Liza's Eyeview

The "Mom Song"

lizamaui@yahoo.com (Liza's Eyeview) — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 15:56:00 +0000

My Redeemer Lives!

lizamaui@yahoo.com (Liza's Eyeview) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 06:53:00 +0000

Who taught the sun where to stand in the morning?
And who told the ocean you can only come this far?
And who showed the moon where to hide till evening?
Whose words alone can catch a falling star?

Chorus:
Well I know my Redeemer lives
I know my Redeemer lives
All of creation testifies
This life within me cries
I know my Redeemer lives

Ye-e-eah
The very same God
That spins things in orbit
Runs to the weary, the worn and the weak
And the same gentle hands that hold me when I'm broken
They conquered death to bring me victory

Now I know, my Redeemer lives
I know my Redeemer lives
Let all creation testify
Let this life within me cry
I-I-I know
My Redeemer

He lives
To take away my shame
And He lives
Forever I'll proclaim
That the payment for my sins
Was the precious life He gave
And now He's alive and
There's an empty
Grave!

And I know
My Redeemer lives
He lives
I know
My Redeemer lives
Let all creation testify
Let this life within me cry
I-I-I know my Redeemer

I know
My Redeemer lives
*I know my Redeemer lives*

*I know, That I know, that I know, that I know, that I know
He lives
*my redeemer lives*
*Because He lives I can face tomorrow
He lives
*I know, I know*
He lives
*I spoke with Him this morning!*
He lives
*The tomb is empty*
He lives
*He Lives! I'm going to tell everybody!!*

Be Refreshed ...

lizamaui@yahoo.com (Liza's Eyeview) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 16:50:00 +0000

Still crazy busy but would like to share this proverbs with you. Read it this morning:

He who refreshes others,

will himself be refreshed"

- Proverbs 11:25

Musings Of A Maui Working Mama

lizamaui@yahoo.com (Liza's Eyeview) — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 07:52:00 +0000

I love my A MAUI BLOG because I get to talk about Maui a lot in there. But Liza's Eyeview has a special place in my heart because this is where many of my personal reflections are. This post is gonna be a ramble, no organization or direction - just free writing to reflect, as well as to update my family and friends.

Back in my college days, one of my best friends, Susan, gave me the nickname "hectic". I guess it's because it seems like I am always hectic. The very same nickname applies to me today. There's just too many things to do with so little time!

When my husband came back from his missions trip in the Philippines, a news about his work surprised us. On his first day back to work, his boss told him that he's no longer the man for the position he's been doing for 3 years. "whaaaaaat?" I will not go into details. Please pray that I won't be resentful with that boss ....

Prior to this "work change", I had told my "blog partner" Chris that I am thinking of flipping my "A Maui Blog" because there's just too much to do with my 2 kids and I want to spend more time with them. As soon as I said that, I started receiving e-mail and phone call from some major marketing and promotion firms on Maui, and I started having many clients. I am now making some money with this hobby and passion of mine. And because the work change with my hubby dear also meant pay cut, the little extra income coming from the bloggy work are very useful.

And so with my usual 25 hour a week work, plus the extra hours of tutoring new bloggers how to blog, etc., plus all the mothering and wifering duties I have to fulfill, life is hectic!

OK, I am falling asleep while typing this. Maybe I'd continue tomorrow ... and for now I' sleep.

TO BE CONTINUED ....

MTC Chicks at Hana Relay 2009

lizamaui@yahoo.com (Liza's Eyeview) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 04:21:00 +0000

The official result of the Hana Relay Race is now published at the Valley Isle Runner website. We came in at 103 out of 127 groups. Considering that this is a mixed race - some are all men, some are all women and some are mixed; MTC Chicks did well. Now, truth be known, I am the one who slowed down our team. Knock out 30 minutes from our time and that's the time MTC chicks should have finished the race, had they had another team member with the same caliber as they are. I am not telling this to beat myself up, nor to just blame myself for slowing down the team. I am sharing this to highlight the fact that MTC Chicks Team is rad! My teammates were great - very supportive and fun. I am sharing this to highlight the character that our masters and parents at the Maui Taekwondo Center have. All of us did our best on this relay; all of us had fun; we are a TEAM. And despite my weakness, my teammates said nothing but words of encouragement and praise. I got several e-mails from them after the race, saying how they enjoyed the group and that WE should all do it again next year. I love this team (Betty, Mei, Veronica, Jen, Jamila and Krystene). This reinforces one of the many reasons why my son has been going to Maui Taekwondo Center for about 5 years now. The instructors and parents there "walk the talk". They excel in what they do but they are humble about it and they support and mentor those who do not yet have the same abilities they have. This is such a supportive group. And talking about support, Mr. Donald drove all the way to Hana to see us finish the race! And Christine P. was there to cheer us too!

