Lux Thinking Aloud Deadline 10:42 AM Deadline I had a deadline to beat today. That gave me a break from the C OVID-19 thoughts. Phew!The deadline is tomorrow morning technically. But I don't want to wait for tomorrow because I know how I am. Procrastination was an old friend. And things didn't go well between us because I've realized he's only good for a short time. It's a toxic relationship so I ended it. Procrastination is like a fair-weather friend. You hang out when things are good but he disappears when you need him the most. The worst part is that you wouldn't be in that unpleasant situation if you didn't listen to him in the first place. So I worked since I woke up and until it's time to retire. And I got reminded of this verse: It is vain for you to rise up early, to retire late, to eat the bread of painful labors; for He gives to His beloved even in his sleep. -Psalm 127:2 Truly, God is a generous Provider and a loving Father. He gives us the things we need even in our sleep. He knows what we need even before we ask. A little rant I've got a small problem with this though. Some Most people abuse generosity. They don't toil because they know people with generous and compassionate hearts would come to help them anyway. This has been obvious during this time. In my country, a lot of taxpayers didn't receive any assistance from the government during this crisis. Because, per the social welfare personnel, they're prioritizing the "poorest of the poor". It seems inhumane to complain if you put it that way. Okay. Give it to them. I can fend for myself anyway. Who am I to deny those who are in dire need? I'm not heartless. But you know what? MOST of the people who are qualified to receive assistance from the government are in this category because they're lazy. How do I know this? I've lived here all my life! I witness it every day. I even know some personally. They wait for "help" and blame the government for their situation. And sometimes when help is given, they whine because it's not enough. 😒 After the government released the financial assistance, news about those who received it caught buying drugs and gambling came out. Disappointed but not surprised. A lot of taxpayers (meaning working citizens or entrepreneurs) lost their jobs and had to close down their businesses during this p andemic. And many employees are on no-work, no-pay basis. Shouldn't the government also send us a little help to get through? After this crisis, may we learn to be more like the ant and not like the grasshopper in that fable. Take a lesson from the ants, you lazybones. Learn from their ways and become wise! Though they have no prince or governor or ruler to make them work,they labor hard all summer, gathering food for the winter. But you, lazybones, how long will you sleep? When will you wake up? A little extra sleep, a little more slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest—then poverty will pounce on you like a bandit; scarcity will attack you like an armed robber. -Proverbs 6:6-11 When all this is over I hope the government realizes how important it is to invest on healthcare, research, calamity fund and education. And that they give themselves a deadline to take action. Your turn How do you fight procrastination? Have you ever missed a deadline? How did you handle it?
Lux Thinking Aloud Incredible 11:29 AM Incredible I decided to reflect on a random verse every day. To help myself focus on God's magnificence and not on this p andemic. To find encouragement when doubt and fear creep in. To hear God's voice louder and clearer. To remind myself that I worship a powerful, incredible God. Today's verse is Jeremiah 32:17: Dear God, my Master, You created earth and sky by Your great power--- by merely stretching out your arm! There is nothing you can't do. Wow. Isn't that amazing? God's incredible. He created the earth and sky without tools. Just His words. And according to this verse, just by stretching out his arm. He didn't toil. There is nothing my God cannot do! When faced with difficulties, I get discouraged sometimes most of the time. I am an over-thinker and a worrier. I have a tendency to get too focused on the problem that even if it's just a molehill, it becomes a giant mountain. And because of these negative thoughts, I project negative actions and react negatively to things. For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. Luke 6:45 It's true what they say: What you focus on grows. What I do when I catch myself getting too engrossed in the issue or problem (in no particular order): literally stop thinking about what bothers me take a shower watch some relaxing videos remember the times God delivered me write Gfycat Sometimes I do all these, other times just one or two. The problem doesn't go away instantly. C OVID-19 is still here even after I practice these steps. But at least my perspective has changed. I feel lighter afterwards. I remind myself of the times God has shown me how incredible He is and I instantly look at my problem as nothing my God cannot handle. I think back to when I thought were impossible situations for me to get out of. Suddenly there's God showing me the door. When life left me black and blue and I felt like I couldn't get up anymore, God lifted me up and carried me until I got my strength back to walk again. There is no shortage of God's blessings. We just become short-sighted we couldn't see it. God never stops being incredible. We just become incredulous. God never loses His love for us. We just lose sight of how much we are loved. There is nothing God cannot do. He is bigger than this virus. He is more powerful than this p andemic. I keep repeating that to myself. More often now than I used to because of this crisis. Tumblr Things to remember: The same incredible God who parted the sea to free His people is the same God who will remove the obstacles along my way. The same incredible God who healed the leper and raised the dead is also the God of my health. The same incredible God who provided manna for His chosen people is choosing me every day and knows what I need before I even ask. The same incredible hands that painted the skies with the perfect sunset colors that no artist can replicate are the same hands that intricately molded my body and designed my life. The same incredible God who named all the stars above is the same God who called me by my name. How amazing is that?! I pray you find hope and peace in Him too. I pray you remember the times He turned things around and showed you how highly favored you are. I pray you find strength and refuge under the shadow of the Almighty. And I pray you know you are also incredible. For He made all the delicate, inner parts of your body and knit you together in your mother’s womb. (Psalm 139:13) Your turn Do you keep a record of experiences when you felt God's incredible power? Are you also an over-thinker? What do you do to stop worrying?
