Saturday, October 31, 2009

Blessing 139 - Liquid Sky

This is just a beautiful prelude to what will take place at this Liquid Sky Estate. JD and Thea held their wedding rehearsal here today. Praise God for such a beautiful day. We expect the same tomorrow! The wedding will literally be held above the clouds! What you see here is the fog trying to burn off. It was an awesome sight! Can't wait till tomorrow when the two will become one!

Bautista Wedding
3pm
Closer to Heaven...

Friday, October 30, 2009

Blessing 138 - Do It Yourself Costume Party

Audrey Hepburn

Wilma Flinstone

Tabernacle Dudes

Jelly Fish, Ms. Swan, and Madonna

Gum Ball Machine, Air Freshener, Jeopardy Contestant

Mr. Cowboy, Ghost Buster, and Superman!

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Blessing 137 - Mushrooms ... A Reason to Smile

I paused to smile upon noticing these chubby mushrooms
growing underneath a bush.

God knew how to brighten up my morning as I reluctantly walked Monta outside. Still feeling under the weather, I felt a little better after seeing the mushrooms and knew I had to come back to take a snapshot of them. I love mushrooms!

During mild and warm weather, they often appear 7 to 10 days after a good rain. It may seem that mushrooms sprout overnight, but it actually takes days and weeks for one to develop. Most of the growth goes unnoticed because it occurs underground.

Although one's spiritual growth may seem stagnant or barely unnoticeable, know that God is at work "underground". It may take a "good rain" before you notice any changes within yourself or in another. Patience is a gift of love you can give to yourself and a friend. Soon enough, you will see those "mushrooms". Don't be surprise when a smile creeps up on your face! You won't be able to hide it =).

Philippians 2:13
For it is God who works in you
to will and to act according to his good purpose.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Blessing 136 - Mr. Regino D. Pagmanua



Happy Birthday, Mr. 45 Years Young!!!
This song is for you...

Hon,

I would like to praise God for you at this time. The number of years that I have shared with you has surpassed the number of years that I have spent alone. What a marvelous blessing to have such wonderful memories with you. You are my favorite blessing. I love you! Happy Birthday! This song is for you! ... Lan


Dad,

Happy Birthday, Dad! Thanks for everything that you have done for me. You're the best and loving DAD in the world! I love you! ... Ash


Daddy,

Happy Birthday! Thank you for being a really fun DAD! Thank you for taking me golfing, for shooting basketballs with me, and for reading bible stories with me every night. I love you! ... Niko


Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Blessing 135 - When God Stretched Me

I had no idea what a long and tiring day I would have on this Tuesday. God had plans to stretch me ... and did He! It started off with a sunken heart when I noticed Monta's wrists were injured. So my story begins...

Monta. At 8:30 am, I noticed Monta wobbling as he walked. I later noticed his wrists were super red and appeared to be very painful. He had accomplished climbing out of his fenced area in our garage several times this weekend. I believe that's where he injured his wrists. When you're a mom, in this case Monta's mom, you know when there is something terribly wrong with your baby. I made an appointment with his vet.

Niko. At 10:00 am, I dropped him off at his history class in Benicia and as usual, we were late.

Monta. I went back home to bring Monta to the vet. He had an appointment at 11:20 which was a blessing. They saw him immediately and tended to his wounds. He is now under medication - antibiotics, pain killers, and ointment for his wrists. He had to wear a collar so that he wouldn't lick his wounds. My heart broke into a million pieces.

Niko. I picked him up from his class around 1:00 pm. Praise God his teacher was willing to keep him longer than usual. But he was extremely hungry! I made him and myself a turkey sandwich.

Ashley. She had an orthodontist appoint at 2:30 which I totally forgot! I rushed out to get her from school and zoomed to her appointment. With Monta in the car, we waited till she was done. It was the only time I got to breathe. But the rest didn't last too long and soon enough, we were driving back home so I can go to my next appointment that day.

Thea. I met up with Thea and Iris around 4:00 in Benicia Starbucks to go over her wedding day ceremony. By this time, I was running on empty! I prayed for God to give me joy and strength at that moment. J.D. offered to buy me my first cup of coffee that day. I willing said, "Sure!" We had a blessed time talking about their wedding.

