#MommaDiaries | WWJD?

RL has been learning about Jesus in his Christian Living class in school. The past two weeks, we've been reading his lessons over and over again. The kids are learning about how Jesus is God's greatest gift to us, and how we can be children of God by following Jesus' example. Today, RL got to apply this lesson. Momma ended up learning from it, too.

I took RL to the office because he was going to get picked up by his bus there today. A had a doctor's appointment so I didn't have time to drop RL off properly, as we were rushing to make it to the clinic on time. What I didn't know was that in the office, Lola B (who has been working for the family business for the past 30 or so years) saw RL and gave him a 500-Peso bill. She loves showering the grandchildren and great grandchildren with gifts, so this wasn't something unexpected. However, because I wasn't in the office, and neither was my dad, RL thought it would be wise to keep the money in his pant pocket.

RL has always been very careful about money.
He was really disappointed today.

Earlier this evening, when he got home from school, he was crying because he lost the money. He was saying he placed it in his bag, and when he got to class, it was no longer there. He couldn't have lost it, because he says he placed it in a small pocket inside a bigger zipped pocket where it would be impossible for it to accidentally fall out. Plus anyone who opens that pocket wouldn't see the bill. Besides, he never opens that part of his bag, because it isn't big enough to hold anything (well, except for a 500-Peso bill). I couldn't console him at first - he was feeling really bad about losing a gift. So I told him that it was just money, and that the person who took it probably needed it. Went on to explain that even if someone stole it, he needed to forgive whoever took the money. And that we should follow Jesus' example on being forgiving - even when people did things to hurt Him. Then we prayed. We asked the Lord to bless whoever took the money, but at the same time convict that person. And we asked God to take care of RL's loss, but also asked Him to teach RL to forgive. God knew exactly what happened and we don't. We didn't really see who took it, but He did. So we asked God to handle it. I then asked God to send his comfort and peace to overwhelm RL (so he'd stop crying).

After he calmed down, we assessed what had happened and how it happened. RL told us that when he was in the school bus, about halfway to school, he took out his handkerchief, and the bill fell to the floor. The bus lady saw him pick the money up from the floor and when he was about to put it back in his pant pocket, she goes "Put it in your bag! Put it in your bag!" And so he did. For all to see. There were only two other people in the bus - another first grader and his nanny. RL says his bag stayed next to him the whole time and no one else touched it. Except when the bus lady took it out of the bus when they got to school. It took a while for RL to get off since he sits inside and the other student and his nanny sit closer to the door. So when he got off, the bus lady handed him his bag, and he pulls it to the waiting area (a classroom) where he sits and waits for class. Bag stays next to him the whole time. Bag also stays next to him the whole time in the classroom. Again, no one touched it. After Music, which is the second subject for Tuesday, he decides to take a peek and finds the bill gone! He searches through his whole bag, but it is no longer there.

When I heard his retelling, I wanted to call the bus operator (a co-parent, who also happens to be a lawyer), and tell him about the incident. I also wanted to text the bus lady, but I decided to call KY first. After discussing the whole situation with her, and hearing my own advice to RL and our prayer in that retelling, I couldn't believe I reacted that way. We agreed that I should pray about it first, and that I shouldn't do anything just yet. Besides, we don't really know who took the money.

As I went back to tutoring RL, he tells me that he now feels better, because we had prayed for comfort.

RL: "Mom, why do we have to pray for those who hurt us? For the bad people?"
K: "Because they probably don't know that what they did was wrong."
RL: "But why?"
K: "I don't know..." 

I pause to think a bit, and my thoughts bring me to R and how much he has hurt us, and yet we choose to pray for him. Still.

K: "Because we can't do anything about it, and we can't control them, so we pray for them."
RL: "You know why, Mom? Because that's what Jesus would do. He prayed for those that hurt him. He loves them even if they sin."

Ok, so I learned something from the little boy.

Today, RL learned a good lesson on following Jesus' example. Momma learned that parenting actually is also about teaching yourself as much as it is about making sure your kids grow up to be good people.


