MY MOM AND THE RED UMBRELLA

PHOTO CREDITS
SHTICKS FIGURES CREDITS

Today is one such day that I would cherish.  Veronica of TheSticks.com, sent me another picture which I would like to link to my post RAIN RAIN RAIN.

Soon the rain would be coming, as the season is a little awry these days.   It is summer and yet it rains in the early mornings or at night.

I love the rain, not only because of my pleasant memories during my tender age, as the one I told in the post above, but because it is more welcome than the heat we experience during our summers.  It used not to be when I was younger.  We had to walk to school and back to our homes, but I did not remember intense heat like we have now.

I heard in the news that up north, pets are getting sick and some are dying because of the dry and humid temperature.  We are warned not to expose ourselves outside at midday until 3:00 P. M.  We might suffer from heat stroke or skin cancer.  It's advisable to carry drinking water all the time.

We are praying for our land.  Farmers need water for the crops.  Farm animals are in need of the blessing God has in store up where He has gathered them.  God, please open up the floodgates, but just enough to revive the land.  I do believe and hang on to your oath which you wrote with a band of lively colors across the sky when drizzles are reflected by sunlight.  You are reminded that never gain shall You flood the earth with water, like in Noah's time.

For the picture:  My heartfelt gratitude to Veronica.  She just institutionalized my Mom with the Big Red Umbrella.  The post has touched her profoundly and I owe it to God, for the voice He gave me, to tell the story.

The picture portrays the story of how I run to my mom, that stormy afternoon, when she fetched me from school with her big umbrella.

My mom is now Mother Shticks and I, Lolita Sticks.  That's two generation of Shticks.

My Father in heaven, blessings are overflowing, even right here in blogospace.  Thank you and may you continue to bless the circle, with more members, wisdom, humor and friendship.  All glory and honor belongs to You alone.

Note:  Following is Veronica's comment on the post RAIN RAIN RAIN,
March 15, 201.

Veronica Shticks said...

Lolita, I was very touched by the part where your mother comes and picks you up with her bigger umbrella. I want to be like your Mom and have my little girls remember all the times I was there for them. this is a very sweet post with cozy imagery--at least for me who also associate rain with wonderful happy things. The pictures are beautiful and the storytelling is heartwarming! 
- - - - - -

Veronica, you just don't know how blessed I am to read of your reply about my mom and how you want to give your two daughters a lot of moments to remember that they would keep in their hearts.  I pray that God will give that to you for that is a very pleasing desire.

Thank you too that it has touched your life and that you are constantly reminded about how to nurture your own daughters.  My mother is highly honored.

HELLO MAMA SHTICKS!

MELLOWED WITH WISDOM

PHOTO SOURCE

How I wish our church worship area to be located on the ground level.  I am in awe at those senior members who could still smile even though young people run up and down the stairs, passing them while they struggle, with their slow and difficult assent up every Sunday, to attend worship service.  And yet, we feel so anxious about the pain they have to carry, while climbing up those mighty steps.

After the service, again they would go down those steps, slowly, laboriously, down one step after the other hanging on the rails.

What we could offer them, while in this situation, is just to slowly go up behind them, preventing error in step.  On going down, we have to be ahead and let them go down slowly, in their own pace.

Presently our church is having a fund raising campaign to hasten up our Lot and Building Fund to reach the necessary amount for us to purchase a property that would hold our growing membership.  I am especially praying for this to be reached earlier because the new location is a walking distance to my office.  This would mean I could come visit whenever I like during the day, or to attend activities easily.

Another motive I am praying over this is what I have mentioned above.  We could then worship on ground level.  We have a handful of these senior members who are insistent in coming to church, pain and all.  Once we acquire the property we are laying claim for,  our church service vehicles could pick our elderly from their homes and then they could just amble along slowly to the worship area without fear of mishaps, and to give them easy access.

While I am deep in thoughts regarding this matter, I was brought to the realization that one day I will be like them too.  Right at this point of my life, I have existing pains.  What would it be like to be in their age?

