Sharing: The Science of Happiness

Are you happy? Would you like to know the secret to happiness? Thanks to Happify for this infographic that gives us insight to our quest for happiness.

How about you? What do you think makes us happy?

Sharing: Infographic On Earthquake and Flood

Are you with me when I say that we are experiencing more calamities at present than before? Yes? No? Well, knowing more about earthquake preparedness and what to do during flood would be a great help either way. Do you have any personal tips you would like to share?

The "Mother is sitting" phenomenon by Aunt Erma

From Aunt Erma's Cope Book by Erma Bombeck:

"The "Mother is sitting" phenomenon is probably one of the reasons meditation never really got a foothold on mothers when they were the ones who needed it the most."

Do you agree? This happens to me sometimes. And it's not just sitting, it also applies to when I thought I had the chance to stretch my back, or close my eyes for a while, or read, or blog, or daydream.

"At that moment the doorbell will ring, children will appear holding vital parts of their anatomy, the dog will dig his paws insistently into a leg, a husband will call impatiently for help, a phone will register its fifteenth ring, a pot will boil over, a buzzer will sound, or faucets will go on all over the house, and a loud voice will shriek, "I'm telling.""

In my case, my baby will cry or shout for me, my eldest will tell me "Caleb hurt me!" or "Please draw this and that." or "Where are the scissors?", my only boy will want to sit on my lap or be carried. Of course, I welcome all their attention but then, there will be meals to plan (I do wish I could get myself to do weekly, if not, monthly meal-planning), a space to declutter, and a missing something that needed finding.

source

From all Aunt Erma had been able to gather, a message goes out over an invisible network that flashes to the world "Mother is in a sitting position. Proceed and de-sit."

On Mining and Wisdom

With the negative impact of mining on the environment and on the livelihoods of the inhabitants near the mining site, it is not surprising that #NoToMining was trending on Twitter in the Philippines. I wonder how this issue will affect the mining stocks. I wonder what Tim Sykes, a trader, will say about that.


While reading the Bible, I stumbled upon a chapter in Job about mining and wisdom. The timing was perfect since the news and Twitter were abuzz with the issue on mining. I will paste all of it here so that we could all gather insights.

Job 28 (NIV) 

Interlude: Where Wisdom Is Found 

 ¹ There is a mine for silver 

   and a place where gold is refined. 

² Iron is taken from the earth, 

   and copper is smelted from ore. 

³ Mortals put an end to the darkness; 

   they search out the farthest recesses 

   for ore in the blackest darkness. 

⁴ Far from human dwellings they cut a shaft, 

   in places untouched by human feet; 

   far from other people they dangle and sway. 

Not Just A Mother

Giving birth to a son/daughter doesn't just make a woman a mom. She also has to take on other roles and responsibilities at the same time, too. Some moms even have to be dads to their children. To my 4-year-old daughter, I see myself as a/an:

• Guide - not just a tourist guide, but the mentoring kind. This is a big responsibility, for what I teach, not just through words but also through actions, is etched deeply into her mind, thus she reflects how I am as a person. I really need God's help on this one as the immensity of molding another person is quite overwhelming and challenging, a really big job! It must be done right.
• Stylist - having a daughter is sometimes fun for the moms to dress up, not just with t-shirts and pants, but with dresses, hats, hair accessories, cardigans, girly socks and pretty shoes. But, I am not into dressing up little girls as mini adults, it should be age-appropriate.
• Entertainer - kids really do get bored very easily so I need to devise ways to keep her occupied. Also, during car rides to far places, it is hard for her to stay still so it is wise to keep toys, picture books and imaginations handy.
• Teacher - the one in school is not enough, at home, I need to help her do her homework. Elle calls me "Mama Teacher" sometimes. 
• Referee - as early as now, Elle and her baby brother Caleb fight like cats and dogs already. Aside from breaking them up, I need to be objective, too. But sometimes, they said it's OK to let them resolve conflicts on their own, I just don't know if it's applicable at this stage.
• Nutritionist - for someone who doesn't really watch what she eats, this is difficult as I need to come up with dishes that will be beneficial for my kids. Plus, I don't really cook before I got married!

