May it be Beautiful all Around Me

Happily may I walk.

May it be beautiful before me.

May it be beautiful behind me.

May it be beautiful below me.

May it be beautiful all around me.

In beauty it is finished.

LIMES - SMILE ☺

When life gives you LIMES, rearrange the letters until they stay SMILE.

Manic Monday

Six o'clock already
I was just in the middle of a dream
I was kissin' Valentino
By a crystal blue Italian stream
But I can't be late
'Cause then I guess I just won't get paid
These are the days
When you wish your bed was already made

It's just another manic Monday
I wish it was Sunday
'Cause that's my funday
My I don't have to runday
It's just another manic Monday

Have to catch an early train
Got to be to work by nine
AND IT’S ALREADY 8:25AM
And if I had an air-o-plane
I still couldn't make it on time
'Cause it takes me so long
Just to figure out what I'm gonna wear...

…I am so BLESSED like all work at home moms that we don’t actually have to rush because we work from home!...

SOURCE: Manic Monday by the Bangles

33 Biblical Virtues for Beautiful You

1. Beauty
He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. - Ecclesiastes 3:11

2. Love 
Live a life of love. Love others just as Christ loved us. He gave himself for us—a sweet-smelling offering and sacrifice to God. -  Ephesians 5:2 

3. Faith
The Lord said, “If your faith is as big as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Dig yourself up and plant yourself in the ocean!’ And the tree will obey you.
-  Luke 17:6

4. Hope
 I pray that the God who gives hope will fill you with much joy and peace as you trust in him. Then you will have more and more hope, and it will flow out of you by the power of the Holy Spirit. -  Romans 15:13  

5. Charity
At the end of every three years, you must gather one-tenth of your harvest for that year. Store this food in your towns.29 Keep this food for the Levites, because they don’t have any land of their own. Also keep this food for the foreigners, orphans, and widows who live in your towns. This will provide enough for them to come Deuteronomy 14:28-29and eat all they want. If you do this, the LORD your God will bless you in everything you do. - Deuteronomy 14:28-29

6. Justice
The LORD always does what is right, and he loves seeing people do right.
Those who live good lives will be with him. - Psalm 11:7

7. Mercy
Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. - Luke 6:36

8. Respect
Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor. - 1 Peter 2:17

9. Courage
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.- Deuteronomy 31:6

10. Purity
Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me. -  Psalm 51:10  

11. Kindness 

Human, the LORD has told you what goodness is.
This is what he wants from you:
Be fair to other people.
Love kindness and loyalty,
and humbly obey your God. -  Micah 6:8  

12. Generosity
Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.  In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. -  1 Timothy 6:18-19  

13. Joy

And you became like us and like the Lord. You suffered much, but still you accepted the teaching with joy. The Holy Spirit gave you that joy. -  1 Thessalonians 1:6  

14. Perseverance
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us - Hebrews 12:1

15. Humility
To speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. - Titus 3:2 

16. Compassion
Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience - colossians 3:12  

17. Responsibility
You must each accept the responsibilities that are yours. -  Galatians 6:5  

18. Contentment
I know how to live when I am poor and when I have plenty. I have learned the secret of how to live through any kind of situation—when I have enough to eat or when I am hungry, when I have everything I need or when I have nothing. 13 Christ is the one who gives me the strength I need to do whatever I must do. -  Philippians 4:12-13  

19. Gratitude
You must depend on Christ only, drawing life and strength from him. Just as you were taught the truth, continue to grow stronger in your understanding of it. And never stop giving thanks to God. -  Colossians 2:7  

20. Salvation
May the clouds in the skies above
pour goodness on the earth like rain
May the earth open up
to let salvation grow
And may goodness grow with that salvation,
which I, the LORD, created. -  Isaiah 45:8 

21. Growth in Grace
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Glory be to him, now and forever! Amen. - 2 Peter 3:18

22. Honesty and Integrity
You are good and do what is right.
I trust you to protect me.- Psalm 25:21

23. Self-Control
So we should not be like other people. We should not be sleeping. We should be awake and have self-control. - 1 Thessalonians 5:6

24. Love for God's Word
His teachings are worth more than pure gold.
They are sweeter than the best honey dripping from the honeycomb.- Psalm 19:10

25. Biblical Self-Esteem
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. - Ephesians 2:10

26. Faithfulness
Don’t ever let love and loyalty leave you. Tie them around your neck, and write them on the tablet of your heart. - Proverbs 3:3

