Although I never voted for Sarah Palin, I will have to agree with Tina's improv. If ever I were asked on the spot how I feel on social and political issues, I will just reply quoting a genius moment of Tina Fey's quick, non-judgemental (and I believe honest) impersonation on touchy issues. Tina is a comedic phenomenon, and I love her. I don't know where Tina stands politically, socially or morally. But in a light-hearteded attempt to speak the Biblical truth on lifestyle choices, I agree with Sarah via Tina's improv.
Saturday, August 3, 2013
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
She is a living miracle!
I am a Christian, God-fearing woman. I am absolutely pro-life. I believe my life is not mine to control. I am empowered by other proclaimed Christians who put their faith and trust in the Lord above their own prideful comforts. I'm inspired by the following abortion survivor's testimony.
So with the humility her message has instilled in me, I will admit that I am NOT perfect. I too am WEAK. But above all, my purpose here is to live life "trying to make God smile."
So with the humility her message has instilled in me, I will admit that I am NOT perfect. I too am WEAK. But above all, my purpose here is to live life "trying to make God smile."
Saturday, July 13, 2013
Motherhood and Marketing Take One
I have a line up of products/services/companies to feature in my upcoming "Motherhood and Marketing" segments. In a nut shell, I am strategically reaching out to women who fall into at least one of the following categories:
- soon-to-be mothers
- stay-at-home mothers
- working mothers
- "mompreneurs"
- clothing boutique-shoppers
- fashionable trend setters
- active and health conscious
- social media enthusiasts
DISCLAIMER: The women who fall into this demographic listing are all just top of mind and were not gathered by formal marketing research and/or consumer behavior analysis. These categories include the women I have been in touch with daily on a personal and professional level. I am not currently accepting any monetary compensation for my product/service mentions. I'm ultimately doing this YouTube video series because I am aspiring to be a TV personality one day, maybe in the distant future...God willing! I don't have time to practice my stand ups and confidence-building techniques on camera in a formal studio setting. So instead, I'm trying the broadcasting thing via YouTube while also promoting some great stuff that I hope fellow moms also find useful. I'm such an amateur...it's quite hilarious. But, I'm having a blast and getting positive feedback from people I respect and admire...thanks for your support and love! Enjoy!
Monday, January 28, 2013
The popular girls
I don’t make time for myself these days. That is no one’s fault but my own. I have more than enough help to run personal errands, but I don’t care enough to make the effort. I do, however, make time to practice disciplined skincare treatments and I savor every fleeting second of a long shower. BUT, there is something I have prioritized in my personal budget of time. It’s a weekly event I participate in for me, myself, and I.
Lately, I have attended mass at the nearby Catholic Church totally solo. When I first got into the habit of attending mass by myself while my husband bravely manages our sons (and dogs) at home, I felt pressured by time. I know it’s wrong to feel like a guilty mom when leaving to worship in the Lord’s house. But I did. I would keep my cell phone on silent and would keep it within close reach as if I were an OB doctor on call to deliver a baby. Beginning that habit made me feel even guiltier. So I stopped the guilt-ridden anxiety trip, and I made a change.
Last night, I attended the “Life Teen” mass at my church. It’s the service where the high schoolers are encouraged to attend with their families and connect with their friends while worshipping the Lord. I love coming to this mass. It’s inspiring to see young men and women at the altar serving the Lord. But what I look forward to the most during this service is the music. The music ministry at my church is AMAZING!
Well as I mentioned previously, I made a change to my worship ritual during last night’s service. I decided to sing louder than usual. For some reason, I am more comfortable singing during mass when my family isn’t with me. Sharing my talent and love of singing is much easier around strangers…for obvious reasons.
I went and found a seat in the overflow room where all the families with little ones sit next to their trendy strollers. Soon after I sat down, a quartet of what I assumed were high school-aged girls sat in the row in front of me. Already, I was all too quick to pass judgment based on their appearance, their demeanor and their overall presence. Like any teenage flick chronicling the perils and torment of high school life, these girls were such a cliché.
