Key Verse:1 John 4:11-12, "Since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us." (NIV)
Devotion: When you're with the ones you love, do you love the ones you're with? I am embarrassed to admit it, but there are times when I'm with my family, and my mind is somewhere else getting something done! I realized this one night while we were all watching a movie. It looked like we were spending quality time together as a family. I was there physically, but I was returning phone calls and emails mentally. I glanced at the clock to see how many hours before bedtime when I could get some work done, and noticed the silhouette of my son's face. I was struck by how grown up he looked. How quickly ten years had passed! It made me think, it won't be long before he's counting down the hours until I go to bed, so he can instant message or get on the phone with his friends. That's when I recognized the gift of being with the ones I love and loving the ones I'm with, while they're still with me.Jesus knew His time with the ones He loved was limited. He valued the years He had here and was very intentional about loving each and every person He was with. Jesus didn't see people's requests for His attention or time as interruptions, but welcomed them as invitations. I am a type-A, get-it-done, kind of girl. "Being" instead of "doing" is tough for me. The only hope I have is to take my struggle to God and ask Him to help me. He made me this way and He's the only one who can make me more like Him. Through His Word, He's challenged me to slow down and spend more time being with my husband and my children. He knows how easily I can allow my time with them to get crowded out by my need to "do" things. He has helped me to see them as the highest priorities in my life.What about you? How often are you really with the ones you love…no agendas, no errands, no planning…just being? How often do you laugh together, watch movies together, or go out for ice cream? There are a few things I do to help me cherish the time I have with the ones I love. First, I look into their faces and remember what they used to look like. That helps me grasp how quickly time passes. Second, I imagine a day they may not be here; the day they might live in another State with their own family; the day I will wait for them to call and tell me what they have been doing since we last talked. Third, I think back to what life was like without them. That jolts my memory, and makes me so grateful for the time God has given me with them. And lastly, I remind myself daily that my tasks and "to do lists" will always be here, but the ones I love may not. My prayer is that you will join me in slowing down to be with the ones you love and love the ones you are with!
My Prayer for Today:Lord, thank you for the people you have given me to love - even when they are hard to love, even when I feel like I don't have enough time to enjoy them. Help me to slow down and see them through your eyes. Help me to see them as the greatest gifts I will ever be given. Remind me daily that the only thing that will last for eternity is my relationship with you and my relationships with others. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Plan a date with someone you love (your child, spouse, parents or best friend).Talk about the things and people they care about most. Really listen and enjoy them.If you get distracted by things you need to do, imagine this is the last time you will be with them and make it your best ever!
Monday, April 30, 2007
Love the ones you're with
Thursday, April 12, 2007
PARENTING
Parenting
The Essential Ingredients of a Godly Home Matthew 10:11-13 says, “Now whatever city or town you enter, inquire who in it is worthy, and stay there till you go out. And when you go into a household, greet it. If the household is worthy, let your peace come upon it. But if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you.” This is how God blesses homes. Your house needs to be a house worthy of the blessing of God. So I want to give you Five Essentials to a Godly Home. 1. You need prayer in that home. In Luke 19:46 Jesus says, “My house will be a house of prayer.” Teach your children that God will answer their prayers. If God’s house is a house of prayer, yours should be one too. 2. Speak the Word in that home. Deuteronomy 6:6-9 says, “These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.” 3. Make it a house of humility. James 4:6. God can bless humility. He resists the proud. 