Gabee's second birthday

After a few days of blogging the Sunday preaching, I’m off to write how Gabee’s second birthday was. Well, it’s just a simple one on the day of his birthday because our plan is to have a joint celebration on November 1 with my sister-in-law, Annabelle who’s also celebrating her 25th birthday in November 3. However, the plan has changed because our church conducted an outing on November 1. We opt for the latter activity for two reasons. First, we are not sure if we can have enough budgets for the family celebration and second, the kids are excited and happy to have a swimming activity in a real pool.

Though October 26 was last Sunday (we barely stay at home on Sundays because of the church service), I still managed to prepare a refrigerator cake for Gabee’s second birthday the night before his birthday. I made the peaches and cream cake based from Connie’s online recipe.

When we got home around 9:30 pm, we took our dinner first then we sung Gabee the “Happy Birthday” song and we feasted over the peaches and cream cake. It’s a very simple celebration but still a memorable one for our family.


Gabee and mommy in his birthday...

Seven Random Things About Me!

I got this from Sheng of “Anything Goes” which I found so cute to answer.

1. I hate cockroaches. For me, it’s the most dreadful creature ever alive. Seeing those makes me feel so terrified and I can’t even touch the picture of it whenever I see one.
2. I have a straight hair when I was a kid and my wish then is to have a curly long hair but as I grew older my hair turned into kinky and I wanted them now to be straight. (Sounds like the grass is greener on the other side of the fence eh..hehehe)
3. I love to go shopping for anything. That’s why I’m always have a hard time in budgeting our finances.
4. I’m a lazy book reader specially those books that comes in small letters but if the topic or subject caught my interest I’ll surely read it.
5. According to hubby, I’m a certified OC (Obsessive-Compulsive), but I don’t think it’s a disorder. I just want everything to be in order and I don’t want a messy environment. I guess my OC-ness (is there such a word?) is just mild.
6. I love surprises (I love to be surprised and I love to surprise my loved ones)
7. I wish to travel around the world. Hubby and I actually have plans to travel everywhere after his retirement (I wish it would come true..hehehe)

Whew! I thought that answering these things about me would only take a minute but it took me a day to write just seven things about me. And now, I would like to tag mommy Ruby, mommy Rachel and to those who want to share 7 random facts about himself/herself. I hope you would tag me back…

3 Word Thursdays #1

meme rules:

* photo must have 3 words in it

* post your photo on your site with a link back to Ma Vie Folle (or grab button)

Fun with Friends is the title of one of our Barney collection of CDs for my sons’ daily dosage of Barney. They can’t start their day without them and they always have fun while learning the fun activities that Barney and his friends teach for each episode.

The seven relational core values

I would like to give thanks to my hubby, Reuel for editing this entry.

This is the second part of the preaching last Sunday (which was preached during the evening worship service). Pastor Bong encouraged everyone to read the word of God everyday because reading the bible could spell C-H-A-N-G-E. Let us read what was written in the bible that speaks of change:

Luke 9:23-24 (KJV):“And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.”

Philippians 2:5 (KJV):
“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:”

Romans 12:1-2 (KJV):“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

The verses above are telling us that to follow Jesus we should change our “self-centered” attitude. It’s either giving up our minds for the Lord or we let our carnal minds to dominate us. Following Jesus Christ would mean renewing our minds.

Let us read the following verses from the book of Ephesians because that’s where Pastor Bong had taken the seven relational core values that he had preached in the last three months. Of course, you can get as much as 30 or more excellent values from the bible by which you can adapt to your daily lives. The relational values we can get from the bible have been metaphorically compared to oil in the ministry of God. In the example given by our pastor, the ministry of God is the motor and in order to have smooth mechanical work, we need a constant supply of oil. Just like in the ministry of God, misunderstanding and disagreement could always occur but with the biblical relational values that each Christian has, they could serve God altogether without having any problems at all.

Ephesians 5:21-33 (KJV):“Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.”

Here’s the summary of the seven (7) relational core values:

1. The value of holiness
The value of holiness can be attained through hearing and hearing of the words of God. As what was mentioned earlier, constant reading of the bible could make us a new person because the word of God can purify our soul. Let us again read what God says:

Ephesians 5:26-27 (KJV):“That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.”

Most people define holiness based on how people would look in outward appearance. But actually, the value of holiness is always based on how people behave toward God and toward others.

The value of holiness means:
- I am fully devoted to God, I seek Him everyday
- I depart from all appearances of evil
- My motive is always pure; it’s for the glory of God
- I pray with my family and with people around me
- When we come as a church it means Christ is the center

If we are going to apply the value of holiness in our family, I believe this value would bring 100% honesty in the family. Imagine if the husband, the wife and the children would be God-fearing, always depart from all appearances of evil or evil temptations, and always having pure motives in all of their dealings.

2. The value of sacrificial love

The sacrificial love can be compared to the loving relationship of husbands and wives as Christ to His church. Please read the verse below:

Ephesians 5:25 (KJV):
“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;”

Sacrificial love is something that we express whenever we do things not for ourselves but for others.

The value of sacrificial love means:
- I prefer the advantage of other people
- I give
- I help people
- I give way
- I forgive
- When we come as a church, it must be a community of honesty, openness, forbearance in the bondage of love

If this value can be seen in the family, all members of the family know how to give way and to forgive.

3. The value of encouragement
The value of encouragement is being compared to the love of one’s self as no man would want to get hurt. Kindly read the following verse:

Ephesians 5:29 (KJV):“For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:”

The value of encouragement means:
- I encourage people with my words
- I encourage people with my touch
- I encourage people through my ears
- I encourage people through my presence
- I encourage people by praying with them
- When we come together as a church we do things to build the body or the group

The value of encouragement is also important in the family and even in the church as it produces a very positive environment whereby no one would get discouraged.

