Inspirational Insights

Conflicts Refine Our Character

2012-01-29T15:21:00.003+08:00

Do you agree that conflicts refine your character?

Most conflicts provide an opportunity to grow to be more like Jesus. God’s highest purpose for you is not to make you comfortable, wealthy, or happy. He plans to conform you to the likeness of His Son! Conflict is one of the many tools that God will use to help you develop a more Christ-like character. To begin with, he may use conflict to remind you of your weaknesses and to encourage to depend more on him. The more you rely on his grace, wisdom, and power, the more you will be imitating the Lord Jesus.

God may use conflict to expose sinful attitudes and habits in your life. Conflict is especially effective in breaking down appearances and revealing stubborn pride, a bitter, and unforgiving heart, or a critical tongue. When you are squeezed through controversy and these sinful characteristics are brought to the surface, you will have an opportunity to recognize their existence and ask for God’s help in overcoming them.

There is more to being like Jesus than simply recognizing weaknesses and confessing sin, however to grow, you must also draw on his grace and practice new attitudes and habits. Just as athletes develop their muscles and skills through strenuous training, you will see greater growth when you repeatedly think and behave properly in response to challenging circumstances. For example, when people provoke and frustrate you, practice love and forgiveness. When they fail to act promptly, develop patience. When you are tempted to give up on someone, exercise faithfulness. Conflict provides a rich mixture of such trials, each of which can strengthen and refine your character.

God uses conflict to stretch and challenge you in carefully tailored ways. This process is sometimes referred to as the “ABC of spiritual growth”: Adversity Builds Character. As you worry less about going through conflict and focus more on growing through conflict, you will enhance that process and experience the incomparable blessing of being conformed to the likeness of Christ.

Source: Sande, Ken: The Peacemaker: A Biblical guide to resolving personal conflict (Grand Rapids, Michigan USA, Baker publishing group), 36-37

Then Sings My Soul Saturdays - Thank You

2012-01-21T16:27:00.002+08:00

Here is a song by The Katinas entitled "Thank You".

Thank you Lord for everything. Thank you for who you are in my life. Thank you for the overflowing blessings! Thank you!

Then Sings My Soul Saturday - I Lift My Hands

2012-01-06T22:59:00.002+08:00

Here is another Chris Tomlin song I just recently heard. I Lift My Hands.

It is great to know that God hears every cry of our heart and that He is bigger than any of our heartaches. Let us give our all to him and lift our lives in surrender to the One who loves us more than we can imagine. He is a great God!

Project: Thankful in 2012

2012-01-06T22:54:00.003+08:00

Today, I am thankful that our car was already taken to the car service center. We were assured by the service center that they will replace all the parts damaged in our car. Hopefully, our car will be fixed in 2 weeks.

I can truly see God's provision and protection upon our family. Thank you Lord!

Project: Thankful in 2012

2012-01-03T23:55:00.004+08:00

This year, I am embarking on a year long project of being thankful to God for at least one thing every day for one whole year. I believe this would make 2012 a blessed year and a fruitful one too! Not to mention, giving God the credit for everything.

I am starting off with thanksgiving because I won Global Art's one semester classes for my daughter. This is truly special and I look forward to be able to bring my daughter to their center so she can start taking art classes.

Are you thankful for anything today? Share your post with me!

You're Here With Me

2011-12-28T23:53:00.001+08:00

A song from my heart. Lord, You're all I want, You're all I need!

Then Sings My Soul Saturday - No One Else Knows

2011-12-09T20:39:00.001+08:00

Here is a great song I recently heard. Whenever you feel like no one else understands what you are going through, remember that the love of the Lord is real.

Then Sings My Soul Saturday - Remember

2011-11-13T12:15:00.002+08:00

When we are faced with trials, let us remember Jesus Christ who endured everything for us.

WFW - John 5:30

2011-11-08T23:35:00.003+08:00

If Jesus Himself came to please the Father who sent Him,
how much more should we do everything to please our Father in Heaven?

(Image Source)

Check out Internet Cafe Devotions for more WFW!

WFW - Mark 5:19

2011-10-18T22:58:00.004+08:00

Do you agree with me in saying that one of the most difficult things to do is share our faith with our family? Somehow, they don't always believe in what we say. maybe because they see how we really live at home and it takes longer time for them to see the change in us!
May this verse today remind us to go back to our homes and share our faith with those precious people in our families.

Check out Internet Cafe Devotions for more WFW!

The Gospel According to Jesus Review

2011-10-12T21:31:00.004+08:00

This book has been with me for a year now and it took me so many months to finish reading it for the simple fact that this book contains rich truths and thought provoking statements. Chris Seay challenges what you think you already know about "righteousness" and the "gospel". He continues to give a clear picture of man's fall because of sin and how man has been justified through Christ. Aside from the theological truths, one will also see practical tips on how to live out one's faith. This is a good book to read for new Christians and old Christians alike. The truths you will learn from this book can lead you to better understand your faith in God.

