ROYAL DIADEM

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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).

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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




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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 

 

  

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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)