Christian George Acevedo

Whitney Houston, Dead at 48

2012-02-11T18:22:00.000-08:00

Rest in peace, Whitney Houston, whose news of her death was announced by Associated Press, 8:10 PM Eastern Time. Houston was one of the best-selling singers of her time. Guiness World Record named her the Most Awarded Singer in history. Read complete story of her death here.

Three Queens and a Funeral: King George VI is Buried

2012-02-09T21:16:00.000-08:00

The funeral of King George VI ushered in the era of Queen Elizabeth II.

The iconic photo that captured three generations of queens grieving on King George VI's funeral.
Click here to read full story.

Queen Elizabeth II, Her Proclamation

2012-02-08T15:34:00.000-08:00

Read full story of what went behind during Queen Elizabeth II's
proclamation on Feb. 8, 1952, here.

The Queen's Accession Day Celebration

2012-02-06T04:56:00.000-08:00

I am an avid royalist, a great fan of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Today, the whole world celebrates the Diamond Jubilee of her accession. And for that, I have dedicated several write-ups in my royal blogsite in honor of Her Majesty's 60 years of faithful duty and tireless dedication of her life to her subjects.

Queen Elizabeth II, The Day She Became Queen. Read full story here.

Queen Elizabeth, Her Accession. Read full story of what happened during
the queen's accession day 60 years ago here.

Read the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Message here.

Daily Devotional - Start Your Day With Prayer

2012-01-25T07:20:00.000-08:00

In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you. . . . Psalm 5:3 (NIV)

http://fineartamerica.com/featured/morning-prayer-chris-jones.html

Gail Thorell Schilling tells the importance of spending quiet moment every morning, every the busy-ness of life comes in and gets the better of us. This is a time of reflection, of silence, of talking to God that lead us to His grace. So if you spent some quiet moments this morning before going to work or school and you felt at ease and at bliss, that's because God is pouring you His blessings.

"My dear friend Sonya gave me the idea: early-morning prayer. Her four children were older than mine, yet somehow she had already learned how to beat the rush and scoop out a quiet time before the children awoke.

At my house, where the children were two, four, five and eight when I became a single mom, stress began at daybreak—spilled cereal, pawing through the laundry basket for matching socks, rushing to school, squabbling—and became worse as the day roared on. After supper, homework, baths and bedtime stories, I felt too frazzled for prayer and often fell asleep with my shoes on.

Sonya, on the other hand, rarely seemed stressed. Her tremendous faith, optimism and energy drew me to ask her about her prayer practice. She eagerly shared her daybreak routine and even gave me a devotional booklet to weave into my frayed prayer life.

Though Sonya began her day at 4:00 am, I lingered in bed until 5:00 am. Slowly, my quick talks with God evolved into more intimate conversations. I recognized God's calming presence in my daily routine and could relax just a bit more.

That was twenty-five years ago. These days, my mornings are cathedral-quiet, and though I could enjoy prayer time anytime I choose, I continue to cherish my morning prayer. I brew my coffee, sit in Mom's old rocker, thank God for so many blessings and let Him know what my friends and I need. I pray. I listen. I read the Bible. And I watch the sun rise, knowing that no matter what happens during the rest of the day, God and I are together.

Heavenly Father, as the hymn says, 'morning by morning, new mercies I see.' I am grateful."

Princess Marie of Denmark gives birth to a baby girl

2012-01-25T07:10:00.000-08:00

It's a baby girl for Prince Joachim and Princess Marie.

Princess Marie (extreme left), a few days before she gave birth,
seen here with her husband, Prince Joachim, Crown princess Mary,
Crown Prince Frederik and the royal youngsters during
Queen Margrethe's Ruby Anniversary celebration. Read full story here

Queen Victoria's Sketches Shown in Public

2012-01-23T06:34:00.000-08:00

After 150 years, Queen Victoria's sketches were finally shown in public.

Read complete story about Queen Victoria's secret drawings
and more photos of these drawings here.

