Step by Step String and Nail Art

Here is an art project, my 8 and 10 year old enjoyed doing.  It took us 2 days.You will need paint, a small piece of plyboard, small nails (in the Philippines, we call it pakong bakya), small hammers, colored crochet string and lots of close supervision!

First day: Think of a simple closed shape design to work on. In our case, my daughter chose a fish and my son, a star. After drawing the design on the board using chalk, guide the children in hammering small nails, about 1 centimeter apart on the outline.

 

 Using chalk, draw closed shape on board.

Hammer nails on outline 1 cm apart.

   

Fish outline!

Black background for the star design.

After nails are secured, choose a background color. Paint on the wood and let it dry for a day.

Second day: When paint has dried, start stringing!

Secure with a knot and begin to weave!

Interesting lines!

She chose a blue background for her fish.

Combining two strings!

I had fun, mom! 

I like how the fish smiles and I like his button eyes!

Other closed shapes can be a heart, hexagon, a 5 pointed star, a diamond, an abstract shape, etc.

Our son used a multicolored string while our daughter combined blue and purples string for her artwork. She needed white string to complete the bubbles but we were misplacing the thread. Found it today! She will complete it tomorrow!

The Magnitude of His Love

When I put my small kids to bed, the last thing I say is, “Mom and Dad love you.” Then I wait for their usual reply, “But Jesus loves me best.”  It may seem like a mushy exchange but it is the truth. Young as they are, I would like to instill in them that they receive the best kind of love from the Creator of love. It also implies that there will be times parental love will fall short and during those times, I would want them to remember that God’s love is unchanging.

 As I meditated on Ephesians 3:18, I got excited when I thought of how wide, how long, how high and how deep is that love directed towards us. I burst into thanksgiving as I reflected on this many dimensions and at the many insights it brought forth.

How wide. I drive and it is such a relief to be able to swing into a wide parking slot. I do not need to stress over fitting into a narrow spot. Maybe I am slightly claustrophobic but there is something comforting and stress-reducing about wider streets, wider passageways, and simply having a broad place to move. Crowds can be constricting. Clutter, irksome. But generous widths in relation to space can be a blessing.  

When it comes to love, what does this imply? Wide love. Visually, I imagine arms outstretched and ready to welcome me, in whatever state I am. I remember how I was told at one time that I did not need to fix my life first before coming to Jesus, because it was His wisdom and strength that would do the fixing. Much like the thief on the cross that humbly asked Jesus to remember him. How forgiving and accepting Jesus was!

God’s wide love embraces all, whoever, wherever, whenever, both the best and worst in each of us. My son said, “It is so wide. God loves even those who don’t believe in Him.” And His wide love invites, not forces or pressure us to change but inspires us to turn to Him and away from the worst in us. Psalm 18:19 tells of God’s roomy love, “He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me.”

How long.  If God were not patient with me, where would I be now? When I read the Old Testament, I feel so “spared” and at the same time ashamed at how I take God’s grace for granted. Accounts like the Great Flood, or when snakes were sent to discipline the grumbling crowd, leprosy to warn the rebellious, even, the earth swallowing an entire family!! It just dawned upon me that it is not too far from calamities that upset nations today. Despite rampant unfaithfulness in His creation, He shows compassion and continues to be slow to anger and rich in mercy, giving us the opportunity to repent.

More importantly, how long can also refer to what lengths God has gone to demonstrate His love for us. I remember Romans 5:8, “For God demonstrates His own love for us in this, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” To think I am unworthy and unloved is an affront to Him who suffered and was forsaken for my sake. (Would I give up any of my children for a good person? Perhaps, but it will not be willingly. For a rebellious person? No comment.)

How high. As the song goes, “So high, can’t get over it.” I’ve always heard it said that we can never “outgive” God. We can never “outlove” Him either. Psalm 103:11 declares, “For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him.” Immeasurable love.

Many occasions in the past, I would be astounded by God’s goodness. The moment I think that He has blessed me with so much I could not ask for more, He will yet surprise me with another blessing. Inexhaustible supply.

