I WANT TO BE POOH

It occurred to Pooh 🐻 and Piglet 🐷 that they hadn't heard from Eeyore for several days, so they put on their hats 🎩 and coats 🧥 and trotted across the Hundred Acre Wood🌲 to Eeyore's stick house. Inside the house was Eeyore.
"Hello Eeyore," said Pooh. 
"Hello Pooh. 🐻 Hello Piglet 🐷" said Eeyore, in a Glum Sounding Voice 
"We just thought we'd check in on you," said Piglet, "because we hadn't heard from you, and so we wanted to know if you were okay."
Eeyore was silent for a moment. "Am I okay?" he asked, eventually. "Well, I don't know, to be honest. Are any of us really okay? That's what I ask myself. All I can tell you, Pooh and Piglet, is that right now I feel really rather Sad, and Alone, and Not Much Fun To Be Around At All. 
Which is why I haven't bothered you. Because you wouldn't want to waste your time hanging out with someone who is Sad, and Alone, and Not Much Fun To Be Around At All, would you now."
Pooh looked and Piglet, and Piglet looked at Pooh, and they both sat down, one on either side of Eeyore in his stick house.
Eeyore looked at them in surprise. "What are you doing?"
"We're sitting here with you," said Pooh, "because we are your friends. And true friends don't care if someone is feeling Sad, or Alone, or Not Much Fun To Be Around At All. True friends are there for you anyway. And so here we are." 💜💚
"Oh," said Eeyore. "Oh." And the three of them sat there in silence, and while Pooh and Piglet said nothing at all; somehow, almost imperceptibly, Eeyore started to feel a very tiny little bit better. 🥰
Because Pooh and Piglet were There.
No more; no less.
A.A.Milne
E.H.Shepard

*This is not my own story, I read it online and posted it here since I loved it

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KINDNESS IS CONTAGIOUS

“Why aren’t you are planning for kids?” 

“It’s been long you have been married!”

“All your friends have kids!”

“Why are you delaying so much?”

“You are getting old!” 

“It’s high time you start trying!”

These were some things people told me a couple of years ago. Some of them were indeed painful as I had an unspoken health issue. I had prayed, cried and literally begged God to heal me. How do I tell everyone that I have been going through a tough journey battling with my health? We all have our own battles to fight. They are sometimes are unspoken and cannot be published on Facebook walls. During such phase that I read this quote:

“Everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always.”

Oh, how true that is!

UNSPOKEN KINDNESS

Life isn’t what we plan. How often we judge someone and wonder why they not getting married, why they are not having a baby, why they are not having another baby, why they are separated, why they are divorced, why they left their job, why they dress in a certain way and a million things! I have learned that I am no one to judge as they might be fighting an unspoken battle. All I can do is be kind to them.

UNDESERVED KINDNESS

God has been extremely KIND to me by healing me and especially by giving me a baby. As every year I pick up a phrase a verse to mediate, I had been asking God what should work on this year. And time and time again I am reminded that I need to work on being KIND this year. When I didn’t deserve, God was kind to me and I would want to reciprocate kindness to those around me. I want to be so full of KINDNESS that it becomes contagious.

UNCONTAINABLE KINDNESS

I have so many personal stories to share with you about how the kindness of God and people has been a thread throughout my life especially this year. Ever since my baby has been born there have been numerous ways that people have shown us extra kindness in giving us all that our baby needs. From baby crib, carrier, car seat, stroller, trolley, dining chair, toys, bather, tub, blankets, silver, gold, numerous clothes and what not. My heart is uncontainable as it is filled with stories of kindness.

UNEXPERIENCED KINDNESS

We may not always know what people battle are battling in life. When tempted to be unkind, I put myself in their shoes and remind myself that:
They did not choose to be in that position
Who am I to judge?
They might have an unspoken pain
How can I be kind to them?

Kindness is more than just something to read about in a book, it cannot be explained in words. It's something to be experienced. My greatest hope is that you will experience kindness and you share the same to those around you.

Coz kindness is contagious!

Leaving behind a scripture that I love:
 “Praise the LORD, my soul, and do not forget how kind he is.” Psalm 103:2

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THE BUMPY JOURNEY

My month by month bumpy shots :)

Well, it ’s taken me few days, on and off to compile all my bump shots, and considering I have a little gentleman who loves to snuggle, I’d say I’m finally here to post my story. It’s crazy looking back at my belly month by month and realizing that was our little Jaden growing in there. It boggles my mind how life can grow inside a belly so small. The Creator is excellent at His creation!