4. The value of submission
The value of submission is being compared to the submission of wives to their husbands. If you would submit yourselves to the Lord, it would open the doors of His blessings. There are three institutions in our life that requires submission and those are:

a. family
b. government
c. church

Ephesians 5:21-22 (KJV):“Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.”

Submission means:
- I submit to the word of God
- I obey wholeheartedly and gladly those who are in authority
- I do not speak evil against people with delegated authorities but respect and pray for them
- I respect the young ones
- I do not complain
- I am meek

The value of submission always builds respect towards others most likely to those who are in the authority. In the bible, wives are commanded to submit to their husbands because fathers are the one installed by God to be the leader of the family and has given the authority over it.

5. The value of graciousness
The value of graciousness can be achieved through “give and take” relationship that husbands and wives has. Let us read what was written in the bible:

Ephesians 5:28 (KJV):“So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.”

The value of graciousness means:
- I bring people to the saving knowledge of Christ
- I esteem and respect people equally
- I am a lover of lost souls
- I show kindness to people who are outside of Christ
- I give to people even if they are not member of God’s household
- I restore erring brethren in the spirit of meekness, using God’s word

6. The value of teamwork

The value of teamwork signifies that we need each other to reach the maximum results of the team. We as a church are united in these three things:

a. Mission
b. Vision
c. Values

Ephesians 5:31 (KJV):“For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.”

The value of teamwork means:
- I do not work alone
- I do not isolate myself
- I love to work with a team
- I go out and ask for help and assistance for maximum result
- I am dependable

7. The value of coming together
The value of coming together is being achieved by going to the church regularly and fellowshipping with each member as part of one body. It would also be great if this value can also be seen in the family.

Ephesians 5:29 (KJV):“For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:”

The value of coming together means:
- I come on time
- I do not miss appointments
- I enjoy meeting and fellowshipping with the brethren
- I come to contribute for growth

Now what we all need to do is to say and believe this…

I TRUST THAT THE GOD OF ALL MIRACLES WILL MOLD ME INTO A PERSON OF HEAVENLY VALUES

Will you come to Jesus today?

This is the first part of my two entries regarding the preaching last Sunday and I would also like to acknowledge my hubby, Reuel, for his contributions on this writings.

October 26 was the Lord’s Day, Sunday, and it also happened that same date was Gabee’s second birthday (this would be another entry). Sunday is usually the busiest day of the week as we need to get up early to prepare ourselves for the whole day service for the Lord. And when I say getting up early, it’s like doing a very difficult task in a matter of seconds. Do you get how challenging it is for us? We are always struggling just to be on time in the morning service but we always ended up late. However, last Sunday is not the usual Sunday because we got there even before Pastor Bong (our mission pastor) started his preaching. Here it goes:

The title of the message --- WILL YOU COME TO JESUS TODAY? This question is basically for everybody to answer. The first verse which was mentioned speaks of how Jesus Christ is encouraging people to come unto Him.

Matthew 11:28 (KJV):“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

Jesus also expressed in another passage that whosoever will come and follow him shall have the light of life.

John 8:12 (KJV):
“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”

Above verses are just citations of how our Lord Jesus Christ is inviting people to come to him. Only Jesus can give the comfort that we are looking if we just come to him and faithfully believe in all of His words. As our Pastor goes along with his message, I noticed that the focus was shifted on the story of the three siblings Mary, Martha and Lazarus whom Jesus Christ loved as what the Bible is saying. Let us read the story from the bible:

John 11:1-7 (KJV):“Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha. (It was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.) Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick. When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby. Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus. When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was. Then after that saith he to his disciples, Let us go into Judaea again.”

The first seven verses in the book of John chapter 11 speak of how these three siblings: Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, are very dear to Jesus. And they are also full of faith that they even seek Jesus for the healing of their sick brother named Lazarus. But when Jesus heard about it, he told them “This sickness is not unto death”. Because of these words, we can assume that Mary and Martha trust the Lord and might believe that their brother will not die due to the said sickness. But Lazarus died and, Martha and Mary were in great grief.

John 11:19-21 (KJV):
“And many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother. Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house. Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.”

John 11:28-32 (KJV):“And when she had so said, she went her way, and called Mary her sister secretly, saying, The Master is come, and calleth for thee. As soon as she heard that, she arose quickly, and came unto him. Now Jesus was not yet come into the town, but was in that place where Martha met him. The Jews then which were with her in the house, and comforted her, when they saw Mary, that she rose up hastily and went out, followed her, saying, She goeth unto the grave to weep there. Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.”

If you are in the shoes of Mary and Martha, what will you feel provided that Jesus did not visit Lazarus when he was sick and even told them that his sickness is not unto death? Will you still come to Jesus? Or will you still believe on what he has said?

Though Mary and Martha thought that Lazarus had not died if only Jesus were there, they did not blame Jesus and even walk away from Him. Instead, they immediately come unto him to get comforted. Most people like us tend to draw away from God if we think God did not even responded in times of our need. But we should not draw away from Him and not even blame Him for what had happened because He always knows everything. He might not respond immediately but He always has plans. And His plans are not based on our terms. It is solely based on what will glorify Him in return. Do you think Jesus does not know what had happened?

John 11:11-14 (KJV):“These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep. Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well. Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep. Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead.”

Jesus already knows what had happened even before he came on the place where Lazarus had died. And also, you might think that Jesus had mistakenly spoke that Lazarus will not die as he said “This sickness is not unto death”. Well, He is right after all because His plan is to raise Lazarus again to life. Let us examine again what the Lord had spoken:

John 11:4 (KJV):“When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.”

