Biking & Barbecue

Friday morning was spent biking with friends at EastCoast, barbecue and swimming in the evening. Followed by a movie which no one I think was able to finish. Haha. Everyone was tired and sleepy but enjoyed the fellowship. Second sleepover for the year, making the end of first quarter memorable. Grateful and truly blessed! (though I had a small cut on my feet due to biking).

Art & Music

Some things that caught my attention today + quotes about music and art.

"I play a musical instrument a little, but only for my own amazement." - Fred Allen

"Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up." - Pablo Picasso

Food Network: Ginisang Pechay at Giniling.

Last installment of my ginisa series. Haha. Ginisang Pechay at Giniling. Serve hot and enjoy!

Food Network: Ginisang Sitaw

The ginisa fever continues with this ginisang sitaw which is basically saute string beans along with garlic, onion, tomato and tofu. Again, thanks to panlasang Pinoy for the tutorial!

Alabaster Brunch

Catching up with these ladies on an "alabaster brunch" was one of the best things on weekends. Deeply inspired and encouraged.

Ladies taking brunch before the event. 

Ate Grace showing her pen.

Our pens.

Author of the book "Finally the Bride" - Cheryl McKay and her husband Chris sharing their testimony via Skype. Thank God for technology! 

And here's what I order - Farmer's Omelette. Here's the funny thing - I took a heavy breakfast at home  (cooked it myself) without realizing I'm attending a "Brunch".  Helllo! (Wake up, Chel!) So as expected, I didn't finish my food but shared it anyway :)

Crafts for our pens.

Tada! This is my pen. I put colorful stickers because I love colors and like to explore different kinds of things - reading, blogging, dancing, painting, running, swimming, playing guitar etc. etc. The flowers are a reminder that I am a woman, beautiful, fearfully and wonderfully made. I covered the lid of the pen white to symbolize purity and holiness.

What I wore: Purple Dress + Pink Scarf + Necklace+Doll Shoes+Stud Earrings

Welcome Baby Hailey Yasmine!

My sister gave birth to another baby girl - Hailey Yasmine. Wohooooooooooo! Isn't she cute?

Inside the polls: Sleepover or not?

Are you a fan of overnights / sleepovers or whatever you want to call it?

I slept at a friend's house last night after going into swimming with her. Yes, we tried a different swimming pool like a professional swimmer. Haha.

I think her place was one of the cleanest house I've been to. (mahihiyang lumakad ang ipis at langgam sa kalinisan) Haha. It was a fun and encouraging night as we talk about grace and life's stories.  His grace is amazing! The night won't be complete with a little jamming on the side. Naks! I missed my guitar so badly and I was grateful that I was able to strum those strings again. 

I am not used to staying overnight at a friend's house because I just don't feel comfortable sleeping on somebody else's bed but this was one of a kind. Hehe. I think its grace...(still overflowing..)

That sweet, gentle voice that says.....

Someone whom I am in a relationship with tells me in a sweet, gentle voice --- "Be a Woman" and though it was spoken without being harsh and rude, there was kind of a resistance, as always in my mind. I am not the "womanly" type kind of person, it feels like I'm weak and I just felt that I will be catching attention from men if I act like a woman (and I don't like it!).

"Well,  I have called you to be a woman, with a gentle and quiet spirit. I desire that you rise up and be beautiful, not in the world's way but according to what I perceived is beautiful."

How's that possible when I am used to being in control, fierce and childlike at times? 

"My grace which is sufficient will work that "Woman" thing in you. My grace will make you the woman that I called you to be."

(The person that comes to my mind while blogging about this subject is Princess Kate. Isn't she beautiful?)

Food Network: Ginisang Togue (Mung Bean Sprout)

I am really not a good cook but I wanted to give it a try. Hehe. (also part of my cost cutting) This is called Ginisang Togue which is basically a sauteed Mung Bean Sprout with carrots, bell pepper, shrimp and tofu. Thanks to Panlasang Pinoy for the tutorial!

"There are many things in life that will catch your eye, but only a few will catch your heart....pursue those. "

A quote from Michael Nolan

"There are many things in life that will catch your eye, but only a few will catch your heart....pursue those."

I was at a home furnishing store this morning and saw these lovely stuffs of which I was not sure if we are allowed to take photos of it. Haha. Nevertheless, I would like to share these photos.

Have a great Sunday everyone :)

Being in Shape is a Spiritual Discipline

I always thought that spiritual discipline refers only to Bible reading and prayer.  But then, I came across Rick Warren's devotional that says being in shape is not just physical but a spiritual discipline.  It's not just about losing a few pounds, wanting to live longer, or trying to look nicer.  He explained that God created our body and Jesus died for it.  God is going to hold us accountable for how we managed what He gave.  Also our body is God's temple, was bought at a price and for that it needs to be taken care of.  

In addition to that I see myself getting married someday, give birth, have kids and take care of them as well as my husband which all requires a healthy and strong body. Is this too much thinking? haha. So the next time I don't feel like running or swimming or engaging to any form of exercise, let this be my motivation.  

Reflections: To Live a Life of Grace.

God has been impressing to my heart the word "grace" and here's some insights that I would like to share about what it means to live a life of grace. 

To live a life of grace is...

1. To live a life of gratitude. Grace is defined as the unmerited and undeserved favor of God. It is a gift of God that was given freely to us.  Isn't it amazing that something is given to us without working for it? It made me realize to be grateful everyday and avoid complaining, grumbling and comparing myself with what other people have. 

2.  To live a life of humility.  "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." (1 Peter 5:5).

What keeps people from receiving the grace of God? - PRIDE.  Its when people think that they know-it-all and can-do-it-all.  But if we put our hearts in a position of humility, it opens the door for us to receive the abundant grace of God.  

His grace is indeed amazing.  His grace saved a wretched like me.  My life is a story of His grace and even when I stumble and fail at times, His grace will continually restore and put me back on the right path. 

My prayer is that I will grow in His grace and touch other people's lives with it.  His grace in my life will make a difference.

A much better swimming area

Tada! A new swimming area which is only one station away from the place I am staying. As if the running area was not enough, another blessing from God which I am grateful for. It is better and bigger. There are actually 3 pools inside - 1 for kids, 2 for those in training stage and 3 for those professional swimmers. There are also lifeguards stationed on every pool, vending machines for drinks and shower rooms for both men and women.

And here's the best news of all - I'd got to pay only $1 for these. Wow! 

Getting even more ready!

Who can be more excited than I to swim this coming weekend? Haha.

I bought a swimboard to help me on my kicking. I chose blue color to match the water on the pool. This is also the cheapest among all the swimboards that I saw.

I just realized that when I am into something, I am really into it. Having swimming stuffs like this adds motivation for me to pursue swimming and get serious with it. Looking forward to weekends!

I love American Idol!

I am a big fan of American Idol. The competition is now on its Top 20 where 10 males and 10 females are performing at their best to get in to the Top 10.

Here is the snapshot of one of my favorites, Angie, who sang one of my fave songs also - Never Gone.

By the way, I am also rooting for the Filipina from Alaska! Wohooooo! Pinoy pride.

And I also like one of the judges, Keith Urban :) ☺

A much better running area

Tada! This will be my official running / jogging area as of today. Its better and bigger! The ground even shows the distance that you have run. Yey! I saw men trimming the grass as if the place is really being prepared for me. Thank you Lord for once again touching my heart. ❤