Day to Day Miracles

The Surprise Visit

noreply@blogger.com (JLaine) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 18:01:00 +0000

We're so happy that our family from Malaysia came to visit us this week. It's actually a surprise visit that they've been planning for quite awhile. They liaised with my cousin in their coming here and just 'appeared' at the Center last Thursday. Hubby got a real shock to see them since we really didn't have any clue that they were coming. I came to know about the 'surprise' when they were already on their way to Thailand. And oh, my kids were screaming at the top of their lungs when they saw their little cousin entering the gate.

I thank God for family reunions..it's really great to spend time with our families especially since we're far away from home...

Water Problem Fixed

noreply@blogger.com (JLaine) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 17:49:00 +0000

Our water has been leaking for the past days. So, in order not to waste water, we had to always turn off the main port whenever we're not using it. This has been our 'routine' for a few days now and it hasn't been very convenient. A few times, we forgot to turn of the main port, and I felt a tug in my heart as I knew that water has been leaking for a couple of hours already. Tsk..what a waste..

But today, I'm thankful that it has already been fixed! The problem is not really from the main pipe or goulds pumps but quite a minor one. We're thankful for our brother in law too who came all the way from Malaysia to fix our water faucet (?).. err.. to visit us. :)

Replica Breitling Bentley-The Watch for the Wealthy

noreply@blogger.com (JLaine) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 08:52:00 +0000

Replica Breitling Bentley is one of the finest Swiss watches that Breitling has ever produce for her numerous fans all over the world.It doesn’t have to be true to be true when it comes to ladies watches What have these luxury replica watches got to do with men and ladies of fashion savvy?. When you discover the beauty of these watches, you would understand why the replica form Breitling and Bentley are making such news around the globe. When you see these watches, it is not in a flea market but where meeting of the most influential and powerful are held. Guess what? These replica watches are very affordable which means that the watches can be make use by anyone on earth.

For those people in people in developing country to be in possession of this means the watch can be used by anyone. There is no class, gender, religion or wealth difference when this watch is made use of. The good thing about the watch is that it is not in limited edition where one has o wait for a long time before he or she can get these watches. The models are many and can be browsed fully on line. Replica Breitling Bentley is one watch you need because of its uniqueness and luxury. Anyone who is making use of these watches can tell you one thing, life is beautiful.

For a vacation or honeymoon, Replica Breitling Bentley is going to make it excellent and more fun because you are not going to be late for any function. There is nothing as wonderful as having a watch that is cool and chic. When you are taking care of yourself, there are fashion accessories you might not be able to miss. These are replicas from Breitling and Bentley watches which are one of the best in the world.

The Free Trip

noreply@blogger.com (JLaine) — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 13:49:00 +0000

I just kept it touch with my friend whom I've met during the package trip that that I won 2 years ago. She actually joined a photo contest where she posted the photo she took during our trip to the north. When I saw the photo, all the memories of that trip came back to me. We went to many beautiful places up north ( Sukhothai, Chiang Mai and Lampang) in 6 days and really enjoyed our time. That was both our first time to travel far and be away from our families, though we really missed our Hubbies and kids that week, but it was a very good break for us. Our package trip was not like any motorcoach tours , but it was more of experiencing the culture and seeing the beauty of the place. Our group also consisted of different nationalities and it was nice to befriend them too. I can't remember how much that package trip was supposed to be worth our other companions paid the whole package, but since my friend and I were both winners, we didn't have to pay for anything.

Oh, I miss that time .. to experience that was really God's favor and miracle since I've never won anything in my life before!

Free Stuff

noreply@blogger.com (JLaine) — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 12:51:00 +0000

I love free stuff and I'm so happy that I was able to download a free phonics curriculum for my preschooler today. This curriculum is worth 38$ ! But thanks to my subscription in a site that alerts me whenever there's free homeschool materials! So, this is the beauty of the internet, we don't just get access to programs like accounting software but access to a lot of cheap and free stuff too!

