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  • Today's Golden Lines

    Just like how the weather in Los Angeles fluctuates like a roller coaster ride, I went from feeling really happy all weekend to feeling really...I dunno, discouraged? 


    I miss my friends so much.  If only they didn't live so far away!

    Just posting some "golden lines" from our chat sessions.  Take it for what it's meant...if it means anything at all to you.

    [22:44] NvyBlu789: Does it put a lot of closure to your wonderings?

    [23:11] NvyBlu789: I guess I didn't have it in my heart at all...but it's definitely there now.

    [23:15] NvyBlu789: I'm the one who's like, "Hold on, I'm not grown up yet!"

    [23:21] NvyBlu789: Drop it!

    [23:27] NvyBlu789: I don't hate you or anything.

    [23:33] *****: you have to remember,
    that the other person puts his heart out as much as you do... if hurt
    or love, regardless, you have to take the chance...
    [23:33] NvyBlu789: True, true, true, true!

    [22:00] NvyBlu789: He did everything to make it possible for you, that is a blessing you can't throw away

    [22:16] NvyBlu789: I'm always here for you!

  • Leadership Retreat

    I've been awake since 5am.  I'm just excited about the day to begin. 

    Sharing my reflections about the leadership retreat yesterday at CPC.  The theme was about "Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Leader". 

    ha-bit
    -noun
              1.  an acquired behavior pattern regularly followed until it has become almost involuntary
              2.  customary manner or practice
              3.  Root:  to dwell in

    sanc-ti-fy
    -verb
              1.  to make holy; set apart as sacred; consecrate
              2.  to purify or free from sin
              3.  to entitle to reverence or respect

    Romans 12:1-2
    Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship.  Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.

    First act of worship is to offer myself as a living sacrifice.  Second act of worship is unconformity to the things that are worldly.  The result is transformation, a radical one.  Newness.

    Discipline myself in the habit of godliness.

    Spiritual Habits:

    1.  Prayer

    2.  Devotion

    3.  Worship

    4.  Reading the Word

    5.  Fellowship

    I offer myself to be led by Jesus Christ, and to live by the Holy Spirit.  I am to be led by the Lord Jesus Christ before I can lead others spiritually.  I'm flawed, but praise the Lord for He is perfect!  His grace is sufficient, and His will is for me to experience newness of life in Christ Jesus.  The process of being transformed is a difficult process, but something to look forward to!

    ...so let's get the day started...

    Everyone have a blessed time of worship today!

  • Save Me!

    Unless I have a pressing deadline that the job demands me to finish, or church activities, my weekends are given to my family and home life.  I know my relatives love me, and they are concerned about me being unmarried and without a boyfriend.  If I didn't put my faith in God's Word and prayer that God is doing "a work" in me,  it would be really hard to listen to the advice that they have to offer.  I love the laughter I get from what ideas they give me.  It's funny and embarrassing to hear their "old-wives advice" about how to attract a man, because it's so silly sometimes. These are just some of their opinions.  They're trying to "save me".

              "Beth, you have to stop being so prideful." 

              "You need to be lower.  You're acting too smart.  Humble yourself." 

              "Beth, keep your hair long and wear more dresses.  Show your legs more.  Victoria's Secrets
               has nice bras.  It helps." 

              "Stand up straight, Beth.  You look even shorter." 

              "Try not to dress like an old maid, fix yourself."

              "Why do you still want to go to school?  You already have a college diploma and a job. 
                That's good enough."   
     

              "Don't gain weight and get fat.  But it's bad to be too skinny also.  Just maintain."

              "Do you have a Myspace?  My co-worker met her husband through Myspace."

              "Maybe you can switch from being a teacher to nursing.  Most teachers end up becoming
                spinsters.  Most nurses are married and have a family,
                and
    they make good money too." 

    One of my relatives still encourages me to enter into the nursing field.  Regardless if it's not my calling, she believes there's good money to be made in nursing.  Well, I could only imagine if I told them that not only do I love teaching, but I even plan on applying to a theological seminary because I want to answer that call to teaching even further.  I just wonder what their gut reaction would be?  There definitely aren't very many church workers who drive around in a brand new BMW X5 and take luxury vacation trips!  I've had my share of luxuries.  I had my share of boyfriends in the past.  All I know is that my joy is found in knowing the Lord Jesus Christ.

    I was laughing at this video because I could totally relate to this Pinay (Tagalog for Filipino) chic named Christine. I find myself in these awkward situations too.  Am I bitter about being "still single at 30"?  By all means, no!  I am not alone.  God saved me.    I am at peace, and I look forward to what is to come.  Others may not know what kind of hardships and the sinful life that I had to wrestle with, just so that I can finally get a firm grasp of what it means to be in love with the Lord Jesus Christ.   All I can do is live as a witness to other sisters (and brothers, too!)  and offer reassurance that the Lord is really gracious in His loving way of healing a broken heart. 

