Control, Control.

Went out with some friends today. It was great!!
We went had coffee and then we hit the mall. I didn't buy anything but it was great just to be with friends. I should get out more often. I don't.
You see I like to be alone and then I also like to be with people. Isn't that funny!! - I think.

Well Tanysha is driving me crazy.
This week she has had book week at school and tomorrow is their Book Character Parade and she keeps on changing her mind on whom she wants to be.
At the beginning of the week it was Emily & Clifford. By Wednesday it changed to Dora the Explorer and today is Thursday and now she wants to be Meg (I think she's the witch or is Mog the witch), from Meg and Mog. Oh I wish she would make up her mind!!!!
Thankfully I am prepared to do anyone of them although I would really love for her to dress up as Dora because firstly it's simple and secondly with her Dora wig on she really does look like Dora. But hey she's the one dressing so I am trying to step back and let her make her choice.
Oh how I want to be in control - it's driving me crazy!!

Well I've had a great day and a busy one at that!

Control, Control.

Went out with some friends today. It was great!!
We went had coffee and then we hit the mall. I didn't buy anything but it was great just to be with friends. I should get out more often. I don't.
You see I like to be alone and then I also like to be with people. Isn't that funny!! - I think.

Well Tanysha is driving me crazy.
This week she has had book week at school and tomorrow is their Book Character Parade and she keeps on changing her mind on whom she wants to be.
At the beginning of the week it was Emily & Clifford. By Wednesday it changed to Dora the Explorer and today is Thursday and now she wants to be Meg (I think she's the witch or is Mog the witch), from Meg and Mog. Oh I wish she would make up her mind!!!!
Thankfully I am prepared to do anyone of them although I would really love for her to dress up as Dora because firstly it's simple and secondly with her Dora wig on she really does look like Dora. But hey she's the one dressing so I am trying to step back and let her make her choice.
Oh how I want to be in control - it's driving me crazy!!

Well I've had a great day and a busy one at that!

Should I or Should I not.....

Should I walk today for 45min or not? Should I exercise or not?

I hate this question? And every morning after I drop Tanysha off at school this is the question that I agonize with for the next five minutes on our way home. It's a short ride so I have to be quick to make a decision. In those 5 minutes I go through so many excuses of why I can't, shouldn't, won't. And then when we drive through the gate of our compound I tell the driver STOP, drop me off here - I'm going to walk home!!!. It drives me crazy!!!!

I've actually been good at walking lately but I hate those 5 minutes where I need to make a decision. After I've walked and get home I feel good that I decided to do that, so I really don't understand why I put myself through those 5 minutes of trying to decide.

Much of my life as I am sure yours must be like this - most things we do require a decision to be made. Sometimes we need to be quick and other times we have the luxury of time.

Should I or Should I not.....

Should I walk today for 45min or not? Should I exercise or not?

I hate this question? And every morning after I drop Tanysha off at school this is the question that I agonize with for the next five minutes on our way home. It's a short ride so I have to be quick to make a decision. In those 5 minutes I go through so many excuses of why I can't, shouldn't, won't. And then when we drive through the gate of our compound I tell the driver STOP, drop me off here - I'm going to walk home!!!. It drives me crazy!!!!

I've actually been good at walking lately but I hate those 5 minutes where I need to make a decision. After I've walked and get home I feel good that I decided to do that, so I really don't understand why I put myself through those 5 minutes of trying to decide.

Much of my life as I am sure yours must be like this - most things we do require a decision to be made. Sometimes we need to be quick and other times we have the luxury of time.

Photo's from Bowling....

Renee ready to go.....

Tanysha and her Dad trying to pick the right ball.

Photo's from Bowling....

Renee ready to go.....

Tanysha and her Dad trying to pick the right ball.

11 days ago.....

It's been 11 days since I last blogged. Don't know why, maybe I have blogger's block - if there is such a thing!! Much has happened in 11 days.
I have been busy and tired and then busy again so I really haven't had time to sit at my computer and thoughtfully blog down my days.

