Respect yourself

"Respect yourself enough to walk away from anyone or anything that no longer serves you, grows you, or makes you happy."

Model Iya

Iya, you're 8 months today.

You're on the couch right now and you're seriously watching America's Next Top Model season 19. :)

Do you like to be a model someday, sweetheart?

Happy mommy :)

Hi Kids!

I am extremely grateful to God for your inquisitiveness. :) I wish I could just show both of you my memories of you tinkering with stuff, memories that will be forever etched in my mind.

Chikalang versus Palitaw

Chikalang is a quick-cook, heavy merienda from your lolo teng's hometown (zamboanga).

Add water to glutinous rice and mix until you get a claylike consistency. Form thin, pretzel-like knots, coat with sugar then deep fry. You need to make them thin so the inside will get cooked and soft, while the outside is crisp but not burnt.

Finished product :)

I like this with lots of sugar coating, well you know how much I love sweets. :)

This is like palitaw from the tagalogs, since they both use glutinous rice. The similarities end there. Palitaw is made into round mini-patties. It is cooked in boiling water, and you add the sugar coating (sometimes with desiccated coconut) after removing it from the water. It is soft all the way through. It is called palitaw because when you put the glutinous rice+water mini-patties into the water, it will sink. But as it cooks, it expands and rises to the surface of the water. "Lumilitaw", as the say in tagalog.

Photo courtesy of www.foodpick.me

I prefer chikalang. Which do you prefer? Any variants to these two treats that you can think of? Whip something up for your dad okay?

See you in the kitchen! :)

You can read about other kitchen adventures here.

Pancakes! :)

I'm making pancakes today. Hope i still get to make this for you when you grow older. :)

It has been said that we're in the age of technology and there is no reason for anyone to be naive anymore. Google has fast become my best friend, especially now that I'm trying my hands at cooking.

So there I was, following the instructions on the Maya Pancake Mix to the letter, when I just thought, what the heck, let's google "secret to fluffy pancakes". And there I found a lot of people swearing to -- beaten egg whites!!!! :)

I tried adding one beaten egg white to the batter and tada! Fluffy pancakes! I hope you get to taste them someday.

I love coffee as much as I love pancakes so I decided to add some powdered coffee to my 2nd batter and hope this works well too. Crossing my fingers! :)

What concoctions have you tried in the kitchen? Can't wait to cook with you. Love you both so much! :)

Proverbs 19:20 NIV

"Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise."

Because being wise is to seek advice. ;)

Let's talk: Trust and obedience

Are we living our lives in complete trust and total obedience to God? Why do you say so?

On Age and Friendship

"Don't limit yourself to people of your own age. Some of the warmest friendships recorded in the Bible were between people with considerable age differences, such as Ruth and Naomi, David and Jonathan, and Timothy and Paul."

Philippians 4:13 NIV

I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Let's talk: Injustice

What do you do when you see injustice?

Dream BIG

Every PRO was once an AMATEUR,

every EXPERT was once a BEGINNER,

so dream BIG and start NOW.

Solo Dios basta

Nada te turbe, nada te espante... Solo Dios basta. (Let nothing disturb you. Let nothing frighten you.... God alone is enough.) – St. Teresa of Avila

something to ponder on

How can God bless you with your heart's desires if you doubt Him in the first place?

Focus on Your Reward (by Bo Sanchez)

Perhaps you can identify with this story.

I heard about this man whose eldest son was not doing well in school.  As a father, he really didn't know what to do anymore.  Because his son was overstaying in college, some of his teachers were now younger than him.  And the security guards thought he was already a Professor…

But one day, the father had this desperate idea.  One evening, he called his son for a face-to-face chat.  He said, "Give me a college diploma and I'll give you a brand new car.  I'm not asking you to get high grades.  All I ask you is that you graduate.  That's all."  The father wasn't a rich man.  So this was an act of utter desperation.

         But wonder of wonders, it worked.  Almost overnight, the son changed.  The impossible happened: He started opening his school books for the first time in his life.  And the act of opening his books made him want to throw up.  And when he actually read his books, he would experience real physical pain—like someone was hammering his head.  But he stuck to it.  Why?  The idea of driving his own brand new car was enough motivation for him. 

And one day, the impossible happened: he finally graduated.

My point?  Rewards are powerful.

The story doesn't end very happily though. The father never really had the money to buy a brand new car. After graduation, the father brought the son home and gave him the keys to his old car—which was already 13 years old. As expected, the son was disappointed and asked, "But Dad, you told me you were going to give me a brand new car…"  The father said, "When I bought it, it was brand new.  But since it took you 13-years to finish college, I'm giving you a 13-year old car." 

        I believe Rewards are powerful.  Focusing on the prize made this guy forget the pain. But unlike his father, when God promises a reward, no doubt about it, you'll receive it.