"Train children to live the right way, and when they are old, they will not stray from it." Proverbs 22:6 (NCV)

Thank you, Lord, for today.

#RLFunnies | GOD CAN DO EVERYTHING!

Sophie, after her bath at 12midnight!

Let me share a brief backgrounder to this story. Yesterday, right when I got home from work, our nanny tells me that Sophie, our cat, is missing. Not only was she missing, but she has been missing since early afternoon. Apparently, Yaya J searched high and low, to no avail. Long story short, we found the cat. But not after I freaked out, because I spoke to the nanny 3x throughout the day yesterday, and she thought it best not to mention the fact that my baby cat was missing-in-action. Also, it took a while for me to join the hunt because I had to take the kids to the nearby mall to get their visa photos taken. So yes, I was antsy.

While getting the photos, I had a talk with my kids. I learned that they didn't even stop to pray. I asked A if she prayed for God to help her find the cat, and she says she didn't even get to think about praying because right when she came into the courtyard, her nanny quickly asked her to search the attic. RL says he didn't pray as well, but used his magic powers and incredible brain. So I took the opportunity to teach them about seeking God first.

This morning, on the way to school, I quizzed RL to see if he learned anything from last night.

K: "So what was the important lesson you learned last night?"
RL: "To pray!"
K: "Yes, you must always remember to call on God first. If you need help or if you are in trouble, ask God for help. You can say, 'Lord Jesus, help me!' okay?"
RL: "Okay."
K: "Your first reaction should be to ask God first. Don't try to solve things on your own or to ask others before you ask God. He should be the first one you turn to for help. Do you understand?"
RL: "Yes."
K: "Because you know, man can't do everything, but God is all-powerful. He can do anything!"
RL: (silent)

After a few seconds, he blurts out a nagging question.

"So God can lick His elbows?!!"

Hahaha, how would you answer that question? I told him to ask God when He gets the opportunity. Hehehe.

My funny little boy. 

#RLFunnies | Dear God...

Because he was absent from Christian Living class when his teacher explained the Four Kinds Of Prayers, I took it upon myself to teach and explain the lesson to RL the day before he went back to school. Checking their online assignment app, I learned they were having a test on his first day back. So we studied all night.

The next day, I decided it was wise to review the lesson.

K: "I will say a prayer, then let me know what kind of prayer it is, okay?"
RL: "Okay."
K: "God is great. God is good..."
RL: "Adoration!"
K: "Okay, how about... 'Thank you, God, for the food'."
RL: "Thanksgiving!"
K: "How about... 'Bless us, Oh Lord, and these Thy gifts which we are about to receive from Thy bounty, through Christ, our Lord, Amen'?"
RL: "RECESS!"

Yep, I have a silly boy. LOL!

Banking Problems!

BANCO DE ORO
What is it with banks? Today, I've had to deal with two of them. Although I haven't had big problems in the past, today... well today was different.

I received an OTP (one time pin) message from Banco De Oro, informing me that I needed to input the pin for an online purchase. Only I wasn't purchasing anything online. Nor was I on their Online Banking site. I called the hotline and informed them about the situation, plus I wanted to check that the transaction didn't go through.

The girl on the other end of the line kept insisting that the OTP was just to check if my phone was valid and working. I told her (about 5x) that the message said something about the pin being sent for an online purchase. And yet, she refused to listen. After the 5th try, she goes to check with her supervisor. Supervisor apparently claims it could only be two things:

1) Someone was trying to access my online banking account, or
2) I had received a glitch (as they had some sort of a problem two months ago, according to M - the girl on the line).

To which I replied: "Miss, I received a text that said the pin was being sent to me for an online purchase (reads text). So I want to check if there is a floating transaction or a denied one, just so I can be sure someone was indeed trying to use it."

The girl finally understood but said, "Wala naman kayong na-receive na PIN diba? (You didn't receive a PIN anyway, right?)" I did! I just didn't give her the numbers! What if she was the one trying to purchase something?!

