A Day In My Life

"You will find as you look back upon your life that the moments when you have truly lived are the moments when you have done things in the spirit of love." Henry Drummond

This quote by Henry Drummond is one of my favorites and one that I love to live by. I find that my life is at its most joyful when things that I choose to do and say comes from a place of love.

This blog entry will show what typical day is like for me. A lot of it has to do with self-examination and see if my life is a demonstration of worship to my Father as I have always wanted.

Most of you might find my daily activities boring but I want to thank you for being interested enough to find out what takes place.

8:30am - I wake up around this time. Back in the Philippines, I wake up at about an hour earlier. I think the weather here is meant for sleeping in!

8:40 - 8:55am - Brush my teeth, wash my face, and take a quick shower.

8:55 - 9:00am - Make my morning coffee. I started taking decaf since February of this year.

9:00 - 9:20am - Morning devotions. Today, I started using my eco-friendly coffee cup from Old Navy. It's looks so cute doesn't it? I wrote in my journal and read 4 chapters in Genesis from The Message Bible. I also read a chapter from "Facing Your Giants" by Max Lucado. It is a great study on the life of David! I also wrote on the Father's Day card that I got for my Dad.


9:20 - 9:30am - I put on my shoes and do some serious stretching for my morning jog. I wear Newton running shoes for this activity. I was blessed to win this in a raffle at the RUNNR store opening. Robert won it and decided to claim it for me. Newtons are really the best sneakers I've had so far for running.


9:30 - 9:33am - I prepare Robert's reliable iPod for the morning jog / power walk. I use his iPod when I want  to listen to a podcast. Today I plan to listen to "The Need for Pentecost Today" by Rice Broocks of Bethel World Outreach Center. When the podcast is over, I usually spend the next few minutes praying.


9:33 - 9:35am - I ensure that my pedometer is working. My daily goal is to walk 10,000 steps a day. This morning, I plan to combine a speedy power walk and jogging because I only have about 30 minutes to spare. A busy day awaits!


9:40 - 10:00am - I see my husband come up from behind and joins me. I turn the iPod off so we can have a morning conversation instead. We do about 4 laps of jogging around the trail.

10:00 - 10:20am - I take my daily vitamins. My intake includes multivitamins, folic acid, calcium, lutein for eye health and fiber therapy caplets because I don't have enough fruit in my diet. I take a shower and get into something comfortable because I have a lot of work tasks for the day.


10:20 - 10:22am - I check my pedometer and see how many steps I've done so far. I am not happy at all with 2,963 steps. I usually try to accomplish between 5,000 to 6,000 steps on my morning jog. I had only about 20 minutes to spare for exercise this morning and that's why I'm way below my target.


10:22 - 10:35am - Robert takes me to "work." He has a meeting at 11:00am and the "office" that's on the way to his meeting is at Borders. I love Borders because it's a pleasant place to be and has free wi-fi.




Side Note: On most days, I prefer to do my work at Scooter's. It's darker and more quiet over there. Just my own preference.  No one ever comes in! No distractions!


10:35 - 10:45am - I buy a cup of Vanila Creme Brewed Decaf from Seattle's Best. It's located inside Borders. I also order a Cheese and Spinach Omelet Sandwich for breakfast. It's one of my favorite things to eat at this time of the day!


10:45 - 6:45pm - I set-up my work area and work for the next 8 hours. I use this time to catch up on work e-mails, accomplish work tasks, blog, and read what's out there on the web. I also watch an episode of Modern Family. I was also able to listen to the podcast that I planned to listen to this morning. I take hourly breaks to go the bathroom and walk around the store. I need to add some more steps!




6:45 - 6:55pm - I shut down my laptop and I am finally glad work is done for the day. My energy was running a little low at around 6pm and I am happy I can now go outside to walk and check out a few things.

6:55 - 7:15pm - One of my favorite clothing stores is right across Borders. One of the reasons why I prefer Scooter's! No temptations. I love Old Navy. I had my eye on a pretty summer dress. I decided not to get it just yet. I went through the clearance aisle. I don't really like paying full price on anything that I buy. Left the store without getting anything but still thinking about that dress. But I am glad I got to walk some more!




7:15 - 7:30pm - I walk some more and head over to discount store T.J. Maxx. I've been wanting to start a workout routine on my arms just in time for a 4th of July wedding. I found a pair of 3-lb. weights for only $6.99! Very happy about this!




7:30 - 7:45pm - Robert picks me up from the town center and head home. He brought a green apple for me because he figured I must be starving. And I am! Haven't eaten anything since 10:30am.

7:45 - 8:00pm - Finally home. Finished my green apple but I am still hungry. So happy to see that my mother-in-low cooked some barbecued ribs and chicken. Had a satisfying dinner with my husband.