Not only is His love high but also His thoughts and ways are high. My kids play Lego and they build cities, role play using the different mini figures that live in their cities, always having a bird’s eye view and in steady control of every situation. Similarly, I know that God sees the entire spectrum. He is in charge, misses out on nothing and most definitely knows better than I.

And His purpose is to train me to think the way He does!

How deep. I have not experienced falling into any hole that I could not get out off. The deepest I have gone underground was when I had the opportunity to descend (about 70 steps) into the Luray Caverns in Shenandoah Valley in Virginia. And after a tour, we were guided to the exit.

But, many times, I have fallen into emotional pits of disappointment that can spiral downward into thoughts of resentment, disillusionment and self-pity. If not for the arms of God that are never too short to reach any depth, I would probably still be lost. And thank God for His Spirit that renews my mind and leads my depressing thoughts into all truth.

Psalm 139:8 says, “If I go up to the heavens, You are there; if I make my bed in the depths, You are there. How foolish is man to want to make his bed in the depths!  And so amazing is God’s grace that we cannot run from His Presence. Just like the magnificent stalactite and stalagmite formations, the majestic chasms and stone pillars, and crystal clear waters that await every visitor in the chambers of Luray Caverns, God is my treasure in the deep. His penetrating Presence lifts me out of despondency.

Rejoice, for we are surrounded by His incredible love! No matter who you are, where you are, how you are, I wish you Ephesians 3:18, “And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is.”

W.A.I.T. Training

Therefore I will look unto the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me. Micah 7:7

The year is about to close and many of us look back with thankfulness. How God’s abundant grace has sustained and kept us through 2011’s ups and downs.   Relationships intact, goals met—grateful and satisfied with chapters ending and new ones beginning.

What about goals unmet, dreams on hold, expectations and relationships hanging?

Sometime this year, the home schooled daughter of a friend conducted a seminar called “Wait Training” for tweens  (10-12 year olds) and teens. Such a fitting title to encourage these young ones to stay pure in all areas of their lives.  As I mulled over such a creative title, I thought about how we all needed this kind of “wait” training. Expectation to realization can take longer than usual. Is it possible to wait with grace?

Admittedly, I can be very impatient. I despise traffic, long queues, long processes and there have been times, I would lose my cool and along the way, exasperate my hubby or step on toes (little ones L).  I have tried again and again to be patient but I kept falling into a sinful response. Then I realized how patience is a fruit of the Spirit (See Galatians 6:22). When I believed in Jesus, was I not sealed with the Spirit? It dawned upon me that I had the supernatural power to be patient, I was just not appropriating it.

Many, many  times the Lord calls us to wait. I believe with the call, comes the enabling.  On my own, I revert to my impatient self. Only when I admitted my helplessness and expressed my need for the Spirit to empower me (confidently believing in His promise to complete the work He began in me), did I begin to experience true change.

In life, many situations put us in a position to wait. As young children, we were told to wait our turn, to wait to grow taller; as tweens, wait for puberty; as teens, for legal age; as an adult, for God’s appointed spouse, for our firstborn, wait in line for check-ups, for pedia visits, on to more complex things: for conditions to heal, for a break in home school, for people to reconcile, debts to be paid, etc.  And in my many encounters with waiting, I have a choice: to wait constructively or destructively. The former is possible by grace, the latter is inevitable when I give in to frustration and fret. This destructive response gets me nowhere. I am grateful for discovering some practical things I can do to wait with grace. Hope this helps you while you W.A.I.T.

WORSHIP.  I believe in the sovereignty of God. Even if my schedule goes haywire, His never does. This calms me as I wait, knowing that He is in complete control. I may feel unproductive as I wait, but I have seen how trusting in Him accomplishes so much more than fretting.  I nurture that trust by focusing on God’s character. As I wait, I make time to listen to songs of praise and worship or pray alphabet or acronym worship. “Lord, You are Almighty, Bountiful, Comforting, Delightful, Eternal,…”  or  “Lord, thank you for being Loving, Omnipresent, Radiant, Divine.”

In no time, my mind is flooded with memory after memory of His goodness and love lifting me to a new level of worship.

