My Soul...

Moving, Merging, Consolidating...Simplifying

Please pardon the dust during this simplification process as I move to a new home, {Inspired Simplicity} I am merging my two sites, My Life and My Soul, for after all they are one and the same. In efforts to live up to my new blog title and to live my passion in simplicity, I hope you find this new site much simpler and improved as I try to consolidate and, well, keep things simple. In moving forward, I hope to incorporate tips and resources that not only inspire me but that I find to be very useful in my quest for a simple, authentic and balanced life. May {Inspired Simplicity} bring out the simple pleasures and treasures of the simple life. Please update your links to my new address and visit soon.

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 10/10/2008 0 comments    

{On Thoughts}

"You are today where your thoughts have brought you;
you will be tomorrow where your thoughts take you."
- James Allen

"Change your thoughts,
and you change your world."
-Norman Vincent Peale

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 10/02/2008 0 comments    

{On Peace}

Peace is not the absence of conflict
but the handling of conflict without loss of balance
-Rabbi Rami M. Shapiro

No Jesus, No Peace;
Know Jesus, Know Peace.

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 9/18/2008 0 comments    

{On Prayer}

Prayer is not a way to draw God's attention to our needs.
It is a way to draw our attention to how much we need God.

Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
Oh, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer!
-Joseph Scriven-

Upload prayer, download peace.

a fave verse from Philippians 4: 6-7
Do not be anxious about anything,
but in everything, by prayer and petition,with thanksgiving,
present your requests to God.
And the peace of God,
which transcends all understanding
will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 9/18/2008 0 comments    

Living Life to the fullest

From the book 100 Most Important Bible Verses


John 10:10
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy;
I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.


The kind of abundance that Jesus promised is a measure of the quality of life, not the quantity of possessions. You can't measure this abundance in square footage or bottom lines. Jesus promised to provide a surplus of what makes life worth living - things like love, grace, guidance, forgiveness, and joy. These are Jesus' gifts to you, a life that is overflowing with riches of the heart that no one can ever take away.


Matthew 6:19-20

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth,
where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.
But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy".

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 9/18/2008 0 comments    

"Oneness"

The world is a global village, an interconnected whole, where one part affects every other part.
-Neal Donald Walch-

my thought:
the realization of the "oneness" we all share is our path to the discovery of our authentic self, thus the key to inner joy and peace.

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 9/14/2008 0 comments    

Happiness Is.....

....when your concerns about things that are out of your control lose their grip in your heart.
....when your dependence on material provisions is transformed into a deep dependence on God.
....when you continually choose to live your life in a way that reflects the law of nature.
....when you discover that whatever God provides is enough.
....LOVE

"As You Sow, So Shall You Reap" (Divine Math)

{On Happiness and Contentment}

Key to Happiness

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 9/07/2008 1 comments    

De-Cluttering the Soul 101

Spiritual Do's and Dont's

• Don't think of how far we have to go....Do think of how far we've come.
• Don't wait until everything is perfect before you decide to enjoy your life everyday....Do enjoy where you are on the way to where you're going
• Don't compare and judge yourself and others....Do realize we all have strengths and weaknesses and therefore need one another
• Don't take on cares....Do cast off your cares on HIM.

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 9/07/2008 0 comments    

Differences and Similarities

My husband and I are very different.
He's a night owl and I'm a morning person.
My top choices of fave movies would be his least and vise versa.
I love to go out and I don't mind crowds. He'd rather stay home especially if there's a big crowd.
The list can go on and on.
But over the years we learned to respect our differences and focus on our similarities and what binds us together.

words from the wedding song:
For whenever two or more of you are gathered in his name.... There is love.

The love that binds us together is more than enough... for God IS Love.... and God is most certainly more than enough.

One thing my husband and I have in common is that our first names start with an "I". So do the names of our 4 children. Even our dog "Indy" named after one of our common fave movie, Indiana Jones. In the third Indiana Jones movie, The Last Crusade, we were made aware that Jehovah's name starts with an "I".

I recall a conversation with an angel friend who shares the same initials with our Savior, Christ Jesus. She did not realise it at the time when I pointed it out to her. Her response after a moment of quietness: "How humbling it is for even just a shadow of similarity that I would hope for with the Lord."

I pray that we will come to know Him more and strive for similarity in His ways.

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 9/07/2008 0 comments    

Putting our house in order

The hardest step in tackling a dreaded task is taking the first step. But once you get started it gives you this sense of accomplishment turning the dreaded task into an exciting project.

I am {Simply} Grateful for my Labor Day Weekend Nesting

Cleaning and organizing a closet is so much like cleaning and organizing the mind.

A de-cluttered closet enables us to see our clothes and accessories more clearly making it easier to find needed things and more fun preparing/getting ready whenever we need to.

A clean and organized mind allows for clearer thoughts making it easier to 'find' whatever it is we need to understand.

