Just wanted to share with all of you that my husband Robert has moved his official personal blog to robjonfire.com!
I am blessed to be married to a man who I know for certain has one of the biggest hearts in the world. I am glad to see him find another platform to share what's on his mind to the rest of the world. May you all be blessed by visiting his blog every so often.
Thank you and I hope that you have a fantastic week!
I played around this website today called In20Years.com. It's a free service where you upload your picture and the website will show how you will look like in twenty years!
The selections are: Gender, Age (pick 20+ or 30+ years) and indicate whether you are a Drug Addict or not (I am serious!).
Here are the results of the aging process.
And I had to try Robert's picture too.
This is probably just me being totally in love with my husband but I think he looks hot at 50 years old! I wish I can say the same for myself at 54. I look scary!
I gotta go and put on some heavy duty anti-wrinkle cream.
This coming Monday, May 10th is a big day for me. The country that I love and that call home will be having its national elections.
Here are some thoughts that have been in my heart lately.
I am sad that I will not be home to vote. If I knew I would be in the United States at this time, I would have registered so I am eligible to vote from overseas.
I find it even sadder that I am not voting for a candidate that I know will bring change to a slowly dying nation.
I have never felt this way about a presidential candidate since I gained the right to suffrage.
I want him to win not because he is a good family friend.
I want him to win not because he took the time to fly out and witness our wedding.
I want him to win not because he went to my school.
I want him to win because his track record on public service is one of the best I've ever seen.
I want him to win because he is very intentional in putting things in its proper order -- and order is something our country desperately needs.
I want him to win because he gives his citizens the dignity and the opportunity to be a part of lasting change in their community.
I want him to win because through his governance, he opened hundreds of thousands of jobs in Subic Bay Freeport. I can only imagine what he can do for the entire nation.
I want him to win because he cleverly created "WOW Philippines" -- and people actually wanted to visit our country.
If you want more reasons why he is the best candidate for the job, read my friend Ganns Deen's thoughts on who he is voting for.
Reports say that he is unlikely to win.
Good thing I believe in a God who loves doing miracles.
My candidate possibly winning is nothing short of a miracle. But it can happen! I am praying for one every day.
I am so glad this administration is almost over.
I hope that everyone prays hard on who to vote for. Please choose your leaders wisely.
Let's put a stop on tactical voting. The spirit of election is who you are voting for and not against.
I hope that everyone is respectful of each other as they go out and vote.
No matter who wins, I hope that we aim to respect and submit to government authorities. Doing so is ultimately a respect to our God.
We can always pray for whoever will lead us.
At the end of the day, He will always be in charge. The core of our faith must be in Him and not in people.
"But select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain—and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens." (Exodus 18:21)
Seven Habits of Highly Evangelistic Christians by Josh Harris
- Harris talks about valuable insights by Lifeway's President / CEO Thom Rainer. Encouraged me to take a good look at myself and what I am doing in fulfilling The Great Commission.
Meet Sandra Bullock's Baby Boy! by People
- I love Sandy. I felt really bad about what she went through these past couple of months. Today, I am overjoyed to know she adopted a little one. I hope this also sends an encouragement to families to go ahead and adopt.
Tripp and Tyler Visit Donald Miller on YouTube
- Everyone wants to be author Don Miller's best friend. I know I do. Tripp and Tyler do too. However, when they visited Don -- things did not go quite well. Super funny!
Who Did God Wire You To Be? by Bob Goff
- Restore International's CEO finally started blogging. This entry proves that his blog will be an essential part of my daily reading.
"But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." (1 Peter 2:9)
I am starting a new series here on happysammy.com called the Verse Download. This is probably going to be the most important series I will have on here because it will talk about a specific verse in Scripture and what God taught me about these specific Words.
It will appear at random times, depending on God's chosen timing to clearly reveal a Bible verse to me. Today is one of them.
Growing up Roman Catholic (and a devout one too), my definition of "priest" is a male who performs religious duties in church-based ceremonies, like the Sunday Mass. Church-goers treat him with reverence because he is the ultimate representation of Jesus Christ.
As I received God's Word today in 1 Peter 2:9, it dawned on me what it really means to be a "priest." Here are the lessons I learned.
Following Jesus Christ means I already am a priest, personally chosen by Him. I don't need to earn it.
Because I am a priest of a chosen, royal generation -- the access to my King is always available.
I do not need to use the "services" of a man called a "priest" to earn the privilege of bringing my needs to my Father.
I need to start seeing other believers as priests too -- also chosen and royal. I am not better than them and will never be. I need to function and work with them to bring glory to our Father.
I pray that I am His royal priest first; above anything else. May I get reminded of who I am in Him every single day. Sometimes I assume the role of being a wife first or being an employee first. When priorities become messed up, I deny the chance of God's power to work in me and through me.
Any thoughts on this verse? Please send in a comment! Looking forward to learn more from you.
I have been wanting to increase the reach of this blog through a Facebook page. However I never felt comfortable with the phrase "Become a Fan" -- so I decided not do it until something better comes up.
Now that Facebook has unveiled a new feature to the "fan" section of its site, I started one yesterday.
The terminology "Become a Fan" is now replaced with a "Like" button -- something I am much more comfortable with. Therefore, if you "like" this blog, I humbly invite you to check out happysammy.com's page on Facebook.
Click on the "Like" button and you will get quick updates, newly discovered links, photos, videos and important thoughts that I would like to share with you. I have so many insights and ideas that go through my mind that do not necessarily warrant a full-length blog entry. I hope to discuss them with you through this page.