Rewards Are More Powerful Than Punishments

God wants you to think of your rewards.

It's not selfish to do so.  In fact, God mentioned it many times in the Bible.  So He wants us to think about them.

Why?   Because He knows that thinking about your Rewards is powerful. 

Do you want to win in life?  I repeat: Don't focus on the pain; Focus on the prize.

As a kid, I hated taking a bath. 

Don't ask me why.  My eldest son went through that phase too some years ago.  So there must be a male gene that hates taking a bath.

My mother's solution?  Punish me if I didn't take a bath.  If I didn't take a bath, I didn't get to watch TV.  Which was the most horrific torture beyond imagination for a small kid. (I screamed, "No Voltes V?  No Charlie's Angels?  No Hawaii 5-0?  Can anyone just kill me?")

So to comply, I took a shower daily.  But believe me, they were as short as humanly possible.  Thirty seconds was too long.  In other words, I barely got damp.  It was a miracle if I got slightly moist.  Perhaps 7 drops of water on my body was enough for me.  I usually took a bath during a commercial break while watching Voltes V.  So right after my shower (uh, "sprinkle" is a better word), I'd run out of the bathroom with a towel around my waist—not wanting to miss the gripping part when the 5 spaceships volt in into one gigantic robot—even if it's actually the exact same thing I've watched in hundreds of other episodes.

         But one day, everything changed in my life. 

How?  When I had a big crush on my classmate Mercedez. 

All of a sudden, I took a real interest in taking a shower.  My mother never noticed, but my sisters wondered why I was in the bathroom for an incredibly long time—fifteen minutes!  They wanted to use the bathroom, but I was still inside rubbing my armpit, making sure I wouldn't stink when I got near cute Cedz that day.

         In life, there are really only two overarching, umbrella motivations in life: Punishment and Reward.  Not watching TV was my punishment.  Making Cedz like me was my reward.  Guess which was more effective?

         I believe prizes are more powerful than punishments.  Because love is more powerful than fear.

         Fear and punishment are useful for those who aren't mature.  But when a person has a mature sense of self, fear and punishment won't be as powerful as rewards.

         May your dreams come true,

         Bo Sanchez

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Sweethearts, I hope Dad and I shower you with love and rewards instead of fear and punishment. Love you both so much!

Claim this! Psalm 23:6 NIV

Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Defend the weak

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.    Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy. (Proverbs 31:8, 9 NIV)

Proverbs 31:10-30 NIV -- For Iya

A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants. She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all." Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.


I hope someday you'd get to be like this, sweetheart. Love you!

WHAT THE BLIND SEES

Two blind men followed [Jesus]. – Matthew 9:27

In college, I volunteered to teach a blind class in a school for special children. The students there were some of the happiest people I have ever met. As soon as I entered the classroom, a student would greet me, "Long time no see, Ma'am!" And another would say, "Gumaganda po tayo, ah" (You're getting prettier). Being blind didn't stop them from being happy. Instead, it gave them a better appreciation of themselves and even indulged in humor.

Having been around blind people, today's Gospel left me with some questions. How can it be physically possible for two blind men to follow Jesus? How could they find their way? Did Jesus have a special scent that allowed them to track Him? Maybe they had a guide. Or ropes tied to their waists that were latched on to Jesus. Or, just maybe, their blindness allowed them to ignore the distractions of physical beauty and gave them the chance to clearly see Jesus' healing power.

And there they found true joy. Pepper Bruce (pepper.bruce@gmail.com)

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Fame & Courage

Kids, 

Remember that fulfillment comes not from fame, but in knowing God and being known by Him. Because courage does not pertain to the absence of fear, but by doing what is right regardless of the cost.

Stand up for what is right, do not be discouraged!

I love you both!

Manliness

"Being male is a matter of birth, being a man is a matter of choice."

Sin and guilt

"Sin is the ultimate cause of that nagging sense that something is not right" - Rica Peralejo-Bonifacio

"But you make a great mistake if you think you can do wrong and no one will know about it. God sees and hears everything, and when He notices someone trying to hide what they have done, He stirs up the little watchman we all have inside us - a little watchman who sleeps until we do something wrong. Then he wakes up, and he has a little goad to prick us with, and he does not gives us a moment's peace after that, but goes on pricking us and telling us in a nagging little voice, 'Someone has found out. Now you'll get into trouble.' " -Heidi, by Johanna Spyri

P.S. to the last post -- What are your standards in life?

Did I mention that the ultimate standard is according to the word of God? :)

Here is what the Bible says from Psalm 119:9-11 NIV --

"How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word.    I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands.    I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you."

What are your standards in life?

Sweethearts, don't forget that the way you live life is based on the standards you've set for yourself.

For example, your standard for academic grades is 75. If you get a 75, you're satisfied, right? You won't strive harder since 75 is enough for you.