APPRECIATION. I am aware that there are those who are also waiting like me, and we all need encouragement in the process. Take time to touch lives. Whether it is an inspirational text, an uplifting call, or a refreshing note, it does not take much to brighten someone’s day.

INTERCESSION. The Free Online dictionary defines intercession as entreaty in favor of another, especially a prayer or petition to God in behalf of another. Jesus interceded for Peter that his faith may not fail. We are called to pray for one another. This is a powerful privilege that gets easily set aside by urgent concerns.  How ironic! Engaging in more prayer can actually ease the way for me, protecting me and others from urgent things!

Whether it is at the check out counter, paying toll, or waiting for my children to come home from school, or longing for Jesus’ second coming, I can be a blessing by praying for others.  I love using appropriate Scripture when interceding because I know the Lord, who authored those words, is agreeing with me J

Are you familiar with interceding using your fingers as your guide? Email me, if interested and I can share with you this cool intercession tool.

THANKSGIVING.  Finally, T is for thanksgiving. As I wait, I count my blessings.  Some Christmases ago, a dear friend gave me a small calendar and she challenged me to fill it up with a blessing a day. The calendar is a reminder to me of God’s promise that goodness and mercy shall follow me all my days. Why don’t you try this out in 2012? You will hold in your hand unmistakable proof of God’s faithfulness!

So when you anticipate that waiting will be part of your day, pack a small worship notebook, an empty notecard, Scripture verses and a small calendar to complete your WAIT training bag! Here’s to lighter and brighter waiting times!

Be encouraged, “Each day without the rain brings the rain one day closer.”  (Precious Ramotswe)

When Trials Come

Do problems surprise you? Do they suck the life out of you? Do disruptions derail and discourage you? I am asking these questions because I need to know that I am not alone. Instead of seeing problems as opportunities, I would often stumble.

Disheartened, provoked, disappointed, annoyed. Why is my attitude this way? Aside from selfishness, I have discovered that my aversion for trials is also due to inexperience. I grew up sheltered, living a comfortable and predictable life with loads of encouragement and family affirmation and with as little inconvenience as possible. I enjoyed fairy tales and trusted the erroneous promise of “happily ever after” on earth. That kind of life does not provide sufficient preparation to face frequent visits from obstacles and difficulties! 

What a blessing that our Maker is committed to completing His work in our lives and by His grace, He is training me to take hold of His liberating perspective on trials and inspiring me as a parent to train our children as well, that they may be equipped to hurdle tough situations and hard times.

Jesus’ words in John 16:33 carry instructions, once applied, empower us to rise above difficulties and limitations. “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

As I mulled over His words, I was struck by three things that Jesus reveals:  the reality, the response and the reward.

The Reality. The Seat of Wisdom and Source of Truth, Jesus, guarantees that there will be problems—many problems.  Watch the news, no one is spared. We live in a fallen world and are bound to hurt and be hurt. Pursuing a problem-free life on earth is a myth. And I am a victim of that myth, hence, the resistance to trials.

It is comforting that Jesus is the one sharing this grim reality. He sees the need for us to know. Perhaps accepting the reality of trials prepares us for it and motivates us to adapt to life’s many interruptions. The Sovereign Lord has a purpose for all, including our trials.

Pursuing peace in right circumstances is also a myth.  And again, I am a frustrated victim because there are just situations that I can’t fix. I distinctly recall that prolonged season without a helper and how I repeatedly found and lost one. Oh, what peace I often forfeit searching where it is not.  Jesus is clear: peace is found in Him. Period.

Accept that life is not problem-free. Know that Jesus is aware of every difficulty we face and seek His response.

The Response.  Jesus lovingly instructs us, “Take heart”.  He foreknew that many would struggle in this area. Other versions say, “Not to lose heart, to be of good cheer, to be brave.” Obviously, when I get disheartened, when I fret, when I get provoked by trials, I am not taking heart.

There is a similar explanation of the idiom from blurtit.com. “The words "take heart" are used together as an idiom that encourages one to be brave and courageous. It is a way of telling another that all is not lost and to keep hope. It is used when one seems to be giving up hope or facing dreadful odds.”

