AND WHEN MY FRONTIER FROM THE WILDERNESS IS STRETCHED

What do you do when one day the frontier of your horizon from the wilderness is stretched? I woke up this morning at 4 am and wow ! Iam hopeful today! Had a wonderful time preparing for church, great sermon from the pastor ! Hope is what it is as it has been promised. Hope is defined to get or do something or for something to happen or be true. Nowadays it can be deceiving and also devastating if that which we hope for does not come to life. Turn  on the tube , radio or the paper. They all say the same. You are doomed. I just refuse to be bombarded with this and of it all the hope comes from Christ. Not the job we hold. Nor the partner we cling on. Nor our kids. Even our friends. The stuff we own to our name. But the one who holds our name in the palm of His hands. Hope is the fuel to move on and press on . I woke up one day and bit by bit things that I hoped for is unfolding before me. It is yes overwhelming for I thought it was going to still be a process but when God pressed the signal it was already done deal. Hope was the bridge that connected my dreams of writing to you  and you reading this post today. Hope is what you see with the shot that I snapped for this post. It is hope that defined the moment and the odebience to God that captured it.

Merci Beaucoup

Merce Veneracion

Photo taken with Nikon D80

WELCOME TO A NEW HOME

My family went to Louisiana last weekend and it was the first time my children actually left me as it happened only the other way around. After a long exhausting day of work I went straight to the house blessing of our friends and people with joyful faces welcomed me. God made me remember of His provision that even in the downfall of the stock market , He is able to give favors for those who trust and obey. The reason for the hope was not really into what the human eyes can invision but what was not tangible is really what gets us across the other side. And the sad part is we always analyze situations. It is by faith and not by sight. The most difficult is when we see it differently as what God is telling so on the other hand. Do we cling? or let go? or just completely trust? I say surrender it all completely. Clean it thoroughly and never live any spot. For a wound to regenerate , everything must be debrided and no granulation will take place if is not one hundred percent clean. We  can use all sorts of irrigation but if the necrotic tissue is present , nothing will change.

I can recall still , when I was living as a travelling therapist and nothing was really permanent. I was always moving . Everything that I had has to be portable, a 13 inch television and a small microwave, a luggage and my boom box made my little black Honda Civic full. Someone gave me a Shout to The Lord cassette tape and my life has never been the same again. God openly welcomed me into a new home . Ask Him today to come into your heart. The key is in you. It is waiting to be opened.

Merci Beaucoup

Merce Veneracion

Photo taken with Nikon D80

Models: Ariel and Rose Untal

Bartlett, TN

SPRING IN MY MIND

I brought my children for about four months to the babysitter and as I pass by this street, these trees caught my eyes . I saw it during winter and saw it sprung . It brought forth memories of me and my husband waking up a bit earlier to prepare the kids as we bring them to Nanay Buhay. I prayed to God to give us grace during this  season of our life which entailed physical endurance that meant lesser sleep and rest . My boys are growing too fast . I can still recall having only two hours of sleep , having them almost like twins . We made it and it was a matter of discipline . Spring is the season of the year between winter and summer during which many plants bring forth leaves and flowers. It is a time when people clean up their garages as I am doing now my spring cleaning. It is a time when I wonder how come I have accumulated so many stuff I do not need at all and need to get rid of. It is the season when everyone feels the vibrant energy to go somewhere and do something. Iam in the mood to make my abode look good and presentable. No more heavy clothes and boots. No more cold spells for now. This reminds me of spring in my life is a time of renewal . Thoughts of new growth and regeneration . I yearn for the water for my thirst that flows from the stream of the Almighty Father. It is about transformation and not conforming to the patterns of the world but blooming as what we were planted to be , not with one flower but with countless petals to whom which the Lord may be exhalted and lifted up. Making up my mind to change as only the blood of Christ can really cleanse my soul. Clean not just my stuff but every bit of stuff I have put in my mind and my body. The year of 2008 was good but this year will be better! And I surely know I cannot do this alone and I need Him. Through the people who can really be accountable to me.  Mel and I made a treaty that we will remind one another to  read God's Word faithfully everyday. and pass it on to our children and  put it into action . Mel is my bestfriend and he is accountable to me as Iam to him.

Iam looking forward for my spring in my mind . Are you ready for yours? If not, it is never too late . Ask God to change you!