On the verse above, we can realize that the whole matter is after all “for the glory of God”. He allowed Lazarus death to be witnessed by everybody so that they can also witness that Jesus Christ has the power to conquer death as He is the resurrection and the life.

John 11:25-26 (KJV):“Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?”

God always do things in His own terms so that His name will be magnified in our lives. But the striking question from Lord is “Believest thou this?” If we have to come to Jesus Christ, we should always believe everything he says. We may sometimes not understand the ways of the Lord in our lives but be assured that His words will always be true. Just like I mentioned, Martha and Mary never blamed Jesus for what happened and as they immediately come to Jesus, the Lord had encouraged them to believe on everything He said.


When is the time we need to come to Jesus?

1. Come to Him in times of grief and agony.
Jesus understands everything we feel. As it was mentioned on the Bible that Jesus even wept and so did God for Jesus Christ is the express image and ultimate manifestation of God the Father.

John 11:33-35 (KJV):“When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled, And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see. Jesus wept.”

Isaiah 63:9 (KJV):“In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old.”

Even if God also feel our suffering, He still knows everything. And, He knows when will be the best time to respond to our prayers and supplications. Instead of looking for comfort from other people, we should always go to Him in prayer because He is the only one who can truly comfort us.

Mary and Martha knew this as well that’s why when they heard Jesus had come, they immediately come unto Him even there were already other Jews comforting them.

John 11:19-29 (KJV):“And many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother. Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house. Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee. Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again. Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world. And when she had so said, she went her way, and called Mary her sister secretly, saying, The Master is come, and calleth for thee. As soon as she heard that, she arose quickly, and came unto him.”


2. Come to Him in times of hopelessness.
Based on the story, Mary and Martha wholly know that Jesus Christ is their only hope as we can feel them say, “Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.”

John 11:21 (KJV):“Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.”

John 11:32 (KJV):“Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.”

Jesus gives hope not only in this life but way beyond after this life. We only think of what we are hoping to achieve in this life but Jesus sees beyond that. And because of that hope that God has given us even after this life, we are not miserable.

1 Corinthians 15:19 (KJV):“If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.”

Jesus is actually our “blessed hope” because the hope of eternal life is in Him.

Titus 2:13 (KJV):“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;”

1 John 5:11-15 (KJV):“And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.”

What we have to do? We should come to Jesus and believe on his name. In this way, we will not be hopeless anymore.


3. Come to Him by faith.

Now if we believe that Jesus will give us comfort and hope then let’s hold on to that belief in faith. Faith is actually --- “believing without seeing”.

When Martha was asked by Jesus, “Believest thou this?” then Martha immediately express her belief that Jesus is the Christ and the Son of God. And only through faith we can say such claims.

John 11:25-27 (KJV):“Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.”

Matthew 8:13 (KJV):
“And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.”

Acts 16:30-31 (KJV):“…Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.”

My first award from mommy Ruby

I just got an award today from mommy Ruby of Pinay Mommy Online. It’s my first time to receive an award and I really appreciate it. Thank you so much mommy Ruby. You really made my day memorable. Muah!

And I am also giving this award to mommy Rachel of Heart of Rachel, Ms. Connie Veneracion of PinoyCook and House on a hill, and Ms. Shengmarie of Anything goes...

Braised chicken in corn syrup

Today, I prepared this wonderful dish for my hubby’s baon (lunch pack) and the other portion went to our breakfast. This was created out of imagination and it turned out good.

My first plan originally was fried chicken fillet with buttered carrot and corn as a side dish. But creativity struck me --- how about pouring the corn syrup on the chicken fillet? So what I did actually is braise the chicken in the corn syrup. And the verdict of my kids --- they love it that they were able to eat their breakfast and even lunch with this dish (usually, they don’t want to eat similar dish on the next meal). Below is the recipe just in case somebody wants to try:

Ingredients:
250 grams of chicken breast fillet
3/4 cup of corn syrup
salt and freshly ground pepper
2 tbsp of Olive oil

Procedures:1. Season the chicken fillet with salt and freshly ground pepper. Let stand for 10 minutes.
2. Heat the olive oil in a non-stick pan then fry the chicken fillet until golden. Do this also on the other side.
3. Pour in the corn syrup and let simmer in a low heat until most of the syrup have evaporated.
4. Turn off the heat and serve immediately.

Enjoy eating!

Aglio Olio Pasta with bacon

As early as one year old, I taught Yuan and Gabee to eat different kind of pasta dishes. Yuan’s first pasta encounter was carbonara when he celebrated his first birthday. And Gabee’s first was Pasta Alfredo with ham and bacon when he was one and a half years old (if I remember it correctly). I have tried many pasta dishes from Connie Veneracion’s recipe such as Salami and Cheese Fettuccine, Pasta with clams in red wine sauce, Pasta a la panikera, Pasta with prawns in creamy garlic sauce, and Pasta with tuyo (dried herring).

I also tried the pasta recipe of Atty. Gabby Conception when she guested in one of the episode of the Sweet Life, a TV program being hosted by Lucy Torres-Gomez in QTV 11. This pasta recipe is tomato-based (it includes chorizo, green and black olives, garlic and stewed tomato) which did not suit to my children’s taste buds. They are more into creamy and cheesy than tomatoey sauce.