I hope you all enjoyed the slide show above. More photos from the race posted at www.amauiblog.com

P.S. I just saw that my brother wrote a post on his blog about this race. My brother Joseph is such a "big brother" so supportive and loving, isn't he? :)

PSALM 23

lizamaui@yahoo.com (Liza's Eyeview) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 15:51:00 +0000

The LORD is my shepherd;
I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:
he leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul:
he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.

Yea, though I walk through
the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil: for thou art with me;
thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me
in the presence of mine enemies:
thou anointest my head with oil;
my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life: and
I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever

That's What Friends Are For

lizamaui@yahoo.com (Liza's Eyeview) — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 07:41:00 +0000

I heard this on the radio the other day and I had been singing it since then :)

And I never thought I'd feel this way
And as far as I'm concerned
I'm glad I got the chance to say
That I do believe I love you

And if I should ever go away
Well then close your eyes and try
To feel the way we do today
And then if you can remember ...

Keep smiling, keep shining
Knowing you can always count on me, for sure
That's what friends are for
For good times and bad times
I'll be on your side forever more
That's what friends are for

Well you came and opened me
And now there's so much more I see
And so by the way I thank you

And then for the times when we're apart
Well then close your eyes and know
These words are coming from my heart
And then if you can remember ...

Keep smiling, keep shining
Knowing you can always count on me, for sure
That's what friends are for
In good times and bad times
I'll be on your side forever more
That's what friends are for

Keep smiling, keep shining
Knowing you can always count on me, for sure
That's what friends are for
For good times and bad times
I'll be on your side forever more
That's what friends are for

Keep smiling, keep shining
Knowing you can always count on me, for sure
That's what friends are for
For good times and bad times
I'll be on your side forever more
That's what friends are for
(*Thats what friends are for*)

Shepherd of My Soul

lizamaui@yahoo.com (Liza's Eyeview) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 07:16:00 +0000

1994. That was the year I moved to Maui. It's been 15 years ...

Bradley just returned from his missions trip. This was his 6th mission trip to the Philippines ... We met on his 2nd, got married on his 3rd.

It's been 15 years since I said "good bye" to my life in the Philippines as I knew it. It's been 15 years since I last saw some of my closest friends...

While Bradley was on the Philippines, I spent a lot of time reflecting on my life here on Maui. It's been an adventure. It is almost like a roller coaster ride, but not quite. Maybe it's one of those "caterpillar" rides - the one where it spins around fast, but never really go too high or too low, just a steady up and down, round and round.

When I think about my life on Maui, one thing that gives me an anchor is a song that the Lord gave me 15 years ago, right before I left the Philippines . It's a simple song of trust and total surrender. It was a song I sang everyday then, and a song I am singing lately everyday now... here it is if you want to listen:

Well... I guess I will just have to tighten my seatbelt and enjoy the "caterpillar" ride. The up moments are in the horizon but for now I will enjoy the company of my God :)

Mission to The Philippines - Bradley is going ...

lizamaui@yahoo.com (Liza's Eyeview) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 17:29:00 +0000

The following is a copy of the letter my husband sent out today to our family and friends. I thought I should post it here too. I will be covering their mission so stay tuned ...

I am writing you to request your prayers during my two week outreach to the Philippines. I will be part of a five person team from Hope Chapel that will be working with Derek and Jenn Van Ryckeghem, with Hope For The Island. I will be leaving Maui on (date withheld by me – it’s for security purposes, it’s sometime in August).

Hope For The Island is an established ministry in the southern part of the Philippines, in Burgos on Siargao Island. They have a children’s ministry, youth ministry, discipleship training, livelihood training, medical mission clinic, a preschool, and a mercy ministry. Google “Hope For The Island” and check out their website.