High School Girls Bible Study. I soon had to review my lessons for the bible study this evening. I stayed at Starbucks until it was time to go. Dragging my feet, I managed to gather enough strength to drive to Glen Cove at around 6:30. To my disappointment, not one high school girl was able to make it. But I had all four of my leaders there =). We had a blessed time sharing from our hearts over chicken and rice! We ended up having a planning meeting and a moment to reflect at how we were blessed by God. Laughter and tears filled the air. The tears, as you might have guessed, came from me. I was spent.

10:00 pm. I came home with a SORE THROAT. SICK.

So God's plan was to stretch me today to the fullest. I will still praise Him for He is my joy in the midst of weakness. Asking for your prayers...

Have a GOD night.


Monday, October 26, 2009

Blessing 135 - Anne and Levi

Their Invitation...

Her Bouquet...

His Treasured Gift...

CONGRATULATIONS ANNE AND LEVI
on your beautiful life together!

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Blessing 134 - A Wedding in Vegas

I was privileged enough to be asked to take pictures of a friend's wedding in Las Vegas. I see this as God's way of opening up a window so that He may be able to use me to share His love to those who desperately need it. So... I leave early this morning at 5am to check in, but won't fly out until 7am. Please pray for me as I try to capture what God sees through my lenses. Pray that I may be given the opportunity to be a light. See you again on Monday ... God Bless!

IF GOD IS WITH ME ... I CANNOT FAIL!
I shall miss you.

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Blessing 133 - Praise and Worship Night!

It's not just a night...
...but a Lifestyle!
OUR GOD IS AN AWESOME GOD
HE REIGNS FROM HEAVEN ABOVE
WITH WISDOM, POWER, AND MIGHT
OUR GOD IS AN AWESOME GOD!!!

Friday, October 23, 2009

Blessing 132 - A Brown Paper Bag

Inside this brown paper bag...

...was a cute little
RED VELVET BUNDT CAKE!

Christine surprised me with this thoughtful treat tonight!
It was a sweet way to top off the evening!
Thanks you, Chris, for thinking of me!

I praise God for sweet friends
who make my life twice as nice!

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Blessing 131 - My Lens Filter

Without the filter...

With the filter!

I thank God for my new filters for my 50mm lens! I have several ones that would give certain tints to pictures and also some that will magnify the objects being taken. I find them truly amazing! Filtering out the UV rays that I don't need are so helpful. The Holy Spirit, in the same way, filters out those harmful things in our lives if we let Him. When we do, He creates a beautiful picture within our hearts to be shown outwardly in our actions as we relate to one another. Praise God for this purification within our lives in Christ!

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Blessing 130 - Beef Steak

I had some leftover BEEF STEAK for lunch today!
It was so delicious over warm rice!
Praise God for leftovers!
Mmm...!

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

BLESSING 129 - Spider Web

(Taken by My MacBook)

What WEB has you captured today?

I can find so many reasons to worry about things that hasn't even happened yet. I can choose to feel sad over past hurts and missed relationships. I can fear over the unknowns. I can be overwhelmed by my own inadequacies and decided not to progress. I can choose to be in sin and give into temptation. I can stay a victim of this "worry web" that I can easily spin. I can't get tangled in the world's web. I must believe that God has already provided the victory to overcome the world. It is my FAITH.

"By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world - our faith." - 1 John 5:2-4

Monday, October 19, 2009

Blessing 128 - Burn Away

Holy Fire
Burn away my desire
Or anything
That is not of You
And is of me
I want more of You
And less of me...
(Jeremy Camp)

Lord, EMPTY ME today. I am your vessel and I need to be emptied from all sin. Empty me so there will be room for your Holy Spirit to work.

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Blessing 127 - My Passport

I really praise God for my new portable hard drive for my Mac!
On the box it reads:

MY PASSPORT
Put your life on it.

Because of all the pictures that I download every single day, they really slowed down the performance of my laptop. Now I can save all those important memories on My Passport and have my Mac back to its original fast performance. I just love how it states that I can put my life on it! In reality, it is exactly what I am doing everyday...posting pictures of blessings of my life. Back to work again! My God always provides a way to accomplish His will!