Tiaras Glitter at Queen Margrethe's Ruby Celebration

2012-01-23T06:32:00.000-08:00

With Scandinavian royalties gathering in Denmark to celebrate Queen Margrethe's 40th year on the throne, bedazzling the cheering crowd and the picture-hungry press were the royals' rich display of sparkling tiaras, necklaces, and jewelries that adorned them from up to down during the Gala Dinner held Jan. 15.

Queen Margrethe and Prince Henrik arrive at the gala dinner. Read full article and see photos of royal guests in their glittering jewels at the gala dinner here.

The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio - Movie Review and Free SHowing

2012-01-23T06:28:00.000-08:00

The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio (2005) stars Julianne Moore as the indefatigable mother of 10 and witty writer Evelyn Ryan.

Click here to watch the entire movie and read the reviews.

Enjoy watching the full trailer!

Victoria and Albert, Their Love Story

2012-01-16T23:27:00.000-08:00

I have been so splendidly in love with them that I can't help but blog about them....

Victoria and Albert's love affair lasted for only two decades. But their love gave birth to 9 kids, 42 grandkids, and dozens of great-grandchildren who all owe their ancestry to one of history's most unforgettable couples...

Victoria and Albert.

Read full story

Ten Greatest Actresses Who Never Won The Oscar Part Two | Cinemaroll

2011-11-06T15:32:00.000-08:00

Here is the part two of the Greatest Actresses Who Never won the Oscar series... Ten Greatest Actresses Who Never Won The Oscar Part Two | Cinemaroll

Ten Greatest Actresses Who Never Won The Oscar &Ndash; Part One | Cinemaroll

2011-11-06T15:19:00.000-08:00

Here is the first of the two part series of the Ten Greatest Actresses Who Never Won the Oscar. Read >>Ten Greatest Actresses Who Never Won The Oscar Part One | Cinemaroll

Top Five Websites That Will Pay You to Write | Writinghood

2011-11-05T04:36:00.000-07:00

Learn about the top five websites that you can write for that will pay you big bucks. Read >>Top Five Websites That Will Pay You to Write | Writinghood

What Does It Take to Become a Successful Online Writer | Writinghood

2011-11-04T20:41:00.000-07:00

Do you want to become an online writer? Learn about it, read my latest post via Triond, What Does It Take to Become a Successful Online Writer | Writinghood

Online Writing: The Blessings of Working for The Web | Writinghood

2011-11-04T20:40:00.000-07:00

Get the benefits of online writing. If you want to parlay your writing skills for a handsomely paying yet convenient, homebased career, then online writing is for you. Read Online Writing: The Blessings of Working for The Web | Writinghood

Inspiration: Listen to the Humble

2011-11-03T19:11:00.000-07:00

blisspot.blogspot.com

"Now, I know there is no God in all the earth, except in Israel." - 2 Kings 5:15

In today's devotional in our Our Daily Bread, Julie Ackerman Link tells us that God often speaks to through those to whom few are willing to listen.

To hear God, listen to the humble because God uses ordinary people to carry our his extraordinary plan.

Royalty: Duke and Duchess of Cambridge Go to Denmark for a Cause

2011-11-02T17:47:00.000-07:00

Learn more about the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's Latest Denmark trip for a cause. Read more>>

Inspiration: It Can Never Happen to Me

2011-11-02T16:54:00.000-07:00

badbulletins.blogspot.com

"Now in my prosperity I said, 'I shall never be moved.'"

- Psalm 30:6

There are times when we look at the troubles of others and think it could never happen to us, especially if we are successful, financially comfortable, and enjoying marital bliss. In a moment of vanity and self-sufficiency or whether God has brought blessings or trials, He still deserves our gratitude and trust.

Lonesome Moments and Well-lived Lives

2011-10-31T17:39:00.001-07:00

It's All Saints' Day and it's gonna be a hectic day for me. But over a cup of coffee (sugar-free, that is), I have come to ponder that really, our lives aren't meant to be spent for ourselves, but rather it's intended that we spend it for others.

Come to think of this...