This will be my eighth trip to the Philippines and my second to Hope For The Island. Last fall I was part of a team that focused on the youth. We conducted a sports camp, movie nights, art outreach, surfing outreach, surfer Bible study, Sunday Bible teaching for kids, and assisted with the ongoing ministries. This year we have a 5 member team that will be focusing on a sustainable agriculture project, an art school, and teaching the Bible.

During the last outreach we saw the need for a strong Biblical foundation among the people of Burgos. They love the Lord but did not have a strong foundation in the Word. I discussed this with Derek and decided to bring Hope Chapel’s School of the Bible curriculum down and to teach the first few classes. It is a comprehensive seven section, 52 week lecture course designed to give a strong biblical foundation to a person’s faith. I will bring down the teachers notes and sets of the student handouts for the staff. My goal is to share with them so that they can share with others. Where I stop teaching Derek or Jenn can easily continue – or the staff will be able to use the MP3 audio files that are included. I will also be helping on the on-going ministries and the other team ministries; art, agriculture, building, and just hanging out with the kids.

I would greatly appreciate your prayers from now until we return. Specifically that God will be preparing the hearts of those we’ll be meeting, for eyes to see the people as He does, and for me to walk in His strength and not my own. I know that at this time finance support may not be possible - but if you are able; please send any support to Hope Chapel.

To follow along during the outreach please go to my wife’s blog… she has promised to spend most of the time while I’m away on line (ha, ha…)

Bradley

I will be providing some links on this letter and will be adding a lot of photos after work today. Please come visit often and support this Philippines Mission. I will be back...

At The Crack Of Dawn

lizamaui@yahoo.com (Liza's Eyeview) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 15:02:00 +0000

Early in the morning,

At the crack of dawn

You and I Lord

Just You and I ...

Laying down sorrows

Wiping some tears

Putting away anxieties

Casting out fears ...

You and I Lord

Just you and I ...

Cherishing moments of silence

Listening with the heart

Acquiring wisdom from above

You are my soul's delight

You and I Lord

Just you and I ...

Bursting with joy, not happiness

and peace that passeth understanding

Confidence comes from knowing

who You are

You and I Lord

Just You and I

by Liza

Liza's Eyeview

Prayer Cures Anxiety and Stress

lizamaui@yahoo.com (Liza's Eyeview) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 15:19:00 +0000

Stress and anxiety often stems out from: 1) doing something that we are not supposed to be doing or 2) not doing something that we ought to be doing.

When others look at my life from the outside, I am doing very well. When I look at my life in terms of counting my blessings, I am doing marvelously well. But deep inside, there a longing for perfection. Deep inside there's something that I feel I ought to be doing but not doing, or not doing well. And that's when my stress and anxiety comes in.

I was at a loss on how to handle such stress. It's not good to ignore it for at some point it comes out like a monster and I find myself snapping at my husband or kids.

It's crazy how we Christians worry too much when there's a source of power and comfort that is readily available to us ..... if only we ask .. and ask accordingly to His will.

I decided that since I was at a loss, and I really do not have the power to change my situation at this time - that I would depend on God's power to do it for me. I am worried about my kids? hey - God holds their future! What I need to do is to do the best I can (even though in my standard I feel like I am not doing the best), and let God do the rest.

This weekend I bought myself a book. It's called "The Complete Works of E. M. Bounds on Prayer". I have always been a fan of E. M. Bounds books on prayer. I owned several of them, although I do not have those books anymore because I tend to share it with people who i know can benefit from reading it.

I now have this book next to my bed and read it before I sleep. It inspires me to trust, to have faith, to be persistent in prayer, to hold on to the promises of God, to pursue righteousness, to simply let go and let God. It motivates me to cultivate a prayer life deeper than a "give me" kind of prayer, and yet it allows me to express my desire through prayer without any guilt that I am being selfish or demanding.

I hope to share with you some of the nuggets I find here. However, I recommend that you get yourself a copy of this book. Let's revolutionize our Christian walk with the power of prayer. Let's do it now.

***

I have not participated in Works For Me Wednesday for a while. I think this is a good post to go back in. For more Works For Me Wednesday, visit it's new home at We Are That Family.

Happy Fathers Day 2009

lizamaui@yahoo.com (Liza's Eyeview) — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 15:33:00 +0000

To Bradley, my Hubby,

you are a wonderful dad to our kids and

I am very proud of you.

We love you.