8:00 - 8:10pm - Washed the dishes. I love this chore. I love that I can wash with warm water. A luxury we don't have in Manila!

8:10 - 8:30pm - I see that I need to do laundry. A lot of Robert's favorite clothing items are on the dirty pile. I want to make sure his clothes are clean in time for the next day. I use this time to sort through clothes and throw them into the washer.


8:30 - 8:40pm - While waiting for the clothes to be washed, I use this time to brush my teeth and wash my face.


8:40 - 9:10pm - I hop into the shower and throw on my pajamas.

9:10 - 9:15pm - I put on my anti-wrinkle night cream. Important to slather them on the face and neck!


9:15 - 9:20pm - I apply Loreal Lash Boosting Serum to my eyelashes and eyebrows. This formula enables my brows and lashes to grow at a faster pace with much healthier strands. My brow technician in Brow Haus (back in Manila) wasn't so happy on how sparse they have gotten. This product really works for me!


9:20 - 9:30pm - I put on a generous layer of Vaseline petroleum jelly on my tired feet. I put socks over them and leave them overnight. This habit helps avoid cracked heels and keep my feet healthy in between pedicures. I can't afford not to do it because my pedicure at a nail salon has to wait until I go back to Manila in July. In the meantime, self-care is the way to go!


9:30 - 10:03pm - I sit on our bed and do some nighttime reading. Tonight's material: Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual, the latest issue of Good Housekeeping and the Women's Devotional Bible (NIV).


10:04 - 10:05pm - I check my pedometer. Today's total number of steps registered at 11,051! Hurray! That's about 4 miles worth of walking. Hoping I can accomplish the same feat tomorrow.


10:05 - 10:30pm - I use this time to get the laundry out of the dryer and fold everything neatly. Very satisfied that Robert now has fresh clothes waiting for him!

10:30 - 11:00pm - TV time! Robert and I love crime documentaries. Tonight, we watched a story about how a 12-year-old boy was kidnapped while walking home from school. He was found 4 years later and was reunited with his parents. My heart ached for the father and mother. No parent ever has to go through something like that. I also use this time to do some arm workouts -- thanks to my new weights!




11:00pm - My TV buddy was falling asleep on me! That means no more TV and time for bed.


11:15pm - Got up, turned the TV off and now in our bedroom. Robert fell fast asleep. One of my happiest moments is watching him rest.


That's how my day went! I would really like to inspire and encourage everyone who reads this particular blog entry to make their own "A Day In My Life" post in their respective blogs. Looking forward to know yours!

Verse Download: Sanctified

"Sanctify them by Your truth, Your word is truth. As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world." (John 17:17-18)

According to God's Word, He will enable me to be clean, holy and blessed before He sends me. I just think about the times He challenged my dreams, stretched my faith, and gently reminded me in instances where I am in danger of glorifying myself. I wouldn't have been ready to share His truth with others if I didn't go through the sanctification process that I went through.

And the process never ends. Everyday, there is something that needs to be strengthened in my life and God has been faithful in this building process.

Then there is the battle with the enemy of my soul. He tries to remind me of past failures to make me feel like God has no use for me.

I have found myself being in a place of defeat and hopelessness when his lies catch me off guard.

And yet my Father always gives me an opportunity to set myself free from these lies through His grace. And when this I go for this opportunity, I am once again re-aligned in His will and become empowered.

I always hear the expression, "The truth will set you free." Ever since knowing Jesus and giving my life to Him, this statement takes on a completely whole new meaning.

What I Learned from Cassie Bernall

Two evenings ago, I found myself in a really unfamiliar place. Pastor Corey Demmel, the youth pastor of Bellevue Christian Center (the church that we go to here in Bellevue, NE) invited Robert to share a 5-minute message at REVOLUTION -- a mid-week worship service for high-school age kids.



I was planning on dropping by for a quick minute -- to record Robert's message. After that, I had my heart set on finding a couch somewhere in the building and read a book. Needless to say, my plans didn't push through -- all for many great reasons!

First, the energy of high-schoolers were just contagious. I felt like 17 again! I couldn't help but join in the worship. And I am glad I did. There is nothing like going all out in worship of my Father!





The service's message was about leaving a legacy for Christ. I was moved by one example that was shared that evening.

Many of us remember the massacre that took place in Columbine High School in 1999. I was 23 years old back then and I was already a follower of world news and current events.



I heard about the story of Cassie Bernall, one of the victims of the shooting. I didn't know Jesus at that time so I haven't really given much thought on what took place as she died in the hands of the assailants.



That evening, I was re-introduced to her story. One of the killers (I personally don't know which one among the two), asked her if she believed in God.

She boldly responded "yes."

Moments later, she was shot dead.