I painted a picture in my head that these four beautiful young ladies were THE popular ones at their school. They were dressed exactly the same, adorned with outlandish accessories, figure-fitting and skin-bearing clothing. Not to mention, I couldn’t help but wonder what the heck a 17-year-old was doing wearing a Chanel bag that I could never justify owning but so enviably want. They were a distraction to everyone else as well. I could see pre-adolescent boys gawking at them. I watched a couple of creepy old men do a double take when they walked by the quartet. I most astutely noticed two mothers giving their disapproving looks towards the attractive foursome. I guess they were thinking to themselves, “How could their mothers let them attend mass wearing THAT?!”
It was hard to keep my eyes on the cross when these young gals were so eye-catching. I am embarrassed to admit that I judged these girls. But early into the mass I decided to let it all go and just worship Him. With whatever was in my heart when mass started, I was compelled to sing passionately and fervently throughout the mass. I let go and prayed the more earnestly with every note I hit. As freeing as it was to sing my heart out, it was uncomfortable and I felt intimidated by the foursome. Like any group of girls would do, they snickered and giggled amongst themselves throughout the entire service. As self-centered as I am, I was convinced that they were making snide remarks about how loudly I was singing. Self-conscious much? Yes, but I worked to squash it and asked God to keep me focused despite the distraction.
Then we reached the point of service where we all shook hands with our neighbors saying, “peace be with you.” I didn’t expect any one of those girls to reach out to me. They seemed too preoccupied giving hugs and kisses and peace to each other. But to my surprise, three of the four girls reached out to shake my hand and complimented me on my singing. In fact, they were so genuine and took the time to tell me to my face that my voice is “so pretty.” I was floored. I thanked them, told them they were sweet, and ended the chatter with a “Praise God” closing remark. Not sure how they took that, but it didn’t matter.
It was an empowering moment. I cannot ever remember singing so openly during a mass service…ever. I did struggle with the propensity to use my voice as a means to “show off.” I’m not a shy person and humility is something I lack. But God humbled me to the point where I had to surrender my self-consciousness in order to worship during service. When I did, I sang out loud…and it was empowering for myself and apparently for others around me as well.
Lately, I have attended mass at the nearby Catholic Church totally solo. When I first got into the habit of attending mass by myself while my husband bravely manages our sons (and dogs) at home, I felt pressured by time. I know it’s wrong to feel like a guilty mom when leaving to worship in the Lord’s house. But I did. I would keep my cell phone on silent and would keep it within close reach as if I were an OB doctor on call to deliver a baby. Beginning that habit made me feel even guiltier. So I stopped the guilt-ridden anxiety trip, and I made a change.
Last night, I attended the “Life Teen” mass at my church. It’s the service where the high schoolers are encouraged to attend with their families and connect with their friends while worshipping the Lord. I love coming to this mass. It’s inspiring to see young men and women at the altar serving the Lord. But what I look forward to the most during this service is the music. The music ministry at my church is AMAZING!
Well as I mentioned previously, I made a change to my worship ritual during last night’s service. I decided to sing louder than usual. For some reason, I am more comfortable singing during mass when my family isn’t with me. Sharing my talent and love of singing is much easier around strangers…for obvious reasons.
I went and found a seat in the overflow room where all the families with little ones sit next to their trendy strollers. Soon after I sat down, a quartet of what I assumed were high school-aged girls sat in the row in front of me. Already, I was all too quick to pass judgment based on their appearance, their demeanor and their overall presence. Like any teenage flick chronicling the perils and torment of high school life, these girls were such a cliché.
I painted a picture in my head that these four beautiful young ladies were THE popular ones at their school. They were dressed exactly the same, adorned with outlandish accessories, figure-fitting and skin-bearing clothing. Not to mention, I couldn’t help but wonder what the heck a 17-year-old was doing wearing a Chanel bag that I could never justify owning but so enviably want. They were a distraction to everyone else as well. I could see pre-adolescent boys gawking at them. I watched a couple of creepy old men do a double take when they walked by the quartet. I most astutely noticed two mothers giving their disapproving looks towards the attractive foursome. I guess they were thinking to themselves, “How could their mothers let them attend mass wearing THAT?!”
