Keeping Hope Alive during Tough Times

Christians are not immune to temptation, pain and sorrow; but the Lord has given His children hope during these tough times. We have been put to no test but such as is common to man; but God is true, who will not let any test come on us which we are not able to undergo. He will make with the test a way out of it, so that we may be able to go through it (1 Cor. 10:13).

I sought the Lord, and he answered me,

and delivered me from all my fears.

-Psalm 34:4

Wardrobe Shopping

Summer is almost over. The students are back to school and very soon we will be saying "hello" to the fall season and to thicker clothing.

I live in the Sunshine State of Florida where the snowbirds flock during the cold months of the year. Nevertheless, as I have experienced last year, the fall and, especially, winter, were freezing months even in the Sunshine State. Having come from the tropics, I was not very much prepared with my wardrobe so that I had to do frequent trips to the store to buy thick stockings, sweaters, long-sleeve blouses. Very soon, I will have to "resurrect" my fall/winter wardrobe to prepare for the arrival of the cold season.

When I started working, I have been wearing to the office either a coat, sweater or a blazer because of the freezing atmosphere inside our building. Everytime I go shopping, I love buying women's sweaters that I can wear to work but trendy to be worn for after-office activities. When I was working in court back in the Philippines, I would stick to blazers for outer office wear. Here, I stick mainly to knits which usually come in fashionable designs and which I can wear for after-office socials.

Friday Photo Flashback

Nanay, Manang Evelyn and me

June 15, 1988

This photo was taken during one of my cousin's visits to the Philippines. On our way to Himamaylan (Negros Occidental), my family's hometown, we stopped by Valladolid. The island/mountain in the background is Guimaras Island which can be seen from Valladolid.

An Act of Kindness

No act of kindness, no matter show small is ever wasted.

-Aesop, The Lion and the Mouse

Thank You, Lord

It is very easy to be thankful when everything is going great. What about when your life is in shambles? The Bible commands us to give thanks in all circumstances. "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your face develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." (James 1:2-4).

"Let us rise and be thankful,

for if we didn't learn a lot today, at least we learned a little,

and if we didn't learn a little, at least we didn't get sick,

and if we got sick, at least we didn't die;

so, let us all be thankful.

-Gautama Siddharta

Meeting My Cousins

Last Sunday, I met with my cousin Hanzel and his wife and kids. They live in Loma Linda, CA and are in Florida for a vacation. Their first stop was Fort Lauderdale so we had dinner at Bahia Cabana, a dockside patio bar and restaurant overlooking the Ft. Lauderdale boat marina.

This is the view from our table ........

A water taxi plying the waters of Ft. Lauderdale

Mark and Marco enjoyed watching boats of different sizes come and go.

Posterity shot with Hanzel, Denjoy and the two boys.

A visit is not complete without a pasalubong :))

Filipino goodies bought in California like piaya and barquiron of BongBong's (pastries of Negros Occidental). salted peanuts made in California but which tasted like the ones we used to buy in the sidewalks of Bacolod; Victorias hot bangus (product of Negros Occidental); Ligo hot sardines; and, of course, the famous Goldilocks polvoron.

Pack Your Bags... We Leave At Dawn

Summer is almost over and next week, students will be heading back to school. However, for students like me who are taking a respite from school, we can still enjoy an extended vacation. I know I need one. Every day used to be a vacation until I started working. Now, I long for the day when I can again commune with nature, sit on the seashore or go on adventure walks to new places with my camera in hand taking pictures of my surroundings.

I have lived in two of the top major U.S. vacation destinations: Hawai'i and Florida. After two years of fun in the enchanted island of Oahu, I now call the Sunshine State of Florida my home. I enjoy the beach, but as a foreigner in this country, I also want to visit places in the U.S. where I can learn and experience America's history and immerse into its rich culture. Where can I go to enjoy the beach and nature and at the same time, learn about America's historic past and culture? Where else but in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. The beautiful beaches, sand dunes, vast wildlife, historical and cultural sites makes Outer Banks a perfect vacation getaway.

Another aspect about this vacation destination that caught my attention is the Outer Banks vacation rentals- gorgeous well- furnished but affordably priced houses perfect for families, groups or for one who simply wants to enjoy a private place of his own. I especially admire the beautiful rental homes of Carolina Designs. Since I love the beach, I am partial to their beachfront homes. Very pretty houses overlooking the beautiful Outer Banks beach- very much like a scene from a romantic movie.

I want to do something special on my birthday next month. What about driving up to North Carolina for an Outer Banks vacation and stay in one of those gorgeous houses of Carolina Designs? Sounds like a perfect vacation, don't you agree?

