Hopeless Dawn—Joyful Morning

With all things happening in this world, wars, contentions between nations, calamities, despair and so forth... is there a way to find peace and happiness? Is there still a way to have faith that there is God who watches over us? 

I have witnessed the sorrow of many who have lost their loved ones, this blog entry is my response to their sorrow. And I hoped that they will find hope and comfort here.

Thomas S. Monson said:"...For countless others who have loved and lost dear ones, each dawn is hopeless. Such is the experience of those who regard the grave as the end and immortality as but a dream.

The famed scientist Madame Marie Curie returned to her home the night of the funeral for her husband, Pierre Curie, who was killed in an accident in the streets of Paris, and made this entry in her diary: “They filled the grave and put sheaves of flowers on it. Everything is over. Pierre is sleeping his last sleep beneath the earth. It is the end of everything, everything, everything.”

The atheist Bertrand Russell adds his testament: “No fire, no heroism, no integrity of thought and feeling can preserve an individual life beyond the grave.” And Schopenhauer, the German philosopher and pessimist, was even more bitter. He wrote: “To desire immortality is to desire the eternal perpetuation of a great mistake.”

In reality, every thoughtful person has asked himself this question: Does the life of man continue beyond the grave?

Death comes to all mankind. It comes to the aged as they walk on faltering feet. Its summons is heard by those who have scarcely reached midway in life’s journey, and often it hushes the laughter of little children. Death is one tragic fact that no one can escape or deny...

Frequently, death comes as an intruder. It is an enemy that suddenly appears in the midst of life’s feast, putting out its lights and gaiety. Death lays its heavy hand upon those dearest to us and at times leaves us baffled and wondering. In certain situations, as in great suffering and illness, death comes as an angel of mercy. But for the most part we think of it as the enemy of human happiness...

But what of today? Is there comfort for the grieving heart? ...

The darkness of death can ever be dispelled by the light of revealed truth. “I am the resurrection, and the life,” spoke the Master; “he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:

“And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.” (John 11:25–26.)

This reassurance, yes, even holy confirmation of life beyond the grave, could well be the peace promised by the Savior when He assured his disciples: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27.)

“Ye believe in God, believe also in me.

“In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you … that where I am, there ye may be also.” (John 14:1–3.)

Out of the darkness and horror of Calvary came the voice of the Lamb, saying, “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit.” (Luke 23:46.) And the dark was no longer dark, for He was with His Father. He had come from God, and to God he had returned. So also those who walk with God in this earthly pilgrimage know from blessed experience that He will not abandon His children who trust in Him. In the night of death His presence will be “better than a light and safer than a known way.”

The reality of the resurrection was voiced by the martyr Stephen as he looked upward and cried: “I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.” (Acts 7:56.)

Saul, on the road to Damascus, had a vision of the risen, exalted Christ. Later, as Paul, defender of truth and fearless missionary in the service of the Master, he bore witness of the risen Lord as he declared to the Saints at Corinth: “Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; … he was buried, and … rose again the third day according to the scriptures: … he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:

“After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once. … He was seen of James; then of all the apostles.

“And last of all he was seen of me.” (1 Cor. 15:3–8.)

In our dispensation this same testimony was spoken boldly by the Prophet Joseph Smith, as he and Sidney Rigdon testified: “And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!

“For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father—

“That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God.” (D&C 76:22–24.)

This is the knowledge that sustains. This is the truth that comforts. This is the assurance that guides those bowed down with grief out of the shadows and into the light.

Such help is not restricted to the elderly, the well educated, or a select few. It is available to all.

Some years ago, the Salt Lake City newspapers published an obituary notice of a close friend—a mother and wife taken by death in the prime of her life. I visited the mortuary and joined a host of persons gathered to express condolence to the distraught husband and motherless children. Suddenly the smallest child, Kelly, recognized me and took my hand in hers. “Come with me,” she said, and she led me to the casket in which rested the body of her beloved mother. “I’m not crying, Brother Monson, and neither must you. My mommy told me many times about death and life with Heavenly Father. I belong to my mommy and my daddy. We’ll all be together again.” The words of the Psalmist echoed to my soul: “Out of the mouth of babes … hast thou ordained strength.” (Ps. 8:2.)

