Attitude. Perspective. As the saying goes, “Life is 10 percent what happens to us and 90 percent how we react to it.” -odb

Indeed, very true. In our human frailties, we tend to snap quickly whenever we find or face some situations that challenges our patience, our understanding and those little thing that we found "unsuitable" or "unfavorable" in our end. We are sometimes, if not all the time, so quick to react on negativity. And when we could no longer hold our temper, we tend to explode and burst hateful or hurtful words toward those who "offended" us. That is the usual  cause of broken relationship among families and friends and even colleagues or bosses. Then there's regrets in the end. So, attitude really matters. 

If we allow this kind of attitude in this world, we could never live in peace with anyone. But we all want peace of mind, right? Then let's not complicate life. Let us learn to forgive, to live in humility, to respect others regardless of their status in life, and to lengthen our patience at all times. Yes, that's easier said than done but remember that with God, NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE. Thus, we need to pray for it. After praying, we need to make some PARADIGM SHIFTING on the way we think, say and do. 

Have a blessed day with full of patience ahead of you. GOD BLESS

Experts agree that interactive games are one of the most effective ways to boost brain function and prevent against degenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and dementia. There are also a plethora of solo activities you can do to boost cognitive skills and retain maximum brain power, and there are also some fun games you can play with your family. Multiplayer brain games are not only a fun way to bring families together for game night, they also help kids define fine and gross motor skills and boost brain power in adults. Here are some fun ways to keep the brain sharp. 

Surprisingly, one of the simplest ways to boost brain activity, invoke imagination and dramatically improve memory is by reading; any genre of your choice will work. For maximum cognitive retention, experts encourage people to read for at least a half an hour a day. Crossword puzzles and word search books are other fun solo activities you can do, and they have both been proven to improve brain function. 

Solo memory games are also another interactive way to challenge the brain and improve cognitive function. There are a plethora of free apps and websites that offer progressive games that build upon your previous sessions. They track your time and score, and they offer additional suggestions on how to improve your memory and response time. You can log in and check your previous sessions to chart your progression over time. Games become more challenging as brain functions increase. They are both fun to play and a great way to prevent degenerative diseases.

If you love having weekly family game nights or take frequent road trips with the kids, portable multiplayer games will keep the family entertained for hours. In addition to creating memories with family and improving brain function with games, they are also one of the most inexpensive forms of entertainment. Brick-and-mortar stores have standard, run-of-the-mill board games for building your initial collection. Online shops that specialize in board games often carry limited-edition and unique sets not typically found out in the retail marketplace. Big Brain Place, https://bigbrain.place/collections/games-for-2-or-more-players, is an example of an online site offering a wide variety of multiplayer games and travel sets that the whole family will enjoy.

Board games, reading and puzzles are some of the best ways to boost your brain power for cognitive and memory improvement. They are also inexpensive entertainment for the whole family.

 

December 21 was the last day of work for us, public teachers, for 2017, it is also the last day of our Gender and Equality (GAD) Seminar. But I already asked permission to our dear Principal to be absent on that day because I have already decided to attend the J.O.Y. Retreat sponsored and organized by our church, Blessed Hope Community Church International. The said retreat was held at Saddle Ridge Camp in Dahilayan Bukidnon. 

A week before, I was quite hesitant to join because of so many concerns, both personal and work, not to mention the financial areas since there is a registration payment of Php 1,000.00 per head and, I guess, half the amount for children. Then my youngest daughter was not feeling well. She was suffering from cough and cold that time. Indeed, there are so many obstacles that prompted me not to join anymore to avoid the stress. However, during Sunday that time, our LifeGroup Coach, Ate Grace Fancubit, encouraged us to join and she reassured me that our registration fee will be shouldered by my hubby's allowance. Wow, an answered prayer BUT then I was a bit worried about my baby since the weather of the venue was really noted for being cold especially during night time. It was also on the news that a typhoon was about to hit on the 22nd (Friday). Nevertheless, my whole family went along with other participants. We leave CDO before lunchtime.

Judging from previous similar engagements that I've been through before, I thought this whole retreat would be just "the same". So, before the first session had started, I and my husband agreed that he would be the one to attend to my three kids while I will be in the session hall. This was his second time actually so he already knew the whole thing. Indeed, the weather was very cold but it never stopped us. it also rained during the night. Before the proper session began, we were asked by the facilitator during the opening program that we should "empty" ourselves and should allow God to fill us with His presence. We should be focused from the start till the end. I really didn't get the message at first but as soon as the first session began, I was really completely overwhelmed with all my experiences until the last session. There was an outpouring of emotions, of realizations and of repentance. There are a lot of things that are so "new" to me. For ten years in the church, this was the first time that I fully understood myself and my God's plan for me. All my why's and how's in life were being answered. I can feel God's presence and I can read His message that He is trying to let me understand. All my doubts about my Christian life was somehow being enlightened. Indeed, I will never forget that complete experience I have- it is a "real encounter" with Him. 

I realized we can only understand ourselves if we were able to uncover our roots- the root of all our pains, bitterness, and all those negative traits that we possess. If we have all that being acknowledged, then it is easier for us to find the true value of God's sacrifices for all of us: when He died on the cross. All the things that Jesus did for us should not just go in vain. Its meaning was deeper than I could imagine. For 36 years, it is only this time that I fully understood the greatness of God's love for us. Never will I use my human frailties as an excuse for committing a sin. NEVER AGAIN. 