This afternoon prior to this writing, I tried another easy-to-follow pasta dish recipe that comes from chef-mom Rosebud Benitez who is currently hosting the show “Quickfire” (a 10-minute kitchen wonders) which she demonstrated, the Aglio Olio Pasta. According to her, Aglio Olio is Italian pasta which simply means pasta in garlic and olive oil sauce. But she included bacon in her recipe for her kids’ preference. I also did some tweak on her recipe to fit my family’s palate. Instead of grated parmesan cheese, I used the less expensive cheddar cheese and lots of garlic and bacon for more flavorful pasta sauce. I also used San Remo Vegeroni Spirals in place of the ordinary spaghetti to have a nice blend of colors as it has three colors (orange, green and yellow) for added attraction to my kids. And Oh, I ditch the MSG (Monosodium Glutamate) too. Here’s the recipe:


Ingredients:200 grams of Vegeroni Spirals (or any other shapes you want)
200 grams of bacon
Half of whole garlic, finely minced
About 1 Tbsp. of Olive oil
Lots of grated cheese for garnish
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Procedures:
1. Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain well afterwards.
2. Heat the pan to fry the bacon until crispy then cut it into smaller bites.
3. After frying the bacon, add olive oil into the pan (do not pour the oil from the bacon) then add the garlic, stirring gently.
4. When the garlic releases aroma, add the bacon and the pasta. Toss well until the pasta is coated well with the oil. Add salt and pepper according to your taste.
5. Turn off the heat and transfer to the plate.
6. Garnish with lots of grated cheese.






That was all it took for us to have a delicious merienda treat this afternoon which my kids and my husband really enjoyed. Buko (young coconut) juice was also served together with the pasta.

Let them be little...

Everyday could be special for both moms and kids which spend the rest of the day together at home. Today, we turn the ordinary bathing that we usually do into something more enjoyable, swimming into the bathtub (the tub that I bought for Yuan when he was still a baby). I let them play in the water and enjoy the water droplets coming from the shower. They were so happy when I let them do what they want to do for thirty minutes in the water.


Yuan even requested that we do that more often because according to him it’s really fun. They didn’t even whine when I took them out in the water which they usually do after bathing. And I thought it’s a good way to start the day with such an exciting activity.

The song that played in my mind the moment I saw them enjoying the water is “Let them be little” by Billy Dean. Oh, it’s one of my favorite songs which really inspire me to enjoy the moment with them on their childhood days because they’re only that way for a while. I also sing this song to them and they love it especially when they see the baby on the video. Here’s the video of the song which you can play: (updated on 9/24/2010)

The lyric of the song are as follows:

LET THEM BE LITTLE

I can remember when you fit in the palm of my hand
You felt so good in it; no bigger than a minute
How it amazes me you’re changin’ with every blink
Faster than a flower blooms, they grow up all too soon

So let them be little,
‘Cause they’re only that way for a while
Give ‘em hope, give them praise,
Give them love every day
Let ‘em cry, let ‘em giggle,
Let ‘em sleep in the middle,
Oh, but let them be little

I never felt so much in one little tender touch.
I live for those kisses, your prayers and your wishes
And now you’re teachin’ me how only a child can see
Tonight, while we’re on our knees, All I ask is:

Please, let them be little,
‘Cause they’re only that way for a while
Give them hope, give them praise,
Give them love every day
Let ‘em cry, let ‘em giggle,
Let ‘em sleep in the middle,
Oh, but let them be little

The so innocent, precious soul:
You turn around, and it’s time to let them go

So let them be little,
‘Cause they’re only that way for a while
Give them hope, give ‘em praise,
Give them love every day
Let ‘em cry, let ‘em giggle,
Let them sleep in the middle,
Oh, but let them be little
Let them be little

Understanding your toddlers

If there is what we call a "mid-life" crisis for adult, is there such a “toddler-stage” crisis? Lately, my younger son Gabee keeps pestering me as he would always cry whenever he wants something. He often wants to be cuddled and pampered for the rest of the day especially when he had fight with his kuya (elder brother) which would really make me cranky. They fight for almost anything most of the day. Yuan always take the toys Gabee loves to play with. And they (most often Yuan) easily lost affection with their toys by which you may need to give them new toys for them to indulge with again. It seems that they demand more attention from me, more than what I can give. It is really annoying on my part as I cannot do other things besides playing with them.

I remember the time when Yuan is of the same age of Gabee, he acted the same. I thought then that he was not ready to have a baby brother yet on that age (for he was only one-year old then when I gave birth to Gabee). I consoled him by giving all my attention to make him secure with my love towards him. However, it’s really a different story now because I have two kids that need to be dealt accordingly.

Due to this experience of mine, I did some research about behaviors of children as they reach the toddler stage. I’m fortunate to find the National Network for Child Care (NNCC), that tackles the development of a toddler which also suggests activities for different age level in the toddler stage. I realized that I’ve overlooked some of Gabee's needs (he’ll be only 2 on Oct.26) because I have treated him like Yuan who is now 3 years old.

The site provides information about toddlers’ behaviors, the things we should expect from them and the activities they love to do. Here are the recommended activities for the toddlers according to NNCC:ACTIVITIES TO TRY:1. Take some time to watch your toddlers playing. Notice the differences in their physical development: height, weight, how they relate to you and to other children, and their energy levels. Some children seem to never sit still, while others seem happy to sit down with a book.