Through tear-moistened eyes, I recognized a beautiful and faith-filled smile. For my young friend, whose tiny hand yet clasped mine, there would never be a hopeless dawn. Sustained by her unfailing testimony, knowing that life continues beyond the grave, she, her father, her brothers, her sisters, and indeed all who share this knowledge of divine truth can declare to the world: “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” (Ps. 30:5.)

With all the strength of my soul, I testify that God lives, that His Beloved Son is the firstfruits of the resurrection, that the gospel of Jesus Christ is that penetrating light that makes of every hopeless dawn a joyful morning."

When I started this blog, I intend to share to people the things I know, the things I believe, things in my mind , and the story of our lives.

Today, I felt strongly about writing something about my faith, and I will do so from time to time whenever I feel like doing it.

This is the truth that I know, and this is what makes up my life.

I know that there is God, we are His children, and He has a plan for us. I know that life doesn't end when we die, but it must continue hereafter with our families. I know families are forever, and I'm thankful it is. This is not my belief, this is what I KNOW. 

Easy Homemade Recipe To Pamper Your Tired Feet

After doing all the house chores, a time for some relaxation and pampering is all I want. But it doesn't mean you have to spend a lot of money pampering yourself with facial, or foot spa. You can always innovate and try something that will relax those muscles.
Let me share with you some tips to care and pamper your tired feet.

• Begin with foot soak. Foot soak is done to soften the calluses and corns. I usually start this by massaging my feet with my favorite lotion or essential oil or baby oil (Or you can start by massaging your feet with petroleum jelly at night, cover it with socks and do the soaking and scrubbing the following morning).Then soak your feet in a basin or bath tub filled with "as hot as you can water" for 15 -30 minutes. You may want to add some sea salt to the water.
  

• Its scrub time! Now that the calluses and corns have softened, we can start scrubbing them out. Here are some foot scrub recipes you can try...

Foot Scrub Recipe #1

Mix 2 tbsp. of baking soda, and 2 tbsp. olive oil/ essential oil/ baby oil . I recommend this specially if you have problems with foot odor.


Foot Scrub Recipe #2
Mix 3 tbsp. brown sugar or honey with 2 tbsp olive oil/ essential oil/ baby oil. This is specially good if you have cracked dry heels.


Foot Scrub Recipe #3
You can use St. Ives Exfoliating Apricot Moisturizing Body Wash (still not that expensive, after all its only the jojoba beads that I want from this). Followed by a mixture of 4 tbsp honey and 2 tbsp fresh milk.


...you can start by gently massaging your feet , concentrating on areas with calluses and corns. Use pumice stone, rub it lightly back and forth to file the rough skin. If this is the first time you're doing this, don't force to smooth your feet . After scrubbing, rinse your feet with warm water and pat dry. Apply your favorite moisturizing lotion. You can repeat this 2 to 3 times a week.

If you have tips or recipes that you can share, or have done this, I would like to receive a feed back from you.

Have a happy feet day!!!!

Cooking In The Kitchen- Thank You Salt

One sure thing I do everyday is cooking. Of course, its a daily need that needed to be satisfied. This is also one thing that I have to adjust to when I got married more than a year ago. Back when I was still single and working, I'm used to eating out and cooking easily prepare meals. And when I say easily prepared meals, it means fried fish, stir fried vegetables of all kinds (whatever is available inside the fridge), and simply oatmeal or toasted bread for breakfast. It have to be less than 30 minute meal (that takes more than a Rachel Ray) as much as possible. Sadly, this is a no no when I married a man that really takes the effort and art in cooking meals. Anyway, its not that bad afterall. My mom has taught me how to cook some meals like soups, and also how to innovate them. Yes I can cook, its just that there are times that I'm too lazy to do the chopping, peeling, and etc. When I was pregnant, I have lots of reasons not to cook, or why I can't cook. But it's very different now that I have my baby. I breastfeed and so I have to make sure foods are cooked well, nutricious, clean and as much as possible no MSG in it!