When we were infants and toddlers and kids, we were too young to care for ourselves, too young to care for what we wear, say, or what others say about us.... Simply put, when we were young, we were in the purest of our innocence that all we have in mind is how to care for others.

When we went to school, we didn't really have the luxury of time to hang out as often as we want to, such that we ended up moaning and groaning because we live a fully-packed school life.

When we started to have work, our obligations begin to mount... and so our dependents. We were too busy at work, building our careers, sending our siblings to schools and helping out our parents.

Then, we realize it's time to settle down, get married, and raise a family. Again, no time to think for ourselves, but put our partners and kids first, thinking of how to live them, send them to school, clothe them, shelter them, and raise them to become better people.

Then, it's time to retire, time to send away kids, time to see them raise their own families, time to say good bye to our parents, and time to lose our loved ones.

And then, that's the time when we are one and alone. That's the time when we ponder on what we did with our lives. At the end of the day, at the sunset of lives, we come to realize that the best moments of our lives aren't actually about partying or foolin' around. The greatest moments of our lives are those when we spend it with our loved ones, and give our times for others.

In our most lonesome moments, that is when we realize that our lives are well-lived because we spend it for the sake of others.

Blessings Do Come in Disguise

2011-10-31T16:20:00.000-07:00

http://1.bp.blogspot.com

There are times when we come to think that all the world has turned its back against us and all we are left of is ourself. At times like this, we come to think that the blessings we ask for are actually curse and all that we have in this world are all the worst. But let us not question God's power. I have recently stumbled upon Laura Story's carrier single, Blessings. And it was all about... blessings! She's been going through a lot in life. Her husband's gotten brain tumor and yet, she still finds that curse a blessing.

As I see it, actually, the trials and tribulations that we meet in life are not something to be afraid or, or to curse at. Actually, all the pain and misfortune that we meet are God's way of saying He's here for us. It's actually a message telling us that we are not alone, that we always have friends, family, and Him whom we can turn on to when we can't bear it all.

Blessings are not just what we see as good, bountiful, or pleasing. Blessings also come in disguise. They can be illness, death, tragedy, or misfortune. But through it all, we find that the true meaning of blessing lingers. And that is to make us even better than who we have been.

Health: Vitamin E-What You Need to Know Before Taking It

2011-10-06T17:13:00.000-07:00

Flickr.com

Vitamin E is considered a wonder supplement, that is why a lot of people drink it every day. The truth is, there are factors you need to consider because wrong dosage of vitamin E can do more harm than good. Here are the things you need to know before taking vitamin E.

• If you plan to take vitamin E together with your prescription drugs, consult your physician so he can adjust the amount to take.
• Do not take vitamin E prior to a surgery or before taking a coagulant drug. It promotes bleeding.
• Taking vitamin E with caution if you have overactive thyroid and rheumatic heart disease.

Inspirational: Seeing God's Hands

2011-10-03T22:09:00.000-07:00

“He came to Jerusalem according to the good hand of His God upon him.” (Ezra 7:9)

Jack Borden lived way beyond his first century. On his 101^st birthday, he woke up at 5 am, enjoyed a hearty breakfast, and at 6:30, went straight to his law office, just the way he did many years since. When asked about his secret for longevity, he smiled and said, “Not dying.”

And there’s more to that…

Mr. Borden who was baptized when he was 11, told Forth Worth Star-Telegram during an interview with reporter David Casstevens, “I am a firm believer that God has His hands in everything that happened. He is letting me live for some reason. I try to do the things that He wants me to do.”

Mr. Borden’s words relate to what Prophet Ezra wrote: “He came to Jerusalem according to the good hand of His God upon him.” (Ezra 7:9)

God’s hands are always in our lives. This we have to thankful for. We have missions to accomplish and lives to touch. And it is actually the missions accomplished and the lives touched that make our existence complete—not the years we live by. (Source: Our Daily Bread)

Of why frugality values a lot

2011-09-14T23:19:00.000-07:00

picture source: DumbLittleMan.com

I am always derided by friends sometimes because I am so frugal and so reluctant to spend money on stuffs they would otherwise splurge some cash on. But I really am a wise spender and ever since I was high school, when I have a very meager allowance, I would be very careful with spending my money because I cannot ask for anything more.

