Always Be Calm When You Punish.

When it becomes necessary to use the rod upon your child be sure you possess a calmness in your soul. It requires much grace for true parents to whip their children. Before you punish them you should show them what great wrong they have done and how God is displeased, and that you do not punish them for your own pleasure — but because you love them.

To the dear parents who read this we wish to exhort you to give great diligence in cultivating the affectionate side of your nature. Do not be careless and unmindful of the dear little ones happiness. Do not be cold and indifferent toward them. Enter into their joys and sorrows with a warm heart. Parents oftentimes remark when their child gets hurt in some way, "Well it is good enough for you; maybe it will teach you something." Oh, may that heart be softened to tender sympathy, so you will make the dear child feel how sorry you are because he has been hurt, then teach him how he must not engage in such things, and then he will avoid being injured. Your kind words of sympathy will relieve the pain by their influence upon the heart. Your cold indifferent words make deeper wounds in the heart than were made in the flesh.

Seek God in much earnest prayer to tender your affections, to refine your nature, to make you very sensitive to the feelings of your child, and to help you to love the tender "olive plants" round about your fireside. Some day there may be a vacant chair, and there can be no sweeter joy on earth to your sorrowing heart than to know you did what you could to make the little one happy and train its feet for the glory world.

Kind words are flowers of beauty rare;
Keep them blooming throughout the year.

-Charles Orr

(Successful Child Training)

No Bake Cupcakes

      

     Okay, so you wanted to make some goodies like cupcakes but you have no oven. Don't worry you can still make cupcakes or cakes without a microwave oven. I too struggle with the desire and inability to do so then I found this recipe and viola! I've been using this moist, no-bake, steamed carrot cupcakes ever since and it never fails me.

      My mom also became a fan of this recipe and a friend too and soon became a family favorite. This recipe is so simple and it doesn't take so much time to make. Another good thing about this is that I used the same recipe to make banana cake. So here we go:

Ingredients:

½ cup sugar (I always use brown sugar but you can use white)

½ cup vegetable oil

2 eggs

1 & ½ cup grated carrots

½ cup crushed pineapple or tidbits  

1 cup cake flour

1 tsp baking powder

½ tsp baking soda

1 tsp cinnamon

   

Procedure:

1.     Mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon in a bowl.

2.    Sift twice

3.    Mix the sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, grated carrots and crushed pineapple in another bowl.

4.    Mix until well blended

5.    Pour dry mixture into the wet mixture (number 1 into number 3=)

6.    Mix until well blended. Make sure there are no lumps.

7.    Spoon the batter into prepared cupcakes molder.

8.    Steam for about 10 minutes.

9.    If the top cracks open or an inserted toothpick comes out clean then it’s good to go.

·        Top with whipped cream (optional)

·        You can also add chopped almond nuts or cashew nuts to the list of ingredients (optional)

Now for the Banana cake, I used the same ingredients except for the pineapple and of course I used banana instead of carrots =) Same procedure too.

 

       You can also make this using an oven toaster but it won’t be as moist as the steamed one.

There you go, as simple as that. Leave a comment for any questions and if you ever try this, tell me how’d it go.

      

     Happy Eating! =)

20 DIY Projects While Pregnant

           Can’t wait for the baby’s coming? Feels like it’s taking so long? For other people it may seem like time flies so fast but for the pregnant mother it seems like an eternity. That’s because you are waiting =) yes, waiting for someone or something is really hard. The feeling of waiting accompanies the “why? It’s-taking-so-long” feeling. So while you are waiting for that notable event to take place, why not busied yourself with some DIY projects you can surely enjoy making and will make your mind off thinking about that day.

1. Customize Onesies.

Personalize and customize your baby’s onesies by adding cute and cool designs. See full tutorial at eventstocelebrate and other alternative designs at mothersniche.

2. Burp Cloths

If there is only one baby project I could make I would totally go on making this one. It’s quite easy. Found the whole DIY thing at the happy scraps.

3. Crochet Beard.

I found this ridiculously cute! Wouldn’t you agree? This one is for the baby-boy-mom-to-be.