GOD IS GOOD!
I BET MY LIFE ON IT!
Put your life on it!

Saturday, October 17, 2009

Blessing 126 - Aubrie Calica

(Heart Rock found today in Sausalito)

When I least expect it, "love" seems to find me. I had so many wonderful blessings today, but an unexpected email was sent to me by Aubrie which absolutely moved me to the point of joyful tears! Her encouragement won today's Blessing 126! This Heart Rock's for you AUBERS!

From Aubrie:
THANK YOU!! thanks for making the blessings 365,after going through this bad week. I went on your website just to put a smile on my face with pics. To my suprise,I FOUND SO MUCH MORE.Each beautiful picture and story you put on there GOD was telling me He loves me! God is an amazing god. He gives you the best of suprises when you need it. I kept trusting in him this week and He never let me down. My p.e. grade dropped to a C+ then I kept doing my best and trusting him. By today my grade that is put on my report card is a B with all A's. PRAISE GOD! He also gave me this week a wake up call in my faith through little things like how my friend was talking about religion to me and said that she is cathlioc or how my class was talking about how ''there isnt a god''. Yet i am so sad to say I didnt do anything to tell them about the gospel. But hopefully while Im still there friend I'll get to tell themm about the TRUTH. Anyways, at the end of friday I looke at your blog and found all the blessings that god gives you throughout the day. It just reminded me that GOD is good. He helps us through little and BIG things everyday though we have little to give Him. And the dumb thing is us humans take it for granted,WE HAVE NO RIGHT TO DO THAT. And I felt touched by what He has done for you, I cant wait to see whats store for me when I trust and obey. I also thank GOD for giving me afriend like you and your family. YOU GUYS ARE THE BEST! Thanks for being in a part of my life Auntie Lan. I cant thank you enough. Have a great day love you!
Sincerely,
AUBERS =)

Blessing 125 - Andrew and Rochelle


Andrew and Rochelle

What a beautiful experience to have shared this day with the two newlyweds! It was a lovely blessing to assist Allen on their photo shoot in the Japanese Tea Garden. Seeing Andrew and Rochelle enjoy this day makes you want to fall in love all over again!

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Blessing 124 - Clouds

The solo picture taken today were these clouds. I promise you that it wasn't intentional, but I did notice a familiar shape of mine on the bottom center of this image. It only came to view at this very moment. Can you find the "heart" cloud?

God's message to me today was: "Even in the clouds, you will find My Everlasting Love. The sun continues to shine even when you cannot see it. Have Faith."

"Without faith, it is impossible to please God."
Hebrews 11:6

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Blessing 123 - Heart Cupcake Pans

What did I find right in front of my door this afternoon?
HEART CUPCAKE PANS!

Kris Roxas, who is in Iraq, surprised me today with this package of love! (A belated birthday gift!) I praise God for friends who take time to think of me even when they are miles away! I think our thoughtfulness can shorten the distance between friends who are absent from sight. Well, I suppose it's time to use that Kitchen-Aid mixer again and bake some LOVECAKES!

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Blessing 122 - Morning Rain


Rain boots in Puddles...
on my morning walk with Monta.
Raindrops on Roses...
God's gentle kisses.


Walking my dog this morning in the rain was something I was not prepared for. I agonized over the fact that we were going to be drenched by the rain. Then God reminded me that I had rain boots who were dying to finally get wet! To our surprise, the morning walk in the rain became such a refreshing time! No longer did I dread the wet chore, but it actually became a much needed time with God and my faithful four-legged friend.

Then, as if God wanted to reward me for my obedience, He allowed me to capture the "raindrops upon the roses". He knew exactly how to captivate my heart.

So, this is how my morning began. Thank you for peeking into morning window. May you have a meaningful time in the rain as I did. There is always something to praise God for even in the midst of the rain...

Joel 2:23

Be glad, rejoice in the LORD your God, for he has given you the autumn rains in righteousness. He sends you abundant showers, both autumn and spring rains, as before.

Monday, October 12, 2009

Blessing 121 - SPORTS MINDED

Falcons 45, 49ers 10

Raiders at Giants
Giants 44, Raiders 7

WORST EVER!