Anyway like I said much has happened in 11 days. I went saw my doctor for my monthly check and all is well. My visit was one of the quickest ones I have had this pregnancy. I was there for 10 mins only. Great to know that all is well with my babe and that everything looks normal for myself.
My kids have both been busy with school and after school activities. I'm so excited for Renee that she gets to move up a level in her swimming, which is so exciting not just for me but Renee is thrilled with her efforts.

My husband has also been busy at work lately and comes home complaining that there is just not enough hours in the day. I know though that he wouldn't have it any other way.

This past weekend we went bowling. It was our first time to go as a family. My hubby and I had fun and the girls had a blast. This maybe something we will continue to do.

The weather in Thailand is so hot it is not funny. Thankfully when we were looking for a home here we ended up getting one with a pool because we sure are making very good use of it. I for one am thankful because in my current state I am glad that I don't have to venture out to the club pool. I can hide away in my onw home and swim and flaunt my big bump!!

Hope you all had a great Easter. I did.
I love Easter. It's a great time to remember what Christ did for us. Truly no one took His life from Him - he willingly laid it down for us. Willingly - he never held back. Now that is something that I must never forget.

Thank you Jesus.

11 days ago.....

It's been 11 days since I last blogged. Don't know why, maybe I have blogger's block - if there is such a thing!! Much has happened in 11 days.
I have been busy and tired and then busy again so I really haven't had time to sit at my computer and thoughtfully blog down my days.

Anyway like I said much has happened in 11 days. I went saw my doctor for my monthly check and all is well. My visit was one of the quickest ones I have had this pregnancy. I was there for 10 mins only. Great to know that all is well with my babe and that everything looks normal for myself.
My kids have both been busy with school and after school activities. I'm so excited for Renee that she gets to move up a level in her swimming, which is so exciting not just for me but Renee is thrilled with her efforts.

My husband has also been busy at work lately and comes home complaining that there is just not enough hours in the day. I know though that he wouldn't have it any other way.

This past weekend we went bowling. It was our first time to go as a family. My hubby and I had fun and the girls had a blast. This maybe something we will continue to do.

The weather in Thailand is so hot it is not funny. Thankfully when we were looking for a home here we ended up getting one with a pool because we sure are making very good use of it. I for one am thankful because in my current state I am glad that I don't have to venture out to the club pool. I can hide away in my onw home and swim and flaunt my big bump!!

Hope you all had a great Easter. I did.
I love Easter. It's a great time to remember what Christ did for us. Truly no one took His life from Him - he willingly laid it down for us. Willingly - he never held back. Now that is something that I must never forget.

Thank you Jesus.

God is a God of Order

After I posted my blog titled "Take Up Your Cross" I went over to read my devotion that comes to my gmail. I was a day late but I wanted to read the devotion that came in yesterday. As I read I am truly convinced that this is God's message to me.

Please click on the link to read the devotion dated 11th March, called "God With Skin On" and I pray that your heart will be challenged as mine has been to step out in faith and make a difference today.
If you enjoyed this devotion below is the link to the Girlfriends In God Devotions.

http://www.girlfriendsingod.com/

God is a God of Order

After I posted my blog titled "Take Up Your Cross" I went over to read my devotion that comes to my gmail. I was a day late but I wanted to read the devotion that came in yesterday. As I read I am truly convinced that this is God's message to me.

Please click on the link to read the devotion dated 11th March, called "God With Skin On" and I pray that your heart will be challenged as mine has been to step out in faith and make a difference today.
If you enjoyed this devotion below is the link to the Girlfriends In God Devotions.

http://www.girlfriendsingod.com/

Take Up Your Cross.....

Ever thought about why you became a Christian? Why did you say yes to Jesus?

At the time you said yes, was it because you were going through a tough time in your life that you thought maybe if I say yes to Jesus things will get easier and I will receive all the good things that God promises. Or did you say yes to Jesus simply because of who He is and that there was a deep desire to get to know Him better?

The above thought is something that I have been thinking about in the last couple of days after church on Sunday. My Pastor asked this question and I have had a couple of days to think about it and answer.

When I became a Christian I think I naively and selfishly said yes because of what I had heard that Jesus could do, all those wonderful things promised to a believer. Thankfully I have matured and I have come to a place in my life where I stand in awe of God and say yes to Him because of who He is. I want to know Him better, know Him more.

