Liza's Eyeview

The Power Of Vulnerabilty by Brene Brown

2012-01-09T20:43:00.014-10:00

This TED Talk, The Power of Vulnerability is one of my most favorite Ted Talk. Go ahead, grab a chair and sit comfortably before you watch, because once you start watching it, you would want to finish it till the end...

TEDxMaui is happening here on Maui on January 22, 2012. Interested? Go to TEDxMaui website for details.

I Am A Vagabond Christian

2011-12-04T07:15:00.002-10:00

Last night as our family and I were watching a Swedish movie titled "The Christmas Story" the term vagabond was used. I had seen that word before - one of the travel blogs use it as a a name of the blog. Somehow, the term vagabond resonated with me....
This morning I am thinking of attending Hope Chapel. It's hard to explain why. I don't think I am ready to go back there. Feelings of stress overwhlem me just with the thought that I am going there this morning. (And I might even back out by the time I finish this post). I love being at Calvary Chapel South Maui. I feel at home there. I feel secure there. But my husband somehow do not have the same enjoyment I feel there. Not that he does not like it, but my guess is he misses our former church, Hope Chapel...

I guess this is the reason why I feel I am a vagabond Christian. A Christian with no permanent church. Aside from Hope Chapel and Calvary Chapel South Maui, I also love Kumulani Chapel. I love their Pastor Ricky Ryan (Mr. Super Encourager) and if it's not for the distance (I know, it's not that far, but it's still far from us) we would probably be going there regularly and might settle there as a home church....

I am a Vagabond Christian - at least I am for the moment. I trust God will lead us to the right church, as a family, one day. I know where I want to be but my family is also a high priority for me, and I think it's important to go to church as a family... One day I'll find out where....

But in the meantime, I am a Vagabond Christian - at least for a while. Thank God Christianity is not based on church or religion but on our relationship with Jesus Christ....

vag·a·bond (vg-bnd)

1. A person without a permanent home who moves from place to place.

2. A vagrant; a tramp.

3. A wanderer; a rover.

adj.

1. Of, relating to, or characteristic of a wanderer; nomadic.

2. Aimless; drifting.

3. Irregular in course or behavior; unpredictable.

intr.v. vag·a·bond·ed, vag·a·bond·ing, vag·a·bonds

To lead the life of a vagabond; roam about.

UPDATE:

I attended Hope Chapel and had a wonderful time. It's hard to tell why I feel stress and anxiety with the tought of going there (they are all very nice there, it's more on my part), but I am glad I overcome it, went and had a blessed time there. It was a very nice visit.

Gingerbread House Making Through The Years

2011-11-29T22:20:00.001-10:00

Wordless Wednesday at 5 Minutes For Mom

This Mama Blogger Is On A Roll!

2011-11-06T06:01:00.002-10:00

It’s 5:23 in the morning. I have already been up for an hour and been tweeting, e-mailing and FB’ing. Now I am writing a post for this blog. Yeah baby, this Mama Blogger is on a roll!

Truth is I should be writing a post for A Maui Blog right now. But I thought it would be fun to visit here first. Afterall, this is my first love, my first “blog love”.

There are a lot of things in my mind right now. The upcoming Thanksgiving, my kids’ schooling, the business blog I will be resurrecting, plans for my work as a Social Media Director at Premiere Mortgage and Aloha Luxury Properties, and not to forget our daily dinners, etc.

My life is busy. Crazy busy. But I have learned to take it day by day so I don’t get stressed out by it. But there's one thing I am a bit concern. I am noticing that our “life with friends” is being affected by our busyness . Recently we had been neglecting spending time with our “old friends”. We just don’t hang out with them as much as we used to. That is not good. Yesterday we were supposed to go to a “first birthday party” of our good friends’ son. We planned on attending but bailed out the last minute due to some complications in “the home front”. This year’s Halloween, instead of spending it with our best friends up in Waikapu which we’ve done in the previous years, we decided to stay in Kihei. Hmm...

Speaking of “this Mama Blogger Is On A Roll” I better get rolling writing my posts at A Maui Blog. Need to. Exciting things are hapenning at A Maui Blog - I need to keep up with the momentum. It was nice stopping by here for a quick visit. And if you are still reading this post up to this point, I salute you, and love you. Yep, this post is so quick and random. Thanks for reading!

A hui hou!

When #FAIL comes your way, #ENCOURAGEMENT is an anti-dote

2011-10-09T06:52:00.004-10:00

blog

I am amused whenever I see a failwhale photo flash on my screen. Not that I would like a failwhale to happen. I am a Twitterholic, and I really don't like it when Twitter is down. However, the failwhale logo represents something more, something worth talking about. But before I get distracted talking about a Twitter failwhale, what I really want to talk about is our life's failwhales and how to overcome it. Let me use my recent life's failwhales as examples:

1. FailWhale No 1: Fundrasing for Blogworld2011 - since I started blogging in 2006, one of my dreams is to be able to attend the blogworld conference. I thought that this year I will be able to do it though a fundraising campaign. But just as I launced the campaign on my blog, I got the news that my mom passed away. I flew back to the Philippines and stayed there for 10 days. The campaign was put on a back burner. When I came back to Maui, life got so busy that I didn't have the time to work on the campaign. BlogWorld2011's date is so close now that I don't think I'd make it. #Failwhale! Am I bummed? Of course I am. I had been wanting to attend this for a long time. And aside from the fact that I wanted to go to LA to attend Blogworld, another desire is to go to LA to visit my brother there while I am attending Blogworld. It's a long story, but it's a #fail for now.

2. FailWhale No.2: Applying to be a speaker at TEDxMaui 2011 - I don't know what possessed me to think that I am even worthy of applying to be a speaker at TEDxMaui. But the thought never left my mind when I first heard of TEDxMaui, so I did it. I knew that if I didn't submit my "half-baked" application on the deadline, I would forever be wondering "what if". I submitted my application the day before they announced the names of some of the speakers. The next day, when I saw the list of speakers, I was so embarrassed that I had the "delusions of grandeur" to apply to be a speaker at TEDxMaui. What medication I was on, I didn't know! Right now, it's a #Fail. But then again, maybe not. You want to know what the "big idea" I had for TEDxMaui? I wanted to speak about "ENcouragement" (the TEDxMAui theme is "Courage To Dream"), which lead me to the conclusion of this post.

#ENCOURAGEMENT. - "When life thows you a #failwhale, #encouragement is your anti-dote.

Since I illustrated what a #failwhale is through my life's example, let me also illustrate what #Encoragement (or #EncourageWIN as I'd call it) is through my life's example.

1. #Encouragement -When I woke up this morning, I got a notification from KLOUT saying that Liz Strauss added me to her KLOUT list under GREAT MOMS. Now if you know me well, you know that's one of the greatest compliment you can ever give me. I love being a mom. That really is a my passion. And for someone like Liz Strauss to include me in a list of great moms is a huge encouragement to me. This made my day today which made those #failwhales easy to take.

Going back to the FAILWHALE - what I love about it is that it's the "little birds" that carrying the whale. There's an insight to that. Think about it. Those little birds are the encouragers in my life. When the feeling of "I am a huge failure (huge as in a whale)" comes to mind, the encouragements of little birds can carry us along until we arrive at a #WIN. Gotta love those birds!

So one more time: When life thows you a #failwhale, #encouragement is your anti-dote.

* Bonus: FUN WEBSITE FAILWHALE: What Is A FailWhale?

I Don't KNow How She Does It

2011-09-12T05:16:00.002-10:00

I am definitely watching this movie. Opens Sept. 16, 2011

My Mom Is Now I Heaven, But Her Memories Lives on Earth

2011-08-21T06:05:00.001-10:00

As long as we have memories, yesterday remains. As long as we have hope, tomorrow waits. As long as we have love, today is beautiful. ~ @TheNotebook

Have you seen the movie The Notebook? The story is very similar to my Mom and Dad's story. Not exactly the same, but very close ...

My mom passed away on August 10th, 2011, but her memory lives on. I have a long post about my mom that I drafted handwritten in a notebook. I think I left the notebook in the plane coming back to Maui. Oh well ... maybe it's meant to be. Maybe the person who'll find it needs to read what I wrote in there. The good news is that my mom's memories are not tied up in the notebook, but in all our hearts. As our family misses my mom, this quote from The Notebook is a great reminder that as long as we have love, today is beautiful. And I know my mom would agree to that.

Finding My Center in the Blogsphere

2011-07-09T00:22:00.010-10:00

It's been a while since I blogged here at Liza's Eyeview. A lot have happened since then. One of those that "have happened" is that I now work as social media coordinator - full time, with pay. What was once a hobby is now my job. Most people would say I am lucky. In other words, I am blessed.

One danger of turning a hobby into a job is the possibility of burn-out. Generally, passionate people who are pasionate about what they do are susceptible to burn out because they give so much of themselves doing the things that they do, that sometimes their minds or bodies cannot keep up. That's the way with me sometimes. But I don't want to get burned out right now. I am enjoying my job and I intend to keep it that way.

Tonight I decided to came back to Lizas Eyeview to visit my blogging roots, to get grounded and be refreshed. When I say "finding my center in the blogosphere" I meant "finding balance". At my current job right now I am developing two new blogs, on a tight budget (understandable in this current economy). That means I cannot outsource it, I have to do it all. I like blogging so that's a good thing, but there are so much to do. Aside from the 2 work blogs, I also have to re-construct my A Maui Blog because it was recently hacked. A lot of the fixing and rebuilding is already done, but there are still so many details I need to organize and update on. This should a good timing to do it, but it can't be a priority over my 2 other projects. And aside from my full-time job, I'm still doing a part time job helping a friend develop and mainatin his social media involvement. So you see, I am pretty busy. This is not even counting doing my wifey and mommy duties - lets not go there for now.

Going back to Lizas Eyeview, it's amazing how even with the irregular postings, my page rank is still considerably high in Google Page ranking. OK, let's not go there either.

I had a great time visiting the blogs of my "old" bloggy friends. I think I'd do this more often.

My eyes are heavy now and I am dozing off. I think I'm going to back and will continue this musing tomorrow....

Thank you for your support of TraffickJam2011

2011-05-03T13:28:00.005-10:00

On Sunday I posted on Facebook and Twitter a request for support on my endeavor to help prevent child abuse in Asia. I was blessed to see many of my friends responding to this call. Here is the list of the kind people who are helping in this endeavor. In behalf of the children who will benefit from your help - thank you so much. Wishing you all abundant blessings through your kindness:

1. Gary Workman
2. Kathy Becklin - Buy Home In Maui
3. Dania Katz of Edible Hawaiian Islands Magazine
4. Christy Sweeney
5. June Donaghy
6. Mark Goldberg of MauiGuidebook
7. MauiGuidebook.com
8. Chris Norberg @Maui - Hawaii Web Group
9. Cassie Kepler
10. Jean McNulty
11. @lSPARKYl
12. @MrsMacchi
23. Kris Nelson of DailyMauiPhoto @DailyMauiPhoto

Help Prevent Child Abuse - Here's How - TraffickJam2011Maui

2011-05-01T05:21:00.014-10:00

Dear Family and Friends,

Photo from TrafficJam2011 website

If there is one thing that truly breaks my heart, it is when I hear a child being abused. And so when I heard about the traffickjam, I decided to participate. I am thankful that I grew up in a loving and safe environment. I am thankful that my kids are also growing up in a safe and loving envinroment. But some kids are not, and I want to help them in my own little way. Would you join me?