Growing up with my grandparents, I received P50 every day from 1^st year to 4^th year. And that was all. No extras for photocopying, projects, and knickknacks. I have to see to it that everything fits within my P50 for one day. But I was really amazed to look back on those days, how I managed to pull up all that I have and still not want for more. It must have been because I was raised in a household that values every cent.

My grandma was the ultimate penny pincher and anything that we didn’t need, she never bought. Even when cooking, her extreme penny pinching habits rivaled that of Hetty Green’s. She’d cook a meal for three using ¼ kg of pork and then divide that amount of pork into two. The first she’d used to cook adobo-- which was a serving for two or three, and the second she’d cooked with ¼ kg of cabbage, a piece of carrot, and sayote. Seasoned with salt and soy sauce and there she’d serve me and grandpa with a meal that, thank God, quite filled out tummy.

It’s not that I admire penny pinching habits. The reason why I love to save is because we can never tell when rainy days might come. Not all the time we have bountiful days and not all that we have will last a lifetime. Saving whatever we have and being mindful how we spend not just our money but also other resources we have to benefit us, as well as others is not just a way of living a satisfying lifestyle. It’s also a way of thanking God and appreciating every little gift He gives us.

Thank God for the Every Day Miracles

2011-09-14T22:52:00.000-07:00

Every day is a miracle. And this one is, certainly. Every day of our lives, God has something special in stored for us, something to remind us that He is there, that His hands are always with us, guiding us all through the ups and downs, thicks and thins, summers, and winters, and rains and shines of our lives. God is with us—Emmanuel, this assurance from the Scriptures will always abide with us, whether we think God hides at the height of our troubles in life, or talks to us at the most silent moments of our lives.

And now that I celebrate my 23^rd birthday, I have felt God’s hands touching me in the heart. He has blessed me with so much the past 22 years and I know He will do the same, today, tomorrow, and for the rest of my life. My faith in Him is now stronger more than ever, because I know, I feel that even when I do not see Him, He is there, guiding me, seeing me through despite the toughest trials that come my way.

And today, I awaken with hope and resilience. Another year, another chapter. Another reason to love and to thank God. Another reason to get inspired and kicking. Another reason to wake up and say to myself that life is indeed worth living.

Happy Easter!

2011-04-23T17:14:00.000-07:00

randolph623.wordpress.com

Easter has come and the time to rejoice in the resurrection of Christ is more profound now than ever. After His suffering and death in the cross to redeem us from our sin, He has returned after the promise of rising from the dead three days after. May the death of Christ which redeemed us from sin and His resurrection be forevermore a reminder of God's great love for us, a love that lead Him to send his only begotten son not to punish or condemn us but to bring us forgiveness and enternal life. With this, let us ponder with this passage, "Just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in the newness of life" (Romans 6:4).

Everyday, God gives us the opportunity for a new life. We may have sinned yesterday, we may have committed something that offended the Lord. But through prayer and through Jesus Christ, our sins are forgiven and forgiven. God is not a human to behold grudge but a Father that forgives a child who repents and comes back to Him. The Holy Week has been a time of repentance and seeking God's forgiveness. The Easter meanwhile is a symbol that God has forgiven us all ready and His welcoming arms await us when we reach our home in heaven.

This Easter, be inspired by reading these books:

50 People Every Christian Should Know (2009)is written by Warren Wiersbe in his quest inspire others with noteworthy Christians whose life have been dedicated for the glory of God.

If you think the world is in your shoulder, Max Lucado's Give it All to Him (2004) will inspire you to trust God no matter what circumstance befalls you. Indeed, leave it all to Him!

If you aren't inspired to pray, Stormie Omartian's The Prayer That Changes Everything: Books of Prayers (2005) will help you get on your kneels and open up to God.

And if you think God is a distant entity that resides from a distance, think again. A.W. Tozer's The Pursuit of God (2005) will help you know God up close and personal.