2014 Snapshots

Wednesday, February 25

Wordless Wednesday: Beauty

I took this photo back in 2003.  We were living in California and we made a trip to Sequoia.  I remember that day.  It was beautiful and just breath taking. 

Be Still and Know that I am God.  Psalm 46:10

Wordless Wednesday: Beauty

I took this photo back in 2003.  We were living in California and we made a trip to Sequoia.  I remember that day.  It was beautiful and just breath taking. 

Be Still and Know that I am God.  Psalm 46:10

Monday, February 23

Happy Homemaker Monday

I found this over at Diary of a SAHM and I’ve decided to participate. 

On My Bedside Table: 

Prayer Through the Eyes of Women of the Bible. 

The Road of Lost Innocence.

On My TV:

CNN International. 

High School Musical 3

On the Menu for tonight: 

Steak, black pepper gravy, rice and garden salad.

On My To Do list: 

Visit Dad in the hospital.

Send money to sister @ college.

New Recipe I Tried Lat Week:  Nothing New.  Haven’t had the time.

In the craft Basket:  Not very crafty.  No crafts.

Looking Forward to:  Dad being discharged from the hospital soon.

Homemaking Tip for this week:  Cooking 1 meal for 2 nights.  Different dish the second night.

Favorite Blog post of the Week: (mine of other):  http://97secondswithgod.blogspot.com/  28 days of going through Proverbs 12.

Favorite photo from last week:

 

Lessons learned the past few days: It has been a tough couple of days for me with Dad being diagnosed with lung cancer. And then seeing him go through a open biopsy and immediately after a lobotomy. In the midst of it I am so thankful for God’s Word which has been the one constant thing I can rely on.  To be able to remember His promises and to  stand on them is so wonderful. I’ve also learnt that I’m only able to stand on those promises that I have have read of in the bible.  If I’m not full with His word then the Holy Spirit does not have much to work with.  It’s a hard truth but a truth.

On My Prayer List: 

Dad’s recovery from the operation.

My husband

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verse:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 

Philippians 4:6-7.

Happy Homemaker Monday

I found this over at Diary of a SAHM and I’ve decided to participate. 

On My Bedside Table: 

Prayer Through the Eyes of Women of the Bible. 

The Road of Lost Innocence.

On My TV:

CNN International. 

High School Musical 3

On the Menu for tonight: 

Steak, black pepper gravy, rice and garden salad.

On My To Do list: 

Visit Dad in the hospital.

Send money to sister @ college.

New Recipe I Tried Lat Week:  Nothing New.  Haven’t had the time.

In the craft Basket:  Not very crafty.  No crafts.

Looking Forward to:  Dad being discharged from the hospital soon.

Homemaking Tip for this week:  Cooking 1 meal for 2 nights.  Different dish the second night.

Favorite Blog post of the Week: (mine of other):  http://97secondswithgod.blogspot.com/  28 days of going through Proverbs 12.

Favorite photo from last week:

 

Lessons learned the past few days: It has been a tough couple of days for me with Dad being diagnosed with lung cancer. And then seeing him go through a open biopsy and immediately after a lobotomy. In the midst of it I am so thankful for God’s Word which has been the one constant thing I can rely on.  To be able to remember His promises and to  stand on them is so wonderful. I’ve also learnt that I’m only able to stand on those promises that I have have read of in the bible.  If I’m not full with His word then the Holy Spirit does not have much to work with.  It’s a hard truth but a truth.

On My Prayer List: 

Dad’s recovery from the operation.

My husband

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verse:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 

Philippians 4:6-7.

Saturday, February 21

Now more than ever – Just Believe.

I’ve prayed.  Searched His Word and sat silently in His presence.  But now more than ever I need to trust and stand firm.

Now more than ever – Just Believe.

I’ve prayed.  Searched His Word and sat silently in His presence.  But now more than ever I need to trust and stand firm.

When I am not so sure – He is still in control.

So after a couple of days of waiting for test results it was found that the nodule found in my Dad’s lung was malignant.  He had to have another operation since then.  A lobotomy done on his right lung.

All went well in the operation although he is in a lot of pain right now. I hate to see my father who has always been such a strong  figure and always so sure of himself and everything else just lie there not knowing, not being in control.  It’s terrible.

It is a difficult time because I am not too sure what the results will show, but I choose to trust.  To trust that God knows.  God understands.  And that God is in control.