27. Peace-Loving
So let’s try as hard as we can to do what will bring peace. Let’s do whatever will help each other grow stronger in faith. - Romans 14:19

28. A Servant's Heart
Do your work, and be happy to do it. Work as though it is the Lord you are serving, not just an earthly master. - Ephesians 6:7

29. Willingness and Ability to Work
In all the work you are given, do the best you can. Work as though you are working for the Lord, not any earthly master. - Colossians 3:23

30. Passion for God
I stay close to you,
and you hold me with your powerful arm. - Psalm 63:8

31. Self-Discipline
They will teach you to develop your mind in the right way. You will learn to do what is right and to be honest and fair. - Proverbs 1:3

32.  Prayerfulness
Never stop praying. - 1 Thessalonians 5:17

33. A Heart for Missions
Tell all the nations how wonderful he is!
Tell people everywhere about the amazing things he does. - Psalm 96:3

THE MONTH OF OUR LADY

THE MONTH OF OUR LADY

The daffodils dance at the dawning, 

The may bells make clamor and sing; 

What, then, is this season, good mother, 

When flowers such loveliness bring? 

It is the sweet month of Our Lady, 

Whose Son is our Savior and King.

The violets waft their faint incense, 

In glory the gill blooms blow; 

What, then, is this season, dear mother, 

That lilies are sisters of snow? 

It is the rich month of Our Lady, 

When beauty and loveliness flow.

The south wind's a song of love's triumph, 

Twined round a child's laugh in the lane; 

What, then, is this season, O mother! 

When fragrance grows vocal in rain? 

It is the lush month of Our Lady, 

Madonna of bliss and of pain.

Like cordons of honor, the poplars, 

That stand, rigged in green, in the night, 

Let us form, then, for Mary, O mother! 

Our own little pageant of white. 

It is the glad month of Our Lady, 

Earth's fairest, and Heaven's delight!

A Beautiful Story: Mother and Child

Note: I've heard this story as a homily in the church, a number of times.

A little boy came up to his mother in the kitchen one evening while she was fixing supper, and handed her a piece of paper that he had been writing on. 

After his Mom dried her hands on an apron, she read it, and this is what it said:

For cutting the grass:  $10.00

For cleaning up my room this week:    $2.00 

For going to the store for you:    $1.00 

Baby-sitting my kid brother while you went shopping:    $0.50 

Taking out the garbage:    $2.00 

For getting a good report card:   10.00 

For cleaning up and raking the yard:   $5.00 

Total owed: $30.50

Well, his mother looked at him standing there,and the boy could see the memories flashing through her mind. She picked up the pen, turned over the paper he'd written on, and this is what she wrote: 

For the nine months I carried you while you were growing inside me:  No Charge 

For all the nights that I've sat up with you doctored and prayed for you:  No Charge 

For all the trying times, and all the tears that you've caused through the years:  No Charge 

For all the nights that were filled with dread, and for the worries I knew were ahead:  No Charge 

For the toys, food, clothes, and even wiping your nose:  No Charge 

Son, when you add it up,the cost of my love is:  No Charge

When the boy finished reading what his mother had written, there were big tears in his eyes, and he looked straight at his mother and said, "Mom, I sure do love you."And then he took the pen and in great big letters he wrote: "PAID IN FULL". 

Reflection: You will never know how much your parents worth till you become a Parent. Be a giver, especially to your parents, there's a lot to give, besides money. If your mom is still alive and close to you, give her a big hug and a kiss, say thank you for bringing you out in this world. If she is far away, call her and tell her you love her, if she'd passed away, pray for her.

*from unknown author*

image source: stock photo

May: The Month of Mary

The month of May is a fanfare of nature coming to life, revived by warm sunny days. Though the seasons are changing with global warming, I still think of May as it was in my childhood a time when Santacruzan Festival or Flores de Mayo was celebrated to the full.

Santacruzan is a popular religious festival held in many towns and cities and even small villages  throughout the Philippines during the month of May. It is usually celebrated with a parade of decorated floats and elaborately dressed characters, representing various aspects of the Virgin Mary and other figures. The festival was introduced to the country during the Spanish period and continues to be celebrated by Filipinos all over the world. 

Since May is traditionally celebrated as "The Month of Blessed Virgin Mary"; here's a beautiful poem dedicated to her.

