Birth!

Tomorrow, we are going to celebrate the birth of my daughter Chesca, which made me reminisce,

At this time last year, I was already admitted to the hospital 33 1/2 weeks into my pregnancy.

Two weeks before giving birth, I sent my ultrasound results to my doctor and upon seeing it, I was advised to bed rest.  But me and the baby were okay.  I took a half day from the office and went home.  From then on, I either stayed at my mom's house or at our apartment.

At around 2 a.m. of April 19, I had some leaking.  Calmly, I told my husband about it.  We briefly discussed about going to the hospital just to be sure, but, still, I was not feeling anything.  We were not in a panic or anything.  I told him that we do not have yet our baby bag, but he said he will just pack if I will be admitted (I was planning to ready bag that week!).  On the way to the hospital, I asked if he was nervous, and he said no.  I was not nervous as well.  We were just calm about it.  Well, after a few checks, I was advised to remain in the hospital for observation since my baby and I are ok.  No need to induce.  It was discussed that the baby should be in my tummy as long as she can since she is still premature.

So I stayed there in the hospital, with Allan, my relatives and Allan's sister taking turns in looking over me.  Every now and then I was brought to the delivery room for checking the baby's heart beat.  And yes, my water bag was still leaking.  No, it did not burst.  Since my water bag did not yet break and the baby was still ok, yet too early to be born, there was no need to induce.  Yes, I just watched TV and one time prepared an exam for my law school class, hehe.

While in the hospital, Allan and I discussed that we do not know when I will give birth and the hospital bill is piling up.  But we were comforted in knowing that both the baby and I are ok, and that is what kept us going.  Money will come and we will borrow if need be.  

However, on the afternoon of my 6th day, I had green discharge, which means the baby has pooped.  After evaluation, they said that I have to give birth already.  I was induced and after a few minutes I felt pain in short intervals ... I even asked "Mao na ni? Paspasa ba sa effect" haha.  I was thinking that the intervals would be longer.   I was able to sleep afterwards, eat and poop as well (haha .. sorry, too much information but I had to share it so that moms about to give birth need not worry because it's normal).  I slept for a while and I think at around 10 or 11 pm, I was given epidural (yes, I already informed my OB beforehand that I would go painless).  I then introduced myself to the anesthesiologist since he is a friend of my husband.  After that, I was still made to sleep and wait in the delivery room, with a nurse near me.  Everything was calm.  At around 2 or 3:00 a.m., they checked on me and said it's time.  So I was given instructions how to push among others.  And no, I was not feeling anything at that time.  I was just told to push as if I was to poop but stronger and harder .. haha

So without any pain, I just pushed as much as I can, with the help of a midwife/nurse, and after a few minutes, it was done.  My baby did not cry right after she was out of me.  I asked my OB about it but she said it was ok she will cry in awhile, which she did right after.  

That's how I gave birth.  I was not expecting it to be as calm as that.  My husband and I was prepared of the eventuality that my water bag will break with a "splash" just like in TV.  I was envisioning myself hurrying my husband to bring me to the hospital because I cannot bear the pain.  I saw myself shouting, crying and perspiring as I give birth.  But none of that happened, hehe.  Every delivery is a different story indeed!

Honestly speaking, I did not feel any pain during that time.  The most painful moment was right about that time after I was induced.  But after I gave birth, I felt weak .. so that's how it feels!

My baby was so small and cute.  And I was just so happy that she was healthy and ok, even if she was born at 35 weeks.  And so Chesca Myelle was born :)

Baby in the Tummy

Long time, no post!

I have a lot to share as to being married to Allan for over two years now.  I would have love to blog about our trips to Coron and Singapore.  But that has to be sidelined for now because I am more eager to share to you my journey to getting pregnant and eventually being a mother to my now 4-month old daughter Chesca.

Of course, my journey to getting pregnant started with being married to Allan.  I knew time was not on my side as I got married when I was already 35 years old.  I had a physical check-up, which turned out okay.  I then went to have my scoliosis check.  It is still there.  I was taught some exercises, which admittedly I have not done for quite some time now.  More importantly, I was told that it would be okay for me to get pregnant.

I then went to an ob-gyne to inquire as to whether I was fit to be pregnant.  To tell you frankly, it was my first time to consult with an ob-gyne.  I know, I should have done it sooner.

Anyway, I was told to wait it out for 6 months from getting married before resorting to fertility options.  I was told that it would be 1 year for those below 35.  Since I did not get pregnant after 6 months, the next step was to check whether my husband and I can bear a child.

