Lux Thinking Aloud Confusing 8:27 PM That ex who tells you one thing and does another. 🙄 Do you remember how that made you feel? Confusing isn't it? It's like that Katy Perry song.You're hot then you're coldYou're yes then you're noYou're in then you're outYou're up then you're downYou're wrong when it's rightIt's black and it's whiteConfusingWe're in this confusing time right now. They tell you to follow the rules and they strictly (and violently) implement it to ordinary citizens. But the same law doesn't apply to them. They say enhanced community q uarantine is over but the day isn't over yet and they change their statement. Again. Ayayay.SpiceYourSillyLifeBut...I don't want this post to be political.Writing is my escape. It's my antidote for all toxicities around me.So, that's the end of my rant for today. 😎Let me instead share some things I do when negativity like today happens. Please indulge me as I recommend my previous posts.How to Feel Good When You're Having a Bad DayChange the Way You Think and Set Yourself Free25 Powerful Declarations that Will Shape Your Day and Ultimately Change Your LifeDetox from Negative ThoughtsDetox From Toxic Feelings5 Simple Ways to De-Stress At Your DeskThings Work Out Even When You Think They Don'tI wish I'm always this optimistic and strong. Human as I am, I sometimes give in to my weakness. Like those times I shared in my other diary entries.Diary Day 3: King of the JungleDiary Day 5: DisconnectDiary Day 8: Trade OffDiary Day 34: SleeplessDay 41: InsomniaI am extremely grateful for writing. It's a venue for me to air my overwhelming thoughts. When I put my musings to writing, I feel better. I change my perspective. I get clarity.It's the same as when I'm organizing things. Once I put everything in containers and arrange them, my mind automatically calms down.Chaos turns to peace. It gives me hope.I totally get Marie Kondo.NetflixWell, lockdown is almost over. At least that's what they tell us. I won't be getting my hopes up. I don't want to be disappointed.I'd rather be realistic. Knowing how fickle-minded and apathetic this government is, I know it can change anytime.I'm adaptable.Am I going to reach day 50 of recording my life in the time of c oronavirus? Gosh, I hope not. (It's really been longer than 50 days. I started only when our city began the enhanced community q uarantine. Maybe that's when my mind couldn't take it anymore. So, I sought for refuge in blogging again.)I'm glad we're nearing the end. Even when at the moment, it's still a little confusing. Just adding a little spice to this life, I guess?Your turnWhat do you do during confusing times?
Lux Thinking Aloud Laugh 9:33 AM When's the last time you laughed so hard your facial muscles hurt? It's hard to laugh when you're bombarded by bad news day after day after day. Sometimes the day is not yet over and there it is on your screen again---another grim update. But we have to learn to laugh and find a reason to do so. As cliché as it may be, laughter is the best medicine.LaughAfter a week of not watching, I had my dose of the TV show Friends again. Thank God for humor. Thank God for comedy shows. What a dreadful life it would be without laughter, no?I like that I can laugh about the silliest things. That I'm able to find humor even during this time. God gave us joy. He brings us reasons to laugh and be happy.Don't you just love laughing?When I need a good laugh, I look at videos and funny photos of our dogs. They can surely make me smile every time.I watch funny guilty dog compilations online.I look at memes.I recount funny experiences or hilarious conversations.My husband does a good job of making me laugh with his silly remarks.Which is another answered prayer, by the way. I asked God to give me a partner who can make me laugh. I remember my exes couldn't. 😆We cannot really love anybody with whom we never laugh. -Agnes RepplierMy brother introduced to me Key & Peele of Comedy Central. I think the actors there are superb. For them to be able to shoot the scene without losing it is beyond professional.Sharing some Bible verses about laughing:He will yet fill your mouth with laughter, and your lips with shouting. - Job 8:21And Sarah said, “God has made laughter for me; everyone who hears will laugh over me." -Genesis 21:6Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh. -Luke 6:21Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. -Proverbs 31:25And some quotes too:Humor is a prelude to faith and laughter is the beginning of prayer. — Reinhold NiebuhrA good laugh is sunshine in the house. — William ThackerayRemember this: very little is needed to make a happy life. — Marcus AureliusLaugh my friend, for laughter ignites a fire within the pit of your belly and awakens your being. —Stella & BlakeThe human race has one really effective weapon, and that is laughter. — Mark TwainFrom there to here, from here to there, funny things are everywhere. — Dr. SeussA well-balanced person is one who finds both sides of an issue laughable. — Herbert ProcknowWhen you laugh, aside from the endorphin rush, there’s also a spiritual opening. You’re not so tight inside yourself. That opening I’ve found to be a real gift, in people being able to absorb spirituality. —Rabbi Sydney MintzLaughter is God’s hand on the shoulder of a troubled world. — Bettenell HuntznickerYou don’t stop laughing because you grow old. You grow old because you stop laughing. — Michael PritchardStay young. Stay sane. Keep laughing. Yes, even especially during this crisis.Your turnWhat's your favorite comedy show?What makes you laugh?
