Thankful

Me time.  Love it.  Just doing the things I love.  Just savoring every bite of my fave food.  Not stressing about work.  Not thinking about any concerns.  Just taking it slow.

My happiness tank gets filled up every time.  And my gratitude journal gets lots of writing.

Life can get quite hectic at times, so we tend to skip looking after ourselves.

But even amid our busyness, we can take even just a brief moment to breathe and experience the simple joys of our day right where we are.

Because we deserve it. Because our whole self (mind, body, and spirit) needs it.

Being grateful even just for the teeniest and most ordinary blessings of our day shall help pick us up too.

Then at the end of a busy day, if we would look deeper, we would surely realize that we have loads to be thankful for, no matter how our day went.

So let's keep at it.  Every day.

Simple joys.  Blessings.  Gratitude.  Repeat.

Power of Small

I threw one tiny stone into the water, and it created those lovely ripples.

My friend and I were trying to outdo each other with the furthest throw while resting on the sand at the beach one afternoon.

Ripples.

I'm glad I can create ripples even just on a tiny part of the big ocean.

I'm glad I can create ripples even with just a little stone.

I'm glad I can use the power of small to help others.

I'm glad I can use the simple gifts that God has given me to bless the world.

It's not so much about reaching millions of people all at once.  But if I can reach even just one person today and help that person, then that person would be able to help another person, and another and another.

Then we can all create the ripples that the world needs.

And help make it a brighter place.

With overflowing happiness and hope for everyone.

Wouldn't that be wonderful?

Identity

I left my phone in the bedroom, and when I went to get it, I saw that I had heaps of missed calls from my sister.  There was a pile of unpaid bills under my name for some phone subscription that I never took out!

It was a case of identity theft!  The days, weeks, and months that followed were gruesome.  How could those people do that?  Why would they steal another person's identity?

I thank God that it finally got resolved after several months of distress.

When I look back and think about it, I feel pity for those people.  It's hard to pray for them after what they did to me, but still, I pray for them and for others like them.

I wish that they would stop and never hurt a single soul again.  That they would be able to find a decent means of earning a living and receive God's help in their times of need.

I pray that they would find their true identity as children of God.  

And realize that they were made in His image and were created to love even in the midst of life's difficulties.

I pray too that they would be instruments of good and not evil.

Life is hard and complicated as it is.

But may we all try to find the goodness in our hearts and seek to love others.

Always.

Christmas

I grew up hearing Christmas countdowns and carols as soon as the month turns into a "ber" month (i.e., September).  It may be way ahead of time, but I have always loved it ü

So whether I'm home or overseas, it's a natural thing for me to find a way to play my favorite Christmas songs even as early as September.

It also creates a much happier spirit in me as I look forward to my usual trip home to spend the season with my family, partner, and friends.

This year though, with all the issues that the pandemic has caused, I was thrown off course.  I won't be able to fly back home for Christmas, so I couldn't somehow bring myself to play my usual Christmas playlist.

Three more days to go and it will be October.  The days are counting and it will be Christmas before I know it.

Yet life must go on.

And I know that I should make the most of everything in the here and now.

That I should keep believing that only good shall come out of all these.

That God has something great in store for all of us despite what's happening.

Yes, my Christmas won't be the same this year.

But I continue to pray.

And look ahead with hope in my heart.

Anew

Regret.

That's what I felt one night as I recalled the things that occurred earlier that day.  I should have done this.  I could have said that.

But can I still go back in time and change what happened?

No.

Thankfully, I can start anew and look forward to a new morning.

I'm glad I can look back and learn from the past.

I'm glad I can keep going.

As I got up from bed this morning, I said a short prayer of gratitude for the gift of life.  For God's countless blessings no matter how many times I falter.  For another chance to be happy.

I know that He has wrapped a wonderful blessing for me in each moment of my day.

And I surely don't want to miss any of it!

Likes

Once while at the shop, I overheard a group of young women chatting about the number of likes and followers that they have on Facebook and Instagram.

In this age of digital technology (and social distancing), most of us are into social media.

And for those who are trying to promote their stuff to other people, whether it's an FB post, Instagram story, or YouTube video, or a product, service or idea that we are trying to sell, it's so tempting to validate our worth on the likes and views that we get.

While it does have its joys (just doing it for fun), it also tends to discourage us and make us feel like crap sometimes, particularly when we start comparing ourselves with others.  And that's the sad part.

The numbers that we get from likes, followers, or views are not who we are.