Details of Traffick Jam 2011 are posted below. I need you support. Can I count you in? Here's the scoop (as posted in the TrafficJam2011 Facebook for Maui):

Traffick Jam is a nationwide fundraiser that the Hard Places Community is holding on May 7, 2011. We are planning a walk-a-thon that will include all fifty states, a huge undertaking. The slogan for the walk-a-thon is Traffick Jam 2011: In one day, we can help bring child sex trafficking to a grinding halt.

We know that the idea of a walk-a-thon is not unique or new; they are done all the time. However, we believe that the low-ke...y, low-stress way we are going to go about doing Traffick Jam 2011 will encourage many people to participate.

In a nutshell, here's what it looks like. We are asking people to sign up to walk ten miles, together, on May 7, 2011. Each participant in the walk asks ten friends to sponsor him/her. Each sponsor gives a donation of one dollar per mile. That's ten dollars per sponsor. Many people will not be able to give huge amounts of money in these trying financial times, but they WILL be able to give ten dollars to stop the rape of a child. Ten dollars per sponsor, times ten sponsors, is one hundred dollars. So, each participant brings in $100, and also pays the $15 registration fee to cover the cost of his/her t-shirt and shipping the t-shirts to all fifty states. If we have one hundred walkers in one state, then that is $10,000. You do the math! We could raise enough money to see our dreams of FREEDOM begin to come true in Cambodia and Thailand, stretching all across South East Asia as we grow and multiply.

TO THOSE WHO DONATE VIA PAYPAL,the DONATION BUTTON is HERE.

IF YOU WANT TO MAIL ME A CHECK, PLEASE MAIL IT TO OUR HOME. If you do not know my address, contact me here and I will e-mail you: http://www.amauiblog.com/contact-a-maui-blog/

BONUS TIP: If you have a business and you donate to this cause, I will put a link from this post to your website. That wil help you in your SEO :) - just a little thing to say thank you :)

FOR MORE INFO ON TRAFFICK JAM 2011, here are the links:
Facebook Official Traffick Jam MAUI Page:
Facebook Office Traffick Jam Page
Traffick Jam Website

Soul Surfer Movie Review (well, sort of review)

2011-04-10T06:53:00.005-10:00

I watched the Soul Surfer movie last night with my daughter and love it! When I came home, I was curious to find out what others are saying so I Googled "Soul Surfer Reviews",. I saw the Rotten Tomatoes review page. Interesting how the movie critics there gave it an average rating of 51% while the viewers gave it 87%.

Many of the critics think the movie is bland. They think it lacks excitement. One of them said that the shark biting scene wasn't "scary" like that of Jaws. But this movie is not really about the shark, is it?

Another interesting critic comment is that Bethany is almost eerie in her optimism. Here's the quote:

The flaw in the storytelling strategy of "Soul Surfer" is that it doesn't make Bethany easy to identify with. She's almost eerie in her optimism. Her religious faith is so unshaken, it feels taken for granted. The film feels more like an inspirational parable than a harrowing story of personal tragedy. - Roger Ebert review

Reading R. Ebert's comment reminded me of the Phil 4:7 verse in the Bible when it says ".. and the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus". I think, that almost eerie optimism is that "peace that passeth all understanding". It's hard to understand, but that is what is it, that is what happened, and that is what they portrayed. Oh I am sure there were many times of struggles and crying and agony, but the real heart of it ll is trusting their God in this difficult circumstances.

I love how the movie is bold about sharing Bethany's faith in God and yet it is done in a subtle way, not a "believe or go to burn in hell" kind of way. I love how their family was portrayed, how they are all so supportive to each other. I love that the movie does not have provocative sex scenes and does not have too much gory violent scene; I love that the language use are decent and does not contain a lotsof F word that is so common in most movies nowadays. I love that "loving others" was emphasized; I love that the "not giving up in times of hardship" is taught. This is the kind of movie I want my kids to watch and it's hard to find movies like this nowadays. Even the Disney animated movies these days are so full of sarcastic jokes that kids learn to be too sarcastic instead of using courteous and kind words. Ahhh, maybe I am just an old fashion mama, but this is how I feel, and since I have a blog I thought I might as well give my 2 cents worth of review of this film. If you have not seen the movie yet, go see it. It really is a simple movie that is worth watching. Don't expect spectacular, expect a good. And since most review pages give star and points, I might as well give it a 5 starts out of 5. :)

Just Because ...

2011-03-27T00:14:00.001-10:00

It's 12 midnight. I should be in bed, asleep. But I thought I should break the silence of this blog by posting something ... just because. Just because I miss blogging here ar Liza's Eyeview. I miss visiting my Mommy Blogger Friends.. I miss talking story about life, about my struggles and accomplishments, my disappointments and triumphs ... I miss talking about my family, my friends ... oh I miss the good old Mama Blogger Days. One of these days, when I get a chance, I'd post here more regularly - but for now, it'll be intermittent. Aloha Oi!

Oh The Blog About My Visit to My Family in the Philippines... Hmm...

2011-02-24T23:04:00.004-10:00

I got a call from my brother yesterday. My mom's initial medical exams came back with some concerns. It shows that she's got an enlarged heart and also showing some liquid in her lungs. My brother said she needs to be confined in a hospital for some more tests....

My dear friend E of http://myjourneytomindfulness.blogspot.com had e-mailed me a couple times asking how my visit to my family in December was. She visits my blog often to check if I had updated my blog posts, and I have not, till now. Part of it is just busyness and part of it is avoidance (avoiding homesickness).

I had a good visit with my family in the Philippines. But I could not find the time and the energy to write about it. I have not even uploaded many of the photos I took from there. Maybe I should do that tonight. In the meantime, let me post some pics here.

And while we are looking at the photos, please remember to say a prayer for my mom. For good health to be restored...

Visiting My Family In The Philippines

2010-12-12T06:30:00.002-10:00

I am going back to the Philippines! Ok, don't panic. It's not permanent. I am actually going back there for an emergency visit. Only one week - Dec 15 to 22. My uncle who we are very close with, suddenly died from a stroke while visiting the Philippines (from New Jersey). That was the incident that made us decide I really need to go back to the Philippines for a visit. The other day my oldest brother who are taking care of my parents told me that my mom's dementia is getting worse. I wanted to visit her before she forgets who I am ...

It's been nine (9) years since I last visited the Philippines. I am soo excited that I am going back there at this time. I know one week is very short, but that's all we can afford and am very thankful for it. I know I won't have much time to visit friends, as I would like to spend much time to be with my mom and dad ( yep, one week is short!).

Seeking your prayers for safe travels, and for my family here on Maui while I am gone. Hubby with be with the kids. I'm sure they'd have lots of fun.

I will be blogging about my travel here. I will also post a lot about "Christmas In The Philippines".

Mahalo and aloha,

Liza

Do Not Be Afraid; Do Not Be Discouraged

2010-11-24T22:37:00.000-10:00

"This is what the LORD says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s...You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you." 2 Chr.20:15,17

The Serenity Pray and I

2010-10-31T05:19:00.012-10:00

The Serenity Prayer

God grant me the serenity

to accept the things I cannot change;

courage to change the things I can;

and wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time;

Enjoying one moment at a time;

Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;

Taking, as He did, this sinful world

as it is, not as I would have it;

Trusting that He will make all things right

if I surrender to His Will;

That I may be reasonably happy in this life

and supremely happy with Him

Forever in the next.

Amen.

- Reinhold Niebuhr

As I am sitting here with a struggle in my mind, I was reminded of the prayer above. It does capture the cry of my heart. But the quest for "the wisdom to know the difference" is so great. I doubt I can ever truly achieve it. Even with all the "trusting, surrendering, casting of my cares" that I am doing (or so it seems I am doing), I still struggle with the question "why" on some areas of my life.

There are days when I think my struggles are a test of faith that makes me closer to the Lord, but there are also days when I doubt if I am doing things right. And then I get worried that one day I would just break and get off track. "The wisdom to know the difference". I need that. I need the wisdom to know the difference on which things I should accept and which thing I should fight to change, to make the difference. There are days when I think I am doing well, and there are days when I think I am not ...

OK, the days when I feel "I am not" fall about right within the PMS zone and the "why the heck am I not refilling my thyroid pills when know I should" days. OK, enough introspection. It's time to start the day and do the chores...

Search me, O God,
and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; and
see if there is any wicked way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.

Ps. 139:23-24

Wish There's a USB Port In My Head, And I Can Easily Download My Thoughts As A Blog Post ...

2010-10-27T05:38:00.006-10:00

... but then again, maybe not.

So many things in my mind lately. If I don't dump some of it out into my blog (or journal), I would have an overload ...

There is a radical decision I am contemplating on doing this weekend. No, I am not committing suicide. I believe God gave us life to live it abundantly. I love my life - with all it's joys and challenges. Suicide hurts, not only on own body and soul, but it hurts our loved ones even more deeply. It makes the people who loves us most and we love most suffer. If you Googled the word "committing suicide" and this post came up and you are reading it, take it as a sign that you should not do it. Enjoy life. E-mail me and I'll talk story" with you..

There is a radical decision I am contemplating on doing this weekend. No, I am not divorcing my husband. I believe in honoring my marriage's commitment of "till death do us part". Sure there are ups and downs. And maybe romance is slipping away a bit and needs improvement. Bottomline, I love my husband and he loves me. That is fine. "Romance" (googly eyes on the cartoon as my kids would describe it) and "that lovin' feeling" come and go. Commitment is the key. Life is busy, very busy at this stage in our life. That gooey feeling of romance will come back, when we find the time to bring it back. For now, we need to find time to be sane and not get caught up with the "hustle and bustle" of this world. To make the right decisions. And to be happy on where we are at. One of my best friends is moving out of their home next month. She and her husband are separating. I do not judge her. I love her so much. I know both she and her husband are wonderful people and the decision did not come lightly. But I am still sad. It's just sad to see such a great marriage back then lose it's bond now. I still am hoping things will be worked out. I am not giving up hope.

There is a radical decision I am contemplating on doing this weekend. I do not have the details about it. I have to study every step of the way. But I am confident it will work out for good.

I cannot tell you yet what that radical decision is. And honestly, it might seems radical to me but minini to you. Don't get too excited about it. Don't get too intrigued. It's just me.... me and the many things that goes on my head that keeps me awake in the middle of the night. It's just me and my never ending ideas and possibilities. Really, it's not that radical for you, but for me it would be.

I hear my husband's alarm clock going off. Time to log off the computer. Aloha and a hui hou!

P.S. -

Two of my sweet friends are blogging. I just added them to my blog roll. Check them out (wonderful blogs!):

June: http://www.junesforecast.com/
Whitney: http://ilovemisswhitney.blogspot.com/

I Know ...

2010-10-22T02:31:00.008-10:00

"I know..." I never knew that the phrase "I know..." can be such a comforting word. It is to me right now.

Let me explain why and how.

We are currently studying the book of Revelation at church. A few weeks ago, when it was announced that we will go through the book of Revelation during Sunday Services, I was a bit worried. Would it be "hard to understand?" "would it be boring?". None of my worries came true. In fact it was the opposite. I love the way Pastor Charles is teaching us through the book of Revelation. Each Sunday I learn something new or I am reminded of something I had forgotten. Two weeks ago was "first love". Last week, it was that phrase "I know....".