Because of my yes to Jesus, here then is the next challenge - if I said yes to Christ am I willing to take up my cross and take up His mission - to be a true disciple. Not just enjoying his grace, but really doing what is expected of me as a Christian.

In all simplicity if I may say so being a Christian - a Christ follower is to do everthing that he did. Sometimes I think I complicate things for myself when at the end of the day all God wants me to do is to minister to someone. Show them Christ and offer them the opportunity to say yes to Jesus.

I'm challenged many times to reflect on why I am a christian. Why did God open my eyes and graciously show me His gift of salvation?

As a Christian what is my purpose, what is my calling? When Christ called his disciples they got up and followed him, took up Christ's mission & purpose and made it their own.

Is that not what I am suppose to do? Am I willing to make that sacrifice, take up my cross and continue in his journey. To shine for Jesus and direct others to Him.

As Easter approaches this is a good time to reflect on why I call myself a Christian and what does God really want me to do for Him.

And anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.

Mathew 10:38.

Take Up Your Cross.....

Ever thought about why you became a Christian? Why did you say yes to Jesus?

At the time you said yes, was it because you were going through a tough time in your life that you thought maybe if I say yes to Jesus things will get easier and I will receive all the good things that God promises. Or did you say yes to Jesus simply because of who He is and that there was a deep desire to get to know Him better?

The above thought is something that I have been thinking about in the last couple of days after church on Sunday. My Pastor asked this question and I have had a couple of days to think about it and answer.

When I became a Christian I think I naively and selfishly said yes because of what I had heard that Jesus could do, all those wonderful things promised to a believer. Thankfully I have matured and I have come to a place in my life where I stand in awe of God and say yes to Him because of who He is. I want to know Him better, know Him more.

Because of my yes to Jesus, here then is the next challenge - if I said yes to Christ am I willing to take up my cross and take up His mission - to be a true disciple. Not just enjoying his grace, but really doing what is expected of me as a Christian.

In all simplicity if I may say so being a Christian - a Christ follower is to do everthing that he did. Sometimes I think I complicate things for myself when at the end of the day all God wants me to do is to minister to someone. Show them Christ and offer them the opportunity to say yes to Jesus.

I'm challenged many times to reflect on why I am a christian. Why did God open my eyes and graciously show me His gift of salvation?

As a Christian what is my purpose, what is my calling? When Christ called his disciples they got up and followed him, took up Christ's mission & purpose and made it their own.

Is that not what I am suppose to do? Am I willing to make that sacrifice, take up my cross and continue in his journey. To shine for Jesus and direct others to Him.

As Easter approaches this is a good time to reflect on why I call myself a Christian and what does God really want me to do for Him.

And anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.

Mathew 10:38.

Congratulations Lai !!!

Got news from home today that my sister gave birth to a healthy little girl. Don't know all the details, haven't even got a name yet but I was told that all went well and that Lai (my sister) is already back at home.

Having gotten news of her delivery I feel like I'm ready to pop this baby out but I have quite a while to go. I have put a counter on my side bar. You know the picture really annoys me. The women has a little bump and such slim legs. Gee I wish I looked like that. Unfortunately when I put on weight it all goes to my thighs first - Not a pretty sight!!

Anyway all for a good cause, all for a good cause.

Congratulations Lai !!!

Got news from home today that my sister gave birth to a healthy little girl. Don't know all the details, haven't even got a name yet but I was told that all went well and that Lai (my sister) is already back at home.

Having gotten news of her delivery I feel like I'm ready to pop this baby out but I have quite a while to go. I have put a counter on my side bar. You know the picture really annoys me. The women has a little bump and such slim legs. Gee I wish I looked like that. Unfortunately when I put on weight it all goes to my thighs first - Not a pretty sight!!

Anyway all for a good cause, all for a good cause.

Because He Lives .......

Because He lives I can face tomorrow

Because He lives, all fear is gone.

Because I know, yes I know He holds my future

Life is worth the living just because He lives.