This went on for another 3 to 5 minutes, until she goes, "Ma'am, if you want to report this as Credit Card Fraud, we're going to have to block your card."

"Miss, all I want to know is if indeed someone has attempted to use it! And what for?"

She goes back to her supervisor, and he told her to tell me someone may be accessing my Online Banking account. So all I had to do was just change my password. I logged onto the account and it gave me a One Time Pin via text, only with a different message! Online purchase nga yung first text! Haay, these banks! Anyway, after 15 minutes on the phone, she checks my credit card account and verified there weren't any floating amounts.

Miss, that's all I wanted to know.

~~~ * ~~~

BANK OF AMERICA
I have a current (checking) account with Bank of America. Opened it over 22 years ago when I lived in Riverside. Last year, they stopped sending me statements. My last debit card expired in 2008. I haven't received any replacement cards. So I asked their Twitter account for help and was told to call their International Toll-Free Hotline. Today, I called to follow up, and was told that their system reflects my account was closed by BofA last year! And Customer Service agent, Angela, can't even tell me how or why?

I was told the account had an overdraft of about $30+ and that that's all she could see. I have about $4000+ in that particular account, not that big for most of you, but that is BIG for me and the kids. That would pay for A's tuition for the next two years. Big money.

I don't remember ever receiving a notice that they were closing the account down. As far as I know, I've maintained their required minimum balance, and they haven't charged me any service fees for it. Also, I haven't written any checks since the 90s! My last withdrawal of funds was in 2004. And last year, I had filled out and mailed an info form to let them know I was still here, and that I would still want to maintain my account with them.

So why did they close the account?!!! I have yet to call their Recovery Department, but would have to do so between 8AM to 8PM EST! And because it is a different number, it isn't toll-free. *Groan* I've googled and read that BofA is doing the same thing to others. What gives?!

Bank of America, give me my money back, PLEASE!

~~~ * ~~~

If you read this, please say a little prayer of petition for my banking problems. It may not be big compared to others, but for a single mom sending two kids to school (in the Philippines, where schooling isn't free), it is a pretty big deal. Lord, HELP!

Instant!

It's Prayer and Fasting Week at church, and although I've been feeling so out of it early this week, I found myself heading to Greenhills for Bible Study. It was a Wednesday night, and I decided at the very last minute - it was at 630, and I was coded.

But at 645, I decided to just go for it. I got to the center at around 715 - just when they introduced the guest speaker. I had received a text from my small group leader L, so I knew who was speaking. I don't remember ever attending a talk by Pastor Jojo Henson, but knew he had the gift of prophesy. The evening was nothing short of wow. The whole time, I was in awe of God's love.

The message that stuck to my heart that night is short but meaningful - "The Lord can change your circumstances in an instant." Many times, we're quick to doubt even the clearest of promises - yes, even those in the Bible. But God never fails. He always keeps His promises. Oftentimes, man just doesn't know how to hope in God. Plus, it is human nature to always attempt to fix things on your own before remembering to call on the Lord.

Just this week alone, I have been constantly reminded that the Lord is in the business of restoration. But of course, doubt seeps through every crack and cranny of my brain and heart, and I always have this spirit of suspicion and unbelief. Early this week, during quiet time, I felt God telling me that I may doubt the intentions and actions of others, but I should never doubt Him. "I can do all things, Kaye. With me, all things are possible."

Pastor Jojo Henson gave a great example of instant restoration in a story that happened just a few weeks ago.

His son studies in the Taft area, and because they lived in the South, they always meet halfway. He was to pick his son up along Sucat Road that evening, but it was so traffic on the way to Sucat that he decided to call his son, who was then already waiting for him, and they both agreed to see each other at home instead.

On the way home, he notices that traffic to Sucat had eased up so he decides to make a u-turn and headed back to pick up his son. He calls him on his mobile but found that his son wasn't picking up. Which was odd, because he was just speaking to him on the phone less than 5 minutes ago. So he tries and tries and finally, a voice he doesn't recognize picks up. He asked for his son, but the man on the other end ends the call. After trying several times, he calls his other son at home and tells him to try calling his brother's phone. True enough, someone else answers and kills the call.