Via ashleemarie

4. Bows and flower clips.

Yes, that crochet beard thing is for boys so if you have a girl, this one is for you mommas =) Get your hand busy and make this adorable flower clips and get help from mothersniche.

5. Personalized Baby toms

Why not? I would love to do the toddler pattern since my boys are no longer babies. Take a look at these cute tom-inspired shoes at homemade toast.

6. Baby Tights

Oh yes, babies’ tights for cold weather. And one good thing is you can use your old tees if you may.  Visit Rae and say hi.

7. Barefoot Sandals

It may sound like.. whaaaat? Barefoot sandal? =) Yes, it’s actually super cute and super easy to make. You can make one out of elastic like this one mom did at mothersniche.

8. Soft Soled Baby Shoes

Those tiny feet mothers love to kiss but so delicate so cover them yet =) Find free pattern and the full tutorial on how to make this cuties at if only they would nap.

9. Baby Mittens

Two little hands, one-two! You and your baby will surely love these mittens. They have stretchy cuff that will keep them on baby’s hands but not too tight.

10. via treasuresunderthewillowtree

Baby Wipes Case Cover

Beautify your wet wipes case by making this simple covering as taught by fearlesslycreativemammas.

11. Warm Baby Bunting

Sleep tight little baby on a cold winter’s day! Keep you baby warm and cozy during those cold months by making a bear suit like this one at xoxograndma.

12. Nursing Scarf

For the breastfeeding moms out there, it’s not yet too late to make one for yourself. And for the nursing moms to be, start making now =)

via diary of a mad crafter

13. Quilt for the most awaited baby

Every baby’s arrival is considered most awaited, right moms? And while you are waiting for that little girl or boy, keep your hands busy and make him/her a quilt. Great thing about this is that you can use scrap cloths. See tutorial at fearlessly creative mammas.

14. Door Tag

What’s this for? Nap is a precious thing not just for the baby but also for the mother. They say that when the baby is sleeping, mothers should sleep too right? That’s for catching up those sleepless nights. So why not make this “Please Knock, Baby is Sleeping Tag”? It’s helpful!

via mothers niche

15. DIY Moby Wrap

It feels great to get so close to babies, snuggle them close to your heart and smell their baby scent. Who close their eyes after reading that? You bet =) This is super easy to do, even if you’re a novice.

via clarkscondensed

16. Baby Blankets

You can make a lot of cute baby blankets with the help of  melissa dark and help keep your baby cozy and warm.

17. Swaddle Blankets

Keep baby warm by swaddling them with your very own home-made blankets. See tutorial at

a lotta lotta.

18. Crib Bumpers

Protect baby from the sides of the crib by making this bumper like what mommy at Vanillajoy did .

19. Baby Mobile

Keep your little one occupied while being changed by looking at this mobile. See full tutorial at boxy colonial.

20. Seat Canopy

Guess you can make this cool and cute baby seat cover by yourself? Yes you can with the help from sawdustgirl. 

22 Mother's Day Ideas

22 Mother’s Day Ideas Every Mom Would Love To Have

            With Mother’s Day just around the corner, you might be wondering what to give or what to do on this special day. Below are some ideas that would surely make every mother get teary-eyed on this special occasion. Don’t forget the hugs and kisses to go along with these ideas =). 

1.  Top 52 of your favorite memories you made together. Include why they are your favorite. Mom could read this for the next 52 weeks until next Mother’s day.
2.  A video of children/grandchildren singing to them or giving them messages.
3.  Personalized jewelry with her favorite Bible verse.
4. A book from her favorite author.
5.  A video of the husband greeting her if she’s a military wife.
6. Cook her favorite dish and had a blast celebrating Mother’s day at home.
7. Gift cards for her to buy what she wants.
8. Bouquet of her favorite flowers.
9. DIY gifts she would have never thought you could make.
10. Breakfast in bed! Yes she would love that!
11. Doing the week’s laundry =)
12. Stylish scarves.
13. A collection of her favorite herbs arrange in a mini garden for her kitchen.
14. That one thing you think she’s been longing to have but just could not.
15. A quilt with all the handprint or footprint of all her children/grandchildren.
16. Bookmarks with a picture of children/grandchildren.
17. Love letters from the kids or grandkids hidden in unexpected places around the house.
18. A super mom declaration printed out with photos of kids/grandkids.
19. A card with greetings from all member of the immediate family.
20. A box of things she’d collected over the years about you, like your first cut hair, your nails, your bracelet from the hospital, the one baby clothes you worn that she’s been hiding all those years.
21. A video or record of you singing her favorite song.
22. A list of 22 things you love about her printed in a card and put in a gift box.