If seven times in the day your brother sins against you, and seven times in the day turns back to you, saying, "I repent," forgive him. St. Luke 17:4

Despite today's changing seasons, the birds still nest and incubate their families to the echoing call of the early cuckoo.

Modern May fairs settle on the traditional villages, with blasting sirens and music in a swirl of flashing coloured lights

.
Things change, it's a part of life but from past to present, May is my month and the first of May, the start of many delightful months to come.

What I mean is the same with the lyrics of the song "First of May" by the Bee Gees, though the Time Lapse musical video I made is from the album Best Audiophile Voices performed by Angela.

When I was small, and Christmas trees were small 

We used to love while others used to play.

Don't ask me why, but time has passed us by,

Someone else moved in from far away.....

Hope you enjoyed the video!

A Beautiful Prayer

Forgiveness is one ticket to have a beautiful life; Forgiving those who've hurt you and forgiving yourself will make you feel better. What have you been stewing over lately? It's about time to forget it and move on. Once you commit to forgive and forget then move on with your life,you will be surprised at how fast it can happen.  Forgive others, forgive yourself, move on; a life free of grudge is beautiful: It will make you beautiful inside out.

Dear Lord, 

You raise me up into self-appreciation and beauty,

You fill my life with the beauty of this world;

You love me as I am, Oh Lord my God.

Thank You  for giving me a beautiful life,

Thank You for making my life beautiful inside out,

Thank you for making me worthy of Your love.

Let me reflect Your gentle loving spirit;

 In my voice and in my actions;

Grant me the serenity,

To accept the things I cannot change;

Courage to change the things I can,

Wisdom to know the difference

And to believe that I am worthy of your love.

Amen

It's a Beautiful Life

If I go back to college again, I'd concentrate on learning to write and speak before an audience. Nothing in life is more beautiful than the ability to communicate effectively. It's a beautiful life to be able to express and describe the beauty of this world.




My favorite lyrics from the song "Beautiful Life" written by Sebastian, Guy Theodore/Patterson, Rahsaan/Rogers and Jarrad Leith.

.....You can do what you want just seize the day
        What you're doing tomorrow's gonna come you're way. 
          Don't you ever consider giving up......
Because you will find, it's a beautiful life you have. 
             When you're feeling down, take a walk outside, there's so many things outside that's gonna lift you up; see the nature in bloom and a laughing child...


It's a beautiful song that makes you feel beautiful inside out; don't you think?

Beautiful Deeds

Beautiful Deeds

- by Mia

Beautiful deeds we do, 

Tender words we spoke to; 

They are sealed in heaven. 

One day, someday, 

It will fall, it will spread; 

Like scattered seeds on earth, 

Rainfall waters them, 

And makes them grow green 

All over the world. 

Just Being Happy

Today, see if you can stretch your heart and expand your love so that it touches not only those to whom you can give it easily, but also those who need it so much. Remember that just being happy helps other souls along; Their burden may be heavy and they are not strong; And your own sky will lighten, if other skies you brighten, by just being happy with a heart full of song. Just being happy makes you beautiful inside out.

A Beautiful Reflection

Sharing with you my reflection on some of God's blessings in this world.....Count your blessings and be grateful...it vanishes stress and worry...it makes you beautiful inside out!



A Beautiful Reflection

There is so much beauty in life;
The sun that shines at day
The moon that gives light at night
The star studded night sky
The harmonious waves of sea
The birds singing along with the wind
The flowers of the garden and wild
Beauty in natures creation

There is so much beauty in life;
The sunset to evening
The sunrise to morning
The raindrops on rainy days
The bright colors of the rainbow
The sound of children's laughter
The beauty in true friendship
The beauty in love so real

There is so much beauty in life
Beauty that cannot be seen or touched
Beauty in the mind and in the heart
Beauty in God's kindness and grace
They must be felt with the heart.
All these, and more;
A gift from God divine
A Blessing to delight us in this world

7 Beautiful Quotes to Inspire You

The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart. - Helen Keller

All that is worth cherishing begins in the heart, not in the head. - Suzanne Chapin

The heart has eyes that the brain knows nothing of. - Dr. Charles Henry Parkhurst

Happiness is inward and not outward; and so it does not depend on what we have but on what we are. - Henry van Dyke

Beauty Surrounds Us

When I was still living in Tokyo, a Japanese friend once told me that the 15th of each month is dedicated as the day of the Sun, and this friend recited to me a quote from Rumi- “Be like the sun for grace and mercy. Be like the night to cover others' faults. Be like running water for generosity. Be like death for rage and anger. Be like the Earth for modesty. Appear as you are. Be as you appear.” And I said, we must do this not only on the 15th of each month but every day of each month as long as we live. Yes, be as the Sun, be beautiful inside out!


