Magnificent March 26,2011
12:25pm
It is a lazy Saturday for Marina and I.
She has no lyre practice today.
It has been moved to April 1. Unfortunately it is the schedule of her home school moving up exercise. And she also has another schedule for her McDonalds Kiddie Crew orientation.
I am not so inclined to have her join this for her 2nd summer this time. Hmmm. We will see.
I woke up so early in the morning yesterday around 3a.m.
I was experiencing a severe stomach discomfort. It lasted for 1 hour. I was trying to figure out if I was having pre term labor pains. I thought I was gonna call my OB already. Good thing it went away after an hour. I guess, I got tired doing my grocery errand yesterday.
Gotta slow things down a little bit more. Ah, now I remember, I did some tidying up of the spare room Thursday morning. Hmmmm...proper pacing I guess.
I didn’t do my morning routine yesterday. I didn’t make my blog reflections as well. That is why, I was really amused to see this morning that Sarah’s reflection for March 24 had to do on how to deal with the hidden saboteur, the blues when it comes to hit you really bad.
It is a matter of tying the needs and the wants in one common, harmonious knot.
At times, the wants really get the better of you.
Your head tells you one thing....and yet, the heartstrings pull you in the different directions of more wants.
Time to pull out the coping strategies and put them into good use. One of which is reaching out for your comfort foods. No wonder. I got myself a generous jar of delicious Durian Jam from Davao in the grocery. Lovely.Delightful.Heaven.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Thursday, March 24, 2011
First-Rate Version
Magnificent March 24,2011
8:00 a.m.
Oh, I am just so excited to share Sarah’s March 23 reflection: Always Be a First-Rate Version of Yourself.
She starts with a quote from Judy Garland:
“ Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.”
I make a terrible Judy Garland but I do a pretty good Sarah Ban Breathnach. It’s taken me nearly my entire lifetime to come to this awareness, but I’ve not been the same woman since I did. Neither will you be once this truth awakens in your heart.
You see, whether we are consciously aware of it or not, we’re constantly programmed by the world to be other women, not ourselves. We’re supposed to look like Cindy Crawford, entertain like Martha Stewart, and decorate like Alexandra Stoddard. With this pervasive social schizophrenia, it’s no wonder that most women are terribly confused about the issue of authenticity.
According to Webster’s Dictionary, to be authentic is to be “ not imaginary, false or imitation.” To be authentic is to be “ genuine, veritable,bona fide,” being actually and precisely as claimed.” The only thing that we can genuinely claim to be is ourselves. But our best is good enough, even on a bad day. I know a woman who is a high powered advertising executive in New York. There is no one I know on the planet who is more creative, articulate, accomplished and funny, but some days she doesn’t see it that way. She grew up in a home where performance was always graded and as a result she’s extremely hard on herself. Her personal grade of C- is probably everybody’s A+.
We are all so hard on ourselves. We not only want to be other people, we want to be a perfect version of them.
Let me tell you about another woman I know, When her first book was published, close friends will testify, she acted like a raving lunatic. Instead of congratulating herself on producing such a beautiful book after years of effort, she was about to throw herself on a cliff because she had used a wrong verb tense in one sentence. Instead of celebrating her achievement, she robbed herself of joy.
Now, she knows better, thank God. Did you know Amish quilters will deliberately add a mismatched patch to each quilt to remind them that only Spirit can create perfectly? We need to remember that. We should only strive to be a first rate version of ourselves. And our best is always good enough.
Oh, what a refreshing reminder to us, to me in particular, as I am on the last 2 months stretch before my appointment with the stork.
My long list of TO DO is driving me up the wall already. I initially wanted everything to be perfect...but, now, I have to pace myself and say....Let Go...and Let God. So long as I do what I need to do...all others will fall into place. Good enough for me...and that is for the best
8:00 a.m.
Oh, I am just so excited to share Sarah’s March 23 reflection: Always Be a First-Rate Version of Yourself.
She starts with a quote from Judy Garland:
“ Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.”
I make a terrible Judy Garland but I do a pretty good Sarah Ban Breathnach. It’s taken me nearly my entire lifetime to come to this awareness, but I’ve not been the same woman since I did. Neither will you be once this truth awakens in your heart.