Still, I'd hang on to the Lord, if He allows me to grow well into my sunset..... lower down the horizon,  towards the dark ....., with great hope to be like our elders, edging onwards, leaning upon Him.

Then I have better take time to better meet those days ahead.

I have searched for a website that would give me informations and some ideas as to what to do regarding problems of aches and joint pains.

Here it is, together with a few pictures of easy exercises, to maintain flexibility.  Well I would be trying them, but I could not promise I will stick to them religiously.  I always slip in these areas.  Pain would be bothering too.

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I usually use the lowest step of our stairs to do an up and down routine just until it tires me.  But then again, not regularly.

This is the site.

FROM THE SAME SITE

I'd rather be doing this in front of the TV or reading a book.

Our joints need time to relax and avoid further damage.  The lovable pet dog is an added novelty.  He would warm our ankle joints perfectly and with TLC.

Or you may choose to go a little techie and join our blogging circle, a company of encouraging members, happy to listen (read) about your pains, pray for each other and send us to sunnier days.

Anyway, as of this writing, my right knee and thigh up to my pelvis and mid hips, is giving a slow musical rhythm of pain.  They are tolerable, just like a little hot chili thing, yet it could gravitate into the night or during the climb upstairs.

Our summer here in the Philippines is so hot, it reaches to 35 degrees Celcius.  But today, at dawn it rained.  A little colder, enough to give me a little signal.  My Texan Gal would say her butt-ro-meter tells her that it is gonna rain today.

Anyway, here are a few collection of verses, about the Mellow Age:

Leviticus 19:32
“Rise in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the Lord.” (NIV)


Proverbs 16:31
“The silver-haired head is a crown of glory,
If it is found in the way of righteousness.” (NKJV)


1 Timothy 5:1-2 “Do not rebuke an older man but encourage him as you would a father, younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, in all purity.” (ESV)


 Psalm 92:12-14
“The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree,
He shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.
Those who are planted in the house of the LORD
Shall flourish in the courts of our God.
They shall still bear fruit in old age;
They shall be fresh and flourishing. ” (NKJV)


Proverbs 20:29
“The glory of young men is their strength, gray hair the splendor of the old.” (NIV)


Ecclesiastes 12:1-3
“Don’t let the excitement of youth cause you to forget your Creator. Honor him in your youth before you grow old and say, ‘Life is not pleasant anymore.’ Remember him before the light of the sun, moon, and stars is dim to your old eyes, and rain clouds continually darken your sky. Remember him before your legs—the guards of your house—start to tremble; and before your shoulders—the strong men—stoop. Remember him before your teeth—your few remaining servants—stop grinding; and before your eyes—the women looking through the windows—see dimly.” (NLT)

You, my Lord, will be our strength, in the days when we are weaker, older and slower.  And you will grant us wisdom and grace born of the knowledge of you.  Amen. 

A TASTE OF DEATH

..fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

~Hebrews 12:2~

And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death--even death on a cross!

~Philippians 2:8~

But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.

~Hebrews 2:9~

~~~~~~

 A song to come with the foregoing verses:

TURN YOUR EYES UPON JESUS
By:  Hel­en Lem­mel
Sung by John Starnes 

O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s a light for a look at the Savior,
And life more abundant and free!

Refrain

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.

Through death into life everlasting
He passed, and we follow Him there;
Over us sin no more hath dominion—
For more than conquerors we are!

Refrain

His Word shall not fail you—He promised;
Believe Him, and all will be well:
Then go to a world that is dying,
His perfect salvation to tell!

Refrain

~~~~~~

I opt to write only a few questions for I am in awe at the verses I have posted above.  I just want to Honor the author and perfecter of our Faith, by being silent, inwardly and outwardly.  I sat with God this morning and He has led me to Hebrews 12:2.

There are just these questions I would like to list down.  Feel free to share your insights regarding these questions I have dwelt on.

• How much love has He that He tasted death for everyone?

 

•  What wonder brings us to our knees?

