that you commit to being at home.
Enjoy peace and rest.

Reduce by half the amount of time you watch tv. Take pleasure in conversation, reading, or a quiet hobby instead.

I need to slow down. And I'm asking the Lord to help me do it. I want to move slowly enough to be aware of all the joys He has hidden for me. I want to slow down enough to grow as He wants me to grow. I want to be quiet enough to hear Hid voice. I need His wisdom to know how to spend my time and how to order my days.
Kathryn Hillen

03 August 2011

See God In the Ordinary

Im reading the book Simple Living For Women its a nice book and I would like to share what I have read from that book on this blog.

Day 1 : See God in the Ordinary

There are small wonders of nature everywhere. Yet these miracles are so easy to miss, especially as the pace of life speeds along.Days and weeks whirl by, and time for noticing nature's beauty slips away. We will can see the blessing of these beauty if we just pause for a while and pay attention to the handiwork of the Creator. As we pause and enjoy God's creation, we awaken the presence of God Himself. We experience his finger print in every intricate detail, His closeness in every moment.

I tried that when I went out for work one morning, and alas I felt the fresh of air that greeted me and embraced my with the scent of a sampaguita flower nearby, I noticed how a yellow butterfly who gracefully found its way to some wild roses which grow on the sidewalk. Wow, what an amazing sight. It was indeed a blessing to pause for a while and enjoy each moment. The creation made for you and me. I never noticed that a few mornings before coz I always go out in a hurry. Its seeing God in the ordinary things in life. It gives an enthusiasm that will sustain us throughout the day.
Simplify....
Study the intricate details of a single flower. Thank God for the ways his amazing handiwork reminds us of a simple life.
On a clear night stand outside and marvel at the starry evening; ponder God's love for us.


I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station, through which 
God speaks to us every hour, if we only will tune in.
George Washington Carver

02 August 2011

The aqua adventure @ Papa Kit's

Papakits @ Lilo-an Cebu City
I enjoyed and had great great fun........