My Daily Verse

noreply@blogger.com (JLaine) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:01:00 +0000

If you notice my sidebar, there's a space there for Daily Verse. I can't count how many times these verses on the side has blessed me and reminded me of a lot of things.

Just a few days ago, my meditation has been about humility and today as I read this verse (on the side bar),

“Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.”” Mark 9:35,

I'm reminded again on 'humility'. Yes, having this virtue is not very easy. There are just times that as humans, we want to express our 'rights' or show that we are worth more than how people treat us... but as Jesus has reminds us.. the humble will inherit the whole earth... and to be the first, we must be the last and servant of all. Amazing how God's principles are, very different from how we think ... but that's our God, a loving, humble and holy One!

The Almost 5 Year Old Laptop

noreply@blogger.com (JLaine) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 04:35:00 +0000

I thank God for the laptop that I'm using now. It's not our own laptop but has been bought for our use. You see, this laptop , if I'm not mistaken has already been with us for almost 5 years! Yes, this gadget has served us faithfully for 5 years and it's still surviving. With the ever changing technology, almost everything is disposable these days, but not this lappy. Though we had to change the hard drive for this once but the not so cheap motherboards is still good. Ok, I admit this lappy is a bit sick as the monitor is a bit loose and the power switch need a special 'touch' to turn it on, but all in all, this is still very usable!

Thank you Lord for this Acer laptop..:)

Daiso the 5 Ringgit Shop

noreply@blogger.com (JLaine) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 03:58:00 +0000

It was my first time to visit a Daiso shop in Malaysia last week. Boy, I got a shock as all the items (as in every item) is only 5 Malaysian Ringgit! Since I was not planning to buy anything, I decided to just go in to window shop. But I guess you know what happens when you see items for only 5RM, yes, you get to buy them! LOL!

But I just limited myself in buying a few things. Yes, I admitted getting more than is needed but at the end we had to take out the 'unnecessary' ones. Yes, that's my secret to staying in the budget. Sometimes, we tend to get things impulsively especially if we find the prices so low yet most of the time, we really don't need those things. Who needs spa covers if you don't have a spa, right? Or who would need a 5RM cute puppy dress if you don't have a puppy? Hehehe!

Anyways, next time we have to be more prepared if we go to a Daiso shop. It's really a great shop, but as a precaution you must to set an allotted budget first before entering the shop.

Someone Worth Dying For

noreply@blogger.com (JLaine) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 03:41:00 +0000

This is one of my newer favorite songs, Someone Worth Dying For by Mikeschair. This song is inspiring as it reminds us that we are someone worth dying for. Sometimes, insecurities, weaknesses or other negative thoughts may dwell in our hearts and minds. But we must always remember that God loves us so much and He sent Jesus to die for us in behalf of our sins to have LIfe and life eternal. As sinful as we are, but because of His love and grace, we are someone worth dying for...

Here are the lyrics for the song:

You might be the wife,
Waiting up at night
You might be the man,
Struggling to provide
Feeling like it's hopeless

Maybe you're the son,
Who chose a broken road
Maybe you're the girl,
Thinking you'll end up alone
Praying God can you hear me?
Oh God are you listening?

(Chorus)
Am I more than flesh and bone?
Am I really something beautiful?
Yeah, I wanna believe, I wanna believe that
I'm not just some wandering soul
That you don't see and you don't know
Yeah I wanna believe, Jesus help me believe that I
Am someone worth dying for

I know you've heard the truth that God has set you free
But you think you're the one that grace could never reach
So you just keep asking, what everybody's asking
Find More lyrics at www.sweetslyrics.com

Chorus

You're worth it, you can't earn it
Yeah the Cross has proven
That you're sacred and blameless
Your life has purpose

You are more than flesh and bone
Can't you see you're something beautiful
Yeah you gotta believe, you gotta believe
He wants you to see, He wants you to see
That you're not just some wandering soul
That can't be seen and can't be known
Yeah you gotta believe, you gotta believe that you
Are someone worth dying for