I slept early last night. Just tired. I lay down next to my daughter on her bed while praying for her, and I fell asleep there. Then I woke up in the middle of the night (now early morning) and I couldn't go back to sleep. Too many things on my mind. Too may decisions to make, too many things I want to discuss with my husband but don't know exactly how we should discuss, too many things going on....

And I was laying on my bed ... yes, I even moved to my bed (ok, my husband and I's bed) .. and I still couldn't sleep... just as I was about to start praying about the many concerns I have, I felt (heard) a still small voice in my heart saying " ... I KNOW....". And of course I teared up. I know it's the Holy Spirit. I know it's the Lord. He knows. He knows what my concerns are. He knows what's troubling me. And just as he told the Church of Smyrna in the book of Revelations that "He knows" ... that He knows of their affections and sufferings .. He also told me He knows what my needs and concerns are.

Revelations 2:9(a) "I know your afflictions and your poverty - yet you are rich! ..."

Revelations 2:10(b) ".... Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life".

My poverty is nothing compared to what the church of Smyrna is going through. It's actually minini if I put everything in perspective. I still believe I need some things done, I still will press on accomplishing what I need to accomplish... but it's nice to know that God "knows". He knows, not in general terms ... but personally - with all the details of my life. He will guide me through.

" ... I know ...".

First Love, Balance and Margins, Loving The Gay and Homosexuals, Helping The Abused and Neglected Children, Making New Friends while Keeping the Old, etc.

2010-10-17T06:34:00.003-10:00

The title of this post is long ... I know. That's just a few of the many things on my mind this past weeks. Topics that I would have loved to blog extensively about, except that I can't find the time to blog about it. Juggling my time between family (being a wife and a mom), work (the day time job I am blessed with and the side job as do as a social media strategist), there really is very little margin left on my free time. In fact I do not really have a margin for free time even though I try to squeeze it in every now and then.

Had I not returned to my "first love" (Jesus, that is) this past few months, I know I would have been a basket case at this time already. The time we are living in, with the economic stress and all, it's very easy to get anxious and not have rest...

I still am not perfect in keeping a balance in my life. I have a long way to go. But one thing I know is that drawing closer to Jesus made a huge difference in the way I am handling things and keeping me sane in this insane world of ours.

Glad I found this few minutes to post here. When I get the chance, I'd be back for more.

How about you .. what makes you sane in this crazy world of ours?

Hello God

2010-09-22T03:41:00.000-10:00

Liza: Dear God, if I feel and think that you are leading me to do something and my husband and I do not agree on it, does that mean I am mis-hearing you, that it was just my imagination, or does that mean my husband is not listening to you?

God: (silent)

Liza: Hello? .... God are you there? what to do, what to do ... Maybe you can tell Holy Spirit to whisper it in my ear.....

God: (silent)

Liza: I have been waking up at 2:30AM for the past 3 days. Is there something you want to tell me? (feeling like Samuel boy in the Old Testament)

God: (silent)

Liza: Hello? What was that verse in Jeremiah? what was that again? "Call unto me and I will answer thee and will show you great things which you do not know..." I am calling....

God: (silent)

Liza: (feeling tired and sleepy)

God: (silent)

Liza: So what? do the usuals? read the Bible?

God: Yes...

Liza: Submit to my husband on this matter that bothers me, even if we disagree and I think he is wrong and I am right?

God: Yes...

Liza: (Sigh) I knew you would say that ...

God: (silent).

Liza: I am going back to bed ....

God: Do that. I am watching over you. You know that I love you and care about you.

Liza: zzzzzz z z z

Declutter, Simplify, Trust

2010-09-18T05:40:00.000-10:00

The other day I donated 6 bags of stuff at the Salvation Army. I had been hoarding those six garbage bags of "good stuff" meant for a garage sale. However, that planned garage never happen. We just could not find the right time - there is always something going on. In the meantime, the clutter kept on accumulating, the stuff kept on filing up. So, finally I said to myself - "that's it! forget about my desire to earn a few dollars by selling these stuff in a garage sale. donate them all to salvation army!" and so I did. It felt good. I felt good. The room that those six bags of stuff were stored are now neater. My mind has more peace. Why did I wait several months to let go of those stuff?

In Christ Alone

2010-09-10T10:43:00.002-10:00

IN CHRIST ALONE by Avalon

In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand

In Christ alone, who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless babe
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones He came to save
‘Til on that cross as Jesus died
The wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid
Here in the death of Christ I live

There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave He rose again
And as He stands in victory
Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ

No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life’s first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
‘til He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand

From Vessel to Vessel, All For His Glory

2010-09-06T20:01:00.040-10:00

Pastor Dominic announced on Sunday that he and his family are moving to England. The first official announcement was done last Wednesday night. (listen to it at God of New Things podcast) .

We just started attending Calvary Chapel South Maui about a month ago, and I was truly enjoying pastor Dominic's teachings. I was being ministered to in a way that I needed to. So, deep inside of me I wanted to be very disappointed when I first heard the news. Obviously, for selfish reasons. I wanted to feel betrayed or let down. I wanted them to stay. But the other part of me knows it's all in God's hands and it's all part of the plan. I knew he is following God's will.

The last 4 weeks that we are going to Calvary Chapel I kept on thinking how much the Sunday messages were designed specially for me. Each Sunday I come home feeling encouraged by the Lord through pastor Dominic's words. The truth is, the message was designed for all of us, including pastor Dominic's family. God has a way of working together everything for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. I am sad, yes. But life will go on and God will use another one to minister to me, to us. And he will use pastor Dominic and his family in England.

Last night I listened to the podcast of the Wednesday Bible Stody (God of New Things) where he poured out his heart as he announced this move. The story is all too close to my heart. Many events in my life were similar in a way (even way back when I was still in the Philippines). I thought of blogging about those stories, but can't even find the energy or the words to do so. All I know is that there is a common thread in the stories: that sometimes God pour us from vessel to vessel to accomplish the will that He has for us and for the world. What I had learned is that if we are sensitive to His leading, if we obey His words, and if stay close to Him, He will lead the way and blessings will be poured upon us. It's not always easy, but the peace of God would always be there.

One of the church member helped pastor Dominic set up a website for him and his family. And there's a blog in it it. Talk about getting connected. I always believe that a blog is one of the best connecting tool available out there, and I am glad a blog was set-up for him.

So what's next? I don't know. Are we staying at Calvary or are we supposed to attend Kumulani Chapel? I think we are going to take it day by day, Sunday by Sunday, until we (my husband and I) know for sure where the next vessel we should be....

Aloha Friday

2010-08-27T08:54:00.000-10:00

It's Aloha Friday..... and here I am in the crossroad of trying to accomplish so much, yet trying to relax and take it easy. When will I ever strike a balance, I do not know....

A new friend of mine, Michelle, also posted about Aloha Friday in her blog. I guess this is a common struggle, a common issue to deal with. I am glad to learn she is choosing to come alive. To live life to its fullest without being warpped up in the things that do not really matter in the end.

I know that for me, this is a constant struggle, but there is always hope and victory. What I need to remember is to live the life that God gave me and to fulfill the calling that He has called me to do. The challenge is clearly finding out what those callings are.....

This Will Only Take A Few Minutes, I Promise

2010-08-19T10:00:00.004-10:00

There are 101 things to do on my list. And writing this post is not one of them. But this will only take a few minutes, I promise. I just want to give you some updates on me (assuming that you are interested to know about me):

* HopeLap e-mailed me. They loved my post. They recognized my influence in the Social Media world. However, the glitch that I thought was a glitch is still a glitch. Actually, it's not just a glitch. It's a hindrance. It boils down to "I am on Maui and they are on Redwoods City, San Francisco Bay, California". The person to get the job has to be there, not here. Should I move there then? Nah! Can't. Anyway, it was very encouraging to hear from them. I still support Hopelab and now that I am made aware of it and its mission, I will help promote them.

* I am re-igniting my passion for being an advocate for kids with learning disabilities. The passion actually hasn't died, but it was buried a little bit as I focused more on promoting Maui, than developing a blog about LD that I started earlier. So after I log off here, I am heading to that blog called "Learning Nest" to upload more info there. I also am re-uniting with a group of parents who are passionate advocates for kids with learning disabilities. It's good to be surrounded with peeps who knows exactly what a parent of a child with LD is going through.

* I still have a cough. I just took a spoonful of Robitussin cough syrup and it tasted horrible! Whoever invents a cough syrup that will taste like ice cream and still works will be billionaire. Bleh! the aftertaste of this syrup is still in my mouth!

Ok, few minutes up! Aloha io!

Am I the One For HopeLab?

2010-08-14T07:31:00.027-10:00

A Twitterfriend of mine e-mailed me yesterday with this subject line: "a job 4 u?". In it was a link to a Manager of Communications and Emerging Media open position at Hope Lab. As I read the post I had to agree with my friend that that job opening could possibly be well for me. It is definitely in line with my passion, with my personal mission, and my experiences as well. All day yesterday I was musing and contemplating on this opportunity. Surely there will be many applicants who will apply for this job. What would make me stand out from the rest?

Thinking about it more, I have come to a conclusion that it's not a matter of "standing out from the rest" it's a matter of "am I the right fit?". So, let me tackle that a bit. Let me lay the cards out here and let them decide if I am the piece of the puzzle they are looking for. I will bare all - the pluses and the minuses, the way I see it. The reasons why they should hire me, and the reasons why they might think it won't work out.

Let me change my voice from here on and let's pretend I am talking to HopeLab:

THE PLUSES:

1. HopeLab needs someone who is "passionate, driven, innovative, and fun to work with". My references can attest that I have those qualities. In the virtual world, you can check with @Jowyang, @NEENZ, @RoxanneDarling @Peterliu47 and more (I can give you hundreds of references). In real life IRL, you can e-mail my boss at Spencer Homes Maui. I worked with Spencer Homes for 13 years ... we are slow at the moment, so I am in-between jobs. I am sure they will call me back once we start our new project. But for now, I need a job.

2. I am passionate about using the emerging media to accomplish life's missions and make a difference in my family and friends, my community, and the world. I have used it to help family in crisis, promote the tourism industry in the island I live on, and foster good communication among parents and teachers in the school where my kids go to. I use social media effectively in many ways. I am very active in the social media world. I have a very good reputation. Klout.com says I am influential when I checked on my status as @amauiblog. "Thought leader" is the term they used.

3. I am passionate about helping kids live healthy lives. "I am a mother, hear me roar!" was one of our favorite line in this parents forum that I was very active at at one point (Schwablearning.com). I have two kids, one just turned 13 and one turning 12 soon. Seriously, I am a mother who has a a mission to raise my kids right in this crooked world of ours. It'll be great to have the opportunity to help more kids in addition to my own.

4. I love sticky notes. I use them all the time!

THE MINUSES

1. I live on Maui, Hawaii. HopeLab's office is in San Franscisco Bay Area. I do not think I can convince my family to move to CA. Actually I love living on Maui myself. Would Hoplab allow virtual remote offices? Would there be an airline sponsoring me to go to their office on a regular basis to touch base?