It was hard to keep my eyes on the cross when these young gals were so eye-catching. I am embarrassed to admit that I judged these girls. But early into the mass I decided to let it all go and just worship Him. With whatever was in my heart when mass started, I was compelled to sing passionately and fervently throughout the mass. I let go and prayed the more earnestly with every note I hit. As freeing as it was to sing my heart out, it was uncomfortable and I felt intimidated by the foursome. Like any group of girls would do, they snickered and giggled amongst themselves throughout the entire service. As self-centered as I am, I was convinced that they were making snide remarks about how loudly I was singing. Self-conscious much? Yes, but I worked to squash it and asked God to keep me focused despite the distraction.
Then we reached the point of service where we all shook hands with our neighbors saying, “peace be with you.” I didn’t expect any one of those girls to reach out to me. They seemed too preoccupied giving hugs and kisses and peace to each other. But to my surprise, three of the four girls reached out to shake my hand and complimented me on my singing. In fact, they were so genuine and took the time to tell me to my face that my voice is “so pretty.” I was floored. I thanked them, told them they were sweet, and ended the chatter with a “Praise God” closing remark. Not sure how they took that, but it didn’t matter.
It was an empowering moment. I cannot ever remember singing so openly during a mass service…ever. I did struggle with the propensity to use my voice as a means to “show off.” I’m not a shy person and humility is something I lack. But God humbled me to the point where I had to surrender my self-consciousness in order to worship during service. When I did, I sang out loud…and it was empowering for myself and apparently for others around me as well.
Monday, December 17, 2012
Katie Couric mourns with our country
Thank you, Katie Couric, for your very important show honoring the families who have been affected by Friday’s tragedy along with others who have also suffered such painful loss. Your show today is important. For those who long for comfort and solace, I believe hope can be found in prayer-filled faith and spiritual wisdom first and foremost. I’m a wife and mother of two little ones. But before any of these roles, I am a Christ-following woman. Although I have never suffered this kind of loss, I believe that in God alone, I can find a peace that surpasses all understanding.
Your guests today are living proof that the God I honor and serve is one of forgiving grace and mercy. It is hard to fathom how a parent who has lost their innocent baby so violently does not feel anger towards the deeply disturbed man who killed their beloved. But in their unshakeable faith in Christ their Savior, the parents on today's show feel compassion for a soul so lost in despairing darkness. Thank you, Katie, for giving a voice and stage to these families mourning the loss of their little ones. Those parents have inspired me to look at my own faith and to know that when even in the darkest moments, my faith, my hope, and love for others will heal even the most unbearable pain. I am now a loyal viewer of your show. God bless you, Katie. God bless everyone that has been affected by this national tragedy. God bless America in this time of mourning.
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Thanksgiving 2012
The picture below says it all. This Thanksgiving, I am grateful for the family God has blessed me with.
Surprising, as it may seem, what I’m most thankful for is the gift of wisdom. Where my heart and head now lie is where my infinite joy can be found. When things were once so difficult and overwhelming, the promise of hope becomes most consoling. Right here and right now is where wisdom has never been so clear.
After lots of life I have lived in the past few years, I never thought I would be blessed to know such happiness in my marriage, in my family or in my heart. My God is a God of second chances. I am not perfect, but praise God I am redeemed.
Thank you, Lord for my husband. Five years ago, the man of my dreams married me. Despite all my mistakes and imperfections, I know my husband loves me to no end. Our life together is beautiful because he loves me as God intended man to unconditionally love his wife.
Looking back, I see the truth in every consequence. I realize I’m being molded into the woman I never was because I was too selfish. I’m still selfish. But as a mother, I have no choice but to serve others first. It’s hard to be something that is so unnatural for me. I have always been self-serving and ambitiously chasing what is best for me and only me. Thank you, God! Now I know that path will not lead me to the fulfillment You have in store for me.
When my day-to-day gets out of hand and unruly, I know it’s because I have lost sight of where I am going. That realization is a lifesaver. My wisdom is my security and my grounding.
So this Thanksgiving, I have lots to say thanks for. But in all honesty, I am most thankful for the gift of wisdom that makes me so happy to be right here, right now. Thank you, Lord for your gifts. I am so blessed.
