Tag: peace

Posted in Earth Psalms Reflection

Week Two: Prayer Leads to Peace

Posted on by Rachel

This week was all about cultivating a sense of peace by trusting that God will care for us.

The author compared our “worries” to an annoying woodpecker she encountered in her home. This spiked up my interest as to why these birds love to peck on wood. Here’s a video clip I found:

What worries are keeping you from God’s peace?

Lately, I’ve been worrying about my status in life. I also worry about my time each day. I want to make each moment worthwhile. I also want to earn money through my online shops but motivation is so hard to find these days.

I guess my worry is mainly about how I’m going to make it in this world.

The two challenges this week is to (1) spend time outside or look outside the window and observe how God cares for nature (2) repeat Philippians 4:6-7 when worry comes through.

I wasn’t able to spend a lot of time outside this week because I’ve been caring for my 10 month old niece, Emma. However, on a cloudy day, I saw birds flying around the sky while it was drizzling. It made me think of what happens to the birds when it rains. Here’s a short explanation:

Where do Birds go When it Rains?

This Friday, my sense of peace was shaken when Emma’s bottle of milk was spilled all over her parent’s bed. I had to move fast to dry up everything, while my niece was crying for attention.

I was about to burst and blame myself for not checking her bottle, but then I remembered to stay calm and be at peace. I asked God for help. And quickly managed the time I had, to clean Emma, change her clothes and wash them, dry up the bed and change the bedsheets. All under one hour.

It was a challenging task but one I enjoyed because I chose to have peace and stay calm.

All throughout the week, I would repeat Philippians 4:6-7 to myself whenever worries come crashing in.

I wish I can tell you it stopped all my worries, but it didn’t. They’re still here like a woodpecker pecking on the corners of my mind. But this week, I gained hope knowing that God can give us peace.

I like this quote mentioned in the book:

Worry is like a rocking chair: it gives you something to do but never gets you anywhere.

Erma Bombeck

I guess it is a matter of choice. Will we choose to spend our time worrying? Or will we choose to be present in the moment and make the most of what we have?

One thing I failed to do this week, is to pray about everything that’s inside my heart and mind. Definitely something I will work on in the coming days.

Playlist for Earth Psalms:

Posted in Rachel's Journal 🌼

Sunday Thoughts & Blues

Posted on by Rachel

Before the pandemic started, every Sunday morning, as a family we would go out for breakfast, then have groceries after. Our favorite places to dine were Bluejay Coffee & Co., Bo’s Coffee and occasionally, Coffee Project.

This Sunday, we got to have the same routine except for the presence of my Dad who chose to stay at home because he can’t stand wearing a mask.

The ambiance in Coffee Project oozes with aesthetics and privilege? I mean most people who enter have the stance and confidence of rich people. I usually feel uncomfortable but I just try to focus on the pleasing interior.

The food and drinks here are good but a bit expensive.

I ordered a Caramel Latte.

For breakfast, I ordered Chicken Parmigiana with Hot Pepper Rice which I forgot to take a picture of.

While waiting for our orders to arrive, I glanced around to see that almost everyone was looking down on their phones. It got me thinking, “what was it like for people before, who didn’t have such technology? what did they do in a coffee shop while waiting for their drinks to arrive?”

I thought that maybe they talked a lot or if they were alone, brought a book with them to entertain themselves or maybe they just sat and think or observe.

I didn’t want to use my phone and in front of me about 5 feet away, a boy about 12 years old was sitting down with earphones on and so I did the same since my mom and brother were not in the mood for talking. And I reflected upon the book I read last night.

I remember how last year I would sit in those same spots and worry about the upcoming Monday were I had to face survival in an office setting. Now, I’m so grateful I can breathe easily without the anxiety of work brooding around.

After our fancy and expensive breakfast, (😢😅) we went to a family friend for some errands to make. It’s so weird to think we seldom see the people close to us anymore.

After our fast adventure, we headed to the grocery store, S&R. I only took one photo and an unflattering one as well.

I was caught up in talking to my brother as well as looking for something to buy. I got some few essentials.

It was a normal day but I just wanted to share what life was like today. The weather is cool and cloudy, the cars are few, and the day is peaceful.

I’m so glad that amidst the pandemic, we still get to have good days.

While sometimes, I feel like it’s safe to go out, I know it isn’t. Our enemy, the virus is still roaming around and we need to practice caution and care.

My heart goes out to all the families who have lost loved ones in this pandemic. Truly, you’ll never know what it feels like `til it happens to you. While life must go on, I hope we can all be sensitive, learn to take precautions, and keep in mind those who are fighting this virus and the frontliners risking their lives to help.

Stay safe!

Posted in Challenge

Peace 🍃

Posted on by Rachel

… That is what I gained from my 3 day fast from Facebook and Twitter.

One thing I’ve noticed these days is that people are very opionated. (not that there’s anything wrong with having your own standpoint in life,) BUT sometimes it goes to the extent where everything is overanalyzed and criticized. And the worst part is… they get easily offended if someone disagrees with what they said.

I think I am still growing as a person. I still don’t have my own stance at some major issues of society. Therefore, seeing everybody’s opinion on social media, messes with my head.

I want to have peace and learn on my own.

I want to view life from my own perspective first, in order to know what I really believe in.

Staying away from social media for awhile gives me the serenity to reflect on life. It reminds me of what my beliefs are regardless of what people may say.

On the brighter side, I’m really happy that the youth are expressing themselves and standing up for what they believe in. I also learn to be aware of other people’s point of view.

It’s just, I have to be selective of the words I consume. Because not everything on the internet is true.

I’ll just leave it here…

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

2 Timothy 3:16:17