I’m so glad I have this to look back at one day and show Jaden these (if he’s interested). Of course, he will have to listen to his mom's 11-hour labor story for the rest of his life :)

Like few mothers, I was dreading about the labor pain that I had heard about. I always used to think what if I die during the labor? Who will look after the baby and all kinds of questions kept popping in my mind? Until one night I dreamt like someone was telling me, "Don't panic. I'm with you. There's no need to fear for I'm your God. I'll give you strength. I'll help you. I'll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you.". When I woke up, I googled and found out that it's from Isaiah 41:10. And that week, dad also spoke about this verse in a random sermon. Later, I saw this verse on someone's facebook wall. It was like a confirmation that God was saying, I am with you. So I decided that I will embrace every uncomfortable position, every heartburn, every contraction, every hip pain, back pain, all the tossing and turnings, sleepless nights and all that comes with being pregnant. As it is worth it!

As I type, I am reminded of all women who would give the world to be in my place. Who perhaps couldn't get to full term, who maybe haven't been able to get pregnant, who are aching at every pregnancy photo they see. THIS IS FOR YOU:

“SOMETIMES WHEN YOU ARE IN A DARK PLACE, YOU THINK YOU HAVE BEEN BURIED, BUT ACTUALLY YOU HAVE BEEN PLANTED.”

Although I had a very hard journey of conceiving and super painful labor, God was with me throughout this journey. God wanted me to go through this to encourage someone going through a similar bumpy journey as mine. Like I always say, His promise still stands!

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HAPPINESS

Today I have my cousin, Meryl as a guest writer on my blog. This is his first writing. I thought he totally rocked it. So here is some inspirational stuff for you guys:

Life is tough. 

You can't always 

be happy in life. 

There's always 

tough times. 

Good things cannot 

be there for long time. 

But what matters is 

how you can make 

yourself happy. 

Happiness is a 

wonderful feeling 

but it's really hard 

to find happiness 

in the world nowadays. 

Things change, 

people change in your life. 

Moving on is very tough 

but then it's worth moving on 

rather than being upset 

about the things 

that have happened. 

Staying happy 

motivates yourself, 

to do something 

extra each day. 

No matter how people are

 you treat them well. 

Do good to others. 

And as always 

BE A GOOD PERSON! 

Stay positive and be happy in life🙂

- Meryl

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"I'M FINE" - I JUST LIED

Why didn’t anyone tell me this? Why didn’t anyone say it would be this hard? Why didn’t anyone tell me about the real challenges of motherhood?

I feel like it’s been ages since I got time to post something on my blog. My whole life has changed ever since our baby was born. All I can say is we mothers need God’s mercies every day. The journey from the time I stepped into the labor room has been a challenging one. While healing physically, adjusting to the postpartum hormonal roller coaster, and worrying if my baby is getting enough food, I feel so lost and lonely. Here is something that I read that speaks my heart!

“When a mother says she's tired, that's all she meant!

She did not say she wants to drop her son and forget that he or she exists.

When a mother says she wanted some time alone, just her, that's all she meant!

She didn't say she's sorry to be a mother and that motherhood was a mistake in her life.

When a mother says she needs help to get things done, that's exactly what she meant!

She is not saying that she is incapable.

When a mother makes noodles for dinner, it does not mean she does noodles every day of the week and that her son/daughter is a child who does not know vegetables and meats.

When you arrive at a mother's house and face disorganization, it doesn't mean that every day that house is disorganized.

When a mother says she'd love to go out with her friends, that's all she meant! She doesn't want to go back to being "Single / not a mother" and like it as if she had no responsibility.

When a mother says she's worried and afraid, that's what she meant! She didn't say she's going to falter, and much less she's a coward.

When you listen to a mother screaming, it doesn't mean she just screams, probably she has spoken 300 times with normal voice tone.

When you see a nervous mother, on the edge of madness, doesn't mean every day she's in that situation.

There is a whole context, a whole situation.

Do not invent untruths to judge someone, let alone a woman who every day, at all times, gives up her own life to live the life of another being that she knows is much more important than her.

In the world there is no human being able to give up and donate as much as a mother!

And they deserve a lot of understanding and fewer trials”

Next to “I have read and agreed to the Terms and Conditions”, “I’m fine” is the most often told lie in the English language. I just want to let you know that anyone who is feeling down, I am here for you. to listen, to support and to share this journey with you. Postpartum depression is real! And we will overcome this! Hugs to all moms out there!

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A DAY TO REMEMBER

It was the day before my sister's wedding. My husband woke me up while I was still sleeping and he said can you do the pee-test? My answer was NO. I don't want to spoil my mood since I had done the pee-test several times before and it was negative. It was a happy atmosphere at home that day. My relatives had all arrived for my sister's wedding and I didn't want to be down and depressed.

My husband and I have been praying for a baby for a while now. But this time something was different. Even before we took the test, he kept telling congratulations the whole month. However, he forced me out of bed that morning. I unwillingly did the pee-test and didn't even bother looking at the result. I was looking out of the window and then I went back to throw the stick. But...wait a min... guess what...It had TWO LINES which means positive. I just couldn't believe my eyes! How could it be? My mind became blank! I went and called my husband and showed him and he started crying! We had been waiting for this for so long. We hugged each other. I told him until I get the blood test, let's wait. We quickly arrived at the clinic and they confirmed that indeed I was pregnant!