God is so good. I am amazed daily at how wonderful it is to have God in my life. I must thank him daily for opening my eyes and my heart and leading me by His Spirit to accept His gift of salvation. Sometimes I wonder why people don't beleive in Jesus when it seems so plain and simple and then I realize that even that is a gift from God. To know and understand his plan of salvation is truly a gift from the Lord.

So it's Friday and it's time to reflect and thank God for this week. I know I missed a couple of Fridays so i really do have a lot to be thankful for.

But Here are 10 things I want to share with you for which I want to thank God for ......

1. I thank God that my family's trip to Australia was great. We were kept safe and we spent time with family which was priceless.

2. Thank you Jesus that my pregnancy is going well. Everything is normal and all looks great. 27 weeks in and all is looking great.

3. Thankyou Jesus for friends. New friends I have made and old friends whom you remind me of daily. They are truly your way of reminding me of His Jesus' love.

4. Thank you for my sister whose pregnancy is also going well and that she is all set and ready ready to pop.

5. Thank you for my girls who were so well behaved on our trip to Australia. I even had one air stewardess come and compliment me on how well behaved my girls were. To God be all the Glory.

6. Thank you for my children who are physically able. After visiting the orphanage this week and seeing physically disabled children I am thankful to God for my children.

7. Thank you Lord that although Renee and Tanysha missed a week of school Renee has caught up with her work and Tanysha went straight back into her routine like she never even missed school.

8. Thank you for the internet connection I have at home. This is something I realized while away on our trip that I take for granted at home. It was difficult to find wi-fi connections.

9. Thank you that you provide for me and my family our every need - be it financially, emotionally and even physically. Our God is an awesome God!! And because of Him I will lack nothing!!

10. Thank you for the gift of salvation. Thank you for Jesus. Let me never forget what you did for me on the Cross of Calvary.

Because He Lives .......

Because He lives I can face tomorrow

Because He lives, all fear is gone.

Because I know, yes I know He holds my future

Life is worth the living just because He lives.

God is so good. I am amazed daily at how wonderful it is to have God in my life. I must thank him daily for opening my eyes and my heart and leading me by His Spirit to accept His gift of salvation. Sometimes I wonder why people don't beleive in Jesus when it seems so plain and simple and then I realize that even that is a gift from God. To know and understand his plan of salvation is truly a gift from the Lord.

So it's Friday and it's time to reflect and thank God for this week. I know I missed a couple of Fridays so i really do have a lot to be thankful for.

But Here are 10 things I want to share with you for which I want to thank God for ......

1. I thank God that my family's trip to Australia was great. We were kept safe and we spent time with family which was priceless.

2. Thank you Jesus that my pregnancy is going well. Everything is normal and all looks great. 27 weeks in and all is looking great.

3. Thankyou Jesus for friends. New friends I have made and old friends whom you remind me of daily. They are truly your way of reminding me of His Jesus' love.

4. Thank you for my sister whose pregnancy is also going well and that she is all set and ready ready to pop.

5. Thank you for my girls who were so well behaved on our trip to Australia. I even had one air stewardess come and compliment me on how well behaved my girls were. To God be all the Glory.

6. Thank you for my children who are physically able. After visiting the orphanage this week and seeing physically disabled children I am thankful to God for my children.

7. Thank you Lord that although Renee and Tanysha missed a week of school Renee has caught up with her work and Tanysha went straight back into her routine like she never even missed school.

8. Thank you for the internet connection I have at home. This is something I realized while away on our trip that I take for granted at home. It was difficult to find wi-fi connections.

9. Thank you that you provide for me and my family our every need - be it financially, emotionally and even physically. Our God is an awesome God!! And because of Him I will lack nothing!!

10. Thank you for the gift of salvation. Thank you for Jesus. Let me never forget what you did for me on the Cross of Calvary.

Today.....

I called a friend whom I haven’t spoken to for about 5 or maybe even 6 years. Not only is she a college friend but she was also my Maid of Honor at my wedding. After I left home (Papua New Guinea) we kind of went our own ways and have not been able to keep in touch. Anyway it was great to catch up with her and share together what God is doing in our lives.