And so we went to Brokenshire Fertility Clinic.  Nothing was found wrong with Allan and I.  I forgot what procedure was done to me but essentially they had a dye flow through inside me to show that my ovary and fallopian tubes are ok.  The funny thing about it was that I did not find it painful.  Thus, I was told that I have a high tolerance for pain.

Thereafter, I began taking ovulation induction pills.  Essentially, it is what it is - to induce ovulation.  I had to count days and was in constant contact with my ob-gyne.  Everytime I got my period was quite disappointing.  But we were determined.  This took place for 4 continuous months - pills, injections and negative pregnancy tests.

My ob-gyne then told us that the next step was for artificial insemination.  They refer to this as IUI.  So, we went through this procedure at Brokenshire.  Again, it was not that painful.  The actual procedure takes a few minutes only.  But I have to lay flat for almost an hour and I took a rest in the afternoon.

We were really anticipating that this was it.  Alas! It was not yet time.  I told my doctor about it and she said that we will try it again next month thereafter.  We asked how many times should we try IUI.  She replied at around 3 or 4 times.  We asked what would happen next if it would still not be successful?  Then, the next step was in-vitro fertilization.  We asked how much.  Our ob-gyne replied at around P390,000.00.  We did not have any budget for that.

So Allan and I discussed that we would try artificial insemination until we are allowed to.  If I would still not get pregnant by then, we were okay with it and will accept such circumstance wholeheartedly.  We were not that ready to resort to IVF.  

My ob-gyne has also explained to us that there are cases where the spouses don't get pregnant but there is really nothing physically wrong with them.  

While waiting for my next IUI procedure scheduled for October, I did not take any fertility pills and undergo any procedure.  We just waited it out.  Nonetheless, my husband said that if I don't get my period, I should still take a Pregnancy Test.  Nothing to lose so to speak.

A few days after I should have gotten my period, I took a pregnancy test.  Allan was out of town at that time.  However, it turned negative.  I informed Allan about it and rather asked why did I take it when he was not around.  I said if it turned out to be positive, I wanted to surprise him.  

Still a few days after that, I still did not get that period.  And so on that Saturday morning of October 1, 2017, I again took a pregnancy test.  And it was POSITIVE!  Two straight lines indeed!  Oh my, we were so happy!  I then took another one just to be sure!  It was still POSITIVE!

By God's grace, we were going to have a baby!

The Wedding (Part 2)

This is the day that the Lord has made.  Let us rejoice and be glad!

For Allan and I, the most important was for us saying our vows before our Lord.  And so we did!

It was really a joyous event and we were so grateful to our guests who were there to witness our exchange of vows.  

To be frank, I really had no wedding jitters.  I can't say that I had butterfly in my stomach or that I was nervous with clammy hands.  I was just so looking forward to us getting married!

As I was waiting insider the bridal car outside of the church, I chanced upon our guests and was so happy to see so many of them.  And our principal sponsors were all complete.  It was really nice!

Fr. Gene, our officiating priest, is someone that Allan has known since his seminarian days.  We were so grateful that he was available for us.

Here are our pictures at the church.  Enjoy!

 I think I can safely say that Allan was happy and excited to get married to me!

 My baby brother, JJ, as our ring bearer!

 My sister Jeni and her daughter Ally .. so cute!

 Another nice picture of my parents!

And may I just say I love the flower arrangements.  I really wanted it to be like that so the guests can see people walking down the aisle.  I really wanted our wedding to be more about people - us, our family, and our friends - rather than the decorations.

 The bubbling bride .. haha!  I didn't notice it but I was told I walked a bit fast down the aisle.  

I guess I was also excited to get married.

 A bit emotional!

 Listening to our story .. as told by Fr. Gene.

 Such a blooper!  I was putting the wedding ring on the wrong finger.  

And I thought, it did not fit .. haha.  Good thing we realized it.

 Our guests!

 The kiss!

Yes! We're married!

My 2014 - Part 2

Here I am attempting to finish my post regarding my 2014.  So here goes my part 2:

MAY

And so my journey continued.  May was another month of trying times for the family, as  my sisters, Jeni and Bajeck, had to leave to Philippines.  I was continuously grateful for the Lord's strength for our whole family.