We are not out of the woods yet.  More tests need to be done but for now I’m thankful that his operation went well and that he is recuperating well.

When I am not so sure – He is still in control.

So after a couple of days of waiting for test results it was found that the nodule found in my Dad’s lung was malignant.  He had to have another operation since then.  A lobotomy done on his right lung.

All went well in the operation although he is in a lot of pain right now. I hate to see my father who has always been such a strong  figure and always so sure of himself and everything else just lie there not knowing, not being in control.  It’s terrible.

It is a difficult time because I am not too sure what the results will show, but I choose to trust.  To trust that God knows.  God understands.  And that God is in control.

We are not out of the woods yet.  More tests need to be done but for now I’m thankful that his operation went well and that he is recuperating well.

Wednesday, February 18

I do not like to wait but here I am….

Sleep has been hard to come by lately.  Not that I’m not tired cause I could sleep for a week. 

I hate insomnia.  I really do. It’s terrible especially when your mind is racing at 100 miles going through all the things that you shoulda, coulda,  would ‘ave…..

Anyway I think my insomnia has been triggered by the fact that I’m anxious.  Anxious about my father’s health and I think I’m worrying about it too much.  I’ve tried not worry and have tried even harder to pray and trust God that all will be okay.  It’s been tough but God has gently showed me again that He is my Jehovah Shalom.  Yes he is my peace.

So my father went in yesterday for his open biopsy and now we are just waiting.  Waiting again for the results, hoping that all will be okay.  Trusting that whatever they find we will be able to accept it, confront it and do whatever we can.

I do not like to wait but here I am again,  waiting just a little bit more for the biopsy results.  But I know in my heart that as I wait I am not alone – My Jehovah Shalom is with me.

I do not like to wait but here I am….

Sleep has been hard to come by lately.  Not that I’m not tired cause I could sleep for a week. 

I hate insomnia.  I really do. It’s terrible especially when your mind is racing at 100 miles going through all the things that you shoulda, coulda,  would ‘ave…..

Anyway I think my insomnia has been triggered by the fact that I’m anxious.  Anxious about my father’s health and I think I’m worrying about it too much.  I’ve tried not worry and have tried even harder to pray and trust God that all will be okay.  It’s been tough but God has gently showed me again that He is my Jehovah Shalom.  Yes he is my peace.

So my father went in yesterday for his open biopsy and now we are just waiting.  Waiting again for the results, hoping that all will be okay.  Trusting that whatever they find we will be able to accept it, confront it and do whatever we can.

I do not like to wait but here I am again,  waiting just a little bit more for the biopsy results.  But I know in my heart that as I wait I am not alone – My Jehovah Shalom is with me.

Tuesday, February 17

I Just Couldn’t resist….

changing my blog background again.  I know it’s like the 3rd background, but I just can’t help myself.  That’s probably why I can’t bring myself to pay someone who’s really good at designing those really cute blogs out there ( and I’ve come across some really cute ones) because I’d probably have this urge to change it after a week or so.

For now I like this one.

I Just Couldn’t resist….

changing my blog background again.  I know it’s like the 3rd background, but I just can’t help myself.  That’s probably why I can’t bring myself to pay someone who’s really good at designing those really cute blogs out there ( and I’ve come across some really cute ones) because I’d probably have this urge to change it after a week or so.

For now I like this one.

Friday, February 13

You Are My I Love You

  

Happy Valentine’s Day to my husband

You Are My I Love You

  

Happy Valentine’s Day to my husband

Conversation

Tanysha:  “Dad do you know what day it is tomorrow”?

Dad: “No”.

Nysha: “It’s going to be “Happy Volunteers Day"!”

…Kari

Conversation

Tanysha:  “Dad do you know what day it is tomorrow”?

Dad: “No”.

Nysha: “It’s going to be “Happy Volunteers Day"!”

…Kari

Wednesday, February 11

Being Anxious

I hate being anxious.  I hate it.  And right now I am very anxious.  My dear father was complaining of chest pains last week so I took him to get checked.  He had a CT scan and his heart is okay but they found a spot (nodule) on his lung.  Yesterday they tried to do a biopsy but were not able to draw some tissue so we are still waiting.

I can see the worry and stress on my Dad’s face and I’m trying to be positive but it’s tough.  Dad was a heavy smoker for a long time.  He did stop for a while but then started up again. 