Our worth is based on who God says we are.  His children.  His beloved.

May we always remember that.

Then the world will surely be a happier place!

 

Happy Place

The other morning, on my way to an appointment, I had the chance to make a quick stopover at the beach.  It was a beautiful spring weather, so I thought it would be nice to go for a walk and get some Vitamin D from the morning sunshine (yay!).

Yes, the beach is one of my happy places, so it's really great to live in a coastal suburb.  It's so good to see and be in your happy place anytime, especially when you have to face a tough day or want to feel better after a long day!

As I sat and rested on a bench that Friday morning, I felt so happy and thankful (as I always feel when I'm at the beach).  Experiencing the sights and sounds of the ocean, the seagulls, the blue sky, little children running around, elderly couples holding hands and laughing together, etc are always a delight to my senses.

Things like these always make me look up and thank God.  Appreciate the simple things.  See God's goodness in anything and everything around me.

That time I had at the beach was just brief, but I was able to savor every moment and take with me loads of joy that I knew I needed for my appointment that day.  *smile ü*

Yes, thank God for happy places!

Warrior

I am a worrier.  Sometimes, even just a little snag can make me anxious.  It's never a nice feeling.

To me, everything has to be smooth sailing, or else I worry.

But nothing is perfect!  And not everything is within my control.  I can't always stay in my comfort zone, and at times have to step out into my courage zone.  

So when things don't go according to plan, I pray.  And try to see the happy and positive side of things.

It's no walk in the park.

But if I can just be a warrior (not a worrier!), then I can soldier on in any battlefield.

If only I would put on the armor of faith all the time, then I can stay the course.

Life then would be more fun.

And much brighter!

Somebody

Rejection is a lonely road to travel.  Especially when you are walking alone.

I have experienced many rejections in my life.  I have called myself a nobody.  I have been to the pits.

Thankfully, life creates new opportunities.  Each new day offers a chance to start anew.

It's not always easy to buck up and continue the journey, but I believe that God sends second chances for a purpose.  And blesses us with new moments to be happy.

So each time I find myself on Rejection Road, I try to remind myself that I am not walking alone.

That I am a somebody.

Because I am God's beloved.  

Glass

Count your blessings.

What a cliché.

Yet so true.

Every moment is a wonderful gift.  No matter how uneventful or simple it is.  

Sometimes we forget that waking up each day is something we should be grateful for.

Sometimes we tend to focus on what's missing in our lives, instead of appreciating what we already have.

I'm guilty of this at times, especially when life isn't going my way.

But the moment I press the stop button in my head and start remembering my blessings, small and big, I feel happy.

Life's downs will always be around.  But I believe that gratitude is a great antidote to whatever negativity may surround us.  And it helps us to look at what's ahead with hope in our hearts.

A wise man once said that we should look at our glass as half-full, instead of seeing it as half-empty.

We are all blessed.

Even beyond blessed.  If only we would look deeper.

And be always grateful.

Compass

I have been lost many times.  

And I still get lost a lot.

When driving on unfamiliar roads.  When traveling in a foreign country.  When navigating through a storm.  When trekking through the jungle of life.

I don't always find my way.  

As there are times when I don't have my map or compass (a.k.a. Apple or Google Maps) with me when I should.

But when I do, I just search for it in my pocket and voila, it points me to the North, gives me directions, and gets me back on my feet.

In my life's wilderness, everything is chaos unless I carry my Compass.

He points me to my North.  He guides my way.

But at times, the journey is still too tough for me.

Not because He makes things difficult, but because of my stubbornness when I want to do things my own way.

Wherever life takes me, I wish I would always remember to take my Compass with me.

I wish I would just follow the path He leads me to.

Yes, it may not be a breeze.

But I should just trust Him.

For God's way is truly the only way to happiness.

  

Addict

I love watching comedy films and shows (Friends, Ally McBeal and The Big Bang Theory are just a few of my all-time favorites ü)

What's not to love?  The humor.  The belly laughs.  The feel-good moments.

They are especially helpful on days when life has lots of dramas.  Laughter is the best medicine as we say. 

They help me see the lighter side of things that sometimes I just couldn't help but wish that life is a comedy.  No stresses.  No problems.  Just fun and hilarity.

Life is not that simple though (ouch!).  So I just wish that no matter what life brings, I would always be a laughter addict.

Always high on humor.

Always injecting myself with laughs.

And only using 'drugs' of happiness!

