Growing in Faith Through Christian Workshops

Biblical workshops and training programs can be a wonderful way to touch on matters of the heart. Learning from people with strong Christian faith can help ease the pain and loneliness that often go alongside poverty and other types of adversity. Christian workshops allow individuals to fellowship with others from similar circumstances and can help ease the feelings of discouragement, hopelessness, and powerlessness that are so damaging to anyone hoping to better their circumstances.

Christian-based workshops allow individuals to see themselves as God created them, strengthens and helps grow their faith, and provides them with the peace and comfort that Jesus can provide. These workshops also challenge many negative matters of the heart that hold people back. Working to rethink perceptions about yourself and others, dealing with pride and selfishness, and developing a humble spirit are all part of the process of becoming a warrior for Christ. While the process can be challenging, developing into the person God meant for you to be your reward.

Of course, matters of the heart are only one part of the process of developing into a strong and resilient Christian. In many areas, just having basic needs met is a challenge. Participating in and supporting programs that provide needed services such as food and water is a strengthening process for both the giver and the receiver.

Vocational training programs to teach women how to start and run their own businesses are another way Christ-centered programs can improve other's lives. With a source of income, these women become valuable, and valued, members of the community. Programs that provide start-up funds for these businesses, as well as training, is a gift to the entire community.

Whether someone is interested in taking part in a Christ-centered workshop, or giving or receiving aid, involvement in these programs provides a very real way to impact lives. While you may think you are too much of a sinner to have anything of value to offer, nothing could be further from the truth. Everyone has value, and through the work of Christ-centered programs, everyone can see their worth.

Mom Bloggers for Social Good

Stop animal cruelty.

Uphold women's and children's rights.

Protect maternal health.

Spread breast cancer awareness.

These are some causes I feel strongly about. My dilemma is how to get these issues out there and be an active advocate. Thankfully, I was invited by Jennifer James to be a founding member of Mom Bloggers for Social Good. This is a "global coalition of mom bloggers" from United States, Canada, UK, India, Spain, Nigeria, Singapore, Netherlands, Malaysia, Jamaica and the Philippines. We shall help spread the word about the good work that non-profit organizations and NGO's do around the world. The work that they do revolves around these areas:

• Children
• Education
• Maternal Health
• Fair Trade
• Workers' Right
• Environment and Climate
• Communicable Disease
• Non-Communicable Disease
• Access to Clean Water and Sanitation
• Food Security
• Malaria and Tuberculosis
• HIV / AIDS
• Women and Girls

Non-profit organizations and NGO's are welcome to become partners, please send an email to info@mombloggersforsocialgood.com. Click here for more information about partnering. 

Being a member of Mom Bloggers for Social Good enables me to use my voice (however small) in driving awareness to important world issues and helping those who need it the most. 

On Franchising

I am planning on acquiring a franchise. Some say this is a good idea because, according to one article I read by Fitz Villafuerte:

The strongest argument for buying a franchise is brand recognition. Getting a popular franchise gives you a higher rate of success.

I also think that if I follow the company's formula, I do not have to think of what works or not. They should have that thought through already. I also hope that they will help me all throughout the process as I have very little business experience.

I wonder, if I would like to implement my own business strategy, would they let me? For example, if I want to let the people in the area know that I exist, could I give out something like promotional pens? Of course, I will have to put the logo on a pen I will distribute so the potential customers would get acquainted with the brand.

Then, to keep the customers coming, I hope I would get the fund to acquire personalized pencils and stationery to give away to wonderful customers come Christmas. But, that is, if it is not against the company's policy. Things like these I have to remember to ask the company. Maybe they would have their own style of marketing that I must follow, definitely.

Please wish me luck!

Insurance for the Family

When we get the right insurance, it is surely a wise investment for the family. We already have life insurances plus hospitalization riders which I think would really be handy in these times. It seems that people nowadays are less healthy than the elders, I don't know why. We also have car insurance which I think is also important for unavoidable circumstances involving the vehicle. A savings type of insurance for the children would help parents pay for their tuition fees and save up for the dowry of a daughter - where applicable. When it comes to home insurance, I am not sure if it is advisable because we live in a sort of compound with other relatives and it's like a townhouse where it's one big establishment that's divided into units. There are also other types of insurance that cover even the smallest stuff , like our gadgets. I just don't know if those are worth it, though.

I wonder if my insurance company covers me when I travel abroad. For example, when I go to New York, would they have New York insurance information? Or if ever I decide to settle there, would they be able to handle my New York home insurance? It sure would be quite a hassle to change insurance companies from time to time. This reminds me to ask our agent regarding our coverages outside the Philippines.

A Call From God

More than a month had passed since the devastating typhoon Ondoy hit our country. Our capital was targeted and many people lost their homes and material possessions, what's worse was that there were lives lost, too. Massive relief efforts were made, especially by those fortunate to have their homes intact.

What struck down our homes,

When the strong winds blew,
Thick curtains of rain
Made pools of flood water,
Thick, soft carpets of mud;

Also struck a chord,
A call to realize:
God's longing for us,
To look upon heaven
As our permanent home,
Earthly things fade away.

We are very blessed,
In turn be a blessing
To those in dire need,
Thus serving the Lord,
This is our ministry.