You see, whether we are consciously aware of it or not, we’re constantly programmed by the world to be other women, not ourselves. We’re supposed to look like Cindy Crawford, entertain like Martha Stewart, and decorate like Alexandra Stoddard. With this pervasive social schizophrenia, it’s no wonder that most women are terribly confused about the issue of authenticity.
According to Webster’s Dictionary, to be authentic is to be “ not imaginary, false or imitation.” To be authentic is to be “ genuine, veritable,bona fide,” being actually and precisely as claimed.” The only thing that we can genuinely claim to be is ourselves. But our best is good enough, even on a bad day. I know a woman who is a high powered advertising executive in New York. There is no one I know on the planet who is more creative, articulate, accomplished and funny, but some days she doesn’t see it that way. She grew up in a home where performance was always graded and as a result she’s extremely hard on herself. Her personal grade of C- is probably everybody’s A+.
We are all so hard on ourselves. We not only want to be other people, we want to be a perfect version of them.
Let me tell you about another woman I know, When her first book was published, close friends will testify, she acted like a raving lunatic. Instead of congratulating herself on producing such a beautiful book after years of effort, she was about to throw herself on a cliff because she had used a wrong verb tense in one sentence. Instead of celebrating her achievement, she robbed herself of joy.
Now, she knows better, thank God. Did you know Amish quilters will deliberately add a mismatched patch to each quilt to remind them that only Spirit can create perfectly? We need to remember that. We should only strive to be a first rate version of ourselves. And our best is always good enough.
Oh, what a refreshing reminder to us, to me in particular, as I am on the last 2 months stretch before my appointment with the stork.
My long list of TO DO is driving me up the wall already. I initially wanted everything to be perfect...but, now, I have to pace myself and say....Let Go...and Let God. So long as I do what I need to do...all others will fall into place. Good enough for me...and that is for the best
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Service,Honor and Self Confidence
Magnificent March 23,2011
8:45 a.m.
One of my blogging goals is not to make this a vent of angst or frustration.
I found another way of resolving those snagging issues of the body and soul.
And yet, this morning, I am not really inclined to ponder on Sarah’s Why Self Confidence Cannot Be Bought, But Can Be Borrowed reflections.
I will try to connect it to what I gleaned from today’s Gospel readings and reflections from my daily bible guide emailed to me by Kerygma.
Jesus exhorts us to do loving service without regard for the pat in the back or the commendation from people who count or are the object of our service.
He says, that once we focus on places of honor because of what we do, it erases all the points that we may have earned from doing a good job.
This was mentioned with respect to the request of the wife of Zebedee for her two sons to seat one on the right and the other on the left of Jesus. (Matthew 20:17-28).
Whoever wishes to be great shall be a servant Jesus tells us.
As a wife and mother, it is almost often a thankless toil of continous tasks.
I remember the many many times my own mom served meals for us without me verbalizing thank you.
But day in and day out, there was food on our table.
Now, that I am a mother myself, I try to instil and cultivate gratitude in my daughter.
More by actions now than in words.
It is more effective.
I bask and relish at the glorious feeling of a job well done at the end of the day when I receive a bonus treat as my daughter expresses her gratitude.
But then again, it is better not to expect, so when it comes, it is much more sweeter.
In one of my more difficult moments in my current pregnancy, my husband expressed his apologies that I was going through so much rough moments.
His simple yet very heartfelt sorry made me snap out of my awful disposition.
It made me sit up.
Much straighter despite all the aches and pains and discomfort.
What I have inside of me now, is one of the greatest miracles of our Lord.
I am given the honor and privilege of being part of this great work.
My confidence lies not in my own effort...but in Him who has initiated this, for He will equip me and provide for me....and that cannot be taken away from me, for He has assured me, time and time and again...I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
8:45 a.m.
One of my blogging goals is not to make this a vent of angst or frustration.
I found another way of resolving those snagging issues of the body and soul.
And yet, this morning, I am not really inclined to ponder on Sarah’s Why Self Confidence Cannot Be Bought, But Can Be Borrowed reflections.
I will try to connect it to what I gleaned from today’s Gospel readings and reflections from my daily bible guide emailed to me by Kerygma.
Jesus exhorts us to do loving service without regard for the pat in the back or the commendation from people who count or are the object of our service.
