{Monday Motivation} Be Encouraged

God's grace renews, restores and redeems.

{Monday Motivation} Ted Mosby's Best Line Ever

I love this line by Ted Mosby (finale episode of HIMYM).  I can relate to it so much that I made it my new Monday Motivational favorite.

What's your favorite motivational/inspirational quote?

Get up, take your mat and walk!

Are you in a difficult situation now?  Do you sigh heavily because you are worrying about something?  Is your heart burdened by a problem that is not easy to overcome?  Is this problem causing you emotional pain and stress?  Are you hurt or did you hurt someone?  Do you sometimes wish you can stay in bed and shut everyone out?

My answer to all questions is Yes.  I have been on an emotional roller coaster ride the past month.  While Pastor Jonathan was preaching two Sundays ago, I can't help but say to God:  "Here you go again.  Your timing is always  impeccable."

{Monday Motivation} Lesson from our Motorcycle Accident

After my business meeting this afternoon, Don, Julia and I dropped by Mandaue Foam, Shaw Boulevard.  As we turned left to enter their basement parking, I noticed a motorcycle going straight at us, not slowing down! I freaked out the moment I heard a loud noise. He hit our car and the first thing that came to mind was "Julia!".  Julia was strapped in her car seat but the motorcycle hit her side of the car.

I jumped right out of the car and walked towards the driver of the motorcycle.  Don was shouting at him saying "ano problema mo, yung anak ko nakasakay sa kotche!".  I also shouted at him, "kung wala kang pakialam sa buhay mo, ako may pakialam sa buhay ng anak ko!"

{Monday Motivation} 3 Ways I Deal with Set-Backs

I had a challenging start of the week.  Sometimes I really feel like walking away from my responsibilities.  But I love what I do and I can't just stop working.  So, to save myself from insanity, here are 3 ways I deal with stress:

1.  I talk to people who can encourage and inspire me.  I talk to people who can help me (directly and indirectly) deal with my concerns. I stay away from negatrons!  They make me feel worse than I already feel.  

2.  I cry, eat and laugh.  I feel better after. Crying helps me off-load the emotional baggage.  Once I'm done with the drama, I move on to eating. I remind myself that this is better than smoking.  Then, I laugh a lot! I don't nurse my negative feelings so I try to find humor in all that I do.

3.  I pray and appreciate all my blessings.  I don't ask for my troubles to disappear.  Instead, I pray for strength, humility and wisdom.

The past 6 months has been crazy.  But I am having fun, I am learning a lot and I am meeting a lot of great people.  So stress is part of my life, I just need to be better in dealing with it.

How do you deal with stress?

{Monday Motivation} Goodbye, Drama! Hello, Happiness!

A friend posted this on Facebook and I just have to share it.  LIFE IS TOO SHORT TO BE ANYTHING BUT HAPPY.  So let's start this week right, shall we?

{Monday Motivation} DO IT NOW!

{Monday Motivation} It Works, Really.

This is the confidence we have in approaching God:  that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.  And if we know that he hears us -- whatever we ask -- we know that we have what we asked of him. (1 John 5: 14-15)

I'm starting week with a prayer.  I praise God and I thank Him for all his blessings.  I seek His guidance and protection.  He knows my yearnings and I appeal to His kindness and love that He may grant the desires of my heart.  The reply may not be the one I expect but I should remember, it is what God wants for me.

Have a great week ahead!

Photo source

{Monday Motivation} Half Time Reminder

Note to Self
First half of the year ended yesterday.  We have 6 more months to make 2013 worthwhile.  There will be more challenges and difficulties but remember:

Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God."  (Mark 10:27)

{Monday Motivation} DIY: Motivation Notebook



But seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you. (Matthew 6:33)

I use this notebook for my meetings at work.  A great reminder that I do not live to work.

DIY:  Notebook from Muji and Washi Tapes from Paper Chic Studio.



{Monday Motivation} When People Say Hurtful Things

Don't you just hate it when people say hurtful things to you?  Last Saturday, a blog reader wrote comments on my post that made me angry and upset.  I replied once but when she wrote another nasty comment, I decided to hit the "back" button and ignore her.

