A story behind a bra container.

How would you respond if God tells you to say something to someone whom you barely know? 

I was checking some sale items at a mall and found bra containers which was on sale.   I thought that I could use it during overnights with friends and when travelling so I decided to buy one though I was really cost cutting.  While choosing between purple and pink, I got reminded of this young lady who used purple design during craft time on our alabaster brunch event. She said that purple was a sign of royalty.  But after half an hour of thinking (that long! Yeah - that's me) which is which, I chose pink.  Yey! A bra container for only $xxx! 

On my way home, I felt like God was telling me to give the item that I bought to that young lady in church and tell her that she is special and loved. I doubted if I really hear from God or its only me. I never really approach someone before and tell them that "This is what the Lord says", I thought its creepy. I ignore the thought but reaching home it got me thinking. "What if she thinks I am a lesbian if I give it to her?" (crazy me!) "Lord, she looks so happy and fine.", "We are not close friends.", "How would she react if I say those things to her?" "What if the word does not make any sense to her?" "What if she says I'm weird and creepy?" Besides it took me half an hour to choose this item and then God will tell me to just give it away! Nahhhhhh! The word is not from God, its just me.

As I was laying down and reading Rick Warren's devotion, I was totally in goosebumps when the Scripture reading for the day was on Jeremiah 1:7 which says "You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you." It was not  a coincidence anymore. I knew it was from God. The word confirms that God wants me to give it to her.

Sunday came. I felt like it was the biggest day of my life because I'll be doing something I've never done before. I didn't see her during the service.  But I know that I could possibly see her at the Foodcourt where  almost everyone goes to have their lunch. Fear gripped me again and so I didn't do what I was told to do.

I still had with me the gift when I reached home after the service.  There was an uneasy feeling inside of me. I know I should be doing something but I didn't do it.  And so I finally gave up on myself and messaged the young lady. Thank God for technology! Immediately the uneasiness was gone and was replaced with peace.  Few days later, I saw her again in one occasion and finally gave her my "precious bra container". I prayed for her and she told me that we should hang out some other time.

I was thinking why the young lady didn't say something like "That's what I needed to hear", "I was going through some rough time and I really got encouraged". But God impressed me something - that experience was not about the young lady nor the bra container. It's about God dealing obedience and submission in my heart. My resistance of obeying Him and all those excuses in my mind shows that I was concerned of my image and reputation towards other people which keeps me from doing what God has called me to do.

I know that there will be more instances like this and I pray that this experience will be a reminder for me to stop running away from God and wholeheartedly obey Him instead.

Photo from Google 

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?)

"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 :)

First Flight

Do you still remember the first time you ride an airplane?

It happened 24 May 2007. I flew to Singapore alone totally clueless about the what's and how's in the airport. I was invited by my sister to come and visit her place who was working for quite a number of years back then.

The night before my flight was terrible. I didn't get a good sleep, sick and was vomitting. I don't know if it was fear or excitement that's causing the inconvenience. Haha. I can't help but laugh at myself everytime I got reminded of it.

How was your first flight experience?

The pain will be worth it..

Muscle pains, itchy legs, sweating, dark skin, is it worth it? 

I know all the pain will be worth it as I make exercise (running/jogging/swimming) part of my lifestyle. As I grow up, or should I say grow older, all the more I realized the importance of keeping the body in good shape.  Making the most of this opportunity because time waits for no man. Aja! Aja!

The Art of Ukay-ukay

Ukay-ukay are stores that sells second-hand branded items at low prices. They have shoes, bags, pants, shirts, belts and other accessories.

Some of my stuffs were bought from ukay. Yeah! I find it unique and fun (that is if you got them at the price you want).

Will you shop at ukay-ukay stores? I would love to hear your "bargaining experience."

Hypersensitive

We went to see a physician to check on my allergies. I was told that my body is too sensitive that's why it was reacting so badly to allergens. A nasal spray was prescribed to get rid and blocked the allergens.

Are you sensitive? What medicine are you taking?