I am a "Kept" Woman

Yes, I am a 'kept' woman.

You see, there were a few times when I thought I would lose my mind,

but God kept me sane (Isa. 26:3).

There were times when I thought I could go no longer,

but the Lord kept me moving (Gen. 28:15).

At times, I've wanted to lash out at those whom I felt had done me wrong,

but the Lord kept my mouth shut (Psa. 13).

Sometimes, I think the money just isn't enough,

but God has helped me to keep the lights on, the water on,

the card paid, the house paid, etc.... (Matt. 6: 25-30).

When I thought I would fall, He kept me up.

When I thought I was weak, He kept me strong! (1 Pet. 5:7, Matt. 11:28-30).

I could go on and on and on, but I'm sure you hear me!

I'm blessed to be kept.

I'm kept by the love and grace of God!

Weigh In

Since Saturday, I started getting on the scale again every morning. I also keep a record of my weight to know how I fare in my supposedly quest to lose the extra pounds I have been carrying. We have two scales in our masters bedroom bathroom, another one in the upstairs bathroom and one downstairs. Whenever I see the scale, I am reminded that I need to stay away from "bad" food if I want the numbers in the scale to go down. Last night, however, we were invited to dinner by new friends at Boca Raton. Our gracious host was a superb cook and I enjoyed very much the salad greens, bruschetta, buttered tilapia and eggplant parmesan he prepared for us. Oh yes, after dinner, we headed off to a gelato shop where I ordered a heapful of hazelnut dark chocolate and strawberry gelato. Burp!

Made of Steel

This unique structure is a restaurant found in Florida. Unique because it is made of steel building materials, which is not very common. At least, not yet.

In Florida, a state vulnerable to hurricane winds, steel buildings can be beneficial because steel has the ability to withstand heavy seismic and wind loads. Due to its strength, it allows for taller wall structures. Although strong, it is lighter compared to concrete and wood. Steel does not rot, is not susceptible to termite and rodent infestation, neither does it promote mold and mildew. For the environment-conscious individuals, you will be happy to know that steel is hundred percent recyclable.

TV Time

According to a Nielsen's Three Screen Report which came out last year, the average American watches more than 151 hours of tv a month. The amount of tv time also increases with age. While teenagers spend only 103 hours a month watching tv, senior citizens spend 207 hours. That probably explains why you will find two or three televisions in an average American household. I have also noticed their penchant for buying tv's. When I go shopping, I always see an array of tv sets of different sizes, models and brands being displayed. People usually flock to the newest make and model to try out the features. Based on tv reviews, the lcd tv remains one of the most popular tv.

Praising Him In the Midst of Trouble

The Lord did not promise us a problem-less existence in this troubled world. However, He promised us hope and strength as long as we continue to trust in Him.

Cast all your anxiety on Him

because He cares for you.

-1 Peter 5:7

The Smell of Cigar

If you walk around the restaurant row at Young Circle in Hollywood or at Las Olas Boulevard in Ft. Lauderdale, and especially around the Miami area, you will never miss the distinct smell of a fresh cigar coming from one of those cigar shops around the area. One of the popular Cuban cigars is made in Miami by the Padron family. What makes it different from other Cuban cigars? Although made of high quality, these cigars are sold at a more affordable price compared to other high quality cigars.

I am not a smoker, but the smell of cigar which sometimes comes with the smell of a cafe cubano or an espresso, can evoke a relaxing mood.

Spring into Savings

My old laptop was ripe for retirement so when it was time for me to look for a replacement, I went online and browsed through different websites, reading various reviews and comments from both computer experts and consumers alike to see which laptop brand offers the best features at the most affordable price. Laptops, just like any other electronic consumer goods, do not come cheap. The higher the quality, and the better the features, the higher the price. However, if you search well enough, you will be able to find good bargains like in one website I where electronics were sold at amazingly bargain prices.

Special Celebrations

For as long as I can remember, my birthday was a special occasion. My mother and late grandmother made sure we have a party at home where family and friends gathered to celebrate my birthday. When I came to America, things changed. My family back home still celebrated my birthday, but for three years that I have been here in the U.S., my birthday was anything but special. Next month will be my fourth birthday in the U.S., and my friend, Subrina, is planning to celebrate. Although there won't be a big bash, we're going to have a party for two :)

Birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, Christmas and other holiday events are special occasions that deserve special celebration. We usually commemorate these special occasions by holding parties and inviting friends over. There are various unique holiday invitations available, with different themes to choose from, that we can send to our friends. These will add spice to our celebration.