2. I am not a bona fide geek. I am a semi-geek. I do have the technical knowledge and abilities to use many of the social media applications, but I know that I still have to learn a lot more. I can easily learn though. And I am good friends with a lot of geeks. Collaboration is the key in overcoming this weakness.

3. English is my second language. I love to write and I express myself well in writing. However, in writing blog posts, I take a lot of time because I have to check and double check my English. I don't write as eloquently as many writers do. Most of my writings are conversational and not journalistic. I do not use a lot of "big words". Feel free to check out my blogs (A Maui Blog and Liza's Eyeview) and there you will see my writing styles.

THE IN-BETWEEN

There are many things to consider I am sure. In between those plusses and minusses, there are skills that I have, educational background, experiences, personality traits, etc. For more of that formalities, please check out my Linked In Page: Liza Pierce.

It would be nice to hear from HopeLab. Maybe an interview would give us a better understanding wether I fit or not. We shall see.... stay tuned.

Updates and Stuff

2010-08-07T06:37:00.004-10:00

Updates from the Maui Pierces - super random, delivered fresh from my mind:

I have a lot of white/gray hair spouting. No I am not going to dye.
My husband is turning 50 this week. He still looks young.
I now have a teenager. G turned 13 last month.
N is now in Middle School, and will turn 12 soon.
And she had her braces installed two weeks ago.
G is going to have his braces installed next week.
Yes, I could have bought a brand new car instead of their braces. That's how expensive they are!
My recent mammogram showed some abnormalities - I have to go back for more + ultrasound.
I still love blogging .. and tweeting, and yes facebooking too.
I love meeting people from all over the world - digital and in real like (IRL)
I hardly sleep at night. "Sleep deprived" is the term they use.
My job is a little bit unstable because the process to get our project approve takes a long time.
But I am not worried - God always provides.
I am in love with our dog. Italian Greyhounds rock.
And contrary to what my hubby thinks, I also love our 2 cats (he says I don't).
I love living on Maui.
But I also miss my family a lot.
My niece Eli is way too cute!
And Josh and Josiah are handsome young men.
I should count my blessing often.
My 2 kids are awesome! I can say that because I am their mom.
It's 6:35 AM on Maui. I am going back to bed and read. It's Saturday!

1 Peter 5:6-10

2010-08-01T06:33:00.000-10:00

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

1 Peter 5:6-10 (NIV)

I Will Worship You For Who You Are

2010-07-26T04:39:00.002-10:00

Moving Forward

2010-07-19T04:50:00.013-10:00

... I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.... Philippians 3:12-15

Yesterday we attended Kumulani Chapel on the Westside of Maui. We have heard back in April that Ricky is back on Maui and back to being pastor at Kumulani. We wanted to visit and welcome him back but we did not get a chance until yesterday.

We have a long history with Kumulani Chapel, especially it's Pastor Ricky Ryan. I met Ricky way back in the '80's, back in the Philippines ('87) when I was working at A New Beginning with Greg Laurie and Harvest Christian Fellowship with Dain Wadley. Bradley on the other hand knew Ricky in the late '80's because he was then his pastor at Kumulani Chapel here on Maui. Stevo, one of the elders at Kumulani, was the one who shared about Jesus Christ to Bradley. Bradley's first church when he became a Christian was Kumulani Chapel. Ricky is the pastor who "dunked" him in the ocean (yes, I meant "baptized" him :) ). The first mission trip in which Bradley went to the Philippines was led by Ricky Ryan. Bradley and I did not meet at the time. We met on the second mission trip that he went to, which was with our current pastor Craig Englert. And to make that long story short, Bradley and I met and now we are are married (17 years...).

Back to Ricky.... Ricky Ryan is the most enthusiastic, most encouraging person you (we) can ever meet. But it's not fake or weird enthusiasm ... like saying Praise the Lord all the time and pretending everything is and will be hanky dory kinda of thing. His is authentic - something that springs out of the abundance of his heart. I think he has this gift of encouragement, that when he talks to people he touches them (us) to the core of their (our) hearts and meet their (our) needs without him even knowing what they are.

Anyway, enough of the intro and let me move forward. The text of his Bible teaching that day was Philippians 3:12-15 (verse written on top of this post). Bradley and I needed to hear those words in all its angles. Every word that was spoken during that teaching seems to be directed to both of us. Amazing how that happens.

I was going to attempt to share the teaching here but I thought it would be best to hear it from Ryan himself. Therefore I will wait for them to upload it on the Kumulani webpage and will put a link here to the teaching. Here's where it'll be uploaded, maybe midweek: http://kumulanichapel.com/

The whole day yesterday, that Philippians 3:12-15 was in my heart and mind and I think it'll be there for a while. It'll keep me going and moving forward in this race of life.

*** The podcast is now available. Go to Kumulani Chapel Website. Look for the tab SERMONS (upper right hand corner) and in the you will find the teaching on "Don't Look Back".

God First

2010-05-31T22:26:00.008-10:00

I need to remind myself of this today:

Put God First in Trust. "Jesus did not commit Himself unto them … for He knew what was in man." ” John 2:24-25
Our Lord trusted no man; yet He was never suspicious, never bitter, never in despair about any man, because He put God first in trust; He trusted absolutely in what God's grace could do for any man. If I put my trust in human beings first, I will end in despairing of everyone; I will become bitter, because I have insisted on man being what no man ever can be - absolutely right. Never trust anything but the grace of God in yourself or in anyone else.

Put God's Needs First. "Lo, I come to do Thy will, O God." Hebrews 10:9
A man's obedience is to what he sees to be a need; Our Lord's obedience was to the will of His Father. The cry to-day is - "We must get some work to do; the heathen are dying without God; we must go and tell them of Him." We have to see first of all that God's needs in us personally are being met. "Tarry ye until. . . ." The purpose of this College is to get us rightly related to the needs of God. When God's needs in us have been met, then He will open the way for us to realize His needs elsewhere.

Put God's Trust First. "And whoso receiveth one such little child in my name receiveth Me." Matthew 18:5
God's trust is that He gives me Himself as a babe. God expects my personal life to be a "Bethlehem." Am I allowing my natural life to be slowly transfigured by the indwelling life of the Son of God? God's ultimate purpose is that His Son might be manifested in my mortal flesh.

* This is the May 31 devotion for My Utmost For His Highest by Oswald Chambers

And These Are Some of the Reasons I Why Took A Two Weeks Off

2010-05-21T11:44:00.013-10:00

I can't believe it's Friday already! It seems just like yesterday when it was Monday morning and I e-mailed my boss and co-workers to tell them I am taking a "two weeks personal emergency week off" starting that day. It's actually a "mother instinct" sort of thing. I feel guilty about the very short notice (actually, no advance notice at all) but I knew I needed to take this break. And after a week of it, I knew I made the right decision.

My husband was quite worried with how irresponsibly I handled that. I am not usually that irresponsible. But I have a "Twice Exceptional" child and the last two weeks of school is very critical, I had to do it. I would go back to work as soon as school is over this year. In the meantime, it's nice to see one of his science projects coming together. Here is close up shot:

OK, got more reasons but I need to unplug. Thanks for reading :) Aloha!

Back To My Blogging Roots

2010-05-19T04:21:00.008-10:00

It's 4:25 AM. I am not supposed to be blogging. I am right now taking 2 weeks off from all my social media gigs to focus on helping my son get through the last 2 weeks of school without a glitch. But Liza's Eyview is a "safe place" and a "venting place" for me so here I am.

As many of you who are friends of Liza's Eyeview know, my son is uniquely gifted. He is what they call "gifted dyslexic" or "twice exceptional". He has a high IQ, yet it does not transfer into his performance in school because of his dyslexia, unless he is given various accommodations. He needs close monitoring to be able to finish is school work without him getting frustrated and giving up. He also needs help in getting focused. I have spent many many hours on the internet and reading books researching how to best help him succeed in school and in life because it's really hard being a gifted dyslexic. The good news is there are tons of information and resources out there that helps a parents help their gifted dyslexic child. The bad news is it requires a lot of time and energy and attention - and most parents nowadays do not have the luxury of "lots of time".... at least not I.

Back to my blogging roots. Yes, I came back here to my original blog to vent, to reflect, to contemplate, to seek support. In this blog I am at home. This is my online journal where I can pour out my emotions without any concerns ... here I can ramble and not worry about what advertisers would say or how it would affect my overall niche.

Did I already tell you I am taking a 2 week off my social media gigs? Did I also tell you that I took an emergency 2 week off from my current day job which made my husband very worried. He was worried of how my bosses would react because that's a very irresponsible thing to do - just e-mail that day (yesterday) to tell them I am taking a 2 weeks off, and it starts right now. Ahhh, that is so unlike me. And yet I had to do that. I had to do that after I logged in into my son's "powerschool" (the website where we check their grades and performance) and saw that his grades are in the danger zone. I must intervene. I must give him an undivided attention. Not that I would do the work for him, but I must be there when he does his work to keep him focused. To keep me focused. This is what I am called to do. To make my family life a priority....

There is such too much to sort out in my life right now. Aside from the clutter in my house, there are also clutter in my mind. There are complicated decisions to make. Decisions that cannot be decided upon just by what I believe is my calling - but it had to be in line with what my husband think is best for the family. Afterall, he is the head of our family.

Ahhh... its feel so good to ramble here. That's how I started blogging. And that's what meant about blogging roots....

Have I already told you that love being a mom? How about the fact that I also love being a wife, a daughter, a sister and a friend? Why is life nowadays seems so complicated? We have all these gadgets to save time and yet the more time we save on these gadgets, the more stressful it seems.

Life is meant to be simple, and yet we make it hard.

Yesterday I was at Borders and I saw this Yoga DVD for $7.99. I bought it. I will do yoga for 30 minutes a day to get rid of the stiffness in my body caused by all these stress. I need to do this while I am on my "emergency mental health and undivided attention to help G mission" vacation.

Ahhh... it's 10 minutes till 5AM. I better stop blogging and get back on checking all of the homework G accomplished last night. He worked hard last night. He even missed the Church Youth Group (which he absolutely loves attending), to focus on school project.

May this day be another productive one. Lord, help us.

Make Someone Happy (Love Is The Answer)

2010-04-25T08:44:00.005-10:00

A video clip of one of my favorite movies of all time, with a great song for today:

Family Time At The Ritz

2010-04-18T05:57:00.008-10:00

.
We were blessed to stay at the Ritz Carlton Kapalua for 3 days and we are thankful for it! I thought I should share some photos here:

Christian Working Mama Musing & You Shine Video and Lyrics

2010-03-13T05:07:00.008-10:00

"And you shall seek me, and find me,

when you shall search for me with all your heart."

- Jeremiah 29:13

I planned to write on my journal this morning. You know, the old fashion kind where I get a pen and handwrite my thoughts and prayers ...

I could not find where my journal is. That's a sign that it's been a while since I last wrote there. I really wanted to write there but I did not want to take the risk of getting distracted looking for that journal, that I'd miss this time of quietness ... seeking God ... being in His presence in this quiet morning ... just Him and I. This morning, I seek to know what His will is, what His plans are, what He wants me to do and where He wants me to go.

So much has been happening these past few weeks that is both exciting and exhausting at the same time. It's mostly good, good things, good opportunities. There are obstacles on the way but nothing that cannot be overcome. I wish I can share some of the details here, but it's not yet the time. Maybe next week. Maybe not.

