Thiry-two Things that Change when You have a Baby

by Rebecca Woolf

What changes when you have a baby? A better question may be: What doesn't change? Here, writer and mom Rebecca Woolf lists her most notable post-baby observations. Then scroll down to read our favorite comments from readers about how their babies changed their lives.

1. You finally stop to smell the roses, because your baby is in your arms.

2. Where you once believed you were fearless, you now find yourself afraid.

3. The sacrifices you thought you made to have a child no longer seem like sacrifices.

4. You respect your body ... finally.

5. You respect your parents and love them in a new way.

6. You find that your baby's pain feels much worse than your own.

7. You believe once again in the things you believed in as a child.

8. You lose touch with the people in your life whom you should have banished years ago.

9. Your heart breaks much more easily.

10. You think of someone else 234,836,178,976 times a day.

11. Every day is a surprise.

12. Bodily functions are no longer repulsive. In fact, they please you. (Hooray for poop!)

13. You look at your baby in the mirror instead of yourself.

14. You become a morning person.

15. Your love becomes limitless, a superhuman power.

And from our readers...

1. "You discover how much there is to say about one tooth." — Ashley's mom

2. "You finally realize that true joy doesn't come from material wealth." — Anonymous

3. "You now know where the sun comes from." — Charlotte

4. "You'd rather buy a plastic tricycle than those shoes that you've been dying to have." — Sophie's mom

5. "You realize that although sticky, lollipops have magical powers." — Roxanne

6. "You don't mind going to bed at 9 p.m. on Friday night." — Kellye

7. "Silence? What's that?" — Anonymous

8. "You realize that the 15 pounds you can't seem to get rid of are totally worth having." — Brenda

9. "You discover an inner strength you never thought you had." — Ronin and Brookie's mom

10. "You no longer rely on a clock — your baby now sets your schedule." — Thomas' mom

11. "You give parents with a screaming child an 'I-know-the-feeling' look instead of a 'Can't-they-shut-him-up?' one." — Jaidyn's mom

12. "Your dog — who used to be your 'baby' — becomes just a dog." — Kara

13. "You take the time for one more hug and kiss even if it means you'll be late." — Tracey

14. "You learn that taking a shower is a luxury." — Jayden's mom

15. "You realize that you can love a complete stranger." — Dezarae's mom

16. You find yourself wanting to make this world a better place. — Arizona

17. If you didn’t believe in love at first sight before, now you do! — Ciara

You Are Pleasing to God!

For those people who wants TRUE PEACE, this is for all of you! God bless! Shalom!

You Are Pleasing to God!

Today's Scripture

"Before you were ever formed in your mother's womb, God saw you and He approved you." (Jeremiah 1:5)

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

You are approved by Almighty God! You are created in His image and you're the apple of His eye. You did not choose God, but He chose you and He is pleased with you–His most precious creation.

Notice that verse doesn't say that God approves you as long as you don't have any faults, or as long as you don't make any mistakes. No, God approves you unconditionally. No matter how many weaknesses you may think you have today, no matter how many times you fall in your walk with the Lord, you've got to get right back up again and hold your head up high. Don't allow the enemy to bring strife into your life by deceiving you into thinking that you are not "good enough" for the plan of God. Stand strong in your thoughts about yourself knowing that not only have you been chosen, but you are approved by Almighty God.

A Prayer for Today

God, remind me that no matter how many times I fail or fall short of Your expectations, You have already given me Your eternal "stamp of approval." I was made in Your image. Help me to have a healthy, positive self image so I can face the world with confidence. In Jesus' name – Amen.

James Parmis Ministries - www.JamesParmis.com

Goodbye Lola Yoda

Thoughts: New things come after Old things. An old-long life has ended. I now hope that a new life will start. It is painful to have someone leave this world even if we knew it was her time. Now I wonder how much joy can we gain when someone new will be born..
Music: Amazing Grace by Leanne Rimes (I sang this song for her last night in Knox United Methodist Church, Sta. Cruz, Manila)



Moja's Blog:
Our Lola Yoda, real name Lola Emiliana, died last Wednesday January 16. She had reached 92 years and should be 93 on July 20. She died because of her old age. She was still singing hymns on her bed. She could still recognize some visitors. She didn't feel too much pain. She died happily. We thank God for his faithfulness to our grandmother. God has promised abundant blessings for us all because of her. She hoped hard. She prayed hard. We love her so much.

Lola Yoda, you told me I am your Princess. You love me and my name Lea because it was taken from the bible - your only granddaughter with a biblical name. You are always proud of me when I sing, your Princess Lea. But Lola, I always sing because I know my grandma will be so happy to hear me sing for her and her God.

I promise to pass on the richness of God's grace and mercy in our family. I'll do my best to hope in the Lord always. We will never waste what you have started. You are my inspiration. We will preserve and gain more of God's blessings. We will reach more souls as what you've accomplished even to your death. In Jesus'name. Amen.

It takes more than a Carrot and a Stick

Practical Ways for Getting Along with People You Can't Avoid at Work

by Wess Roberts

Long title huh? I bought this book from NBS at Katips. I was actually contemplating over with a bridal magazie since I'm getting married next year. But then, I felt that I need to read this book first. You know, how to deal with different kinds of people. People are not the same. Even if we belong to the same religion or nationality, a person still has his or her own kind of insanity... i mean personality. Hehe. And I believe it is applicable not only for secular work relationships but also in the ministry.

Since I feel lazy yet compelled to write about this book, I copy-pasted a comment about it.

Coworker relationships influence quality of life, both on and off the job. Wess Roberts shows how workplace colleagues can get along, whether their natural personalities mesh like gears or clash like cats and dogs. It Takes More Than a Carrot and a Stick provides practical tips and surefire tactics for working with anyone. The book addresses how to get along with the 15 self-limited character types commonly encountered at work, from "Imperious Jerks" to "Perpetual Victims." Roberts walks the reader through each character type, giving concrete advice on how to thrive with others.

While reading, I remember some people I've met. Hehe. Have you ever read then all of a sudden this person's face pops out? Hehe. I laughed at them and understood these personalities. Roberts wrote the book in a very easy-to-read manner. No hifaluting words. I cried laughingly to their description and nodded to tips how to deal with them.

Quest for Character

by Charles R. Swindoll

When you are fully convinced, a new dimension of your character will take shape. And as that occurs, two things will happen: (1) Your strings will be cut, (2) You'll be free, indeed! And surpirse! You'll find that lonely hitchhiker you left miles back sitting in the passenger seat right beside you.. smiling every mile of the way.

I fully recommend this book. I got this from our shelves in school where I teach Languages. My prayer is that you will see only Jesus Chirst as mentor of your character not other people, including me. I suggest that you should understand the meaning of your ministry as God's advocate to disciple others and NOT to flaunt your explicit knowledge of Christianity. There are many differences. No camps and leadership trainings that offer the Most Holy and Righteous Servanthood but through Jesus alone. May you be enlighted and find peace in Jesus. May you be filled of the Holy Spirit and be cleansed from any SINS and be healed from any PAIN that others have caused you, including me.

Counselling from other people is helpful but to really release your pain to God, you will be completely healed and be made whole again. I pray God will empower your ministry whether in campuses, at church or at the market place. Remember that a minister CAN NOT give what she/he is lacking. Your cup should be full first before ministering. You CAN NOT disciple if you are not fully armed yourself.

Above all, Mercy and Grace are available at the seat of God. Be beautiful both outside and inside. Forget about your diet, your colored contact lens and your outfit if it goes with your short hair. If you haven't changed your perception about life which God gave you and other people around you, maybe including me, your faith is as dull as dry hair.