On the side note, I was able to meet up with my dear friends Lyn and Jinky, together with her one-day-she'll-be-famous daughter, Gaby.  We had dinner at Cafe Tavera and lo and behold, Gabby Concepcion right behind us.  I cannot remember if we were really shy or we just did not feel to have a picture of him.  So, here's our picture, with Gabby Concepcion in the background, with Gaby taking the pic.

Look for Gabby Concepcion!

In my pitiful attempt to stay healthy and lose weight, I tried zumba together with Jinky.  But it only lasted for a couple or weeks or so because a school semester was about to start and my nights are loaded.

Zumba lata with Bajenx!

JUNE

It was on the first day of the month when Atty. Emmanuel Accuna was pronounced death.  A lot were truly devastated and truly shocked and surprised.  To this day, I believe people are still finding answers for what really happened, who did it and why it happened.  To this day, I continue to pray for his justice.

The fondest memory I have of Emman was on the first day he took the bar exam.  I arrived early at the breakfast place to send warm wishes to the bar takers.  Emman gave me the biggest smile and I wish him best.  I shook his hands, and I was surprised that it was so cold.  Yes, the biggest smile with the coldest hand.  On January of 2014, we then had a talk how interested he was in taking the New York State Bar.  And I told him that I would help him out.

I think  June was really a time for me to reminisce my law school days as it was also a time when I got in touch with some of my law school friends.

Dinner with law school friends at Cafe Tavera (again!)

June was also a new adventure for me, teaching-wise.  For the first time, I was given teaching loads for Accountancy students of Ateneo de Davao University.  Exciting indeed!

JULY

 Work-life balance continued.  I had pleadings to finish and classes to hold.  I had dinner with friends and I also got to spend time with my relatives from my father's side.  My Auntie Didith, who is a nun, came from Italy and visited the Philippines.  For those who are familiar with my father, you'll notice that my dad and Auntie Didith look really alike.

 With Auntie/Sister Didith from Italy

Dinner with Jinky and Lyn again (one of the reasons I don't lose weight .. hehe)

Our family continued to overcome trials and I still thank GOD for always being there for us.  

My 2014 - Part 1

Yes, I know.  I am fully aware how less I blogged in 2014.  I posted the fewest blogs in a year from the time I started blogging.  Let me just say that my hands were indeed full.  Nevertheless, to cap the year that was, here is my 2014 summary.

JANUARY

I celebrated New Year's Eve in one of my favorite cities in the world - Melbourne.  And on the first day of 2014, took a plane from Melbourne to Manila and from Manila to Davao City.

Happy New Year from Melbourne! 

Of course, I was very happy to be a part of my friends' special events - attending Teen's birthday and thanksgiving party as well as Cloud's baptism.  

 With law school friends at Teen's party (Ate Jo not ready for the picture .. hehe)

 Godparents at Cloud's baptism

 And there's that once in a blue moon beach outing with law school friends.

Beach time at Paradise!

This was also the year I turned 33.  I was very lucky to have people greet me before, during and after my birthday.  I feel so special having celebrated it with family and friends.  

Turning 33 at Yakimix!

How sweet!

Simple but fun lunch with this bunch!

FEBRUARY

My February usually starts with a joint birthday celebration with Lyn.  This time, we spent it at Vikings!

 Mukhang busog na ako dito :)

Teaching wise, I was very flattered having a talk with my former teacher now my co-teacher in undergrad.  

And of course, my BL Entrep Class was very amused with my perfect circle in class.  I do not have any picture of it, but my students surely took a picture of it.  I just drew a circle on the board and amazingly, it looked as if it was a perfect circle.

MARCH

I had a sumptuous dinner sometime the first week of March with friends.  

Food galore at Cellar de Oboza

Things happened so fast towards the last week of March.  It was quite shocking and surprising for the whole family and we just all hoped for the best.  To this day, I always thank GOD for the strength He has given our family as we went this ordeal together. 

Taken at 1 am after we fetched Jeni and Ally from the airport.

Our dad was very surprised when Ally was the one who woke him up at 1 am! 

Paradise again with family!

APRIL

One thing I will be always grateful is that of GOD's presence in my life.  Without Him, I have already faltered.  But what is amazing is that my faith remains steadfast in Him.  Our family has truly been blessed by Him, and with that I am always thankful.

To be continued ...

The Book of Questions: Question 2

Question 2:

Do you believe in ghosts or evil spirits?

Would you be willing to spend a night alone in a remote house that is supposedly haunted?

Answer:  Yes, I believe in ghosts or evil spirits.  They are somewhere out there.  And I also believe in the power of prayer.  But no, I can't really say that I have had close encounters.  Yes, I would be willing to spend a night alone in a remote house that is supposedly haunted.  