    Lord, I can't stop talking about how You are so good!  Amen! 

     

    Psalm 116
    I love the LORD, for he heard my voice;
       he heard my cry for mercy;
    Because he turned his ear to me,
       I will call on him as long as I live.

    The cords of death entangled me,
        the anguish of the grave came upon me;
        I was overcome by trouble and sorrow.
    Then I called on the name of the LORD:
        "O LORD, save me!"

    The LORD is gracious and righteous;
        our God is full of compassion.
    The LORD protects the simple hearted;
        when I was in great need, he saved me.

    Be at rest once more, O my soul,
        for the LORD has been good to you.

    For you, O LORD, have delivered my soul
        from death,
       my eyes from tears,
        my feet from stumbling,
    that I may walk before the LORD
        in the land of the living.
    I believed; therefore I said,
        "I am greatly afflicted."
    And in my dismay I said,
        "All men are liars."

    How can I repay the LORD
        for all his goodness to me?
    I will lift up the cup of salvation
        and call on the name of the LORD.
    I will fulfill my vows to the LORD
        in the presence of all his people.

    Precious in the sight of the LORD
        is the death of his saints.
    O LORD, truly I am your servant;
        I am your servant, the son of your
        maidservant;
        you have freed me from my chains.

    I will sacrifice a thank offering to you
        and call on the name of the LORD.
    I will fulfill my vows to the LORD
        in the presence of all his people,
    in the courts of the house of the LORD--
        in your midst, O Jerusalem.

    Praise the LORD.

  • Everything Christmas, Again

    My mind was far away from Christmas season.  Now that I have turned in
    my report cards and look forward to parent conferences, I can start thinking about "Everything Christmas" again. 

    Christmas Parties
    It doesn't even matter if it's Christmas season or not, shopping at Costco is just, UGGHHHH!!!  My only consolation to the Costco shopping experience is the free food samples and cheaply priced meals and snacks at the food court.  This weekend, I have to head out to Costco so that I can start making goodie bags for each of the students.  There's no avoiding it.  I don't want to wait until the last minute to plan out their holiday party.  I really want the parents to be involved in it, so I'm giving them all advance notice.  I'm trying to figure out if they want a potluck, a pizza party, nacho party, pasta party, or a hot chocolate and s'mores party.  I'll get the kids to vote on what they want.  However when it comes to watching the "featured presentation" Christmas movie, I am not letting them cast votes.  Which means, I also have to figure out which Christmas movie we want to see together as a class.  No! No! No, not Charlie Brown Christmas!  Heck no, I'd rather hug a tree--a desert cactus tree!  Too played out.  I think it will be more like The Nightmare Before Christmas.    YEAH, that one!!!  The sole purpose of showing a movie after the eating is so that I can get the kids quietly settled, while I clean and pack up for winter break!  I will be the first one out the door, literally the first one.

    I've been a part of the Social Committee for the past 3 years, or has it been 4 years?  Part of being in the social committee is organizing fun activities and get-together activities for all the staff members at Catskill, especially around the holidays (Halloween, Christmas, New Year, Valentines, baby showers, wedding showers, etc.).  Last year we held the potluck at Jo's house, and it was so much fun!  The reason why it was so fun was because it was requested by another staff member to not only should we have a potluck and do Christmas games, but also have a karaoke just for fun.  (Please believe me when I say that the karaoke wasn't my idea, this time!!!)  Did I sing?  Of course, but so did many others!  This year it was decided that we will have a potluck at the same place and we want to keep the karaoke again.  More staff members want to come, since they heard how fun it was last year.  It makes it easy for me to just repeat everything from last year, however I have to think about a creative theme for our Christmas party and make sure that all the people will have a great time.  I also want to make sure that all the people who don't come get really envious when they hear how awesome the party was! 

    After work I drove to the Christian bookstore to find Christmas music for the Mariner's Christmas Party, which is coming up this Friday (December 7th).  Just this past Sunday, Ate Berna had asked me to sing a solo during the Christmas party.  Yes, it's a little bit late notice but I can manage to get something done.  This was my only weekend to search for music and rehearse, so I trekked over there.  Even though the bookstore isn't too far away from where I live, the traffic heading west on Sepulveda Blvd. was absolutely crazy!  The rain was pouring, people are trying to head to the shopping malls.  I was trying to be patient and listen to music while in the car.  When I arrived at the store, I felt a little bit bummed out when I saw the really small range of selections in the music section of the bookstore.  The Christmas music was stocked at the very bottom shelf, and I had to crouch down to figure out what was there.  "Lord, I trust that You'll help me find something upbeat and meaningful."  The browsing took me awhile.  But I found 3 Christmas songs, thank God!  I'll try rehearse and memorize all three, but I'll prayerfully select which one is most fitting for the occasion I guess the two most popular questions that I'm being asked is:  1.) What dress am I going to wear? and 2.)  Am I bringing a guest?  To which the answer is "We'll just have to wait and see!"   What the heck is this?  A prom night?  I'm not even worrying about that.  For now, all that matters to me is memorizing the correct song lyrics, and re-visit my ballroom dancing skills so that I can keep up with Kuya Noli.