• Do we understand what compassion there was which made Himself sin for the pardon of the sinful?

For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (II Cor 5:21)

• Who am I that He endured the cross, and despised shame, to offer me life?

• Do you know of an earthly King who has offered his life for the sake of his subjects?  

 

In conclusion, let us meditate on this over our own grief and affliction:


"For men are not cast off by the Lord forever. Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love. For he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to the children of men."

                                          ~~~~Lamentations 3:31-33 (NIV)~~~~ 

 

ROYAL DIADEM

DIANE'S LOGO

DEEP CALLS UNTO THE DEEP

 Devotions:

The king's daughter is all glorious within: her clothing is of wrought gold.

                                 ~Psalm 45:13~

Kings' daughters were among thy honourable women: 

                                         ~Psalm 45:9a~

This is a symbol for royalty, a diadem/a crown.  It signifies kingship,  a kingdom ruler.

WIKIPEDIA

  
English: Diadem. Gold. Greek, probably made in Alexandria, Egypt, 220 - 100 B.C. The piece probably belonged to a noble woman of the Ptolemaic dynasty in Egypt. The clasp is shaped as a protective Herakles knot



  

If I am a King's daughter, I am a princess and all rights of being one is due me.  But with it, comes duties and responsibilities to keep up with the stature.  The question, then, would be, am I fit to be one, not by virtue of my inheritance and bloodline, but by my actions and character?


Psalm 43:13, means to me, that being a King's daughter, I would be all glorious within.  My clothing is embroidered with gold.  This is a picture of the marriage between Christ, the head of His Church, as the Bridegroom,  and the Bride, His Church, chosen, pure and Holy, sanctified....... therefore, all glorious in the chamber (heaven).

LOGO SOURCE

To apply this knowledge into my life here on earth, and in order for me to be worthy of this calling (a member of the Bride/Church/Body), I have these points to consider:

1.  I must be sure, I have professed/vowed to be a Bride-meaning I am sure of my salavation.  I am a gentile, my bloodline is not a direct one, but by adoption.  I became a child of God, through Jesus' death on the cross and by His resurrection, I was redeemed and purchased, my sins which blocked me entry to heaven, washed away spotless. 

2.  I shall continue to abide in God, to cleave - securely cling to the Vine, by my daily life-inhalation with the purifying words in the scripture, and exhale in prayers everything necessary, like confessions and petitions as well as my Praises and Thanksgiving towards God.

3.  Daily life of devotion, being quiet outwardly and inwardly, in meditation of His words, His speaks to me His instructions, guidance and wisdom .

4.  Think about others, their welfare and love them as I love myself.  Encourage one another in prayer and in words-to edify them and to help each other towards the day when Christ Jesus comes back for us.

Of course, our outer self, our shortcomings, our sins are not important to God.  What is important is how we live all this things up, how we dealt with our sins through confessions, how we have forgiven other who have sinned against us ....in short how we traveled this life here on earth. 


The beauty should come from within.


Note:  It is known that Earthly Princes and Princesses are born and are trained, in all finesse, for the position and duties they would, one day, be occupying.

How would we then be prepared for our position in the Kingdom of Heaven as prince and princesses?

Related Verse:

"You will be a crown of splendor in the LORD's hand, a royal diadem in the hand of your God."

                                                                                  ~Isaiah 62:3~

Lord, may I be worthy to adorn your court when that day comes.  Help me while here in my sojourn, as an alien on this earth.  Apart from your guidance and will, Oh God, I am nothing.  May I be a vessel for your honor and glory.

BEAUTY AND DESIGN

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This is a link to :Illustra Media a home for exquisite documentaries, from which I found a beautiful presentation of the delicate stages of a butterflies' METAMORPHOSIS - a video of butterfly magic, coming out from a dot of an egg into a Caterpillar, next getting ready to die (inside the chrysalis), then you will see the division of cells-to the pupa and then transform into the thing of beauty and design.


Lovely quotes/review, I got from the Illustra Media introductory article:

"Metamorphosis is an unforgettable documentary filled with the joys of discovery and wonder."