In my effort, today I cooked" mung bean soup with chicken and alugbati leaves", it's introduced to me by my dear husband. I hate it when the vegetable I cook have soil on its leaves, but thanks a lot to salt. One thing I learned from my dear mother, washing vegetables thoroughly with water is not enough. After thorough washing with water, soaking the vegetables in water with lots of salt can wash dirts and etc. Try it, and you will see how salt gets the dirt from those leaves.

A lot of thank you  "salt", you don't only give spice and taste to the food I cook. You also makes sure that vegetables are well cleaned before I cook them. You are indeed a wonder, what will I do without you!

In Pursuit of a Noble Cause

Pete Rahon, an OFW, International Staff, and a blogger interview my husband Kenji about the Top 10 Pinoy Expats/OFW Search Project. I know my husband have a lot of discouraging moments and difficulties in pursuing this project but it's gaining ground and credibility. Just look at the following sponsors, Damuhan, The Filipino Web, WOW Pinoy, and now Pete, a famed Pinoy Blogger based in Gwangju : Jeolla : South Korea. Pete will be helping Kenji in the mechanics as well as in the selection process.

As far I know, Kenji is sending several sponsorship letters to award the top 10 winners, this is a project that has a lot of watch out to do and will definitely impact the pinoy blogging world so those of you who haven't taken part, come and let us join hands in this worthy cause we are in.

Here is the interview title Pete used in his blogsite OFW's Mga Bagong Bayani and it is also crossposted to his site Live Life! Love Life!

Saudi Based Pinoy Chemical Engineer Launches Search for the 2008 Top 10 Pinoy Expats/OFW Blog

Interview with an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) Series

"Finally my plan to feature OFW here had materialize with this interview with Jebee Kenji Solis. He has been blogging since 2005. This is how he describe his blog: "THOUGHTSKOTO is a jargon word for "these are my thoughts". Blog of a Young Filipino LDS Couple, living in Saudi Arabia. Thoughts and Musings about Life and Love, Trials and Challenges, Faith and Hope as we continue in our journey to FOREVER."

I was invited to nominate for the Top 10 Pinoy Expats/OFW Blog. I find the search interesting so I asked him if I can feature him on this blog and promote his initiative. Below is the interview of Kenji."

Here is the excerpt from question No. 7 of 9 Kenji was asked;


7) Tell us about the the search you launched on the Top 10 Pinoy Expats/OFW Blog?

"The top 10 Pinoy Expats/OFW Blog is a search contest. We would like to recognize and honor those Pinoy expats/OFW, more than 10 million of them working around the world who toils and work for their loved ones in the Philippines. We would like to highlight their stories and learn from their lessons through their blog. Considered as "Bagong Bayani" (new heroes) we ought to hear their voices and amplify them. So we can show that we care for them for they deserve to be heard and acknowledged. Since this is the first search the rule is very simple. Definitely we have some small prizes in stored for the top 10. We also have an icon or widget for nominees to display this contest to promote it. So for those who are interested to nominate Filipino expat/OFW bloggers please visit this site for more information:

http://jbsolis.blogspot.com/2008/07/search-for-2008-top-10-pinoy-abroad.html

We have already few sponsors and we are looking for more."

Read the rest of the entry. It is one of the best interview coz it tackles a variety of subjects with final note of the search project.

©2008 THOUGHTSKOTO

How Much Do You Make An Hour?

Here's a wonderfully inspiring story I read last night and just wanted to share with you. A great time to reflect, and don't forget it's family home evening day!


A man came home from work late again, tired and irritated, to find his 5-year-old son waiting for him at the door.

"Daddy, may I ask you a question?"
"Yeah sure, what is it?" replied the man.
"Daddy, how much do you make an hour?"
"That's none of your business. Why do you ask such a thing?" the man said angrily.

"I just want to know. Please tell me, how much do you make an hour?" pleaded the little boy.