Happy Father's Day!

*****

G and Daddy doing Taekwondo together ...

*******

N and Daddy hanging out together ...

a sweet note from the daughter ...

Happy Father's Day!

What's Up Liza's Eyeview ?!

lizamaui@yahoo.com (Liza's Eyeview) — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 02:00:00 +0000

What??? You are running the Hana Run?

Are you going crazy?

Have you lost your mind?

Tell me you're joking ...

God Authored My Life

lizamaui@yahoo.com (Liza's Eyeview) — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 16:55:00 +0000

I had a wonderful birthday celebration yesterday. It was a very nice celebration which causes me to stress out thinking how I can write a post about it that would really show what a great day it was, how blessed I am, how I appreciate all my family and friends who remembered my birthday, how I love my life, how I am thankful to God. I do not want to miss any detail.

There are so much to post, so many photos to upload, many people to thank. And this is one of those times when I get overwhelmed and just don't do anything at all. But I really don't want another day to pass without doing a birthday post.

I turned to the devotional book my friend Cassie K gave me last Christmas. It's one of the best devotional book ever put together. It's by Max Lucado titled "Grace For The Moment". Oh, every page pours out grace indeed!

I read the June 12 devotion - it's perfect for my birthday! I decided that instead of stressing out trying to come up with a perfect post about my birthday celebration yesterday, I will just share this wonderful devotion with you. Here goes:

GOD AUTHORED YOUR LIFE

My frame was not hidden from you

when I was made in the secret place.

When I was woven together in the depth of the earth.

Psalm 139:15 NIV

David emphasizes the pronoun "you" as if to say "you, God, and you alone". The "secret place" suggests a hidden and safe place, concealed from intruders and evil. Just as an artist takes a canvas into a locked studio, so God took you into his hidden chamber where you were "woven together". Moses used the same work to describe the needlework of the temple's inner curtains - stitched together by skillful hands for the highest purpose (see Exod. 26:1, 36:8; 38:9). The Master Weaver selected your temperament threads, your character nature, the yarn of your personality - all before you were born. God did not drop you into the world utterly defenseless and empty-handed. You arrived fully equipped ...

What motivated you, what exhausts you ... God authored - and authors - it all.

Last Day of School Today! Hello Summer Vacation!

lizamaui@yahoo.com (Liza's Eyeview) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 16:59:00 +0000

I really don't have time to post but I wanted to say that (what I said on my title). I will be back for more summer fun adventures - but for now I need to get ready for work or I would be late (again).

God Of This City by Chris Tomlin (also by Kris Allen)

lizamaui@yahoo.com (Liza's Eyeview) — Wed, 27 May 2009 05:48:00 +0000

Kris Allen sang this song too. CLICK HERE.

[Verse 1]
You're the God of this City
You're the King of these people
You're the Lord of this nation
You are

[Verse 2]
You're the Light in this darkness
You're the Hope to the hopeless
You're the Peace to the restless
You are

There is no one like our God
There is no one like our God

[Chorus]
For greater things have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done in this City
Greater thing have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done in this City

[Verse 1]

[Verse 2]

There is no one like our God
There is no one like our God

[Chorus]
For greater things have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done in this City
Greater things have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done here

There is no one like our god
There is no one like our God

[Chorus]
Greater things have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done in this City
Greater things have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done here

N Danced Ballet at the 2009 MAPA Spring Extravaganza

lizamaui@yahoo.com (Liza's Eyeview) — Tue, 26 May 2009 15:45:00 +0000

G Danced Hip Hop At The MAPA's 2009 Spring Extravanganza

lizamaui@yahoo.com (Liza's Eyeview) — Sun, 24 May 2009 07:48:00 +0000

We just got home from the Spring Extravaganza and I want to share some of G's photos. Their group did well. The whole show was spectacular!

It was so much fun!

Tomorrow, we will be watching N dance ballet..

These shots did not come out as clear as I would want it to be, but I am still submitting this as my Weekly Winner Photos, because my son is a winner to me :) Visit Sarcastic Mom Blog for more winners.

The Problem With Worry

lizamaui@yahoo.com (Liza's Eyeview) — Sat, 23 May 2009 15:19:00 +0000

Sunday Scribbling's prompt this week is "worry". Questions were asked to help us come up with a creative scribbling, but I feel the urge to reply uncreatively, at least for a start. Here goes:

Are you a worrier? YES!