As I’m going about my daily business it’s difficult not to be anxious and I know this is an opportunity for me to apply Philippians 4:6-7  into this situation.  It does say DO NOT be ANXIOUS and then it says to present my request/worry/burden with thanksgiving.  With thanksgiving.  That in itself is faith.  After I do that God’s peace will come over me.  It’s difficult but it has to be a choice.  Am I going to be obedient and NOT be Anxious?

I’m still waiting – no word from the doctor yet but I do have His Word.  And that I can totally rely on.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:6-7.

Being Anxious

I hate being anxious.  I hate it.  And right now I am very anxious.  My dear father was complaining of chest pains last week so I took him to get checked.  He had a CT scan and his heart is okay but they found a spot (nodule) on his lung.  Yesterday they tried to do a biopsy but were not able to draw some tissue so we are still waiting.

I can see the worry and stress on my Dad’s face and I’m trying to be positive but it’s tough.  Dad was a heavy smoker for a long time.  He did stop for a while but then started up again. 

As I’m going about my daily business it’s difficult not to be anxious and I know this is an opportunity for me to apply Philippians 4:6-7  into this situation.  It does say DO NOT be ANXIOUS and then it says to present my request/worry/burden with thanksgiving.  With thanksgiving.  That in itself is faith.  After I do that God’s peace will come over me.  It’s difficult but it has to be a choice.  Am I going to be obedient and NOT be Anxious?

I’m still waiting – no word from the doctor yet but I do have His Word.  And that I can totally rely on.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:6-7.

Thursday, February 5

Today…..

…..has been stinking hot.  Sticky and humid.  The kind of weather that makes your thighs rub against each other – even more.   Yep it’s been one of those days.

But right now there is relief – in the form of rain.  It’s not pouring down,  it’s just drizzling.  Just enough to cool the air and make it bearable.   

Today I gave up and let my 4 yr old stay home because I just couldn’t send her off to school with tears. Again. (that’s 4 days in a row) 

But she will be off to school tomorrow – definitely.  Hopefully without tears.

Today I spoke with my dear friend back in Bakersfield, California.  It was great to hear her voice and to know that she is well and so is her family.

But I felt awful that I forgot it was her husbands birthday and my phone call pulled her away from her family for nearly half-an-hour.  Sorry.

Today I have been able to tick off almost all of my TO DO items on my to do list..  small accomplishment.

But I did say almost all. Not all of them – almost all.

Today I have hugged my kids  – not once but many times over.  And the day is not ever yet!

Because sometimes I forget.

Today I am thankful.

…..Kari

Today…..

…..has been stinking hot.  Sticky and humid.  The kind of weather that makes your thighs rub against each other – even more.   Yep it’s been one of those days.

But right now there is relief – in the form of rain.  It’s not pouring down,  it’s just drizzling.  Just enough to cool the air and make it bearable.   

Today I gave up and let my 4 yr old stay home because I just couldn’t send her off to school with tears. Again. (that’s 4 days in a row) 

But she will be off to school tomorrow – definitely.  Hopefully without tears.

Today I spoke with my dear friend back in Bakersfield, California.  It was great to hear her voice and to know that she is well and so is her family.

But I felt awful that I forgot it was her husbands birthday and my phone call pulled her away from her family for nearly half-an-hour.  Sorry.

Today I have been able to tick off almost all of my TO DO items on my to do list..  small accomplishment.

But I did say almost all. Not all of them – almost all.

Today I have hugged my kids  – not once but many times over.  And the day is not ever yet!

Because sometimes I forget.

Today I am thankful.

…..Kari

Bloggy Interview.

Saw an interview over at Mari’s my new blogging friend and she asked if anyone else wanted an interview and I said okay. 

Here is the interview:

1) Why do you blog? 

Blogging is new to me. I did not know that there is this whole blogging world out there.  Tis’ a neat thing though.  I can’t remember exactly why, but I do recall around the time when I was getting ready to leave the US, a friend suggested that I blog as a way for us to communicate and remain informed of the happenings in our lives.   After thinking about it  I decided to do it.  It’s great and we do keep in touch.  I don’t have a theme for my blog, it’s so random – but  a lot of it is pretty much about my kids, family, what we’re doing and my faith.  It’s also something to do and I enjoy it. 

2) If you could meet any person, living or dead, who would it be?