I remember I was in our high school and we spent the night in school to finish our year book as we have just graduated from high school.  We were staying at the Computer Room at the second floor.  Some of our teachers stayed at the faculty room on the ground floor.  We were still working at around midnight and we had some questions for one of our teachers staying at the faculty room.  It was not urgent but I volunteered to go downstairs.  I have heard a number of "stories" in the stair way but I went nonetheless.  And nothing happened.    

   

Get Lucky

In order to be admitted to the New York State Bar, one has to pass the New York State Bar Exams as well as the Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam (MPRE).

I took the MPRE last August in San Diego.  I was lucky that Atty. Noreen informed me that I could take it outside of New York as long as I indicate in my application that I am taking the MPRE for the New York jurisdiction.

And so, I decided to stay at my aunt's place in San Diego.  I was advised that I could study for the MPRE after the New York State Bar Exam.  And so I did.

I said to myself that I was going to study for a week for the exam and I had two review books on hand already.  Sunday before the exam, I already started listening to some lectures online.  And then, I would answer some sample questions as well.  By Tuesday, I realized that I could cover more topics if I read instead of listening to the online lectures.

Anyway, my aunt and uncle were very accommodating as there were nights that we went out for dinner.  So I had to make the most of my time in the morning and/or afternoon.  

On Thursday night, there were some changes as my sister was going to fetch me on Sunday, the day after my exam.  So my aunt decided to make the most of my Friday.

We went to the outlet stores on Friday morning as my aunt had to buy some stuff that I could bring to my uncles.  I was also able to buy some pasalubongs as well since I felt I could not buy them when I leave San Diego.  I then studied in the afternoon.

I told my aunt beforehand that we would not stay late that night since I had exams the next day.  For dinner, they treated me to a Korean buffet .. whoa!  

My cousins at an "eat-all-you-can" Korean restaurant

I thought we were going home but then we stopped by Extraordinary Desserts .. wow!  I had Strawberry Parfait and it was delicious!!! (No wonder I gained weight!)

Sarap jud ito ba!

My cousin ordered this Truffle Framboise - Masarap din!

I thought we were going home after that but guess again.  We made a quick stop at USS Midway.  We did not go inside anymore since it was already closed.  My aunt wanted me to stop by here because aside from a tourist attraction, it was where Jessica Sanchez had her audition and homecoming for the American Idol.

With my cousin

And so, we went home.  I was so quite nervous for my exam the next day - wondering if some stuff I have studied have been deleted because I felt so full with the food I ate.  I haven't done something like this on the night before an exam.  Adding to my anxiety was the fact that I was not able to finish all the review materials I had on hand.

This is all I could bring for the MPRE Exam (in a Ziploc bag)

My uncle and I left at around 7:30 and I was at the Test Center (a school) before 8:30.  The exam started at 9:00 a.m. and I was done at 10:45 a.m.

My uncle was supposed to fetch me at 11:00 after mountain biking.  I had no cellphone or watch with me since it was not allowed during the exam.  I just waited after all the other examinees left.  It turned out that one of the guys my uncle was biking with had a flat tire and in mountain biking, no man is left behind.  I was not nervous that I was not going to be picked up (again, I had no phone or money).  I knew I just had to wait.

In the afternoon, we went to Legoland with my cousins.

The exam had 60 multiple questions, only 50 of which were graded (but you won't know what).  I know I did my best.  I have read that some people overstudied for it but others pointed out not to take it for granted. 

Results were out just this week.  I knew it was going to be released this week, 5 weeks after the exam.  I wasn't sure what date though but any day during the week.  I was trying to search for #mpre over twitter and voila!  I saw some tweets saying they're so happy they passed!  My heart was really beating so fast.  I logged in my account and saw my score:

Before you get excited, that's not a perfect score!  The highest is 150 (scaled scoring) and the lowest was 50.  The score required for the New York jurisdiction (it varies in every state) was 85.  So, yes .. I passed it!!!!

Thank you Lord!

Thank you for my aunt, my uncle and their whole family for accommodating me.  I thank them for their support and their faith in me that I could make it (that's why they made the most of my stay in San Diego, even during the night before my exam!)

Thank you to my ever supportive mommy .. as in! Wala na akong masabi!

I am indeed lucky with my family and relatives and passing this exam.  I could not have done it without God's grace.

I hope my luck will continue with the results this November.  