As with any dad, he was worried. After what seemed like forever, he reaches Sucat Road, and asks his daughter (who was with him in the car) to go out of the car and walk towards the meeting place to see if she sees her brother. Later, he sees his son with his daughter and he gets down to ask what happened.

"Dad, I got held up." 

Apparently, after the last phone call where they had agreed to meet at home, a man puts a sharp object against his side and declares a hold up. Three other guys were with him, and they took his phone and other belongings. He shouts for help, and the men run across the street and away from him. He was about to give chase, when he decides to stop and pray.

"Thank You, Lord, for sparing my life."

And he goes on to lift up his circumstance (and belongings) to God.

After a few minutes, while deciding what to do next, he spots two men - strangers to him - walking across from him, and holding a bag. His bag! So he approaches them and claims the bag as his. The men explained that they saw some guys running away, and felt they didn't own the bag so they got it (I didn't really understand this part but anyway...). So anyway, long story short, he got back his bag and when he opened it, everything was intact! His iPad, his books, his laptop, Touch, etc were all in the bag!

!!!

INSTANT.

How many times do we remember to call on God first? How many times do we remember that we have a BIG GOD? Do we actually believe He is bigger than anything? Bigger than our broken relationship, than our sickness, than our financial problems, etc.?

God can change your circumstances in an instant.

BELIEVE! He is mighty to save!

STOP!

This morning, my good friend L sent me a verse via text. Was too busy to stop and read. I had a rough, rough day. Tuition day tomorrow and I am short. R won't help, and I don't want to fight about money anymore. I cried and asked God so many questions.

Just now, I had to text L for something and stopped to read the verse she sent over 12 hours ago:

"Lord, You are the answer to our questions and the solution to our problems. Only You have the wisdom to work through the storms. In You we find help, and hope, and healing, Amen. Thus says the Lord, the God of David your father: 'I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears'." Isaiah 38:5

AND...

"They cried out to the Lord in their trouble, He saved them out oftheir distresses" Psalm 107:19

And to think I liked her status on FB this morning (which had these verses too)!

When God wants to get His message across, it is useless if we do not stop and listen. Life may go too fast, that we do not even bother listening back after we throw a prayer His way. WE HAVE TO STOP AND LISTEN! Look! He had His promise ready for me even before I asked!

I am expectant, Lord! RAIN DOWN!

Invest for FREE!

What a great weekend! We had an extra long celebration for A, who turned ten last Saturday. Yes, ten! Where did all those years go?

After a long Friday at the office, A and I finally got to catch Hunger Games. I haven't read the book (I started reading Saturday) so I didn't quite know what to expect. Turns out the story line was too disturbing for A (Yes, I've been hiding under a rock and didn't bother reading reviews) and I wasn't quite prepared with her death questions. But God makes all things beautiful! He meant that movie for good. On the way home, I took her Qs as an opportunity to discuss eternity and salvation, and how a relationship with Jesus was necessary for her to overcome death. A has been attending Kids Church and her foundation, although fairly new (a few years), is pretty solid. But our talk about the movie (and a clearer view of how it is to die, yes, thanks to Hunger Games O_o) made her realize what all those Sunday service messages meant. I thank God for the chance to discuss this further with A! What an answered prayer!

Do you pray for your kids? Your loved ones? Do you pray for their salvation? God promises He will save your household from eternal death. All you need to do is believe in Him - that He is Lord and Savior - the only way to Heaven. I have been praying for my kids, for R, and I know this is the best investment I could ever give them. What's more, it is FREE. 

Beautiful Sunday Service yesterday!

Yesterday, as we capped A's birthday weekend with Church, Pastor D confirmed this with his talk! The message this Sunday was about investing in the future of your kids - and how investing in their faith can spell life or death for them. His call to action was for everyone to get on their knees and pray for future generations. To protect them from the sins of their fathers (and mothers!) and introducing them to God. A sound investment that comes FREE, after all, prayer entails nothing but a willing heart open to God.