Swap

Today, I watched a movie about two brothers magically switching places after one of them made a wish.

It definitely made me reflect on my own life.  Who would I want to swap places with?

A famous person whose life seems perfect?  Someone in my family or a friend who's got everything in their life going perfectly well?

My life has lots of flaws.  And certainly not the best.  But who said life isn't messy?

Flawed or not, messy or not, I would still choose me.  I would still want to live my own life.

Sure, I had done things in the past that I can no longer undo and failed to do some things I should have done.

Sure, my life is so far from perfect and there were heaps of opportunities I have missed and dreams I'm still seeking to fulfill.

But all those things are part of my life and make me who I am.

Tomorrow, another day begins.  My life goes on and I'm still me.

I can choose to be happy or not.

I can choose to keep walking or not.

And I can choose to live my best life or not.

The choice is mine.

For only I can live my own life.

 Loved

When I was seven years old, I remember I had a tough time starting off at a new school.  And even adding to my woes was the bullying that I had experienced in the hands of a classmate who I thought was a friend.  It was really hard I would always cry and wish I was bigger and older so I could get out of there!

But when I got bigger and older, I was not spared from the troubles and heartaches of high school and university.  Even to this day.

Life is tough.  And at different times in my life, I have experienced failures and depression trying to make sense of things and find my way.

Thankfully, I'm able to get up every time.  Not easy and definitely not overnight, but I just keep trying.

And it helps to remind myself that I was created for a purpose.

That I was designed for happiness.

That I am wonderfully made even with all my imperfections.

Because I am precious.

And I am completely and perfectly loved.

Precious

It was raining when I woke up one morning, so I decided to just stay home and do some stuff on my computer.

As I was browsing through some of the photos I have taken from my travels, I thought it would be good to put them together into a book (oh yes, why not ü).

And since I was feeling poetic at that time, I went through the day writing haikus to go with the photos.

That was last year.

Since then, I have sold copies of my book ("Precious").  Not as many sales as the books in bestselling lists but enough to help raise funds for various charities (thank You, Lord!).  Enough to make my heart happy ü

I dream of writing more books.  Not only to provide life inspirations to others but also to help the needy in my own little way.

Using the simple gift of writing that I have been blessed with, I strive to spread love and hope and help bless the world.

Every time I write a book or blog, I could feel God's hand on mine.  And it makes me appreciate life more.  Count my blessings.  Feel how precious and loved I am.

As I write this, I'm on to my third book.  And I hope it will help bless the world too!

Simple

I've always been a fan of simple things.  I live a simple life, write simple books and blogs, cook simple dishes, think in simple ways, and do simple things.

That thing we call life is not simple though.  Navigating through its intricacies is tough.  I've had my share of flops and disappointments.

It's not easy.

But with lots of prayers and hard work, I strive to pick up the pieces and start anew.

And as I go along life, I try to deal with things on my own simple terms, make each day worthwhile and create the simple life that I love.

I believe that life is beautiful, no matter how complex it is.

We can aim to find the simple joys around us every day.

Seek to appreciate the goodness of life.

Experience the wonderful blessings God showers upon us.

Choose to be simply happy.

And enjoy life!

*(Simple is good...so in the hope of sharing my simple everyday discoveries to help and inspire others, I have created a blog, lovethesimple.com.  Yes, let's enjoy life!)*  

Sound of Music

Here comes my fave view of the hills and ocean again!

I just love saying that to myself every time I drive past that beautiful hilly place on my way to the shopping center where I do most of my weekend errands.

I just can't get enough of it especially when the hills are looking very green and the lovely blue ocean in the background is beaming.  Then as I look at the view, I would always hear the Sound of Music playing in my head (haha ü).

Yes, simple joys like this make my routine weekend drive special.  And I feel so blessed and happy!

Last weekend, it was raining when I drove past.  Visibility wasn't good, and the hills and ocean were looking dull.  But it didn't matter.  Rain or shine, it's a true blessing to be able to experience God in both dreary and bright moments.  In both the ordinary and extraordinary.  In anything.

And my heart just wants to sing every time!

I go to the hills
When my heart is lonely
I know I will hear
What I've heard before
My heart will be blessed,
With the sound of music
And I'll sing once more.
(Excerpt from the song Sound of Music, sung by Julie Andrews)

Dishes

For a moment, I just stared at the dirty dishes in the sink.  

I don't like washing the dishes.  I always find myself struggling to do it.