Faith Grace 9:16 AM Grace I watched separate interviews of two C OVID-19 survivors today. What they both went through was scary, painful and life-changing. They both said two things that are noteworthy. We should never underestimate the virus. They survived purely because of God's grace. Grace. Gift Received At Christ's Expense I used to take this gift for granted. But now I know I am still here only because of God's grace. I realized grace is: being able to wake up every morning and being given the chance to experience life again having a normal and healthy body family and friends surrounding me having enough food still earning despite the crisis being under God's protection just being able to breathe normally (because those C OVID survivors said breathing was a difficult task) I didn't receive any help from our government (despite being a taxpayer) but at least I don't go to bed hungry. I am safe. I am well. I am loved. I have grace. This C OVID-19 made me more content. But I hope this ends soon and that we change for the better. Your turn What are you thankful for today?
Lux Thinking Aloud Steadfast 9:12 AM Steadfast Congratulations! Yes, congrats to us! Why? Look at where we are now. We're still here. We're still standing, breathing, functioning. Dare I say it, we are thriving. We are resilient. The q uarantine in our country has been going on for more than a month now. I just wasn't able to start journaling about it because like you, I was confused, anxious, discouraged. Or was it just me? But here I am on my 21st entry. Writing will always be my favorite therapy. So is hugging dogs but they're not here so, writing it is. Today is a normal work day. The only difference is that I woke up earlier than I normally do since the start of this p andemic. It's hard when you're body's used to getting up at 9 am but I know I can do it. I used to wake up 5:30 am to start my day. Giphy I was listening to Quaretreat again and they're talking about God's unwavering love. We need to build our foundation on God because He is solid. He's the same God yesterday, today and forever. So no matter what the external forces we are battling, no matter how strong the storm is, we will survive and thrive with God. In the end, when the flood subsides so to speak, we will still be standing. Because we are standing on God's steadfast love. It's the strongest and surest foundation we will ever find. Don't let the devil's lies bring you down. Just put your trust and hope in God. Your turn How did your day go? Where do you place your hope?
Lux Thinking Aloud Unproductive 4:42 AM Unproductive And on the seventh day, I allowed myself to rest and be...unproductive. 😌 ✅ Did not check email. ✅ Did not look at LinkedIn. ✅ Did not glance at my blog's stats. I can't even remember if I checked Facebook. Pat on the back, self! Disconnecting on socials a few weeks ago helped me realize I can live without it. This has been an unproductive day. Obviously. Which is what Sundays are for, right? After watching an online Sunday service and worship, it was all about binge-watching. Oh, and my friends from my Caring Group (Light Group or Small Group) called too. My husband and I had different shows and movies in mind so we watched them separately. New on my watch list 1. Another Korean ASMR mommy vlog I've discovered a new Korean mom who's posting ASMR videos of her cleaning and organizing. Quite similar to the Hamimommy channel I recommended in my previous post. I don't know why. But these cool and tidy Korean homemakers going about their day is giving me such inner peace. I like that they have small limited spaces but they make use of every nook and cranny of their pretty homes. They can transform the simple into fancy by just adding a trinket or a small plant. It's so welcoming. Plus, they use eco-friendly products and systems. This new mommy vlogger cardsu까르슈 살림 has a really cute cat and his antics are adorable. Watching her do her self-care and mom duties gives me a feeling of warmth and makes me feel at home. 2. House & Home I love a beautiful house makeover. The simple elegant interior designs in this YouTube channel are gorgeous. The orderly homes are again relaxing to watch. It has that kind of effect on me. 3. Epic Gardening Because of this quarantine, I've realized that it's wise to grow your own food. It's earthy-friendly, practical, and healthy. If we take care of them, plants are gifts that keep on giving. I don't have a green thumb though. We're surrounded by concrete. And with the many tasks I need to do every day, I can only wish I have the time. But, who knows? Maybe when I have my own garden someday. For now, I'll be living vicariously through Epic Gardening. My friends are all talking about the Korean dramas and Netflix shows they watch during this quarantine. And I'm just here watching F.R.I.E.N.D.S. and these home and gardening YouTube videos. No judgment on our watch list, right? We all have our own way of coping with this crisis. As for me, this is my escape and "mini-vacation". Being unproductive for a day after a week of hustle is a must. Your brains need a reboot too. So lean back, relax, and hit that play button. Your turn What's your usual Sunday activity during q ua rantin e? What movies and shows are on your watch list?