You're someone worth dying for
You're someone worth dying for

Saved At Sea

noreply@blogger.com (JLaine) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 18:24:00 +0000

I just picked up a book at my sister in law's house the other day, Saved At Sea by Rachel Hamilton. I was ready to put the book back on the table, but something in the synopsis caught my eye, the story was set at Boracay Island. This is a true story of a mother and a daughter who went to Boracay for a vacation but their holiday turned into a tragedy as the daughter was lost at the sea with her banca. This event was also the turning point for the daughter as this was the time she heard God spoke to her and saved her.

I never got to finish reading the entire book as we had to leave to Klang today, but I got the chance to look through the actual photos ( taken in the 80's) of the characters. She got found by some fishermen who thought she was a mermaid. From there, I don't know whether she got transfered by medical air evacuation or not. Anyways, maybe I can get a chance to finish that book once we go and visit my sister in law next time . :)

Almost Settled

noreply@blogger.com (JLaine) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 18:10:00 +0000

It has been more than a month since the flashflood in our city happened. I praise God my family is almost settled and they're soon to move to a more permanent place to stay. As of now, my mom and sister's family are still staying in our relatives' house while my other sister is staying in a friends' house. But soon, they will get settled and I thank God for His favor that is on them.

As for the other residents in the city, I also saw several photos from my friends' Facebook, that the other people affecter are also slowly rebuilding their houses though some are not yet thinking to put basement tiles or other finishing touches but at least they will have a roof over their heads and no longer have to stay at the evacuation center.

Oh, thinking about the state of my other fellow Cagay-anons really breaks my heart. It is really my fervent prayer that our city will be spared from another flood or tragedy like this.

Balulang Gift Giving 2011

noreply@blogger.com (JLaine) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 11:23:00 +0000

A few years ago, my late father has started a family tradition for Christmas and that was giving Christmas gifts to our less privileged neighbours. This has continued on for many years even after he passed away and the project was even adopted by our church.

But after the flashflood brought by Sendong ( typhoon Washi), we thought of not continuing this tradition for this year since our houses were completely washed away from the flood. My brother in law even told us one day when he was at the flood site and one of our children's neighbor asked him whether there will still be a gift giving this year. I guess, this is one awaited event in the neighbourhood every Christmas. But my brother in law sadly told him that maybe not this year since all the presents have already been destroyed by the flood.

We really thought that there won't be any gift giving this year, but God has provided the funds to us through another church. This time, the allotted budget was even so much bigger than our usual gift giving budget. The fund was so much that we were able to extend the blessing to the other families who were affected by the flood as well.

Praise God for blessing our neighbors and the rest of Balulang!

A surprise appearance from Sponge Bob for the kids

Our neighbors with their gifts

Our Pastor encouraging the flood victims

Falling in line to get their goodies. They needed to present their tickets and no need for gamestop coupons .

Registration

Snack time

Our House Before and After Sendong

noreply@blogger.com (JLaine) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 15:43:00 +0000

This is what our house looked like before the flash flood brought by Typhoon Sendong. This has been our home for 10 years since we moved here after my late father retired from work. So, he basically designed and built this house with his own hands. He made a treehouse for the kids, a swing and etc. Everyday, he used to work on something for the house.

( the river is on the right side)

Our house after the flood...

Only a portion of our toilet is left standing

Everything else is gone..

The place looked like a desert except for a few remnants and trees...

But in all things we give thanks to God! We especially thank God for keeping our family safe. We couldn't imagine what could have happened if they failed to evacuate the place. But God is good!! Though my mom and 2 sisters lost their houses and everything in it, but their faithm hope and love for God remains the same! This just proves that everything in this earth may soon pass but only 3 things remain, faith, hope and love...

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:`13

Photo credits: Bogie of Bogie's Wonderland

Sendong Flood: My Story

noreply@blogger.com (JLaine) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 08:33:00 +0000

This might be a late post but it's just now that I had the time to sit, recollect and write some of the things that my family has experienced during the Sendong flood at Caga

yan de Oro City.

