Second Week of Spring Break!

The first week of Spring Break went by so fast!  This morning I told the kids that we are going to do a little bit more planning on how we are spending our second week of Spring Break. We don't want to just wake up next Monday saying - "oh, where did the Spring Break go?"

So I might just "live blog" our second week or Spring Break to keep us on track :)

I'd be in and our this blog. Stay tuned :)

Facing Your Sorrow

I posted at the Johnsons Ohana (Remembering Joey) today.

Click here to go there.

Totally Random Thankful Thursday Post

I have been logged in the Internet for almost an hour it was all totally random.  Quick visits on some blogs I follow (left a comment or two), quick look at new blogs I discovered, quick peeks at Twitterville (did about two tweets myself), then moved on to quick scanning of the e-mails that arrived in my in box from the last time I looked at it. Random.  Totally random.

I meant to type a Thankful Thursday post last night, but fell asleep instead.  It was a busy Thursday. Good busy but still busy enough for me to neglect posting on my blogs that day. Posting on my blogs has never been a burden for me, it's more a relaxation actually.  However, like what I mentioned in my previous posts, I need to guard myself and make sure I don't neglect other important tasks in place of blogging.

Today is Prince Kuhio Day, a holiday on Hawaii. Hubby is off work. Kids are on Spring Break.  I think  I would use this time to "re-focus".  Speaking of re-focus, didn't I just said this is a "Thankful Thursday" post? Before I continue to ramble I think it's time to share my thankfulness or else I would get distracted again. So here's a random list of the things I am thankful for this week:

1. Unemployment Benefits - this is making it possible for me to spend more time at home.  A blessing in disguise so to speak.

2. Joe and Karen - Thankful for their friendship. I am sad to see them move far away.  But I cannot be selfish - I think it's the right move for them.

3. Husband - oh I whine about him every now and then, but when I really think about it God picked him perfectly for me. Iron sharpens iron so to speak.  

4. Spring Break - enjoying it. Enjoying G and N

5. My family in the Philippines are doing well. I am thankful that my brother Joseph is blogging too so I get the updates from there 

6. My brother and his family in LA are doing well. So thankful for my nephew Elijah - already a year old - wow!

7. Todd and Laura and their kids - nice to see Laura and the kids yesterday and nice to read Todd's comments here every now and then.

8. For my Mac computer - loving it!

9. Sonny, the Italian Greyhound. This dog is getting spoiled and I'm the culprit!

10. For the Keplers

11. For the Spencers

12. Thankful that I am living on Maui. 

So glad I am able to list some of the people and things I am thankful for. Now it's time to face the day and continue to be productive.

For for thankful hearts, visit the hub for Thankful Thursday here.

Taking Snail Eggs Off Taro on Taro Field in Keanae

For another Wordless Post 

on Keanae (Ching's Pond) visit A Maui Blog

For more Wordless Wednesday, 

visit 5 Minutes For Moms and WWHQ

Time Management - Are You Good At It?

Since becoming officially unemployed, I had been "privileged" to to have "more time" in my hands than what I used to when I was employed. One might expect that my house will now be squeaky clean, our laundry always folded promptly, our dishes washed right away and dinner on the table are always homecooked and healthy - Ha! in my dreams!

It seems like I am busier than ever. The only difference is I am busy with different things other than what I was busy before. I guess I should be thankful for the flexibility I have. I am. However, I need to be careful. I need to always watch how I use my time because I need to use it wisely.

For example, today, Thursday, there are many things in my list that I wanted to do. The dishes, laundry and cooking are really not a priority. Blogging ... well... it's sort of a priority. Don't raise your eyebrows. I know... it sounds like an excuse to do the things I like to do. But you see, I have a goal ... and if I am to accomplish that goal for this blog then I need to put this blogging thing on top of my list. My husband would argue but he does not read this blog anyway so he can't really argue ;) (nah, he's been more supportive lately - he now reads occasionally so he might see this).