-The 49ers and Raiders combined to lose by 72 points Sunday
- The two had not before combined to lose by that many points

After crushing Rams and 35, S.F. is crushed by Atlanta by 35. Not a good weekend for the Bay Area teams. I'm praying that our teams will do better next time! Still a Faithful!

ON THE BRIGHTER SIDE...


AMERICANS WIN the PRESIDENT CUP 2009 right here in our own backyard...Harding Park. This golf course is just blocks away from my University (SFSU). The U.S. team was led by Tiger Woods, 5-0 on the week.

I BET YOU GUYS NEVER KNEW THAT I WAS SPORTS -MINDED! It's all new to me, but I just praise God that I am surrounded by husband, kids, and friends who love these favorite past times. I think we should all start getting FIT ourselves before all the yummy treats from the holidays arrive! I think I will start my morning walks again ... well, it's a start so hush! (Wink!)

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Blessing 120 - Comfort Food

Back by popular demand... Peppermint Ice Cream is Finally Here! It has been a family favorite since last year and a comforting indulgence during this time of the year. I remember back in High School when we use to hang out after church at our friend's house to watch the the Niners play football, we would always have our bowls of Peppermint Ice Cream!

It came at a perfect time just when I needed a little cheering up. I didn't know that God would send a hug in a form of Ice Cream =). I believe it has healing powers. Haha... it actually healed my busted lip that Monta gave me after running into my mouth on Thanksgiving Day! I wonder what it will heal this time? A broken heart? ... illness? ... a caged spirit? Whatever it may be, may we find some comfort knowing that God is the only healer and He alone satisfies our emptiness.

Psalms 37:4
Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.


Saturday, October 10, 2009

Blessing 119 - Maleah and Tim

Maleah celebrated her 1st birthday in the cutest little turtle costume! If they can only stay little just a tad bit longer and slow their roll like a green turtle. But little girls turn into beautiful ladies and little boys turn into handsome men...

Timothy also celebrated his birthday today! Time goes by so fast and before you know it, that little boy who used to sit quietly in church is now a worship leader and a cool rapper. (Haha...Big Smile!) Thank you, Tim (Bitty-Bitty), for being such an awesome example of one who loves to serve the Lord!
Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.


Friday, October 9, 2009

Blessing 118 - Pre-Ordered Sunset


Elyssa: "Ate Lan, Can you please take a picture of the sunset today? The only thing I will see today will be the outside of my window."

Me: "Okay, I will. Just promise me that you will rest today."

So I kept my promise. I think I needed to see the sunset just as much as Elyssa needed some sunshine today. My heart has been so heavy today that it made it almost impossible to move. I tried everything to possibly lighten my load, but nothing worked. Sometimes the my greatest enemy is myself. So I asked for prayer ... sang worship songs in my car ... waited for the sunset ... and finally read God's word. I do feel lighter.

Col. 3:16
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Blessing 117 - Crushed Cupcakes

I praise God for the protection that He gave Elyssa and Mariko today. For you see, they were involved in a car accident in Napa. Elyssa wanted to spend some quality time with Mariko so they decided to go Kara's Cupcakes. On their way home, they got into an accident. Praise God they were safe! Some bruises and pains will accompany them for a while, but I think the Rav 4 is closed to being totaled. A car can be replaced, but not precious lives. So when I went out to see them in Napa, she handed me this pink box with tears from her eyes. I just hugged her.

When I opened it, it was on its side, crushed, and bruised ... just like the girls. =( The cupcake also got affected by the big impact. It just depicted how the girls felt inside and out and how smashed the truck looked. But it still tasted delicious! As horrible as this incident must of been for them, there is always something to still praise God for. LIFE! Life can still be delicious even when the bitter times happen to us.

The cost of discipleship may someday cost us our lives. But today, bruises, sore muscles, and crushed cupcakes will be their crown of glory.

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Blessing 116 - Three Loves of My Life!

Red Velvet Cupcake
I praise God for the joy and time He gave me to make cupcakes today! It took me nearly 2 hours to make 16 red velvets! Praise God for my Kitchen Aid mixer ... It actually lessened the prep time for both batter and frosting ... believe it or not! Great cupcakes take time. I'm working on it! Well, I hope they tasted as good as they looked. Bon Apetit!