On the afternoon of 16th of December, I was chatting with my Mom and we were talking about the things that we will be bringing back home. We were scheduled to fly

that Monday ( December 19) and we were all looking forward for it. She mentioned about the internet connection being a bit slow because of the strong winds and rain.

Normally, I worry when I hear about heavy downpour in our city ( Cagayan de Oro) as we reside near the river and we experienced being flooded in 2009 (posts here, here and here) . But my mom didn't mention about heavy rains so, didn't think much of anything. So, that night, our family went out again to do our last minute 'pasalubong' shopping and came back late

. But, when I saw my friends' FB status update about the Cagayan river overflowing and flooding Carmen and Macanhan,

I panicked. I immediately called my Hubby who was putting the kids to sleep and we prayed. And when I called my Mom's phone, my sister answered and she calmly told me that there's nothing to worry about, they're all safe because they're already on top of the roof of the church. They've actually evacuated from the house earlier and went to the church, thinking that the

y will be safe there. I just couldn't believe what my sister has just said, I could barely speak when I heard that and tears were already streaming from my eyes. I can't imagine my 7

2 year old mom, my sisters, my nieces and nephews on top of the roof. I was very worried and we prayed that the water would subside.

I didn't sleep that night and I was just praying and monitoring my friends' status

over Facebook. After a few hours, I called again and was more relieved to know that the water has subsided and they have already gone down from the roof. They were all wet and were just trying to figure out how place themselves in the muddy church. I thank God that the flood is over and my family's safe!

The next morning, after only about an hour of sleep, I immediately checked my Facebook and it was there that I learned ( from my brother in law) that my mom's and 2 sisters' houses were completely wiped out from the flood! I cried again but I just praised God that at least my family were safe. After experiencing the 2009 flood, we have experienced great loss

since our things were destroyed but at the end God restored all things. It is of the same faith that we have that God will restore even our house or give us a newer and safer place to live. But it's just the thought of going home without a 'house' that saddened me. Our hous

e also placed a great sentimental value to our family since this is the house my late father literally built, 10 years ago.

I only had 2 more days to go before going back home.. and it was at that time th

at the more I want to go back home to be with my family......

Our church where my mom, brother in law, sisters, nieces, nephews climbed the roof for safety.

( to be continued)

When is the Perfect Time to Buy Life Insurance?

noreply@blogger.com (JLaine) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 01:27:00 +0000

When is the Perfect Time to Buy Life Insurance?

The last thing on the mind of young people is life insurance. Young people know through the years that they will continue to age, but never actually grasp the concept that it’s really is going to happen to them. At least, not until they wake up one day with an aching body and wrinkled skin. Death is automatically associated with old age, but the reality is that anyone can die at any time.

Don’t Make Your Family Pay for Your Final Rites

When you reach adulthood, buy life insurance. It’s as simple as that. Most young single adults don’t think they need life insurance when no one is dependent on them for support. While that may be true, death is expensive. Who’s going to pay for your funeral expenses if you die tomorrow? Is it your aging parents, your siblings or are you planning to not have a funeral? You might save some money, but the law mandates specific guidelines to follow upon death.

Protect Your Dependents

Young married couples, with or without children, need life insurance. In most families, both spouses are required to work. Don’t get caught up in the outdated belief that only the husband needs life insurance. Death doesn’t recognize gender, so if a wife dies her husband's left with unpaid funeral expenses and financial adversity. Death is a catastrophic event, so don’t add monetary suffering to an already grieving family. It's your responsibility to protect your loved ones from financial hardships.

Life Insurance Never Gets Cheaper

Statistically, young people are low risk for life insurance companies. Although anyone can and do die, more elders die than any other sector of society. Insurance companies can pay claims on a percentage of young people and still make a hefty profit because they take in more in premiums than they pay out. Even children should have a life insurance policy. No one likes to think about the death of a child, but parents can provide life insurance for their children for just pennies a day.