    Here's where I need to spend more time in prayer:  It's Christmas, and I feel insincere about one thing.
    Someone better usurp my Alpha Dog status, quickly!  Please?  I don't want to organize holiday family get-together events this year.  My family still has no clue yet for what to do during Christmas Eve (Noche Buena).  I know we're doing something, but I just don't know what we're doing and what they want to do.  They need to come up with a plan because I'm stepping back.  I really don't know why all this organization stuff often falls into my hands in the first place?  I have plenty of other cousins who aren't limbless--they too were born with a pair of strong arms and legs--but why do I end up doing the nudging folks around and planning?  It must be a firstborn Ate (Tagalog, means older sister) thing to always plan and organize activities that will round everyone up.  It might  also be because I'm the sole teacher in the whole family, and I have "the supposedly easy" work schedule that lets me off before 3pm, weekends free, and I get the 3 weeks of Christmas vacation.  It might also be because I fit the job requirements to plan the family holidays:  because I'm female, I'm not the married one, I don't have any rugrats to care for, and I'm not busying myself in a dating relationship.  Or it could it possibly be that I have holiday celebration control freak issues?  Is there a 12-Step Program for me?  I don't want to, but I may just cave in and help out if my family is too indecisive.  Oh, I don't want to serve my family in an insincere way!  I want to have the right spirit about it.

    2 Corinthians 2:17 (NIV)
    Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.


    Just my thoughts...

    Christmasgiving
    Yup, there's Thanksgiving which I love.  And there's Christmasgiving, which I love even more!  Before I physically take myself to the crowded malls, I'm praying about the folks on my Christmas Gift List.  Prayerfully, I'm considering what I will give them this Christmas.  If it were left just all up to me, I would suck at giving gifts.  That would not be much of a blessing, and how meaningless!  However, I trust that God knows their heart's desire, and that He'll help me choose how bless my family, my godkids (Tagalog, ina-anak), my inner-circle of  friends, co-workers and new friends.  As God's children, we are called to give, to sacrifice, and to decorate each other's hearts with blessings.  It doesn't necessarily always have to be material.  After meditating on the Scripture, it helped me to see what else I can do. This is what came out of my prayer and reflection, the underlying heart of my giving:  Give with affection.  Give with warmth.  Give with energy.

    1.  Evidence of Affection-giving.
    Hugs.  Compliments. Encouragements. Hanging-Out Time.  Listening.   Sending nice notes, cards, emails, phone messages.  Cooking for family and friends.  Rides to the airport.  Run an errand for someone.  Help with holding the baby while mom and dad eat their dinner, hands free.  Just being there for them, plain and simple!

    Mark 10:45 (NIV)
    For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.

    Matthew 10:8 (NIV)
    ...Freely you have received, freely give.

    2.  Evidence of Warmth.
    Smile and greet.  Ask how they are doing.  Show kindness.  Lavish patience.  Pour out humor, lots of it.  Offer pleasant fellowship.  Hugs, you can never have enough of them.  Give others the VIP treatment.  Voice tone, a quiet one. 

    2 Corinthians 9:6 (NIV)
    Remember this:  Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.

    For the Ladies
    Proverbs 31:26 (NIV)
    She speaks with wisdom...

    3.  Evidence of Energy
    Give without expecting anything back in return.  Fully focus on them, without distraction.  Create the atmosphere. 

    Matthew 5:41 (NIV)
    If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.

    Matthew 6:24 (NIV)
    No one can serve two masters...

    Proverbs 15:13 (NIV)
    A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.

    2 Corinthians 9:7 (NIV)
    ...God loves a cheerful giver.

  • Rainy Day Schedule

    I ran late to work.  I arrived to work at 8am.  Didn't feel like rushing because I have been working so hard all week long.  Actually, the workday was fun, but the amount of paperwork still felt endless!  Not to mention, I was pulled out of the classroom unexpectedly to be present for an IEP meeting.  The time moved slow, but I was in the company of kids.  I kept checking the time, anticipating for the end of the school day.

    School spirit day theme was College Logo Day.  Did I wear sweats to work?  Oh, you betcha!  Wearing sweats from head to toe, no makeup and no fancy hairdo.  We dressed perfect for the rainy day weather!