He says, that once we focus on places of honor because of what we do, it erases all the points that we may have earned from doing a good job.
This was mentioned with respect to the request of the wife of Zebedee for her two sons to seat one on the right and the other on the left of Jesus. (Matthew 20:17-28).
Whoever wishes to be great shall be a servant Jesus tells us.
As a wife and mother, it is almost often a thankless toil of continous tasks.
I remember the many many times my own mom served meals for us without me verbalizing thank you.
But day in and day out, there was food on our table.
Now, that I am a mother myself, I try to instil and cultivate gratitude in my daughter.
More by actions now than in words.
It is more effective.
I bask and relish at the glorious feeling of a job well done at the end of the day when I receive a bonus treat as my daughter expresses her gratitude.
But then again, it is better not to expect, so when it comes, it is much more sweeter.
In one of my more difficult moments in my current pregnancy, my husband expressed his apologies that I was going through so much rough moments.
His simple yet very heartfelt sorry made me snap out of my awful disposition.
It made me sit up.
Much straighter despite all the aches and pains and discomfort.
What I have inside of me now, is one of the greatest miracles of our Lord.
I am given the honor and privilege of being part of this great work.
My confidence lies not in my own effort...but in Him who has initiated this, for He will equip me and provide for me....and that cannot be taken away from me, for He has assured me, time and time and again...I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
What is Self Confidence?
Magnificent March 22,2011
9:10 a.m.
Sarah Ban Breatnach’s reflection for March 21 in her book: Simple Abundance focuses on What is Self Confidence?
Not so long ago, a long lost friend pops up into my life and declares to me that he has already achieved financial freedom.
That was a clear and stark revelation of self confidence.
I was really floored and was really swept away by this tide of optimism.
Could I muster the same words without sounding self conceited and so overly obnoxious?
I am not really sure myself.
At this point in my life, the connection between my ability to generate income and my level of can do attitude is still a blur.
I try not castigate myself anymore for this.
I know that all I have is all I need.
My role as a full time homeschool mom and a soon to be mom a 2nd time is a 24/7 requirement. I may not see my bank account jump in leaps and bounds...but I know that I just have to do what I need to do at the moment and later on, be able to do what I want to do with more satisfaction that all is well that starts and ends well.
I will quote from the page of the book as I end my reflection. Sarah’s own words are very enlightening.
What is Self Confidence?
Many women confuse self esteem with self confidence. For me, self esteem is how we really feel about ourselves in the secret sanctuary of our soul. Do we love, accept and approve of ourselves unconditionally? Do we believe that we are worthy of the love of others and the best that life has to offer? The quality of our self esteem is very deeply connected to the relationship with our first and most important critics: our parents. If they unconditionally loved, accepted and approved of us, then we probably do too.
But self confidence is a special elixir that Spirit has prepared to help each of us face and surmount the challenges of life. It’s aromatic blend of invigorating essences, attitude, experience, knowledge, wisdom and optimism and faith. If we were fortunate enough to grow up in loving and supportive homes and our self esteem is strong, we learned our own homeopathic formula early. If we did not, then we need to learn how to mix our own custom blend. What’s important to realize is that self confidence is available to all of us.
An optimistic attitude is essential to self confidence. So is learning from our mistakes and recognizing that everything in life can be used as a lesson once we are willing to be taught. “ if you think you can, you can,” the American cosmetic entrepreneur Mary Kay Ash tells us, “ And if you think you can’t , you are right.”
Today, tell yourself that you can do anything you want to do. Because you can. Like an expensive perfume, only a smidgen of self confidence is needed to enhance a woman’s authentic aura.
Very well said. Hopefully soon, my words will be as delicious as Sarah’s. I know I can do this. I am right. Well done is almost always better than well said.
9:10 a.m.
Sarah Ban Breatnach’s reflection for March 21 in her book: Simple Abundance focuses on What is Self Confidence?
Not so long ago, a long lost friend pops up into my life and declares to me that he has already achieved financial freedom.
That was a clear and stark revelation of self confidence.
I was really floored and was really swept away by this tide of optimism.
Could I muster the same words without sounding self conceited and so overly obnoxious?
I am not really sure myself.
