Amazing Grace

My most favourite worship song is an old hymn from 1779 by John Newton. Amazing Grace. The Dictionary of American Hymnology says that this song is Newton’s spiritual autobiography in verse. I love the song simply because it brings the focus back to Jesus. When I hear this song it reminds me of how good and faithful the Lord is to us — how he doesn’t require anything from us except our BELIEF. How he sacrificed for us and gave us his only begotten son Jesus so that we can be free.

Amazing Grace… How sweet the sound

That saved a wretch like me..

I once was lost but now I’m found

Was blind but now I see…

This song is REST for a weary heart.

It is WATER for a thirsty soul.

It breathes life where there once was death.

‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,

And grace my fears relieved;

How precious did that grace appear

the hour I first believed.

It tells us that GRACE is available for us right away the moment we believe that Jesus is our Lord and Saviour. And that grace brings us to a place of worship and gratitude. I love that it says… ‘and grace my fears relieved.‘ What peace we have with Jesus!

There are so many other beautiful worship songs that are being written and sung these days. A song like ‘I Offer My Life’ (lyrics below) is a beautiful song.

All that I am, all that I have

I lay them down before you o Lord

All my regrets, all my acclaim

The joy and the pain I’m making them yours

Lord, I offer my life to you

Everything I’ve been through, use it for your glory…….

Beautiful words, right? Very ideal. It’s definitely how we should aim to be with the Lord.

Sounds a bit lofty? Maybe a tad.

Is it something you honestly can sing from the heart and mean it as well no matter where you are in your spiritual life or whatever it is you’re going through?

I can imagine it would be easy to sing this song if everything in your life is going well.

Do you sometimes find yourself feeling like a hypocrite when you’re at church on Sunday and you’re singing a certain song, professing your love for God, but really your heart and mind is somewhere else and you know deep down that you don’t really mean what you’re singing?

I guess my point it that I wish we could sings songs that are more Christ centered instead of self centered. What I mean by Christ centered is when something is focused on Jesus’s love for us (which has no end and never changes) and NOT our love for him (which is unsteady, unreliable). Songs like ‘I offer my life’ are beautiful but maybe we can add more songs on our Sunday worship that reminds us of what Jesus has already done for us which will in turn remind us of how much we are loved.

When we know that we are deeply loved and we are overwhelmed by that love – guess what happens? We will naturally follow Jesus, we will naturally have better relationships with our families, it will be natural for us to be kind and gracious to people around us.

The Bible did say: ‘We love because He first loved us.’ 1 John 4:19.

♥

 

Wordless Wednesday

Because most days I just don’t have any words…

Here are some random photos from this month…=)

{Photos taken using a phone camera, edited with pixlromatic}

AT THE PARK / DRESSED BY HER PAPA / LOOK AT THOSE SHOES HAHAHA!!

HELLO??? ARE YOU THERE??!!! / ADA @ 16 MONTHS

REAL LIFE. 

THIS GIRL LOVES HER FOOD!!!!!

MAMA FEEDING A LAMB ♥ / AMBURY FARM

THESE TWO KNOW THE MEANING OF ‘RELAX’.

LOVE.

Currently

CURRENTLY: {October 2014}

Enjoying: this spring weather. It’s neither cold nor hot – it’s just perfect.

Thinking: of events that’s transpired in our lives recently and marvelling at how much GRACE is flowing into our lives –  our life is FAAAAR from perfect and we go through some struggles here and there but we know for a fact that we’ve never been left alone. God is so good.

Reading: The Hands Free Mama by Rachel Macy Stafford. Halfway through the book and loving it.♥

Loving this from Pinterest:

In these bodies we will live. In these bodies we will die. Where you invest your love, you invest your life.  – Mumford & Sons

Feeling excited about these things:

– Putting up the Christmas tree and listening to Christmas songs (i’m not kidding)

– Artworks from Rachel Ashwell’s Shabby Chic! Rachel posted this photo on Instagram and my heart skipped a beat when I saw it. So much beauty.

– The Book with No Pictures – can’t wait to get this for Ada – she loves silly words and funny sounds!

– The latest season of Walking Dead & Downton Abbey ♥

– Lewis Road Creamery Milk Chocolate. Have been hearing people raving about this —yum, can’t wait to try!