I had to really think about this one.  There are so many people that I’d really like to meet  but you asked for a person, so here is that person – Nelson Mandela.  I have stood in his presence but to meet him and chat would just be awesome.

3)What is your greatest fear, and why? 

My greatest fear would have to be failing as a mother. I worry sometimes that I’m not doing it right. I always think that  I could be doing a better job at it. Right up there with this fear is another and that is that my children may not accept the simplicity of faith in Christ Jesus .  They ask a lot of questions which is wonderful but I also see a downside. I spend a lot of time on my knees!

4)Who has had the greatest influence on your life? 

I’m not able to name one person.  Instead I had a great group of friends at college – God fearing women who I believe God used to impact and influence my life.  I am thankful to them and for them .  

5) If money or time were no object, where would you like to vacation?

I love planes and I love travelling.  So I’m not able to name just one place.  Instead I would travel the world, not once but twice – zigzagging across all 7 continents.  That would just be awesome!!

Thanks for the questions Mari.  I hope you have learnt a little bit more about me.

Anyone else reading this and wants to be interviewed go ahead, let me know.  I’ll interview you.

…Kari

Bloggy Interview.

Saw an interview over at Mari’s my new blogging friend and she asked if anyone else wanted an interview and I said okay. 

Here is the interview:

1) Why do you blog? 

Blogging is new to me. I did not know that there is this whole blogging world out there.  Tis’ a neat thing though.  I can’t remember exactly why, but I do recall around the time when I was getting ready to leave the US, a friend suggested that I blog as a way for us to communicate and remain informed of the happenings in our lives.   After thinking about it  I decided to do it.  It’s great and we do keep in touch.  I don’t have a theme for my blog, it’s so random – but  a lot of it is pretty much about my kids, family, what we’re doing and my faith.  It’s also something to do and I enjoy it. 

2) If you could meet any person, living or dead, who would it be?

I had to really think about this one.  There are so many people that I’d really like to meet  but you asked for a person, so here is that person – Nelson Mandela.  I have stood in his presence but to meet him and chat would just be awesome.

3)What is your greatest fear, and why? 

My greatest fear would have to be failing as a mother. I worry sometimes that I’m not doing it right. I always think that  I could be doing a better job at it. Right up there with this fear is another and that is that my children may not accept the simplicity of faith in Christ Jesus .  They ask a lot of questions which is wonderful but I also see a downside. I spend a lot of time on my knees!

4)Who has had the greatest influence on your life? 

I’m not able to name one person.  Instead I had a great group of friends at college – God fearing women who I believe God used to impact and influence my life.  I am thankful to them and for them .  

5) If money or time were no object, where would you like to vacation?

I love planes and I love travelling.  So I’m not able to name just one place.  Instead I would travel the world, not once but twice – zigzagging across all 7 continents.  That would just be awesome!!

Thanks for the questions Mari.  I hope you have learnt a little bit more about me.

Anyone else reading this and wants to be interviewed go ahead, let me know.  I’ll interview you.

…Kari

Tuesday, February 3

She Loves School but not at the moment.

So my normally confident, I can do it all 4yr old says that she does not like school - anymore.  She’s always loved school, and she really enjoys it, so this is unlike her – so unlike her.

I thought this week was to be like any other week but yesterday when I went to leave her she didn’t want to go – she started crying.

Nysha doesn’t usually cry about not wanting to go to school so I figured something must be bothering her. I asked her why she was crying and this is what she said – she got in trouble last week with her teacher and that’s why she doesn’t want to be at school anymore.

I asked what kind of trouble and she told me that she got into the pool after the teacher had instructed them not to.

Okay fair enough. As a parent I understand that these rules and instructions are for the children’s safety. So last night we had a talk about it, about why she got into trouble with the teacher and that what she did was wrong. And she understood.

So all should be okay, right. WRONG.

This morning she refused to go again. She cried, she whined and she was being difficult. But I forced her to go.

I know my child – she should be over what happened last week. I know she understands what she did wrong and why she got into trouble so she shouldn’t be behaving this way. 

But it has bothered me so I am going to ask the teacher how did he correct her – was it in front of her peers or did he pull her aside and speak to her alone.

We will be having another talk this evening. I hope this will pass over.

..Kari

She Loves School but not at the moment.

So my normally confident, I can do it all 4yr old says that she does not like school - anymore.  She’s always loved school, and she really enjoys it, so this is unlike her – so unlike her.