How is it possible to respond supernaturally? How is it possible to overcome the temptation to lose heart and any other temptation for that matter? “Because,” Jesus says, “I have overcome the world.” The strength to overcome is found in God and our knowledge of who He is.

Take heart, for with God all things are possible. He is for my welfare and not against me. He faced every temptation I have and is greater than the Tempter. He has sealed me with His Spirit and has promised to never leave nor forsake me. He is able to work all my trials out for good, and has a tearless eternity in store for those who believe.

I have fumbled, but am now learning as a trial comes, to make Jesus, my first stop. I thank Him for always being in control and declare my trust in Him. Focusing on who He is decreases the size of any threat.  The trial loses its power to harm me, enabling me to face the situation with renewed hope and courage.

The Reward.  Trials have a way of revealing the condition of my heart. What are my fears? What am I clinging to apart from Christ?

As I mull over the last five lines of Jesus, “I have overcome the world,” I repent over the times that I have allowed the world and what it represents to take center stage, rendering it more important, when it is alas, but a defeated foe. How insignificant it is in relation to the immensity of Christ, the final authority over all things. How He is far more valuable than anything this world offers.  He is the prize.  

When problems knock on our door, the Lord of the universe invites us to face it together. Take His yoke that is easy, and his burden that is light. Take heart, like He did when He walked this earth and experience Christ in you, the hope of glory!  

Prepare Him Room

“Let every heart, prepare Him room.” Are we preparing room for Jesus this Christmas? Or are our calendars filled with shopping lists, guests and to-do lists, reunions and office parties? For several Christmases I have had the sad experience of getting lost in gift wrapper. I am just as guilty as the inn keepers during that first Christmas where they shook their heads signifying no more room for the coming King.

This year, I have resolved to make an effort to keep the main thing, the main thing. And the main thing is to celebrate Christ! Here are some ways to honor the Celebrant this season:

START CELEBRATION WITH THANKSGIVING. Did you know that Thanksgiving is not only celebrated in the US? Countries like Argentina, Grenada, Japan and the Netherlands also have Thanksgiving. Why not the Philippines? We have adopted this celebration---our own version, starting last year and it has been a blessing. We share a special meal and we give thanks, not only for the good things but also for circumstances that we cannot change. We also take time to thank one another and affirm each other’s strengths. We can do this any day.

WRAP & PRAY. Many of us are gift-givers. As we wrap those gifts, take time to pray for the person you will be giving the gift to. We all need prayers especially those who have yet to receive the best gift of all.

CHRIST IN THE CAROLS. My family enjoys music and we sing carols during holidays. This year, I plan to challenge them to find the gospel message or the true meaning of Christmas in familiar carols such as Hark the Herald, Joy to the World or O Come All Ye Faithful. You can also take it to the next level and discover the origin of the songs. Did you know that Joy to the World is inspired by Psalm 98? And it was written by Isaac Watts after he told his father that the songs in church were too solemn that it made him sleepy?

MEDITATING ON THE MANGER. We have a traditional wooden Belen that we set up every Christmas. After reading the Christmas story from the bible, we reflect on the different elements and characters and ask one another, “Who or what is your favorite and why?” I remember my answer last year. I said, “Joseph” because his obedience, despite the cost, inspired me. A memorable answer was given by my daughter. “Jesus, because He is the specialest!”

When our kids were younger, I can never forget the costume dinner we had. Yes, we chose a character in the manger to role play during dinner. My son, his yaya and I were shepherds. My daughter was an angel and my husband, a sheep. A visiting aunt and our gardener were kings and our cook was Mary! It is still the funniest Christmas memory I have. I remember how my daughter bowed down to worship the baby in the manger. I do recall the baby wrapped in swaddling clothes looked very much like Ernie of Sesame Street.

CHRIST CENTERED MEALS. After dinner last Sunday, each dressed in either red or white, we read aloud the familiar story of the candy cane and was reminded of Jesus, our sinless Savior and Great Shepherd. (You may email me for a copy of the story.) What a delight to dip candy canes in hot choco! It tasted minty. Mint chocolate is my favorite!