Back to time management, I really have to watch myself and discipline myself to accomplish the tasks that are important and urgent. Not just urgent, but the important and urgent.

One of those is making sure that my son's Middle School arrangements are in place. That said, one of my goals for today is to write a "viewpoint article" about STEM to be sent to Maui News. I have not done that yet. It's already 1:30 in the afternoon. So... I am logging off for now and I won't check my blog, twitter, facebook, or e-mail until I have a decent draft of my viewpoint article. Fair enough? OK, logging off for now....

(When I come back I would talk more about time management. I know... I know.... I need to log off. A hui hou!)

Unfailing Love Sung by Chris Tomlin

You have my heart
And I am Yours forever
You are my strength
God of grace and power

And everything You hold in Your hand
Still You make time for me
I can't understand
Praise You God of Earth and sky
How beautiful is Your unfailing love
Unfailing love

And You never change God You remain
The Holy One
My unfailing love
Unfailing love

You are my rock
The one I hold on to
You are my song
And I sing for You

And everything You hold in Your hand
Still You make time for me
I can't understand
Praise You God of Earth and sky
How beautiful is Your unfailing love
Unfailing love

And You never change God You remain
The Holy One
My Unfailing love
Unfailing love

Works For Me Wednesday: Encouragement

We received a sad news today.  Someone we know committed suicide.  A few weeks back, I read Cindy's post about one of their friends also committed suicide. I do  not know what the real cause or reasons where - there could be some clinical depression associated with it.  But  the question that comes to my mind is "would some words of encouragement have stopped them from committing suicide?" I do not know. But one thing I know is that words of encouragement is a powerful force.  It works for me - all the time. When I am down or stressed and someone gives me some words of encouragement, it makes a huge difference in my ability to overcome whatever difficulty I have.  And if you add to the words my love language which is "service", then it's golden :)

Have you spoken a word of encouragement to someone today? Or maybe you need to send a note of encouragement. Maybe a comment on a blog (hint! hint! - he he).

Let us not procrastinate. Let' us encourage someone now before it's too late . I will.

"We Are That Family" is now hosting the "Works For Me Wednesday" blog posts sharing. Go there for other tips on what works.

P.S. and if you are on the other side, of you need he encouragement, please do reach out and let us know how we can encourage you.

RELATED POST:

In March of 2007 I wrote a post on suicide. I thought I should link it here too. Click here to read it.

Monday Musings: Time, Fear and Grace

MONDAYS - Monday is one day of the week that really impacts me. Maybe it has something to do with "being the start of the week". Although we know that technically Sunday is the start of the week, Monday is the start of the school week and the work week that it triggers certain emotions and reactions in me. This morning I woke up at 3AM (again) and no matter how I toss and turn I still couldn't back to sleep. After an hour of laying down on the bed awake, with thousands of thoughts and ideas running in my head, I decided to get up. And here I am.

TIME - Have you ever wondered why God chose to give us 24 hours in a day? Why not 30? Why not 10? Once in a while I wonder why, especially when my "to do" list is a mile long and there's no way I will be able to do in 24 hours all the tasks I need to accomplish that day. I think the question I should be asking is not "why 24 hours" but "what does God wants me to do on this 24 hours that he is giving me today?".

FEAR AND GRACE - I was reading Karen's blog yesterday and her sharing about Nick really encouraged me. I watched several of Nick's videos on Youtube and realized that a lot of my anxieties are really a result of "fear" - fear of the unknown and fear of what will happen in the future. Instead of me trying to share to you what Nick was saying, I decided to pick one of his videos and embed it here. Take a few minutes to watch it and you will understand that fear is best conquered by God's love and grace:

Dear Past Me, Dear Future Me

Dear Past Me,

Remember when you once said "wouldn't it be nice to live in a house close to the beach?" 

Well, dear Present Me is now living on Maui, in a house close to the beach.

Dear Past Me,

Remember when you used to pray the rosary every night because you were so afraid of the "end of the world"?