Faith Expectant 7:20 AM Expectant Expectant ex·pect·ant (/ikˈspektÉ™nt/) having or showing an excited feeling that something is about to happen, especially something pleasant and interesting. When you pray for rain, bring an umbrella. That's expectant faith. That's it. That's the post for today. Thank you. Goodbye. 😛 Okay. I want to write more than that. I'm sharing about one of my favorite stories about faith which involves rain and the prophet Elijah. But Elijah climbed to the top of Mount Carmel and bowed low to the ground and prayed with his face between his knees. Seven times Elijah told him to go and look. Finally the seventh time, his servant told him, “I saw a little cloud about the size of a man’s hand rising from the sea." Giphy Then Elijah shouted, “Hurry to Ahab and tell him, ‘Climb into your chariot and go back home. If you don’t hurry, the rain will stop you!’” And soon the sky was black with clouds. A heavy wind brought a terrific rainstorm, and Ahab left quickly for Jezreel. Then the Lord gave special strength to Elijah. He tucked his cloak into his belt and ran ahead of Ahab’s chariot all the way to the entrance of Jezreel. -1 Kings 18:42-45 About this story Elijah prayed earnestly and desperately. When was the last time you prayed down low to the ground with your face between your knees? This position denotes desperation, right? Seven times he asked his servant. The experts say that seven indicates perfection and completion in the Bible. How many times do you pray and try again before you give up on what you're praying for? A big storm starts with a tiny cloud. The cloud the servant saw was the size of a man's hand rising from the sea. Imagine the tiniest cloud you've ever seen. That must be how small it was. For Elijah though, he saw a storm coming. And he was right. Life lessons from Elijah and the rain See things with the eyes of faith. Prayers can move mountains. Or bring rain in the dessert. 😉 God favors those whom He chose. Breaking news: He chose us! Pray unceasingly. Again, when you pray for rain, bring an umbrella. Pinterest This is how I'm trying to deal with the uncertainties today. The world says there is drought, but my God brings the storm. The world says impossible, I say with God all things are possible. (Matthew 19:26) The world says C OVID-19 will kill us all, but my God will restore us to health and heal our wounds. (Jeremiah 30:17) Your turn What are you expecting to receive today? Do you like the rain too? 😊
Faith Adaptable 5:39 AM Adaptable Notice the glorious bamboo tree. It is tall and sturdy but when the wind blows strongly, it bends. It's resilient even during a raging storm. Because it is adaptable. It goes all the way down to the bottom and all the way up that the camera can't capture the actual size 📸: Instagram husband We need to learn this important life lesson from a bamboo tree. Now more than ever, we need to be adaptable. Because all of us are going through a crisis. The whole damn world. No one's exempted. This p andemic is perhaps the biggest change and challenge the modern world has experienced so far. And I couldn't agree more. Giphy Aside from this global crisis, we each are going through major life-altering events. We need to adjust. If we keep resisting change, we will break. Personal change I've seen this change in my career recently. I know it will be tough in the coming days and if I keep thinking about the what ifs, I will be having fresh breakouts and be losing sleep again. Anxiety ain't pretty. So, instead I decided to declare this: My God is bigger than this crisis. My God is more powerful than this p andemic. He will never let my cup run dry. Here are other encouragement I keep in my heart to help me get through this like a warrior I was born to be: You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. -Psalm 23:5 And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. -2 Corinthians 9:8 The LORD will send rain at the proper time from his rich treasury in the heavens and will bless all the work you do. You will lend to many nations, but you will never need to borrow from them. -Deuteronomy 28:12 And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:19 The LORD gave me what I had, and the LORD has taken it away. Praise the name of the LORD! - Job 1:21 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. - 1 Thessalonians 5:18 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. -Romans 8:28 But in that coming day no weapon turned against you will succeed. You will silence every voice raised up to accuse you. These benefits are enjoyed by the servants of the LORD; their vindication will come from me. I, the LORD, have spoken! - Isaiah 54:17 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. -Hebrews 13:8 Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. -James 1:17 I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. -John 10:10 And when it gets overwhelming I have to remind myself of this verse: I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world. -John 16:33 Realizations I don't think I'll be standing here today if not for God's grace. He is my hope and my strength. There are many times in my life when He delivered me and fulfilled His promises. He never fails and He won't stop now. (I got that from this song. 😛) I've realized that if we want to thrive in our lives during this c oronavirus p andemic, we need to adapt. In the end, the strongest among us is not the one who looks and acts tough. It is the one who learns to bend. Be strong. Be adaptable. Your turn What quotes or verses do you read when things get tough? How do you adapt to change?