I may be a ways to an organized home but I am simply grateful for the progress I am making in clearing my soul.

De-cluttering the soul of worries and anxieties allows for a quiet heart making it easier to 'find' the peace and joy amidst the clutter in a not so clean world.

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 9/07/2008 0 comments    

Labels: Personal Thanks

{Simply Grateful}

for great ending to a wonderful summer vacation.

• a visit from "inspired" guests
  
  
• finished kitchen. Yehey! finally done! I am also simply grateful for having been blessed with a second home we can retire to anytime we need to (specially during a renovation:)

• van maintenance in time for back-to-school. (oil change, tires, and air filter that Phil and I learned to replace)



• Successful and fun show for Isabella at Pier 39



• for the love and support of BFF's (thank you ate Cecile for driving from a company picnic in San Jose to San Francisco to watch and photograph Isabella's performance at Pier 39. Then making a disk for us until almost midnight. I am so very grateful for the time, energy, support and love you showered us....it will forever be remembered and cherished.

• for a genuine mutual admiration among BFF's at such a young age
  

for the good timing of a bad thing

for Isabella's academic recognition/achievement as an entering 4th grader and for her love of learning and love for everything she gets to do.

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 8/28/2008 0 comments    

Labels: Personal Thanks

This is the day....

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 8/22/2008 0 comments    

Labels: My Poetry

{Simply Grateful}

• for a wonderful summer
  
  
• starting with a fabulous vacation with great friends


• followed by fun and successful home projects and dance shows


• great visit to Union City

• Isabella's BFF, Krystn's, sleepover fun
• Isabella's swimming fun with brothers
• Immanuel's demo with Choi's Martial Arts at Fremont Arts Festival
• taekwondo practice
• meeting missed friends, ate Cecile and Belle V., even for a brief moment
• visit from my ever so caring ate Janette and husband, Kuya Lando (always fun and uplifting)

• for helpful and considerate children
  
  
• Phil who thought of and chose to bring his bike to school to save on parking fees
• Phil who installed new toilets
• Isabella who made painting the bathroom fun
• Immanuel who took on revamping the old Supra for brother Ian
• Phil and Immanuel with friend, Jonick who worked on the fence

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 8/10/2008 0 comments    

Labels: Personal Thanks

Laminin, con't

follow-up on my laminin post

the cell adhesion molecule that holds our cells together is in the shape of a cross!

Psalm 139:13-14
For You created my inmost being;
You knit me together in my mother's womb.
I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

Genesis 1:26-27
Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground.” So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them;male and female he created them.

In Your image,
You made me.
How humbling,
How empowering.
How amazing.
Help me to see
In loving myself,
Imperfections and all,
I'm loving you as well.


Isabella's wisdom:

"Mom did you know, Pheewee (term of endearment to her kuya Phil) told me, that there are 4 people who die and 2 people are born EVERY SECOND!?"

Mom: "hmmm really?!"

Isabella continues: "Yes, so isn't that amazing? God is really working hard. He makes 4 people every second and then He has to turn the ones who die into angels. And He does that on top of watching over all of us"

Mom: "WOW!" (I was speechless after that)

Isabella: "And I am so glad when God made me He put me in your stomach and gave me to you."

Mom: Now even more speechless....more like stunned!

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 7/27/2008 1 comments    

A Noble Duty

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 7/25/2008 0 comments    

Powerful Women

I just had to post this very witty email I received from my dear ate Cecile.

• "the joy of the Lord is your strength" - Nehemiah 8:10
• "When you rejoice in the midst of your difficulties, you're giving the enemy a black eye" - Joel Osteen
• Begin each day with a grateful heart
• "This is the day which the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." - Psalm 118:24
• Love overcomes evil; live your day with God's love in you

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 7/24/2008 1 comments    

Light from within

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 7/02/2008 0 comments    

Laminin

cell adhesion molecule. It holds one cell of our body to the next cell. The "glue" that holds our cells together. Without it, we would fall apart...literally. Wikipedia states: Laminin is vital to making sure overall body structures hold together.

Colossians 1:15-17 The Supremacy of Christ
17 He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.

I was blessed to see this video at church today about how great is our God...it blew me away!!!...gave me goosebumps!!!...awesome!!!...you gotta see it because I can't explain it any better....truly amazing!!!

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 6/22/2008 0 comments    

Many Hands, One Heart

New series at New Life Church.
New Life's Missional Opportunities #1

The Opportunites of A Lifetime

1. To Live By The Grace of God
2. To Live With the People of God
3. To Live for The Glory of God

To Live By the Grace of God

2 Cor. 12:9
But He said to me "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.

1 Peter 5:5b-7
All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,

"God opposes the proud

but gives grace to the humble"

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

To Live With the People of God

Romans 12:10-13
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

To Live for The Glory of God

2 Cor. 5:15
And He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for Him who died for them and was raised again.

1 Cor. 10:31b
Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

Carpe Diem...Sieze the Day!

