How God Fills Up Your Love Tank

This article is a summary of the events that transpired a few weeks back. Thank God for the Grace to be able to write this down despite a hectic schedule but only for the last couple of weeks. Yes, everything is all about His Grace every day. 😉

Only God Can Refill Your Love Tank Again and Again

“Farm For Profit” Seminar

Last weekend, my brother and I attended Sir Dodong Cacanando’s “Farm For Profit” seminar held at Harbest’s building in Taytay, Rizal. It was a very insightful seminar which focused on traditional and conventional ways of farming to achieve greater sustainability in agriculture. What makes this seminar very different from other agribusiness seminars is how the business processes are guided by Biblical principles.

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Sir Dodong reinforced the traditional farming method, a concept that my grandpa also lived out. They both shared similar stories about butchering a pig during special occasions, for example, or harvesting of vegetables straight from the farm for daily consumption.

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Indeed, we can only agree that the natural way of farming will still remain as the best process towards sustainable agriculture – how to maintain balance in the ecosystem and at the same time benefit from the resources that are readily available.

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In my next article, I’d like to explore deeper on sustainable agriculture and local food movement – two advocacies that I’d like to promote through the proposed family project. I also had the privilege to attend a previous online finance seminar hosted by Bro. Bo Sanchez and he also shared the same guiding principles when it comes to being good stewards of God-given provisions. Here are some of my takeaways from the said seminar:

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Daisy Reyes Salon

Last week, I also had my self-care routine and pampering time which happens once a year. 😀 Yep, that’s how seldom I visit the salon. Quite extraordinary for a woman, you might say. But yes, it’s so definitely true. That’s why I make sure, too, that it’s all worth it.

Since we recently transferred homes, I only got to explore what the neighborhood can offer just now. I found one salon near our place and it’s owned by actress Daisy Reyes. I was able to check out her salon but I was still undecided so I kept on looking for other salons.

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It was my husband who urged me to try it and I also agreed. The day before I went to the salon, I checked out the flyer they gave me previously. Voila! I saw a very familiar Bible verse stamped at the back which was what I needed for the current situation I’m in. A sign and reminder, perhaps? 😀

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Very, very timely. ❤

When I got inside the place the following day, the music being played in the background was a line-up of Christian songs and the staff was singing along with it (including me). One very memorable experience too was when they offered to share their snacks with me during their break time. I kindly refused the offer, however, they insisted so I humbly accepted it accompanied by words of gratitude. ❤

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Food and water nourishment from the awesome staff: empty plate and water bottle after. 😉

New and Great Things Up Ahead

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Thank You, Lord, for answering my prayer! ❤

New Spiritual Family

This last one was sort of a miracle for me and not a coincidence. For the last couple of weeks, I was going through extreme times of testing that I was sure at one point I’ll lose it all to the enemy. But, God intervened.

I felt the urge to attend Worship Night in a nearby church close to where we live. I have been trying to connect with a Bible study group for almost 2 months now but to no avail.

Until that Worship Night where I ended up seating beside a pretty lady (Hi, Reign!) who asked me out of the blue if I’m interested in volunteering for the music ministry as an acoustic guitarist. She went on by sharing that she normally doesn’t talk to strangers but something compelled her to do so at that time.

I was just overwhelmed when I heard her say it. Because I think she has a gift of prophecy asking me if I want to volunteer for the music ministry when I never even mentioned that I do sing and play an acoustic guitar at home. Goosebumps, anyone? 😀

I also mentioned that I was looking for a VG or Bible study group. She excitedly shared that she has a mentor who’s also married. She is also a soon-to-be bride, by the way.

So last Sunday they texted me to join their Bible study group but I could not attend unfortunately. I was all smiles, though, when I told them I’ll be joining this coming Sunday. Ah yes, God and His ways never ever fail to amaze me. 🙂

New Masterpieces

I also would like to honor in this article my brother’s father-in-law for being one of the most talented artisans I know. I understood now why we’ve all been gifted with special skills and talents that we incorporate in our professions to serve God and others as a unified body of Christ.

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A refurbished 20-year old cabinet.

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A new cabinet was installed to match an old black dresser and achieve a one whole set design.

This is the new set of additional furniture for my sister’s place and each one is a by-product of Papa Boyet’s ideas which we normally can’t imagine, thus, makes every masterpiece anw extra special work of art. I was able to witness how he crafted some of these projects and I can attest that it was indeed all done with a labor of love. 🙂

Love Tank: Replenished and Overflowing

With all these testimonies, we can surmise that they’re all God’s work which refilled my love tank in the process. I believe wecan admit that we arrive at that point where we are sucked dry by life’s never-ending demands. But God always finds a way to reassure us that His love is overflowing – He is our only source of it. How?

