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

STEEL MAGNOLIAS

I still can remember Shelby.  Steel Magnolias was a popular movie in the late 80's, Steel Magnolias. The movie was shot in Natchitoches, Louisiana. We went to visit last Christmas and the house of Shelby is now a bed and breakfast inn. I love staying at bed and breakfast places. Fresh linens, nice bed, no kids allowed? Gourmet food, freshly baked bread and squeezed juice. Afternoon tea, chocolate tasting and dressing up to the nines. I can only enjoy it once in awhile. We try to go out on an annual get away for a retreat , to bond and strengthen our marriage as well as to hear God's visions for us, things that He wants us to do. It is a nice and romantic place. I invite you to visit... you will fall in love. Try their famous Louisiana meat pies. Merci Beaucoup ( the resto) is also a great restaurant. Fried and blackened alligator , anyone? 

They have specialty stores as well . Maybe check out some Vera Bradley bags ? Or their Lampe Berger scents for true and ultimate Southern hospitality .

Dating for couples is recommended . It is where you can build and get to know a person deeper and better. But when a couple is married , it is a must. It is a thing that you do intentional. Make time for it. Get a babysitter. A strong and healthy relationship is a model that kids look up to.It is a fortress.  

Bonding through dating and going out enhances a relationship. Be creative . Be fun . It is ok to have fun with your spouse. Life is not all about bills and work and household chores. Nor even stuff. Memories of loved ones are the ones always remembered . A woman once in a nursing home cherishes all of her family photos and talked about a past with family, never even said anything more about other things but that. The happiest thought can always almost relate to a thought of good relationship with others. The eternal joy is related to a personal relationship with the Bearer of Joy, Jesus. Do you have Him? Invite an intimate relationship with Him....

Merci Beaucoup

Photo taken using Nikon D80

f/1.4 50mm AD

BIG HEART IS A MERRY HEART

 The love month almost past by so swiftly. It seems as I have still have a lot to write on love. Iam blessed to be around a loving family, friends, and  community.

God is teaching me how to have a big heart. We can pray for wisdom and He gives it, but we might as well pray for patience and understanding. When we love sometimes we do not get it back the way we want it or expect it to be. Having a big heart means, having compassion for people and situations that are not perfect in our sight. A life of surrendering to the source of love, God, is a life of obeying and letting Him direct us from day to day and touching people at that certain moment. As if it will be the only or last time we will touch them. Thirteen years ago ,I vowed before God to marry a man, submit to Him be trustworthy of his love and surrender a life of self-centeredness and let God mold me into a character of a supportive partner to my husband. It is commanded that we love one another as we love ourselves. This is firstly applied to our partners in life, our spouse. But how easily  we forget ? 

A big heart is a merry heart! Forget about rationalizing and analyzing. Love starts in the house as they say,  the miracle starts in the house. I was blessed to have read a life goal of a friend, Joseph which goes " I want to walk hand in hand with my partner in the beach, even at the age of 70" .

The tides maybe strong . Storms may come. Birthing and falling. Good times. I want to say I will walk with my husband still madly in love with him through God's mighty blessings and grace even when Iam old...

Merci Beaucoup

Models: Arma and Rey Veneracion

Photo taken using Nikon D80

f/1.4 50mm AD

LOVE LETTERS TO HEAVEN

If I write a letter to God, will He read it? Do I need stamps to mail it to Him? When does He receive it? What if I don't know what to say? Sounds like a child asking  his mom . God reads all of our prayers. He listens to us. Seek and we shall find. Ask and we shall receive. There are no ground nor express rate to heaven. A prayer that comes sincerely from the heart is heard. God looks at the heart and not at the outward appearance. He answers in His own sweet time. His timing is always the best timing. God does not want repetitious prayers. He desires for us to draw near to Him..be intimate with Him. Like a child talking to a Father. 

When no one is around. When everyone is busy to listen. When everyone has turned away. When the cell phones are not ringing. When the system is down. When text messages are not being answered.When there is a strike at the post office. When there is no money to buy. When the lights are off. When the night is cold . When . When. God is there. Come to Him. He loves you.He is waiting for your  love letters to heaven...

Merci Beaucoup

Photo taken using Nikon D80

f/1.4 50mm AD

SWEETS FOR MY SWEETS,SUGAR FOR MY SUGAR

So how do we really want to say it? With candies, cupcakes, cookies, flowers? Is it a romantic dinner? Or a stargazing evening? Love is patient, love is kind, it does not boast. Love is made known through actions, through kind words. It does not wait for a reciprocal action. It knows how to give, to serve . God loves us that He gave His Son Jesus that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but will have eternal life. How do I relate to this? Iam saved by His grace..for me not to boast..it is not by my good works. Mercy came running to me when I needed it. Even if Iam not worthy..God loves us. Sometimes I really ask why me? Iam nobody. God tells me" you are" I already planned you before you were even conceived. I know the day of your birthday. I know your undergoings, your pains even if you have not experienced it yet. I know you.Iam concerned about you. For this alone,  I know that Iam loved, by the true source of love. The cross is the picture of the agape love of God. Is this easy to do in our generation? I bet not. How many times did we get mad at the road for someone who cuts our way? How many times did we expected something in return of our love? Love can move mountains, yes! True love never dies! One realization that me and my husband have made this year is to never shout or scream at each other. Even our kids are being taught this. With trying this, respect is shown to one another and it eliminates some stress in the house. What the world needs is love sweet love.That's the only way...

Merci Beaucoup

Photo taken using Nikon D80

f/1.4 50mm AD