How about you, mommies? What other roles do you take on since becoming a mother?

http://www.zulva.com/images/mother/images/1-mom.gif

A Home In Need Of Change

After almost five years of living in our home, the renovation work that was done before seems to be falling apart. Our kitchen's countertop tiles were falling off already, the floor tiles near the entrance suddenly popped out on their own accord, and the cement ceiling right outside the front door were chipping and luckily the pieces didn't fall on anyone's head. I guess another renovation, albeit a minor one, is more practical than scouting for for sale by owner leads, meaning purchasing a second hand house. It would take a lot of work, and we still haven't thought of how our dream home would look like yet.

And, as the third baby is coming very soon, we need to expand to the second bedroom where our eldest will sleep. I wonder where to put the things since it has become another stockroom. The furniture of the master bedroom should be moved around to accommodate another baby cot.  I really need to "declutter" soon! My word! It sure is an overwhelming task.

Shopping for a kiddie bed is something I think I would look forward to. Plus, if the room is to be repainted, picking out the color would be exciting too. I was also thinking of adding a wall sticker in the design of a growth chart to monitor the kids' heights and add a decorative element to the room.

So, this home's need for change is just physical. But, the family members residing here will soon undergo an emotional change since an additional baby is something big to experience. Another round of sleepless nights for the parents, additional house help perhaps, the big sister will act more like a big sister, and the youngest son will be a big brother.

Moms: Purposefully Make Time For God

I'd like to share this article to Christian moms like me who are too caught up in a busy mommy life that devotions with the Lord come very rarely. It is entitled The spiritual life of a busy mom: Carving out time with God when there's no time to be had.

http://www.ctk-nola.org/Biblehomepage.html

Here are some practical solutions that I could do in between cooking for my family and spending time with my little ones:

•One mother recently started spending devotional time with God during the first 20-30 minutes of her twin daughters’ nap time. She views this time as a spiritual act of worship in which she can literally trust God to help her accomplish everything she still needs to do that day. “I find that time alone with God is especially crucial to re-set my priorities and refresh my heart on the days when it feels like I don't have time to be alone with God today. Those are the days when devotional time with God is most life-giving for me, my husband and my children.”


•Another mom said, “I love to listen to the local Christian station or to Christian CDs in the car. Right now, my favourite is the CD my church's choir put together last year. It's full of the praise music we sing every Sunday, so I feel like I'm sitting in my regular worship service every time I listen to it.”

•“I try to make time for Christian books occasionally. And, whenever possible, I look for a women's Bible study at my church to join. That has always been a blessing, as I'm able to fellowship with other Christian women and moms while finding a quiet hour away from the kids and the constant needs at home.”

•“I keep a weekly prayer journal that's divided into three parts: thanks, confession and requests.”

•“Surprisingly, I find that moments when I am simply sitting, watching and enjoying my daughter, are moments when I am more aware of God’s presence than ever. That’s when, in my heart, I thank Him for her, recognize how blessed I am and utter quick prayers (two-sentence pleas) to Him for her, for me as her mom, and for my husband.”

•Pray while in the shower or when you’re getting ready for the day.

•Write reminders and memory verses on sticky notes around the house.

•Set a reminder on your phone or computer to remind you each day to fit in some quality time with God.

•Read the Bible with your kids, even if they’re playing on the floor and don’t seem to really be listening. By doing so, you’re setting a good example – and they might even surprise you by how much they absorb!

•Purchase an audio version of the Bible (some websites also offer these). Listen while you cook dinner, fold laundry or do other household tasks. Also great while in the carpool lane!