4. Make it a house of giving. Malachi 3:10 says, “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” 5. You need leadership in your house. Joshua 24:15 says, “As for me and my house we will serve the Lord.” Take a stand, and have leadership in that home. The Four Stages of Raising ChildrenAs you train your children in the way they should go, it’s important to understand The Four Stages of Growth in Your Children so they will grow up to hear God’s voice and make right decisions 1.Discipline Stage 0-5 years CREATE CLEAR AND VERY STRICT BOUNDARIES – no choices; you’re teaching them to yield their will to your will so they will eventually be able to yield to God’s will.WHEN YOU’RE SPEAKING TO THEM EXPECT A RESPONSE – otherwise you’re teaching them not to have regard for your commands. Your children will rise to the level of your expectation. One of the reasons God chose Abraham was because “he will command his children,” Genesis 18:19 says.MAKE YOUR INSTRUCTION CLEAR – Colossians 3:21 says don’t exasperate your children. Warn them that the command is coming. “In 5 minutes, I’m going to call you and I want you to be finished…”2. Training stage 6-12 yearsThis is where you are training your children to be young adults. They are pretending to be in that role. Give them some grace. Give them more choices. For example, “Here are 3 choices, but remember when you make a decision, you’re not going to change it.” Teach them to make their bed and clean their room. Now let them do it. Check it. Show them where they need to improve. 3. Coaching stage 13-19 yearsDuring this stage, you let them be the quarterback of their life. You’re the coach, but you let them play. You’re not driving them. They drive. You coach. You call some plays, but let them call some. When they make a decision, you ask “So what did you decide?” Then you say, “let me give you some pros and cons about that…” You still give them your advice. 4. Fellowship stage (friendship)You’ve done your job. You give advice only when they ask for it. You can’t try to be their friend during the Discipline and Training stages. This is the time you can be their friend, when you’ve done your job correctly in the earlier stages. It’s tragic if we don’t honor the Discipline stage. It affects the rest of their life and yours too. Now that you have these practical stages of how to teach your children as they mature, remember what sets it all up is when your house has the 5 Essentials for the Blessing of God. God will bless and honor you as you honor Him and put Him first in your home.
Monday, April 9, 2007
Invade your teens' World Without Invading Their Space
Just thought of sharing you this one I read this morning.. It will help all of us ..Not only us parents but everybody who needs this..
FOCUS ON THE FAMILY --
http://www.focusonthefamily.org/
Be Your Teen’s Role ModelWhat is a role model?
When we say someone serves as a role model, we mean the individual is someone others admire or try to emulate. For teenagers this often means the person is someone they want to be like — whether it’s because of the person’s lifestyle, athletic prowess or the attitudes the person shows.
Some of those role models are celebrities out of your teen’s reach (athletes and movie stars), while others are in his or her own circle of influence (youth ministers, teachers and other parents). What do those people have that make them attractive to your teen?
What teens crave
Why do teens look up to the other adults in their lives? Whether or not we like it, parents are sometimes considered the enemy. Teenagers might see their moms and dads as judgmental and unconcerned about their lives. Two qualities, therefore, are crucial to being a role model.
1. A role model is understanding, not condescending.
When 13-year-old Jenny seemed especially upset about a boy not liking her at school, her father said, “That’s nothing to worry about. You’re too young to even think about boys.” When the dad spoke those words, he was telling Jenny that her concerns were not important. Yet it was serious in her 13-year-old world. Role models try to connect with a teen to understand what he or she is going through. They do so without belittling the teen’s problems or downplaying the triumphs.
2. A role model is a friend but also a leader. We often think that to be a role model to our teenager we must know the name of every new movie or be able to use teenage slang. That’s not necessarily true.
While most role models understand the teen’s life and are friendly, they also take on a leadership role with them. Role models provide answers, insight or suggestions about the teen’s struggles — oftentimes from their own experiences.
How parents can be good role models
• Be available. Let your teenager know your door is always open. While your son or daughter may not beat down your door every time he or she has a question, your teen is more likely to do so when you have left that door open.
Say phrases such as “I’m always here for you” or “I’d love to hear about your day.” Don’t apply pressure, but let your teen know you are there for him or her.
• Listen to your teen. Being available to your teenager does not mean listening with one ear and then giving a long string of advice. Listen to your teen first, then ask follow-up questions. Don’t jump in with advice (even when you clearly see what should be done). Instead, proceed slowly, asking your teen what he or she thinks should be done.
Being a role model to your teenager may seem like an impossible undertaking. But realize that your young person needs someone just like you — someone who loves him or her and who can point in the right direction.
Friday, April 6, 2007
Broken and Poured Out
“Kati, it is broken, surely you don’t want that one,” said my bewildered husband, while we were out one Good Friday evening a few years ago.