Merci Beaucoup

Merce Veneracion

Photo taken with Nikon D80 

Dexter Rd., Cordova, TN

SPRING IS IN

Last week , we went to Orange Beach, Alabama for our annual family time. It was a short but enjoyable one. We got to see God's creations. Spring is in! Spring means birthing and growth. In the last month we visited several friends who gave birth and boy it is in the air or water. I look forward to seeing babies come to life. What a miracle! They are so innocent and cuddly. Fresh smell. Spring creates energy to people. It promotes excitement. There is more freedom to do more outdoors. Girls and gals  wearing shorts and flip flops . Ice cream trucks. Frosty. Bikes.Allergies.Yellow.Pink.White is in. Manicure and pedicure. April showers.Easter Egg Hunt.

Ethan's birthday. Maureen's birthday. Grandpa's birthday.  Of course, my birthday.

Spring brings HOPE...

Merci Beaucoup

Photo taken using Nikon D80

Grand Marriott Hotel and Spa

Point Clear, Alabama

THE FIRST RAY OF LIGHT

THE FIRST RAY OF LIGHT

by: Merce Veneracion

The first ray of light

Not by might nor by sight

To go on and endure a fight

In this world of my existence

I need strength and persistence

I pray to be  obedient

Oh Lord ! You gave me  breath

I pray to be relentless

Guide me to be selfless

I want to see what You see

Your heart to be my heart

To finish right not just start...

     The first ray of light comes from God. Every morning Iam thankful that He wakes me up. What if one day we do and there is no sun? It would be different right? Especially for us who are used to a routine. Sometimes, what we plan is not God's plan for His mind is greater than ours! I have learned throughout the years of my walk with Him to pray for His will to be manifested in my life for I have realized that it is always the best! I have struggled many times because my brain have been trained to do the norm of this world. But with the transformation of the mind, surrendering to Him everyday, He will give the grace and step by step instructions so I can go on. It gives peace and assurance knowing that He the mighty counselor ordained it. Even if I do not see the tangible thing yet. We humans are very good in predicting and anticipating results and products. And most of the time we have a difficult time comprehending His voice because we analyze too much! I say, stop rationalizing when God says it ,do it! He will take care of the results. For we are His hands and feet in this earth. I have never gotten to this point writing a blog if not for God. At first, I was totally lost. I know I can do some art but not technical stuff. God brought forth people around me to be in the team, my ever supportive husband, my kids, my family, friends who are encouraging  . With different talents, we compliment one another. And we enjoy what we do, enjoying His creations and being inspired and be an inspiration.  Last January,  I sat in the plane beside a little boy and his mom who are headed to Hollywood. The boy is one talented cookie. He can dance, sing and act. He is about my daughters age , nine years old. He got invited to model for Ford models and got some more gigs as well. As his mom was telling her story, the boy came from an orphanage in Iran .  They prayed and prayed for a baby and God gave them a precious talented one. It just amazed me how a baby abandoned by his parents with God's sovereignity brought forth to a hoping couple and now he is gonna be a star . It never ceases to amaze me what she said to the boy, "God brought us together". Yes ! God can bring us anywhere. And Iam pretty safe I know as long as Iam in His will. No matter what it feels like. His arms are always warm and loving even in toughest times.

If you have not asked God His mighty will and purpose in  your existence, there is freedom to ask now. He will guide your life just trust Him!

Merci Beaucoup

Photo taken in Bartlett using Nikon D80

EAT WELL , LIVE WELL

Me and my daughter had the awesome experience of gracing the grand opening of Eat Well Sushi and Grill, A Modern Japanese Buffet. We live two blocks from this restaurant and we pass by it everyday. My daughter, Hannah was a great back up photographer, she is very detailed with her shots. Iam training her and enhancing her God given talent at an early age. Iam a  shrimp tempura fanatic, yup I craved for this crustacean delicacy  everyday when I was pregnant with Hannah. From shrimp, to oyster, to softshell crab and vegetable tempura, they got it. Their sushi, sashimi , maki and rolls are heaven to the taste buds! They have one of the yummiest fried rice and mango mousse , me being of Asian in decent have rice in my dinner table at least 5 times a week. Gimme the rice , rice , rice! The ambiance is cozy and they have rooms for private functions and special parties . It is actually a good place to date. The price is reasonable for an all you can eat number. Eat well, rest well, sleep well, work well ,  exercise well, read God's Word everyday... a winner recipe for a great life! As for me and my household, we are glad to have this new baby in town!

Eat Well Sushi and Grill

2965 Germantown Parkway, Suite 102

Bartlett,TN 38133

(901) 3888178

Merci Beaucoup

Photos taken using Nikon D80