"How did these extraordinary creatures come into being? Are they the products of a blind, undirected process? Or were they designed by an intelligent cause?"

" From an egg the size of a pinhead to a magnificent flying insect. It is a transformation so incredible biologists have called it "butterfly magic."

In the video clip, one will read this line:

Within the chrysalis, "death is the pathway to life." 

MY REACTION:  

A butterflie's miraculous transformation is a beautiful analogy of our life being Christians....... we need to die in order to live.  That is the reason why Jesus came to earth, became flesh, suffered, died, buried and then resurrected..... in order to give us life, an abundant life....... and the promise of an inheritance in Heaven.  

Jesus emerged from the tomb, transformed into His heavenly incorruptible body, giving way to our own passage from death to life.  I have a hope for resurrection too.

      To Diane:

     I wish to give you the credits, and my gratitude, for thou hast ushered me into the Deep.  I promised to myself that as soon as I got a longer time to spend, I would heed His calls unto the Deep, with your gentle guidance.  Thank you for giving time to develop those wonderful Life Lessons-devotional.

      Thank you also for the symbol you are using which is why I have linked to Metamorphosis.  The beauty and wonder of the transformation and the stages the butterfly undergoes is so meaningful to our Christian existence, our walk with Jesus and our own transformation as we submit ourselves to the Maker's hands daily.  Then shall we emerge into "the thing of beauty"  God has designed us to be.

THE VIDEO CLIP:
 

       “What an achievement — artistically,  scientifically, musically, inspirationally! The film is a stunning and convincing case for intelligent design.” 

                            

         David F. Coppedge
          Author & Lecturer




VIDEO SOURCE


Diane's Quote:

"The butterfly was chosen as a symbol of the metamorphic transformation that God does in us as we renew our minds with The Word of God."

My journal will proceed from this day onwards, in Christ's Jesus, my Master's Name and by His continuous blessings.

OUR INNER HEARTS

Thanks to Diane, for the title of our First BS lesson at our circle's round table, our Thursday Morning Bible Study.

Scripture: I Samuel 16:7

Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have refused him.  For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance but The LORD looks at the heart.


Diane had given us 4 reflection points.  These are the answers I posted in the comments section of our first BS.

I printed our study materials so that I can read it over and over, and reflect in it.


Thank you Di, for leading us in our circle BS.


1. What is your initial reaction to reading that verse?  Is it comforting or not to know that God looks deep within you to your heart therefore He does not judge just on our outward man?

> My initial reaction to the verse I Samuel 16:7: is my conversion, I was a sinner, deeply buried in mud, but Jesus had chosen to pick up from there.... It is so comforting to me, as I reflect it now, for the first time, with the above verse.... I used to relate to the road to Damascus with Paul. Now, even if I am not chosen to be a Ruler, I could very much be used by God in any service in Church, and He was able to look inside me, not my sins.... Thank you, Lord, for this another perspective about how you saw the inner man in me, not the outer actions.


2.  Do you want to be known by appearances or by your true inner heart?  Why?

> No, definitely not. Jokingly, I don't think a lot would love me (except for my own parents), just by looking at the clay pot..... it has all the chips and cracks... the paint is badly done, meaning I do not look physically appealing.... But some people see the character in me, my heart-capable of love, sensitive to other people's feelings and ready to give respect. I do like to be "the beauty deeper than the skin one."


3. Sounds like you and I?

>Yes so much.... I am past questioning why there are a lot of scandals in the Bible leading to the birth of Jesus..... it makes me see those Men/Women of Faith to be less than super heroes... I could relate to all of them. They were humans too, as we are.... and yet God found favor in them, used them for His glory, in service to men and His purposes..... like I can be.


4.  How can you and I become more of a people with hearts after God's own Heart?

> By following closely the teachings of Jesus. Having time spent in stillness with God, reading the Bible, growing in spirit by interacting with fellow-Christians, encouraging one another, in prayers, sharing.....a heart of gratitude and humility, submitting yourself Holy and pleasing to God, for the purpose He has chosen for us..... then can I become more and more "a people with hearts after God's own Heart." .... A purpose-Driven life.