2. Toddlers learn by exploring and experimenting. They love to do things over and over. Some activities that toddlers enjoy are listed below.ONE-YEAR-OLD CHILDREN:* Roll a ball to them to catch.
* Provide blocks for them to build with.
* Provide safe mirrors for them to look at themselves in. Talk with them about their reflections in the mirror.
* Let them fill containers over and over again.
* Have them listen and move to music.
* Play hide and seek.
* Let them push or pull a favorite toy.
* Provide wheeled toys without pedals.
* Look at picture books with them and talk about the pictures.
* Talk about the size, shape, and texture of everyday objects.
* Make comparisons such as "this ball is bigger than that ball."
* Talk about cause-and-effect relationships such as "if you push this block, the whole pile of blocks will fall over."TWO-YEAR-OLD CHILDREN:* Encourage toddlers to run, jump, and climb outside.
* Sing simple songs with them.
* Sing and act out songs with simple movements.
* Play pat-a-cake.
* Teach them simple finger plays.
* Tell them simple, short stories (especially those about themselves or other two-year-old children).
* Let them pound a toy workbench.
* Let them play in a sandbox. Give them water to measure and pour.
* Let them stack blocks and other objects.
* Provide things that can be taken apart and put back together (such as pop beads).
* Ask children to name things in the pictures of picture books. Give them the correct word if they cannot think of it.
* Give them simple directions to follow.
* Play matching games and use simple puzzles with them.
* Encourage pretending by providing dolls, housekeeping toys, dress-up clothes, and toy telephones.
* Introduce art activities such as scribbling and/or painting with crayons, chalk, and paint.
* Provide play dough and finger paint.
* Begin toilet training when the toddler is ready. Also, begin teaching hand washing and tooth brushing.
* Encourage the development of routines.
Parenthood is surely a challenging obligation. It takes a lot of effort, patience, understanding and decision-making, etc. --- or collectively called “wisdom”. The article provided in the NNCC site would surely help us as our reference in understanding our children’s behavior. But, let us not forget what the Holy Bible is saying about rearing up a child:

Proverbs 22:6 (KJV):
“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

So, in what way do we want our child to go? The answer is up to us.

A fun way to learn colors

When Yuan was still our only baby, I used to teach him with the “ABC”, numbers from 1 to 10, basic colors & shapes, and names of different animals with the aid of posters, books and CD’s of Barney, Dora the Explorer and Elmo. At age two and a half, he can recite the alphabet, can spell out words (though he can’t read words yet), can count till 60 and even recognize numbers up to two digits, can differentiate colors, can draw the basic shapes (circle, triangle, square and rectangle), he can also name animals. However, it’s a different case with Gabee (my younger son), as he is usually destructed by the presence of Yuan. He didn’t even care what I am saying because he always wants to play with his kuya (elder brother). When I try to teach him with the basic colors and numbers from 1 to 5, he seems not interested. But when Yuan recites the numbers, the ABC’s, colors, shapes and names of animals, he tries to repeat them. I suppose, he grasp it as a form of game with his kuya.

As a mom, I try to find ways on how I can teach both of my sons according to the particular style they need. And I discovered a fun way to teach Gabee to differentiate colors and it’s also a fun game too with the whole family. Last Sunday night, we ate the M&M chocolate candy that my sister has given. I told them that whoever says the right color first will get the candy I’m holding. And if no one gets it right, the candy will be given to daddy and mommy. We also found out that night, that Gabee can distinguish the blue and green from other colors. Believe me, it was really amusing and exciting experience we had with our kids.

It’s a great activity for the family and we’ll surely do it again. You can also try it to your kids too.

How about you? Do you have family activities too? Can you share it with us?

A day with the grandparents

Our month-long plan to visit my parents living in Cavite took place last Saturday. We packed our things right after I’m done with the laundry and left around 12 noon.

Getting ready to leave...We decided to drop by at Robinson's Galleria to fill up our disturbed stomach as we haven't taken our lunch yet. After eating, we immediately took a ride to Dasmariñas. Sheesh, it’s a very long trip that one would wish he could just fly to speed up the travel from one place to another. Five hours of our time were used for going there alone and another three hours going back to our home. You see, we wasted eight hours just sitting in the bus and waiting for our journey to end. I still can't imagine myself that I used to take that long-trip everyday when I was not married yet as I was working in Ortigas, Pasig City. And after the tedious trip last Saturday, I’m definitely not going to commute again to visit my parents. I will either request my sister or my brother to pick us up because the travel time can be reduced up to 50% using a private vehicle as you could take other route in lieu of EDSA.

We arrived in my parents’ house around 5pm and they’re very glad to see us especially their two grandsons which they barely see.

Picture taking with grandparents...
Granny with her three grandchildren.

Grandpa with Yuan and Gabee.


There are lots of toys and chocolates waiting for Yuan and Gabee courtesy of their grandparents and Tita Sheryl respectively.


The yummy chocolates...Thanks She and Fedie for those!



They also played ball games with their Tito Kevin (my younger brother) and Tita Aijen (my cousin).






The proud parents...


Afterwards, we pay a visit to my sister’s house which is just a few lots away. I got a chance to look around in their house (townhouse type) and it is still in a good condition and the rent is not bad for Php 3,000 per month. They prodded me to move there so that my children can enjoy good surroundings, away from air pollution and from hot ambience of our home. But I’m reluctant to live there because of the distance that would take Reuel upon going daily to his office, which is located in Libis, Quezon City. I can’t bear seeing him to suffer with the unpleasant long trip everyday. Sheryl (my sister) provided brownies and fresh milk for our merienda (afternoon snack).

Kirsten Joi (Tintin) is watching Barney here, that's why...


After Tintin, the mother...They can't be a good model..aren't they?


With my niece, Tintin...



My father had prepared Tinolang Manok (Chicken Ginger Stew) using native chicken which we feasted over dinner. Oh, how I really miss that kind of food. However, I haven’t got a chance to take pictures of it because the camera battery went off. After a short rest, we headed home around 9:30 pm.

It's time to leave and say bye bye...


Though it’s a short visit to my parents, we surely had a memorable time with them especially Yuan and Gabee. If not only with the long and exhausting trip we had, I can say that it was a great day.