1. He will bring you to the right people at just the right time.

2. Those prayers you have silently prayed in between your tears, sadness, sorrow, and despair, God hears them all.

3. God brings healing through things that He knows will nourish you spiritually first and foremost.

4. He will let you see that your world doesn’t revolve on your problems alone, there is more out there in the world to explore.

5. He will remind you of His purpose why He called you (altar call) and gave you a task to fulfill.

6. He will show you that no one and nothing can separate you from His love come what may.

7. The complete trust you have given Him through the tough circumstances you’re in, He will return it in full and even more.

Sometimes sticking with our end of the deal when we got saved can be very heart-wrenching. Our still worldly selves will rely on our human efforts and human knowledge about how to endure the sacrifices we need to make. But then, with God-sent mentors, they will help us to once again walk the path that God called us to walk no matter how difficult that road is.

So that afterward, we can proclaim with conviction the following verses (they came right on time during my devotion):

I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done. – Psalms 9:1 NLT

Enter His gates with thanksgiving; go into His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him and praise His name. – Psalms 100:4 NLT

The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. – Psalms 32:8 NLT

P.S.

I am not sure if this photo will have any bearing at all in this article. 😀 But I just want to share it to say that these filters sometimes (I seldom take selfies) do come pretty handy when you’re looking stressed and all and you want to come up with a decent photo without all the hassle of making up your face.

But with all honesty, this photo has the following false details: eyelashes, pupils, poreless skin, and eyeglasses. And no, I am not a teenager just in case this photo deceived you. I’m already near the mid-30s bracket. 😀

Ciao!

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Things About Christmas That We Don’t Know

While most of us are eager for the upcoming Christmas season, there are some of us who dread the holidays:

  • that teenager whose parents just divorced and don’t know how to celebrate it because both parents have their own separate agenda for the holidays
  • that person who lost a loved one recently
  • that loved one who is far away from home and celebrating alone
  • those orphans whose only family they grew up with are also fellow orphans
  • that cancer or terminally-ill patient who dreads this is going to be his or her last Christmas celebration
  • that single person who’s been waiting for the love of their lives for decades already and been celebrating Christmas alone for decades too
  • or that street child begging for alms envying the shopping bags you’re carrying, and a whole lot more.

This Christmas tree has been with us for how many decades now. The decors were infested with termites last year but we were able to salvage some, but for the others, we have no other choice but to discard them.

It reminded me that indeed, everything and everyone around us are all but only temporary – they will all be gone one at a time. However, it is not about what we lack and what we lost that matters but more importantly, it is about what we can give despite our lack of a lot of things. Because that is the Christmas spirit – give LOVE to people who need it most.

How?

Visit a relative you haven’t seen for a long time, join a gift-giving Christmas event for orphans on the 25th, cook for your neighbors and give it to them on Christmas Eve…there are so much more that we can do to share the love and it is not just about money, gifts, new stuff, parties, Christmas lights, and decorations.

May we always be reminded that God is LOVE through the birth of Jesus and that is why we have the Christmas season – to celebrate God’s love for us.

So don’t be stressed with the Christmas shopping list or the holiday traffic or what to prepare for Christmas Eve – they are really not that important. Ask LOVE how He wants you to display it this upcoming holiday season.

And lastly, choose to be GRATEFUL over the holidays whatever your circumstance may be. ❤

Born three days before Christ,

CHRISTINE LAILANI GINETE-ROME

P.S.
This message is originally intended for myself actually. But I’m sharing the thought. 😉

Liliw Tsinelas Store: Sole-ly Fit for Your Feet

“Commit your actions to the LORD, and your plans will succeed.” – Proverbs 16:3

Hi, everyone! 🙂 It’s been a while since I’ve written here (details why will be shared in the next article) and good thing I still have some remaining time (before prepping dinner) to compose a “quick” article.

A brother in Christ/friend of mine and I had this business collaboration and I was more than glad to help and do a review of their products. Well, when it comes to shoes and sandals, no girl can ever resist, right? 😉

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So he asked me to do an OOTD-sort-of-theme for the sandals and all I promised was photos of the shoes and no whole-body shots (except for one). lol Well, I am getting older and let’s just say the fashionista in me has shifted too to more simple outfits peg. Being a remote worker has a say in it too. This will be explained more in my next article. 🙂

Anyway, I’ll keep this short so you can go ahead and read more about what Liliw Tsinelas Store has in store for you by clicking the link below. ❤

http://www.wheninmanila.com/love-local-with-liliw-tsinelas-comfort-and-style-for-an-affordable-price/

Liliw Tsinelas Store

P.S.