But I do it anyway.  I just try to console myself with the thought that after the 'pain' of doing the chore, the kitchen will be clean and tidy again ü

And it helps to remember that dirty dishes mean that there's food on the table every day.

There are many other things I hate doing, like waking up very early in the morning to go to work (because I'm not a morning person) or driving long distances or doing the laundry, etc.

After much grappling, I still manage to do them.  Not only because I have to, but also because deep in my heart I know that I am blessed (I have a job that pays the bills, a car that takes me to places, a complete set of eyes and body that lets me drive, clothes to wear, etc).

I believe that we are surrounded by an ocean of blessings and we just have to grab them.  Yes, it may not be always easy but it pays to remind ourselves that after each night comes the light of a new morning.  A new day of blessings.  New moments.  New opportunities to be happy.  

Another chance to be a light to others.

Another chance to be grateful.

And live our best life.

 

Father's Day


During the last weekend of May, I found myself reflecting on whether I should write a blog post about Father's Day for my newly launched lifestyle website or not.  The occasion doesn't move me as much as Mother's Day does, so I didn't really feel like it and had to mull things over.

I was never a daddy's girl.  I never had a close relationship with my father.  To me, he was just an authority figure who signed my excuse letters when I got sick and had to be away from school, scolded me when I misbehaved as a kid, gave permission so I could go out with friends as a teen, checked my grades to see how I was performing at school, and provided money for education and daily expenses. 

But I did look up to him, as I remember when I was a kid, I used to always say to my friends that I wanted to be a lawyer like him.  Also, I did get affected and felt his absence when he passed away many years ago, as I remember crying and feeling so sad.  Yet deep in my heart, I never really understood what kind of bond we had.  And even up to this day, I'm still not sure why it felt like he was so distant and 'formal'.

So every time I see loving father-and-daughter scenes, whether in movies or in real life, I can't help but feel different sorts of emotions...moved and happy that such a bond exists, but also jealous and sad that I never had such kind of a relationship with my father.

Fast forward, a week ago (one week into Father's Day), I finally decided to write and publish a Father's Day post.  I thought I'd try even just to be a tiny spark in other daughters' world.

Today is Father's Day.  As I reflect on my relationship with my father, it also moves me to look up and remember my Abba.  The Father who has always been close to me and present in my daily life.  The One who has always been my tower of strength and comfort.  Whose great love for me has always been there to see me through.  

With God as my Father, I know I'll always be Abba's girl ü

Carpe diem!


It was already noontime.  I grabbed my car keys, phone, wallet, and hand sanitizer, and quickly tucked them into my jeans pockets.  I was on my way to the hospital to get myself tested.  I had some weird symptoms that started a week back, so my doctor suggested that I go and get tested.

While in the queue wearing my N95 mask provided by the hospital, and seeing more and more patients coming in, it dawned on me how life can just be taken away anytime.  Have I lived my life to the fullest?  Am I living my purpose?  How much of the things that I've always wanted to do have I already done?

I know my life is super far from 'perfect'.  I had done things in the past that I can no longer undo.  There were things that I should have done but didn't do.  I have missed many opportunities.  And I still have a million dreams that I want to fulfill.  Sometimes, my days seem to have no direction still searching for answers.  And at other times, I still try to make sense of the things in my life and wonder if I'm going the right way.

But I know too that each new day is a new chance to live life.  To breathe more.  To pray harder.  To do something bigger.  To be 'the good' in the world for others.  And live with more meaning.

And I also know that every day is God's second chance for us to create ripples in our own lives and in other people's lives.

As I walked past the medical staff's station through to the testing room and witnessed how they were selflessly serving others despite the risks, I realized even more that we all need to seize the day no matter what.

Before it's too late.


*(As I write this, I carry the happy news that my test is negative...thank You, Lord!)*

Chicken Soup


Monday...and the first day of winter...gosh, two things I'm not a fan of, I thought as I woke up from an empty dream last Monday morning.

Like some people, I don't particularly like Mondays.  And I don't like winter as I don't like feeling uncomfortably cold.  Though I have some nice beanies, scarves, coats and boots, I'm not really keen on wearing layers.  And not too happy with early sunsets and shorter days.

Thankfully, seasons change.  And in three months' time, it'll be spring (yay!).  In the meantime, I live each day as it comes.  Drag myself from bed on weekday mornings and conquer the cold.  Put the heater on and wish it won't give me any nosebleed.  Wash my hands and shower with hot water, and just try my best to manage dry skin.