Surprising, as it may seem, what I’m most thankful for is the gift of wisdom. Where my heart and head now lie is where my infinite joy can be found. When things were once so difficult and overwhelming, the promise of hope becomes most consoling. Right here and right now is where wisdom has never been so clear.
After lots of life I have lived in the past few years, I never thought I would be blessed to know such happiness in my marriage, in my family or in my heart. My God is a God of second chances. I am not perfect, but praise God I am redeemed.
Thank you, Lord for my husband. Five years ago, the man of my dreams married me. Despite all my mistakes and imperfections, I know my husband loves me to no end. Our life together is beautiful because he loves me as God intended man to unconditionally love his wife.
Looking back, I see the truth in every consequence. I realize I’m being molded into the woman I never was because I was too selfish. I’m still selfish. But as a mother, I have no choice but to serve others first. It’s hard to be something that is so unnatural for me. I have always been self-serving and ambitiously chasing what is best for me and only me. Thank you, God! Now I know that path will not lead me to the fulfillment You have in store for me.
When my day-to-day gets out of hand and unruly, I know it’s because I have lost sight of where I am going. That realization is a lifesaver. My wisdom is my security and my grounding.
So this Thanksgiving, I have lots to say thanks for. But in all honesty, I am most thankful for the gift of wisdom that makes me so happy to be right here, right now. Thank you, Lord for your gifts. I am so blessed.
Saturday, October 27, 2012
Postpartum Update
Since my August 24th post regarding my postpartum plan to achieving my pre-pregnancy pounds, I’m sad to say that I don’t have much to report. I was doing great the first few weeks. I was able to get to the gym nearly every day for about 3 weeks. Then it became less and less. Now trips to the gym are non-existent and my husband and I are still “donating” to the fitness chain. I had the honest intention of making my work outs work for me in terms of scheduling. I figured that since I want to lose weight so very badly, I would find a way and make a way. But as most parents can relate, the inevitable happened with the little ones getting sick here and there, my abnormal sleep/night feeding routine got the best of me, and every plausible excuse became my justification as to why I’m still sporting the extra poundage in my gut…and butt…and thighs…and arms…etc. But life goes on, and there are more important things to fret over.
On the brighter side, I have lost 6 lbs in the past 30 days doing it the natural way…breastfeeding! While I don’t make the time to exercise, I have been enjoying every morsel of any decadent dessert while giving in to most food cravings at all hours of the day/night. I’m not close to my pre-pregnancy weight. But if I carry on with breastfeeding as my primary workout regimen, I’m pretty sure I will achieve my goal weight by Christmas time. Now if I make the slightest effort to do cardio and/or weight training, I could possibly achieve my desired results in record time. Things are looking up!
On that note, I just want to share how grateful I am to be blessed by the kind words of strangers. It never fails that when I’m out of the house and most oblivious to those around me, young women come up to me and compliment my appearance. Each time I have gone out in the past three weeks, a different woman has complimented my outfit, my accessories, and or my skin. What the heck? I promise, I don’t ever recall having this kind of neighborly treatment. But each friendly and unexpected remark makes me feel so good, especially during these postpartum months. As a busy mom doing whatever it takes to just survive the day, it is such a kind gesture and flatters me to no end.
On the brighter side, I have lost 6 lbs in the past 30 days doing it the natural way…breastfeeding! While I don’t make the time to exercise, I have been enjoying every morsel of any decadent dessert while giving in to most food cravings at all hours of the day/night. I’m not close to my pre-pregnancy weight. But if I carry on with breastfeeding as my primary workout regimen, I’m pretty sure I will achieve my goal weight by Christmas time. Now if I make the slightest effort to do cardio and/or weight training, I could possibly achieve my desired results in record time. Things are looking up!
On that note, I just want to share how grateful I am to be blessed by the kind words of strangers. It never fails that when I’m out of the house and most oblivious to those around me, young women come up to me and compliment my appearance. Each time I have gone out in the past three weeks, a different woman has complimented my outfit, my accessories, and or my skin. What the heck? I promise, I don’t ever recall having this kind of neighborly treatment. But each friendly and unexpected remark makes me feel so good, especially during these postpartum months. As a busy mom doing whatever it takes to just survive the day, it is such a kind gesture and flatters me to no end.
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