 

Hope you’re all having a good weekend! ♥

Wordless Wednesday

 

 

Just sharing some photos from the park a few days ago…Can’t believe it’s October already! Can time go any faster?! I suppose these coming months will just fly by and before we know it it’ll be the end of another year. 2014. Let’s cherish every moment with our loved ones – life is so short.

Currently

CURRENTLY: {September 2014}

Feeling – a bit sluggish and tired lately – I have started working 5 days a week again and i’m still kind of adjusting. It’s not as bad as I thought it would be -so I guess that’s a good thing.

Craving – for anything with basil pesto — yum!

Needing – to carve out time for my spiritual life. I haven’t been reading/meditating on God’s word… I know I am always a better person when I meditate on Jesus’s love and His promises.

Excited – to spruce up our outdoor area. Nothing fancy – but just wanting to make it look more cosy and inviting for the summer.

Snacking – on avos! I love it plain or with some ground pepper or salt. Or a bit of Knorr seasoning if I’m feeling a bit adventurous  haha.

Reflecting – on what my ‘true’ goals are vs. what I think I should be doing. I always have a lot on my to do list but are these things on my list bringing me closer to where I really want need to be??

Anticipating – Spring, Summer, Christmas, next year’s mini break….

 Amazed – and feeing very thankful that God has blessed us to be parents of Ada – she has taught us so much. I look at her these days and I am amazed at how much she’s grown. She’s taller and bigger and is expressing herself more. She’s also getting cheekier by the day. Oh, the joys…

That morning at Western Springs

Sharing some photos today from that morning spent at the park a few days ago. For the first time in a long time we took the real camera and tripod out and made the conscious effort to take some decent family photos.

We had breakfast at home then left at about 9 am (just after the rush hour) and headed to Western Springs. Ada loves looking at birds so I thought WS would be perfect. It wasn’t cold and the sun was out.

Photo from phone – edited using VSCO. All other photos are from the big camera.

Ahhh finally a photo of me and my love. Haha. We haven’t had a photo together (just us) in ages!!! Whilst at the car park it dawned on us that we didn’t have any bread to give to the birds so we went to the dairy and got some. Ada was napping anyway so that gave her a few extra minutes to snooze. Don’t you love it when they sleep in the car?? Yay for some peace and quiet. Haha.

 

WS was beautiful. As always. Yes, there were bird poop all over and I may have accidentally stepped on one or two as we were walking around but heck that’s a small price to pay! I feel so blessed that we can enjoy this kind of nature, that we are breathing fresh air, can hear birdsong and feel at peace.

 

First thing we did was feed the birds. Ada kept saying *Duck or Duh/Dah or some similar word. Maybe she really means duck? Who knows?

 

Here’s A getting cozy with the birds.

 

I remembered to bring our picnic mat and a blanket so we sat down so A can have her morning tea. Of course she didn’t want the bread I packed for her but wanted the one we got for the birds – lucky we still had some left. She wolfed down her cheese slice and had some yoghurt too.

 

I look very happy and at ease in this photo ( Ada clearly wanted to get away and explore ) — and I WAS except the two black swans were getting too close for comfort! I like them but not sure I want them too close to me if you know what I mean. ha! Alex was laughing at me. Even Ada didn’t seem to mind their proximity.

 

She used to hate being strapped into her pram and car seat but seems to love it now. I am not sure why but this is one of my favourite photos from that day.

 

How gorgeous is this?!

 

Love this one too. They always have the best photos together.

 

 

l
Over all it was an awesome morning — Ada got up close and personal with the birds, we were able to get some decent shots — there wasn’t much drama and A didn’t scream or cry. I love these little day trips and I’m hoping we get to do this more as spring and summer approaches.