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 6/09/2008 0 comments    

Labels: Sermon Notes

Barefoot Sunday

Isabella and I walked out of the church happily barefoot for 'Soles for Souls'....it tickles... the soul.

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 6/03/2008 0 comments    

Church Tower Verse

Across from Ian's school is a church with a tower featuring a bible verse. It is a nice reminder to read my bible while I wait for Ian to come out after school. Today I took a picture of the tower from my car while waiting for Ian.



John 3:5
Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit."

and here's another verse directly from Jesus about our salvation

John 3:16
"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 5/19/2008 0 comments    

{Simply Grateful}

• for safe drive to/from Union City
• for a chance to get together and have delightful conversations with great friends

splendid dinner at Kioku Sushi with birthday girl, ate Cecile, the epitome of 47 at its best...inside and out

glorious lunch the following day at Gerry's Grill with another beautiful friend inside and out, ate Janette.

fantastic lunch with Tessie who took time to visit me yesterday for a chance to fellowship and help me get moving on my to do list (dental appointments and kitchen countertop; she called dentists and granite shops)

• for finished kitchen cabinet painting...one big to-do project finally checked off...feels soooo good.
• for a very nice new laptop (purplely pink complete with swirly flower designs)...perfect mother's day present.

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 5/07/2008 0 comments    

Labels: Personal Thanks

{Simply Grateful}

• for the beautiful Chumash Park just down the road from our house. The kids have been enjoying playing with each other at the park on a regular basis.
  
  
• for Phil who picked up Isabella from her acting class so I could attend my favourite body jam class (despite the abrupt notice)
  
  
• for a husband who tries so hard to battle his "workaholic" tendencies and generate balance
  
  
• for Ian's positive disposition reflected in his wonderful 3rd quarter grades.
  
  
• for the wonderful habit of reading a devotional with Isabella before bed and then praying afterwards.
  
  I prayed out loud with heartfelt gratitude as I feel the deep love that abound among my wonderful children: "Thank you dear Lord for blessing me with the best children."
  
  Isabella (almost half asleep): "Do you know what God is telling you right now mommy?"
  
  Me: "What?"
  
  Isabella: "He said he gave you the best kids because you're the best mommy."
  
  
• ....for moments that take our breath away.
  

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 4/23/2008 1 comments    

Labels: Personal Thanks

"As You Sow, So Shall You Reap" (Divine Math)

As inspired by "Our attitude toward life determines life's attitude toward us."

We all want to reap fulfillment and happiness. But it is crucial to understand that fulfillment and happiness are byproducts of our choices. Therefore our goal or focus should not be on fulfillment or happiness, but on the choices we make. We need to be conscious of our choices as they relate to the "Rule or Law of Nature or the Universe". How then do we discern if our choices are in line with the "Law of the Universe"? Well, this "Law of the Universe" boils down to LOVE. Paul said in 1 Timothy 1:5 "the goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith." Therefore if our choices reflect love, we can then be certain that those choices are in conformity with the law of the universe. After all, how can you go wrong with a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. The only other critical issue is making certain that the love we reflect is a higher form of love and not a self-centered love. The amazing thing about this higher love is that it is an inexhaustible resource. The more we give away, the more we generate; and the more we sow, the more we reap.
(I call this... Divine math)

Digging deeper:

Every single thing that happens to us in our lives is a result of our choices.

Every past experience was once a present choice.

Happiness: Always has been; Always will be...it's what we make it

The happiest of people do not necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything.


{On Happiness and Contentment}

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 4/07/2008 1 comments    

{Simply Grateful}

• for angels watching over people close to my heart
• for blessed pastors who continue to enlighten, inspire and exemplify Christ
• for wonderful and inspiring new series at New Life entitled: Slaying the Dragons of Deception (last week's part 1: The Battle that Rages)
• for organizations (i.e. R U Thirsty.org) that work and serve as an extension of God's almighty and loving arms
• for uplifting and exhilarating worship songs

  fave lines:

  open the eyes of my heart Lord,

  I want to see you.

  Take my mind, transform it;

  Take my will, conform it;

  to Yours, Oh Lord.

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 4/06/2008 0 comments    

Labels: Personal Thanks

{Simply Grateful}

• for flowering orchids greeting us upon our return from spring break

• for a hand-me-down treo phone (thanks to my friend Tessie) that came just in time of my razor's death

• for a very nice lunch with great company at the wonderful ambiance of Adelina's Bistro (thank you Steven and Tessie)

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 4/03/2008 0 comments    

Labels: Personal Thanks

{Simply Grateful}

This past week is filled with so much blessings and I am simply grateful....