Pumpkin Bread
My Sister-In-Law, Ate Reena, baked me one of my favorites - "PUMPKIN BREAD"! With a pleasant sweetness and light crunch on the outside, but a moist and flavorful texture on the inside, it tastes like Autumn with every bite! It was her sweet way of greeting me Happy Birthday! What a delicious Fall treat to have with a nice cup of coffee! I feel so loved =)!

Michael Buble'
Ashley and Niko surprised me with my favorite guy's new CD... CRAZY LOVE - by Michael Buble'! It's been a while since his last CD, so this one is long overdue! I love his easy listening style. He adds pizzaz and more romance to old love songs ... I love that!

No better way to start my Fall October than to have these three blessings close to my heart ... well at least while the cupcakes and pumpkin bread lasts. But I shall have my Buble still =). He isn't going anywhere anytime soon!

TODAY SURE MADE UP FOR YESTERDAY.
(ask me later)

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Blessing 115 - Gas Prices $3.17

(Taken By My MAC...haha!)

This morning I had to pump gas into my car. I didn't realize that the price of gas is on the rise again. $3.17 for one gallon. Oh, My! But we need fuel to get from one place to another. I know that I have been running on empty spiritually all weekend. I have been so busy celebrating, serving, attending meetings, cleaning, schooling, shopping ... you know ... LIFE STUFF! I have been a "Martha" rather than a "Mary".

I know that God truly missed for the devotions He had for me was entitled "Are You Distracted?" I realized how much I missed Him and how distracted I was in my busyness. Just like the price of fuel is getting so expensive but it's a necessity ... so much more is the fuel of our spiritual lives that is PRICELESS!

I need to get from one place to another ...
from good with God to better with God!
GOD'S WORD... SUPREME GAS!

Martha was distracted with much serving. —Luke 10:40

Monday, October 5, 2009

Blessing 114 - My Friend

Gloria "Kalei" Guevara

My friend, my accountability sister, my coffee/tea buddy, my baby-sitter, my part-time cook, my co-teacher, my shoulder to cry on...
MY BLESSING!

Happy Birthday,
My Friend!

Love you forever!

Sunday, October 4, 2009

Blessing 113 - Reality Check!

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2.

Totally oblivious to what was happening in the Philippines at that moment, just because it was my birthday last Friday, I was enjoying a peaceful walk in Sausalito. Browsing through the window shops, admiring the beautiful art galleries, and taking pictures of almost everything, I was pretty content within my own pretty world. NOTHING WRONG WITH THAT, right?

Mesmerized by the breath-taking view of the bay, I praise God for such a treat to be able to take in such beauty! NOTHING WRONG WITH THAT, right?

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3.
PhotoPhotoPhoto

Typhoons in the Philippines were happening, devastating everything that were in their paths! Destruction, lost lives, fear, hopelessness, a faint strand of survival...all in a matter of seconds!

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4.
Today, during our church services, a video clip showed us the terrible devastations occurring in our country. Tears flowed from my eyes like the floods in the Philippines. I sat there in shame and disgrace of myself. Why? I was oblivious to all the pain that was happening half way around the world. While I was enjoying a peaceful walk by a beautiful city by the bay, cries of help were deaf to my ears. I felt that the money I spent on my birthday could have been used to help those who were suffering. Well, that moment of grief and shame did not last long. What did I do right after church? I went shopping at the outlets and bought myself a fall sweater. =( Conviction suffocates my heart as I am typing this blog.

I do praise God for blessing me with such a wonderful birthday. He has given me a beautiful life. But I cannot just simply accept this gift of beauty without sharing it with others who need it more. What am I going to do with that fall sweater? Return it for I really don't need it. (A very small sacrifice on my part - very small.) I write this blog not to convict you (that's the Holy Spirit's job), but to be content with what you already have in order to better help those in need.

We can begin by praying...I can begin by praying. I cannot get those visions of calamity out of my head! I need to do much soul searching and ask God what He would want me to give up so that I can truly touch those in need. Faith Bible Church of Vallejo is now taking donations to aid our people. If you are unable to help, please PRAY for the victims. They need food, water, shelter, hope, ... CHRIST.

My blessing today was being humbled by God. I needed to see destruction so that I may gain true direction in how I need to live my life.