Know one? Aside from me? My Dad

Is there a particular worry that you can't shake? A lot

Ways of coping with worrying? Prayer and Meditation on God's sovereignty and goodness

It's interesting that this prompt came up this week, just as worry's ugly head kept on intruding my thoughts this past couple of weeks.

I am a worrier. I told you that already. There are a lot of things I worry about. If I try to scribble all about my worries, I would wind up writing a book instead of a scribbling.

Worry is unhealthy. It strips us of a lot of things, like joy, sleep, physical health and even friends. Did I say friends? I did. And let me zero in on that because that's one demon I am dealing with right now. Worrying about friends and friendship. Not a good thing.

Lately I am finding myself avoiding a lot of church friends. I am noticing it on myself more and more. After Sunday services, all I want to do is go home. I didn't want to stay in the courtyard where we are supposed to be "fellowshipping" with one another. No, the word fellowship is not enjoyable to me, it actually worries me.

My husband once said that he thinks the reason why I blog a lot and spend so much time in the internet is because I am lonely. I vehemently opposed him. I told him he was wrong. And yet, right now as I am typing this I am thinking there must be some truth to that observation. I think I am a bit lonely. I think I am feeling displaced.

One big problem is that I avoid people who I think do not like me, and people who I think is bored with me and do not enjoy my company. This is a dangerous thing because I base it all on my perception on whether a person likes me or not. I also based it on my intuition. It is very subjective. This is really not a good thing. And maybe that is why I am scribbling about it - to let it out of my chest. To release it and not let that seed of insecurity grow.

I am feeling displaced and disconnected and a lot of it is my fault. I worry about friendships but worrying about it will not do me any good.

Sing, Sing, Sing And Make Music In the Heavens by Chris Tomlin (video and lyrics)

lizamaui@yahoo.com (Liza's Eyeview) — Sat, 16 May 2009 05:17:00 +0000

Thinking of Kit and Joey, jammin' in heaven right now :)

We will sing, sing, sing
And make music with the heavens
We will sing, sing, sing
Grateful that You hear us
When we shout your praise
Lift high the name of Jesus

What's not to love about You?
Heaven and earth adore You
Kings and kingdoms bow down
Son of God, You are the One
You are the One we're living for

You are the love that frees us
You are the light that leads us
Like a fire burning
Son of God, You are the one
You are the one we're living for

Oh I think These Guys Are Singing About Me

lizamaui@yahoo.com (Liza's Eyeview) — Sat, 16 May 2009 04:59:00 +0000

I know ... I need to hire a Password Guy ... I posted this previously but I feel the need to re-post. This social networking is taking over my life - LOL! Just kidding. Not taking over my life yet. And I still am enjoying it. :)

Mothers Day Brunch at The Kaanapali Beach Hotel - It Was A Wonderful Day!

lizamaui@yahoo.com (Liza's Eyeview) — Fri, 15 May 2009 07:28:00 +0000

Miles To Go Before I Sleep

lizamaui@yahoo.com (Liza's Eyeview) — Thu, 14 May 2009 08:39:00 +0000

Actually .... that may not be true (the miles to go before I sleep). I am pretty sleepy right now. I was going to do a Thankful Thursday post but I decided to just tweet at Twitter. Now I am sleepy...

Happy Mothers Day!

lizamaui@yahoo.com (Liza's Eyeview) — Sun, 10 May 2009 15:45:00 +0000

In case you are wondering what am I up to, check my post at A Maui Blog. Aloha!

I Need Thee Every Hour

lizamaui@yahoo.com (Liza's Eyeview) — Tue, 05 May 2009 15:52:00 +0000

I need Thee every hour, most gracious Lord;
No tender voice like Thine can peace afford.

Refrain

I need Thee, O I need Thee;
Every hour I need Thee;
O bless me now, my Savior,
I come to Thee.

I need Thee every hour, stay Thou nearby;
Temptations lose their power when Thou art nigh.

Refrain

I need Thee every hour, in joy or pain;
Come quickly and abide, or life is in vain.

Refrain

I need Thee every hour; teach me Thy will;
And Thy rich promises in me fulfill.

Refrain

I need Thee every hour, most Holy One;
O make me Thine indeed, Thou blessèd Son.

Refrain