God has been so good to us in this painful journey! Solomon and I have cried a lot of times together. When everyone else around us had babies, we felt heartbroken. We prayed to God every night.  Needless to say, those were some really dark days. But looking back, something that could have torn us apart became our biggest strength. We clung together for strength and for understanding. We asked God for help and depended on Him like never before. God is a God who hears and answers our prayers. God indeed showed His mercy on us. I strongly believe that there is a purpose behind every pain.

God showed me a few reasons why we had to undergo this journey:

1. So that we depend on God and He gets the glory
2. So that we encourage and empathy others going through this journey
3. So that we value the child and not take this gift lightly
4. So that we get closer to Him and close to each other.
5. So that we testify His miracle-working power.

Every sequence of that day is fresh in our memories. Ever since that day till now whomever, we shared it with had rejoiced with us.

It is a day to remember all our lives!

I would like to encourage whoever reads this post. Whatever may be your problem, God is able to do the impossible. Keep praying, keep trusting, you will have a day to remember too!

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BLOWN AWAY BY GOD

Sometimes God just blows you away with surprises. It unimaginable and amazing how God plans the timeline of your life and how He fulfills your hearts desires and dreams.

One of my cousins asked me that what my dreams were and if they have been fulfilled. As I began to think about it, I was amazed at the timeline in which God has been fulfilling my dreams and wishlists.

Looking back, these were few of my dreams, desires, wishes and silent prayers:

THE SHIP
I always wanted to serve God onboard the ship, Logos Hope. God miraculously gave me an opportunity to live on the ship for 3 months and meet so many people around the world. I was blown away when my boss gave me leave for 3 months. Plus, I got godly friends as a bonus on the ship.

TRAVEL ABROAD
I love visiting different countries but I knew it was impossible. But God was so good to me that He blew me away by taking me to Denmark, Sweden, Holland, Germany, Dubai, Sharjah, Doha, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka. I asked God for one country but He took me to 9 for which I’m so grateful.

LOVING HUSBAND
Like all girls dream about their future husband, I wanted to have a husband just like my dad. It unbelievable how many similarities Solomon and my dad have. I'm just blown away by the way they love me, take care of me and the similar way they react to my tantrums.

WRITE BOOK
My dream was to write books and encourage people through my stories. It was impossible since I always felt insecure about my writing skills. But last year God was gracious to me and helped me to release my first book for which I’m blown away.

DESIGNER
They say that everyone should love what they do. I’m passionate about designing (clothes, interiors, and web). I’m so happy that I work as a web designer. I’m blown away that what I studied is what I became and what I work. God gave me the exact job that I love.

HOME
Growing up, beautiful home interiors have fascinated me. When we renovated our house, I could implement a few designs that I have admired. Making my house a home of my dream was one of my cherished moment. I was blown away by God’s financial providence.

Not all these were fulfilled according to my timetable. Deep down in my heart, these were my dreams, desires, wishes and silent prayers. Although the waiting time was so hard, God’s timing was perfect. When I ponder on why God let me wait so long, I'm just blown away. He does all things beautiful in His time. His ways are just beyond PERFECT!

Are you waiting for God to do something in your life? Be ready to be blown away by His goodness!

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100 BILLION X

This is my latest favorite song. I have been listening to it a hundred billion times. I'm in love with the lyrics. Hope it blesses you as it blessed me.

God of creation

There at the start

Before the beginning of time

With no point of reference

You spoke to the dark

And fleshed out the wonder of light

And as You speak

A hundred billion galaxies are born

In the vapor of Your breath, the planets form

If the stars were made to worship so will I

I can see Your heart in everything You’ve made

Every burning star

A signal fire of grace

If creation sings Your praises so will I

God of Your promise

You don’t speak in vain

No syllable empty or void

For once You have spoken

All nature and science

Follow the sound of Your voice

And as You speak

A hundred billion creatures catch Your breath

Evolving in pursuit of what You said

If it all reveals Your nature so will I

I can see Your heart in everything You say

Every painted sky

A canvas of Your grace

If creation still obeys You so will I

If the stars were made to worship so will I

If the mountains bow in reverence so will I

If the oceans roar Your greatness so will I

For if everything exists to lift You high so will I

If the wind goes where You send it so will I

If the rocks cry out in silence so will I

If the sum of all our praises still falls shy

Then we’ll sing again a hundred billion times

God of salvation

You chased down my heart

Through all of my failure and pride

On a hill You created

The light of the world

Abandoned in darkness to die

And as You speak

A hundred billion failures disappear

Where You lost Your life so I could find it here

If You left the grave behind You so will I

I can see Your heart in everything You’ve done

Every part designed in a work of art called love

If You gladly chose surrender so will I

I can see Your heart

Eight billion different ways

Every precious one

A child You died to save

If You gave Your life to love them so will I

Like You would again a hundred billion times

But what measure could amount to Your desire

You’re the One who never leaves the one behind

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