Learning to Dance in the Rain

(submitted for St. Paul UMC May 2012 Newsletter)

  One rainy day in April 2011, during one of my daughter, Isabella's, rehearsals for the San Francisco Ballet’s production of Coppelia, I learned a lesson on “dancing in the rain”. We decided to take the train rather than our usual drive to San Francisco. We elected to take BART because it was going to be a long rehearsal and I didn't want to have to worry about parking issues. When we got out of the train, it was pouring rain. I told Isabella: "Let's stop at the library and wait for the rain to pass.” She said: "But Mommy, we don't know when the rain will pass. Let's just go for it." So we did “go for it” and toughed the rain. As we were walking the 3 long blocks to SFB, the rain seemed to have gotten worse, and I could feel the water seeping into my boots. I was so concerned about Isabella's feet and tights getting wet. By this time I started losing my peace and getting irritated, opening a door for the enemy to come in. I got upset at Isabella for suggesting to "just go for it" instead of stopping at the library. I was actually upset at myself, but I just had to put the blame on someone else (confession). In her efforts to calm me down, she said: "Mom, remember you always say to enjoy the moments? And this is a rare moment when we get to walk in the rain! Let's have fun with it and we'll always remember it."   Well, I will surely remember that ever so precious moment. I learned yet another treasured lesson from my angel daughter.
 
I was worried for Isabella’s feet and tights getting wet. Well, they did get wet, but the War Memorial Opera House is fully equipped with a washing machine and dryer, and the staff gladly took care of her wet tights. And there was plenty of time for me to take care of not just her wet feet, but also her blessed spirit. We took time to reflect on the priceless wisdom offered by that particular, memorable moment. So as it turned out, my getting worried, upset, and irritated was a complete waste of energies and time. 

This quote came to mind: "Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass; it's about learning to dance in the rain". 

We can choose to be happy as we wait for the storm to pass.

John 16:33 
"I have told you these things,so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I, Jesus, have overcome the world. 

John 10:10b 
"I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." 

Dear God, Thank you for sending Jesus Christ to overcome the world so that in Him we may have peace. Thank you Jesus for coming so that we may enjoy life to the full even during the “rains and storms” of life. And thank you for an angel daughter who taught me how to “dance in the rain”.

Revelations from Buffing the Floor

(submitted for St. Paul UMC September 2012 Newsletter)

“Mom, why do you buff the floors every day? I think there’s something wrong with you”. This is what my middle son jokingly told me one cleaning day.

You see, as a “seasoned” stay-at-home mom, I have become quite efficient when it comes to cleaning our home, to a point that I buff the floor almost every day. My children would probably argue that it's not efficiency; rather more like OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder). They termed my OCD tendencies “Monk-ing” taken from the TV show “Monk” about an obsessive compulsive detective. Anyway, my children often say: “Mom is Monk-ing again”.

My choice of a dark cherry wood flooring for our home didn't help my OCD tendencies. The floor looks beautiful when it is clean and buffed. Unfortunately, every little dust and most specially foot marks, become very visible and they bug me to a point that I sometimes end up all upset at my family (confession time) if they fail to put slippers on and leave foot marks on our newly buffed floor.

So as I buffed the floor, I pondered what my son told me. Could there really be something wrong with me? I think I do have borderline OCD (ok sometimes it seems more like full blown OCD:). There may be some truth to what my son said: I must be getting some type of enjoyment from buffing the floor to be doing it that much. Then the answer stared right at me as I buffed away (one of those aha! moments). Because I also love to reflect, meditate, and pray so much, floor buffing allows me that extra time! And then I realized that I do the same thing when I take a shower, fold laundry, wash dishes, or vacuum - anytime I'm doing something that sort of frees my mind to reflect, meditate, and pray. I call these action prayers....prayers while in “action”.

Then there are those prayers I term my resting/waiting prayers: those graceful moments taken while I'm resting (i.e. tea/coffee time, or when I can't sleep, or during my quiet time) and while I'm waiting (i.e. at the doctor's office, or waiting for Isabella at dance, or just about anytime I'm waiting). So, basically, I have been blessed with a very reflective personality and that, by the grace of God, I am able to use any available time in getting to know HIM more intimately. So now every time I see dust or foot marks on our floor, instead of getting all upset, I remind myself that it is another great opportunity to “meet” with God. And so I blissfully buff away, all to the glory of God.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not human masters.
 - Colossians 3:23

Pumpkins on the Pier '08

It's Pumpkins on the Pier once again. Russ arrived early this morning in time for breakfast and the 8th annual trick or treat extravaganza of the City of Pismo Beach.