We had been walking around downtown after dinner to do some window shopping. Wandering into a little shop called “Barouke,” I spotted this hand- carved wooden cup. I had been on the hunt for a special cup that our family could use just for communion.
It was a fairly simple design made from Lignum Vitae, which according to its little tag, happens to be the hardest and most dense wood in the world. I thought it would be a very fitting cup for my wonderful, stubborn family. It has also been called “the Wood of Life” for its pharmaceutical values. What better communion cup could you ask for than one made from the Wood of Life that was found “broken” on Good Friday?
This is My body
Given for you
This is the cup that holds the blood
Of a new covenant
This is forgiveness,
Simple and True
This is the way
That I have made for you
Before you eat
Before you drink
Take a long look inside
And tell Me what you see
Do this in remembrance of me.
Will you remember what He did for you today? Will you slow down long enough to thank Him? Will you accept His forgiveness? I will.
Take the time to read the Easter story today from the Bible, any gospel – Matthew, Mark, Luke or John - that you choose.
Reflections:
How often do you stop to think about what the Lord has gone through to make sure that you are with Him in Heaven?
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
The children are watching us
Good Morning friends, please allow me to share you this daily devotional I received this morning..I know that many of us can relate to this story. I know I am =). See my husband always say Good Morning to us and I remember one time when when my older daughter forgot to say "Good Morning" to her Dad. So then I told her to go and say sorry. But before she went...She told me that "Mom,how come you tell me to say sorry when you always forget to say Good Morning to Dad too.Oh my! I felt so ashamed and I prayed right away and asked for forgiveness and to help me be a better person and be a good example to my children. I then went to talk to my hubby and we had our talk..See, God understand that we are not perfect but we can always try to be a better person. Remember that our kids are not only smart but are always watching their parents. But remember this one, before we can teach our children God's ways, we first build a right relationship with them, one in which God's truth will grow and flourish in the hearts of our children. Our teaching and example just demonstrate to them a way of life they will want to emulate, rather than a burden imposed on them. Here you go and hope you enjoy reading this.. BE BLESSED!
The Mom in the Mirror
By Karen Ehman
“However, … the wife must respect her husband.” Ephesians 5:33 (NIV)
Devotion:
I’ll never forget the day I saw myself in that mirror. Even though over a decade of time has passed since I caught the glimpse, the image is still vivid. And I’m sorry to say that it wasn’t a pretty one. My then six-year-old daughter and her three-year-old brother were playing together in their room. I strolled down the hall to check on the baby who was due up from his nap soon. It was then that I saw it.
As I approached the room where my kids were playing, I heard Mackenzie’s voice pipe up as she expressed to Mitchell her immense displeasure. You see, he was not stacking the colorful, snap-together, plastic blocks in a manner that suited her. As I neared the door I heard her sharply declare “No, Mitchell. Not that way! Oh, just give it to me! Anybody with a brain knows they go like this, not like that. Can’t you ever do anything right?” Her words, though unkind, weren’t the real issue. What bothered me most was that they were spoken with a caustic, condescending tone. I was not going to let her get away with it.
I stepped into the room and with classic mom form - hand on hip, finger pointed, throwing the child’s middle name in for emphasis???I gave it to her. “Mackenzie Leith Ehman! Young lady, I don’t ever want to hear you talk like that to your brother again!” Without even looking up from her pile of blocks, she quickly and calmly retorted. “Why not, Mama? You talk like that to Daddy all the time.”
Ouch! My kids often serve as a painstakingly honest mirror when it comes to my attitudes and actions. The offense my daughter had committed that day paled in comparison to what I feared my kids were witnessing in our home as they saw their mom interact with their dad in a disrespectful manner. I cried and prayed and cried some more. I told my husband what had transpired. I then told my moms’ Bible study group. Turns out I wasn’t the only mom who had a little mirror in their house. Many of us had seen ourselves vividly reflected through the voices and actions of our offspring. We vowed together to keep our words and tones in check. Of course, we found out this is often easier said than done.