Secondly Renee and I went into town to buy some tickets to the Disney on Ice show that is coming to Thailand. I was worried that there would not be any tickets left because out of the 22 shows here only 2 are in English so I thought those tickets would have been snapped up long ago but thankfully there were some left for my family.

After purchasing the tickets I thought since we are here we may as well check out baby stuff. I have not even begun to shop for my son. I have a dirty little secret - I am a procrastinator, yes there I have admitted it. It truly drives my husband crazy.

Anyway we went around and looked and looked and couldn’t decide. There are so many brands, colors etc it’s so difficult. I thought I’d be excited but I feel more overwhelmed. I actually started to have a head-ache so Renee and I walked away. We decided instead to go grab some lunch. While deciding on what to have I bumped into a friend who was surprised to see my bump. She had no idea I was pregnant. I told her don’t’s worry you are not the only one. Many of my friends here think I’m just getting fat!!! Anyway she was excited for me and we chatted a while and then we went of to get our food.
I had a salad and Renee had pizza. While eating my friend came around again and asked me if I had stuff for my baby already or if I was planning on buying new stuff for my seeing that it’s a boy and I have 2 girls.
I told her honestly that I haven’t bought anything and I actually came into town to start looking and buying. You know what she told me – don’t buy anything. She said to go around to her home and pick up her baby stuff that she does not need anymore. She told me she has a car seat, baby carrier and a stroller. My heart leapt with joy. Not only does it save me some money but it takes away the stress of shopping for those items. Which I truly was not looking forward too. I truly feel blessed and I know that this is God’s doing. totally. Thank you Jesus.

Now I was already feeling pretty blessed but God was not done yet. When Renee and I got home there was a box waiting for me from a dear friend back in Bakersfield. God Bless her heart.
She sent us goodies from the US and Christmas gifts for my children. My children and I were so excited. We thanked Jesus for our friends and their kindness and then ripped the box open. Chocolates, hard candy and crystal light. Things my kids and I miss.

Thank you dear Lord for our friends and thank you that you take care of us, and provide for us no matter what.

I have had a wonderful day today and I know in my heart that God has poured out his blessings on me.

You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound.
Psalm 4:7

Today.....

I called a friend whom I haven’t spoken to for about 5 or maybe even 6 years. Not only is she a college friend but she was also my Maid of Honor at my wedding. After I left home (Papua New Guinea) we kind of went our own ways and have not been able to keep in touch. Anyway it was great to catch up with her and share together what God is doing in our lives.

Secondly Renee and I went into town to buy some tickets to the Disney on Ice show that is coming to Thailand. I was worried that there would not be any tickets left because out of the 22 shows here only 2 are in English so I thought those tickets would have been snapped up long ago but thankfully there were some left for my family.

After purchasing the tickets I thought since we are here we may as well check out baby stuff. I have not even begun to shop for my son. I have a dirty little secret - I am a procrastinator, yes there I have admitted it. It truly drives my husband crazy.

Anyway we went around and looked and looked and couldn’t decide. There are so many brands, colors etc it’s so difficult. I thought I’d be excited but I feel more overwhelmed. I actually started to have a head-ache so Renee and I walked away. We decided instead to go grab some lunch. While deciding on what to have I bumped into a friend who was surprised to see my bump. She had no idea I was pregnant. I told her don’t’s worry you are not the only one. Many of my friends here think I’m just getting fat!!! Anyway she was excited for me and we chatted a while and then we went of to get our food.
I had a salad and Renee had pizza. While eating my friend came around again and asked me if I had stuff for my baby already or if I was planning on buying new stuff for my seeing that it’s a boy and I have 2 girls.
I told her honestly that I haven’t bought anything and I actually came into town to start looking and buying. You know what she told me – don’t buy anything. She said to go around to her home and pick up her baby stuff that she does not need anymore. She told me she has a car seat, baby carrier and a stroller. My heart leapt with joy. Not only does it save me some money but it takes away the stress of shopping for those items. Which I truly was not looking forward too. I truly feel blessed and I know that this is God’s doing. totally. Thank you Jesus.

