{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  

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This is the day....

Every single day is a gift
See it gratefully
Every single day is filled with potential
Enter it expectantly
Every single day is a golden opportunity
Use it wisely.
Psalm 5:2-3
Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray.
In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice;
in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.

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

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{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  

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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

"I long to accomplish a great and noble task,
but it is my chief duty to accomplish small tasks
as if they were great and noble."
- Helen Keller


"Whoever can be trusted with very little
can also be trusted with much,
and whoever is dishonest with very little
will also be dishonest with much.
So if you have not been trustworthy
in handling worldly wealth,
who will trust you with true riches?"
-Luke 16:10 (Parable of the Shrewd Manager)


" 'Well done, my good servant!' his master replied.
'Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter,
take charge of ten cities.' "
Luke 19:17 (Parable of the Ten Minas)

"His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant!
You have been faithful with a few things;
I will put you in charge of many things.
Come and share your master's happiness!' "
Matthew: 25:21 (Parable of the Talents)
Miracle in a Normal Day

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.

Live your life in such a way that when your feet hit the floor in the morning,
Satan shudders and says...
'Oh shit ...she's awake!!!'

My Thoughts:
what would make the enemy shudder?
  • "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

People are like stained-glass windows.
They sparkle and shine when the sun is out,
but when the darkness sets in,
their true beauty is revealed
only if there is a light from within.
- Elizabeth Kubler-Ross

For God who said, "Let light shine out of darkness",
made His light shine in our hearts
to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God
in the face of Christ.
But we have this treasure in jars of clay
to show that this all-surpassing power is from God
and not from us.
2 Corinthians 4: 6-7

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  

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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:

        {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  

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        "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  

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        {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  

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        {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:

        {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  

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