A New Journey

Many times I tried so hard to be up to date in publishing new posts here in my blog but poor me I couldn't keep up. With my husband finally commissioned to be the Pastor of a mission church, we basically come and go from our house to the mission place.

I know there will be great adjustments and some difficulties and lots of challenges ahead of us but on top of that I am actually excited to what God has prepared for us in that new place. Being a missionary family and a missionary wife post great responsibilities but I know that God had chosen us to be in that place and God will enable and will qualify those He had chosen.

We had been living in two places and sleeping in two houses for the past months since we did not fully move in yet to the new place. We are here in our old house (staff house actually of the church where my husband is working) during weekdays and go to the mission place on weekends. It’s not that far but sometimes travelling is a challenge if we won’t go early in the afternoon of Fridays. No taxi will say yes to us especially if they see that we had tons of loads =) (that’s because we are slowly gathering and moving our things and we carry what we can every time we go there).

So those are the things that are going on with me and this family of mine for the past months. And so now we love what we are doing and loving the new place and loving the new journey God has given us.

And I am excited to tell you all that finally we had our first Ladies Fellowship last Saturday. We are using Myrna Alexander’s After God’s Heart Bible Study Series on Loving and Obeying God based on the Book of 1 Samuel. It’s a great study and as a Christian Woman it is my desire to be a woman after God’s heart. I am happy that God had given me the privilege to lead a Bible study as part of our church’s ladies ministry.

We finish our first topic, Coping with Pain where we study how Hannah coped up with her pain of being barren and for being constantly ridiculed by her adversary. We learn some Biblical ways and principles on dealing with painful and difficult situations. We also discover about faithfulness both of Hannah and of God.

And one thing I could not shake off is the principle that when we are facing life difficulties, we should turn to God first not to anything or anyone else and just give Him our emotions and tell Him everything. Oftentimes we seek relief in life’s hardships by turning to people, friends and relatives or by going out and relaxing instead of facing them and laying them at the feet of Jesus first.

So there goes my week =) Thanking and Praising God for His blessings! =)

HOW TO STOP PROCRASTINATION

Proverbs 27:1 “Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.”

Are you a procrastinator? I have to admit that at times am really I a procrastinator. I thought of doing things but when the time comes I put it aside for some reasons. More often than not I just don’t have the rush to do it. Maybe you can count me in that group of “adrenaline people”. I do not know; but I can put more focus and words just pour in when I am betting the deadline. I know this is not healthy and it can affect my life in the long run. And as a Christian this should not be the case.

I made this article as a sample for an online writing job I applied before and was gladly take in by the admin of the site. Ever since I always use this article everytime a client ask for a work sample before awarding a writing project. And I want to post this now here in my blog because I have been procrastinating too long… procrastinating in posting some articles. I have been meaning to update my blog but I just cannot do it for so many reasons. Now that at least I found some time to really update this, I am hoping that I can do it regularly. Many things happened to me and my family these past months that I believe is worth sharing for to my readers and followers. Many things I have learned and want to share it with you my dear readers. But I will do it one at a time. For now, I want to post this article which I wanted to do so for some time now. I hope you can learn from it and may even have some insights on how to stop procrastinating. Here we go: =)

"People have their own reasons why they usually put things off. To some, it is because they have many things on their hands, to some just the plain reason of “they don’t want to do them for now”, to some because they are afraid to do things, the task is boring, difficult and to most because it became a habit and it works for them. They love the adrenaline of doing things in haste and with the clock ticking. (that last one works for me)

Procrastination has been around for a long time and the truth is everyone does it. But it became a bad habit. (which I want to change) Procrastination might stop us from achieving the goals we have set for ourselves. (true) Getting better with your goals means you should stop procrastinating now. It can be a reason for our failures. Time is a very costly resource since we are only allocated limited fraction of it. We are not going to live forever and as the verse says above we do not know what tomorrow will bring, we do not even know if we are still alive comes morning. So what better things to do than doing it now and doing it well? Once time has passed we can never get it back.  That’s the danger of procrastination.