Factors That Increase Life Insurance Costs

Several factors affect the cost of life insurance. Insurance companies consider age, health problems and life style along with statistical data. Generally, the younger you are the healthier you are, so term life insurance premiums will be cheaper than at any other time in your life. If you buy life insurance when you’re young, you can buy any type of insurance you prefer. Some permanent term policies lock the amount of the premium in for life.

The Risk of Waiting until Middle Age to Buy Life Insurance

If you think life insurance is unnecessary, educate yourself. When you compare rates at age twenty-five to rates at age forty-five, it’s clear why you need insurance when you’re young. Life insurance rates continue to rise with age. If you wait until you have health issues, most insurance companies will deny you coverage and you won’t be able to obtain insurance at all. If you do, the policy will probably have exclusions refusing payment if death results from an existing health condition.

Less Than 24 Hours

noreply@blogger.com (JLaine) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 07:05:00 +0000

We have less than 24 more hours here in our city and soon we will be off to Thailand once again. So many things have taken place before and during our stay here in Cagayan de oro that I don't even know where to start. We've been quite busy right after the time we set foot in the city that I don't even have time to reflect and post the events that has transpired. Maybe by the time I get back home, I can write on those things one by one.

But all in all, I'm so glad of this opportunity to be back home at this point of time when my family has experienced the flood. We've spent precious time together, talking, celebrating (Christmas and New Year) bonding together. And if we speak of celebration, there must always be food around right? Oh, I think I've eaten so much for the holidays that someone might even recommend arizona weight loss for me. :)

Anyways, since we only have less than 24 hours left here in our city, I have to log off now and enjoy the next few ours in my beloved Cagayan de oro city with my family.

God bless Cagayan de Oro, and we will keep you in our prayers!

Isaiah 43

noreply@blogger.com (JLaine) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 01:25:00 +0000

¹ But now, this is what the LORD says—
he who created you, Jacob,
he who formed you, Israel:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
² When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
³ For I am the LORD your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
I give Egypt for your ransom,
Cush^[a] and Seba in your stead.
⁴ Since you are precious and honored in my sight,
and because I love you,
I will give people in exchange for you,
nations in exchange for your life.
⁵ Do not be afraid, for I am with you;
I will bring your children from the east
and gather you from the west.

¹⁶ This is what the LORD says—
he who made a way through the sea,
a path through the mighty waters,
¹⁷ who drew out the chariots and horses,
the army and reinforcements together,
and they lay there, never to rise again,
extinguished, snuffed out like a wick:
¹⁸ “Forget the former things;
do not dwell on the past.
¹⁹ See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
and streams in the wasteland.

Four Eyes

noreply@blogger.com (JLaine) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 01:21:00 +0000

We were finally able to make a visit to the optometrist to have my daughter's eyes checked. It's confirmed that she's near sighted and would need to wear glasses at certain times. At first she was reluctant to wear glasses but after trying out a few pairs, she seemed excited for it. She chose a lavender and pink Barbie eyeglasses which fits her pretty well. The shape of the lens doesn't hide her eyes. Her beautiful big eyes and long eyelashes are still obvious even with the glasses. Yes, she won't need to read articles on , 'how to make your eyelashes grow ' anymore because she already has long eyelashes.

Anyways, as soon as my girl wore her glasses, she was so fascinated that she could clearly see all the signages from afar. It was only then she told me that, before she couldn't see the signages and letterings clearly because they looked blurred. Oh, poor thing.. it's good that we've decided to take her to the doctor.

Cagayan de Oro Flood 2011

noreply@blogger.com (JLaine) — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 05:40:00 +0000

Another flood has ravaged Cagayan de Oro City. This flood is even worse than the flood that we experienced last 2009. I'm just grateful to God that my family is now safe after having to climb up to roof of our church at about 1am to escape the rising water. The flood has now subsided but when my family inspected our house ( including my siblings' houses) which is situated near the river, they're no longer there as it has been swept away by the strong waters.