At this point in my life, the connection between my ability to generate income and my level of can do attitude is still a blur.
I try not castigate myself anymore for this.
I know that all I have is all I need.
My role as a full time homeschool mom and a soon to be mom a 2nd time is a 24/7 requirement. I may not see my bank account jump in leaps and bounds...but I know that I just have to do what I need to do at the moment and later on, be able to do what I want to do with more satisfaction that all is well that starts and ends well.
I will quote from the page of the book as I end my reflection. Sarah’s own words are very enlightening.
What is Self Confidence?
Many women confuse self esteem with self confidence. For me, self esteem is how we really feel about ourselves in the secret sanctuary of our soul. Do we love, accept and approve of ourselves unconditionally? Do we believe that we are worthy of the love of others and the best that life has to offer? The quality of our self esteem is very deeply connected to the relationship with our first and most important critics: our parents. If they unconditionally loved, accepted and approved of us, then we probably do too.
But self confidence is a special elixir that Spirit has prepared to help each of us face and surmount the challenges of life. It’s aromatic blend of invigorating essences, attitude, experience, knowledge, wisdom and optimism and faith. If we were fortunate enough to grow up in loving and supportive homes and our self esteem is strong, we learned our own homeopathic formula early. If we did not, then we need to learn how to mix our own custom blend. What’s important to realize is that self confidence is available to all of us.
An optimistic attitude is essential to self confidence. So is learning from our mistakes and recognizing that everything in life can be used as a lesson once we are willing to be taught. “ if you think you can, you can,” the American cosmetic entrepreneur Mary Kay Ash tells us, “ And if you think you can’t , you are right.”
Today, tell yourself that you can do anything you want to do. Because you can. Like an expensive perfume, only a smidgen of self confidence is needed to enhance a woman’s authentic aura.
Very well said. Hopefully soon, my words will be as delicious as Sarah’s. I know I can do this. I am right. Well done is almost always better than well said.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Inner Beauty, Outside Charm
Magnificent March 21,2011
8:10 a.m.
Last night, I pulled out my Simple Abundance book by Sara Ban Breatnach. This is after several days of not being able to ponder on her wise thoughts.
She talks about inner beauty and outside charm on her March 20 reflection.
She reminds us that it is not the outside trappings or packaging that is important but to cultivate beauty from the inside out. Not outside then in.
Nevertheless, it will always follow that the inner beauty will reveal itself in the outside.
For someone like me who shuns looking into the mirror lest I be labelled as vain...it requires a lot of fixing, internally and externally.
There are times, I still think I can get away showing myself to the world in a blouse that requires ironing or unshaven legs or eyebrows. Eow.
But...extra effort goes a long way in making one feel much better.
It is quite liberating to feel really good and express it when someone ask: How are you?
More often than not, they no longer need to ask since, you are bubbling with your feel good emotions.
And the opposite holds true again, it is when you are feeling so harried and tattered, that is when people bug you with “ How are you? Are you ok?” and you wish that you will not burst into tears each time.
One of the things I am trying to master is to be able to smile.
Not in a phoney or fake way.
A true smile at all things nice and beautiful .
Smile even at challenges and obstacles especially.
Smile with a feeling of confidence that say, things may not really be pulled together, but yes, I know, I can pull through this one, and the next one...
Cause I can smile and be content in whatever state I find myself in.
8:10 a.m.
Last night, I pulled out my Simple Abundance book by Sara Ban Breatnach. This is after several days of not being able to ponder on her wise thoughts.
She talks about inner beauty and outside charm on her March 20 reflection.
She reminds us that it is not the outside trappings or packaging that is important but to cultivate beauty from the inside out. Not outside then in.
Nevertheless, it will always follow that the inner beauty will reveal itself in the outside.
For someone like me who shuns looking into the mirror lest I be labelled as vain...it requires a lot of fixing, internally and externally.
There are times, I still think I can get away showing myself to the world in a blouse that requires ironing or unshaven legs or eyebrows. Eow.
But...extra effort goes a long way in making one feel much better.
It is quite liberating to feel really good and express it when someone ask: How are you?
More often than not, they no longer need to ask since, you are bubbling with your feel good emotions.
And the opposite holds true again, it is when you are feeling so harried and tattered, that is when people bug you with “ How are you? Are you ok?” and you wish that you will not burst into tears each time.