Well, dear Present Me is not afraid anymore because she knows God is in control. Present Me does not pray the rosary anymore.  Dear Future Me - you will be in heaven with God - awesome! If anyone wants to know how, Present Me shared how.

Dear Past Me,

Remember when you used to get discouraged when no matter how hard you work you seem to just not make enough money to live comfortably?

Well... Present Me realizes that "working hard" is not the answer. It's "working the best you can and then trusting God" is the answer.  Also, being satisfied with what you have and being thankful for it.

And Dear Future Me, be assured that you would be better than Present Me.  There's always room for improvement; there's always room for growth.

Dear Past Me,

I know that if someone would have told you that you would be "blogging" (or writing online on the internet), you would be laughing so hard.  That's the last thing you thought you would be doing. But now Present Me is enjoys writing (blogging).  

Dear Future Me, you will have fun reading back through these scribblings.  Your grandkids will giggle and laugh.

*Click here more Sunday Scribblings

Wordless Wednesday: Puppy Love on Maui

For more Wordless Wednesday, visit 5MFM's Blog

On Peaks and Valleys Musings

In the middle of the worship during the Sunday morning service a thought came to my mind" "I should have brought a tissue to wipe my snot!"...

You see, on most Sunday I cry during worship. And yet, every stinkin' Sunday (pardon the stinkin' word, I just felt like saying that ;) ) every Sunday I forget to bring a box of tissue or Kleenex. And you know what? I think in a way it is good. At least I know I do not come to church thinking "Oh I am going to cry during the worship". It just happens. Something about the song, the lyrics, touches me, that I would start to cry. But it's not planned. It's not staged. It never was and never will be.

However, crying during worship service is not really the topic of this post. I just had to mention that because I cried again today. And I cried a lot this time. Today ... today is an exceptional Sunday. Joe led the worship, Lani danced worship hula on a very touching song and Kit taught the lessons (or preached as others would call it).

To those of you who are reading this but you're not familiar with Joe and Kit, Joe lost his only son Joey (28 yr old) in May of last year to a sudden death (read blog here); and Kit was diagnosed with terminal cancer (leukemia) about a year ago (read blog here). Both these very close friends of mine are walking in the valley of the shadow of death at this time - and it's amazing to see they continue to love God, continue to trust God, and continue to serve God in the midst of this adversity. This is faith in action. Not the whimpy, gimmie kinda faith, but the faith that says "you give and take away - blessed be the name of the Lord".

I had to sigh a couple of times while typing this post, as I recall the emotion packed morning during the service. The worship was awesome, hula was beautiful, the teaching was exceptionally inspiring. I wish all of you were there.

And now you can here the message online at Hope Chapel website.

How Can I Keep From Singing by Chris Tomlin (Video and Lyrics)

"How Can I Keep From Singing"

There is an endless song
Echoes in my soul
I hear the music ring

And though the storms may come
I am holding on
To the rock I cling

How can I keep from singing Your praise
How can I ever say enough
How amazing is Your love
How can I keep from shouting Your name
I know I am loved by the King
And it makes my heart want to sing

I will lift my eyes
In the darkest night
For I know my Savior lives

And I will walk with You
Knowing You'll see me through
And sing the songs You give

I can sing in the troubled times
Sing when I win
I can sing when I lose my step
And fall down again
I can sing 'cause You pick me up
Sing 'cause You're there

I can sing 'cause You hear me, Lord
When I call to You in prayer
I can sing with my last breath
Sing for I know
That I'll sing with the angels
And the saints around the throne

Famous One by Chris Tomlin (Video with Lyrics)

You are the Lord
The famous one Great is Your name in all the earth
The heavens declare You're glorious
Great is Your fame beyond the earth
And for all You've done and yet to do With every breath ...