This encouraged me to take a hard look at myself and see how I would respond in the exact same situation. Sure, I can proudly proclaim right now that I can do what Cassie did.

But really, when a gun is pointed to my head and be asked who I stood for, will I really boldly declare that I am willing to die for Christ? I welcomed this moment to be completely honest with myself.

(Side note: Watched a similar fictional situation in last night's Grey's Anatomy season finale. A man was on a shooting rampage in the hospital and seemed to target surgeons. With a gun to her head, he asked Dr. Miranda Bailey if she was a surgeon or a nurse. Fearing for her life and the son she will leave behind, she said "nurse.")

It is a sobering self-examination for me. It opened a conversation between me and Jesus. I asked Him (I actually begged) to give me the power of the Holy Spirit and enable me to be as faith-filled as Cassie -- at all times. I want to filled with a pure desire willingly die for Him if I am faced with that situation.

Then the conversation moved to situations more real in the present time. Do I take advantage of every opportunity to proclaim Christ every chance I get? Do I really have to wait for a life-or-death situation to let people know who stand for?

How about in the little choices that I make? Do I choose the one that glorifies my one and only God?

How about in my reactions to situations that upset me? I am pretty good at reacting graciously on the outside but how about my heart? Is grace found within me? Do I truly love from the inside in the same way my external actions do?

Today, I choose to be that person who says she loves Jesus Christ with all her heart.

Today, I choose to continue to witness and share what He has done for me.

Today, I choose not to strive to be what I am committing to be. He has paid the price and He has declared victory in all of my battles. I will allow Him to empower me. His power is made perfect in my weakness.

Romans 1:16-17 (The Message) says:


"It's news I'm most proud to proclaim, this extraordinary Message of God's powerful plan to rescue everyone who trusts him, starting with Jews and then right on to everyone else! God's way of putting people right shows up in the acts of faith, confirming what Scripture has said all along: "The person in right standing before God by trusting him really lives."

Link Love: May 2010 (Part 2)

Another batch of informative, funny, entertaining, worthwhile links that you might want to check out!

Standing Together by a minute with rice
- Bethel World Outreach Center's senior pastor Rice Broocks' brief statement about overcoming the recent flooding in Nashville. He is also the co-founder of Every Nation -- the worldwide organization where my church (Victory Christian Fellowship) belongs to.

Cross-Cultural Beef Steak by The Beloved
- A twist to the classic Filipino beef steak by good friend Liz Tokushige, a Filipino wife and mother currently based in Hawaii.

What To Do When You Fall Off the Organized Wagon (And You Will) by unclutterer
- What to do when order falls apart in your life by one of my favorite organizing blogs.

Dear Mama by On Fire
- My husband's heartfelt Mother's Dat tribute to my mother-in-law, Linda.

John Mackey's Letter by What's it Worth
- My friend David Bonifacio shares a letter written by Whole Foods founder John Mackey to his employees. Don't you wish you worked for a boss like that?

Hyperbole and a Half
- A new blog on my RSS reader. Very funny text and illustrations. My only wish is that posts are more frequent.

My Two Seasons
- Another new blog I'm following. The author is Michelle Johnson who loves all things I love: photography, nature and family!

My Mother is No Exception by In The Name Of Love
- I love following Bianca Juarez. I absolutely loved this Mother's Day tribute.

8 Lessons for Creating Social Impact by Kem Meyer
- I great article shared by one of the best church communicators today.

What About Drinking? by Paolo Punzalan
- My pastor talks about exactly how I feel about drinking.

You Rule! by Bee In Our Bonnet
- A clever and easy craft project that shows appreciations to teachers. I love crafts and anything that honors our educators.

Merry Martha
- A brand new blog on food, entertainment, and hospitality by my good friend Camille Ocampo. Loving and learning from her posts!

Cocoon by Les M Design
- I want this cocoon now! Perfect for evenings catching up on my recorded TV shows.

Charice Covers Bieber! by Perez Hilton
- If you love Charice, you will appreciate this video of her singing a Justin Bieber song.

Kindle vs. iPad - A Review and Evaluation by Challies.com
- Still undecided on what to gadget to get? Tim Challies gives an excellent demo and evaluation.

Note: Here is the Part 1 of Link Love for May.

New Business Cards!

I have been putting this off for quite a while but last night, I finally did it -- updated my business cards. I knew I needed it on this trip, so I finally got it done.

I deliberately deleted both the mailing and e-mail addresses due to privacy -- which explains a large section being blank. I also created a back side that represents my work information.

Excited to receive it in the mail! Prints were made by Vistaprint -- the most afforable print center online.

Charice on Oprah

Filipino singer Charice made her third (?) appearance on Oprah yesterday. Watching her blossom into the confident, bubbly pop star that she is today makes me so proud.