One of the things I am trying to master is to be able to smile.
Not in a phoney or fake way.
A true smile at all things nice and beautiful .
Smile even at challenges and obstacles especially.
Smile with a feeling of confidence that say, things may not really be pulled together, but yes, I know, I can pull through this one, and the next one...
Cause I can smile and be content in whatever state I find myself in.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Drums, Lyres and Wedding Marches
Magnificent March 20,2011
8:45a.m.
It has been several weeks now that I have not blogged seriously.
My pregnancy is swiftly advancing, now almost on it’s 7th month. Baby is quite a formidable force to reckon with. It’s various movements and motions are really different from that of my first born. Making me really wonder with amazement what the gender will be. I will have my 3rd and hopefully last ultrasound next week. Finally, all the guesses will be laid to rest and I will really be serious in letting go of some stuff that I have been keeping for future use.
I have been getting very quite serious as well with managing my weight, diet and water intake.
The Japan catastrophe has introduced new statements in encouraging my daughter to do the same.
Millions of people in Japan are suffering because of shortages in food and water, finish your third glass Mari. Finish your rice and vegetables Mari. Eat what is on the table Mari.
One of our summer plans is for her to know life preservation skills and to finally prepare our emergency and first aid kit.
I could not help being a bit affected by all the tragedy with our next door Asian neighbour.
I felt really worried about the nuclear fallout threat right after the tsunami threat or the next great big one in the vicinity of the ring of fire, of which the Philippines is part of.
Funny, 3 days prior to March 11, I dunno why, I started reminding Marina to keep her slippers and mine in an orderly pile beside our bedroom door just in case we need to run in the dark night. Then I prepared a flashlight to be right within my reaching distance. Then on the early morning of March 11, I found a prayer for typhoons to which I added- disasters too and prayed it. Hmmm....was that coincidental?
My husband and I were on our 3rd day novena to St. Joseph.
Did prayers save us this time?
It really got me serious to get back into my prayer time and bible gospel reading reflection each day.
March 16’s first gospel had to do with the story of Jonah and Nineveh. Due to Jonah’s preaching of repentance, the king and people of Nineveh, went on a fast and prayer. Repenting of their ways and God withheld is wrathful punishment on them.
Whatever bible history tells us, whatever the recent natural calamities reveal to us. One thing is for sure...God alone is the source of our life and salvation.
The material or the physical will just pass and God alone suffices.
I put my trust in Him who can save me, my family and friends from all forms of hidden dangers and threats.
In Jesus name I pray and believe.
Yesterday, I was a little bit down in the dumps.
I somehow received some bit of information that has confirmed what I already know but never got around to fully and truly doing- letting go of....something.
It has somehow also affected my blogging juices from really flowing freely.
Anyway, my daughter was bugging me to watch her practice her lyre in the church group. At first I was not 100% to go. On the last minute I gave in.
As we got there, we found out that practice was suspended due to various activities that gave them no place to practice. I was a bit disappointed. Then I said, ok, let us go to the adoration chapel.
I needed to soak in prayer.
I watched my little one right there in the center of the small chapel in prayer.
It was a beautiful sight.
Then she started writing in her small notepad and paper.
She then put her note by the glass wall the sealed the Hoy Eucharist from the rest of the space.
Then she returned to her reverent kneeling posture.
Quite refreshing.
After several minutes, I heard a very beautiful wedding march in piano.
It really tickled my curiosity.
I overheard my neighbour Eleanor and my daughter discuss what they saw as they peeked from the chapel door to the main church.
It seems a 50th Golden Wedding anniversary was being celebrated.
I decided then to witness this magnificent and wonderful event myself.
I was planning to go to the 6pm mass in honor of St. Joseph ( feast day March 19) and yet, due to serendipity, there was an earlier mass and with a very beautiful theme and message to me.
My husband and I, of course, like any other couple, wish that we can also celebrate our 50th together and with our children’s children.
Being in church yesterday to witness this was like a glimmer of hope being given me...that yes, it can be possible.
It really gave me such a lift.