What I want my child to know

• You are God’s beloved.
• It’s ok to be different.
• Always save a portion of your earnings but don’t forget to treat yourself once in awhile.
• Comparison will rob you of joy.
• You teach people how to treat you.
• You are beautiful. Just as you are.
• There’d be days when everything seems to be falling apart – that’s ok – that’s just life happening.
• Do your best to be gracious and always treat people with kindness and respect.
• Your Papa loved you the first moment he saw you. He holds you so close in his heart.
• You can’t go wrong with WHITE WALLS.
• You’ll be ok.
• Trust that Jesus’ love will carry you through the rough times.
• Count your blessings. Be grateful even for the smallest things.
• Don’t forget to eat your fruits and vegetables!
• Please know that your first day as a mother might not be all sunshine and rainbows – instead it may be tear filled, overwhelming and tiring — especially the first night. That’s completely normal.
• Be a child for as long as possible. You are only a little girl for such a short period – you will be an adult the rest of your life.
• Being arrogant will not get you anywhere.
• Please remember that there was once a time when there was no internet – no distractions – and you communicated with people in real life. Those were the best days.
• If you are blessed with a sister or a brother – love and cherish each other. forgive. tolerate. be there for one another.
• One day you’ll find yourself heart broken – please call me and I will be there to listen. Also – know that you will get over it. I’m sure.
• Please forgive me when I’m being irritating.
• Say THANK YOU when you are grateful.
• This is so cliche — but really – just be YOURSELF.
• Learn to say ‘sorry‘.
• Sometimes you have to ‘fake it til you make it’.
• When you’re going through something – remember that this too shall pass.
• Remember who you are.
• The old adage ‘treat people how you want to be treated’ is still true.
• Travel. Take photos. Call us and tell us all about your adventures.
• This quote from Winne the Pooh: “If ever there is a tomorrow when we’re not together… there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we’re apart… I’ll always be with you.”
• We love you. – mum&dad

Gratitude List / August ’14

Just listing a few things I am grateful for this month. Can’t believe this blog is already a month and a half old haha. I have written 13 posts so far (this will be the 14th) — that’s not too bad for someone who has a toddler and husband to care for and a full time job! Haha. I am enjoying this process of writing – transferring thoughts to paper (or should I say, blog?) – it has a somewhat therapeutic effect and  it sort of helps clear my mind– all this unburdening and unloading. Oh, but I am rambling again….

Back to the original topic — it’s been a month since my last post about gratitude and I am back again to recount all the things I am grateful for. I actually TRY to do this daily – I write in the same notebook where I’ve got my to-do lists (nothing fancy) — It’s so easy to forget though especially when you’re busy but then it’s just as easy to be sucked into darkness and negativity and forget all the good things that have happened. It’s basically an exercise of the mind – this whole gratitude thing. For me, it is also a little thank you note to my God for looking out for me.

Gratitude List / Aug 2014

• Already  paid for almost all our bills this month. whew. So many bills but thankful at least nababayaran kahit papano haha.
• Had my wof done yesterday and oh my gosh – I cannot believe we just paid the wof fee and nothing else. I was so surprised. We’ve been wanting to sell the car as it’s been having ongoing issues. This blessing is so timely.
• Someone found my husband driver’s license (which we couldn’t find and was lost for 1 whole day) and gave it back!
• Thankful for my mom who’s been sending me photos from home through viber. Also glad that my sister Sheena liked the stuff I got her for her birthday (warm fuzzies). So grateful for all my siblings. Specially grateful for my sister Mica for being generous and sending us our own custom designed family stamp (that she designed herself) and also some of her calligraphy prints. Also an advanced thanks to my other talented sister Ann who will be sending me her artwork soon hahahaha. =)
• Thankful for our sparkling, clean pavement in our backyard –wow, can’t believe all the dirt that was in there. Alex used a waterblaster and now it just looks so clean – perfect for spring.
• I bought a leafy plant and it died but very thankful all my other succulents are still alive and thriving.
• Grateful for ‘Our Place’ which is a casual day care in the mall where we have been taking Ada once a week for 3 weeks now — She still panics (and screams) when she can no longer see us but I know in time she’ll get over it — I honestly don’t think she’s ready for day care yet and that’s why ‘Our Place’ is perfect for now because it’s casual (2 hourly) and you can either leave them (they’ve got carers) or you can be with them the whole time. Love seeing A get curious about new people and things. She is very sociable as long as she’s had enough sleep and a full tummy hehe.
• Was able to do a sort of mini spring cleaning – so nice to see the kitchen and bathrooms clean and tidy again.
• So glad Ada’s not so picky with her food anymore – that girl has quite the appetite. She’s actually getting chunkier by the day.

 

 

Currently

CURRENTLY: {August 2014}

Reading – After being on the waiting list for months – I finally have my hands on the latest Khaled Hosseini novel ‘And the Mountains Echoed’. So excited to start with it.

Feeling – at this very moment feeling very sentimental about — well, just life in general. Wading through a mix of emotions — mainly love and gratefulness for my little family, a dose of sadness and fear too. Fear of the unknown — what does the future hold?? A tinge of excitement for the good things that are coming…a lot of hoping and praying and dreaming…

Waiting for – Summertime so we can have some nice family trips to parks and the beach and CHRISTMAS — Ada will be 18 months then and will be able to appreciate Christmas more — So much to look forward to.

