Blessings

To My Son (My Silent Strength)

JM Perez By JM Perez2 min read1.3K views

“You have filled my heart with great joy. It is greater than the joy of people who have lots of grain and fresh wine.” ― Psalm 4:7 (NIRV)

I woke up feeling thankful this morning. Perhaps it had something to do with the sun streaming through the windows or the sweet sound of my Son’s voice echoing through the house. He turned 6 today and remembered we promised to take him to a fun place. It’s amazing how one simple action can change so much …

He is the complete opposite of his Sister: he is calm while she is feisty and together they form the perfect and inseparable pair. He is the one who literally kept me safe and sane while I was pregnant with his Sister. I remember and I will cherish those moments forever. He is handsome, respectful, mindful, smart, determined, a storyteller and an artist. He loves Muscle Cars (which he collects) and has been drawing since the age of two and a half.

My Son and Silent Strength.

Being a Mother has affected everything in my life. It has made me more productive, a better achiever, a better wife (mother, daughter, sister, friend, neighbor, a better somebody) as well as a happier and positive person. I thank God everyday for giving me such a generous and ever so sweet Child.

“Learning who our children are and shaping who they will become is one of the most rewarding and ultimate pleasures of parenting.” Joan Ambu

I’m so grateful to you, my Child, for everything you add into my life. I cannot imagine life without you. You have taught me so much with your innocence and generosity. I’ve been blessed in so many ways because of you. I hope you grow up to become a positive force in the Universe. You are my little boy who isn’t so little anymore. May your star shines forever as we do our best to raise you in a safe and loving home.

God bless you on your special day.

We Love You Tremendously,
Mom, Dad & Sister ♥

“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” ― Numbers 6:24-26 (NIV)

Reminiscence

JM Perez By JM Perez2 min read889 views

“The best effect of fine persons is felt after we have left their presence.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson

I remember as a little girl, sitting right across my sister and mimicking her every move. While most little girls thought their Mothers were the most beautiful person in the World, I thought and I knew my Sister was the most beautiful person in the World. I loved and admired her so much that I was for her and into her. Though she loved to tease me, she always made sure I was taken care of. She was three classes ahead of me and at the end of school she would wait for my brother and me and together we would walk back home. Sometimes during rainy days, when the thunder would be so severe that I couldn’t sleep, I would jump off my bed running to her for comfort.  She would always receive me with open arms. Those are blessed good old memories.

Today marks the fifteen anniversary of her death and the fourteen of my beloved grandmother. In the mean time I have had the opportunity to find out my strengths and weaknesses, as well as whatever else I am made of. Over the years, my faith has been tested (and is still being tested) in so many ways and stretched in all directions to mold me. Mold Me Lord, shape me, feed me Lord. With your knowledge that I may absorb and retain …

As I am looking forward to seeing what He has in store for me, I now have a good idea of why I am still here and what He desires from me. I am in awe of Him and the transformations in my Life.

There isn't a day that goes by where I don't, at some point, think of you.
Image Source: Pinterest.

CANDLE-LIGHT

Day has its sun,
And night the stars.
But God has candle-light.
Upon the world’s great candle-stick He sets
The little taper of yourself ashine,
That when the sun has sputtered out
And all the stars are dead,
Your immortality may flame and burn
Across His infinite immensity forever.

Wherefore He will sometime blow out the sun,
And snuff the stars,
Preferring candle-light.

Sister M. Madeleva, C.S.C.

“So shall My word be that goes forth from my mouth; It shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.” — Isaiah 55:11 (NKJV)

To My Daughter

JM Perez By JM Perez2 min read701 views

“I always thank God for you because of His grace given you in Christ Jesus.” ― 1 Corinthians 1:4 (NIV)

My little girl. My amazing and affectionate little girl turned 3 today! She came down with the stomach flu and a slight fever a few days ago and has recovered in time for her birthday, which she has been looking forward to celebrating. She has been straightforward about what she wants and postponing 2 and 3 on her list is the right thing to do, as she can be contagious for a few more days after recovery. Here’s her wish list:

  1. No Cake this year, just pink Cupcakes
  2. Go to the Movies
  3. Go to Disneyland (and meet ‘Mimi’, again)
  4. Pink and White balloons

I am blessed to be the one she calls “Mom”. I feel tremendously blessed to have a beautiful, healthy, smart and happy daughter that the Lord has blessed me with. Even though I birthed her, I know she belongs to the Lord and I am eternally grateful that He would trust me with her life. I hope I can live up to some of His expectations.