Fashion & Style Top 5 Spring Fashion Items You Shouldn’t Dress Without 9:32 AM It's finally time to say goodbye to those thick tights, heavy boots, and chunky knitted jumpers. Spring is here! Which means it's out with the old and in with the new. Read on for your guide to lockdown fashion and the top five Spring fashion items you shouldn’t dress without. 1. Your eyewearThe ultimate accessory and easily the most memorable, a good set of eyewear is a must for any spring wardrobe. A good pair of quality glasses are the perfect addition to any spring outfit, whether they’re red coloured glasses, semi-rimless, rectangular-shaped, oval, or round. A good pair of glasses never go out of fashion, and you're sure to find some that complement your face shape and your skin tone perfectly.2. A beautiful trench coat for SpringThe weather is improving, but that doesn't mean you won't get caught up in a couple of April showers. So a beautiful trench coat is an essential item. Not only does the long, sweeping material give you a graceful air, but they're just effortlessly stylish and will go with anything. Don't forget your matching umbrella! 3. A long, maxi dress It wouldn't be spring without a beautiful dress or two. This year we love long maxi styles. Maxi dresses can also be layered with cardigans, trench coats, and even trainers and boots for those wetter days.Remember to check the reviews when buying items online and ensure they are legit.4. Canvas trainers It’s time to say goodbye to those faithful winter boots and swap them for stylish canvas trainers. Canvas trainers come in a wide variety of colours and go with almost everything. Adding a casual touch to your formal wear and playful touch to your spring dresses.5. Bare a little ankle with some culottes Between jeans and leggings, your bottom half can seem a little dull. That's when a pair of stylish, ankle-skimming culottes can come in. Beautifully tailored and effortlessly chic, these trousers will go with anything and look like you mean business. What are your favorite spring fashion items? Please share!
Lux Thinking Aloud Rested 7:07 AM Have you seen the movie Jumper? It's about people who have the ability to jump from one place to another. Like apparating in Harry Potter. When I lack sleep, that's how I feel. I sometimes come to my senses and wonder how I got to Location B when my last memory was I was in Location A. Thankful that it's not one of those days today. My mind finally succumbed to sleep and today I feel rested. Ahhh, power naps. Short but effectual. RestedAnother realization in this c oronavirus lockdown life: sleep is vacation in itself.I still look forward to having a real vacation once the dust settles. But really, sleep is a good escape from this daily hullabaloo.I'm amazed by how our mind works. Especially how we dream.For in dreams we enter a world that is entirely our own. Let them swim in the deepest ocean, or glide over the highest cloud.-Albus Dumbledore (J.K. Rowling)My dreams are weird. Even I myself wake up and wonder why it's like so sometimes.I've dreamed about:talking with people I know already passed awaybeing dead myself and feeling free because I could flyflying and not being dead 😂surfing in the middle of the ocean (that was more of a nightmare)warcelebritieshigh schoolIt depends on what I last saw or read before going to bed. But most of the time, they're random.TenorI've not been thinking about a dead person for example and then I would see him/her in my dreams. Not being scary but just there talking casually.Sometimes in my dreams I know they're dead, sometimes I'd only remember when I wake up.Some sleep leaves me more tired than rested. I'm a workaholic and my mind has a hard time shutting down especially after a long day.Sleep is one of the things I took for granted when I was a kid. I used to dread it when my parents tell me to take an afternoon nap. All I wanted to do was play. Or watch TV.When I went to college and started working, that's when I realized the value of sleep.Kids, if you're reading this, sleep!Get all the rest you need. Don't believe the people who say you can sleep when you're dead.Without sleep, you'll be like a zombie. Not dead but also not truly alive. What a waste of life.GiphySleep is important to stay sane, healthy and to live a good life. You can't enjoy life when you lack rest. As I've mentioned before, based on my personal experience of forgoing sleep, I felt like a jumper.In this time of crisis, rest is necessary and beneficial both for our mental and physical health.Even during this p andemic, we can rest easy because:He will not let your foot be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.-Psalm 121:3-4Gosh, I hope I can remember those words every time worries start to creep in.Your turnWhat's your weirdest dream?