"My people are being destroyed because they don't know me. Since you priests refuse to know me, I refuse to recognize you as my priests. Since you have forgotten the laws of your God, I will forget to bless your children." - Hosea 4:6 (NLT)

If you've been reading my blog for years, you will remember this post on Generational Curses.

"...I lay the sins of the parents upon their children; the entire family is affected--even children in the third and fourth generations of those who reject me." - Exodus 20:5 (NLT)

This applies to my little family today, and I have been praying (hard!) for curses to be broken. For my kids to live according to God's will, for God to spare them from punishment. It takes more than just praying for that curse to break though.

You have to walk with God. You can't continue sinning and expect God to save your family from the consequences of your sin. Repent and turn away from evil.

Your children have to know the One, True God that saved them from sin. How do you keep them from the curse of their father's sin, if you don't teach them to love God and shun sin themselves? 

If your family means anything to you, link them to the Church, introduce them to God, invest in their faith!

I've often wondered how my life would have turned out if I didn't know the Lord - if I didn't have parents who took time out to pray for me and my salvation. I've been in the pits, and who knows how I would have dealt with life's circumstances if I didn't have God? I recently got to talk to an old friend, and he had asked how it was with the R situation. After a lengthy update as I haven't seen him in years (we were officemates - R, him and me), he exclaimed how great it was that I had God to hold on to. That my parents took time to pray for me. He wondered aloud about possibilities, had I not been a child of God. I am most grateful for that fact - I am thankful that God has His Eyes on me. And that His mercy allows me to live the way He has planned. I am where I am today, because my parents took time to kneel down and pray for me.

"But the love of the LORD remains forever with those who fear him. His salvation extends to the children’s children of those who are faithful to his covenant, of those who obey his commandments!" - Psalm 103:17-18