For her third birthday, we added a lot more to her Strawberry Shortcake collection by bringing in some gorgeous vintage dolls and accessories. She loved them all, but not as much as she loved her Just Like Home 40 Piece Pearlized Tea Set which we bought from Toys”R”Us®. We got something for big Brother too, who was so helpful in planning the surprise and doing the countdown. The party has been postponed …

I bought her first Pendant necklace: a Lamb! It’s a beautiful and fun Pendant necklace in a matching velour hinged Lamb box. The pendant hangs on an 18″ chain, it’s made of genuine European crystals and 18 kt gold finish. The pendant is part of an Animal series collection and you can get one for your child on PetCollection.com.

Lamb Pendant in matching velour hinged Lamb box.
Lamb Pendant in matching Lamb box.
1984 Rose Petal Place Doll & Rose Petal Roadster.
1984 Rose Petal Place Doll & Rose Petal Roadster.

We were blessed with a beautiful, warm and peaceful day; filled with love, laughter, gifts, loving memories and lots of hugs and kisses. Everyone is grateful and content. There will be some storytelling in a little while and then we will watch movies for the rest of the night. Today is a good day.

Hello Kitty Cake and Cupcakes.

A heartfelt Thank You, to Family and Friends, who made her day so special and fun!

“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” ― Numbers 6:24-26 (NIV)

An Unexpected Blessing

JM Perez By JM Perez2 min read1.5K views

No matter which time or season of the year is it, one thing I love about Holidays is that the Universe always conspires in our favor to make it a good day. A memorable day. Sometimes tragedy strikes and when that happens, we get trapped in our own gray clouds and we stop seeing beauty in the World. Words become silent. People become invisible. We feed, breathe, eat and live on our pain.

I know it all too well. Although it never comes to pass, some days are better than others. As time goes by, the emptiness gets filled with acceptance and gratitude. Tragedy is always devastating and God’s compassion’s are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23). The unfathomable love of God comforts, liberates, transforms, strengthens, renews and restores.

Just because something didn't work out according to the way you planned it, doesn't mean it didn't work out for the best. Blessings are often disguised as pain first.
Image Source: SearchQuotes.com.

An unexpected Blessing to me is an answer to a Prayer said, trusting that God will get to it, no matter how long it takes. Such blessings usually come in small packages and gives so much joy to the receiver. After planting and watering my last bulbs, I decided to check the mailbox. Even though I wasn’t expecting any delivery due to Thanksgiving holiday, I felt an urge to check the mailbox. Underneath a pile of coupons was a white envelop. An unexpected Blessing. All I could do was smile and whisper a grateful ‘Thank You, Jesus.’

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” – James 1:2-4 (ESV)

Prayer is a miracle waiting to happen. Pray ceaselessly. Be patient. Ask with a clean heart, with faith and with obedience. When you are frustrated and get tired of asking without getting an answer, don’t give up. After your daily prayer, remind God of your request. Giving up means you don’t need His help because if you did, you wouldn’t. Pay close attention to your surroundings (to recognize answers) as your answered prayer may come through a different source. Above all, trust that God will get to you, no matter how long it takes.

“An unexpected Blessing is an answer to a Prayer said, trusting that God will get to it, no matter how long it takes.” — Joan Ambu

For You, Mom, With Love

JM Perez By JM Perez2 min read622 views

Mom! The sweet sound of your name echoing though my heart, Mom.
You were my first miracle, my very first gift from above and you’ve given me 32 amazing years. From a very young age, you thought us that ‘two are better than one.’ You stressed the importance of togetherness and you stood your grounds even after you lost a child, my only sister. Yes, Mom, ‘two are better than one.’

“Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.” – Ecclesiastes 4:9 (KJV)

Mother. Oh! Mother. Today my heart rejoices with you.
Having a Mother like you is, without a doubt, one of the utmost gifts and prime advantages the Lord has given me. The confidence and values that you instilled in me made me who I am today. For that and much more, I can’t thank you enough. Every day that goes by is a gift from God to cherish and I am thankful to have you around.

For You, Mom, With Love.
(Last Year) With Mom at Starbucks before her Flight.

I didn’t have to become a Mother to understand how difficult being a Mother is because from the moment I learned to walk; I was by your side every step of the way. You made so many sacrifices to raise us, especially me. Every now and then I still wonder how you managed to hold both ends on your own. You give so much, constantly. You are such a transparent person and your heart overflows with Love, Faithfulness and Compassion.

We pray for you ceaselessly. You are a good role model, a Phenomenal Woman. You’re irreplaceable and we are blessed to have you in our lives. Every day brings with it an opportunity to do and try something new; an opportunity to live, to love, to share, to reach out to someone else, to forgive, to move on and to count our blessings. I love new beginnings and I know you do to. I hope you find that which you seek.

Wishing you a peaceful day full of laughter, blessings and many, many more great years.

Happy Birthday, Mom!