Imagine an archer. If he points his arrow straight to the bull's eye, he won't hit his mark, but somewhere lower due to the trajectory of the arrow. Similarly, if you aim for mediocracy, you will get mediocracy or even less than that. But if you aim for greatness, what is the worst that can happen? You get the bull's eye -- just right. Right?

So, what are your standards for life? For studies? For your work? For relationships? For finances? For character? Let's talk it over a cup of coffee shall we? :)

I love you, both. :)

Step Out of Your Comfort Zone

Sharing this piece from Bo Sanchez. Love you sweethearts! :)

 

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Be Abnormal!

Step out of your boat.

One day, the disciples were in a boat, tossed by stormy waves. And all of a sudden, they saw Jesus walking on the water. They thought they were seeing a ghost. But Jesus said to them, "Don't be afraid. It is I."

That was when Peter said, "Lord, if it's you, tell me to come to you on the water."  

Jesus said, "Come". And the Bible says, then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. (Matthew 14:28-29)

I love that scene: Peter stepping out of the boat.

       There are people I know who put one foot on the water but leave their other foot on the boat. And for the rest of their lives, they seesaw between the boat and the water.

What's wrong with that? 

They're not committed.

Committed People Step Into The Storm

Are you in a boat too? Are you in your safe zone? Jesus is asking you to get out of your boat.  Author Robin Sharma said your safe zone is the most dangerous zone, because nothing happens in the safe zone. Nothing happens in the boat.

You've got to learn to step into the storm. You've got to leave the certainty of your boat to step into the uncertainty of the storm. 

Problem: We get attached to familiarity.

For example, I've met women who are trapped in bad relationships. They know they're boyfriend is a Jerk, irresponsible and selfish. They know their boyfriend doesn't really love them but is simply using them. They know God is calling them out of their boat. I tell them, "Unless you get out of your bad relationship, you won't find a good relationship."

People ask me all the time, "Bo, please help me. Why do I feel that nothing is happening in my life? Why am I not moving forward?"

Some ask me, "Why am I still stuck in my debts?"

Or "Why am I still trapped in my crummy job?"

Or "Why am I still chained to my ugly situation?"

Let me tell you why: Because you're not committed. Because you're stuck with the familiar and are not willing to step into the storm. Committed people step into the storm.

Committed People Aren't Enslaved By Their Feelings

What separates Achievers from Average people?

What separates Magnificent people from Mediocre people?

Simple difference: Commitment.

I've realized that committed people do what they have to do, not just what they feel like doing. 

For example?

I love my wife. I love my wife more now than ever before. I kiss my wife everyday. But please know that there are days when I don't feel like kissing her. (And I'm pretty sure there are days when she doesn't feel like kissing me too.) But we kiss each other everyday whether we feel like it or not. Why? Because we're committed. We want to make this marriage work. We're here for the long haul. And that's why we have a phenomenal marriage.

Let me give you another example. I spend time with my boys everyday. With Francis, that means sitting on the floor playing with his dinosaur toys. Believe me, there are days when I want to do something else. There are days I just want to rest, prop my feet up or sleep on the couch. But I still spend time with my boys, no matter what I feel. Why? Because I'm committed.

Some people ask me, "Bo, how can you write 5 books a year? Answer: I write when I don't feel like writing.

Yes, I live an abnormal life. I don't watch TV. I don't play video games (except when I play with my kids—to bond with them). 

Here's a truth you can take to the bank. If you want abnormal success, live an abnormal life. (I tell entrepreneurs—if you want abnormal income, do things that other people aren't willing to do. Be abnormal.)

Every Saturday night, while everyone else is relaxing, I'm preparing for my Sunday talk until midnight. Every Sunday night, while everyone else is watching TV, I'm writing my Soulfood Letter to be sent the next week. And on Monday, I'm preparing for next Sunday's talk.

People are afraid that commitment will trap them. Actually, commitment sets you free from your fears. Ultimately, commitment sets you free from yourself.

Get out of the boat!

       And step into the storm.

       May your dreams come true,

       Bo Sanchez

1 Peter 3:3-5 NIV

Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to adorn themselves. They submitted themselves to their own husbands.

On relationships

"If you have a vision of having a great marriage in the future, you need to establish boundaries in your life today." - Rico Ricafort

Marcus Buckingham

"Every environment offers chances to learn"

"Which aspects of you are enduring?"

"Those who are tempted to use their talents to delight in other's failures should re-examine their values"

Thankful

I just want to share that I feel so thankful to God for a family-filled long weekend. May you never tire, sweethearts, of spending time with daddy & mommy. Love you both so much! :)

Iya

Sweetheart, I hope you don't inherit my insecurities and the weakness of my heart when I was younger. Have convictions, okay? And stick to them. Love you so much!

Mommy