The word “respect” in today’s verse can be one we wives assume we are obeying because we have a limited view of its true meaning. A quick reading of this verse in the Amplified Version of the Bible sheds a deeper light. Its parenthetical description of the word “respect” reads, “that she notices him, regards him, honors him, prefers him, venerates, and esteems him; and that she defers to him, praises him, and loves and admires him exceedingly.” Whew! No wonder God wants marriage to last a lifetime. It might take us women a lifetime to learn to exhibit all those qualities!
It’s been a long time since I spied my ugly self in that mirror that day. I still struggle at times with a sharp tongue, often saying things in jest that in reality are unkind. And my kids now reserve the right to call me on the carpet for such behavior. We moms need to remind ourselves that there are little and not so little eyes watching, and in many cases imitating what they see. What’s in your mirror?
Dear Lord, Forgive me for the times I have used my words, attitudes and actions as weapons of disrespect toward my husband. Empower and enable me to live a life that accurately reflects what a godly wife should be. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Application Steps:
Pay close attention to your words and tone this week as you interact with your husband. What would you see if you were videotaped and then had to watch a playback of how you speak to him? Would others be able to tell from your encounters that you respect your spouse?
For the brave at heart only: Ask your children to be honest with you. Question them about what they observe when you speak to your husband. Is there anything they think you should clean up? What grade would they give you when it comes to how you treat their father? Tell them that you are trying to obey the Bible by showing dad respect. You just need a little report card from them to know how you are doing and to enable you to make the necessary changes.
Reflections:
Name a wife who gets a good grade in this subject. What is different about her? What does she do, and not do, that makes her a good example?
Ask yourself, “Is there one person who would be a good fit to hold me accountable in this area?” Pick someone who will be honest with you and who cares enough about you and your marriage to tell you the truth and point you to God. Contact her to see if she’d be willing to check in with you periodically to inquire how you are doing.
Enjoy the rest of your SUNNY AND SMILEY DAY
Monday, March 26, 2007
PRECIOUS FRIENDS
Buenas Nochez Friends,
Hope everyone had a blessed weekend! Well, i did.... Friday nite-- i got to hang out with my girls. Thanks to my best friend Lovely, she was able to get everyone together there.. She had to call them individually so that they all would go.. See, the last time we all got together was last Christmas. So, everyone was so happy when they all got to Chilis. One of our favorite place to go for dinner..lolz. We got in trouble too cuz I we were so loud.. And yes! I admit...I am first to say that I am guilty..lolzz.. My hubby, my daugther Destiny, our friend Martin and Matthew stopped by at Chilis to get my daugther's Ice Skate.. They went Ice skating that nite... My friend Marge and I went to meet up with them after Chilis. We all went home right after. Went to pick up my lil one Kalea at my mom's house. We came home and we just relax and went to sleep early to get ready for our Local convention the next day ( Saturday).
Saturday ---- we got ready to go to Midwest Conference Center ( Northlake Il). It was an awesome event. I thank God everyday for our business. Not only we helped people with their financial plan but also we are building our friendship with our business partners and clients. But most importantly, we can minister to them and able to share our Life with Jesus. My husband and I along with my daughter Destiny and soon Kalea love meeting new people everyday. It makes us realize that wherever you go... You can meet new friends everyday.. =) . After the event-- we went to Portillos and had lunch.. Then, our last stopped - we went to Marge's house for her Party Lite show... It was fun!!! As always, I had to joke around..lolzzz. That is always been part of me and will never go away...ha ha ha.. Yup! i didn't buy anything..But I got the catalog.. and hopefully..I'll order when I feel like it...lolzzz... Ayayyayyay! I have to get a house first-- if i buy those candles.. I don't have anymore room in my house..lolzz.. That was my Saturday nite..And finally went home and my honey was already home... Just watched movie and finally went to sleep....