In the midst of the hassles of winter, I thank God that I still manage to find the positives and my happy.  Like not having to endure the high temperature of a super hot summer.  And having a good excuse to stay longer in bed on a cold weekend morning.  Getting to drink more of my favorite hot cocoa.  And having nice hot soups to help with chilly evenings, particularly tinola (Filipino dish), one of my favorite chicken soups that my Mom loved to cook for us.

I remember when I was just starting off here as a new immigrant, I didn't know a single soup recipe and had to call my Mom.  So now every time I cook that dish, not only does it warm my body, but it also comforts my heart.  It's like having Mom's tinola once again (I miss her every day) and it's like chicken soup for my soul (thanks Mom) ü

Now that the days and nights are getting colder every day, I thank God that I have my winter warmers and Mom's tinola with me...they won't change me into a winter person, but will definitely help me through my winter 'blues'.  *smile*






  

Only Good!

Washed my hands.  Washed them again.  And again (seems endless!).   Sheesh, still couldn't believe how many times I have to do that now.  My hands are getting drier and drier every day (as sometimes I forget to put hand lotion on).  Blame it on the pandemic.


And with the world going through a lot right now, yes we can't help but blame it on the pandemic.  It's tough to be in a battle with a virus and even tougher to be faced with the uncertainties of the coming days.  We can't help but feel all sorts of different negative emotions and wonder when all these will end.

Despite all these, it helps to keep our faith intact.  Many times, I would find myself feeling anxious and exasperated.  But I try my best to look at the bright side of things and pray.  Count my blessings.  Do something positive.  Reach out to others.

At times, it's hard to do all these but I know that God is working in the background.  He has a great plan in spite of everything.

Remembering His past wonders in my life and focusing on His present blessings, whether huge or small, create a big calm in my heart.  I thank Him that I still have a job even with the current crisis.  Food on the table.  Safe and healthy family, partner and close friends.  Internet access.  Newly-launched website.  Free view of the ocean and blue sky.  Delicious new recipes.  Kindness and love around me.  Family chats.  Happy things.  Free and fun online shows.  Negative covid19 test results.  Freedom to write.  Book sales that help bless the needy.  Time.  Better ways of doing things.  Etcetera.  (Thank You, Lord!)

While washing my hands a couple of minutes ago, I noticed the phrase "Only Good" on my handwash bottle (wow!).  Definitely made me smile as it reminded me that even with all that's happening in the world right now, only good shall come out of it.

Because God is in control.



**************************
Heal Our Land
(Jamie Rivera)

If my people will humble themselves
Humble themselves and pray
If they seek my face and humble themselves
And turn from their wicked ways
I will hear from heaven and forgive their sins
I will hear from heaven and heal their land

Lord, heal our land
Father, heal our land
Hear our cry and turn our nation back to You

Lord, heal our land
Hear us oh, Lord, and heal our land
Forgive our sin and heal our broken land

Lord, we vow our knee, we humble ourselves
Humble ourselves and pray
Lord, we seek Your face and humble ourselves
And turn from my wicked ways

Father in Your mercy, forgive our sins
Father in Your mercy, come heal our land

Lord, heal our land
Father, heal our land
Hear our cry and heal our broken land

BLESSINGS!

I could hear the silence of the moment as I write this reflection.  No music, no TV, no drilling on the neighbour's wall (haha!).  Just the usual soft chirping of the birds.

Tomorrow's a Friday which means I'm off work (yay!), and then Monday will be a public holiday (Australia Day!) which means it's going to be a super looong weekend for me!  Happy days!

Quiet moments like this make me reflect on the many things that happened in my life in the past year.  Though there were things that did not happen as planned, there's certainly so much to thank God for!

An outpouring of major blessings, fulfilled dreams, answered prayers and life's simple joys (wow!)...  Healing and good health.  Travels (they were definitely more than I had expected last year, and they were all happy and safe trips!).  Published books (yay!).  My family's successes.  Love and laughter.  Material blessings.  Kindness.  Wonderful discoveries.  Hope.  And heaps of other marvellous blessings (praise God)!

I remember that nice little shop that we chanced on in one of our family trips in South Korea...I was pleasantly surprised then when I saw that its name was "Blessing"!  Just like the gift items in the store that were delightful and beaming, the many wonderful blessings that I have received last year (and the past years ü) put smiles and much joy into my heart ü!

"God bless you and keep you, God smile on you and gift you, God look you full in the face and make you prosper."  (Numbers 6:24-26, The Message)