I thought this week was to be like any other week but yesterday when I went to leave her she didn’t want to go – she started crying.

Nysha doesn’t usually cry about not wanting to go to school so I figured something must be bothering her. I asked her why she was crying and this is what she said – she got in trouble last week with her teacher and that’s why she doesn’t want to be at school anymore.

I asked what kind of trouble and she told me that she got into the pool after the teacher had instructed them not to.

Okay fair enough. As a parent I understand that these rules and instructions are for the children’s safety. So last night we had a talk about it, about why she got into trouble with the teacher and that what she did was wrong. And she understood.

So all should be okay, right. WRONG.

This morning she refused to go again. She cried, she whined and she was being difficult. But I forced her to go.

I know my child – she should be over what happened last week. I know she understands what she did wrong and why she got into trouble so she shouldn’t be behaving this way. 

But it has bothered me so I am going to ask the teacher how did he correct her – was it in front of her peers or did he pull her aside and speak to her alone.

We will be having another talk this evening. I hope this will pass over.

..Kari

Thai Tuesday – Elephants.

After 17 months in Thailand and a recent trip up North I have learned why the elephant image is found on so much merchandise.  Everything from T-shirts, to bed spreads, bags and umbrellas,  personal fans,  pendants and charms.  Anything and everything.

So here’s why;   there is a strong bond between the Thai people and elephants. Elephants hold a revered place in society, because of their symbolic importance to monarchs, religion, and the nation as a whole.  They are an important part of Thai culture and the Thai way of life.

Below is a statue of a white elephant.  They are very significant because it is a rare animal and judged only fit for royal duties. 

According to ancient royal Thai traditions, a white elephant is a noble beast of special importance, exemplifying a king's honor and glory. Known in Thai as Chang Samkhan, a white elephant is a gift fit for a king and to acquire one during his reign, will bring about prosperity and happiness throughout the kingdom.

Elephants are everywhere.  I’ve seen an elephant walking down the streets here in Thailand.  It was different but apparently it’s normal here in Thailand.

an elephant walking the busy streets

The elephants are also a big tourist attraction here.  I’ve been on an elephant ride 3 times.  I remember the first time I was terrified, but the 2nd and 3rd times were fine.

So if you want to experience an elephant trek – Thailand would be a great place to come to.

My brother,  JJ and I enjoying our elephant trek in Chiang Mai

If ever you decide to buy an elephant souvenir make sure the elephants truck is turned upward.  It’s suppose to be good luck.  Thai’s believe that an elephant with it’s trunk pointing downwards is bad luck.

(information taken from http://www.circleofasia.com/Elephants-in-Thailand-Elephant-National-Symbol-of-Thailand.htm)

Kari

Thai Tuesday – Elephants.

After 17 months in Thailand and a recent trip up North I have learned why the elephant image is found on so much merchandise.  Everything from T-shirts, to bed spreads, bags and umbrellas,  personal fans,  pendants and charms.  Anything and everything.

So here’s why;   there is a strong bond between the Thai people and elephants. Elephants hold a revered place in society, because of their symbolic importance to monarchs, religion, and the nation as a whole.  They are an important part of Thai culture and the Thai way of life.

Below is a statue of a white elephant.  They are very significant because it is a rare animal and judged only fit for royal duties. 

According to ancient royal Thai traditions, a white elephant is a noble beast of special importance, exemplifying a king's honor and glory. Known in Thai as Chang Samkhan, a white elephant is a gift fit for a king and to acquire one during his reign, will bring about prosperity and happiness throughout the kingdom.

Elephants are everywhere.  I’ve seen an elephant walking down the streets here in Thailand.  It was different but apparently it’s normal here in Thailand.

an elephant walking the busy streets

The elephants are also a big tourist attraction here.  I’ve been on an elephant ride 3 times.  I remember the first time I was terrified, but the 2nd and 3rd times were fine.

So if you want to experience an elephant trek – Thailand would be a great place to come to.

My brother,  JJ and I enjoying our elephant trek in Chiang Mai

If ever you decide to buy an elephant souvenir make sure the elephants truck is turned upward.  It’s suppose to be good luck.  Thai’s believe that an elephant with it’s trunk pointing downwards is bad luck.

(information taken from http://www.circleofasia.com/Elephants-in-Thailand-Elephant-National-Symbol-of-Thailand.htm)

Kari

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