• for a very fun-filled, relaxing and productive spring break
• for a delightful time with the whole family (complete with Immanuel and his new dog, Pirate)
• for wonderful time with my BFF, ate Cecile and family (including a great dance exercise class she took me to)
• for a BFF who is ever so sweet, caring, kind, generous and full of energy
• for a chance to reconnect with long missed taekwondo family
• for Immanuel's gold medal marking his 10th year in taekwondo competition
• for the love, care and support amongst my children
• for Isabella's perfect first sleepover in the comapny of two great friends (Krystn and Illahe)
• for a safe drive (despite the speeding ticket:)
• for a clean and relaxing home to come home to

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 4/01/2008 0 comments    

Labels: Personal Thanks

{Simply Grateful}

for a sweet husband

• who offered to fill in for my volunteer work at Isabella's school so I could attend my class at the gym
• who lovingly took Isabella to her pajama party when I was too tired to go
• who prepared a wonderful dinner ready for me when I got back from the dance studio(carefully prepared with asst. Chef Isabella complete with menu.... preciously priced!....payable with kisses! how divine!)

for a wonderful afternoon with great friends (thank you Tess and Steven for a great lunch at the resort club bistro of your new wonderful home)

for treasured family times and special bonding times with my precious children

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 3/13/2008 0 comments    

Labels: Personal Thanks

Unlearning

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 3/11/2008 0 comments    

Project Wisdom

Daily Message from Shell Beach Elementary

Attitudes are contagious. Is yours worth catching?

Make it a great day...or not. The choice is yours.


We picked up Isabella upset one day over a frustration with some of her classmates who backed out of their agreement to join in the school's talent show. I reminded her of her usual reminder to me during my own times of frustration: "remember you're too blessed to be stressed". Teary eyed she reponds: "but mom, right now I'm too stressed to be blessed". So come my motherly words of wisdom. She made me realize that those words she quotes, go both ways. When we focus on our blessings, our stress fades and loses its grip on our heart. On the other hand, when we focus on our stress, our vision is clouded and our blessings are blocked. Then come Ian's own words of wisdom: "It's sort of like seeing a glass half full or half empty". I had him explain that to his sister. Isabella resorts she will focus on the glass that is half full because she chooses to be happy...she chooses to have an attitude worth catching...she chooses to be too blessed to be stressed. My closing words: "That's my girl; thanks Ian; and thank you God".


We tend to think of ourselves as the teachers, but some days we end up learning more from them.

Words of wisdom are spoken by children at least as often as scientists - James Newman-

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 2/14/2008 2 comments    

{Simply Grateful}

• for wonderful and uplifting conversations with angel friends
• for a baby girl who says to me when I start getting worried and anxious: "mommy remember you're TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED"
• for a husband who feels deep joy as he gives unconditional love to a son who so needs and deserves it
• for children who recognize their parents' unconditional love and then responding with love and joy

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 1/17/2008 1 comments    

Labels: Personal Thanks

{Simply Grateful}

• for spiritual disciplines
• for manifestations of maturity in my faith (as I listen to my friends' trials, I begin to hurt for their pain and hear myself offer light into their darkness)
• for surroundings that foster a grateful heart and continual communion with my God
• for a husband who encourages me to attend my favorite body flow and body jam classes
• for the time and energy to enjoy my classes at the gym on a regular basis

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 1/15/2008 1 comments    

Labels: Personal Thanks

{Simply Grateful}

so so many things to be grateful for

• for God's unfailing guidance as He continues to lead me to find something bright in my darker moments; as He continues to send much needed support through the love of angel friends.
• for angelic conversations
• for a touching and inspiring ecard from an angel friend
• for wonderful quality family times (enjoying each other's company as we share in either home cooked meals or meals by the beach; as we drive to Port San Luis to buy crabs that dad cooked for cioppino; as we walk hand in hand through the Port; as Isabella and I watch Phil boogie board)
• for a husband who is here for a week, lending a helping hand and strengthening family ties
• for Phil's company at church (two Sundays in a row)
• for Immanuel's safety as he ventures out into the world, as he lends a helping hand to the world around him
• for Ian who says to me after I pick him up from school "as long as I have a loving home, I will be ok"
• for Isabella who makes handmade presents for everyone in the family including grandpa in heaven

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 1/14/2008 0 comments    

Labels: Personal Thanks

An ECard from another angel friend

A strong woman

is one who feels deeply and loves fiercely.
Her tears flow justas abundantly as her laughter.
She is not afraid to be afraid.

is both soft and powerful.
She takes compliments to heart and treats herself like the queen that she is.

is equally visionary and decisive.
She is able to hope when things look hopeless.
She is both practical and spiritual.

A strong woman
in her essenceis a gift to all the world.

Thinking of you because you're a woman who shows what it takes to be one.


Thank you tita Rose.

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 1/14/2008 0 comments