Universal Studious

I stumbled upon this article and I would just like to share it. 

My top  3 favorites, in particular order are: 
                       1.  Pray
                       2.  Sing to yourself
                       3.  Take a power nap

www.clipartof.com

15 ways to take a 15 Minute Break from Bar Exam studying

(from: http://ipassedmybarexam.com/2011/01/13/15-ways-to-take-a-15-minute-break-from-bar-exam-studying/)

The sole focus of many of you during this time period is bar exam preparation.  You may wake up in the morning at 8 or 9am and have the entire day, over 14 hours of time, to prepare for the bar!  That is a ridiculous amount of time and much more than you’ll ever need.  What will get you ready for the bar is not so much the time you have, but what you are doing with the time you use.  During your bar exam preparation, taking breaks will be just as important as studying.

Study breaks are VERY GOOD for you because 1) you have the time to do it, and 2) they willkeep your fresh, energized, and efficient.  Here are 15 ways you can take a 15 minute break to reenergize your body, mind, and spirit.

(1)     Walk/Jog in the park

Even taking a short, 15 minute walk may be the best thing you do all day.  Not only will taking a break clear up your mind, but walking allows you to keep the blood flowing.  Also, being in the park changes your surroundings, giving you new, fresh energy.  And being in nature will connect you with your natural environment.  Studies show nature walking can make you more successful than city walking.

(2)     Walk your dog

Taking your pet out for a nice walk or run will keep the blood flowing, give you fresh energy, change up the scene, and provide some companionship and connection. 

(3)     Read your favorite book

What?!  More reading?  Yes!  Dive into your favorite fantasy novel, war story, or brain book.  Surprisingly, I didn’t feel tired or drained when I did additional, outside reading.  Rather, it was a great way for me to disconnect from the bar, keep my mind in the ‘reading’ zone, and learn something new.  Curling up with your favorite book for 15 minutes to end each night is a great de-stresser.

(4)     Play video games

Without a doubt, this was one of my most utilized and best study breaks!  It was easy, games were short, and I didn’t even have to get up from the library or wherever I was studying.  It’s also very fun, makes you happy, and allows for a complete disconnect – all the things you need to do on a break before you hit the studying again!  In case you’re wondering, my game of choice was Command & Conquer: Zero Hour for PC.

(5)     Youtube

Enter ‘funny videos’ on youtube and you’ll be off to a great, entertaining, and fun break from your studies.  Keeping yourself laughing and smiling is one of the best things you can do.

(6)     Push-Ups

Need a quick de-stress? Drop down and give yourself 20 push-ups.  If you feel embarrased, do it in the corner of the room or next to your desk so people don’t see you.  This is a great way to get the blood flowing in the brain again.

(7)     Meditate

Finding a nice quiet park bench, closing your eyes, and letting all your thoughts seep out into the ether is a very relaxing way to de-steam and collect yourself. 

(8)     Pray

Meditation if the art of listening.  Prayer is the art of asking.  Putting yourself in a peaceful mind and ask the divine creator for assistance in helping you pass the bar exam just might be the best 20 minutes you spend the entire two months.

(9)     Simple stretching

If you don’t have time to go to a yoga class, just walk outside and do some simple stretches.  Put your feet together and try to touch your toes, holding for at least 20 seconds.  Then go two shoulder widths apart, take your right arm and put it over your head, feeling the stretch on your side, and switch sides.  Stretch your arms out and move them in circular motion.  Do a slow hula hoop movement to stretch out your hips.  Do whatever other stretch you feel you need.  Stretching is a great way to keep your body and mind from getting too tight.

(10)    Call mom, dad, sibling, best friend

Need a positive, encouraging boost?  Don’t we all.  Make sure you take the time to get it.  Call up your most positive, supportive fans and have a conversation.  Just hearing their voice for 15 minutes can do wonders.  Hopefully, they’ll drop a few, encouraging remarks, “You can do this.  Hang in there.”  If not, ask them to give you these remarks.  Just hearing it will help, even if you told them to say it!

(11)    Take a power nap

Naps allow your mind to absorb and process all the information you have been putting into it.  A quick 15 to 30 minute power nap can help you get ready for another essay run.  Just don’t oversleep during the day.  If you go over 45 minutes, you’ll become drowsy, and it might take you a while to get back up and at it!

(12)    Eat a snack

If you’re hungry, why wait?  Grab a ‘snackers.’  Giving yourself a few minutes away from the book, while feeding your mind with a stimulating and healthy snack is a perfect way to take a break.