Faith Insomnia 6:52 AM Another night spent battling for sleep. I can't remember the last time I've had insomnia. Even during the stressful wedding planning stage, I was still able to sleep. Lack of sleep is bad for the body. Our health gets affected negatively. Immune system lowers. Every system seems to malfunction. Like an overworked machine, it crashes.InsomniaWhat to do when you can't sleep? Does counting sheep still work? Or counting 1 to 100? That one used to work for me. When I was about ten.Being an adult (ugh), I'm going to need more than that. I'm tired but my mind won't shut down.GiphyI don't like being idle because "An idle mind is the devil's workshop."It's when I'm sleepless that the devil whispers lies in my ears. Reminding me of my awful experiences. Plants worries in my head. Sometimes I stay and wait for sleep to come. When it's impossible to happen, I get up and start working again. Or blogging.I'm only human. And an over-thinker and worrier too. When crisis like this happens, I'm at my worst.I've said this before and I'll say it again:I won't be here without God's grace. My helpline, my refuge, my strength. Here I am running back to the word for comfort to help me deal with my insomnia.Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. -Philippians 4:6I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. -John 14:27When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer. -Psalm 94:19This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go. -Joshua 1:9Do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? - Luke 12:22-26Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, "Don't be afraid; just believe." - Mark 5:36Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. -Proverbs 3:5Here's a beautiful Psalm 23 song to calm the anxious mind.The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He refreshes my soul.He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.-Psalm 23Your turnWhat bible verse do you read to calm your mind?How are you holding up during this time?
Faith How to Prosper 11:35 PM My body clock has gone haywire since this lockdown life started. This Sunday, I woke up who knows when. Thank God for recordings. I got to watch today's Feast Bellevue service and was blessed by God's word. Core message: prosper.ProsperBuild houses and settle down. Plant gardens and eat their produce. Take wives and have sons and daughters.Take wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Multiply there; do not decrease. Seek the prosperity of the city to which I have sent you as exiles. Pray to the LORD on its behalf, for if it prospers, you too will prosper. -Jeremiah 29:5-7This is a part of the letter of the prophet Jeremiah to the surviving elders exiled to Babylon. They were in a crisis.I like how Bro Arun broke this down.How to Prosper During a Crisis1. Build houses and settle down.I don't think we'll ever go back to the normal we used to know. That normal didn't work. It's what brought us here.This crisis unfortunately is taking longer than expected. To build houses and settle down means we stay. We adjust and adapt to the new normal.If we keep whining and forcing everything to be back to what it used to be, there will be consequences.We have to change our perspective. This is where we are now. What to do with what we have and where we are? That should be our focus.Or else, we'll go insane.Sadly, this c oronavirus is causing a spike in suicide rates. Please know you're not alone.I started this blog to not feel alone myself and to reach out to those who need someone to walk to. Someone to share their life journey with.Message me if you need someone to listen to you.Gfycat2. Plant gardens and eat their produce.Literally, we need to grow our food. I wish I have a garden where I can harvest potatoes, carrots, cucumbers, lemons, onions, garlic, tomatoes, herbs. Someday I will.Figuratively, we need to grow during this crisis.I admit I paused for a while. When the lockdown started, it took me some time to wrap my head around what's going on. I got stuck.I had so many questions.I was in denial and disbelief. I was in shock with the whole nation.But when I got a grip of myself, I started hustling again.Remember that famous line of Robert H. Schuller? Tough times never last. Tough people do.I can't watch myself staying stuck after falling. One day I decided enough is enough. I stood up again, dusted myself off and moved forward.Oh, it was hard. I literally dragged