We took Isabella and she had a grand time decorating her pumpkin.

Meet Mrs. Einstein....her decorated pumpkin complete with glasses.

She entered Mrs. Einstein in the decorating contest

Mrs. Einstein is the only one with glasses amongst all the entries.

Isabella had time for a quick face painting before announcement of the winning pumpkins.

Here is Mrs. Einstein in the winner's table (smiling despite her fallen ear:) as she won most creative in the 9-12 yr. old age group.

And here's proud dad with Mrs. Einstein and darling daughter with spider on her face.

Then off we go trick-or-treating at the shops. It was a very fun morning for us. Our fun day is not over yet... a short break and we're off to Isabella's ballet practice for CDMA's 1st ballet production come December. She had fun practicing as a french doll for Babes in Toyland. And of course we brought Mrs. Einstein with us to show her friends and teachers. They all thought she was pretty creative.

Library: A blessing from the trying economic times

Tuesday is becoming library day for us. Another positive outcome of the trying economic times. Bye-bye bookstore, hello library! Isabella was so excited when I picked her up from school today. She placed some books on hold last week and can't wait to get them. As soon as we got to the library we headed right away to the "hold" section. I quickly searched the held books under the letter "P". It wasn't hard to find hers. Her name dominated the section. I thought she held a book or two but there were 6 books waiting for her. She couldn't contain her excitement and couldn't decide which one to read first. Her excitement rubbed off on me and I started to find some books for myself. She found one for me and recommended I read it when she is not around to calm me down in times of stress. It's a book on stress management. You see, Isabella is my personal stress manager...the one who reminds me I'm "too blessed to be stressed" and the one who helps me "breathe" during my trying moments. Well, in moments such as this, I do need to take a deep breath...not for stress management but to savour God's goodness for the daily reminder that we are all "too blessed to be stressed" if we choose to be...despite, or in this case, especially during the trying economic times. I am simply grateful.

Banana Bread Day

It was minimum day for Isabella all last week for parent-teacher conferences. We had time for banana bread baking day and library day. It was a great week for mommy-daughter bonding. We even had a day for a lunch date at Splash Cafe. Her big brother, Ian, also joined us for some library time. It was a blessed week for quality family time not to mention her superb academic marks. I am simply grateful.

She also had some quality fun bonding time with her other big brother, Phil, while he made his "robot" project. It was exciting and inspiring for her...now she's also intrigued with electronics.:)

Wonderfully Made and (OMG) Officially My Gift

Psalm 139:13-14 

For You created my inmost being; 

You knit me together in my mother's womb. 

I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

I share this heavenly conversation with my daughter, Isabella, when she was 8 year old:

Isabella: "Mom did you know, Pheewee (term of endearment for her big brother Phil) told me, that 4 people are born and 2 people die EVERY SECOND?!"

Mom: "hmmm really?!" 

Isabella: "Yes! so isn't that amazing?! God is really working hard! He makes 4 people every second, and then, He has to turn the ones who die, into angels! And, He does that on top of watching over all of us!" 

Mom: "WOW!" (was all I could say)

Isabella: "And! I am so glad, when God made me, He put me in your stomach, and gave me to you!!!"

Mom: (blissfully stunned!)

Isabella is our 4^th child after 3 boys with an 8-year gap from our 3^rd son. We certainly didn’t plan a 4^th pregnancy nor were we adamant on having a girl. As a matter of fact, on each of my previous pregnancies, I begged God for sons because I was scared to raise a daughter in this world. I felt I was not mature enough and equipped to bring up a daughter. Having said all that, one might think that she’s an “accident” or an “oops” baby. To be very honest, when I first found out I was pregnant again for the 4^th time after almost 8 years, I got shocked and worried instead of happy and excited. My thoughts were that I have to start all over again just when I could finally do things for myself again (like go back to work or school). Selfish eh? By the way this was all during my “B.C.” life….my life before Christ…hence, my selfishness and fears (and maybe a hint of discontent?). Little did I know then that, just like our boys are precious blessings from Him, Isabella would be the gift of an angel daughter who would be an integral part of my spiritual journey to enlightenment. In line with Pastor Anne’s series on ‘Does Everything Happen for a Reason?’, we have learned that it is false to assume that whatever happens in life is God’s will and plan. But when it comes to the birth of a life, we can be assured that we, each and every one of us, are fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of our Creator. So, no, Isabella is not an “accident” or an “oops” baby. She’s an OMG!....as in Officially My Gift!