ARE YOU STORING MERCY FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS? PRAY FOR YOUR CHILDREN. PRAY FOR YOUR FAMILY. MAKE THAT SOUND (and FREE!) INVESTMENT! IT'S THE BEST GIFT YOU CAN EVER GIVE.

~~~

Happy Birthday, A! Momma loves you! God has His Eyes on you. He will never leave you! He has you in the Palm of His Hand. If you stumble and fall, remember this: His mercies are new every morning.

Let Me Tell You a Secret.

Today is R's birthday. Things have been pretty civil (more like nice) between us for a while. Although there are days when I don't hear from him, and days when I don't think about him, things have been pretty much okay.

Two nights ago, over the phone, we talked about past birthdays. And how, during one of those surprise parties I threw for him, he declared to his friends that he will be the best father to A. Bittersweet. And although he isn't exactly the best dad in the world, I'd like to think he is trying his best - at least as best as how he knows 'best' to be. He was never dad, exactly, to M or KY. So he's only had practice with A (a little bit with RL). And he hasn't been there as much, really, for the little boy. Who knows how much of an influence or an inspiration his dad was in terms of being a parent... So yea, I suppose in his eyes, he is doing okay. Not to say, he could be better. But that's just how it is, for now.

An old photo from R's Friendster account, showing him with baby A.
His shirt (sent by a relative from the US) says World's Best Mom. Hehe.

In that same conversation, which turned out pretty pleasant, we talked about that first birthday surprise in Rockwell, 10 years ago (or was it 11? I forget) - one he doesn't quite remember, except for the part where he tells our server his real age, after being sang to and given a brimming bowl of vanilla ice cream. And we had a good laugh about it.

Time flies. There are days when I think about the good times, and then, there are days when I wish the good times overshadowed the bad. Right now, we're okay and the kids are happy. And I guess that holds importance in family relationships, right? I'm not saying we're fixed or we'll ever get to the point where all is well, but right now, we're fine and that's dandy.

And of course, with all this talk about age, the topic of change came up more than once. Last night, I had asked if he thought that at his age, it was okay to be doing what he was doing. He answered in the form of silence. I don't want to appear like the consenting wife, but at this point, I only wish he is safe and is keeping himself protected from harm and disease.

Times have changed and wounds heal. R, sadly, hasn't changed. Today, his phone is ringing off the hook, and he's probably enjoying his day with his "friends" - friends who think they are more important than family... who think it is cool to be part of that secret life R has been living. But guess what? I know a secret you guys don't.

See, a week ago, on one of those late night conversations with R, he mentioned it was his birthday soon, and his friends (who were with him in the car while he was on the phone with me) had asked how old he was going to be. R, nonchalantly, replied he was going to be 30 on his birthday. 30.

A pretty random number now, don't you think?

I somehow recall celebrating the same birthday 10, maybe 11 years ago. And back then, I was caught off guard as I remember him telling me he was only 26!

You do the math.

Happy Birthday, Dad!

Dear Heavenly Father, 

Today, I pray a hedge of protection around R. 

May the blood of Jesus cover him

 and keep him away from sin. 

I also ask that You reveal Yourself to him

 and that he gets to experience Your love

 and how it is to be Your child. 

In Jesus' Name, Amen.

The Devil's Out to Get You!

I came home late last night (not late-late, but later than usual) and found A on the couch eating dinner. I took a second look and saw her crying. So I asked her what was wrong, and she started crying out loud.

Scary, freaking loud.

After a few more tries at asking her what was wrong, she wailed, "The demons are chasing after me!" (more wailing)

"What do you mean? Do you see them coming for you?" (I know, I know, stupid question, but I had images of old men chasing down my daughter, and not the spirit-type-of-demon)

After much prodding, she wails back, "I can't see them, but I feel them!"

The house echoes her cries. I fear that even the nuns across the street think we have Linda Blair happening over at our place. Nyar.

So I march A up to the bedroom, and try again. (Did I mention I was freaking out already, and nearing a major heart attack?)

I called my mom and asked for help. She tells me to pray with A. I was freaking out (Lord, I know I should've reacted in prayer at first option, and I am sorry I gave in to my demons by getting all worked up on what I thought was happening). Sigh.

So we prayed.

And I asked her again. This time, careful with my choice of words. "What was happening? Did someone hurt her? Did something happen in school? Etc? Etc?"

"I feel it because of all the bad stuff happening to me."

Okayyyyy... like what? (For a while there, I expected the daddy-answer and I was ready with my speech on how demons existed, excuse the pun, kekeke)

"Like the things RL does to me." (What? Like how?)

"Like he gets my toys and writes on my notebooks, and he gets a new toy today, and I have to study."

Right.

Credit: http://www.oneupmagazine.co.uk

Anyone here have the demon of sibling rivalry in their home? Turns out, she just woke up from a nap (one I told the nanny she shouldn't take unless she is done with homework and studying for her 4 quizzes for today - note: thank goodness, classes were suspended!) and was scared she was gonna get punished for not studying. And we did stay up 'til past midnight studying because of that nap, and that episode! Read: more huffing and puffing.

Demons. She probably was right. The demons were out to get her. I was livid. And I know I was wrong. She's just nine and is probably as stressed out with school. Sigh.


Pray for us!

Psalm 91

New International Version (NIV)

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High

will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress,

my God, in whom I trust.”

Surely he will save you

from the fowler’s snare

and from the deadly pestilence.

He will cover you with his feathers,

and under his wings you will find refuge;

his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

You will not fear the terror of night,

nor the arrow that flies by day,

nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,

nor the plague that destroys at midday.

A thousand may fall at your side,

ten thousand at your right hand,

but it will not come near you.

You will only observe with your eyes

and see the punishment of the wicked.

If you say, “The LORD is my refuge,”

and you make the Most High your dwelling,

no harm will overtake you,

no disaster will come near your tent.

For he will command his angels concerning you

to guard you in all your ways;

they will lift you up in their hands,

so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.

You will tread on the lion and the cobra;

you will trample the great lion and the serpent.

“Because he loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him;

I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.

He will call on me, and I will answer him;

I will be with him in trouble,

I will deliver him and honor him.

With long life I will satisfy him

and show him my salvation.”