{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  

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Unlearning

"Half of learning is learning what we don't know;
the other half of learning is 'unlearning' what we do know."
-Mark Batterson

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  

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{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  

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{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  

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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  

Breathe

The aftermath of the holidays
left my house in a disarray
and my soul overcrowded
supermom lists
and new year's resolutions....

then this:

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-

Thank you dear God
that you are just a prayer away
all that we need is readily available
anytime, anywhere
we can breathe in the breath of life

In my most frenzied moments
I breathe deeply and restoratively
long and luxurious
imagining my breath as a lullaby
soothing and calming
at the same time invigorating and rejuvenating
as I listen intently
every breath as notes
dancing, floating
like snowflakes
each unique and special
every inhalation controlled and conscientious
inhaling love
exhaling worries and anxieties
slowly easing my pressures
turning my tensions into tranquility
I am untroubled once more
amidst all the frenzy
serenity floods my spirit.

Thank you dear God
for the energizing breath of life.

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 12/30/2007 1 comments  

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Happy New Year

Year's end,
threshold of the old and new.
Clean pages of a bare calendar,
ready for new life's chapter.

May the passing chapter
serve as an anchor
remembering lessons learned
God's unfailing mercy and undying love
His constant nurturing
all through and despite our constant turning

To put into perspective
the aches of the past
allowing the pain from our darker moments
to serve as launching pad
into a promise filled tomorrows
for we surely know
time and time again
when the light returns
we are never the same

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 12/30/2007 0 comments  

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screaming to be alone

I don't know what this is I'm feeling...PMS? Over fatigue?... my heart is screaming "leave me alone!" I want to be by myself and I'm feeling sooo guilty.

then this prayer:

Even your son, Father, took breaks from the people and pressures crowding Him.
Don't let me think I can outperform Him.

Dear God,

help me to convince myself...
...that my body needs a break every once in a while
...that I am not being selfish when I take one
...that a relaxed and rejuvenated mother is a more loving mother.

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 12/27/2007 0 comments  

Faith Notes

It's truly amazing how a true friend knows the simple pleasures of your heart. Reading delightful "faith notes" over a cup of soothing "flowering" tea and melt in your mouth chocolates...blissful!

here are some of my fave quotes from the faith notes my bff gave me:

  • If you are happy and you know it, thank God!

  • Feeling down? Just look up.

  • Upload prayer, download peace.

  • Life is a dance; God's love is the music.

  • Faith sees the Invisible, believes the Incredible, and receives the Impossible.

  • Mountaintops are for views and inspiration, but fruit is grown in the valleys.

  • God's promises are like the stars; the darker the night, the brighter they shine.

  • Can't sleep? Don't count sheep; talk to the Shepherd.

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

  • Exercise daily...walk with the Lord.

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 12/27/2007 0 comments  

{On Nature and Perception}

The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy
is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet,
alone with the heavens, nature and God.

Because only then does one feel
that all is as it should be
and that God wishes to see people happy,
amidst the simple beauty of nature.

Anne Frank (1929-1945)

The moment one gives close attention to anything,
even a blade of grass,
it becomes a mysterious, awesome,
indescribably magnificent world in itself.

Henry Miller (1891-1980)

Change your thoughts,
and you change your world

Norman Vincent Peale

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 12/22/2007 0 comments  

{Simply Grateful} 12/6/2007

  • so very grateful that I was able to drive Ian to school before the van overheated again (it was so scary as the van was smoking all over the place as I was climbing the hill to our house; I jumped out of the van as soon as I reached the house; then I was able to refill the radiator fluid as it was empty again after the boys filled it up last night;

  • so very grateful that I got to drive Isabella to school before I had to call AAA to tow the van to the shop;

  • so very grateful that Phil got done with his finals for the day just in time to give me a ride.