Thanks to my awesome hubby for being my photographer and thank you, When in Manila, for the feature in your Fb page! ❤

Liliw Tsinelas Store

Paul, In Love

“We give advice by the bucket but take it by the grain.” – Tom Stoppard

It is easy to learn the theories but it takes EVERYTHING to practice them right. I consider Paul as the greatest love guru giving the most practical and sensible yet challenging advice about love. An advice on love and marriage is best lifted through the bible which is God-breathed. What the Word contains withstood time and remained relevant until now.

You might be wondering why I put up this blog and I did mention in my previous posts that this blog will serve as my “megaphone” for my faith. When I first started it, I actually have no idea how to run this blog, how it’ll turn out and what I will be writing about. It took some time before I finally got the instruction – trust the Spirit’s leading in whatever season you are in.

“And we have received God’s Spirit (not the world’s spirit), so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us.” – 1 Corinthians 2:12

It is as synonymous as trusting God’s leading just like what happened to me and my husband one time. It did come to that point wherein we were financially tight that we were wondering where to get the money to provide for our needs without asking our families for help. My husband did think about borrowing money and as for me, I know I need not worry because God does not want me to worry for as long as I put my complete trust in Him. Neither do I want my husband to worry because of my worries too. I have faith that my God is bigger than anything and that He makes the impossible possible.

Days came wherein my husband and I were already dreading the worst days that we could possibly encounter from not having enough finances and I was tempted to count our cash on hand and worry how to fill it up but I thought again, I need not worry because God is with us. Lo and behold, on that same day where I got tempted to do my budgeting again but did not do it, my husband happily texted me from work that we are going to eat out.

I jokingly told him that will not be possible because of the financial constraints we were facing. On that day, I was reading bible verses and making these faith-based articles for posting while listening to worship songs. I was actually surprised to find myself feeling so “light” and happy not knowing yet what the good news is. Yes, hubby did not fill me in with all the details for his “happiness.” 😉

When he got home, he kissed me and took out his wallet and showed me something – paper bills more than enough to help us through the month. He got it from work along with the rest of his team mates from a boss whom I believe God used as an instrument of blessing to us at just exactly the right time.

At that time, these verses came to life for me on a deeper level simply because God has proven it to be true, out of His love for you and me. All He wanted to know is how far we are willing to put our faith, hope and trust in Him that He is God, that we have nothing to worry and to wait patiently in His timing. Always. 🙂

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?” – Matthew 6:25

“Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.” – 1 Timothy 6:6-8

“Tell those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment.” – 1 Timothy 6:17

“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.” – James 1:12

“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” – James 1:2-4

I actually consider every moment of waiting as some sort of fasting, a delayed gratification process. Contrary to what most people think about waiting as idle time, there is so much that goes on actually while waiting. It is a period wherein your soul wrestles with your sinful nature because you get and have enough time to contemplate internally and reflectively. There is a battle within between what this world asks of you and what God expects of you. It can be agonizing most of the time since it’ll reveal your deepest weaknesses and yet so much is being forged in the period of waiting because the battle happens within. Patience, discipline, trust, endurance, and most of all faith come into play. That is why I referred to it as fasting in a way because it is the Spirit who accompanies you in those moments of waiting. 

True enough I got the bigger picture of it all now. In the same way that the apostles like Paul have done in “recording” their testimonies about God and Jesus through their own tests of faith which is now the bible, the blog is the modern version of our testimonies about how to live with God in our generation. I interpreted it to be its main purpose.

I thought to myself that even if I die, for as long as WordPress exists, my website will be up. I am actually overjoyed to see that Facebook came up with the Legacy Contact in the Account Settings (check photo below). This allows any Facebook account holder to pass on his/her “legacy” by choosing someone to oversee his/her account when he/she dies. So I guess this even suggests greater responsibility on us social media users. We don’t want to pass on the bad/negative stuff to the next generation, do we? 😉

FB Legacy

For as long as these social media sites are running, our legacy will be up for the whole public to see or for our friends and mutual friends to see. The great question that we should ask ourselves is this – what kind of legacy/imprint are we leaving behind? Another follow up question would be this – what does your life say about you when people look at your social media accounts? And last but not the least – are you inspiring them to live life in wisdom towards the Truth?