Fr. Andy’s homily brought tears into my eyes especially when he said, couples on their own, cannot be 100% faithful to each other 24/7. But God is and always will be faithful to us. He is the source of grace for us to be faithful to our vows and responsibilities...and if we somehow falter...He offers the grace of forgiveness and repentance.
All we just need to do is just ask for it.
Then bask again in the glory of his redemption and saving mercy.
8:45a.m.
It has been several weeks now that I have not blogged seriously.
My pregnancy is swiftly advancing, now almost on it’s 7th month. Baby is quite a formidable force to reckon with. It’s various movements and motions are really different from that of my first born. Making me really wonder with amazement what the gender will be. I will have my 3rd and hopefully last ultrasound next week. Finally, all the guesses will be laid to rest and I will really be serious in letting go of some stuff that I have been keeping for future use.
I have been getting very quite serious as well with managing my weight, diet and water intake.
The Japan catastrophe has introduced new statements in encouraging my daughter to do the same.
Millions of people in Japan are suffering because of shortages in food and water, finish your third glass Mari. Finish your rice and vegetables Mari. Eat what is on the table Mari.
One of our summer plans is for her to know life preservation skills and to finally prepare our emergency and first aid kit.
I could not help being a bit affected by all the tragedy with our next door Asian neighbour.
I felt really worried about the nuclear fallout threat right after the tsunami threat or the next great big one in the vicinity of the ring of fire, of which the Philippines is part of.
Funny, 3 days prior to March 11, I dunno why, I started reminding Marina to keep her slippers and mine in an orderly pile beside our bedroom door just in case we need to run in the dark night. Then I prepared a flashlight to be right within my reaching distance. Then on the early morning of March 11, I found a prayer for typhoons to which I added- disasters too and prayed it. Hmmm....was that coincidental?
My husband and I were on our 3rd day novena to St. Joseph.
Did prayers save us this time?
It really got me serious to get back into my prayer time and bible gospel reading reflection each day.
March 16’s first gospel had to do with the story of Jonah and Nineveh. Due to Jonah’s preaching of repentance, the king and people of Nineveh, went on a fast and prayer. Repenting of their ways and God withheld is wrathful punishment on them.
Whatever bible history tells us, whatever the recent natural calamities reveal to us. One thing is for sure...God alone is the source of our life and salvation.
The material or the physical will just pass and God alone suffices.
I put my trust in Him who can save me, my family and friends from all forms of hidden dangers and threats.
In Jesus name I pray and believe.
Yesterday, I was a little bit down in the dumps.
I somehow received some bit of information that has confirmed what I already know but never got around to fully and truly doing- letting go of....something.
It has somehow also affected my blogging juices from really flowing freely.
Anyway, my daughter was bugging me to watch her practice her lyre in the church group. At first I was not 100% to go. On the last minute I gave in.
As we got there, we found out that practice was suspended due to various activities that gave them no place to practice. I was a bit disappointed. Then I said, ok, let us go to the adoration chapel.
I needed to soak in prayer.
I watched my little one right there in the center of the small chapel in prayer.
It was a beautiful sight.
Then she started writing in her small notepad and paper.
She then put her note by the glass wall the sealed the Hoy Eucharist from the rest of the space.
Then she returned to her reverent kneeling posture.
Quite refreshing.
After several minutes, I heard a very beautiful wedding march in piano.
It really tickled my curiosity.
I overheard my neighbour Eleanor and my daughter discuss what they saw as they peeked from the chapel door to the main church.
It seems a 50th Golden Wedding anniversary was being celebrated.
I decided then to witness this magnificent and wonderful event myself.
I was planning to go to the 6pm mass in honor of St. Joseph ( feast day March 19) and yet, due to serendipity, there was an earlier mass and with a very beautiful theme and message to me.
My husband and I, of course, like any other couple, wish that we can also celebrate our 50th together and with our children’s children.
Being in church yesterday to witness this was like a glimmer of hope being given me...that yes, it can be possible.
It really gave me such a lift.
Fr. Andy’s homily brought tears into my eyes especially when he said, couples on their own, cannot be 100% faithful to each other 24/7. But God is and always will be faithful to us. He is the source of grace for us to be faithful to our vows and responsibilities...and if we somehow falter...He offers the grace of forgiveness and repentance.
All we just need to do is just ask for it.