(13)    Brain games

These are a great, fun way to take a break and strengthen your mind.  Think your mind is already being tested enough?  These brain games can actually be a great compliment in strengthening your analytical thinking, significantly assisting you for the bar exam.  You can get brain game books for cheap at a bookstore or find them online.

(14)    Look at your visual/goal for passing the bar

Sometimes, when you need a break, it is simply your mind telling you to remember what you’re here to do.  Looking at a goal you wrote, a visual you created, or the reasons you want to pass the bar exam can be a beautiful way for helping you refocus again.

(15)    Sing to yourself

You know you sing to yourself when you’re alone in the shower or driving.  It’s ok, we all do it.  Sometimes you may just want to yell at the top of your lungs.  Instead, turn that rage into a nice, sweet melody.  Just sing it loudly so you feel like you’re still satisfying that rage feeling.

I hope you enjoyed these great ways to take a 15 minute break.  Make sure you take several breaks every day throughout your study period.

As always, good luck in passing your bar exam!

A Purpose Driven Life

I read The Purpose Driven Life way back in 2006 and these are my favorite quotes:

-oOo-

We worry when GOD seems silent on specific issues such as "What career should I choose?" The truth is, there are many different careers that could be in GOD's will for your life. What GOD cares about most is that whatever you do, you do in a Christlike manner. GOD is far more interested in what you are than in what you do. We are human beings, not human doings.

-oOo-

Your capacity to remembers is a GOD-given gift. You may think you have a poor memory, but the truth is, you have millions of ideas, truths, facts and figures memorized. You remember what is important to you.

-oOo-

If you know how to worry, you already know how to meditate. Worry is focused thinking on something negative. Meditation is doing the same thing, only focusing on GOD's word instead of your problem.

-oOo-

GOD is never in a hurry, but He is always on time. Great souls are grown through struggles and seasons of suffering. Be patient with the process.

-oOo-

People rarely excel at tasks they don't enjoy doing or feel passionate about.

-oOo-

When you are doing what you love to do, no one has to motivate you or challenge you or check up on you. You do it for the sheer enjoyment. You don't need rewards or applause or payment, because you love serving in this way.

-oOo-

Don't waste your life in a job that doesn't express your heart. Remember, the greatest things in life are not things. Meaning is far more important than money.

-oOo-

Do your own work well, and then you will have something to be proud of. But don't compare yourself with others. There are 2 reasons why you should never compare your shape, ministry, or the results of your ministry with anyone else. First, you will always be able to find someone who seems to be doing a better job than you and you will become discouraged. Or you will always be able to find someone who doesn't seem as effective as you and you will get full of pride.

-oOo-

When GOD's at the center of your life, you worship. When he's not, you worry.

-oOo-

Insights

From OUR DAILY BREAD

Don't worry about what people around you may think.

God sees what is done "in secret" and He will reward you in due time (Matthew 6:18)

-oOo-

God always rewards hidden spirituality. He hears every private prayer; He recognizes every secret gift; He notes and richly rewards each unseen act of devotion. You will be strengthened, and the Lord will make you all that He wants you to be.

-oOo-

The things that are done for God's eyes are the things that matter.

So, settle into that secret place where God alone sees and knows.

-oOo-

Jesus has called me to be at my best,

Living for Him when at work or at play;

He knows my heart, and that I can rest -

Why should I worry what others may say?

-oOo-

Jesus is all the world to me,

My life, my joy, my all;

He is my strength from day to day,

Without Him I would fall.

-oOo-

How many of us will pause today to thank the Lord

because we have something to wear and something to eat?

-oOo-

Contentment comes not from great wealth

but from few wants

-oOo-

But He wants me to see Him in His little displays of goodness,

which He demonstrates every day in hundreds of acts of mercy and compassion

-oOo-

The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord (Psalm 33:5)

-oOo-

May God open our eyes to His many acts of goodness

so we'll never doubt His presence and His love

-oOo-

If anxious thoughts keep you awake, ask the Lord to quiet your heart and give you the faith to be able to relax and let Him solve the problems that disturb you.

-oOo-

I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety (Psalm 4:8)

-oOo-

We advertise our credentials so others can be more sure of us;

He lets us fail so they can see that apart from God we're not much at all.

-oOo-

We need to recognize that "our sufficiency" is from God

-oOo-

Admit your failings. Don't worry over them, but confess them.

-oOo-