Technology and Family

In our generation today where technology is changing rapidly, the people's way of life goes with it and so our preferences in many things. These changes are in a way affects the basic unit of society, the family. But the question is, how good or bad the effect is?

Let us looked back in the past, wherein the mother's task is to just keep the household's welfare while the father is to provide the financial needs of the family. The life then is simple and uncomplicated because the people is contented in what they have. And the income is distributed only to the basic needs of the family. The necessities of the past generation comprises only of just the basic things which are foods, clothing, shelter and education. Relationship in those days is harmonious because each family member understands their functions very well. Children's needs (could it be emotionally, spiritually or physically) are immediately being attended as the mother is within reach. In addition, the mother is actively involved in her children's daily activities which exhibits good trait to them.

Whereas, in the present generation, the mother and the father have to work hard to sustain the family. Since technology has a huge part in everyone's life today, it eats up most of the revenue of one family. These include cell phones, IPods, computers/laptops, PlayStations, DVD players, Internet and cable connections to name a few. Aside from these, the simple weekend family gathering at home was replaced by hanging out in the mall and dining out in a fancy restaurant. From these scenarios, it's not surprising that both parents should be working because the regular income of the father alone is not sufficient for his family’s lifestyle. The children are left to nannies by whose truly need are often neglected by the busy working parents.

The absence of both parents especially the mother during the formative years and adolescence stage of children is really quite disturbing. It’s deleterious not only to wife-husband relationship but also to parents-children relationship which are all necessary to have a happy family life.

I’m neither in the sides of con nor pro of being a working mother. And there’s absolutely nothing wrong for being a working mother. I am just presenting the family in relation to what we have in our present generation -- the fast-changing technology.

I infer that the fast-changing technology we have today is a sign of the coming “end of times” as it was foretold in the book of Daniel which tells us that knowledge will increase in the end of times and the term “knowledge” speaks of what we can call “science and technology”. Please read the verse below:

Daniel 12:4 (KJV):

“…even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.”


And because it was predicted that the advancement of technology will take place, let us not forget prioritizing our family as we are now living with these changes. The obligation of every parent is to train our children to know and serve the Lord. Let us refer to the book of Proverb, which says:

Proverbs 22:6 (KJV):
“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

Adieu "Christmas Wish... Christmas List..."

Christmas time is in the air as I could feel the cold morning breeze which indicates the season (though it's still hot in the afternoon). It is the time of year that is dearest to me as I always associated it with get-togethers, parties, lots of foods, gifts and long vacation. When I was a kid, I’m always anticipating for this holiday right after it has ended. Funny eh?! But that's how I do until now. And when the time that I was working, I used to write my Christmas list which contains things I wanted to buy. I window-shop to determine which shop offers better price for the items I wish for. But there's something I can never do. And, that is going to places where I just can't bear the heat as it makes my shopping uneasy or uncomfortable. So, I prefer going to malls where shopping experience is very much convenient and cool.

I begin counting the days as early as the 'BER' months come along. As of this writing, it's still 69 days before Christmas and as usual I started making my list. However, with unstable economy that we have at this time, we should learn how to be frugal, right? And keeping down the budget for the holiday season really stirred me up as some of the items included in my list has been long-time planned by which I find it hard to decide what should be eliminated. Sigh!

After thinking over for a couple of days (yes, that's how long this article has been sitting in my hard drive), I decided not to have "Christmas Wish...Christmas List" project, just for this year only. It is because we failed to participate in our church' "First Fruit-Giving" celebration last September, we promise to give ours this coming December. "First Fruit-Giving" is giving at least one month salary or could it be giving as much as ten percent (10%) of your annual income to God as a form of thanksgiving. "First Fruit-Giving" signifies a Christian's retrospective faith (giving thanks to all of what God has given) and prospective faith (looking forward to possible God's blessing in the present time and in the future). The Lord commanded it with a promise as we can refer to the book of Proverbs; let's read it:

Proverbs 3:9-10 (KJV):"Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine."

Another verse in the book of Luke speaks of God's promise to those who willingly give such offerings to God.

Luke 6:38 (KJV):
"Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again."


Since it would only mean giving all the bonus of Reuel as our first fruit, I should say goodbye for now to my convection oven that I've been longing for almost 10 months. Does this mean that we'll be having a forlorn Christmas? Surely not, because we're holding on to the promise of the Lord which says, "...So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine." If I could not have the items in my list this Christmas especially the convection oven, I am certain that I'll have it soon and better than what I wanted.

How about you? Do you practice Christmas listing?

About World Mission

I'm inspired with the preaching’s of Missionary-Pastor Quidez last Sunday (evening service) about World Mission. As quoted from him, "If the mission fails, the problem is the missionary." His recent mission proves that God really works on the fulfillment of His work. With only US $3,000 spending money at hand, who would know that a total stranger survives for 3 months on a foreign land? Without strong faith to the Lord, he might not go on because the house rent is US $3,000, just exactly the amount he had. But with the grace of God, he was able to preach the gospel to the four local families who eventually accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. In this scenario, we can see how truthful the word of God as it was written in the book of Romans by apostle Paul which says:

Rom 8:28 (KJV):
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

Can you imagine the owner (which he didn’t ever met personally) of the condominium where he resided allows him to occupy the unit for free and offered him to pay his electric bills.

I now begin to ponder how I am going to do my share. And yes, it's been 2 years since I become a member of Lighthouse Bible Baptist Church (LBBC) with no lost soul has won. I don't know why I can't start winning a soul, maybe there's always this fear in me, a fear of rejection when I want to do it. Or maybe I just don’t know where and how to start. Or perhaps, I am just too reluctant to do it. I really do not know the answer to my question. All I know is I'm baffled on my own difficulties, which prevents me to do what I am supposed to do as a Christian.