Unrewarding lifestyle is one result of delaying things needlessly. It also shows that we do not have discipline and are poor time managers and sometimes shows our disobedience. (ouch! This one hurts) So how can we prevail over it?

Later is not always better so let us take a few steps each day that will help us stop procrastination. We have many excuses when it comes to putting things off but we can overcome it if we really want to. We should take a few small steps each day to becoming more diligent in our tasks. When setting goals, make sure it is realistic and attainable. Make sure to follow the steps you set for your goals and as you work ahead that goal avoid making excuses along the way. Finally pray for strength and persistence for we can not do things apart from the grace of God.

Let us take every minute counts by changing the way we think. Let us enjoy and love the things we do. Make certain to lessen interruption when you are set to doing a task at hand. Time Management is very important when it comes to working toward stopping procrastination. Make sure to prepare a to-do-list and prioritize your duties by ranking them accordingly. Put on top the task that needs to be done right away, then the once that require to be done soon and so on and so forth.  

Time is moving fast so let us not waste our lives and instead use the short time lent to us to make ourselves useful for today. Never let yourself fall into the trap of putting off things tomorrow what can be done today. By changing our attitude towards our duties and responsibilities we will find joy in seeing our tasks get accomplished. For one day we may find that tomorrow may not come."

Indeed, I want to reiterate that last line, One day we may find that tomorrow may not come at all. This life has been given to us by Almighty God. Only one life and soon it will pass. I want to make the most of it. I want to live a life pleasing to God, a life that will give glory to His name. I am praying that as I live my life people will see Jesus Christ in me.  

Time Will Come...

 So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Psalm 90:12

Since I resign from my work and became a stay-at-home mom, I have been very busy with all the things inside the house that making a new post here in my blog becomes a struggle. Oh, but how I miss reading posts from both my followers and those I am following. So here I am again=) At least my younger son now had some kind of sleeping schedule that I can fit some of my time blogging. Thank God! For the past months my schedule is compose mainly of doing all the stuff a homemaker is supposed to do. I am happy doing them. I am still adjusting maybe that my adrenaline pumps up almost all the time and I get stressed keeping up with my schedule as if I am still at the office doing the things an office worker normally do. You know betting the deadlines, before the deadlines and the likes. Then I remember I am not working for anybody anymore and that I have to relax just a little bit =) 

A friend of mine asked me one time if I miss working at the office and I told her almost in an instant without even thinking: NO! =) Not that I was surprise at the question and give an impulsive answer but that was really what's in my heart at that time and until this time. I don't miss getting up early in the morning, getting ready for the office and have my breakfast at the office because I might be late if I eat at home. I don't miss all the office stuffs at all. I enjoy and love waking in the morning now. I love it when my little one makes such cute noise when he's already awake and trying to shout to the world: hey Mom, I'm awake! =) and when I turn to look at him, oh boy, the smile on his face can remove all the "sleepyheadedness" (if there's such a word, hahahah!!) in me. Such sweet smile, telling me that he is ready to begin his day. I love waking in the morning listening to my older son say "Good Morning Mommy! =)

Of course I would be lying if I say there are no days where I am not overwhelmed with the tasks and responsibilities at hand. There were such days and I cried at those days. I even feel that I am failing as a wife and as a mother when at the end of the day I did some things wrong. My older son wants to play with me and told him I just can’t because I have to tend to his little brother or that I have still have to do this and to do that. Then he will cry trying to get some of my attention. I look at him when he is sleeping and say I am sorry my son, I will do better tomorrow. And I will because there might be a time when I can no longer play with him. It might be the last time. I want to grab every chance I've got. Time flies they say and it really is. My kids are growing up so fast I may not notice that time will come when I can no longer carry them in my arms. There will come a time when they don't want me to hold their hands anymore while walking or crossing the road because they can manage to do it on their own. Time will come I won't be scrubbing their hair and feet in the bath because they want to bathe alone. Time will come I won't be singing lullabies and telling them stories at bedtime or there will be no more goodnight kisses. There will come a time when it will be the last time and time will come when there's no more time left to do it.

