Joan Ambu Archives – Page 82 of 96 – Strength Of The Small

Blessings Faith Strength of The Small Gratitude

An Unexpected Blessing

By JM PerezNovember 24, 20122 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

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By JM Perez

Thanksgiving Strength of The Small Gratitude

Happy Thanksgiving

By JM PerezNovember 22, 20121 min read2.2K views

“If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, “thank you,” that would suffice.” – Meister Eckhart

Abraham Lincoln. — “I have been driven many times upon my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go. My own wisdom, and that of all about me, seemed insufficient for the day.” – Abraham Lincoln

While we are thankful for:

Our lives
Family and Friends
Love and Blessings
Joyful hearts and good health
Staying true to ourselves
Peace of mind and living in a War free country
Mistakes and Failures (“My imperfections and failures are as much a blessing from God as my successes and my talents and I lay them both at His feet.” – Mahatma Gandhi)
Pain and Sorrow (“To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for his own glory.” – Isaiah 61:3 (NLT))
God’s Unfailing Love

We are constantly reminded that they are people out there who have little to nothing and who fight just to exist. Our prayers are with them, always.

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18

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By JM Perez

Love Children Education Family

A Cousin’s Gifts

By JM PerezNovember 21, 20121 min read533 views

What a day! We’ve been running errands all morning (from mailing gifts to visiting Vintage shops and everything in between). We stopped by Lowe’s®, where I picked up a pair of Christmas Stockings, some plants, bulbs and a few Barrel Planters. We made a quick stop at Kohl’s® to get the last items on our Christmas decoration list.

As I went to check the mails after unloading the plants from the car, I found a large package waiting for me in the mailbox. By its weight and without looking at the senders address; I knew it was the gifts from my niece to her little cousins. While my Mom was visiting with them in France early this month, she promised to send Books, CDs and other souvenirs to her cousins. These are just a few of them. My son was so excited that he started reading. He has been anxious to read the stories even though they are written in French. Starting tomorrow, we will pick up where we left off and I am confident that he will be fluent in French in no time.

I am grateful for this day and I can’t wait to find out what tomorrow has in store for me.

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By JM Perez

Gift Ideas Shabby Chic Vintage Home Decor

“My Favorite Things” Shop

By JM PerezNovember 16, 20122 min read1.4K views

Located in Historic Old Town Crestline California, My Favorite Things is a fabulous shop for everything between Home essentials, furniture, unique gifts, scrapbooking supplies, greeting cards, one of a kind jewelry, scented soap and great vintage findings. The decor is simply amazing and the atmosphere is peaceful. Upon arrival you are drawn to the gently and captivating smell of Trapp Fragrances, which shop owner Yolanda, proudly display on her shelves (Private Gardens, Seasonal, Votives, Room Sprays, Home Diffusers, Fragrance Mist and Specials). Right now and for a limited time only, you can buy 4 Seasonal Candles and Get the 5th for free at participating Retailers.

The shop offers a range of jewelry such as anklets, bracelets, charms, necklaces, earrings, toe rings, crystal , bridal and everything in between. There is a small selection of children’s toys ranging from Chalk kits to building blocks and puzzles. The shop also carries a selection of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint™. The paint is wonderful as it is easy to work with on pretty much everything and anything without requiring preparation. Yolanda showed us furniture she restored using the Chalk Paint and the end result is simple amazing. Click here to visit Annie Sloan’s blog.

Shop Location and Contact Information:

23447 Crest Forest Dr., Crestline, CA 92325
Shop: 1 (909) 338-9555
Direct: 1 (909) 338-2904

MyFavoriteThings.tv
info@MyFavoriteThings.tv

What makes this Shop unique and special is the fact that Yolanda only acquires the things she personally likes. Her shop reflects her personality and it shows by the amount of love and dedication she puts into it.

They say pictures speak a thousand words; I am sharing here a few of Yolanda’s Favorite Things. Drive up there on your spare time and see for yourself; you will be glad you made the trip.

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By JM Perez

Kids Craft Children Education DIY: Projects

Turkey Decorating Project

By JM PerezNovember 15, 20121 min read732 views

Early this week Ivan came home with a project that involves the whole family. Along with his weekly homework, he was given a plain drawing of a Turkey. As a family project, we were asked to decorate the Turkey using whatever we wanted. After making a few suggestions, he decided to proceed with Cereal (for the feathers, caruncles and wattle), Crayons and a button (for the eye). Though time consuming, it was more fun than we thought it would be.