Sunday - got ready for the church! Thank God for this morning...Nice Sunny Weather.. My Kai Kai wanted to play all day.. And today I discover her beautiful smile...ha ha... If you are about to take her picture..No matter what she's doing..Crying or playing..>She will stop and pose and smile for you....ha ha ha ha.. Soooo cute! We went to visit her grandparents ( dad side) in Chicago.. Dad and I played basketball.. After that we stopped by at the office... Kai and I fell asleep while Destiny was helping dad putting his song book ( for church ) in order.. Then when Kai and woke up , we all went to eat at Hong Ning ( Filipino Chinese restaurant).. .. We didn't want to go home yet cuz the weather was so beautiful- so we decide to hang out at the parking lot of Mc Donald for few minutes and just talk and enjoy the weather.. Mom and Dad stopped by at the house right after their date.... That was our weekend! Thank you, Thank you Lord for a wonderful weekend and Thank you lord for a wonderful friends and Thank you Lord for always being there with us..
Goodnite...
Check out our pictures this last weekend..Go to the last page to see the latest. Thanks
http://picasaweb.google.com/CharismaSantosCharismaSantos
Rejection and Forgiveness - Part I
Monday, March 05, 2007
Rejection and Forgiveness - Part I
By Tracie Miles Galatians 1:10, “Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.” (NIV)Rejection is something we all face in life. Rejection comes in many forms – affairs or divorce, supervisors who can’t be pleased, teenage rebellion, being turned down for a job, shut out from a club or sorority, or the betrayal of a friend. Although this list is not exhaustive, you get the idea. These things have one thing in common - they are painful, and very damaging to our self-esteem.In the midst of rejection, we are so focused on ourselves that it is difficult to pull away from the hurt and think clearly or rationally. Our thoughts are often, How could that person have done/said that to me? Do they know how much I have done for them? Have they taken a hard look at themselves? We all share these thoughts when we are consumed with despair caused by hurtful words or actions from others.There are three basic truths in handling rejection:Truth #1: Understand that you are made in the image of God. We are told in Genesis 1:27 that God created man in His image. Men and women are God’s most unique works of art, His masterpieces! There is no one more valuable and precious than the children of God. Remember who you are in Christ and choose to see yourself through God’s eyes.Truth #2: Rejection is only destructive when we internalize it, allowing it to creep into our personal belief system. Since we cannot control what other people think, we have no control over whether or not people approve of us. We are only in control of our own attitudes and beliefs. If we allow the opinions of others to affect the opinions we have of ourselves, then we are allowing those who hurt us to control our thoughts. If we keep our thoughts focused on how much God loves us, we won’t dwell on the opinions of others.Truth #3: We can combat the destructive forces of rejection by understanding our position in Christ. We are God’s most prized possessions! Spend time focusing on who we matter to instead of who we don’t. We are told through out the first book of Peter that we are chosen, royal, holy, accepted, and instruments for God’s work. Our position is one of royalty, and we are each a significant instrument in God’s spiritual orchestra.During painful times in our life, we can triumph if we remember that God is our strength. God is a forgiving God, and He desires for His children to be forgiving as well. He is sufficient to get us through our problems. He is our Almighty Redeemer. We do not need the world’s approval, and we will never be able to please everyone. We only need the approval of God. God is waiting to wash our souls with His grace and mercy to help us through any situation, but first we must have our spiritual eyes and ears open to hear His loving, comforting voice.Dear Lord, I pray for Your wisdom on how to deal with situations in which I feel hurt, rejected, and worthless. Fill me with Your love so that I can forgive others. Help me remember that Your approval and acceptance is all I need. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.Related Resources:The Confident Woman by Anabel GillhamDo You Know Him?Listen to Today's Radio Show Application Steps:Ask God to intervene in your situation, and help you forgive this person and mend your relationship. It may seem hopeless, but nothing is too big for God to handle.Create two lists. List 1: write down all the wonderful traits, talents and skills that God has gifted you with. List 2: write down all the people in your life who love you. Seeing all these things on paper will help relieve the pain of the person(s) who made you feel unworthy and rejected.Reflections:Unforgiveness is poison to our soul – do you need to forgive someone who has hurt you? Are there people in your life that you would do anything to gain their approval? Would your behavior change if you were only concerned with God’s approval, not that of man?Do you thank God daily for the privilege of being made in His image, and remember that you are beautifully and wonderfully made?Power Verses:Psalm 36:5, “Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies.” (NIV)1 Kings 8:50, “And forgive your people, who have sinned against you; forgive all the offenses they have committed against you, and cause their conquerors to show them mercy.” (NIV)
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Another Wonderful Weekend!