My Prayer:

Thank you, dear God for giving us Diane, to lead us into a closer walk with you. Thank you for your word that we have broken down into chewable portions for, us to digest and apply in our life. As we continue being teachable, Lord, we ask you to guide us in every way, lead us and be with us. In Jesus name, Amen.  

IF you are reading this post and would like to read on the background discussion of every question, I suggest you go to Diane's blog, to our Thursday Morning Bible Study first lesson, and be enlightened.  Thank you and please join us there every Thursday Morning.

I can name a few people who has loved me just as I am, no matter what.  In that knowledge, I can thank and praise God, counting my blessings.

The first, of course, is God ( in all persons). I believe He has chosen me for salvation and my name is written in the Book of Life.  I am a vessel for His honor, a life cleaving upon the Vine, with His help and provisions...... someday, in His Time, I shall live in His house forever..... with cup to overflowing.

 Second, my parents.  Have you heard of the cliche, " a face only a Mother could love."  That's me.  Looking at my physical stature, I am far from vogue.  I was nurtured and groomed by my parents, rather my Mom alone (my Dad died when I was a babe), therefore she did dote on me and delighted in me.

Third, my siblings (first blood), my cousins (second blood) and my aunts and uncles.  Although some of these in my kin might have different motives in loving me, they would care what happens to me..... and could choose to love me as I am and would see me deeper inside of who I am.

Fourth, my husband.  He is that handsome guy in the picture.  I like showing off my tweaked photos.  (I did that one with piZap).  He fell in love with me and saw right inside my heart and character.  He has stood by me, in all our ups and downs as a couple.  He is the first one who would hit anyone who would say I am "A JUMBO or a Peggy."  His name is Mike short for Michael.  Isn't he cute?

Fifth, my children and grandchildren.  After their dad/grandad, they would be the ones who will defend me from predators. (LOL)

Sixth, some church members, a handful of colleagues.

Seventh, (but not least).... my cyber COF lead by Diane, Pam, Martha, Betty and Veronica.

Thanks to you, all...... my blessings surely is overflowing.

"The family. We were a strange little band of characters trudging through life sharing diseases and toothpaste, coveting one another's desserts, hiding shampoo, borrowing money, locking each other out of our rooms, inflicting pain and kissing to heal it in the same instant, loving, laughing, defending, and trying to figure out the common thread that bound us all together. " 

- Erma Bombeck

"The better part of one's life consists of his friendships."
- Abraham Lincoln

 

 

"Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born."
- Anais Nin 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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I know why families were created with all their imperfections. They humanize you. They are made to make you forget yourself occasionally, so that the beautiful balance of life is not destroyed.

-- Anais Nin 

 

  

 t

WEAVING DREAMS

Collage & swirls done with piZap, photos from websites

Last night, I was watching a news TV which featured a few youths in Kalinga, a mountain province in the Cordillera Highlands.  This mountain range is the largest and highest in our country, purely mountains and no valleys.

Most of the native cultures and traditions are kept alive in this community, including the handicraft of manual weaving of cloths and tapestry.

It was such a novelty for me, as one who has never been to the highlands, except for a vacation in the summer capital of the Philippines, Baguio City, seeing those youths' happy faces. looming away with their native crafts.  As an islander of the central parts of my country, I am most familiar with sea harvests and shell products, tourism and the like.  But I have never actually witnessed the art of weaving using the loom.

This girl was telling her story to the news reporter.  Being in poverty, she could not go to college with what meager earnings her parents get in farming.  So, she had to weave her dreams with the loom.  She hoped to graduate from college next school year and she related this, with her big smile, that she is happy to be able to fulfill her dreams through the craft which was handed down by their ancestors from the 16th century.

I wish you success, young lady.  Be patient in getting your goals.  I pray that you will find honor and happiness with every strand of thread, in every color you use with your back-strap loom.  And may your descendants continue the legacy with love and diligence.