It seems so overwhelming doing the same things day in and day out but I ask the good Lord to give me grace to do them. I want to cherish every moment because I don't want to have regrets. Motherhood is a blessing and so is being a wife. 

Our new Bundle of Joy

Friday afternoon, September 12, I started to feel the pain from my lower back going to my abdomen. I thought to myself, Is this true labor or not? The pain is not that intense (yet) though it is quite painful so I continued doing the things I needed to do at home. I never thought the pain will persist and will intensify as nighttime came. Around 3 in the morning, I could not sleep through it anymore, so I get up and prepare my older son’s things. I was thinking to bring him to the hospital but I know it would not be possible. My grandmother just died and my mother who is supposed to take care of my son when I gave birth went home to our province. So I am now confuse as to what to do until my sister called and told me to leave my eldest son at my brother’s and my mother would pick him up there and bring him to the province. I was relieved. It’s a good thing my son cooperated. I labored for the whole day of Saturday and night time comes still no progress. My cervix would not open. I could no longer bear to go another whole night of laboring and so I and my husband decided for a C Section like before. I gave birth September 13, Saturday night. Oh I wanted so much to have VBAC but I failed. I am glad though for the strength God had given me during those times. Now we are at home and adjustments are around the corner. I never thought it could be this hard taking care of the baby with my eldest son also craving for my attention not to mention my role as a wife. Maybe in his young mind he is wondering why things at home suddenly change. It breaks my heart to see my son cry when mommy cannot be with him at some pointy of time because the baby also needs mommy. He told me "to put the baby down and sleep here in my room mommy". I am exclusively breastfeeding my baby (thinking to do so until he reach 6 months before mixed- feeding with formula) and we all know especially those who have done it before that breastfeeding really requires a lot of time. It is time consuming but I believe it is the best for my baby. No matter how much I explain to my son about our situation, I know he doesn't understand it yet.  I am trying my best to be there for him and the baby at the same time. I told him that when the baby grow up just like him they can play together and I can see the excitement on his face and he added that they will ride a bus and swim in the river=) (Two of his favorite thing - bus and river) My husband told me to just hold my peace because I am still adjusting to the situation. I know “this too shall pass”. I live each day doing the best I can and with a lot of help and grace from my Almighty Father, I will be able to be the mother and wife God wants me to be.

The Blessings of Being at Home

 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.Proverbs 31:27

It’s been a while since I posted something here. I’ve been very busy since the day I resigned from the office and assume my “stay-at-home-life”. Indeed it’s so great being at home and being able to see to your family’s needs personally. The joy it brings me can never be compared to anything else. I know I am just starting and there are challenging days ahead but for now I am happy and I will enjoy every moment of it. Most of my first few days at home were spent cleaning, reorganizing and rearranging things at home. It’s only now that I realize how much things are needed to be done inside the house. Spending your whole day at the office working somehow drained my energy that some tasks at home were usually put off until they piled up. I need to clean and thoroughly clean, meaning I need to have a general cleaning. My pantry needs reorganizing and some furniture needs some rearranging. Those were the things I badly needed to do before the baby comes out. Though what I can do is being limited by my pregnancy, I still manage to do some things. I thank and praise God for strength and good health. I started with my son’s room and I am so glad with the outcome. (Though it still needs some finishing touches =)) Another great thing about being at home is to be able to prepare meals for your family. Wow, sometimes I run out of ideas what to cook that's why I now plan my menu for the week =)

                As I am doing all these chores, I remember one woman telling me that I will be having a grand vacation when I resign from work. I laughed at the thought of it now. What?! People think that when a woman or mother chooses to stay at home that she will be idle and do nothing but work a little and sleep. I can’t believe such ridiculous thinking. There are a lot of things to do at home. Actually, more work than working in an office but no monetary benefits. People have different views about women being a homemaker. It’s a choice that you have to make on your own. If you have prayed about it and you believe with all your heart that it is what and where God’ wants you to be; then be one of the millions of homemakers around the world. It will be worth it. 

A prayer for my Son

Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.