•Set your children up with a craft project (something that needs minimal supervision) or institute an “alone time” each day when everyone plays or relaxes in their own room. Use this time to study Scripture, read a devotional book or simply pray.

The Bad, The Good and The Ugly

The Bad.
When I thought that everything was already good to go, something goes wrong to cause stress. After all, the plan was simple. Around 11am was supposed to be baby Caleb's dedication, and afterwards, to the birthday lunch venue. No programs, no clowns, no etcetera.
But...

• The person from the parish office told me that my schedule was 9am and that the reverend had already left.
• The other pastor needed to attend some anniversary gathering and cannot substitute.
• He had lots of excuses when I have already called twice to confirm!
• He suggested we re-schedule.
• Then, we were a bit late for the lunch party. Guests were already waiting for us.
• I was reprimanded because there were more tables than guests.
• I was reprimanded for letting the nanny go on a day-off that day.

The Good.
In hindsight, even with the setbacks and the emotional rollercoaster that I have gone through, there were many things to be thankful to God for that day. Like...

• My hubby who talked with the person from the parish office.
• Accompanied by my friend who was bent on making the dedication happen, the person from the parish office had to make a way. Thanks, Beth!
• It didn't rain, praise God!
• My daughter Elle who looked so pretty as a little princess and she seemingly enjoyed the party playing with lots of kids.
• Aunts who were concerned about me and my children are blessings.
• Thankfully, Caleb did not cry at the sight of many people. Family and friends were able to carry him.
• I'm grateful for the guests who did attend and I think it was not right to worry over those who should have come.
• I was the one excited for Elle to open her gifts, teehee!

The Ugly.

• The grown person who was weeping: ME!

2011 Lessons to Learn

Image by DavidDMuir via Flickr

Another one of my goals for the year 2011 is to learn and relearn lessons. We always learn something in our everyday experiences and from communication with people in our circles, unless one is quite dense or likes to make the same mistakes again and again. I believe that there is always room for improvement in our lives. At one point in my life I think that became my motto. It was a good one, thinking about it.

Anyway, as a wife and mommy, the need to cook arises and I sometimes get headaches just thinking about what to set on the table. It doesn't help that my daughter is a picky eater. So, in answer to that, I want to learn new recipes or learn to cook the same ingredients in different and creative ways. I also like to bake, and I think baking is healthier that frying i.e. fried chicken vs. baked chicken. But I would need an oven for that. It is also my goal to save for an oven, even just a small one for baking dishes like Potato Gratin. Yum!

Second on my list is learning to drive again, or practice driving. I think this one will be tougher because of the time. I have a baby to take care of and I have to find out where I can squeeze in driving lessons. My hubby must also be willing to teach me things like parallel parking, Los Angeles auto repair, replacing a head gasket, and what to do when I get into a car accident. *Shudder!* I pray for God's loving protection. Do I use the car that we already have or look for a smaller one like a Honda Civic? But I don't know where to park another car since the shared garage we have is already full. And getting a second car is quite expensive.

The learning process of a parent is never ending. Parenting requires trial and error, lots of it. Also, each child is so different from the other, having a unique set of traits, needs and wants. I am going to relearn patience and not sweating the small stuff. I have a tendency to stress over little things, which is not good when raising kids. In the aspect of child-rearing, I greatly need God's guidance. Praying over my children is vital.

Learning to be organized is hard! Each day is like having a hurricane inside our house. What should I do to make our disheveled house into a tidy home? I feel overwhelmed by this task. I need to learn determination, perseverance and being industrious in seeing my goals achieved.

What else do you think I should learn?

Fear? Or Faith?

I am glad I chanced upon a channel on cable showing the sermon of Joel Osteen in Lakewood Church. The topic he was speaking about was Replacing Fear with Faith. This is perfect for me because I sometimes worry too much, and think too much of my fears.