I believe there is a Paul, a Peter, a Timothy, a Matthew, and all other disciples in each and every one of us. It is about time we do what God has called His disciples to do – out of His love for us, our love for Him and our love for others. Yes, it’always been about love. ☺

“Commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these words of mine. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Teach them to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up.” – Deuteronomy 11:18-19

“Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.” – Proverbs 22:6

“And we have come to know and believe the love that God has for us. God is love; whoever abides in love abides in God, and God in him.” – 1 John 4:16

So I end this article with those questions which I did ask myself too and one of my favorite Christian songs of all time. ❤

(Featured photo: ilovehdwallpapers.com)

Good Stewards of God’s Gift

This is a very quick article as I’ll be preparing for an exam and I am looking forward to busier days with (prayerfully) writing and teaching. In whatever case, all glory to God as always and may His will be done over all my plans. 🙂

To set the right tone for this article, allow me to share this bible verse first:

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” – 1 Peter 4:10

I consider writing and teaching as gifts wherein God has called me to serve Him and fulfill the mission He has tasked me to do. It has always been my all-time prayer that if God will give me a professional career, it will cater both the fields I am passionate about – writing and teaching.

I may not know how it will come about but my constant question too is how I could glorify His name in these fields. This blog supports my passion for writing and contains my testimonies about faith and been ‘teaching’ about it one way or the other.

But it also contains all the things that I am passionate about from hobbies, advocacy, quality time with people I love, movies, literature, cooking, etc. I am pretty sure you’re familiar with the term “hobby hoarder”  and I must confirm being guilty of that. 😀

However, it is not my intent to be a “jack of all trades, master of none” but it is out of my passion for learning too that’s why I became interested in learning these crafts. Some of them I may have acquired as a skill, some as a talent, and some out of diligence in being able to create something for someone.

The latter, I believe, is what 1 Peter 4:10 is all about. It’s never about the many things you can do and never a matter of glorifying self but how can you help others with what you have or what God has given you. Think of Albert Einstein or Bill Gates and other “gifted” inventors who contributed so much for the convenience and betterment of the human race and society. Though their achievements were recognized, I believe the “geniuses” in them aren’t just about being born lucky with it but that it has already been predestined by someone more genius than anyone else He created the entire universe with all its intricacies. But even if gifted with such great talent, it still depends entirely on how God will use that talent according to His plans.

In my previous article, I mentioned that it was my brother who inspired me to play the guitar as a hobby. He got the inspiration from my Mom most likely and out of his passion to learn the craft, he has learned the art of music by playing the guitar good enough to inspire someone like me.

I got influenced and had the same willingness to acquire the skill so he passed on the trade by giving me my first guitar and allowed God to teach me what I needed to learn along the way. Now married, it was my husband who showed his interest in learning the craft through me and so came the birth of his very first guitar. *wink* 😉

I believe it is a question of who do we serve with the gifts/talents that God gave us with.

NEVER should the talents be used to glorify self nor fulfill our own desires because it will root in on pride, selfishness, greed and discontentment. Pursuing ambition by means of talent can never be the case as well. Again, if God’s gifts were used solely to satisfy our own selfish needs, then we are not maximizing what God originally intended those gifts for – for the benefit of all.

For it was written,

John 3:30 “He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.”

Luke 9:24-25 “For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self?”

Luke 9:23 [Then He said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”]

Denying ourselves pleasures that only us will benefit makes us obedient to the calling that God has called us out. For it is only in the act of doing things out of love to our gift-giver can our talents and skills have complete meaning by aligning them to their purposes and roles according to God’s plans.

These two sketches are a request from hubby for his family which I was very hesitant to do at first as I feel inadequate in meeting their expectations. But I finally had the courage to do it because of God’s grace, my husband’s encouragement and my life verse which is, “For I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. – Philippians 4:13.”

Honestly, I hate to part with each of my art work as I feel a part of me has been embedded in every piece. lol Yes, I believe I really am that sentimental.

BUT it is of greater joy and complete happiness knowing that you are using what God gave you not for your glory but for His glory being good stewards of His grace – again, 1 Peter 4:10. 🙂

P.S.

I believe everyone has been gifted by God with something and it is not only through the hobbies in which one can serve the other.

If you are unsure what God may have given you and where He is calling you to serve Him and others, I encourage you to volunteer in one of the church ministries. The ministry may not be exactly what you had in mind as the avenue for you to completely use your gift in serving others but it might serve as the instrument in knowing completely where God wants to put you.