Dear God, In Your image, You made us. How humbling, How empowering, How amazing! Help me to see, that In loving myself, Imperfections and all, I'm loving you as well. And thank you for putting an angel daughter in my stomach:)

Barefoot Sunday

Isabella and I walked out of the church happily barefoot for 'Soles for Souls'....it tickles... the soul.

Too Blessed to be Stressed

Daily Message from Shell Beach Elementary's Project Wisdom:
Attitudes are contagious. Is yours worth catching?
Make it a great day...or not. The choice is yours.

Isabella is blessed with a positive attitude and a happy disposition. Very rarely would she get upset or get negative over something. But one day in third grade we picked her up from school upset and frustrated with some of her classmates who backed out of their agreement to join in their school's talent show. I reminded her of her usual reminder to me during my own times of frustration: "remember you're too blessed to be stressed". You see, she's the one who gave me that phrase to help me in my own times of stress. Teary eyed she responded: "but mom, right now I'm too stressed to be blessed". She made me realize that those words she quotes, go both ways. When we focus on our blessings, our stress fades and loses its grip on our heart. On the other hand, when we focus on our stress, our vision is clouded and our blessings are blocked. Then came some words of wisdom from her big brother Ian: "It's sort of like seeing a glass half full or half empty". I had him explain that to his sister. Isabella resorted she will focus on the glass that is half full because she chooses to have an attitude worth catching...she chooses to be "too blessed to be stressed".

A Little Piece of Heaven

Immanuel and Krystal came to visit last Friday. They surprised Isabella who has been wishing all last week for Immanuel to come and play with her. Well, she got her wish. They had a great time playing at the park and at the beach. It was a little piece of heaven for me as I witness the love that abound as they enjoy each other.

playing ball and tag at the park.....

4 square at the beach....

then some surfing and boogie boarding....

Breakfast in Bed

Ian awakened me this morning with a very nice breakfast in bed. He prepared my usual daily dose of freshly baked nestle toll house cookies and coffee. I was so touched and felt so very blessed.

My whole day was delightful after that. I was able to accomplish a lot in preparation for our upcoming trips to Florida and Philippines.

Isabella had a two hour dance practice for their upcoming show at the Pismo Beach Car Show this weekend. Her group finished learning another dance called Broadway Baby...completed in just 4 classes...in time for the show. Their teacher is so amazing having the ability to bring out the best in her students. I can’t wait to upload a video of this new very cute number.
Stay tuned:)

Thank you dear Lord for all the blessings.

words of wisdom....recalled

Isabella wanted to read me a story one night. I said ok but I will also read my book.

Isabella:
"But mom you cannot do two things at the same time and focus. Master Choi said that. And I want you to really listen to me. So could you please not read your book at the same time?"

Well, that prompted me to immediately put my book down. I'm so glad I did...I got to experience a child's passion for reading...she read with inflection and deep feelings...what a blessing!

After school at the beach

This week is Phil’s spring break. We planned spending an afternoon at the beach. Thursday is the only day we can do it. So after school, we all went to the beach. We all enjoyed playing frisbee and football and watching Isabella practice with Ian their taekwondo demo for the talent show for her school. I especially enjoyed beholding the love and joy of togetherness. This is one of the great rewards of the simple life I so longed for.

Tonight is the talent show performance at the Clark Center in Arroyo Grande. Tomorrow she is joining a read aloud contest sponsored by the Greater Pismo Beach Kiwanis. Then after the reading contest we’re off to her best friend’s birthday party in Union City. Woohoo and Whew!

Immanuel & Krystal's visit

Immanuel & Krystal came to visit early Sunday morning (very early like around 3am). We wasted no time spending time together. I took them to my 9:30 body jam class.

Immanuel: "I can't believe you had me go to that class mom"
Ian: "At least she didn't take you to body combat. I was the only guy there."
Immanuel: "Yeah but at least you did not dance to 'loosen up my buttons babe' and shake your butt"

Then we went out to eat at Hometown Buffet. Krystal told the server that it's Phil's birthday. Phil suspected and was going to hide but they got him. It was so fun...Phil got so embarrassed:)

We were off to the beach after lunch. It was a very nice day. We played frisbee for hours. Then they played in the water for a while. Then we burried Belle in the sand. After Belle, we also burried Phil (just below his knees). After all the playing, it was time for Splash Cafe. Then on to the park. They stayed there until dark (maybe around 7pm). They all had fun playing together. Their genuine love for each other is very evident and a sight to behold. Truly a memorable day.