I will not tell you the details because I want to start my week with positive vibes.  If you have a colleague at work, classmate, neighbor or even a friend or a family member who hurt you because of the things they said, I leave you with these bible verses.

"For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline." 
(2 Timothy 1:7)

"Do not repay anyone evil for evil.  Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.  If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." (Romans 12:17-18)

"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.'  But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."  (Matthew 5:43-44)

"May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer." (Psalm 19:14)

Happy Monday Mommies!  Huwag maging Nega at huwag pumatol sa mga Nega ;-)

{Monday Motivation} Start of the Week Reminder

It's Monday... I start another busy week at work.  Here's a reminder to myself that no matter how tall my to-do list is this week, I will not lose focus on what's important in my life.

Have a meaningful and productive week ladies! :-)

{Monday Motivation} Why Nick Vujicic Smiles Too Much?

When I found out that Nick Vujicic was coming to the Philippines, Don and I have been trying to get tickets but we were told that they were sold out already.  So it was definitely a pleasant surprise that a friends gave us tickets to listen to him last Saturday.  It was one of the most powerful inspirational talks I have ever attended.  For those who doesn't know him, here's his story:

He inspires millions of people around the world, sharing his testimony about God's love.  Francis Kong's Facebook post summarized my feelings after listening to Nick yesterday:

Nick is a testimony of God's love.  Nick's life is a testimony that we have an awesome and unstoppable God!  Please read his story and share it with the people you love.

As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. (John 9:1-3)

{Monday Motivation} You are Beautiful

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. (Psalm 139:13-16)
Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. (1 Peter 3:3-4)

{Monday Motivation} 7 Tips To Start The Week

A friend forwarded to me an email from his Japanese boss.  The new expat arrived last month and he shared his "notes to self" to all his new colleagues .  These "notes" are not new.  We must have heard or read them numerous times already but I will share them with you because having the right perspective is a great way to start the week.

1. Don't compare your life to others.  You have no idea what their journey is all about.
2. Don't have negative thoughts or [dwell on] things you cannot control.  Instead, invest your energy [on] the positive [of the] present. 
3. Don't overdo.  Keep your limits.
4. Don't take yourself so seriously.  No one else does.
5. Dream more while you are awake.
6. Envy is a waste of time.  You already have all you need.
7. Forget the issues of the past.  Don't remind your partner about his/her mistakes.  That will ruin your present.

Number 3 is screaming my name.  I hope this week will be a better one for all of us.

"For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self discipline" (2 Timothy 1:7)

Have a great week ahead, ladies!

{Monday Motivation} When Do You Pray?

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Jesus Christ. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

Seek the Lord and his strength, seek his face continually. (1 Chronicles 16:11)

When do you pray?

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{Monday Motivation} Complain, Then Be Thankful

Staycation is officially over.  Sigh.  It's Monday again.  But I am so happy because I am so blessed :-)

We had a great time during the long weekend.  While enjoying our buffet breakfast yesterday, Don and I talked about how easy it is for us to complain about our life.  For example, when I was still with my previous employer, I used to complain about lack of food to munch.  We were in a secluded area and it requires a lot of effort to buy junk food.  When I transferred to my new employer, snacks at the pantry is always available.  We have free biscuits, coffee and drinks!  I am obviously very pleased.  However, I hear some of my colleagues complain about the variety of biscuits and drinks available at the pantry.  Sigh, if only they realize that only a few companies provide pantry supplies for the employees.

Don is guilty about complaining too.  He shared that he pays 30 cents for his meal during lunch because a huge portion is subsidized by his employer.  But, yes, he still manages to complain about it sometimes because the menu is the same every week.  As an HR practitioner for more than 10 years, I thought I have heard ALL complains and concerns that an employee can think of.  I was wrong.  I remember a former colleague complaining to me about an upcoming holiday.  He was accusing HR of not being "sensitive" to the needs of the employees to spend time with their family.  The holiday was "sandwiched" by Sunday and Tuesday and according to him, it was unfair for the company not to declare Monday as a non-working day too.  Insane, right?!  True story.