Psalm 127:3

            Three years! Wow! How time flies, I still remember the moment I first held you in my arms. How can I forget? You evoked in me a feeling I have never felt before. I realized that I can be a selfish person when it comes to you, that I can be so protective. Everytime I look at you I realized how blessed I am that God so graciously gives us such a wonderful blessing.  I and your Dad love you so much. We are not perfect parents but you inspire us to be the best that we can be. You remind us of God’s faithfulness and promises.

We pray:

• ·      That you will respond in faith to God’s call and will come to the knowledge of Jesus’ saving grace.

• ·        That you will have that increasing desire to hate sin, to please God and heed His commandments.

• ·        That you will be kept pure and not be unequally yoked in intimate relationship especially marriage.

• ·        That you will respect those who are in authority.

• ·        That when the time comes and God calls you; you will gladly go and give your life generously to the Lord’s work.

Happy Happy Birthday my son! =)

The rules for domestic happiness

The rules for domestic happiness

The rules for domestic happiness are few and simple. He who runs, may read. They are mighty. We can but admire the effects produced in a Christian household by such maxims and precepts as these!

1.  Be humble. "Pride only breeds quarrels." 

2.  "Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit." 

3.  Find your own happiness in trying to make others happy. 

4.  Mind your own business. Do not be meddlesome. 

5.  Beware of a fretful, suspicious, or censorious temper. 

6.  "Overcome evil with good." "Bless and curse not."

7.  "Love one another deeply, from the heart." 

8.  Do not magnify the trials or afflictions of life. 

9.  Beware of sloth. There is no greater enemy of peace and happiness. 

10. Make it your business to serve God. 

11. Keep out of debt. "Owe no man anything." Loans breed bad tempers and harsh dispositions.

12. Keep the ultimate purpose of life in view — to glorify God. This will repress many vain wishes and chasten immoderate desires. 

13. Let your prayers be frequent and fervent. 

14. Never listen to scandal nor backbiting. 

15. Do not grieve or worry over things which cannot be helped. 

16. Set the Lord always before you. Seek His glory. Do and suffer His will with readiness. Let Christ be all and in all. Trust in the Lord forever. 

(William S. Plumer, "Sinners Saved by Unmerited Kindness")

Motherhood is a Blessing

                

               Motherhood is a Blessing

                 One night before going to bed I asked my almost three-year-old-son what will be his little brother’s second name ( I am 7-month pregnant and we have Josiah as the baby’s first name). My son seems to be thinking and then blurted out “Bear” “Josiah Bear” and laughed out loud. I and my husband could not help joining him in laughing. I can’t help myself from laughing because of the way he said it and the way he laughs. Oh my boy! =)

                That’s one great moment of being a mother. Motherhood is a blessing and really fulfilling. At the end of the day even if I am so tired, a glimpse of my son’s smiling face can wipe away all the tiredness and weariness of the day. I am actually excited and looking forward to the day when I can spend my whole day being at home and just look after my growing family. Right now I am working at a government office but will soon resign (after giving birth) to take care of my “will be two sons”. It will be financially challenging being my husband as the sole provider of the family’s (financial) needs but I believe it will emotionally and spiritually fulfilling. I have been longing for the day where I can just stay home like an old-fashion woman who tends to her family personally. Some women prefer working outside the home and that isn’t bad since they are contributing to the financial needs of the family (I have been doing it ever since) while some women prefer to stay at home to personally look after their family. I have been working for eleven years now since I graduated from college and almost three years of it was spent working while my mother looks after my son. It is difficult especially when my son started talking.

                One day, I am about to go to work I told him, “Bye Joash Paul, Mommy’s going to the office now, see you later”. My son replied, “No, Mommy stay in the house only”. That statement pierced my heart and it made me realized that my son needs me to be there. Really be there for him. Grandma is okay but he needs his mother. I almost cried right there and then at that time. It takes a lot of courage not to give in at that moment. I just told my son, “Soon my son, soon, mommy will not leave for work anymore and will stay here with you”. I went to the office that day thinking about my son, my husband… my family…

                I know I’ll be facing a great challenge ahead but by God’s grace I will be able to fulfill the duty of motherhood that God bestows upon me.