At this time, we're fulfilling our commitment of ourselves to God. I suppose, one step at a time is better than nothing at all. Thus, I pledge to share the gospel every week through this medium.


So much for that, here's the message:

The guiding verse of last Sunday's preaching is from John 3:16 (KJV) which says:

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

It says, For God so loved the world, not just one particular place on earth but the whole wide world as Missy Quidez said. What does it mean? It just simply refers to carrying out the great commission to the whole world so that everyone will know that the Lord Jesus Christ is the only one who can saves us from eternal damnation. The great commission is commanded by our Lord Jesus Christ himself to his church as it is written in the book of Matthew 28:18-20 (KJV):
"And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen."

Therefore, the great commission comprises:

1. Evangelism (teach all nations,…)
2. Baptism (baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost…)
3. Discipleship (teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you…)

World Mission involves the following to achieve a positive outcome:

1. It involves GOD.
God is involved in fulfilling the great commission as the Lord Jesus Christ has promised after he commanded it – “…lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world…” Of course, it is impossible to do it on our own but with God the impossible become possible.

2. It involves our Heart.
Now, this is where I really feel guilty. Without a pure and eager heart to win a lost soul, you cannot execute the great commission. I remember Reuel once said, that you don't really have to be good with the Bible, you just have to trust Him that you can do soul-winning and have the courage to do it and let the Holy Spirit works in you. Sounds easy eh? But it takes faith to do it.

3. It involves leaving your comfort zone behind.

It is a man's nature to dwell on a comfy place. In the book of Exodus, Moses and the Israelites took a 40-year journey to the promise land when in fact they could have only taken a week to go there. Wanna know the reason? Israelites wanted to stay whenever they found the place is safe and comfortable to start a living even though God told them that they should go to the promise land. Same is true to our time today; we rather stay unruffled in our home instead of attending the church service, serving the Lord and spreading the gospel to everyone. Just think of this and you will be blessed: Our Lord Jesus Christ leaves His comfortable place in heaven just to redeem us from our sins.

4. It involves giving only the best.

“Giving the best” means everything we give unto the Lord must be without blemish. During early times, Israelites gave sacrifices (which were the best of lambs, calves and oxen they have) just to honor God. Surely, we don't sacrifice lambs anymore. What we sacrifice today is ourselves and our very model is our Lord Jesus Christ who freely gave His life for us. As He has no blemish in the sight of God, we should also be without blemish in the eyes of the Lord as we present ourselves as living sacrifice. But the question is how? We only need to have a pure and sincere heart as the Lord look at the heart. Let us look at Romans 12:1 (KJV):
"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service."

5. It involves vision.
You may ask, "Why am I doing what I am doing?” The answer is simple, because it is for the glory of GOD. The book of Proverbs tells us:

Proverbs 29:18 (KJV):

“Where there is no vision, the people perish…”

6. It involves eternity.
Back to the guiding verse, "...that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life…" is the fact that tells us we have an everlasting life with our Lord. It is our blessed hope as the Bible tells us on Titus 2:13 (KJV):
“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;”

We might encounter difficult challenges in obeying the Lord to carry out the great commission but we have the blessed hope in our Lord Jesus Christ as He is also with us always as He promised.

I hope that the above message provided you great spiritual understanding as what true Christians are oblige to do. Honestly, I have a hard time doing it but I'm learning to comply slowly but genuinely now. I hope you too!

Reuel's 31st Birthday

We celebrated Reuel's 31st birthday last week at our house. My original plan is to invite his family without him knowing so we could surprise him with the 5 adjective words that best describe him (which I ask my in-laws to prepare) and have a simple yet worth remembering birthday celebration that he would ever had because this is the first time that we will celebrate his special day since we got married. However, his rendezvous with his friends fall on the same date that I scheduled the lunch thus, I don't really have the option but to tell him about the afternoon meal with his family so he could cancel their get together for our family activity.

Since the lunch is a simple one, I decided to cook chicken teriyaki and pearl balls (from Connie Veneracion's online recipe) as the main entree and a blueberry cheesecake (recipe is from the box of cream cheese) as the final course. I wasn't able to take photos of the food as everyone is in a hurry to eat because most of them are late. We were able to eat the lunch at 2pm.Imagine how starved we were.

The lunch was successful and one of my sisters-in-law (Annabelle) requested that we do the pearl balls again in New Year's Eve and if we could celebrate Gabee's 2nd birthday (my younger son) and hers together on November 1. I think that's how good and fun it was.

Anyway, the supposedly lunch only celebration was extended to merienda (afternoon snack), to dinner and even breakfast on the following morning because everyone are indulge in surfing the net, watching movies and bantering that no one grasp the time. Palitaw is what I cooked for merienda and Sinigang sa Miso na Maya-maya (Maya-maya belly sour soup in Miso) for dinner. The 5 adjective words that we prepare took off before the dinner. Here's the recap of how my in-laws describe Reuel:

Tatay - gwapo (good looking)
Christy - antukin (lethargic)
- sobrang bagal kumilos (slow-acting or sluggish when doing his thing)
Allan - mapagbigay na kuya (a giving brother)
- mabait (good-hearted)
- mabuting halimbawa (good example)
Annabelle - mabagal kumilos (sluggish)

Of course, I also gave mine, here it is:

R - responsible (not just with his family but with his work as well)
E - endurable (as long as he can bear the pains he will)
U - understanding (his perception or judgment of a situation is what I really admire)
E - encouraging (he always give me support on whatever I want to do)
L - Loving husband and father ( do I need to elaborate this?!)
&
I - indispensable (oh, he's absolutely necessary for me to keep going in life.)