It's Spring Break - that means no homework for the kids, no driving to and from school - these little things give me little snippets of time to quiet down and not be stressed.

Thinking about my life, I can't help but feel so blessed. Oh, I do have many struggles. I do worry a lot. I do get cranky and grumpy, especially when I am tired. But overall ... when I stop and look back, when I stop and look around, when I stop and contemplate on the many people I love and love me back, the many things I have that I never thought I would, the place where I live that I never thought possible - I am in awe of how blessed I am!

Thank you Jesus. Thank you God.

Below is my new favorite worship song. I sing this everyday in my car.... over and over again :)

Wordless Saturday

2010-03-06T05:56:00.002-10:00

Looking For Balance ...

2010-03-01T05:05:00.002-10:00

"I find myself struggling to balance the various disciplines - spiritual, physical, mental, etc. When I excel in one area, I fail in another. It is interesting, this life here on earth. We long for perfection, rest and joy, but instead are mired in imperfection, unease, and worry." A quote from a blogger friend which I can relate

I am still struggling to find this thing they call "balance". I still am convince that the scales tips on the things we consider important. And rightfully so, it should tip a bit more towards the things that we are called for to do, the things we are created for, our purpose. But when the scale is screwed, that "balance" is screwed as well. When the criteria to measure the balance in life is not right, if the weighing scale is distorted, the end result is deceitful and life is still unbalanced no matter what the scale says....

Sunrise at Hotel Hana Maui

2010-02-09T20:01:00.005-10:00

I Cast All My Cares Upon You ...

2010-01-22T05:30:00.002-10:00

This post was originally uploaded in July 2008. This morning I woke up with a heavy heart. In my mind I was praying "Lord, I do not know what to do, please help me". When I logged on to my computer and I saw that Sean left a comment on this post yesterday (see in the comment section). "Thank you Sean for your comment. It's was a real blessing to me today." Sean's comment reminded me of what I ought to do "Cast My Cares Upon Jesus". And so I decided to update this post to today. here it goes:

I found this at Joyful Days blog - just what I needed to hear and do this morning:

Cares Chorus
by Kelly Willard

I cast all my cares upon You,
I lay all of my burdens down at Your feet.
And any time I don't know just what to do,
I will cast all my cares upon You.

I cast all my cares upon You,
I lay all of my burdens down at Your feet.
And any time I don't know just what to do,
I will cast all my cares upon You.
I will cast all my cares upon you

Tough Times ...

2010-01-18T22:57:00.005-10:00

Last Friday I went to the State Building to follow up on our permit application at work. I was greeted with this sign on the closed door. I had forgotten that it's Furlough Friday not only for teachers but for all State workers here on Hawaii.

I took a photo of the sign, and as I was texting the photo to my Twitpic account, a lady came up to the door with a perplexed look on her face. I smiled. She smiled back and asked "Is this the office where I can apply for Food Stamp?" I said "Yes, I think so, but it's closed today". She paused, then awkwardly said "this is my first time to apply for a food stamp. I am a teacher and I work so hard all these years...." She went on to tell me some more personal stories. I can tell she was a little embarrassed about having to apply for a food stamp so I told her I understand. Times are tough....

As she was telling me her story, tears fell down her eyes. "There's just no work out there" she said. She used to tutor and she used to turn down offers because she has so many. Now, no one is hiring....

She apologized for telling me too much. I told her she didn't need to apologize. I am glad she told me and that she was able to get that load out of her heart even by just talking about it. I was there to listen.

I gave her the name of the tutoring organization where my son used to go. I told her to call and see if they have any opening. Unfortunately, most likely there is none.

The above is just one example of a "tough times" we have. There are more within our midst. Just last week, we found out that our friend has cancer and prognosis was not good. We are praying and trusting God for a miracle. Then there's the earthquake in Haiti. That was horrible....

Times are tough ... we need to hang on ... we need to hold on to our faith...

I Will Never Be The Same Again - Song, Lyrics and Video by Hillsong

2010-01-06T06:08:00.004-10:00

I Will Never Be the Same Again
by Darlene Zshech

I will never be the same again,
I can never return, I've closed the door.
I will walk apart, I'll run the race
And I will never be the same again.

I will never be the same again,
I can never return, I've closed the door.
I will walk apart, I'll run the race
And I will never be the same again.

Fall like fire, soak like rain,
Flow like mighty waters, again and again.
Sweep away the darkness
, burn away the chaff,
And let a flame burn to glorify Your name.

There are higher heights, there are deeper seas,
Whatever you need to do, Lord do in me.
The Glory of God fills my life,
And I will never be the same again.

Fall like fire, soak like rain,
Flow like mighty waters, again and again.
Sweep aways the darkness, burn away the chaff
And let a flame burn to glorify Your name.

Fall like fire, soak like rain,
Flow like mighty waters, again and again.
Sweep away the darkness, burn away the chaff,
And let a flame burn to glorify Your name.

I will never be the same again,
I can never return, I've closed the door.
I will walk the path, I will run the race
And I will never be the same again.
And I will never be the same again.
And I will never be the same again.

* Thank you Joyful Days for reminding me of this song :)

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T07:50:00.000-10:00

The Making of the Gingerbread House 2009

2009-12-24T05:04:00.001-10:00

Sonny Boy's First Christmas

2009-11-28T07:56:00.005-10:00

It's Sonny Boy's First Christmas.

Can this Italian Greyhound look any cuter?

I know the photos are blurred. A sharper one to follow.

A Crisp View of God

2009-11-21T06:45:00.003-10:00

Lord, even when I have trouble

all around me, you will keep me alive.

Psalm 138:7

There is a window in your heart through which you can see God. Once upon a time that window was clear. Your view of God was crisp. You could see God as vividly as you could see a gentle valley or hillside.

The, suddenly, the window cracked. A pebble broke the window. A pebble of pain.

And suddenly God was not so easy to see. The view that had been so crisp had changed.

You were puzzled. God wouldn't allow somethig like this to happen, would he?

When you can't see him, trust him ... Jesus is closer than you've ever dreamed.

*From Eye In the Storm by Max Lucado, from Grace For The Moment devotional dated October 22.

Speak Lord, For Your Servant Listens ...

2009-11-11T04:23:00.004-10:00

I find myself waking up at 3:00 AM every day for the past 7 days. It's like my body clock is stuck. I try to sleep, I stay in bed for as long as I can, but my mind was wide awake. Somehow I know what is causing this, and yet somehow I don't....

My husband and I are attending a parenting class at church. Part of me is very excited about it. We are learning a lot. Part of it is adding to my self- imposed guilt on my situation of being a working mom. Each and every I have to remind myself that it's ok. That's it's ok to be an imperfect mom. That's it's ok to feed my kids pockets and instant ramen a lot of times because I just don't have enough time to cook a homemade meal. I have to remind myself that it's ok to have a messy house when I am spending time helping with son with his homework instead of cleaning the house....

And then there's that guilt about pursuing my passion - this whole blogging and social media thing. It's so easy to just say drop it. It's taking time away from my kids and family. And yet the way I see it, it's a God given passion that would enable me to work at home (or from home) someday.... Every time I am at the point of letting go this whole social media involvement, every time I am at the point of dropping it cold-turkey, something comes up. An opportunity arises that shows me clearly that the time I am investing on this passion is not in vain because God is blessing it. I can almost reach that day when I can quit my job outside the home and do my job inside the home.

And then there's that issue of timing ....

the issue of parenting ...

of marriage ....

of extended family ...

and of friendship ...

and I didn't even mention the issue of church involvement and ministry. For at this time, I have none to give. zip, nada, I have zero involvement at church. I go there to receive, to listen, to renew, to worship, to spend time listening to God. But getting involved? no. And this is a big change from what I used to be. Church used to be a huge part of my life, I used to work at church and I loved it. But right now I am at a stage in my life that I can't. I am at the receiving end. I want to be ministered to. I go there to rest, to re-charge, to receive grace and comfort. Most of the time I do, sometimes I don't. And so there's that danger of moving away from it. A danger of hibernating, of wanting to be alone, of just finding friendships and comfort some place else. And yet I know ... I know that it's a matter of choice. It's a matter of attitude. It's a matter of the heart....

Speak Lord, your servant listens ....

Maybe there's a reason why I wake up at 3AM. Maybe God wants to speak and I am just not giving me the full attention He deserves. Maybe....

Lord, I am here ...

Speak Lord, for your servant listens ....

The "Mom Song"

2009-10-17T05:56:00.002-10:00

My Redeemer Lives!

2009-10-15T20:53:00.002-10:00

Who taught the sun where to stand in the morning?
And who told the ocean you can only come this far?
And who showed the moon where to hide till evening?
Whose words alone can catch a falling star?

Chorus:
Well I know my Redeemer lives
I know my Redeemer lives
All of creation testifies
This life within me cries
I know my Redeemer lives

Ye-e-eah
The very same God
That spins things in orbit
Runs to the weary, the worn and the weak
And the same gentle hands that hold me when I'm broken
They conquered death to bring me victory

Now I know, my Redeemer lives
I know my Redeemer lives
Let all creation testify
Let this life within me cry
I-I-I know
My Redeemer

He lives
To take away my shame
And He lives
Forever I'll proclaim
That the payment for my sins
Was the precious life He gave
And now He's alive and
There's an empty
Grave!

And I know
My Redeemer lives
He lives
I know
My Redeemer lives
Let all creation testify
Let this life within me cry
I-I-I know my Redeemer

I know
My Redeemer lives
*I know my Redeemer lives*

*I know, That I know, that I know, that I know, that I know
He lives
*my redeemer lives*
*Because He lives I can face tomorrow
He lives
*I know, I know*
He lives
*I spoke with Him this morning!*
He lives
*The tomb is empty*
He lives
*He Lives! I'm going to tell everybody!!*

Be Refreshed ...

2009-10-08T06:50:00.001-10:00

Still crazy busy but would like to share this proverbs with you. Read it this morning:

He who refreshes others,

will himself be refreshed"

- Proverbs 11:25

Musings Of A Maui Working Mama

2009-09-25T21:52:00.005-10:00

I love my A MAUI BLOG because I get to talk about Maui a lot in there. But Liza's Eyeview has a special place in my heart because this is where many of my personal reflections are. This post is gonna be a ramble, no organization or direction - just free writing to reflect, as well as to update my family and friends.

Back in my college days, one of my best friends, Susan, gave me the nickname "hectic". I guess it's because it seems like I am always hectic. The very same nickname applies to me today. There's just too many things to do with so little time!

When my husband came back from his missions trip in the Philippines, a news about his work surprised us. On his first day back to work, his boss told him that he's no longer the man for the position he's been doing for 3 years. "whaaaaaat?" I will not go into details. Please pray that I won't be resentful with that boss ....

Prior to this "work change", I had told my "blog partner" Chris that I am thinking of flipping my "A Maui Blog" because there's just too much to do with my 2 kids and I want to spend more time with them. As soon as I said that, I started receiving e-mail and phone call from some major marketing and promotion firms on Maui, and I started having many clients. I am now making some money with this hobby and passion of mine. And because the work change with my hubby dear also meant pay cut, the little extra income coming from the bloggy work are very useful.