Then bask again in the glory of his redemption and saving mercy.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Comfort Drawer
Sarah starts her reflection for today with this line:
Life requires that we prepare ourselves for the inevitable times that try our souls.
She recommends outfitting ourselves with our very own comfort filled drawer with essentials that lift not only the body but most especially the soul.
It may include: a box of indulgent chocolate, tin can of beautifully shaped cookies etc.
Anything that can lift our tired and harried souls from the daily grind.
Watching my very own miniature wise person, I get a good dose of philosophical sense each time...that anything is possible and life is for celebrating even with a broom tucked under her like a horse while she gallops around with a stick like a victorious soldier coming from battle.
Listening to her sing while in the shower because a treat is awaiting her after her chore...a promise of another movie afternoon that gave us good clean hearty laughter.
Gulliver’s Travel with Jack Black is a good commentary on not putting ourselves down.
She reminds me of her dream to have an art exhibit in the Museo Pambata while she reflects on her art works by the refrigerator door.
It tells me never to steal away her dream or even the chance of the possibility of this to bloom into a reality.
This weekend has been most challenging again us my ready help has not been afforded me.
Again, reminding me of the need to nudge myself a bit more in terms of forgiveness and understanding.
If life throws you lemons, it is time for a lemonade.
I have just encountered the news article of a woman who is known to be a Hiroshima Mom cause she accepted a writing job/study grant in Japan. Making her decide to leave her children in the care of others and her estranged husband.
It was in direct contrast to what Amy Chua, a celebrated author of a book that deals with why Chinese parents/culture is comfortable in dominating their children as Tiger Moms to make them excel.
Well, the bottom line is...different strokes for different folks.
There is no one size fits all pattern for parents and children.
Last Saturday, I refused to allow my daughter to go for her Drum and Lyre practice because her baby sitter/companion was not around.
She is really wondering out loud now, why she cannot be allowed to walk to church by herself and do this alone while her play buddies are allowed.
Limited explanation is offered her at this point.
At other times, it is quite lengthy and emotional.
Suffice it for the moment be...I am a LION MOM and these times are trying times for the LION MOM and the Lion mom wants to be all eyes on her just to make sure all is well at the end of the day.
Life requires that we prepare ourselves for the inevitable times that try our souls.
She recommends outfitting ourselves with our very own comfort filled drawer with essentials that lift not only the body but most especially the soul.
It may include: a box of indulgent chocolate, tin can of beautifully shaped cookies etc.
Anything that can lift our tired and harried souls from the daily grind.
Watching my very own miniature wise person, I get a good dose of philosophical sense each time...that anything is possible and life is for celebrating even with a broom tucked under her like a horse while she gallops around with a stick like a victorious soldier coming from battle.
Listening to her sing while in the shower because a treat is awaiting her after her chore...a promise of another movie afternoon that gave us good clean hearty laughter.
Gulliver’s Travel with Jack Black is a good commentary on not putting ourselves down.
She reminds me of her dream to have an art exhibit in the Museo Pambata while she reflects on her art works by the refrigerator door.
It tells me never to steal away her dream or even the chance of the possibility of this to bloom into a reality.
This weekend has been most challenging again us my ready help has not been afforded me.
Again, reminding me of the need to nudge myself a bit more in terms of forgiveness and understanding.
If life throws you lemons, it is time for a lemonade.
I have just encountered the news article of a woman who is known to be a Hiroshima Mom cause she accepted a writing job/study grant in Japan. Making her decide to leave her children in the care of others and her estranged husband.
It was in direct contrast to what Amy Chua, a celebrated author of a book that deals with why Chinese parents/culture is comfortable in dominating their children as Tiger Moms to make them excel.
Well, the bottom line is...different strokes for different folks.
There is no one size fits all pattern for parents and children.
Last Saturday, I refused to allow my daughter to go for her Drum and Lyre practice because her baby sitter/companion was not around.
She is really wondering out loud now, why she cannot be allowed to walk to church by herself and do this alone while her play buddies are allowed.
Limited explanation is offered her at this point.
At other times, it is quite lengthy and emotional.
Suffice it for the moment be...I am a LION MOM and these times are trying times for the LION MOM and the Lion mom wants to be all eyes on her just to make sure all is well at the end of the day.
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