Nowadays, it is easy to be negative. We have the news to thank, telling us to expect the worst of the economy, the worst of the year and sometimes the worst in people. We are also influenced by the people around us, even our own friends who think or react negatively. Remember that fear is faith in reverse. Joel Osteen suggested that we surround ourselves with more positive friends, we guard our minds from the power of suggestion (the negative ones) and that we must not let anyone talk us into mediocrity. This is because fear, worry and negativity are contagious.

As are faith, victory and hope, using our energy to believe, to declare God's blessings over our lives. The amount of energy taken to say,"I am never going to get well..." is the same as saying,"I am going to live a long, healthy and happy life!" Why not choose the latter and make good use of that energy? Expect the best from God, from the year. Do not watch the fear channel, the worry channel, the negative channel. If these come on, change the channel! What we meditate on will come to pass, so we must keep thoughts of victory in mind. Do not let our imaginations run wild in the wrong direction, let us activate our faith.

Matthew 9:29 TNIV

"Then he touched their eyes and said, 'According to your faith let it be done to you'."

God's Word is Precious

It sure is nice to go back to those times when we were happy, ecstatic, and filled with positive anticipation of what life has to give. But when things do not go the way we wanted them to, when the people we thought would make us happy didn't quite meet our expectations, we are weighed down with sorrow. It seems as if there is nothing but despair to look forward to, it seems life does not go on for us. But God says there is hope for all. There is light at the end of the dark and damp tunnel we are going through. He gives His word on that, we can rely on His precious and great promises written in the Bible. Even if the people we love seem to desert us in times of great need, God will never ever leave us. Trying moments are there to teach us to trust in Him, in His goodness, in His love. To be close to Him is what He desires. In time, I will see the reasons and the lessons for the difficulties I am going through.

Mommy Reservoir

Just when I thought my back would break from carrying my baby bump and when I was sweating rivers from the sweltering morning walk, my 2-year-old said she was tired and asked to be carried. I was surprised to find myself hauling Elle into my arms and walking a few meters to where our car was parked. Where did my strength come from?

I think it's called a Mommy reservoir.

Just when I thought my heart would break from great sadness, when I really felt unappreciated, Elle saw me crying and shared her favorite stuffed bear with me. For her and for her baby brother growing inside me, I knew that I absolutely cannot give in to depression. I had to smile and laugh with her, I had to eat for him. The sadness was overshadowed by joy brought by my kids. Where did my inner joy come from?

I think it's called a Mommy reservoir.

It is something only mommies have. It is a precious gift from the Lord.

New Year Brings...

In an instant, it seems things have changed
In an instant, our lives rearranged
Into correct perspectives
Thinking over our objectives
Another chance to start again
To mend the ways we had back then
To reach the goals as we hope
Courage for trials to cope
Easier said than done
Challenges make a strong one
Stronger faith in the Lord
To keep as we gave our word

A Twisted Fairytale

This story was inspired by watching fairytales with my daughter.

Once upon a time, in a make believe kingdom where the sky was lavender dotted with baby pink balls of cloud, there lived a fair maiden named Cazzelle with skin as smooth as flower petals, whose hair was like silk and her eyes were like two shiny black diamonds. She had two stepsisters who were twins and twice as lovely as she was. But, she had no feelings of envy or jealousy for she believed that to each her own unique personalities and abilities that define. Briana was a good cook and loved to try new recipes that she always let Cazzelle have the first tastes. Brieta designs patterns for pot holders, coasters, scarves and Cazzelle was the one who would sit down for hours and knit them all.

The dove alighted on the fence for the 25th time. Cazzelle untied the green ribbon from its leg and took the letter from Prince Andrei, her quill pal. "...looking forward to seeing you in person, Cazzellina, my princess!", she read aloud, crossing and uncrossing her legs at the ankles while seated on her favorite green lounging chair by the bay window in her room. Weaving with words and pouring out her dreams in a letter was one thing, but actually talking to Andrei was another thing. Shrugging, she knew this day would have to come. It is in a person's nature to want to know everything, to unravel the mysteries that this world presents. She would have to do all the chores and knit all of Brieta's designs before he arrived in the afternoon. He said that he would be wearing a green cloak and would be atop his white horse with a red mane, so she would know it's him.