And so with my usual 25 hour a week work, plus the extra hours of tutoring new bloggers how to blog, etc., plus all the mothering and wifering duties I have to fulfill, life is hectic!

OK, I am falling asleep while typing this. Maybe I'd continue tomorrow ... and for now I' sleep.

TO BE CONTINUED ....

MTC Chicks at Hana Relay 2009

2009-09-15T18:21:00.028-10:00

The official result of the Hana Relay Race is now published at the Valley Isle Runner website. We came in at 103 out of 127 groups. Considering that this is a mixed race - some are all men, some are all women and some are mixed; MTC Chicks did well. Now, truth be known, I am the one who slowed down our team. Knock out 30 minutes from our time and that's the time MTC chicks should have finished the race, had they had another team member with the same caliber as they are. I am not telling this to beat myself up, nor to just blame myself for slowing down the team. I am sharing this to highlight the fact that MTC Chicks Team is rad! My teammates were great - very supportive and fun. I am sharing this to highlight the character that our masters and parents at the Maui Taekwondo Center have. All of us did our best on this relay; all of us had fun; we are a TEAM. And despite my weakness, my teammates said nothing but words of encouragement and praise. I got several e-mails from them after the race, saying how they enjoyed the group and that WE should all do it again next year. I love this team (Betty, Mei, Veronica, Jen, Jamila and Krystene). This reinforces one of the many reasons why my son has been going to Maui Taekwondo Center for about 5 years now. The instructors and parents there "walk the talk". They excel in what they do but they are humble about it and they support and mentor those who do not yet have the same abilities they have. This is such a supportive group. And talking about support, Mr. Donald drove all the way to Hana to see us finish the race! And Christine P. was there to cheer us too!

I hope you all enjoyed the slide show above. More photos from the race posted at www.amauiblog.com

P.S. I just saw that my brother wrote a post on his blog about this race. My brother Joseph is such a "big brother" so supportive and loving, isn't he? :)

PSALM 23

2009-09-09T05:51:00.006-10:00

The LORD is my shepherd;
I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:
he leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul:
he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.

Yea, though I walk through
the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil: for thou art with me;
thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me
in the presence of mine enemies:
thou anointest my head with oil;
my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life: and
I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever

That's What Friends Are For

2009-08-29T21:41:00.002-10:00

I heard this on the radio the other day and I had been singing it since then :)

And I never thought I'd feel this way
And as far as I'm concerned
I'm glad I got the chance to say
That I do believe I love you

And if I should ever go away
Well then close your eyes and try
To feel the way we do today
And then if you can remember ...

Keep smiling, keep shining
Knowing you can always count on me, for sure
That's what friends are for
For good times and bad times
I'll be on your side forever more
That's what friends are for

Well you came and opened me
And now there's so much more I see
And so by the way I thank you

And then for the times when we're apart
Well then close your eyes and know
These words are coming from my heart
And then if you can remember ...

Keep smiling, keep shining
Knowing you can always count on me, for sure
That's what friends are for
In good times and bad times
I'll be on your side forever more
That's what friends are for

Keep smiling, keep shining
Knowing you can always count on me, for sure
That's what friends are for
For good times and bad times
I'll be on your side forever more
That's what friends are for

Keep smiling, keep shining
Knowing you can always count on me, for sure
That's what friends are for
For good times and bad times
I'll be on your side forever more
That's what friends are for
(*Thats what friends are for*)

Shepherd of My Soul

2009-08-23T21:16:00.010-10:00

1994. That was the year I moved to Maui. It's been 15 years ...

Bradley just returned from his missions trip. This was his 6th mission trip to the Philippines ... We met on his 2nd, got married on his 3rd.

It's been 15 years since I said "good bye" to my life in the Philippines as I knew it. It's been 15 years since I last saw some of my closest friends...

While Bradley was on the Philippines, I spent a lot of time reflecting on my life here on Maui. It's been an adventure. It is almost like a roller coaster ride, but not quite. Maybe it's one of those "caterpillar" rides - the one where it spins around fast, but never really go too high or too low, just a steady up and down, round and round.

When I think about my life on Maui, one thing that gives me an anchor is a song that the Lord gave me 15 years ago, right before I left the Philippines . It's a simple song of trust and total surrender. It was a song I sang everyday then, and a song I am singing lately everyday now... here it is if you want to listen:

Well... I guess I will just have to tighten my seatbelt and enjoy the "caterpillar" ride. The up moments are in the horizon but for now I will enjoy the company of my God :)

Mission to The Philippines - Bradley is going ...

2009-07-14T07:29:00.009-10:00

The following is a copy of the letter my husband sent out today to our family and friends. I thought I should post it here too. I will be covering their mission so stay tuned ...

I am writing you to request your prayers during my two week outreach to the Philippines. I will be part of a five person team from Hope Chapel that will be working with Derek and Jenn Van Ryckeghem, with Hope For The Island. I will be leaving Maui on (date withheld by me – it’s for security purposes, it’s sometime in August).

Hope For The Island is an established ministry in the southern part of the Philippines, in Burgos on Siargao Island. They have a children’s ministry, youth ministry, discipleship training, livelihood training, medical mission clinic, a preschool, and a mercy ministry. Google “Hope For The Island” and check out their website.

This will be my eighth trip to the Philippines and my second to Hope For The Island. Last fall I was part of a team that focused on the youth. We conducted a sports camp, movie nights, art outreach, surfing outreach, surfer Bible study, Sunday Bible teaching for kids, and assisted with the ongoing ministries. This year we have a 5 member team that will be focusing on a sustainable agriculture project, an art school, and teaching the Bible.

During the last outreach we saw the need for a strong Biblical foundation among the people of Burgos. They love the Lord but did not have a strong foundation in the Word. I discussed this with Derek and decided to bring Hope Chapel’s School of the Bible curriculum down and to teach the first few classes. It is a comprehensive seven section, 52 week lecture course designed to give a strong biblical foundation to a person’s faith. I will bring down the teachers notes and sets of the student handouts for the staff. My goal is to share with them so that they can share with others. Where I stop teaching Derek or Jenn can easily continue – or the staff will be able to use the MP3 audio files that are included. I will also be helping on the on-going ministries and the other team ministries; art, agriculture, building, and just hanging out with the kids.

I would greatly appreciate your prayers from now until we return. Specifically that God will be preparing the hearts of those we’ll be meeting, for eyes to see the people as He does, and for me to walk in His strength and not my own. I know that at this time finance support may not be possible - but if you are able; please send any support to Hope Chapel.

To follow along during the outreach please go to my wife’s blog… she has promised to spend most of the time while I’m away on line (ha, ha…)

Bradley

I will be providing some links on this letter and will be adding a lot of photos after work today. Please come visit often and support this Philippines Mission. I will be back...

At The Crack Of Dawn

2009-06-26T05:02:00.011-10:00

Early in the morning,

At the crack of dawn

You and I Lord

Just You and I ...

Laying down sorrows

Wiping some tears

Putting away anxieties

Casting out fears ...

You and I Lord

Just you and I ...

Cherishing moments of silence

Listening with the heart

Acquiring wisdom from above

You are my soul's delight

You and I Lord

Just you and I ...

Bursting with joy, not happiness

and peace that passeth understanding

Confidence comes from knowing

who You are

You and I Lord

Just You and I

by Liza

Liza's Eyeview

Prayer Cures Anxiety and Stress

2009-06-24T05:19:00.008-10:00

Stress and anxiety often stems out from: 1) doing something that we are not supposed to be doing or 2) not doing something that we ought to be doing.

When others look at my life from the outside, I am doing very well. When I look at my life in terms of counting my blessings, I am doing marvelously well. But deep inside, there a longing for perfection. Deep inside there's something that I feel I ought to be doing but not doing, or not doing well. And that's when my stress and anxiety comes in.

I was at a loss on how to handle such stress. It's not good to ignore it for at some point it comes out like a monster and I find myself snapping at my husband or kids.

It's crazy how we Christians worry too much when there's a source of power and comfort that is readily available to us ..... if only we ask .. and ask accordingly to His will.

I decided that since I was at a loss, and I really do not have the power to change my situation at this time - that I would depend on God's power to do it for me. I am worried about my kids? hey - God holds their future! What I need to do is to do the best I can (even though in my standard I feel like I am not doing the best), and let God do the rest.

This weekend I bought myself a book. It's called "The Complete Works of E. M. Bounds on Prayer". I have always been a fan of E. M. Bounds books on prayer. I owned several of them, although I do not have those books anymore because I tend to share it with people who i know can benefit from reading it.

I now have this book next to my bed and read it before I sleep. It inspires me to trust, to have faith, to be persistent in prayer, to hold on to the promises of God, to pursue righteousness, to simply let go and let God. It motivates me to cultivate a prayer life deeper than a "give me" kind of prayer, and yet it allows me to express my desire through prayer without any guilt that I am being selfish or demanding.

I hope to share with you some of the nuggets I find here. However, I recommend that you get yourself a copy of this book. Let's revolutionize our Christian walk with the power of prayer. Let's do it now.

***

I have not participated in Works For Me Wednesday for a while. I think this is a good post to go back in. For more Works For Me Wednesday, visit it's new home at We Are That Family.

Happy Fathers Day 2009

2009-06-21T05:33:00.011-10:00

To Bradley, my Hubby,

you are a wonderful dad to our kids and

I am very proud of you.

We love you.

Happy Father's Day!

*****

G and Daddy doing Taekwondo together ...

*******

N and Daddy hanging out together ...

a sweet note from the daughter ...

Happy Father's Day!

What's Up Liza's Eyeview ?!

2009-06-19T16:00:00.002-10:00

What??? You are running the Hana Run?

Are you going crazy?

Have you lost your mind?

Tell me you're joking ...

God Authored My Life

2009-06-13T06:55:00.009-10:00

I had a wonderful birthday celebration yesterday. It was a very nice celebration which causes me to stress out thinking how I can write a post about it that would really show what a great day it was, how blessed I am, how I appreciate all my family and friends who remembered my birthday, how I love my life, how I am thankful to God. I do not want to miss any detail.

There are so much to post, so many photos to upload, many people to thank. And this is one of those times when I get overwhelmed and just don't do anything at all. But I really don't want another day to pass without doing a birthday post.

I turned to the devotional book my friend Cassie K gave me last Christmas. It's one of the best devotional book ever put together. It's by Max Lucado titled "Grace For The Moment". Oh, every page pours out grace indeed!

I read the June 12 devotion - it's perfect for my birthday! I decided that instead of stressing out trying to come up with a perfect post about my birthday celebration yesterday, I will just share this wonderful devotion with you. Here goes:

GOD AUTHORED YOUR LIFE

My frame was not hidden from you

when I was made in the secret place.

When I was woven together in the depth of the earth.

Psalm 139:15 NIV

David emphasizes the pronoun "you" as if to say "you, God, and you alone". The "secret place" suggests a hidden and safe place, concealed from intruders and evil. Just as an artist takes a canvas into a locked studio, so God took you into his hidden chamber where you were "woven together". Moses used the same work to describe the needlework of the temple's inner curtains - stitched together by skillful hands for the highest purpose (see Exod. 26:1, 36:8; 38:9). The Master Weaver selected your temperament threads, your character nature, the yarn of your personality - all before you were born. God did not drop you into the world utterly defenseless and empty-handed. You arrived fully equipped ...