myself out of bed every morning.Anxiety still rears its ugly head once in a while. But I don't succumb to it anymore.I choose to plant seeds. Now, I'm harvesting little by little. Reddit3. Take wives and have sons and daughters.I know children are blessings. They're gifts from God. My sister gave birth just before the lockdown happened and our family's excited and glad to welcome her cute bundle of joy.I also know this crisis is not a good time to have a baby. There's a time for everything.So, when I read this passage, I got worried and confused.Have children during the crisis when there's shortage of essentials and there's a global economic crash?But as Bro Arun explained it, this crisis should be a time to strengthen our relationship with each other especially with our family. Or those we're stuck with during the q uarantine.This time is about discipleship. We should make disciples. We should propagate the Good News.Those disciples will make disciples who will make disciples in return.Phew!Giphy4. Multiply. Do not decrease. Prosper. Most of all pray. Pray for the city. For when it prospers, you prosper.I love that verse. 👆Most of us complain about what's happening and how the people in authority respond to it. I've been guilty of that. Especially when I see injustice.When I hear people cry dura lex sed lex when it's for the poor or powerless but seeks to extend compassion for those who are in position, that's too preposterous to stay quiet.Despite that, I keep praying for my country and for the world. For I believe that when the leaders fail, we all fail. How they think, what they decide are out of my control. But...I know Who's in control of everything and we have an open line communication through prayers.GiphyI love that God's plans for His people, even in the midst of crisis, is not to harm but to prosper.His promise is a life of abundance and not a life of insufficiency. How marvelous He is!Your turnHow's your Sunday?How do you think can you prosper during this crisis?
Lux Thinking Aloud Goodbye 6:41 AM Today, my aunt was put to rest. We call her Mommy. At 2 PM, my family bid Mommy goodbye. GoodbyeMost of us weren't there because of this lockdown. Only ten people were allowed and they had to observe social distancing. Typical Mommy fashion. She's the type of person who doesn't want attention or big events. She rarely leave her house. I can count in one hand the times I saw her go out. And that's in the whole 30+ years of me knowing her.She does things her way. Even her doctor can't get her to follow prescription. A very stubborn woman who doesn't follow instructions. She died at her own terms.Goodbye is bittersweet.I wonder what she was thinking during her last moment.You see, she was brought to the hospital when she had a hard time breathing. But when my cousin went back to her room, she was gone. Because she removed the oxygen that was supporting her.She didn't want to fight anymore. I wonder how that feels. To lose the will to live. To not have anything to look forward to every day.Goodbye is bitter because we weren't able to pay our last respect. We weren't there to bring her to her final destination (here on earth).Sweet because no more pain and health issues for her. She'll finally be reunited with her sister whom she had a love-hate relationship with. I guess it's more love than hate after all. For why would she want to see her again so badly?Someday when this is all over, we sure will have our own bittersweet stories to tell.If our elders have their war stories for us when we were kids, we'll have our life in the time of c oronavirus chronicles.That's why I'm logging in my thoughts and feelings every day. Because I might forget and I don't want to.I want to remember everything. Every struggle, every highlight and even every mediocre moment in this lockdown.Including all the people that made this challenge easier. And especially those who showed their true colors. Oh, I will never forget who selflessly served and those who took this as an opportunity to abuse their power.One day this p andemic will be over. This dark time will end.The bright sun will shine upon us again.And we'll say goodbye to this unpleasant chapter of life forever.Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you His peace at all times and in every situation.-2 Thessalonians 3:16 Your turnWhat has been the highlight of your lockdown so far?Who are the people who shined the most for you during this time of crisis?