The Fog...A reminder of Hope

It’s been foggy for the past couple of days. It’s the first time I’ve seen it like this since we moved here. I always marvel at the splendor of the seascape whenever I glance outside. But the last couple of days I can’t even see past the next house. Well, today, the fog finally subsided and I can see the ocean again. The sight is like a breath of fresh air. This allowed for an even deeper appreciation for the majestic beauty that abound.

Our problems are like the fog. We need them so that when they come to pass, as they always do, we can have a deeper appreciation of life and glorify Him who created and sustains it. We need to see past our problems, past the fog; and believe in the knowledge that there is hope; that whatever it is, it too shall pass; that there is a blue ocean past the fog.

Piggy Back Ride with Ian

"We worry about what a child will become tomorrow,

yet we forget that he is someone today."

~Stacia Tauscher~

Oftentimes we get so busy raising our children
we forget to enjoy them.

Dear God,

Thank you for wonderful moments such as this.

May I always remember to enjoy my wonderful

children you have entrusted to my care and love.

And thank you for an angel friend,

for giving her the talent and passion

in capturing and sharing this delightful memory.

Heavenly Thursday

A Precious Prayer From My Little Angel

A Precious Prayer from my Little Angel

On Thursdays, Phil leaves for school before 8am,
requiring I take Isabella with me when I take Ian to school.
She gets a little car sick in the morning. When we got home
she said: "I don't feel very well, mommy".
I said: "Let me pray over you". About 5 minutes after my prayer
she said: "Mommy I’m feeling so much better. Thanks for the prayer."
So off we went to school.

I met with my new friend, Tessie, and she went with me to my 9:30am dance class. Then we had coffee together and talked for a while. It was time for me to pick up Ian (minimum day today) shortly after that. Afterwards, Phil and I had lunch at Yanagi Sushi (he comes home after his first class as his next class is not until 3pm). Then I cleaned for a little bit and....

... it was time to pick up Belle. We always talk about her day and then we enjoy the view during our drive home. In our moment of silence, I inadvertently uttered out loud to myself: "I’m not feeling very well". Isabella’s precious voice from the backseat: "You just need prayer mommy and you’ll feel much better. Let me pray, Dear God, let my mommy feel better, she’s the most wonderful mommy, in Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

My soul, overpowered with a sense of spiritual ecstasy,
seemed to have soared to heaven
to give an ever so tight embrace
to the One who makes all things possible
for bestowing heavenly moments such as this
for His unfathomable sovereignty, goodness, and mercy.

Backyard roller skating

"Thank you kuya Ian for skating with me." says Belle as she hugs Ian in gratitude for her brother's time and love. Thank you dear God for moments like this.

Tag at the Park

{constant state of gratitude}

Yesterday, Friday, after school, we stopped at the park before going home. "Just for a little bit Ian," Belle said in her cute baby sister voice, "I just want to show you how high I can go on the swing." Time flies when you're having fun. An hour went by fast. I had such a wonderful time watching them having fun together.

Today, Saturday, Russ came. Yet another wonderful family day at the park. "You're It Pheewee" cheers Belle as she tags Phil.
Then Phil chases Ian, Ian chases dad, dad chases Phil...
who's it?! Belle screams, not knowing who she's running from
"not me! I'm the photographer!"

Talk about a state of gratitude.
Talk about living life.
I was in communion with my Maker.
I feel His pleasure.
Praise be to Him indeed!

John 10:10
I have come that they may have life,
and have it to the full.

Another great day in Pismo

Yesterday morning Isabella & I played "spa". She had a bubble bath in the jacuzzi tub and I had a foot bath while relaxing in my pink video bean bag and reading a wonderful book from an angel friend . "This is the life!"

It was Russ' birthday yesterday. He came via Amtrak as we took both the MPV and the 626 with us last Friday. The Benz will serve as Immanuel's transportation until Tuesday when Russ leaves after our appointment with the principal at Ian's high school. Russ was not feeling well when he arrived so we decided to celebrate his birthday the following day (today). Isabella’s idea for a celebration is going bowling as she has been having "bowling itch" since Reno.

This morning, mom & I got ready for church. It was a wonderful service, part I of a series entitled Healthy, Balanced and Free. Though I will surely miss my church I am also looking forward to this new series in this new church.

So after the service, we all headed down the beach. We ate at Splash Cafe then we walked to Pismo bowl. After taking some pictures, mom & I headed down the beach again. That overflowing feeling of gratitude overwhelms my soul once more.

When we got home we had dinner and Isabella took a bubble bath with dad. Now its time for me to put her to bed. What a great day!