What motivated you, what exhausts you ... God authored - and authors - it all.

Last Day of School Today! Hello Summer Vacation!

2009-06-08T06:59:00.001-10:00

I really don't have time to post but I wanted to say that (what I said on my title). I will be back for more summer fun adventures - but for now I need to get ready for work or I would be late (again).

God Of This City by Chris Tomlin (also by Kris Allen)

2009-05-26T19:48:00.003-10:00

Kris Allen sang this song too. CLICK HERE.

[Verse 1]
You're the God of this City
You're the King of these people
You're the Lord of this nation
You are

[Verse 2]
You're the Light in this darkness
You're the Hope to the hopeless
You're the Peace to the restless
You are

There is no one like our God
There is no one like our God

[Chorus]
For greater things have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done in this City
Greater thing have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done in this City

[Verse 1]

[Verse 2]

There is no one like our God
There is no one like our God

[Chorus]
For greater things have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done in this City
Greater things have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done here

There is no one like our god
There is no one like our God

[Chorus]
Greater things have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done in this City
Greater things have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done here

N Danced Ballet at the 2009 MAPA Spring Extravaganza

2009-05-26T05:45:00.006-10:00

G Danced Hip Hop At The MAPA's 2009 Spring Extravanganza

2009-05-23T21:48:00.008-10:00

We just got home from the Spring Extravaganza and I want to share some of G's photos. Their group did well. The whole show was spectacular!

It was so much fun!

Tomorrow, we will be watching N dance ballet..

These shots did not come out as clear as I would want it to be, but I am still submitting this as my Weekly Winner Photos, because my son is a winner to me :) Visit Sarcastic Mom Blog for more winners.

The Problem With Worry

2009-05-23T05:19:00.005-10:00

Sunday Scribbling's prompt this week is "worry". Questions were asked to help us come up with a creative scribbling, but I feel the urge to reply uncreatively, at least for a start. Here goes:

Are you a worrier? YES!

Know one? Aside from me? My Dad

Is there a particular worry that you can't shake? A lot

Ways of coping with worrying? Prayer and Meditation on God's sovereignty and goodness

It's interesting that this prompt came up this week, just as worry's ugly head kept on intruding my thoughts this past couple of weeks.

I am a worrier. I told you that already. There are a lot of things I worry about. If I try to scribble all about my worries, I would wind up writing a book instead of a scribbling.

Worry is unhealthy. It strips us of a lot of things, like joy, sleep, physical health and even friends. Did I say friends? I did. And let me zero in on that because that's one demon I am dealing with right now. Worrying about friends and friendship. Not a good thing.

Lately I am finding myself avoiding a lot of church friends. I am noticing it on myself more and more. After Sunday services, all I want to do is go home. I didn't want to stay in the courtyard where we are supposed to be "fellowshipping" with one another. No, the word fellowship is not enjoyable to me, it actually worries me.

My husband once said that he thinks the reason why I blog a lot and spend so much time in the internet is because I am lonely. I vehemently opposed him. I told him he was wrong. And yet, right now as I am typing this I am thinking there must be some truth to that observation. I think I am a bit lonely. I think I am feeling displaced.

One big problem is that I avoid people who I think do not like me, and people who I think is bored with me and do not enjoy my company. This is a dangerous thing because I base it all on my perception on whether a person likes me or not. I also based it on my intuition. It is very subjective. This is really not a good thing. And maybe that is why I am scribbling about it - to let it out of my chest. To release it and not let that seed of insecurity grow.

I am feeling displaced and disconnected and a lot of it is my fault. I worry about friendships but worrying about it will not do me any good.

Sing, Sing, Sing And Make Music In the Heavens by Chris Tomlin (video and lyrics)

2009-05-15T19:17:00.005-10:00

Thinking of Kit and Joey, jammin' in heaven right now :)

We will sing, sing, sing
And make music with the heavens
We will sing, sing, sing
Grateful that You hear us
When we shout your praise
Lift high the name of Jesus

What's not to love about You?
Heaven and earth adore You
Kings and kingdoms bow down
Son of God, You are the One
You are the One we're living for

You are the love that frees us
You are the light that leads us
Like a fire burning
Son of God, You are the one
You are the one we're living for

Oh I think These Guys Are Singing About Me

2009-05-15T18:59:00.002-10:00

I know ... I need to hire a Password Guy ... I posted this previously but I feel the need to re-post. This social networking is taking over my life - LOL! Just kidding. Not taking over my life yet. And I still am enjoying it. :)

Mothers Day Brunch at The Kaanapali Beach Hotel - It Was A Wonderful Day!

2009-05-14T21:28:00.002-10:00

Miles To Go Before I Sleep

2009-05-13T22:39:00.003-10:00

Actually .... that may not be true (the miles to go before I sleep). I am pretty sleepy right now. I was going to do a Thankful Thursday post but I decided to just tweet at Twitter. Now I am sleepy...

Happy Mothers Day!

2009-05-10T05:45:00.003-10:00

In case you are wondering what am I up to, check my post at A Maui Blog. Aloha!

I Need Thee Every Hour

2009-05-05T05:52:00.003-10:00

I need Thee every hour, most gracious Lord;
No tender voice like Thine can peace afford.

Refrain

I need Thee, O I need Thee;
Every hour I need Thee;
O bless me now, my Savior,
I come to Thee.

I need Thee every hour, stay Thou nearby;
Temptations lose their power when Thou art nigh.

Refrain

I need Thee every hour, in joy or pain;
Come quickly and abide, or life is in vain.

Refrain

I need Thee every hour; teach me Thy will;
And Thy rich promises in me fulfill.

Refrain

I need Thee every hour, most Holy One;
O make me Thine indeed, Thou blessèd Son.

Refrain

Quiet Time

2009-05-03T21:55:00.000-10:00

A thirsty soul longing for God
A loving presence manifest
A broken spirit looking for joy
A gentle touch he gives
A burdened conscience looking for peace
An assurance through his Words
A quietness that renews the spirit
A quietness that gives hope

"In quiteness and in trust is your strength" - Isaiah 30:15

Still Here ... Just Not Typing Much On This Blog

2009-04-29T22:22:00.003-10:00

"Mom, why are you not blogging much at Liza's Eyeview anymore?" my daughter asked me this morning. Apparently, my 10 year old daughter is checking my blog and saw how delinquent I am with my postings. Not that there's a rule that I should post everyday, but she knows I used to post almost everyday.

Just lack of time. I returned back to work this week and is adjusting back to this new schedule (which was actually my old schedule prior to my being unemployed). Now that I am officially employed (back with my former employer) I have lesser time to blog here (although I still blog regularly at A Maui Blog. )

I am sure I will not totally abandon Liza's Eyeview because this is my "reflecting board".... just a fewer posts that what I used to do, just to indulge thwe reflective side of me....

I am at A Maui Blog this week.

2009-04-25T22:59:00.002-10:00

My updated post is on A Maui Blog.

Men of Integrity (MOI)

2009-04-21T04:26:00.004-10:00

See and hear these Men of Integrity sing at Hope Chapel Maui.

Today Is The Day I Removed My Blogher Ad and more ...

2009-04-20T05:09:00.005-10:00

Many changes are coming to this blog. Today I removed my Blogher Ads. It was bittersweet. Blogher has been very very good to me. I decided to remove my ads because I would not be able to fulfill some of their requirements any longer (like posting regularly at least 3x a week). I may or may not post at least 3x a week but I just didn't want the "pressure" of knowing I have to.

As I mentioned in my previous post, I am starting back to working part time with my former employer. That plus my two other blogs (A Maui Blog and Maui Real Estate and Development Blog) would for sure keep my hands full - not to mention fulfilling my duties as a wife, a mom. Sometimes (many times) the other part of me like being a daughter, a sister and a friend, takes a side burner as I don't have much time to nurture those relationships as much as I want to. Thank God for Blogs and Facebook to keep me connected to my family and friends...

Today is Monday. This is the last Monday I would be a "stay at home/work at home" mom. Next Monday I am off to work. I need really be wise in using my time this week. I pray that I would get my priorities straight - that I would be organized and not get sidetracked by things that are not important.

It's 5:20 AM. I will log off in 10 minutes and will start reading my Bible. It's a good way to start the day.

A Christian Working Mom Blog Once Again :)

2009-04-19T22:22:00.003-10:00

Starting on April 27th, I will be returning back to work with my former employer. It's a good thing. As much as I would prefer to stay at home and be a full-time mom, that is just not going to happen right now. Therefore, I am thankful that I am going back to my former employer instead of trying to find a new one. I thought I let you you know :)

Good Morning Monday

2009-04-13T09:19:00.002-10:00

Working on a new post. Getting organized. I thought it would be nice to put this pink hibiscus flower here for you to enjoy while I am doing work behind the blog. Aloha!

To Be Where You Want Me To Be ...

2009-04-09T05:10:00.012-10:00

Any of you familiar with that song? For some reasons, I had been singing that in my head the moment I woke up this morning. Here's the longer excerpt of the lyrics:

To be where you want me to be dear Lord

To stay where you want me to stay...

To go where you want me to go

I will follow you

Lord, show me the way...

Your way....

I usually use the phrase "I don't know why", "out of the blue" and "for some reasons" when I am uncertain about stuff. The truth is many times, when I say I don't know why, I kinda know why, when say out of the blue, there's actually usually a trigger, and when I say for some reasons I kinda have an inkling of the reasons why....

I am contemplating on returning to the workforce and just abandoning my desire to be a full-time mom, because even when I am supposedly at home full time right now, it's a different "full time". I am more at home but when I am at home my focus is to develop a home business that would keep me at home. So my body is here but many times my mind is away - many times thinking of how I can make my home business successful...

To be where you want me to be dear Lord
To stay where you want me to stay...
To go where you want me to go
I will follow you
Lord, show me the way...
Your way....

We "need" to refinance our house. Do we really need to? No, not need. But it would be wise, because it is kinda foolish not to take advantage of the lowest mortgage rate available right now - an all time low - and there's only a small window of opportunity to do that before it goes back up again. But my "unemployment" would greatly reduce our chances of being approved for re-financing our mortgage. I have to have a "real job".

To be where you want me to be dear Lord

To stay where you want me to stay...
To go where you want me to go
I will follow you
Lord, show me the way...
Your way....

I am truly amazed when I see and meet working moms who are so together. I am in awe of them. I feel guilty whenever I see and talk to working moms who do not "whine" about their being a working mom like I did, or doing. I should be hanging out with those moms so that their influence would rub off on me (my two sister-in-laws works full time and never whines about it even though I know they would love to stay at home with the kids). I should really stop "whining". I think many of the working moms who don't whine about their being a working mom honors their husband by not talking stink about it. I should try to be like them.

To be where you want me to be dear Lord

To stay where you want me to stay...
To go where you want me to go
I will follow you
Lord, show me the way...
Your way....

I really am wishing I can go back to the Philippines to visit my family. I am filing my application for Visa tomorrow as a step of faith. At this time that I am unemployed I can't do that yet, but maybe when I return to the workforce I would.

To be where you want me to be dear Lord
To stay where you want me to stay...
To go where you want me to go
I will follow you
Lord, show me the way...
Your way....