"If you must know, I make $20 an hour."
"Oh," the little boy replied, with his head down. Looking up, he said, "Daddy, may I please borrow $10?"

The father was furious, "If the only reason you asked that is so you can borrow some money to buy a silly toy or some other nonsense, then you march yourself straight to your room and go to bed. Think about why you are being so selfish. I work long hard hours everyday and don't have time for such childish behavior."

The little boy quietly went to his room and shut the door. The man sat down and started to get even angrier about the little boy's questions. How dare he ask such questions only to get some money!

After about an hour or so, the man had calmed down, and started to think: He may have been a little hard on his son. Maybe there was something he really needed to buy with that $10 and he really didn't ask for money very often. The man went to the door of the little boy's room and opened the door.

"Are you asleep, son?" He asked.
"No daddy, I'm awake," replied the boy.
"I've been thinking, maybe I was too hard on you earlier," said the man. "It's been a long day and I took out my aggravation on you. Here's the $10 you asked for."

The little boy sat straight up, smiling. "Oh, thank you daddy!" he exclaimed.

Then, reaching under his pillow he pulled out some crumpled up bills.

The man, seeing that the boy already had money, started to get angry again. The little boy slowly counted out his money, then looked up at his father.

"Why do you want more money if you already have some?" the father grumbled.

"Because I didn't have enough, but now I do," the little boy replied.

"Daddy, I have $20 now. Can I buy an hour of your time? Please come home early tomorrow. I would like to have dinner with you."
-Unknown Author

Butterfly Kisses

Bob Carlisle & Randy Thomas

There's two things I know for sure.

She was sent here from heaven,

and she's daddy's little girl.

As I drop to my knees by her bed at night,

she talks to Jesus, and I close my eyes.

And I thank God for all of the joy in my life,

But most of all, for...

Butterfly kisses after bedtime prayer.

Stickin' little white flowers all up in her hair.

"Walk beside the pony daddy, it's my first ride."

"I know the cake looks funny, daddy, but I sure tried."

Oh, with all that I've done wrong,

I must have done something right

To deserve a hug every morning,

And butterfly kisses at night.

Sweet sixteen today,

She's looking like her momma

a little more everyday.

One part woman, the other part girl.

To perfume and makeup, form ribbons and curls.

Trying her wings outin a great big world.

But I remember...

Butterfly kisses after bedtime prayer.

Stickin' little white flowers all up in her hair.

"You know how much I love you daddy,

But if you don't mind,

I'm only going to kiss you on the cheek this time."

With all that I've done wrong

I must have done something right.

To deserve her love every morning,

And butterfly kisses at night.

All the precious time

Like the wind, the years go by Precious butterfly

Spread your wings and fly

She'll change her name today.

She'll make a promise,

and I'll give her away.

Standing in the bride

roomjust staring at her,

she asked me what I'm thinking,

and I said "I'm not sure,

I just feel like I'm losing my baby girl."

Then she leaned over....and gave me....

Butterfly kisses, with her mama there

Sticking little flowers all up in her hair

"Walk me down the aisle, daddy, it's just about time."

"Does my wedding gown look pretty, daddy?"

"Daddy, don't cry."

With all that I've done wrong,

I must have done something right

To deserve her love every morning,

And butterfly kisses

I couldn't ask God for more, man, this is what love is

I know I've gotta let her go,

but I'll always remember

Every hug in the morning, and butterfly kisses...

Lately, I made myself busy on some crafts for our baby. I remembered this poem, and so I made some paper butterfly and am sticking it on our walls together with some paper flowers. There isn't much like these that our dear daughter can see in Saudi Arabia aside from dusts, some dates palm, few trees and desert grass so I have to find way for her to learn about nature. And of course shower her with butterfly kisses too. I have to take photo of our wall once I finished it.

My Thanks

I was gone for a while due to the demands of being a housewife and a mother.
I feel elated as I checked my e-mail and found a very sweet "Beautiful Blogger Award" which I have posted minutes ago at my side bar. Thank you.