One Christmas, using folded tracing paper, with tea lights lit in the middle, we created our own lanterns. We made several of them and lit them all around the dining room. Then, we talked about the nature of light and celebrated Jesus as the Light of the world. I think we will do that again this year. I just discovered that there are lantern bags on sale in bookstores.

Invite a friend or a couple to join you as you celebrate Jesus!

CHRIST-CENTERED TAGS. Personalized tags are very popular. Why not Christ-centered tags? One Christmas, I was able to google an image of Santa kneeling by the baby in the manger. Visualize it. I thought it was a powerful illustration of who the real star of Christmas is. I pasted this image on the tags of gifts I gave to my young nephews, nieces and godchildren.

A SPECIAL PLACE ON THE TABLE. One Christmas a dear friend gave me a placemat to remind me of Jesus’ place in my life. It reminded us to set a special place for Jesus on our dining table. There we laid a cake and a candle because are we not celebrating His birth? Singing Happy Birthday to Him affirms His constant presence in our midst. Emmanuel, God with us.

A DATE WITH THE LORD. Take time out on your own to reflect on the year that was. With your planner in hand, check out the times Jesus showed Himself faithful as Provider, as Shepherd, as your Comforter, as Father, as Protector, as a Friend, as your Refuge and Help, as your source of wisdom, as your Prince of Peace. Thank Him, praise Him, worship Him!

PRAY FOR OPEN HEARTS. Still the best way to keep the main thing, the main thing is to share with others why Jesus came. Jesus is the greatest gift selflessly sent by the Greatest Giver to heal our greatest problem of sin. John 3:16 declares, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”  Last week, I met Nino, a watchmaker on a wheelchair and I had the privilege of sharing with Him the message of salvation. Pray for opportunities to share and for hearts to make room for the best gift. Let earth receive her King!   

Let There Be Light

I used to look at creation as just the beginning of it all but I now recognize the love of God at work before any of us was born, carefully preparing a place for His creation to inhabit.

One of the first things that God created was light. Back then, He knew how we would need it. I contemplated on why it was one of the first and I came up with a string of realizations that has deepened my appreciation for light and for the Giver of light.

As I focused on the characteristics of light, I realized more and more the wisdom behind this wonderful creation.

Light reveals. Without light, I cannot read His Word. I cannot know God the way He wants to be known. I cannot see myself, who I really am, physically or spiritually. Part of aging is the weakening of eyesight. It amazes me how what I frustratingly try to configure under a light bulb, I can discern so well in broad daylight. Light helps me see and discover things.

Light directs. It guides me to see where I came from, where I am and where I need to go. It allows me to look upon the faces of those I love and see their needs.

Light empowers. It helps me see my way, especially in the dark. It allows me to be productive even in the dark. Case in point: at this very moment I am writing this article late at night so naturally, I need light to accomplish this. Just heard of this new lipstick that has a built in mirror--- and light. Sounds useful!

Light exposes. Darkness hides. When I make a mistake, I don’t naturally want it broadcasted. The less people know the better. But God always knows and the light of His truth exposes unrighteousness--wrongs that need to be made right. When it is out in the open, it can be addressed.

After it exposes, light convicts. Unrighteousness revealed calls for repentance. Sin ignored can cause greater harm. I have observed when housekeeping, mess unattended to declines into more disorder. Even if you switch off the light at night and ignore it, daylight will expose it and it is an eyesore. A clean up is in order and light speeds it up.

It does not only expose darkness and convict us of unrighteousness, light also dispels darkness.  I marvel at how one candle can prevail over the darkness in a closed area.

Light protects. There are ditches, holes, ledges that you can trip over as you walk. Light enables you to avoid these obstacles. Similarly, light helps me identify the enemy, his lies and his schemes. From this, I can flee or “praypare” to engage in battle.

Light gives hope. Oh, how I need this! Psalm 112 verse 4 says. “Light arises in the darkness…” No matter how thick the darkness that engulfs us, light will come to dispel it. Moreover, the light of the morning reminds me of the Lord’s mercies which are new. That is an untried, inexhaustible, fresh supply of divine mercy available daily.

Did not Jesus say that He is the Light of the world? Does He not use His word to reveal, direct, empower, expose, convict, deliver, protect and give hope?