Now I was already feeling pretty blessed but God was not done yet. When Renee and I got home there was a box waiting for me from a dear friend back in Bakersfield. God Bless her heart.
She sent us goodies from the US and Christmas gifts for my children. My children and I were so excited. We thanked Jesus for our friends and their kindness and then ripped the box open. Chocolates, hard candy and crystal light. Things my kids and I miss.

Thank you dear Lord for our friends and thank you that you take care of us, and provide for us no matter what.

I have had a wonderful day today and I know in my heart that God has poured out his blessings on me.

You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound.
Psalm 4:7

My Day.....

Today I visited an orphanage along with some of the other mothers from my 3yr olds school. This is an orphange that the schools PTG (Parent/Teacher Group) supports.

There were about 9 of us including the Head of the School. I must say I was not prepared for what I was to see. It really does make you thankful for what you have and a runny nose or exczema (like my daughter has) seem like peanuts. Those are such little problems compared to what I saw today.

I have a whole new respect for people who volunteer and have a heart to work with these children. Many of the kids at the orphanage have been abandoned by their parents. Many because their families cannot support them and I am assuming that families with disabled children are looked down upon in this society. It was heartbreaking.

It was overwhelming emotionally. I am thankful that the school supports such a place. There is so much more we can do.

I was challenged today.

My Day.....

Today I visited an orphanage along with some of the other mothers from my 3yr olds school. This is an orphange that the schools PTG (Parent/Teacher Group) supports.

There were about 9 of us including the Head of the School. I must say I was not prepared for what I was to see. It really does make you thankful for what you have and a runny nose or exczema (like my daughter has) seem like peanuts. Those are such little problems compared to what I saw today.

I have a whole new respect for people who volunteer and have a heart to work with these children. Many of the kids at the orphanage have been abandoned by their parents. Many because their families cannot support them and I am assuming that families with disabled children are looked down upon in this society. It was heartbreaking.

It was overwhelming emotionally. I am thankful that the school supports such a place. There is so much more we can do.

I was challenged today.

Okay it has been a couple of days since I last blogged. I've been travelling and I'm glad to be at home now. Our trip was great. We went to Melboure via Brisbane to visit family at both stops and it was wonderful. I'm so happy for my kids! Even though they don't see their cousins often it was like they didn't even miss a beat. They interacted like they've been with each other for ever. That is a wonderful thing to see. Truly no matter how far or how long we are away from family, we are always family.

I love getting on planes, although taking off still scares me. We flew Singapore Airlines and it was fun. Plane flights are so different now. Service is great and they have so many movies to watch and games to play. I am so thankful for that because can you imagine trying to entertain a 3yr old for 7 hours in a confined space?!! That would be one heck of a challenge. We also flew QANTAS but I enjoyed the Singapore Airlines flight better..

Melbourne was cold. Big difference to Thailand. It sure is different to have to rug up to keep warm.

Like I mentioned it's wonderful to be back home.
I'm now entering into my third trimester and my baby is moving a lot. They say this is an interactive stage of pregnancy. My baby can hear and react to light. I still have a couple more weeks to go but I am getting ready to have this baby.

I'll share some photo's of our trip in a couple of days.

Okay it has been a couple of days since I last blogged. I've been travelling and I'm glad to be at home now. Our trip was great. We went to Melboure via Brisbane to visit family at both stops and it was wonderful. I'm so happy for my kids! Even though they don't see their cousins often it was like they didn't even miss a beat. They interacted like they've been with each other for ever. That is a wonderful thing to see. Truly no matter how far or how long we are away from family, we are always family.

I love getting on planes, although taking off still scares me. We flew Singapore Airlines and it was fun. Plane flights are so different now. Service is great and they have so many movies to watch and games to play. I am so thankful for that because can you imagine trying to entertain a 3yr old for 7 hours in a confined space?!! That would be one heck of a challenge. We also flew QANTAS but I enjoyed the Singapore Airlines flight better..

Melbourne was cold. Big difference to Thailand. It sure is different to have to rug up to keep warm.

Like I mentioned it's wonderful to be back home.
I'm now entering into my third trimester and my baby is moving a lot. They say this is an interactive stage of pregnancy. My baby can hear and react to light. I still have a couple more weeks to go but I am getting ready to have this baby.

I'll share some photo's of our trip in a couple of days.