No dove this morning. There was no need, Cazzelle saw everything that transpired. The feelings that exchanged. She draped herself across her bed face down and allowed some tears to roll freely down her cheeks. Andrei loved adventures, he had written her detailed accounts of his experiences at sea and his island discoveries. He loved to tinker with small objects, he told her he changed the face of one of his pocket watches and made the numbers into pictures. She would have loved to see that! He seemed easily pleased and interested in her boring life and in her boring poems. What started their writing exchange was when she wrote a poem she was bursting to share with the world, to inspire anyone with it. So she tied it to a leg of one of her doves and had let it fly. She never knew it would reach one of the princes in their kingdom. There were many things she liked about Andrei, except for his preference for the physical appearance. He didn't look back at her when he decided to pursue Brieta.

When a sob escaped from her lips, millions of tiny, sparkling lights filled up her room. When all of it cleared away, Cazzelle was astonished to find a little old lady in a yellow hooded dress, sitting beside her on her bed. "Do I have a fairy godmother that I didn't know about?", she wondered aloud. "Apparently.", the lady answered, winking. "My name is Divonne, Cazzelle. Why are you crying?"
"Matters of the heart..."
"Oh, I cannot help you with that, then. Sorry."
"Can you at least bestow on me a slim figure, like my stepsisters?", she tried.Divonne shook her head. "I thought you needed something material, things for a ball, like Cinderella." Cazzelle was disappointed. "Oh." "You could try exercising.", Divonne suggested."Or letting Briana taste her own concoctions perhaps." "So, I won't have my prince then?" Cazzelle asked with a touch of sarcasm. Divonne put a finger under Cazzelle's chin and lifted her face a bit, "In time... I suppose. I am unsure of these things, Cazzelle. I just know that you deserve someone who will love you just as you are." Cazzelle sat up and nodded in agreement. "Thank you, Divonne." They hugged. "I hope you come here and visit me more often so I could get to know you. Not just when I am crying." They smiled at each other. Cazzelle knew that this was not the 'happily ever after' that her heart had desired, but she decided to choose to be happy, even without a prince. She would continue composing poems, something that she loved to do. Perhaps, another prince would receive her poem, one who was meant for her.

Why children's shows are good for adults too...

While she was enjoying what she's seeing and hearing, she's completely unaware of me seeing and hearing what isn't too obviously shown. I didn't know I could learn a few life lessons by watching Playhouse Disney Channel's shows with my daughter Elle.

• It's quite OK to be silly, to laugh at ourselves. It is good to know that we accept ourselves for everything that we are, and better to know that our friends do too.
• Dancing is good for the body and the soul. Almost all of the shows involve dancing. It is a way of appreciating the music. Elle and I dance together, this way we bond. I can see she loves it when we dance as she's beaming and totally grooves her body.
• Go after your adventure. And not just the ones in the books.
• Sometimes, we can learn from our children. Fresh perspectives on situations sure are welcome, especially that which come from an innocent mind.
• Set aside a day for relaxation. Ideally, sitting under a tree with a pet or a book. Having a party by the beach. Setting up camp around a cheerful bonfire and telling each other stories.
• Enjoy each new experience. Whether it is having a seemingly weird pet, or a first time at a sleepover, there are ways to turn the anxiety into wonderful memories.
• It is fun to be with friends. This I cannot deny. While we discover and recover new and old things about them, inadvertently we do the same for ourselves also.