Buenas Noches Readers =) ..Well, it was a beautiful weekend and great weather ..Cold but sunny.. it's okay though.. We can't have it all. It was a great Saturday morning --- breakfast with my family, got ready to go to the office-- This time we had to be at Burr Ridge.. We had new team mate that just recently joined our business and had to go to training.. I thank God for our business.. And we are able to help them accomplished their dreams slowly. With God on our side-- we know that ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE. He is an Awesome God! We thank God for HIS many blessings, for HIS love and HIS MERCY. And for the blessed Holy Spirit who strenghtens me day by day, leads to the path of righteousness, and gently speaks to me about the areas of my life that need to change. God is good! Thank you LORD!.... Lunch time, hang out with my team -- helped them with their license and some paperworks...Then we left the office to go to the Mall and got Kalea's earrings.. Yipppee!!! I didn't pick the November birth stone.. I kinda don't like the color.. It's light yellow.. So, we went and get the light pink..... Later afternoon, we went to meet up with my parents but they went to my brother's house to assemble my nephew's basketball thingy that he bought for the backyard.. Destiny went with them--- So, my little one Kai and I went groceries -- We came home and mommy cooked beef stew ( hmmmm, finally i made it very very tender that daddy was very impressed. He he he! Destiny and Dad came home and ate dinner.. Like I said, my hubby was very happy that I made the pork very tender that he can finally chew it this time.. Usually, when I am in a hurry even if it taste good... The beef is not tender as it did tonite... Goodness! I had to let it boil for an hour.. I gotta get pressure cooker so I don't have to wait that long. lolzz.. Right after dinner-- my daughter, Destiny and I baked our Walnut Brownies.. Hmmmm...She helped me baked it.. We made it for the church..... Then, finally the kids went to sleep and Daddy and I finally got to relax and got our stuff ready for the church.. AND MOMMY FINALLY GOT A GOOD MASSAGE FROM DADDY..lolzzz...( He always gives me good massage).. Mommy is too spoiled..Lolz...
Sunday ---- PRAISE GOD FOR ANOTHER WONDERFUL AND SUNNY DAY... We woke up around - 7Am.. Played with the kids till 8Am.. We had to take 2 cars today... Des, kai and myself went to pick up Lorelei and her daughter, Caitlyn... They went to church with us... Hopefully, I can pick her up every Sunday so they can come with us... She doesn't drive..She's also 7 months pregnant and she's very excited .. She's actually having another girl... So, help me pray for her and her family.. for a safe and easy delivery and healthy baby...We had a great sermon this morning " Prayer"..We all know that Prayer is the most powerful weapon. I thank all of you for your prayers. Let's continue to pray for one another and for everyone.