We tend to complain about anything and everything, mostly about things we have and don't have.  We deserve the latest smart phone or tablet, a promotion at work, a new house, better benefits, a new car or a higher salary.  We even believe that it is our privilege to be treated according to our educational attainment and our so-called status in the society.

I remember the team building activity I attended last year.  The facilitator shared the "Gratitude Attitude".  He said that if we eliminate the feeling of entitlement and replace it with gratitude, we will be able to embrace life with so much love and joy.  Recognizing that everything that we have is a gift from God gives us a deeper understanding of His love and mercy.

I still complain.  But I try to immediately think about my blessings.  When stuck in traffic, I complain.  Then I think about how blessed I am to be sitting on an air-conditioned car.  I look at the ATM screen and I complain.  Then I thank God I have money to pay for our household bills.  I complain about our old house.  Then I am grateful for not paying rent.  I complain about my travel time going to work and going home.  But I am thankful that I do not work on Saturdays anymore.  This attitude requires discipline and a heart that is willing to live life according to God's will.

Keep your lives free from love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, Never will I leave you; Never will I forsake you. (Hebrews 13:5)

Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and happy in his work -- this is a gift of God. (Ecclesiastes 5:19)

I know there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. (Ecclesiastes 3:12)

What do you complain about everyday?  What are you thankful for everyday?

{Monday Motivation} Start Today

I see each day as an opportunity to renew my faith and live as God wants me to.  Waking up each morning is an empowerment from God to rise above my challenges and rewrite my future.

The unfailing love of the LORD never ends! By his mercies we have been kept from complete destruction. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each day. I say to myself, "The LORD is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!" (Lamentations 3:22-24)

{Monday Motivation} Just Do It

If there is something that you want to do, but you have a long list of why you shouldn't, here's what Amelia Earhart will say to you:

"Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you." (Deuteronomy 31:6)

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{Monday Motivation} Why We Work.. Another Lesson from My Dad

Every time I complain about having a headache, my dad would ALWAYS tell me to undergo a CT Scan or MRI.  As he normally would, my dad is a mighty worrier.  He worries a lot and he is overreacting about my frequent headaches.  He is scared that I might have a blood clot or a tumor (agad?!  hindi ba pwede migraine muna?! Haha).  Just so he won't give me his usual you-have-to-take-care-of-yourself speech, I'll tell him I will consult with a doctor soon.

Of course I never did.  I would either drink a pain reliever, drink coffee or wear my eyeglasses.  Two week ago, my dad and I went out-of-town (we went to Mamplasan to buy cheap original  rubber shoes) for our last father-daughter date before his flight back to Davao.  He saw me drink medicine and I know he knew what it was for.  This time, he did not say anything.

On our way back to Manila, he reminisced that day when I was rushed to the hospital because I bumped my head.  I remember that day.  I was about 6 years old.  I was upset because my sister and my brother did not want to play chinese garter with me.  So I went to our backyard and dragged two very heavy palo china chairs.  The chairs were about 3-4 steps away from each other.  I tied the loose ends of the garter to each chair.  As I jumped over the garter, I fell on the floor and the two heavy chairs hit my head.  I fainted and lost consciousness.

My dad told me that it would not have happened if he agreed to play with me that afternoon.  According to my dad, I asked him if we could play chinese garter but he told me he was tired because he just came home from work.  While napping, he was awakened by a loud cry.  He ran to the backyard and saw me on the floor crying underneath the chairs.  I underwent series of tests and was cleared by the doctors.

I cannot remember asking him that day to play chinese garter with me.  It was the first time I heard his story about that day.  I almost cried when I realized that until this very day, he blames himself for what had happened.  He reminded me that we work to provide a better future for our children.  But it should not be an excuse not to spend quality time with them.  My dad is never comfortable talking about his feelings.  He was silent after that.  He didn't have to say anything.  I understand perfectly.

Make the choice to live a life filled with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. (Galatians 5:22-23)

As I start my work week once again, I will not forget my priorities.  My household chores and errands can wait.  My To Do List can be rescheduled.  My deadlines can be moved.  But Julia's life unfolding cannot wait, cannot be rescheduled and cannot be set again.  My family comes first ALL THE TIME.

Happy Monday, Ladies!  I just found out I have readers who are still single.  Thank you ;-)