Note-taking app

Which note-taking app are you using?

Catch is a free note taking app designed to capture your ideas instantly with voice, photo and text notes.

Rainy Days

What do you love to do on rainy days?

Its been raining these days and most of the time I stay at home. Here are 3 things I love to do: (1) Blog/Write/Read. (2) Play guitar and sing random songs (para umulan ng mas malakas, haha) and (3) Watch TV/movies.

I would like to hear yours.

Day 339 - Day 344: Catching up with my blog.

So here am I catching up with my blog. I am few days behind it and now thinking on what to write about. I was at home body mode these days due to my allergy. I cannot do anything when allergy strikes. This is where I struggled a lot - I am the type of person who wants to be doing a lot and completely doing nothing is killing me softly (parang kanta lang). On the other hand, I want to enjoy this time because I know this is temporary.

I do hope everyone is having a great day. Let's be positive and spread positivity around us!

Day 336: Learnings from the trip.

As promised from my previous blog, I listed below things that I learned in joining my niece's trip.

1. Bring sanitizer / alcohol / wipes / tissue for cleaning purposes.

2. Wear your most comfortable clothes, preferably jeans and a simple top, flats or sandals, no HEELS! Remember that your with a kid and it will be easy to chase after him/her if you're wearing flats.

3. Make sure that you make friends with other guardians/mothers as well.

4. Ask for the teacher's name and contact details in case of emergency.

5. Be extra alert especially when you're in crowded places to avoid loosing your kid. Make sure that you always hold him/her hand or you don't loose sight of your kid.

I was with my niece for one whole day and I did the best I can to make sure that she's safe, clean, eat on time, protected and had fun at the same time. It got me thinking that if I can do these things to her, how much more my Father in heaven? Do I need to worry and be in fear? I think this is the most important lesson that God spoke to me during the trip. He's watching over me and make sure that my needs are provided. Thank You, Jesus!

Day 335: How to beat your allergies?

I would like to share this interesting article from Reader's Digest February 2012 edition about beating allergies. Here's how to use your diet to ease the sneezes:

1. Choose chicken not beef. A study found that people who had the most trans-oleic acid in their diets - a form of mono-unsaturated fat found in red meat and dairy products - were nearly three times as likely to have hay fever as those who ate the least.

2. Eat an orange every morning. They're rich in vitamin C, a natural antihistamine. Some studies link low vitamin C levels with allergies.

3. Avoid monosodium benzoate. A study found that this preservative triggered sneezing and an itchy nose in adults without allergies. Its often found in juices, pickles, olives and salad dressings.

4. Sip green tea. Japanese scientists identified a compound (ECGC) in the brew that blocks a key cell receptor involved in producing an allergic response.

Day 333: Lugaw Late at Night.

One of the many things that I like doing - lugaw / porridge late at night. Yummy!

Day 332: Let's organize cables and wires.

I can't withstand seeing messy computer cables and wires at home so I tied them up with nylon cable ties. What a relief!

Day 328: Home School or Not?

Will you send your kids to school or home school them?

It got me thinking while I was teaching my niece on writing alphabets. I was at the bookstore couple of days ago and saw someone from church who randomly told me that she home school her child instead of sending to a learning institution.

Do you think kids are better if they were home schooled?

Day 327: Old Family Photo.

I was browsing through old photos and found our family pic. Can you guess who am I in the pic?

Day 319: Guess who beaten me up on playing cards?

Last night's match with my nephew and I lost again, race to 5, I only scored 2.

Day 316: Rain and His faithfulness.

"For the rain he sends demonstrates his faithfulness. Once more the autumn rains will come, as well as the rains of spring." Joel 2:23

Day 313: I hate taking medicines.

I hate taking medicines -  even a simple paracetamol to complex antibiotics, I don't know but it feels like I am very weak when taking medicines. I was sick for the past few days and I have no choice but to take them.

Day 310: All-time favorite.

My all-time favorite - Siomai filled with chili from Master Siomai.