Of course, prayers mean a lot. I did mention in one of my previous articles that I was asking for God’s guidance and clarity in what He wanted me to do with the gifts He has given me.

I am praying you’ll find the right turf where you can serve others too may it be at home, at work, in school, abroad or in your homeland. 🙂

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Bro-in-law (9″ x 12″ Pencil Sketch)

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Parents-in-law (12″ x 18″ Pencil Sketch)

Strumming w/ Acoustic and Classical Guitars

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His, acoustic; mine, classical.

I have noticed that classical guitar strings easily break compared to acoustic guitar strings. The quality of both strings are different and acoustic guitars have metal strings while classical guitars have nylon strings. I had my first guitar as a college graduation gift from my brother. Starting from the day I got it until now, I think I replaced the strings for about 5 times already though I seldom play it like thrice a week to once every 2 months depending upon the availability of my schedule.

Brother bought me a classical guitar because I have been playing Mom’s guitar in our hometown in Bicol when I was in high school. But when I got here in Manila back in college, I have been messing around with brother’s guitar which he doesn’t usually approve of, by the way, because it’s always out of tune after I’m done playing. Hahaha Sorry brother dear, but thanks for lending me your guitar anyway, anyhow. 😉

But I had these broken strings to be grateful for – I learned to tune the guitar without the help of any tuning device. I always play by ear so it was easier for me to recognize if a string is slightly off-key. It was also this playing by ear that made it easier for me to replace the chords of a song if the music sheet isn’t reliable or the notes are too low and I don’t want to use the capo.

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Strike a pose before strumming.

If you are asking me why I have two guitars in my possession and you might think I am too greedy or in the habit of collecting guitars, well, my answer is no, I am neither of those. It was my hubby’s request to buy a new guitar and become my apprentice. I thought I’ll choose metal strings for him because it’s usually recommended for beginners. But if you are to ask me which one sounds better, I think that is one tough question because personally, I love both. Each of the two has its own unique sound quality depending upon the type of song you wish to play.

If, for example, you love that “stringy” and clear-sounding guitar music, choose an acoustic guitar especially if you’ll be doing a lot of plucking. But if on the one hand you prefer a more solid guitar sound which is achieved in full strumming, I suggest go for the classical guitar.

Brother chose the classical guitar for me because of its nylon strings. It’s less painful to the fingers especially if you’ll be strumming for longer periods of time but ironically, I am enjoying the metal strings of the acoustic guitar for now because it sounds more clear. 😀

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Awesome eye candies at Benjie’s Music Store. 😍

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Got these and the guitar case as freebies! God is good all the time, eh? 😀

Going back to me and hubby, let’s just say, my “me” time at home includes playing the guitar while my hubby is having his “me” time too and I think he got inspired while listening to my belting. lol Seriously though, he usually sings along while I am playing but what I hate about this is that he usually gets, you guessed that right, LSS-ed for yup, you guessed that right again (or not), let’s just say…a week.

A week?!?!?!

Yeah, yeah, I know you are squealing with laughter right now. Just imagine how irritated I am for the entire week as I listen to him singing usually one part of the song over and over again more than the national anthem during flag raising every day. 😀

But well, you know my husband, he usually does this to tease me. *sigh*

But now, it’s a good thing that he gets to play with me. Oh, but I forgot to tell you and this will be a secret between us – (whispers) he sometimes sings off-key. lol 😀

But he is a very willing student and I am a teacher by passion and by profession. 

So….

Three “buts” in a row are no good for an article thus I am ending this with my husband as a willing apprentice and I am more than glad to inspire and teach as always. 🙂

P.S.

For our duet performance, uhm, I believe it’s going to happen in about 10 years from now. *insert chuckles here* Practice makes perfect, as they say. Oh, and my favorite musical pieces? It’s none other than worship songs, of course. ❤

My Kind of Summer Swimwear: Nonconformist

So, you must be wondering why I am oh-so-fueled with energy to write more than 1 post for this month. 😀

Answer: I am making the most of my idle and waiting time lest I become busy the following months – again. We can never tell, so I am letting those ideas out in the open. Oh, and yes, before I forget them.

Anyway, this is a late post since summer is already over and the rainy season has welcomed its way already here in the metro and in some provinces. Last summer getaway, I was undecided what to wear for my swimwear. I do have a lot of two-piece swimsuits, but I am not sure if I could wear them and swim without a cover-up.