Isn't it great to see cultures, crafts, old wisdom and beliefs that are still alive even to these days of instant products and digital technologies.  What luxury it is to see people living the simplest and yet beaming with pride and joy, over their race, their traditions and arts. For didn't Leonardo da Vinci aptly say, “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.”  

QUOTES THAT ARE WORTHWHILE:

“Life is not complex. We are complex. Life is simple, and the simple thing is the right thing.” — Oscar Wilde

“From native simplicity we arrive at more profound simplicity.” — Albert Schweitzer

“In character, in manner, in style, in all things, the supreme excellence is simplicity.” — Henry Wadsworth 

"Never again will I make the simple into the complex. Something of true value does not become more valuable because it becomes complicated. Experience and conditions come and go; complications arise and fall away, but the simple action of God is eternal in the universe." — Donald Curtis


"Simplicity is making the journey of this life with just baggage enough." -  Charles Dudley Warner

"There is a certain majesty in simplicity which is far above all the quaintness of wit."  -Alexander Allan Pope 

MORE SIMPLICITY QUOTES:

"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication"
Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519)

"Things should be made as simple as possible, but no simpler"
Albert Einstein (1879–1955)

"You can always recognize truth by its beauty and simplicity"
Richard Feynman (1918–1988)

"If you can't describe it simply, you can't use it simply"

"Simplicity is the direct result of profound thought"


And to quote a few verses in the Bible:

2 Corinthians 1:12 For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.

Psalms 19:7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. 

Psalms 119:130 The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.

Psalms 116:6 The LORD preserveth the simple: I was brought low, and he helped me.

Proverbs 1:4 To give subtlety to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion. 

 Proverbs 21:11 When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.
 ~ ~ ~

This has taught me a lot about honesty and obedience as a child's.  Looking at everything in the light of simplicity and single-mindedness, that a child does, acceptance, respect, trust and loyalty, is what is far greater in the eyes of the Lord.

I could honestly say that I have been into Vanity Fair, longed for things of luxury, had been envious and jealous..... but Oh, my God, thou shall give me a heart, candid, loving, open, trusting and simple, as a child.... and more importantly, Lord, teach me to be humble.  Amen!

This reminds me of Pam's Posts:

Wonder Days 
When Stars Come Out
Crayola Days
It's a SnowGlobe World
Sea Star
Catching Joy
Light In my Heart

...... almost all of Pam's writings are from a pure and simple heart who looks upon God in small things, or in things coming in small packages, thereby making our Father all the more awesome.
~ ~ ~

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NOTES:  As I googled about backstrap weaving, I found this blog.  This industry and handicraft is a South American wealth, still flourishing at present.  There are images, tutorials and reports in this site.

A finished product shown in the blog, purses..... and a whole lot more items, beautiful and lovingly woven, with patience and a heart for the craft.



This image comes from a Burmese site.  Backstrap Weaving is a source of empowerment for women.










Take note of the way the sticks are strapped to the weaver's behind (thus the name).  This is a home-made backstrap.  You need to sit flat on the floor when you are weaving.

This is so interesting and I delight in sharing it to you.

piZap Collage

FAMILY OUTING COLLAGE

I just want to share this new application that I discovered.  Perhaps, others have long been using this free on-line Photo Editor.  I find Photoshop difficult to swallow, so I have been using my Scrapbooking ACDSee Editor which is easier to navigate.  But if I am in the office, I could not use it also because it is not compatible with our Office System which is Ubunto.

I stumbled on this free online photo editor called piZap.  You can make collages, tweak on photos, put some frames and other easy to follow features.

Therefore, the next thing there is to do, is to show my collage.  I just love to feature our Family Outing/Island Hopping last March 25, 2012.  I did a post on this at Side B.  There are still lots of pictures because there were a handful of cameras clicking around during the event.