Just like light, water and bread are just some of the things that the Lord Jesus used to describe Himself. Everyday necessities that we can relate with and many, including myself, cannot do without.

When the world was formless, God spoke creation into being. In a world that is decaying and growing darker, we need the Light of the World to dispel and overcome that darkness. And like those first spoken words that brought forth great wonders, providing us with what we needed for life, so shall these words declare all we ever need and much more, “Let there be…JESUS.”   

Finding Fortune in Unfortunate Events

“Let us not give up meeting together as some are in the habit of doing – but let us encourage one another…” Recently, we experienced an uplifting get-together, when several other couples from our community met for fun, fellowship and food. Our objective was to celebrate with thanksgiving the completion of a project accomplished by prayer and combined efforts of the couples present. It was also an opportunity for us to apply the Sunday message on being thankful.

We asked the group to think of a recent unfortunate event, an unpleasant circumstance or experience that did not turn out the way they wanted.  Then we instructed them to go treasure hunting by reviewing the unfortunate event and searching for things they can still thank God for. We usually give thanks only when good things happen. Are we not instructed to “Give thanks in all circumstances?”  

That evening we had the privilege of enjoying the treasure found by two mothers and a son.

One mother shared how bad news turned into good. A loyal household helper of more than 15 years was devastated when her teen age son, who happened to be a scholar, got an older girl pregnant! Pain of betrayal and broken dreams caused tears to flow from their helper. Her pain was shared by her employers and most specially their teen-age daughters. Their devoted “yaya” was hurting and so were they. This incident became a true-to-life illustration of the dangers of exclusive relationships at a young age, which was just shared to them at church.  “Our pastor was right, mom.”  Their yaya’s sorrow strengthened their resolve to avoid serious relationships at this time to free them from distraction, immorality and unnecessary pain!

To reinforce this principle, another mother shared how a relationship gone sour made her son realize the value of obedience to parents and, God-dependence over independence. As parents, they advised their sons to make a lot of friends in high school and reserve exclusive relationships for later. Their eldest son, however, chose otherwise.  He courted a girl who eventually answered him.  Unfortunately, the relationship went from bad to worse to the boy’s hurt. And also the family’s. Isn’t it when one part of the body is aching, a stubbed toe, a toothache, a migraine… the entire body gets affected?

Though scarred and shaken, her son has learned that choices have consequences, and it is wise to take his parents’ instructions more seriously. Finding an ally in Jesus, her son has found new courage and strength in frequent prayer. For these invaluable lessons, his mom is grateful.

The only male sharer was a son who lost his own mother, who was bed-ridden for the last 30 years, on Mother’s Day.  First and foremost, he was thankful that he had an earlier opportunity to share clearly what Jesus did for her on the cross. Jesus paid her penalty, died that she may live and partake in life everlasting. Her son knew because of his mom’s faith in Jesus, she had passed from death to a new, glorious life. No longer bed-ridden but standing in splendor and free in eternity. Such comfort this truth brings.

Despite the turbulent weather the weekend she died, with all local flights cancelled, he and his wife still managed to have two seats in a bus. Thankfully he was able to join his relatives and experience a meaningful memorial service. There, he heard of how his mom’s uncomplaining attitude amazed and ministered to those who cared for her and visited her. In her weakness, she gave strength to many.  Moreover,   many unexpected and sympathetic friends were deeply moved by the wake service. It was one of the most spiritually uplifting services they attended. Clearly, his precious mom’s death was an instrument to bring Christ’s love and life to many.  What an extraordinary Mother’s Day!

Perhaps like me, you are in the middle of an unpleasant circumstance or a seemingly unfortunate event. Our limited perspective can deceive us from seeing the big picture. Perhaps we need new eyes to see beyond the problem that we may count it all joy.  It is my prayer that as we seek the good in our situation, as we search for hidden treasure and as our hearts and lips give thanks, we will not be disappointed. No testimony without a test. No message without a mess. The Lord promises to grant unexplainable peace and blessing as we chose to trust that He is more than able to work all things out (all includes your perplexing dilemma) for our good in His terms, in His time and for His glory!