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 12/06/2007 0 comments  

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{Simply Grateful 12/5/2007}

  • for sons who are willing and able to do a temporary fix to my van (the radiator fluid burst just as I was pulling into the driveway; it was an alarming sight as it steamed and leaked all over the front}
  • that the car mishap happened at home and not in the middle of my school bus service
  • for a sweet darling daughter who, at my stressful moment, says to me "mom breathe remember you're too blessed to be stressed" (we saw this quote while shopping for a present for the birthday of a classmate last Saturday)
  • christmas shopping started yesterday and halfway done
  • halfway done with christmas cards
  • for my son, Phil, who after his review session last Sunday, bought our christmas tree and put it up
  • for a chance to decorate the tree with Isabella
  • for a quality time with Ian last Monday
  • for my son, Immanuel, who put up outdoor christmas lights

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 12/05/2007 0 comments  

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The Presence of Love

Notes from today's service at New Life Church:

What is it that you really want for Christmas?

What will your focus be this Christmas?
...Presents? Or, Presence?

lyrics to:
Presence (My Heart's Desire)
by Furler, Taylor, Hughes

Chorus
Come O Lord and fill up my life
With the light of Your presence
This is my heart's desire
Oh Father come and let Your Spirit abide
I long for Your presence
This is my heart's desire

Verse 2
I long to be washed
In the well of Your mercy
I long to be warmed
By the fire of Your glory
I long for Your presence
I long for Your healing touch

Ending
Lord You're my desire

1. God is the source of love

"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world tocondemn the world, but to save the world through Him. John 3:16-17

2. Love responds with compassion

Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23

3. Compassion brings glory to God

Let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
Matthew 5:16 (NLT)

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 11/30/2007 0 comments  

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{Simply Grateful} 11/24/2007

for the discipline of solitude and silence (much needed especially during times when I get caught up in overwhelming projects)

for the strength to carry out a vision for an improved kitchen

for not losing sight of my ultimate divine vision allowing balance and joy along the way

for an intimate thanksgiving lunch, full of grace and love, with my wondeful family

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 11/24/2007 0 comments  

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{Simply Grateful} 11/01/2007

....for a sweet 40th birthday in the company of my whole family
....for touching well wishes from friends and family closest to my heart
....for a fun time trick or treating with Belle, Ian and Russ
....for a nice bonding time with Ian
....for Immanuel's safety on halloween night away from home
....for Phil's continued diligence and pride in his work
....for the twinkle in my mom's eyes

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 11/01/2007 0 comments  

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I am 40!

Things I have learned...

Don't freak...seek
Don't think less of yourself...think of yourself less

Humility is confidence rightly placed

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.

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.

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

It's all about love

Jesus replied: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."
Matthew 22: 37-40

Without love,
our words are noise,
our spiritual gifts amount to nothing,
and our greatest sacrifices lose their meaning.

Love is the bottom line

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 11/01/2007 0 comments  

{Simply Grateful} 10/27/2007

....for a fun family time at the beach (Pumpkins on the Pier)

....for the soothing loveliness of our blooming rose garden


God hath not promised
Skies ever blue,
Flower strewn pathways
All our lives through;
God hath not promised
Sun without rain,
joy without sorrow,
Peace without pain.

But God hath promised
Strength for the day,
Rest for the labor,
Light for the way,
Grace for the trials,
Help from above,
Unfailing sympathy,
Undying love.
-Annie Johnson Flint

My prayer:

Dear God,
Right now these flowers are in bloom
Soon they will wither and fall but they will bloom again
As I delight in the constant renewal of life
may it serve as a silent reminder of your promise
not of flower strewn pathways all our lives through
but of your constant presence and undying love
and help me remember that though we plant and water,
it is you who provides the life and growth.

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 10/27/2007 0 comments  

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{Simply Grateful} 10/22/2007

....for an opportunity to share a church friend's grief and show our love and support in her time of loss
....for Isabella's memorable birthday (through the graciousnes of ate Cecile she will forever remember and rave of watching the HS Musical on ice with her BFF on her 8th bday)
....for a melt-in-your-mouth chocolate covered pretzels from thoughtful ate Pinky that came in an opportune time of my chocolate fit
....for a wonderful dinner full of FUN (through the kindness of ate Pinky) in the company of my BFF and her whole family (it was very nice meeting her beautiful and wise mom & dad for the first time)
....for a chance to witness the joy in the sweet eyes of two wonderful girls as they spend time together during a sleep-over and most of Sunday
....for hope as my "lost sheep" start showing some signs of maturity
....for a safe drive back

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 10/22/2007 0 comments  

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