It was a lot of fun, as the motorized pump boat skimmed on clear waters to hover on islets scattered around our Cebu Province area.  Some islets were inhabited, others privately owned, still others have just bobbed up on surface.  There were beautiful sand bars which would submerged during high tide.  The best fun is the reunion, a time for updating with each other's experiences, swimming and eating together.  

This was a celebration for Mama and Jay's home visit this year.  Some fun huh!

Some story for my new project..... piZap collage.

Pictures from left to right:

Jay (my NYorker brother) and niece Marichelle (home from London); Bens, Mama, Me; Nico (my youngest son) far right.

 Middle:  Mike and I

Bottom:  Uncle Ruben, Mama and a niece's Mother-in-Law;  Lisa, (my sister who is working in Vietnam) and Nico.

Bottom-far right:  My Mama (81) Benita (she is living with Jay in NY)

I SING BECAUSE

Matthew 28

Jesus Has Risen

 ¹ After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.

 ² There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. ³ His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. ⁴ The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.

 ⁵ The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. ⁶ He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. ⁷ Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”

 I SING BECAUSE

Verse 1
I’ve Been Singing ‘Bout my Lord for so many years
I’ve Sung when I’ve been happy
Even Sung When I’ve had Tears
I’ve even had Folks ask me
If It’s All Been Just A Show
But the Reason That I’m Singing
I Want the World to Know

Chorus
I Sing Because There is an Empty Grave
I Sing Because There is the Power to Save
I Sing Because His Grace is Real to Me
I Sing Because I Know I’m Not Alone
I Sing Because Someday I’m Going Home
Where I Shall Sing Through All Eternity

Verse 2
I’ve Sung to Those Walking Through the Fiery Trial
I’ve Watched Their Saddened Faces Turn Into Happy Smiles
I’ve Bowed my Head and Whispered
Lord, Please do the Same For Me
And I’m Glad That I Can Tell You
He’s Always Given Victory

Chorus
I Sing Because There is an Empty Grave
I Sing Because There is the Power to Save
I Sing Because His Grace is Real to Me
I Sing Because I Know I’m Not Alone
I Sing Because Someday I’m Going Home
Where I Shall Sing Through All Eternity
Tag
I Sing Because Someday I’m Going Home
Where I Shall Sing Through All Eternity

PHOTO SOURCE

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I don't know how to sing this song but I like to share the lyrics.

The empty grave is the foundation of our faith.  All the books of the Old Testament and what God has led Prophets and Men of Faith to testify in the scriptures would have been in vain.  We would all have been the most pitiful people, waving a banner of false doctrine.


But Jesus, in all the Glory of the Father, who sent Him, did it all........ He rose and He lives forevermore and is seated in Heaven at the right side of the Father, crowned and glorified.  I shall await the perfection of His promises.... to be with Him.  I have a hope to rise again, in my incorruptible form........ "I can face tomorrow, Because He lives..... All fear is gone!"     Death has been denied!

HAPPY EASTER TO ALL!

THE GIFTS

The month of April this year has brought upon me special gifts.  Diane has listed hers a month or so earlier.  I would like to post mine too, in gratitude to the givers, and to reflect on how they made me feel.  I should like to keep some givers to myself for reasons that they may not like to be publicly known.  Suffice it to say that they will know how deeply they touched my heart and it is very difficult not to say a word.  My thanks to you, and my Praise to the giver of heavenly gifts.

James 1:17

New International Version (NIV)

¹⁷ Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

1.  A Crucifix with a keyhole and a key and "The Way" printed at the bottom signifying my salvation.  It is a reminder that I have a key to the gates of heaven.  Through Jesus Christ's Cross and Resurrection, I am saved and is given inheritance in heaven.  Thank you, for this beautiful symbol, my dear thoughtful friend.  I will call it My Easter Cross because it arrived a few days before Easter 2012.  And it is an empty cross-a resurrection cross.  It is precious.