Please continue to pray for the thousands of people affected and displaced by the flood and the families of whom lost their loved ones...

The Good Kind of Clutter

noreply@blogger.com (JLaine) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 09:19:00 +0000

Our house is often cluttered with books, blocks, Beads and toys from our homeschool room to the living room. My kids often times clean up before they go to bed or before they do some quiet activity , but sometimes the 'sight' of an ongoing clutter just doesn't give me a 'positive' energy. :)

But then again, I just remind myself that it's a good sign to see books cluttered up because it means that the kids are really reading our books.. it's good to see the blocks not in their respective boxes because it means that they are using their creativity and imagination to build 'cities' and houses... it's good to see papers with drawings on the floor because it means that they are being artistic. And oh, not to mention our ream of a4 sized papers finishes easily because of heavy use.

So, sometimes, I thank God for clutter.. it just means that I have happy kids around me who are creative, artistic and hungry for knowledge.. :).. "But kids, please clean up afterwards.."

This is just for illustration purposes ( found from google), our rooms are not this cluttered, I think.. ;)

Baby Elephant at the Backyard

noreply@blogger.com (JLaine) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 09:10:00 +0000

Kids say the cutest things..

Hubby and the kids were on their regular evening rides on the motorbike the other day when they passed by our 'dream house' again. Everytime they pass by the house, the kids will start chattering about how they can finally have rabbits and they can run around freely in the yard. My li'l boy on the other hand was quiet on that particular afternoon and finally said, 'But the yard is too big, maybe we can also have a baby elephant for a pet!". Tricia and Hubby couldn't just help but burst in laughter with his wild imagination.

Christmas Wishlist

noreply@blogger.com (JLaine) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 19:46:00 +0000

It's a few more days to go before Christmas. Have you made your 'wishlist' yet? I know of a few friends who have started writing their wishlist like 2 months ago! :) For some, Christmas is the time they would wish for stuff like golf garmin or a new netbook.

As for me, I don't have any 'stuff' on my wishlist yet, I'm just glad that we will be going back home. I guess what one can see on my wish list will not be so much on things but people to meet, places to go and of course food to eat while we're back home. :)

Interesting Facts on Travel

noreply@blogger.com (JLaine) — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 05:40:00 +0000

I came across this infographic and spent an interesting time looking at the information it gives. How fortunate for the Finnish, to have the most vacation time in a year. How privileged for the Germans who travels most during the holidays. And I was entertained looking at the statistics on the number of cups of coffee and number of eggs consumed daily.

See this infographic below for yourself and learn a thing or two.

Earn an Online Hospitality Management Degree if you have an interest in working in travel

Statistics and Graphs

noreply@blogger.com (JLaine) — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 05:32:00 +0000

I enjoy looking at graphs and statistics. These illustrations somehow give me an overall picture of a certain fact or information. And from there, I give my own 'conclusions' based on the statistics.

Just take a look at this graph Education by Country,for example, see if you can draw out your own ideas or conclusions just by looking at it.

Education Statistics from http://collegecreditsonline.org

The New Superbook

noreply@blogger.com (JLaine) — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 04:03:00 +0000

I'm a Superbook fan. I could remember watching this cartoons every afternoon when I was still in my primary school. You see, back in my primary years, I only go to school in the mornings and I have all the time to sleep, do my homework and watch cartoons in the afternoons. :)

Anyways, I'm so happy that they are coming up with this new Superbook series. I guess it's just about time that they update this cartoons and keep up with the technology. You see, even if the Superbook episodes were great back in my time,but it will obviously look outdated now compared with all the 3D animations and stuff.

I just can't wait for the release of the new Superbook DVDs. As you can see in the youtube trailer above, the new animation looks superb! This is surely nice to watch in a big flat screen TV with 3 channel sound bar . But our TV or even our computer will be okay too.