Awarded to Shiela

Awarded to Shiela

Finally 3-Months

Yesterday my little angel reached three months! She's growing up too fast, and I always tell my husband how I wish she will remain a baby forever. But I know that is so unfair for her, and I cannot withhold to her that right. Right now, we are enjoying every moment with her, seeing her grow.

She is a very talkative baby now, and would always respond to us in her baby talk manner which we cannot understand but is very fascinating! Last night, she keeps on kicking, mumbling, and laughing till 3:00am today, I don't know what she is up to but she seems to be telling her story to me.

Very first picture right few minutes after delivery. She seems to be smilling isn't she?

...close up pic the following morning Apr. 16 11:25am

...and another pose, isn't that cute?

...another pose with dad, as he said "friendster pose"

...barely one month old

...first captured laugh

...my pretty princess posing a smile.

...I'm still sorting her pics and will update this post next time.

I Broke My Helper

I know mom's will understand how it feels to lose one of the most important things in the house. This afternoon, I am very thankful that Heavenne is well behaved and sleeping soundly so I take the advantage of cleaning the entire house. As I was cleaning the other room, I noticed the vacuum cleaner isn't working well and I could still feel dusts on the carpet. I don't know what to do! My hero is still at work, and checking and repairing appliances isn't mine. Sometimes, I wonder why in our time, given all the comforts of life (cellphones, washing machines, vacuum cleaners, airconditioners, etc.), why does it feel difficult not to have one and we feel so helpless working without them? In old times, I believe women still manage to have a well organized homes without the comfort of appliances such as vacuum cleaner. sigh.

A Family Home Evening To Remember

"Family home evening is a special time set aside each week that brings family members together and strengthens their love for each other, helps them draw closer to Heavenly Father, and encourages them to live righteously. "

Having family home evenings is a challenge for me and my dear husband. Sometimes it looks like an extended daily scripture study. I wonder oftentimes if there is anything we can do to make it more fun for the three of us?

Last night, I prepared the food early, we ate and then had stroll on the neighboring stores on our area. When we arrived home, we had our family home evening.

Dear daddy was assigned to give the lesson, and he talked about the prayer of the brother of Jared and how important it is to pray, before we ended the family home evening we tried putting this nearly three-month old Heavenne to her bed but as soon as her back hits the top of her bed she woke up and cried.

We're having a hard time figuring out what's wrong with her. She always sticks out her tongue and puts her fingers inside her mouth. Last Sunday night, she wouldn't sleep until 6:00 am monday. She always wakes up everytime we lay her down on her bed. And its only my husband who can put her to sleep on his arms, and she wouldn't if I'm the one holding her. I guess he had corrupted her mind to be a daddy's girl at an early age.

Anyway, we decided to put her on our bed. You wouldn't believe it, she was smiling and laughing as we put her down. Is that all what she wants, to sleep with us? We spent the next 30 mins watching her smile and play with us. This little girl has her own way of getting what she wants, so we co-sleep last night and she woke up at 7:00am this morning and after feeding her she went back to sleep till 12:00 noon, fed her again and she's still sleeping at this time (3:30pm). But I'm grateful for the time we had together last night as a family. We're specially grateful that last night we had the first family fun game of playing with Heavenne.lol. I'm looking forward for the family home evening where she can give the prayer or lesson, but that will be a long time from now.

We hope you friends also had a wonderful family home evening last night!

Sick Domestic Goddess

Cleaning the house, cookling meals, doing the chores, nursing my baby...a lot more keeps me busy each day. But last week, we were moving things to our new room in the apartment we're renting. I faced my enemy, dust and heat, as I clean the entire apartment. It's been a long day for us. At the end of the day, I was feeling really exhausted with all the cleaning and moving of things, and I had dry cough already. DH was already worried, but I keep on reminding him, I've never been sick for more than a year already and if I get mild cough that's enough to prove I'm still human, lol. The following day, we went to church, the heat of the sun and sand storm made it worse. We arrive home on the afternoon and I felt my throat is getting sore already.
I started eating lots of oranges and citruss fruits.