2.  A Willow Tree figurine of an angel by Susan Lordi.  Her name is "Thinking of You (keeping you close in my thoughts)."  This is so special because it symbolizes what words could not find enough expression.  Look at the way the angel is holding something close to her ear.  She is listening to the ocean sound in a seashell.  Perhaps, seeking to hear the ocean's roar to where I exist and let the distance melt, to keep us closer.  Thanks to the giver for my name is forever engraved in the tablet of her heart.  She constantly think of me-she calls me her divine appointment.  She is an angel to me and to many. The angel now occupies a spot in my heart and on my bedside table.  So that it would greet my mornings and send me off to rest-land at night.

3.  The little book by Joan Walsh Anglund entitled A Friend is Someone Who Likes You, needless to say a friend is someone who loves you.  Thank you, my dear friend, for the token speaks a thousand word.  Seeing your pen on the first page brought the miles and oceans separating us closer even more..... to my very heart.  You are an angel of a friend, whose words are a whole wealth of God's heart poured out to heal the brokenness of your readers.  I know I can find you in each page of the book.... whether as a brook, where in silence I could sit, just dipping my feet upon your coolness...  you could be a boy or a girl or even a cat.




4.  Another cute book by Fynn (short for Sydney Hopkins) and Anna Fynn, a story of friendship entitled, Mr. God, This Is Anna.  A book review says:

THE TOUCHING TRUE STORY THAT WON THE HEARTS OF MILLIONS OF READERS AROUND THE WORLD!

Anna was only four years old when Fynn found her on London's fog-shrouded docks. He took her back to his mother's home, and from that first moment, their times together were filled with delight and discovery. Anna had an astonishing ability to ask--and to answer--life's largest questions. Her total openness and honesty amazed all who knew her. She seemed to understand with uncanny certainty the purpose of being, the essence of feeling, the beauty of love. You see, Anna had a very special friendship with Mister God. . .

I am positive, I will gain wisdom from the simplicity of Anna's existence.  My gratitude to the giver, not only for the token, but for the friendship that bind us together across the miles, to our ends of the globe.

5.  I was wishing for this thin-line series Bible because it would be lighter to carry wherever I go plus it is very pretty and durable.  I got one from my brother who is now home with my Mama, to attend the graduation of our niece.  Of course, I sent him the website, hoping he would find it in his heart to get me one.  And he sure did.  It also came with a 365 days Early Morning Devotionals.  Am I not so blessed?  Yes I am.....and so deliriously joyful.  Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, my brother.

6.  April 3, 2012 marks the day my Mama turned  81.  We celebrated her birthday in my sister's home with home-cooked dishes.  Come to think of it, it was like Mama's 18th birthday, 81 jumbled around.  Mama is God's gift to us, her children.  They asked me to lead us in prayer over our meal and I gladly did with thanksgiving over her new year ahead plus a blessing of good health and more years to spend with my brother in the US and home-comings each year.  I also asked God to bless my brother abundantly because he has helped my nieces and nephews to college.  Two of them are in London and now helping their own family.  Another is graduating, come April 11, 2012, from Nursing School..... the reason they have come home earlier.

7.  A handed down TV set.  This was given by my sister which replaced my old battered one, which no longer give clear pictures of channels I love.  It sure needs a replacement badly.  She got a new one, therefore it was practical to pass on the old one to her sister.  I was overjoyed with the gift because a clearer viewing of programs over my favorite  channels is now provided.  Thanks a million, sis.

8.  My COF-circle of friends, blogging from across the States and to the Orient Seas, sharing our hearts and our minds over the WEB.  We have started coming together early this year and we connected and bonded to form our COF.  We are centering on God's word, sharing and encouraging each other with our journey.  I am so blessed to know all of the members, gaining a lot of wisdom and insights from their messages and stories, and arts included.

9.  Lastly but not least, Lolita Shticks, a Shticks' stick figure of myself, created by Ms. Veronica Shticks Anderson.  I have earlier blogged on these two images she did for me.  One picture was of my American Autumn dream and another with my Red Umbrella.  She is such a wonderfully gifted lady who has opened her blog site rendering daily-life humor featuring her own family.


I am counting my blessings, naming them one by one.....I shall treasure, and I declare the goodness of God, for all the time God is good!