If you have your own "Like" page to share with me, please let me know! I already like you a lot anyway :-)
He almost made it to our world conference in Manila back in 2007 but due to a conflict in schedule, it fell through. I have seen many of his videos and I am always humbled on how he used adversity to glorify God's goodness.
This weekend, he will be in Omaha. I vow not to miss it!
Another place to check out is her online store of gently used clothing http://shopcubby.blogspot.com/. The best place to go for good deals on Zara, Mango, Topshop, H&M and other trendy retail shops. A lot of brand new accessories as well. Everything is in excellent condition I promise you!
We've had some fun, and yes we've had our ups and downs
Been down that rocky road, but here we are, still around
We thought about someone else, but neither one took the bait
We thought about breaking up, but now we know it's much too late
We are bound by all the rest
Like the same phone number
All the same friends
And the same address
Yes, it's true, (yes it's true) I am happy to be stuck with you
Yes, it's true, (yes it's true) I'm so happy to be stuck with you
'Cause I can see, (I can see) that you're happy to be stuck with me
We've had our doubts, we never took them seriously
And we've had our ins and outs, but that's the way it's supposed to be
We thought about giving up, but we could never stay away
Thought about breaking up, but now we know it's much too late
And it's no great mystery
If we change our minds
Eventually, it's back to you and me
Yes, it's true, (yes it's true) I am happy to be stuck with you
Yes, it's true, (yes it's true) I'm so happy to be stuck with you
'Cause I can see, (I can see) that you're happy to be stuck with me
We are bound by all the rest
Like the same phone number
All the same friends
And the same address
Yes, it's true, (yes it's true) I am happy to be stuck with you
Yes, it's true, (yes it's true) I'm so happy to be stuck with you
'Cause I can see, (I can see) that you're happy to be stuck with me
Yes its true (yes it's true) I'm so happy to be stuck with you
I'm happy to be stuck with you
Happy to be stuck with you.
A lot of ladies out there will probably agree that we all can't afford pricey department store makeup at most times. I personally do not have a big budget to work with when it comes to cosmetics.
That's why it brings me so much joy when I stumble upon a great product from U.S. drugstores that works wonderfully -- and not spending a lot in the process! I have tried and tested LOTS of drugstore makeup since 1997 and I have found true gems among the long aisles.
Here are the top twelve items in the drugstore makeup aisle that have served me well throughout the years.
1) Revlon ColorStay Lipliner ($6.94)
This lip liner's Nude shade is the best neutral color for most lips. I use this after I exfoliate and condition my lips. I put on the lip liner and it stays put throughout the day -- even when my lip stick fades.
2) Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Gloss ($5.94)
I have been a big fan of the Super Lustrous line since my high school days. The lip stick is great but when it came out with the lip gloss, I was hooked. I prefer applicator-based glosses instead of tubes -- and it does come out with a good applicator. The love the colors that are available in this line.
3) Physicians Formula Healthy Wear SPF 50 Bronzer ($12.97)
I must have bronzer on me all the time. Why? Using merely translucent or pressed powder does not appear well on camera. It looks flat and one-dimensional. Bronzer makes my skin look healthier and more natural on photographs. I find that a matte finish in a medium shade works best for me. While most bronzers have shimmer in it, this one doesn't and it gives me a fresh glow.
4) Neutrogena MoistureShine Lip Gloss ($8.26)
One of the best-smelling lip glosses I have come across. It smells sweet and fruity. I use this when I go for a high-shine look. My lips look so healthy and soft with this product.
5) Neutrogena Nourishing Eye Duo ($7.47)
There are times I love putting on eye shadow and there are days when I feel it's just too much work but I still want to look polished. These sets of eye shadows (two for each palette) is perfect on those lazy days. Super blendable and so many neutral colors to choose from. My eyes never have to go naked again.
6) L'Oréal HIP High Intensity Pigments Concentrated Shadow Duo ($6.78)
I love highly-pigmented eye shadows especially on occasions where I like to put on a smokey eye. However, I cannot afford a MAC eye shadow most of the time. The HIP line is an awesome alternative to accomplishing the bold eye. The texture is rich, silky and crease-free.
7) L'Oréal True Match Super Blendable Blush ($8.47)
This cheek blush truly lives up to its name. It comes in powder form and its texture creamy and easy-to-blend. This is by far the best drugstore blush out there.
8) L'Oréal Colour Riche Lipcolour ($5.00)
One of the creamiest lipsticks out there. The colors are rich and it leaves my lips moisturized. This lip stick is my favorite item to use on date nights or special occasions. Bonus: every lip stick has a matching lip liner and lip gloss!
9) Maybelline Dream Mousse Blush ($5.94)
I have tried a lot of spreadable cheek tints out there and most have disappointed me. This blush in mousse form is still the most reliable product I have used on days when I want my cheeks to like they were just naturally pinched. I love this so much that I used the Bronze shade on my wedding day.
10) Maybelline Lash Stiletto Ultimate Length Washable Mascara ($6.94)
Do you remember the all-time classic Great Lash Mascara? Maybelline now has something even better. The Lash Stiletto Mascara came out in 2008 and has been my go-to mascara ever since. The result of this lovely wand? Long, separated, glossy lashes.
11) Almay Intense i-Color Shadows ($5.96)
For eye shadow trios, Almay's Intense i-Color line offers the best color combinations. It is supposed to bring out the intensity of different eye colors but I got the ones for blue and gray eyes as well. Super easy-to-blend!
12) Cover Girl Lipslicks Lip Gloss ($3.94)
Do you like using a lip balm / gloss that improves the appearance of the color of your lips? This product just does that. I have been using it for over 15 years and I always have one in my makeup bag. So reliable on needed touch-ups and moisture.
Watch out for my next "drugstore" list on skin care products! Have a beautiful day!