    P1070698

    P1070697

  • Three Thoughts

    Just my thoughts, because the raindrops woke me up early this morning.  It's Friday morning and I just want to make this a fun day for the kids.  I know that I've had a hectic week, but I plan on showing them a good time today.

    1.  May God give me a passion for His Word, so that I may faithfully and fun-lovingly teach to kids.  I call them "my kids" even though they are just my students.  They are my kids.  The Lord has entrusted them to me for a long period of the day. 

    2 Timothy 3:14-16 (NIV)
    But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.  All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

    2.  May God's Living Word be evident through the way I live, by grace and faith in Jesus Christ.  It's that obedience that I continually need to grow in.  This is God's desire, so that He may accomplish His divine purposes.  God's Word makes a difference in me, so that I may in turn help allow Him to make a difference in others!

    Isaiah 55:11
    ...so is my word that goes out from my mouth:  It will not return to me empty, but I will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. 

    3.  May all my conversations with the kids, friends at work, friends outside of work be "salted" with God's wisdom.  I've been entrusted to instruct, encourage and be responsible for a class of 29 kids.   It is very hectic around this time of the year.  It is so easy to be grumpy, grouchy, get whiny and frustrated.  In fact, I have gone through each of those feelings this week, but I don't want to carry that negativity around with me for too long.  My co-workers and I vent about many things especially on Friday mornings during our grade level meetings. It's normal and healthy to air things out!  But I also don't want to get too caught up in venting without purpose, because it just creates a blah day.  I guess the challenge for me is trying to make the important lessons and conversations be interesting
    and meaningful.   If it's not meaningful to them, I don't need to waste
    my time on it...and certainly I shouldn't waste theirs.

    Colossians 3:6
    Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

    Hope everyone has a restful weekend!  It's Friday!  Amen! Amen! Amen!

  • Pray, Not Panic

    The purpose of prayer is to reveal the presence of God equally present all the time in every condition.
    --Oswald Chambers, Christian Disciplines

    Stop, stop, stop! 

    What day is it today?  WEDNESDAY?  Already?  I feel the warm blanket of pressure trying to meet deadlines by the end of this week.    Grading the pile of essays writing sitting on top of my desk.  Entering grades and uploading comments on student report cards online, while the server decides to operate like a snail trying to make its way around the Earth's equator.  Parent conferences need to be rescheduled, reshuffled and reconfirmed for next week.  Making 13 language arts portfolios for the English Language Development (ELD) students.  Helping the kids with Student Council Elections.  Leading the entire school in school spirit day "College and University Logo Day".  Organizing the Catskill Staff Holiday Party.  Practicing a song to sing for the Mariner's Christmas party.  ....Oh, and Mom's 59th birthday is on December 5th?  Things are not all going according to plan.  Expect delays and mishaps!

    I am a pretty agile when it comes to knocking down things listed on my agenda.  My hands work fast and I can work tirelessly, if I'm inspired to.  I make decisions rather quickly, and more often impulsively.  I hate being slowed down by little problems and glitches.  This week I have been chipping away at multiple-tasks and problems.  The glitches are happening pretty frequently.  Usually, I have a tendency to panic when those problem decide to drop by without manners, but God shows His strength and wisdom.  Prayer provides me with the opportunity to have a conversation with God about how to handle my cares and my burdens.  I have peace because I know that God is here and He responds.

    Psalm 121:1-2 (NASB)

    I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; From where shall my help come?

    Psalm 46:1
    God is our refuge and strength,
    A very present help in trouble.

    A Prayer for Peace
    Grant that it may not be in the power of any to rob me of the peace that results from a firm trust in Thee.  Whenever crosses or troubles are met without, may all be well within.
    --Susanna Wesley

  • Our Newness

    One great book!  Just sharing a simple nudge that I needed to learn this morning, to get the rest of my day started:

    "We are called to be part of God's new creation, called to be agents of
    that new creation here and now. We are called to model and display that
    new creation in symphonies and family life, in restorative justice and
    poetry, in holiness and service to the poor, in politics and painting..."

    -N.T. Wright, Simply Christian, p. 236

    1 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)
    Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

    Romans 6:4 (NASB)
    Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in the newness of life.

    Ephesians 4:24 (NASB)
    ...and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.

  • Peanuts

    Here's a slideshow about Charles Schulz's biography from Slate Magazine.

    Who's your favorite Peanuts character?

  • Put Taboo on My Wishlist

    Board games. 

    Card games. 

    I've always enjoyed playing games.

                                Checkers, chess, cards,
                                                Uno, Scrabble, Pictionary,
                                                                        Balderdash, Taboo. 
                                                                                        Oh yes, I am really good at Taboo. 

    The only thing I want to have and been wanting for many Christmasses is the electronic version of Taboo.  I know it exists, but where can it be purchased? 

    That's what I all want.