Trusting and Entrusting

photo source

As I sat contemplating on my gall bladder and liver problem after my lunch, our church's head Pastor's message came to my recollection. I have already heard him mention this twice on different services. Where do we put our trust? We entered the building, which houses the church and we trust the architect that the cement ceiling wouldn't fall down upon our heads. One of the band members sat under one of the speakers and he trusted that it wouldn't crash down upon him. As I sat on one of the pews, was I not worried it would give under my weight? Of course, it is not his intention to let us become paranoid! Pastor just wished to call to our attention the fact that these things are made by man, and we feel secure using them, what more that which is made by God?

How is this connected with my maladies, you ask? Well, I admit I haven't been praying much recently. And I know it is indecent of me to be starting on it again now that I am in trouble. The doctors I went to said that I should undergo surgery and have my gall bladder removed. I really do not want to be cut open again. And would my liver be cured by removing my gall bladder? Maybe not. I wouldn't want to be at the mercy of doctors with scalpels. That's the reason I tried the Apple Juice therapy, so the stones would leave the natural way. and the reason I am now taking Chinese herbal medicine. But the ones who introduced and made, respectively, are also humans, prone to making mistakes. And I know I needed God. I know that only He has the power to heal me, to make me well. It is Him that I needed to trust. I was made by Him, and He knows my anatomy more than I do.

Now that I have resolved to trust Him once more. I need to entrust myself to Him, too, along with all my problems and cares. Entrusting means fully handing over to God something that I cannot do anything about. It is beyond my capabilities. Worrying about it is unequal to entrusting. Sometimes I think too much about a challenge and it is admittedly quite unhealthy.

Typing it here makes me more decided to follow through: I am trusting God to heal me, and I entrust to Him my illness and all other worries.

Note: I am not saying I will escape surgery altogether. If the alternative ways fail to work, and if it is absolutely necessary, I am willing to undergo the ordeal.

This Job Or That?

There are some days...or shall we say, most days, that I have to virtually drag myself to work. I know this is sinful with the financial crisis going on, I must be thankful I have a job. There might be many people who would love to have my job, and all I could say is, "Take it!" Three years is a short time to be with a company, but am I getting tired? Actually, I want to be a work-at-home-mommy personally caring for my daughter and not missing her milestones. Would it be selfish of me to want to be involved in my baby girl's life before she starts school? After all, I could be easily replaced at work, but no one can replace me as my baby's mommy.

That is one of the top reasons why I plan to leave. Sometimes, I am envious of full time mommies who blog so much about their children, because what I see in my child most of the time are the wrong things that she has absorbed from the yaya or the caretaker. I want to play with her, to sing to her, to read her stories, to make art and crafts with her, to explore the natural environment with her.

Another reason is that I want to start our own business. I guess I want change. Sometimes the monotony of work is getting to me. Also, I wish to have a business that I would enjoy, where I would earn, and be an outlet to help those in need and to glorify God with. A challenge for me now is to come up with a business idea. I think it should be unique, catchy and would stand out that people will tell others of it. That is what's racking my brains these days. And I am about to throw myself into the unknown, too!

Remember last Christmas with the reports on bank robberies and armored vehicles being held up with casualties and deaths? I know that God is ever keeping me safe, but I can't help but have moments when I fear for my life, even more so when I am riding the armored vehicle to load money. Those times I tell myself that I can't wait to leave this line of work. I can't help thinking of the what if's.

So, now, I am counting down the days until I hand in my resignation letter. Wait, what should I put down in this letter? Any idea?

Happiness is...

It's the little things in life that make me happy, and when I sum them all up, I realize they become the big and important things in my life. Odette of Little Miss Firefly knows this and she likes to spread her own brand of happiness to everyone with much love made by her hands. She also has a crafting blog and an online shop of all her lovely creations.

For me, happiness is:

• God's loving presence in my life, the way He works in my life for my good
• Answered prayers, signs of guidance from Him
• His supplication of my needs
  
• Closeness with the family, talking animatedly and laughing together
• The smile on my parents' faces when they see my daughter, when she plants a kiss on their cheeks
• Waking up to my hubby's kiss, his smile, his touch
• My head on his chest and listening to his heart beat with my name (mushy!)
  