My parents are so cute.. My mom called me this morning when I was on my way to church.. They just went to their church and they had their date at Denny's.. Every Sunday is their day to date after church -- They try to do something together.... So today - they didn't waste anyday to stay at home.. They went to church and went to eat for breakfast. My mom told me that they are now qualifed for Senior Citizen breakfast.. My mom is so funny..hahhaahahah.. She wanted to get the free breakfast...lolz. After that-- they went to visit my brother and stayed there the whole day..They left around 2pm to visit my grandma then my parents went out again and ate dinner... ( he he he) My mom is so happy coz my dad is now taking her out mostly every weekend... God is soo good and so loving! Thank you Lord for my loving parents.. Btw, my grandma ( dad side) is now feeling much better.. Getting stronger everyday.. We went to visit her last week.......Finally, our last stopped today -- we went to visit my in-laws because they wanted to see Kalea -- So, we just stayed there till 7pm ..Ate dinner, Destiny was playing with her cousin MJ ( My brother in - law's son..)..William and I just ate and slept....ha ha ha ha .... So, there goes our weekend --- -- Our family are so active that we don't like staying home toooo much.. Sometimes is okay but not all the time...ha ha ha.. We like to do things all the time.. Even if it's something small just as long as we're together --- then we are fine and happy...he he he he.. . .. K-- I'll blog more later.. Okie dokie.. Hope you all had a blessed weekend!!! Love u guyz.. =)
Friday, March 16, 2007
FUN NIGHT =)
Hello there.... Well, it was a good nite.. We took our daughter, Destiny out today and we went Ice Skating..Whoooo!! I thought I was gonna die but guess what.... I DID IT!!! YIIPPEE!!.. Thanks to those rails.... It kinda helped me at first then i started doing my own thing... Even if i know that everyone was going speedy gonzales there.. I was taking my lovely time and i didn't have to bounce my butt.. lolzz.. What's cute about it was when my daughter Destiny and her dad was chasing each other.. It was kind of scary watching them coz it feels like they were going 100mph...hahahahha... So, i kinda told them to stop...lolz.. But they still didn't listen to me...Oh well.... Man!!! I was so out of shape.. But it was a good work out for your leg esp.your butt...lolzz...Then, we went to Woodfield Mall.. She wanted to go to her new store " Limited too" and she bought some new shirt while her dad kept telling me to buy her more stuff... I said " Nope"... that's enough for now..lolzzz.. So, her dad said that he will take her shopping next week without me..Ayyyyayay!!!! Then, we finally went to eat.. ( We were so hungry after ice skating..)... Then we went to pick up my baby girl at my mom's house... We missed Kai the whole time we were skating.. We saw a lot of kids there.. I think they were around 3 or 4.... We can't wait to take her ice skating next time.. 3 yrs from now..hahahahah.. Well, buenas nochesamigas! Te amo... and hope you all have a wonderful weekend..
Oh yah! before I forget... I made new friends again today..her name is Christy.. She's half burmese and half italian... Very nice lady.. She went shopping for her daughter and bought at least 20 pairs of clothes...Goodness!!!.. She's a chemistry teacher at Maine East..Very pretty lady... They are going to the Carribean cruise ( for her kids spring break)... Hmmmm.. Fun!
Okay nitey nite... Love u guyz and I will blog more later....
Here's the pics from tonite ----
http://picasaweb.google.com/CharismaSantos/ICESKATINGMARCH2006?authkey=zaybhztd4OI
Encouragement for Today
Hi Everyone, just want to share this message I received this morning. I sincerely hope that you will be blessed and encourage by today's message.
The Marriage I've always Wanted
Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate. Mark 10:9 (NIV)
If you were to describe your ideal marriage, what are some things you would include? Engaging conversations, romantic dates, fun adventures, shared responsibilities, financial security, passionate intimacy, and a partner to pursue dreams together would be some of mine. As I walked down the aisle on my wedding day and mindlessly repeated the vows the pastor instructed us to say, I toted with me all these expectations of my ideal marriage. I thought our marriage would just have these things built in and all this would naturally come as part of the package.
I soon discovered, however, that a marriage is like that wonderful toy that you get on Christmas morning. You rip open the attractive packaging and go straight for the on button. When nothing happens, you feel confused and very disappointed. You are so sure that getting the toy will result in instant happiness, so when it fails to meet your expectations, you set it aside and move on to something else.
If only Id taken just a moment to read the instructions, I would have discovered three little words that could have made all the difference: batteries not included.
Had I read the instructions I would have realized that I can only get the toy to meet my expectations when I take the time to put energy into it. Having a great marriage is a matter of choice, not chance. Leaving it up to chance is saying, Well I just hope well have good communication, great sex, romantic dates, and share the responsibilities of life. Unfortunately, the realities of life dont lend themselves naturally to these things. We get busy, stressed, distracted, and before we know it, weve neglected our marriage for years. We keep pushing the on button hoping to get more from our marriage, but without putting in the batteries, well never really experience all that it can be.