“That which God said to the rose, and caused it to laugh in full-blown beauty, He said to my heart, and made it a hundred times more beautiful.” - Rumi


Here's 7 picture quotes for you;

Good Morning Beautiful

Good Morning Beautiful

Good morning beautiful, how was your night?
Mine was wonderful with you by my side
And then I, open my eyes, see your sweet face
It's a good morning, beautiful day.
I couldn't see the light 
I didn't know day from night
I had no reason to care
Since you came along
I can face the dawn
Cause I know you'll be there 
Good morning beautiful how was your night?
Mine was wonderful with you by my side
And then I, open my eyes, see your sweet face
It's a good morning, beautiful day.
I never worry if it's raining outside
Sitting here with you girl; the sun always shines
Good morning beautiful how was your night?
Mine was wonderful with you by my side
And then I, open my eyes, see your sweet face
It's a good morning beautiful day.
Good morning beautiful.... day!!!!!
Good morning beautiful, its a beautiful day 
Good morning beautiful....good morning
Good morning beautiful, what a beautiful day
Good morning beautiful....

Physical Beauty Fades

When a woman has beauty and nothing else, it's like a display of beautiful pieces of fashion jewelries in a shop window that soon fades; a time will come and that woman is like a faded jewelry to be thrown aside. Good looks can be sacred and profane; consoling and disturbing; exhilarating and sad; inspiring and discouraging: Beauty can affects us in so many ways but always demands to be noticed.

When a woman has beauty that shines; a woman who can give happiness to the world, appreciation, sensitivity and understanding of life that fills them with compassion and love; That woman is like a diamond that last forever. Her physical beauty fades but her beautiful memories will remain forever.

Be a person of inspiration, compassion and understanding, be kind to yourself and others, be happy and people around you will be happy as well....give love and be loved....count your blessings and be grateful. Thank God for who you are and what you have; be beautiful inside out...

Be happy, and You Are Beautiful Inside Out!

The Beauty of Nature

Beauty in itself is perfect, but no beauty is perfect. Trying to be perfect makes one miserable. Here's a good story for accepting beauty in itself. A story that tells us to let nature take its course, it may not be perfect but beautiful in itself.

*A priest was in charge of the garden within a famous Zen temple. He had been given the job because he loved the flowers, shrubs, and trees. Next to the temple there was another, smaller temple where there lived a very old Zen master. One day, when the priest was expecting some special guests, he took extra care in tending to the garden. He pulled the weeds, trimmed the shrubs, combed the moss, and spent a long time meticulously raking up and carefully arranging all the dry autumn leaves. As he worked, the old master watched him with interest from across the wall that separated the temples.
When he had finished, the priest stood back to admire his work. "Isn't it beautiful," he called out to the old master. "Yes," replied the old man, "but there is something missing. Help me over this wall and I'll put it right for you."
After hesitating, the priest lifted the old fellow over and set him down. Slowly, the master walked to the tree near the center of the garden, grabbed it by the trunk, and shook it. Leaves showered down all over the garden. "There," said the old man, "you can put me back now."*

Source: "Zen Stories to Tell Your Neighbors"


God created man in His own image; He gave nature a natural beauty....Nature or Man or Animals are created a certain way for a reason!
As human beings, we are entitled to appreciate beauty in itself....You are beautiful inside out!

Life is Beautiful

Life is beautiful. It’s full of surprises. Strange things happens every day, the choices  we make defines who we are;  A woman’s character, defines her beauty.  God gave us life and everything around us, we are entitled to find and appreciate beauty in all of His Creation.

When I was younger, I wanted to have a perfect face and body; But now I want to wear the life I’ve lived. I’ve enjoyed every age I’ve been, each had its own merit; the joy, the sorrow, the laughter, the tears, the envy, the fame, the winnings, and the struggles; each is a badge I wear to prove I was there; the symbol I display so proudly for all to see.  Life is beautiful; I am beautiful.

Happy people are beautiful. I’m pretty because I am happy. Happiness is like a mirror of the soul that reflects your beauty inside out….YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL INSIDE OUT!