And because we ended up late, we offered Annabelle and Christy (my sisters-in-law) and her family to spend the night with us since commuting on that time is unamicable for them.

Overall, Reuel's birthday is indeed a successful one. Thanks to my in-laws for partaking in the celebration. I hope I have pictures to share here but I was not able to shoot pictures of everything. Next time, Im gonna take pictures.

To end this, let me share you our small talk in the day of his birthday (Oct.2) as I would never ever forget that day in my/our life. Right after he awoke I greeted him and asked this question, “How’s the feeling of being 31?” and he answered with a gloomy face, “Ayaw ko’ng tumanda. Naalala ko noon si tatay ang nagcelebrate ng ika-31st birthday, ngaun ako na.” (translated as “I don’t like to grow old. I remember then daddy celebrated his 31st birthday and now its my turn.”) I don’t know how to react that moment and I commiserated about what he feels. I just told him that I am always here for him. So, I am giving the following verses in the bible for you, Mahal:

Proverbs 17: 6 (KJV)“Children’s children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.”

Proverbs 20:29 (KJV)“The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is the gray head.”

Mahal, if we would base our definition of being ‘old’ in the bible, you still don’t belong to the oldies. So cheer up!

Yuan’s First Starbucks Experience on his 3rd Birthday

We went on a small trip to Starbucks in Aug.22 to celebrate Yuan’s 3rd birthday (which is a day behind). And every one of us had a great time with the place as there are no just-to-be-seen crowds that are usually in there. However, I must concede that holding Yuan’s birthday in Starbucks is a little bit extravagant for a family of four with one breadwinner but it’s really worth every peso because of the great ambience and good food. And besides Yuan’s birthday only happens once a year so a little of something comforting, relaxing and luxurious could be just right though. And in addition to that, it is also in the bible that we should enjoy the fruit of our labor. Here's the passage from the bible:

Eccl 3:13 (KJV):
"And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God."

Yuan chose his cake whereas we select the choco frap (non-caffeine drinks) for them and they like it very much that they didn’t even want to loosen a hold of it. They both have mouthful bites on the chocolate cake and choco frap while they play around.

And of course, I and hubby had fun taking our pictures together while they’re enjoying their thing.

I can’t conjure up the words to say how I feel that moment as I gazed at Yuan and Gabee that looked so happy and satiated. It’s somewhat a stress relief to have them enjoy their youth on that sense. Also, the good thing is that no one pooped which means less headache for us and thus we can still go to our next activity for the day — Arcade Games!

Our next stop is at Quantum Arcade Games to play a few games which end up only to — CAR RACING because the children are a bit drowsy after the snack and a little trip to the supermarket. To infer the day’s activity, it was fun.

Raising your children in a Godly way

I’ve posted this entry to my Friendster blog and I opt to paste it here because I really like to share some of the Bible verses which I find very helpful in raising children in our time today. Hope it can help you. Here it goes:

Lately, I’ve been deliberating for an interesting topic to discuss, which, moms like me could relate (after all, this weblog is all about being a wife and mom). And the first thing that came into my mind is rearing the children. Is there a method to do it? Is there a right or wrong way of nurturing your children?

If you would ask me, I would simply say that parenthood is a natural act of human. Why I tell so? Because no one went into school to acquire knowledge on how to be a good parent. Parenthood is not even a part of any curriculum in any school and no school offers such course yet. And I believe that it would not be because parenthood is not something that you could learn theoretically. Certainly, I’m speaking to myself base on what I have lived through. Because when I was single and was still fantasizing, I always tell to myself that I would be like this and would not be like that to my children. However, those ‘I would be’ does not happen when I become a mother. I suppose, you will never know unless you get there.

Thus, concerning to the method on raising children, I think different folks have different way of dealing with it. It surely depends on how the parents were raised and on the environment in which they lived. And of course, education would be an important factor also to be considered. Why? Just look around and compare how the educated, not so educated and totally not educated parents nurture their children. I assume you know what I mean and observe the difference by yourself.

Moving on, is there right or wrong way of nurturing your children. I think, it’s just a matter of capabilities and readiness of both parents to have children. The more prepared the parents are, the greater chances that they do the right way. I’m speaking for the situations wherein the child has been beaten, has been molested, has been traded and the like as the wrong way of nurturing children.

These are utterly my views on upbringing the children. The factors which I believe thwart the proper nourishment of the young one base on my observation and perception. Before I end this topic, may I share with you some verse in the bible that might help us in raising our children in a right and Godly way. Here goes the bible principle;

Prov. 19:18 (KJV)“Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.”

Prov. 22:6 (KJV)“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

2 Sam 7:14 (KJV)“I will be his father, and he shall be my son. If he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men:”

I searched for the meaning of iniquity and chasten in the Merriam Webster dictionary and the meaning of iniquity is “wickedness or sin” and the word chasten is “to correct by punishment or suffering”. From the Latin word ‘Castigare’ which comes from the root word castus and –igare (from agere to drive).

But, below is my favorite verse among others and one of our (me and my husband) guiding principle in bringing up our children:

Prov. 13:24 (KJV)
“He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.”

Let me provide additional details on some of the words from the latter verse for easy understanding. I also used the Merriam Webster dictionary as a reference.

Rod – a stick or bundle of twigs used to punish
Betimes – early or soon

Although the bible instructs parents to discipline their children by way of chastening, of course, unreasonable punishment is not right because it will provoke the children to hate their parents. So this is the verse for the parents as a piece of advice or warning from God.

Eph 6:4 (KJV)“And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”

I hope that this would enlighten all parents (whoever read this) whether the parents should spank their children or not.