While the rest of the world during summer is revealing too much skin with its very daring two-piece swimsuits (praying for a change), I can only be grateful to God for fashion designers who opted to create swimwear that will preserve the dignity of women and not be treated as sex objects with their skimpy outfits. These outfits aren’t only comfortable, but are fashionably elegant, too.

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I personally LOVED these swimsuits because they easily dry up, are lightweight, securely padded, have an undershorts/bikini attached underneath, and they’re made of silky fabric that glides and never sticks on the skin, even when sweating.

Of course, who likes to change outfits often right after swimming if you don’t like to walk around in your two-piece swimsuit?

I can wear this around comfortably, no cover-up needed. You can also wear this swimsuit as a dress for your lunch date at the resort without the whistles, the catcalls, and the “heavy” stares. If you know what I mean. Oh, and yes, it’s very convenient, too, if you want to travel light for your summer getaway – a swimsuit and a dress in one, no shorts and no cover-up as added extras in your baggage. 🙂

P.S.

I purchased these swimsuits at SM Department Store and Farmer’s Plaza (Cubao) flea market at almost the same price (a reasonable one) – 500 PHP. I saw similar swimsuits being sold online, and they tag them as three-piece swimsuits.

[Paul said,] “I want women to be modest in their appearance. They should wear decent and appropriate clothing and not draw attention to themselves by the way they fix their hair or by wearing gold or pearls or expensive clothes.” – 1 Timothy 2:9

It Was His Birthday: Part 2

Brian Rome

“Birthday Boy” (9″ x 12″ Pencil Sketch)

This isn’t a yearly habit for me but I intended to make it so from now on – sketching him on his birthday. 🙂

It was my hubby’s birthday last May 4 and when he was just my boyfriend, it was my first birthday gift to him – a sketch. Last year I wasn’t able to make one as we were out of town for his birthday celebration. This year though, time allowed I make him another one. I have been eyeing one of the photos I took of him as my sketch guide – this time from a different angle.

I promised I will do another sketch of him and though I was hesitant to draw as it’s been more than a year since I got hold of a pencil and did some sketches, God gave me the grace to finish it in less than an hour – I was busy preparing for his favorite dinner too. Multitasking, it is. Yes, the duties of Mrs. Wifey. 😀

So I teased my husband, “Honey, I already did a front and side angle of you, should I also sketch your back?” lol

What do you think?  About sketching his back, I mean. *just kidding* 😀

July 26: Quotation of the Day

A-relationship-that-lasts-is-one-with-Christ-in-the-center

Copyright to the Owner.

Angel, Did You?

FinalFeather

Angel, did you…? 

Did you graze upon our home and left this proof of your presence? 😀

Okay, now this belongs to a bird, a small one, which frequents my little garden at the back of our apartment to get bits of a pot made from coconut husk to build for its nest.

But for angels, it oftentimes occurred to me that they do exist with us except that they are not the ones which we commonly imagine or how angels are portrayed in children’s books – with wings of fluffy feathers as white as snow and with silken, long white robe.

I have read in the book of Revelation  that angels are actually very huge beings which do not take the form of a human. They usually come in a bright light which, I believe, is where the “white figure”  idea of an angel came from.

I know angels can also be spirits and yet there is only one Spirit that lives in all of us – that which is of Jesus Christ, the one He sent to be with us when it was time for Him to physically take leave of this world and be with His Father in Heaven.

But then again, childhood memories are not easy to erase. Though I believe in the Spirit and acknowledge His presence in my life everyday, I will still stick with my bright, feathery angel and this photo I’ve randomly taken will remind me of that. 😉 ❤

“The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and delivers them.” – Psalms 34:7 

P.S.

I don’t have any formal training in photography and I just shoot when I want with what I want on who I want. But I guess you don’t have to travel far and be in grand and new places to enhance your photography skills. Same thing with writing. I was trained to write scholarly and academic papers back in college and even now in my graduate study and the jargon is totally different to that of feature writing like this one which has a very casual tone.

But in life, faith in God and experiences taught me more than the technicalities of photography and writing per se for they taught me more about one thing – appreciation. It was actually my faith followed by my transformation/salvation that brought this blog to life, not to impress readers nor gain followers and likes but to express my thoughts and honor my God.

I was then urged to make the mundane interesting by appreciating what is already in front of me a.k.a. what I can make out of what I already have – God’s love. This is what I call the by-product of “eyes being opened.”

Then, everything becomes worth capturing – they all now have a story to tell. All we have to do is take on the Spirit’s leading in His ways and in His time when to share them. 🙂