WFW - Matthew 10:22

2011-10-11T17:15:00.003+08:00

(source)

There are days that life will seem to be filled with trials and heartaches, but we should remember, that Jesus is with us. He is faithful and He shall see us through the end.

Let us stand firm to the end!

Check out Internet Cafe Devotions for more WFW!

Then Sings My Soul Saturday - God of Wonders

2011-10-09T15:11:00.002+08:00

God is great! Sometimes, when life's trials and challenges seem TOO BIG for us, let us remember how great our God is. All of life's trials are just temporary and they shall pass. But our God will always be there for us!

This is by Third Day, one of my favorite bands....

WFW - Malachi 3:7

2011-10-05T00:06:00.002+08:00

( source)

Throughout reading the later part of the Old Testament, I have learned that God has sent out so many warnings to the Israelites! Yet, they didn't turn to God and they had to learn the hard way.

Sometimes, we are like the Israelites too. All the warnings are in His word yet people fail to realize what they are doing is wrong and contrary to His commands. I pray that it will not be too late for us to heed His word and return to the Lord!

Check out Internet Cafe Devotions for more WFW!

IT Thoughts

2011-10-04T23:36:00.002+08:00

I have not been doing web programming for the past 10 years now. I probably have forgotten most of my programming actually. Though it was my college major, I didn't really love programming, whether for the web or programming systems.

But since I started blogging 3 years ago, my IT background was put into good use once again. Though I admit I am not a very artsy person so I didn't pursue blog theme development. I remember HTML but that's it. I enjoy using plugins instead of hard coding widgets into my blogs. I am thankful to see that there are several plugins available like jquery slider which provides Wordpress plugins which I can use for my blogs. . I like the very neat way that the images move, just like a slide show! It is very visually appealing! It can definitely make your blog more attractive. Aside from displaying your posts, you can also explain a process more visually!

I definitely am hoping for some blog theme update soon and I do plan to incorporate this widget to my sites!

WFW - Habakkuk 3: 19

2011-09-27T17:07:00.003+08:00

(image source)

To better appreciate this verse... let us read the verses that come before.

Even though the fig trees have no blossoms,
and there are no grapes on the vines;
even though the olive crop fails,
and the fields lie empty and barren;
even though the flocks die in the fields,
and the cattle barns are empty,
¹⁸ yet I will rejoice in the Lord!
I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!
¹⁹ The Sovereign Lord is my strength!
He makes me as surefooted as a deer,^[e]
able to tread upon the heights.

I am truly thankful that God is my anchor. No matter how I feel, how things turn out in my life, everything is anchored in God. I know that I can be joyful in my salvation. I find joy, strength and calm in my God!

Check out Internet Cafe Devotions for more WFW!

Then Sings My Soul Saturday - Saving Grace

2011-09-24T15:09:00.003+08:00

I don't deserve His love yet He saved me. How can I not follow and love you Lord? You are my one desire, my only Truth.

A Review of Solo Flight

2011-09-22T14:47:00.003+08:00

Being married for many years, I have always wondered what is it like to be single all these years. Now that I have a copy of Solo Flight Embracing the Single Life and Discovering God's Purpose by Grace D. Chong and Francie Castaneda-Lacanilao, I read it at once to gain some insight.

I found the book to be very interesting...in fact, it didn't take me 2 hours to read through the whole book. I thought that I was going to read about how to wait for God's perfect mate or what to do while waiting but I was mistaken. Instead, the first part was actually the life story of Ms. Francie. The book narrated her journey through life until God gave her the life long partner she had been waiting for. It was very inspiring and encouraging to know her story.

The second part features different stories of different women who have embraced singleness in their life. The stories give you a reflection of what goes on in the heart of these women who have accepted their singlehood and others who still hold on and wait for their mate. Reading the stories gave me a new perspective about singleness and appreciate the plans God has for each one of us.

The last part of the book is about danger signs single women should watch out for. God has a different plan for each person, what really matters is whether we live our life in obedience and in praise of Him.

WFW - Psalm 119:133

2011-09-20T22:32:00.003+08:00

(image source)

When you are faced with decisions, don't forget to ask for wisdom from the Lord. He shall direct your footsteps... and He shall not bring you to shame.

Dear Lord,

Direct my footsteps every step of the way. Let no sin rule over my life. I know you are watching over me.

Check out Internet Cafe Devotions for more WFW!