• My daughter's hand in mine, feeling her very soft skin
• Her little head on my shoulder
• Her tight hugs and wet kisses
  
• Catching up with friends, endless discussions about anything at all
• Talking over coffee, hot or cold
• A heartfelt 'thank you'
• A sincere praise from important people in my life
  
• Sipping hot chocolate with marshmallows on a chilly day
• Feasting on potatoes. Yummy!
  
• Eating my mother's cooking and her baked goodies
• Aromas that bring back fond childhood memories
  
• A familiar, old, loved song playing on the radio
  

New Year, Grateful Me

11:25
Less than an hour and it's the year 2009 already. My hubby and I were waiting, while watching TV, while observing the fireworks around us, while munching on shrimps cooked in butter and garlic. Usually, people wait for the new year while counting down to the last second, I guess that's how they welcome it. As if something magical will happen suddenly at the stroke of midnight. As if one will be changed into a better person when the new year comes in. I sure hope it's that easy.

Looking back on the year 2008, I see so much that I am grateful for, even though there were disappointments and frustrations in between.

Blessings to count:

• My family as they were supportive of me and my own family. They treat my hubby like their own son/brother and they were caring towards my daughter.
• My wonderful husband who is ever loving and a good provider.
• My daughter who never ceases to amaze me and bring me so much joy.
• My relatives who complete the meaning of the word family.
  
• My friends who add color to life by being themselves and never judging me.
• My work where I could give my best and prevents me from being idle.
  
• My colleagues who believe in my abilities and a boss who is understanding and fair to all.
• My blogger buddies who share their lives and ideas with me, from whom I learn much.
• Most of all, the Lord who loves me in spite of my sins and my failure to strengthen my fellowship and relationship with Him. I can feel His presence in my life the way He makes things work for me and by His answers to my prayers. Every day, He gives me wisdom to face life and to be what He made me to be - a daughter, a sister, a wife, a mommy, a friend.

I pray that the new year will see the fruits of our plans. And may it see a better me.

Things that we sometimes take for granted

• Breathing. When I hear people say, "Take a deep breath", I would be surprised that the breaths I take are short and sometimes wheezy. When foul odors whiff to my nose, I am unpleasantly reminded that I could breathe and do not require the use of a respirator, and that's something to be thankful for. But as they say, "Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breaths away." Cheesy, huh?
• Our 5 beautiful senses! Use them to enjoy life and the world that God has created for us.
• I love you's that are genuinely meant. I love hearing those words from my hubby, and I hope I hear them from my daughter in the future. We really appreciate words said and actions taken that come from the heart, don't we? Sure, we do remember hypocritical ones, but from those people we stay aloof.
• Sincere smiles. And stuff that makes us smile.
• Water supply. Admit it, life is quite hard without clean water. We drink it, clean ourselves and our surroundings with it, cook with it, we even make art with it (think watercolor)!
• Help from a complete stranger. Who are we to them that they should help us? But, in spite of that, they still extend a hand. They are part of the blessings from God.
• Work. Oftentimes, we hear people complain about their work, their bosses, their salaries or their environment Work is often viewed as an outlet for earning moolah to sustain ourselves, our families or our vanities. Work enables us to be not idle for "An idle mind is the devil's workshop." It enables us to use our 5 beautiful senses and our God-given talents. It gives us an opportunity to serve others and to learn from them.
• Disenchanting experiences. Of course, we feel down in the dumps when things don't go the way we planned, when our pets die or when we had a fight with our partners. The Lord sends the rain to gently remind us of His presence and love. And when we don't budge, He sends the storm. These experiences help us grow, so God allows them. He just wants us to know that He is with us every step of the way. He desires to be close to us.

We are blessed beyond measure, and there are many things in life that could spur a grateful heart in us (even simple and mundane things). I came across a blog that enumerates the things he is grateful for on a daily basis.