You are the Lord
The famous one
Great is Your name in all the earth
The heavens declare
You're glorious
Great is Your fame beyond the earth

And for all You've done and yet to do
With every breath I'm praising You
Desire of nations and every heart
You alone are God
You alone are God

You are the Lord
The famous one, famous one
Great is Your name in all the earth
The heavens declare
You're glorious, glorious
Great is Your fame beyond the earth

The morning star is shining through
And every eye is watching You
Revealed by nature and miracles
You are beautiful
You are beautiful

25 Things About Me

I was tagged in Facebook by some dear friends to do the 25 Things About Me Meme. I thought I'd post it here on the blog too. I am working on my "Tackle It Tuesday" post but I thought this one is a good post for today, Monday ....

1. I love Jesus. I thought I'd mention that first. I grew up as a Catholic. I gave my life to Jesus when I was in college. I believe in "lifestyle evangelism". I do not like it when people "force" their belief to others. I think if we live a life that Jesus would want us to live, others will want to know more about HIM.

2. I am a daughter, a wife, a mother, a friend, a sister, an aunt and a blogger. I also have many other roles aside from that.

3. I am married to Bradley. I am barely 5 feet tall, He's 6 and 3/4 feet tall. As my friend would say, I believe in the improvement of species ;)

4. Bradley and I dated through letters. We first met in the Philippines during one of Hope Chapel's mission trips, but he loves to say he ordered me from a catalog. He thinks it's kinda funny. Yep, he's got a warped sense of humor. Oddly, his sense of humor is one of the qualities that attracted me to him when we first met ;)

5. We have been married for 15 years (going 16 this year). Yes, we are committed to each other. And yes, I love that guy.

6. I love being a mom. This is one of my greatest passion in life.

7. I am a mom to a Hapa Girl N and a Hapa Boy G. Both are in their Tween years. They are my pride and joy. They are the best!

8. I love my family in the Philippines (and LA) even though I do not write and very seldom call them on the phone. My two brothers should win the award for "best brothers".

9. I am introvert by nature although I love having a lot of friends. I am a loyal friend. I have some close friends who I adore and love so much. They help me get through the rough times and they rejoice with me in the good times.

10. By being an introvert, I need a lot of quite time and reflection time. I get cranky when I don't get enough of those.

11. Being an introvert, I am not good at conversations. I tend to be a "wall flower" on social gatherings. I do not like talking on the phone. If you call my cell phone and I don't answer, you'd get a message recorded by Bradley. It says " You've reached Liza's phone. DO NOT LEAVE A MESSAGE -she does not check her messages. That's true. E-mail me if you need to reach me.

12. I love to sing but singing doesn't like me.

13. I also love to dance but dancing doesn't like me either.  Although in elementary and high school I danced a lot, even on school programs. But now I hardly dance except swaying during worship ;)

14. I love books and I think books like me :). Reading informative books, self-help books and biographies are my favorites.  I don't read fiction and novels that much. I love reading poetry though. Yes, I can be boring.

15. "Acts of Service" is my primary love language.  Anything I can do for you?

16. Someday when I retire and we can afford it, I'd love to "travel around the world".  Also want to do a lot of gardening and flower arranging;

17. I am a B.S. Psychology graduate. I took Psychology because it has the fewest Math requirements I could find in college that also has a lot of science.

18. Yes, I hate Math and love Science. Later on I realized I really really like Psychology and so glad I took that as my major.

19. I love living on Maui. Love the ocean, the people, the weather, and everything Maui. Maybe that's why I started another blog called A MAUI BLOG

20. I like eating ethnic Filipino food, And yes I do eat balut (much to my hubby's and some friends' disgust). DO NOT CLICK ON THE LINK if you have low tolerance for weirdness and yuckiness)

21. I own more than 25 cookbooks but only use less than 10 of the recipes written those those 25+ cookbooks. I am a messy cook. I am insecure with my cooking ability.

22. Blogging and Twittering are among my favorite things to do.

23. I don't exercise very much. But I need to. I also don't drink water as much as I need too.  And did I mention I love eating fried foods? I can't claim to be a health buff. I'd fail the healthy list test.

24. Twenty four already? I still have a lot to share.

25. Now I am stuck and don't know what to put as the 25th things about me.  If you know me, feel free to add something about me on the comment section :)