Tips to Earn More

2011-09-19T22:00:00.004+08:00

If I ask you, do you want to learn how to make more money? I am pretty sure that you would answer me "yes". Everyone wants to learn the art of making money. As a stay at home mom, I know I need to earn extra for some expenses we have at home. I am so glad that I have been given the chance to earn while writing some articles. I started with technical articles in 2008 and moved on to blogging and writing parenting articles. Of course, I only earn minimally though this avenue but still I am really grateful.

I read in this website that there are top 3 ways to earn more money and it includes freelancing, productizing and getting a higher salary. It is not easy to venture into them if you are not aware what each entails. It is important to know where you would fit and how each would fit into your lifestyle. There are pros and cons you need to be aware of. If you want to start a business, it would be wise to know if you need to use automation or not. Most of the start up businesses do not use automation because it can incur unnecessary expenses, besides you are not sure if the business will be needing automation at once.

So just like in any other venture, you need to be aware and willing to take risks to know which is the best one for you.

Inspirational Blog Award

2011-09-19T00:00:00.000+08:00

Thanks to JONA for this award!

Q & A

1. What makes you laugh, smile or giggle?

- wonderful memories of family and friends

2. What are your dreams for your future?

- to travel the world and learn new languages

3. If you were to go on a cruise, where would it be and why?

- Europe, very interesting culture.

4. How would you like to spend your vacation and with whom?

- With my family.

5. If given a chance, what life would you choose? Your life now or your past?

- Can I choose both? :)

6. Is there something that you wished for when you were young but you did not get it?

- yes, lots of them.

7. Have you been in a situation where you might have given up but still you chose to move on?

- yes, many times. i remember not being accepted in my desired university, i was depressed but God gave me opportunity to study in a good university as well. i moved on.

8. Is there someone in your life who has been your source of strength and inspiration?

- Yes, my God has been my source of inspiration and strength.

Friendship Quotes

2011-09-17T22:41:00.002+08:00

A real friend is someone who would feel loss if you jumped on a train, or in front of one. ~Author Unknown

True friendship comes when silence between two people is comfortable. ~Dave Tyson Gentry

You can always tell a real friend: when you've made a fool of yourself he doesn't feel you've done a permanent job. ~Laurence J. Peter

Friends are those rare people who ask how you are and then wait for the answer. ~Author Unknown

A friend is the one who comes in when the whole world has gone out. ~Grace Pulpit

One doesn't know, till one is a bit at odds with the world, how much one's friends who believe in one rather generously, mean to one. ~D.H. Lawrence

Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art.... It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things that give value to survival. ~C.S. Lewis

Constant use will not wear ragged the fabric of friendship. ~Dorothy Parker

The best kind of friend is the one you could sit on a porch with, never saying a word, and walk away feeling like that was the best conversation you've had. ~Author Unknown

The language of friendship is not words but meanings. ~Henry David Thoreau

A true friend is one who thinks you are a good egg even if you are half-cracked. ~Author Unknown

Venture Capital Firms

2011-09-17T21:40:00.003+08:00

If you wanted to start your own high potential high risk company, you might need to read about venture capital firms. Venture capital firms looks for companies usually in the IT or biotechnology fields. Most of the time, they are looking for innovative technology, company with potential for rapid growth, a well-developed business model, and an impressive management team behind the start up company. The firm invests with the hope that as the company rises, the firm will have more control over company decisions.

It could be difficult to approach venture capital firms if you don't know much about entrepreneurship. It is rather interesting that as I read Both Sides of the Table website, you can see greater insight about venture capital and entrepreneurship. I liked the article on start up advice. It definitely gave me tips on how to go about starting up a business.

I am not an entrepreneur, even if they say Chinese are good in business, I don't think that gene was passed on to me! But it is always good to learn more about business and how it works.

Then Sings My Soul Saturday - Because You Loved Me

2011-09-17T15:34:00.001+08:00

4 Hour Work Week?

2011-09-13T21:45:00.002+08:00

I have not heard of Tim Ferriss before but as I checked out his website, I realized that he is the author of 4-Hour Workweek book. I was wondering what the 4- Hour Workweek was all about and I saw that it was all about changing your lifestyle. If you have been used to a life doing the usual work routine and you have always dreamed to work on minimal time with maximum output so that you can do things that you enjoy, this book would be of interest to you.

When I was still working in an office many years ago, I was actively involved in church ministry work and also very active socially. I had many travel plans but was always restricted with my 5 day work and desk job. I tried to start my own business with some friends but it didn't work out so we had to close it down. I tried to study about cashflow management because I want my money to work for me. It would be great to be able to invest money on the Philippine stock market and make money work.

I guess the lesson we need to learn from this book and this author is that we should maximize the hours in our day. Life is not just about work but living a life worth waking up to every day.