***

After re-reading my post I thought some family and friends might worry about me. I am ok, actually good. This blog is my "reflecting space" so do not be alarm when you read some "mellow" reflections like this. It's good, just having some quiet moments thinking and praying out loud :)

So What's Up With The Golden Egg?

2009-04-08T21:58:00.005-10:00

I got an e-mail from myself. It's the subscription from my own blog Liza's Eyeview. I subscribed to it to make sure it's e-mail subscription is functioning correctly. When I opened the e-mail and saw the picture of the golden egg I thought "what's up with that?" I also thought "that's so lame!" Yep, such a lame Wordless Wednesday photo. Not only that. My latest post at A Maui Blog is equally lame - Stuffed Easter Bunnies and Easter Barbies. What in the world was I thinking when I posted those? I guess I posted it for fun... or actually in a rush, because I have other things to do...

Now I need to go to bed and sleep .... Good night everyone. Will come up with a better post tomorrow.... for now, nighty night.

Golden Easter Egg

2009-04-08T05:44:00.005-10:00

For more Wordless Wednesday,

visit 5 Minutes For Moms and WWHQ

Sunday Scribbling: Celebrate!

2009-04-05T02:17:00.011-10:00

It's so appropriate and relevant that the prompt for Sunday Scribbling is celebrate, because I am celebrating many this week:

1) My son G got accepted at the STEM program at Kihei Charter School - yahoo! We just found out today. I will be posting more about this later but just want to mention in this post that this is a great fit for him and we are celebrating that he got accepted*. (*The letter of acceptance stated "conditionally accepted" contingent to us returning the form the mailed us confirming that we are still interested in enrolling him there, and also that we must submit other records needed such a TB tests and school records, as requested).

2) It's Palm Sunday today - a celebration remembering Jesus' entrance to Jerusalem. A tradition commencing the start of a "Holy Week" (as some would call it). And to those who do not celebrate Palm Sunday, it's a celebration of the beginning of Spring!

3) It's my brother Joseph's birthday on April 14th - He reads my blog so I thought I'd mention this in advance. I am known for forgetting birthdays so I am glad I remembered this. So, Kuya, happy birthday to you! You bless our lives in so many ways - I am glad you are my big brother!

In closing, I would like to share a video of Kool and the Gang titled "Celebration" - this is the "national anthem" for celebration, don't you think? Before you go there, be ready to dance because this song always makes you want to dance - or at least for me - it makes me want to dance (and you're probably glad you are not here to see me dance - ha!ha!).

Just Look How Far You've Come ...

2009-04-02T01:22:00.028-10:00

Out of the blue, last night I browsed through some of my old posts. I felt a warm sensation deep inside. Reading my first post brought back a variety of emotions I was feeling at the time I started my blog. Then randomly I clicked March 2007 and April 2007. Browsed through the list of posts I made then and found some songs that encouraged me at that time, like So Close and I Simply Live For You.

Yeah baby, I've come a looong way. Who would have thought I would still be blogging til now. I initially blogged to vent, to reflect - it was all for me. It was a self preservation tool. But now it has become more than that. It's to reach out, to encourage...

Oh I remember the days when I had 5 regular readers - my sister in law Gem, my brother Joseph, my counselor and friend Karen, my friend Todd, and an online friend hockeymum. Four of these people knew not much about blogs until I introduced them to it. Now four of them are bloggers and one is very active with Flickr.

And then I met the "mommy bloggers". A group of women whose posts constantly encouraged me though many difficult times and situations - be it parenting, marriage, stress, etc. Then I discovered Kamsin's blog, and many others whose posts became my treats for the day. And how can I forget Ernestine ... Jaime's (Blondemomblog) mom, who now became a passionate blogger through Jaime and I's encouragement. She's 70 something grandma who e-mails and blogs - how cool is that? Pretty cool I'd say.

How about the time when I deleted close to a hundred posts when my husband and I had a huge argument about my blog. I wished I hadn't deleted those but I was trying to prove a point (yeah, that darn submission - you know). And it worked. At that time my husband didn't want me to blog about our family so I deleted every post there was that referenced to my family. Problem was my blog became impersonal and boring. I almost gave it all up. But then friends and family stepped in to encourage me to go on. Hubby had a turn around later in my blog life...

Then crisis and tragedy came upon us. Blogs became an immediate source of comfort and tool for communication. Like with Kit and Joey ...

Back to looking at my first post and the vast emotions that came along with it ... some of "difficult ones" are still there. After 2+ years, I still am in the process of healing (I know it seems so long) ... learning to face disappointment with grace and trust, knowing that God has a bigger plan. When the time comes when I don't experience any "discomfort" at the mention of such, then I will let you know. In the meantime, I am enjoying the ride. I am rejoicing in the fact that what satan meant for evil (he wanted me to succumb to feelings of abandonment and harbor resentment) God turned out for good (this blogging thing is unbelievable!)

After I typed in the title of this post, I got reminded of one of my favorite song by Steve Green back when I first became a Christian. And the chorus goes like this:

Don't give up

Don't give in

Give it all to Him

Cause He cares so much more than you know

When it seems

who you really want to be

is something you'd never become

Just look how far you've come.

Great reminiscing with you folks. I am thankful. Blog on. Let's continue to blog life together.

***

Note: I'd be linking some more words to the blogs etc. later ... for now I need to go back to bed and get some sleep :)

Your Are Here (The Same Power) by Hillsong Lyrics and Video

2009-04-01T05:45:00.008-10:00

Verse 1:
There is a love that I know
A strength for the weak and the broken heart
My Shepherd and King I find You within me
For you are here
My Lord forever, You are here

Verse 2:You carried the cross for the world
Gathered the lost and the fatherless
My Shepherd and King
I find You within me
For You are here
My Lord forever
You are here

Chorus:
In this place, you are here
By Your mercy, I draw near
In my heart, take your place
You are here

Verse 3:
Your word is the light of the earth
Your glory resounds in the universe
My Shepherd and King
I find You within me
For You are here
My Lord forever
You are here

Chorus Vamp:
You are here
You are here
You are here

Bridge:
The same power that conquered the grave
Lives in me, Lives in me
Your love that rescued the earth
Lives in me, lives in me

Vamp:
You are here
You are here
You are here

(* I dedicate this song to my friend JOE who loves to worship. God is there with you in Virginia Joe - go lead them!)

Second Week of Spring Break!

2009-03-30T09:46:00.003-10:00

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

2009-03-28T00:48:00.005-10:00

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

Click here to go there.

Totally Random Thankful Thursday Post

2009-03-26T05:51:00.005-10:00

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

2009-03-24T13:36:00.009-10:00

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?

2009-03-19T13:14:00.005-10:00

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

2009-03-19T09:10:00.003-10:00

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

2009-03-17T21:10:00.012-10:00

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.

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

2009-03-16T05:00:00.012-10:00

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

2009-03-14T06:45:00.010-10:00

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

2009-03-10T23:21:00.004-10:00

For more Wordless Wednesday, visit 5MFM's Blog

On Peaks and Valleys Musings

2009-03-08T20:04:00.017-10:00

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)

2009-03-06T22:24:00.002-10:00

"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)

2009-03-06T22:10:00.004-10:00

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

2009-03-02T14:04:00.009-10:00

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 :)

Works For Me Wed: Italian Greyhound

2009-02-24T21:33:00.008-10:00

OK, I intended to share with you why the breed "Italian Greyhound" works for me. But my eyes are falling - so sleepy. So I am turning this into a "Wordless Wednesday post too. (I know.. I am typing words ... just to explain). Here's a link about Italian Greyhound (click here), and you'll know why it works for me. Oh, if you would like to visit more Wordless Wednesday posts (the real Wordless ones:) - visit 5 Minutes For Moms.

RELATED POST:
Then I Agreed To Adopting An Italian Greyhound
Sonny, Our Italian Greyhound

Liza's Eyeview

The Power Of Vulnerabilty by Brene Brown

I Am A Vagabond Christian

Gingerbread House Making Through The Years

This Mama Blogger Is On A Roll!

When #FAIL comes your way, #ENCOURAGEMENT is an anti-dote

I Don't KNow How She Does It

My Mom Is Now I Heaven, But Her Memories Lives on Earth

Finding My Center in the Blogsphere

Thank you for your support of TraffickJam2011

Help Prevent Child Abuse - Here's How - TraffickJam2011Maui

Soul Surfer Movie Review (well, sort of review)

Just Because ...

Oh The Blog About My Visit to My Family in the Philippines... Hmm...

Visiting My Family In The Philippines

Do Not Be Afraid; Do Not Be Discouraged

The Serenity Pray and I

Search me, O God,and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; andsee if there is any wicked way in me,and lead me in the way everlasting.

Wish There's a USB Port In My Head, And I Can Easily Download My Thoughts As A Blog Post ...

I Know ...

First Love, Balance and Margins, Loving The Gay and Homosexuals, Helping The Abused and Neglected Children, Making New Friends while Keeping the Old, etc.

Hello God

Declutter, Simplify, Trust

In Christ Alone

From Vessel to Vessel, All For His Glory

Aloha Friday

This Will Only Take A Few Minutes, I Promise

Am I the One For HopeLab?

Updates and Stuff

1 Peter 5:6-10

I Will Worship You For Who You Are

Moving Forward

Yesterday we attended Kumulani Chapel on the Westside of Maui. We have heard back in April that Ricky is back on Maui and back to being pastor at Kumulani. We wanted to visit and welcome him back but we did not get a chance until yesterday.

God First

And These Are Some of the Reasons I Why Took A Two Weeks Off

Back To My Blogging Roots

Make Someone Happy (Love Is The Answer)

Family Time At The Ritz

Christian Working Mama Musing & You Shine Video and Lyrics

Wordless Saturday

Looking For Balance ...

Sunrise at Hotel Hana Maui

I Cast All My Cares Upon You ...

Tough Times ...

I Will Never Be The Same Again - Song, Lyrics and Video by Hillsong

Happy New Year!

The Making of the Gingerbread House 2009

Sonny Boy's First Christmas

A Crisp View of God

Speak Lord, For Your Servant Listens ...

The "Mom Song"

My Redeemer Lives!

Be Refreshed ...

Musings Of A Maui Working Mama

MTC Chicks at Hana Relay 2009

PSALM 23

That's What Friends Are For

Shepherd of My Soul

Mission to The Philippines - Bradley is going ...

At The Crack Of Dawn

Prayer Cures Anxiety and Stress

Happy Fathers Day 2009

What's Up Liza's Eyeview ?!

God Authored My Life

Last Day of School Today! Hello Summer Vacation!

God Of This City by Chris Tomlin (also by Kris Allen)

N Danced Ballet at the 2009 MAPA Spring Extravaganza

G Danced Hip Hop At The MAPA's 2009 Spring Extravanganza

The Problem With Worry

Sing, Sing, Sing And Make Music In the Heavens by Chris Tomlin (video and lyrics)

Oh I think These Guys Are Singing About Me

Mothers Day Brunch at The Kaanapali Beach Hotel - It Was A Wonderful Day!

Miles To Go Before I Sleep

Happy Mothers Day!

I Need Thee Every Hour

Quiet Time

Still Here ... Just Not Typing Much On This Blog

I am at A Maui Blog this week.

Men of Integrity (MOI)

Today Is The Day I Removed My Blogher Ad and more ...

Search me, O God,
and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; and
see if there is any wicked way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.