I was more worried about my two month old baby if she caught my cough, so I asked DH to give a blessing on both of us. By midnight, I had a very painful throat, dry cough, difficult breathing and fever, thankfully my daughter hasn't caught it and is perfectly healthy.

Because I am sick, my dear husband decided to be absent at work and take care of me and our baby. Well, I'm blessed enough to have a husband like him. He pampered me whole day with the "name what you want to eat", and "let me do it for you" stuffs. By noon, my fever was gone.

What I'm thankful for is for the blessings he gave to me and our daughter, it didn't took so long to be sick domestic goddess because of his blessings and the way he takes care of me.

Life is so wonderful. Trully nothing can compensate for a loving husband and a happy home, it simply makes everything easier to take.

Easy Homemade Facial

For the last couple of weeks, I'd been quite busy in the house. So today, I decided to have some homemade facial for myself just to relieve those stress. I like homemade facials, they are economical and very natural. Here are some facial recipes I do.

Simply mix 3 tbsp milk and 2 tbsp honey in a cup and gently massage on your face and neck. You can also apply the excess mixture on your hands, arms and legs. Its a bit sticky so I advise you do it after taking a bath, for about 15-30 mins or longer and then rinse yourself with water.

If you have problems with oily skin, you can add some oatmeal and 1 tsp brown sugar to this mixture to make it look like paste. Pat it on your face and leave for 30 mins. Gently massage your face for 10 mins before you rinse it. Your final rinse should be cold water to close the pores of your skin.

To exfoliate, the mixture of honey, fresh milk and brown sugar will do it. Try this mixture specially if you have rough skin due to blackheads and whiteheads. Concentrate massaging on your nose area as the grains of sugar cleans it. Rinse it thoroughly with warm water and final rinse with ice cold water to close the pores.

And if you are feeling really stressed, and thinks this facial won't work on you, my DH has a better suggestion. Check it out here.

Have a stress free day!

Gardening in Saudi Arabia

Everytime I think about flowers, I often think about how beautiful my mom's garden is back in the Philippines. We can grow varieties of orchids and many flowering plants that saves us a lot of money instead of buying in flower shops.

I love tropical climates, you can always grow beautiful flowers and rich greenery in your backyard. But what am I to do here in Saudi Arabia, with its blistering desert climate outside. Of course there are some plants, some desert grass... palms of Dates. Whenever you go to flower shops, the usual flowers you can find are imported from Holland, in short you can't really grow flowers here all year round unlike in Philippines. And no matter how I wish I could grow orchids just like my mom, I couldn't.

When I came here(May 2007), one friend gave me a hanging indoor plant that made me really happy! So I put it inside the house and I would bring it outside in the morning for sunlight, around 7:00-9:00a.m.. To my surprise, instead of yielding a rich green plant, the leaves turned yellow. The sun nearly damaged the entire pot of plant so I stopped bringing it outside to prevent further damage.

But I was surprised last winter season, when the road side here was paved with rich and colorful Petunias! I never thought the desert can grow colorful flowers during the winter. It was such a joy to see flowers everywhere!

Its already summer here in Saudi Arabia, and it is blistering hot outside. The colorful Petunias are gone, and Dates Palms are flourishing well along the roads and its fruits almost ready for harvest. I'll be looking forward to next winter for the pink and purple flowers.

Pink Is My Color, What's Yours?

Yes, it tells about the blog title. Pink is my color. And I decided to blog something about it as my preliminary entry.

Why pink. I don't know... I can't think of any title so I simply pick the colors I like. Pink is my favorite, and it goes well with purple. Maybe its part of being feminine. That's why most girls would pick pink as their favorite color, a pink dress, pink ribbon, pink flower, pink socks... and pink!

You wouldn't believe, I named a cat Pinky, and my daughter's pink toy Pink... household stuffs are mostly pink, and majority of the clothes I wear are pink.

Today we will be shopping for some more stuffs we needed in the house, and I hope pink color will be available.

I'm not a huge fan of Legally Blond or Barbie Doll but I admire them for picking the color pink. Its just so feminine, so neat looking. I'm glad I have a daughter that I can dress with pink!