Here are some scenes from yesterday's show.









Here are some thoughts from yesterday's Oprah episode.

Justin Bieber was the first guest. I consider myself in touch with pop culture. I've been seeing the trending topics on Twitter. But I never really knew the magnitude of Justin Bieber's popularity until yesterday.



However, I still think Joey McIntyre is way cuter than him.



Justin's mop-style hair does not move! He dances and moves all over the stage and yet his hair stays in place. I wanna know what product he is using.



Charice's new song "Pyramid" sounds so fresh, well-produced and catchy. It's about time she sang an age-appropriate song. While I appreciated the range of her vocals in the Whitneys, Celines and Mariahs -- this youthful pop song was just what she needed.



I started crying seeing music producer David Foster get choked up like a proud daddy. Charice grew up without a father. I was so happy to see a male figure in her life who really believes in her.



I bought her album on iTunes out love and support for her. I am so glad for the exposure she got on Oprah and for being on the starting page of the iTunes Store. I hope this will help her album sales.



To my fellow Filipinos, if you want to listen to her music, please BUY her album. Please don't download and try to cheat your right into listen to something she worked so hard for.

Her CD should be out in the record stores. You can also buy it directly from iTunes.

If you want to see her live performance on Oprah, please click here. You will be proud of her!

Book Review: Embracing Your Second Calling

When I learned about the availability of this book for review on Book Sneeze, I was really curious on picking it up but I had some hesitations as well. The subtitle "Find Passion and Purpose for the Rest of Your Life" meant that this book is geared towards women in their late 30s and beyond.

I figured, well, I am approaching that season in life in about a couple of years. But then again, I feel like I have barely touched my initial season since I just got married three years ago and have not even entered parenthood.

Therefore, I was in a weird place.

However, my curiosity wins. I requested to review the book and keep an open mind instead. I saw an opportunity for God to speak to me as I prepare for the more mature years of my life.

I am glad I did. Author Dale Hanson Bourke's voice was someone I wish I heard on a daily basis through the mouth of a close girlfriend.

I connected with the stories she told when she was about my age -- which was great. It only means that whatever she is experiencing and celebrating today is something I can joyfully look forward to.

The chapter that totally gripped my heart was on the 9th: "You've Got to Have Friends." I want to share my insights on this in a future blog entry because there is so much to be said.

I am currently at a point in my life where I am reflecting about the different kinds of friendships I have had at different times in my life. Most have been beneficial, some have left me a little scarred. Bourke's thoughts on this matter has ministered to me and has taught me how to handle these relationships through the heart of Christ.

Reading that chapter alone made this review worthwhile. I look forward to sharing this book in a future group study for women.

Mother's Day 2010

Mother's Day this year was bittersweet for me. I was sad that I did not get to spend it with my Mom.

I know everyone says this but I really have the best mother in the world. I miss her so much!



This year is extra special because not only are we in Omaha to be with my mother-in-law; we are here to celebrate her second chance at life. Remember that it is was only about three months ago when she had to undergo brain surgery.

She is now alive and well. Her recovery is amazing!


She is back to cooking her famous barbecue.


Playing games with us.


Laughing.


Dancing to The Electric Slide.


Thank You God for Mama Linda's healing!


Thank you God for the mothers you have created perfectly for us!

Leadership Network presents "SAGE".

Do you like opportunities to learn from the best leaders and world changers? I would like to share with you a free online leadership experience that you might want to participate in.

Here is a re-post from the SAGE Conference Website.

You are invited to join us for a great day of learning and sharing on May 19, 2010 as Leadership Network presents "SAGE".


In the tradition of THE NINES and AHA!, SAGE will be a totally on-line event... that means no travel arrangements, no days away from the office, and no hassle. And, you can attend for FREE!


Leadership Network has gathered a group of some of the most experienced, well-seasoned church leaders and asked them all the same question, "If you had it to do all over again, what would you have done differently?" Their answers will help all of us learn some valuable lessons about what to do and what not to do in our own ministry.


You can register for free, or you can get a premium registration for just $20. This cost includes a full-color program book featuring each speaker's bio and contact information, full notes from each talk, and a group discussion question that you can utilize to continue the conversation with your staff or team.

If you want to see the list of speakers, please click here. Once again, the event is free but you do need to register to join.

See you there!

In The Name of Love

If you are a woman and want to be inspired to be used by God to make a difference in this world, please watch this video of Bianca Juarez.

She is an incredible speaker, blogger and a faithful woman of God! I hope that all of us will always be open to live outside of ourselves and make an impact to a generation of people desiring the love of our Father.

It unlocked a lot of dreams hidden in my heart. I hope it does the same to you.


In The Name of Love from Bianca Juarez on Vimeo.