I dont want to leave my marriage up to chance. I want to make the choice each day to invest wisely in my marriage. If I want good communication, then I have to set the scene for times that my husband and I can really talk. Not just debriefing about the events of the day but taking time to dream together, plan together, laugh together and grow together. If I want romantic dates, then I have to educate my husband on what this means and discover things we can enjoy doing together. If I want my husband to long to come home at night, then I ask him to define the word haven and make sure our home reflects that.
When I invest energy into my marriage, suddenly it starts working the way its supposed to. I must also remember the real power-source for my marriage comes from getting into Gods Word and letting His Word get into me. Gods Word is the ultimate marriage instruction manual!
Dear Lord, help me to put aside my pride so I can hear You whisper to my heart things I can do to improve my marriage. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Application Steps:
Set a date for you and your husband to go out and have time to really talk.
Ask your husband to define what a haven is to him.
Identify the areas of marriage you are struggling with and look up verses in Gods Word that address each.
Commit to memorizing these verses and refer to them often.
Reflections:
Whether youre a seasoned spouse or a newlywed, you have at some point realized that after every wedding is a marriage. Marriage is not a fairy taleits a reality. What helpful advice or wisdom has God given you about the reality of marriage that you could pass along to single women or brides-to-be?
Power Verse:
Romans 12:9-10, Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. (NIV)
Thanks and KEEP THOSE WONDERFUL SMILEZ GOING =D
Living in God's Power
Great message I received this morning..I love the feeling that whenever I come to work and open my email.. I see my brothers and sisters in Christ that would send me all God's message. I love reading all of them.. Thank you and let's continue to share HIS words..
Living in God's Power
Today's Scripture
"With God all things are possible." (Matthew 19:26)
Today's Word from Joel and Victoria
God promises so many good things for your life, but He wants you to step up and receive them. If you come to Him and claim the blessings and abundance He has offered, then your life will be changed forever. God has all of the power necessary to restore broken families, replace lost trust, and work miraculous acts that no one could expect to see happen. In fact, many families and individuals have been changed by God through this ministry because of seeds of faithfulness and hope that were planted by people like you! All things are possible with God, and if He is in your life, you can plant seeds that will one day grow and give someone the hope of Jesus!
A Prayer for Today
God, I know that You have the ability to change people through me. Thank You for changing me and giving me the ability to trust You for great things. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Have A Blessed Day!
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
PHOTO ALBUM
Well today, I tried the PICASA site to create an album since I love taking pictures and sharing not only my families but also my friends and business partners. I just uploaded new pictures from before.. So, if you have time.. Go and check out our Album...
Just click all the links below
http://picasaweb.google.com/CharismaSantos/MixPicsOfOurFamilyFriendsChurchMembersBusinessPartners?authkey=HwxSApRFIIM
http://picasaweb.google.com/CharismaSantos/KALEASTARSPICSONLY?authkey=nLF5gDuL7pY
http://picasaweb.google.com/CharismaSantos/ICESKATINGMARCH2006?authkey=zaybhztd4OI
http://picasaweb.google.com/CharismaSantos/KALEASTARSPICSONLY?authkey=nLF5gDuL7pY
http://picasaweb.google.com/CharismaSantos/ICESKATINGMARCH2006?authkey=zaybhztd4OI
*** Check back often***** 'Cuz I will be uploading more pics....
thanks
hi sis! this is a good way for you to learn how to maneuver the computer more, so keep it up k. continue to be inspired by the word and works of God. i'm so grateful we serve the God of the universe... He not only made us best friends here on earth, but He gave us a plus! by making us sisters in Christ Jesus. He certainly knows what he's doin'...i thank God for you, sis! - keep the smiles goin' *love you much!*
HI THERE!
Wow! Am I actually doing this..This is fun... Well, thanks to my lovable... My sister in christ... She invited me to her blog.....I am not really very good of sharing my thoughts thru this but I guess this is a great tool to share our thoughts, activities and exchange stories and get to know each other. New Friends are always welcome =) ...Well, I'll write more later.. God Bless =)
I thank God for our 2 beautiful girls =) Destiny & Kalea