J.O.Y. (Jesus, Others, and You). Indeed, it was a JOYful experience. It was the first time also that I can feel God's Holy Spirit within me. That light feeling, that overflowing happiness, the outpouring of emotion as an expression of being grateful for everything that He has done for us. All those experiences were so worth the time and my decision to join the retreat. Indeed, no matter what situations or predicaments we are in, when it is God's will, it will really happen. God sees a receptive heart within me. Let me have this prayer:

Dear Father God

Thank you Lord for allowing me to enJOY your presence throughout the whole session in spite of the devastation brought by Typhoon Vinta upon our city and I believed that You will never forsake those who were affected. We might not be able to fathom everything that had happened in this world but I firmly believe that everything happens for a reason. It is my prayer Lord that You will give the victims hope and faith and more reasons to trust in You and in Your promises for them, for each one of us. We commit to You Oh, God the restoration of what were being damaged through your abundance and grace. These we asked in the mighty name of Jesus. AMEN

This is just my personal point of view regarding the SOGIE bill which has been approved by the Congress and will be made into law upon the approval of  President Rody Duterte.

All human beings should have an equal right- that's a fact. Both men and women should have equal rights- none should be below or above to each other. This is one of the advocacies of Gender and Development Program- GENDER EQUALITY.

But if we look further and go deeper- this could mean that all individual can freely express themselves according to their preferences thus same-sex marriage would soon be legalized in our dear country.

SAME-SEX MARRIAGE. What could/would happen to us people if our moral standards are slowly deteriorating? What could/would happen to our next generation? It's a form of perversion to God's original purpose of our creation! How can same-sex marriage procreate? 

I am not against to any of the LGBT group, but it's their act of perversion that I do not like. It's the spirit that tried to OVERPOWER THEM. God hates the act of perversion, in fact, He punished Sodom and Gomorrah. 

Do we have to wait for another Sodom and Gomorrah? People are clamoring for gender equality- to what extent? Do we really have to tolerate such act for the sake of EQUALITY? I felt sorry for all my LGBT friends who were overcome by the "sin of the flesh". But God is gracious, they can still REPENT and change their lives for the better. Otherwise, they have to be accountable for their actions.

Christmas rush... heavy traffic, long queue, crowded places and gift-able merchandise everywhere, indeed, the feeling of Christmas rush is evident everywhere and can be felt by everyone. As for me, I have a lot of things on my mind, lots of plans for the coming celebration. But then, I was reminded to stay calm- to stay cool. I was reminded not to feel the pressure, and I was reminded to stay chill. 

CREDITS: google.com

I used to worry a lot during this season. I worried about the gifts (obligatory feeling?), I was worried about the food. But as I grew a year older, I realized how to be contented and grateful with what I just can afford. I slowly withdraw myself from the "burden" of Christmas. What made me realize all that? Simple, it is the fact that this is NOT ABOUT US. Christmas is about Our Lord Jesus Christ who was born and more than three decades later, was hung on the cross to allow us to enjoy the beauty of CHRISTMAS as a redeemed children of God. This is ALL ABOUT HIM. That's why we should only do the things that could glorify Him! Yes, it is the season of giving, but we can give more than the material things. We can freely give our  FORGIVENESS to those who have offended us, we can give our LOVE for those whom we could consider as unlovable (as for me, some of my unruly students), we can give our TIME to our family whom we almost neglect because of the demands of our time for work. We can give ourselves for other people- our talents, skills, and concern. Christmas is a season of LOVE, a season of SHARING our happiness to everyone- how? that's where your talent, your skills and your time will be needed. No need to spend much. With just minimal expenses, the true spirit of Christmas can be experienced by each one of us.

Merry Christmas everyone!

You might be in a situation where you need to replace all of your current furniture because it is very old and falling apart. If this is the case, you will need to do some investigating in order to find a good place to buy some new furniture that will last for a very long time. There are many furniture retailers that you can choose from. However, you should never assume that these retailers are basically the same. You will discover that some are much better than others after you start shopping. Here are some of the most crucial things that you will need to keep in mind when you are in need of some new wooden furniture.

1. What sort of selection does the store have? 

Furniture stores come in all sizes. This means that some will have inventories that are much bigger than others. You should never buy new furniture that you are not crazy about just because the store you are doing your shopping at has a very lackluster selection. You need to remain patient and not be in a hurry to buy your furniture. Keep looking until you find a furniture store with a huge inventory that will offer you the choices you want. You should never settle for anything less than the exact furniture you are looking for.

2. Do you know anybody who has recently bought some wooden furniture?

It would be in your best interests to take a survey of the people you know to determine if any of them has bought some wooden furniture in the past year or two. You might just get lucky. One or more of these people might be able to recommend a fabulous furniture retailer that you never knew existed before. Ask the people who have recently bought furniture where they bought it and how much they paid for it. Are they happy with the quality of it? These people might give you a line on where to pick up some quality ranch style furniture in Austin.

3. Can the store make custom furniture according to your specific needs?

You might see a wooden table that you really like. However, it is too big to fit in the room where you want to put it. Try to find a furniture store that is able to make custom size alterations for you.