Thinking – hard about how I need to make some small (but very significant) changes in my routine/lifestyle that will benefit me & my family. Also thinking a lot about parenting and what kind of a mum I want to be. So interested in reading ‘How to raise Godly tomatoes’ & ‘Hands Free Mama’.

Watching – nothing at the moment but the last one Alex and I watched was The Purge 2. It’s crazy – after the movie Alex and I kept thinking of what we were gonna do if there was an actual purge going on —- s.c.a.r.y.

Loving – this blog post: ‘How to miss a childhood’. from Hands Free Mama. (MUST-READ!!!)

O.M.G.    This.     Straight to the core.

“I can recall  time when you were out with your children you were really with them. You engaged in a back and forth dialog even if they were pre-verbal. You said, ‘Look at the bus, see the doggie, etc.’ Now I see you on the phone, pushing your kids on the swings while distracted by your devices. You think you are spending time with them but you are not present really. When I see you pick up your kids at day care while you’re on the phone, it breaks my heart. They hear your adult conversations. What do they overhear? What is the message they receive? I am not important; I am not important.” (from the blog post mentioned above)

 

 

Keeping up with Ada

Ahhhh —ONE! If I had to choose – I think this is by far my most favorite age! I don’t know what it is about them turning 1 but it’s such a wonderful and exciting time!

Our LOVE.

I’ve listed down some things about Ada – just random stuff she’s been doing lately, stuff she likes (or doesn’t like) at the moment, and just little things I’d like to remember about her at this stage of her life…(13 mos & 2 weeks)

• She raises her hand whenever we’re outdoors — which means –>> ‘BIRDS’! When it’s a good day I take her outside and we look at birds and sometimes airplanes. She gets so excited looking at birds flying!
• I think she will grow up a movie lover — (she is now only allowed to watch tv a few minutes in the morning and again a few minutes in the evening) When she was 6 months old I had the TARZAN movie playing on the tube and I would notice she would go still and then would smile from time to time — the next day I played the same movie and caught her smiling at the exact same parts from the day before! So funny. I must say she has good taste in movies too – her favorites are of course Tarzan, (I remember loving it too when I watched it years ago!!) Kung fu Panda and Rio!
• She LOVES to eat. Her current favorites are: bread (plain or with peanut butter), Any kind of CHEESE, rice with soup (with lots of spinach), persimmons, orange, banana, avocado. She used to love her mashed pumpkin and broccoli and carrots but since turning 11 months she’s decided she’s had enough of those (hence the spinach loaded soup).
• She doesn’t like boiled or scrambled eggs. I sometimes make her egg drop soup and that is the only way she will have her eggs. Strange.
• Her new thing at the moment is sitting on her playmat by herself and browsing through her books – mostly she tries to destroy the pages (with her tiny but agile hands) or she pretends to read holding the book upside down or she babbles while looking at the pictures. Of course this only lasts a few minutes but she does it a couple of times a day and I love it.
• She doesn’t require expensive toys. (Top tip for the new mamas: Do not buy your little one heaps of fancy toys!) I’m not sure about other babies but my one enjoys playing with non-toys – stuff she finds lying around at our home — like my hairbrush (eeew) or a cd or empty water bottles. Is my child weird? I have tried to get her to play with her real toys and she does play with them sometimes but she’s not too excited about them… YET. (Everyone’s telling me — wait til she turns 2!!) NOTE: They say that the more active the toy (lights blinking, sounds, computer screens) the more passive the child and vice versa.
• She’s still not very keen on baths.
• She currently loves these songs: ‘Old Macdonald’ (absolute favorite), ‘Incy Wincy Spider’, ‘The Wheels on the Bus’ (second absolute favorite), ‘If you’re happy and you know it’, ‘Baa Baa Black Sheep’. Yes – I now know the lyrics of all these songs by heart and have invented actions for them too. Haha.
• She still isn’t sleeping through the night.
• We’ve been bringing her to the library and to the Whitcoulls kids section in Botany and she is super happy toddling around the aisles – refuses to be carried and touches everything she sees.

This motherhood thing is HARD WORK — but it is fun and satisfying and the love that your child gives you is just priceless. Although I know it probably would not get easier — I’m pretty certain it would just get better and better…