August 2, 2023 Devotional
Keeping Close Friendships

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

Galatians 6:2

One of the ways motherhood changes a woman is the time she gets to spend with her friends. I saw myself not spending the same amount of time with my closest friends when I started having children. It was a bittersweet feeling because I miss them but at the same time, I wanted to spend more time with my babies.

I know this is true for most of us mothers, regardless if we work out of the home full time, or we are housemoms. Mom guilt also occurs in the rare opportunities that we get to go out with friends. Also, if your friends are mostly single, you suddenly feel out of place. Like your concerns are no longer parallel with theirs and commonality is waning.

In any case, it is good to know that despite our primary mission to raise and disciple our children, the Lord does not hamper us from nurturing our friendships. Ecclesiastes 4:9 says “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.”

Let us however re-examine the friendships that are worth keeping. Since we do not have a lot of time to dedicate to nurturing social connections, it is best to focus what time we have with relationships that glorify the Lord. Friendships that are based on gossiping, pursuit of worldly things, as well as toxic, one-way, and insincere relationships are best ended before it starts to hurt other people or ourselves. Proverbs 22:24-25 reminds us: “Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared.”

Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to read Hebrews 10:24-25 and Colossians 3:12-14 so we could dig deeper on today’s topic.

Reflection Question: When was the last time you spent ample time with a dear friend? Does your relationship with your friend glorify the Lord?

Conversation with the Lord: Heavenly Father we praise and thank you for the friendships you have allowed us to experience and nurture in our lives. Bless our friends and their families, and may you allow our relationship to strengthen even more. May it also prod us to shine Your light on others. Amen.

Thank you for stopping by and till next post!

A happy homemaker is a Happy Pinay Mommy!

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For individuals who have yet to start a bible reading routine, spending time with the scriptures may seem daunting or intimidating. It’s common to feel at a loss as to how to start. For us moms, creating a bible reading routine, and sticking to it can be intimidating too, and challenging especially  since everyone at home relies on us for almost everything.

So, granting that you have already set aside a time for this, how then would you start? Of course it is best to have a bible that will not be too hard to read and understand. If the bible is too small then our eyes could strain reading and highlighting the Written Word. It is best to get at least an NIV or ESV edition bible that is easier to understand compared to the King James Version which contains old English phrases such as thou, hath, beseech etc.

Start reading the bible

You do not need to buy a very expensive bible if you do not have the means yet. You can check out second hand bookstores though like Booksale which sells bibles that are slightly used and have bigger fonts. Other stores where you can buy bibles apart from bookstores are religious stores like St. Paul’s and OMF Lit. Most of these stores have branches in major malls. While you are in the Catholic or Christian bookstore, choose a devotional or ask about a bible reading guide to help you with your new quest

It is also best to have a small journal and a highlighter and of course a pen and a couple of bookmarks to use.

How to begin your bible reading journey

My favorite preacher says you should give yourself the grace to read the easier parts of the bible first before delving deeper into the techy-ish contents of the scripture. If you are new to the habit, he said you can be like a child eating fish — starting with the fleshy parts first like the four gospels (books of Mark, Matthew, Luke and John) before going to the other books that are a bit harder to digest.

If you have been listening to your priest or your pastor then for sure you can pick up a book that you like and read a chapter or two each day. When I was really, really new at seriously reading the bible, I find myself dedicating a lot of time reading the Epistles of St. Paul (example: Colossians, Thessalonians etc.), and then in the Old Testament I found myself delighting over the Book of Psalms, Ecclesiastes, and the Book of the Prophet Isaiah.

Do you start from page 1?

Our parish priest does not advise first timers to read the bible from page one until the end. He says using a devotional could be helpful since it provides an inspirational story and a bible passage that could help you start reading the bible. The Catholic Church also has a liturgical guide on the mass readings for the day, you as a new reader can use this as a guide on what to read during your daily bible time. I’ve written about this in a past post here.

Christian bookstores on the other hand offer free pamphlets that provide a bible reading schedule for a whole year. Take advantage of this and use it as a guide. There are also bible reading plans like this that are available online or downloadable as an app. But being the old school person that I am, I choose hardcopy stuff any day

What to do before and after reading the bible

It is best to have your prayer time or quiet time before reading the bible. It does not only prepare you for reading the scripture, it could also help you discern answers to the questions, prayers and concerns you have lifted up to the Lord.

While reading the bible, try to highlight verses that stand out to you. Copy it in your journal if you like. If you have questions about the reading you can jot it down in your journal too and find answers either from your parish priest, pastor, or bible study group leader the next time you get to see them. You may also write down your gratitude points and prayer requests in your journal.

So to sum up, here is a brief guide:

1. Choose a bible with a font size that you can easily read, and a translation you can easily understand.
2. Have other materials that could help you in your journey: A devotional book, a liturgical guide or bible reading pamphlet (free in Christian Bookstores like OMF Lit).
3. Prepare other tools you will need like a pen, a highlighter, and a notebook dedicated for your bible time.
4. Designate a quiet and mess-free bible reading space in your home: Your study table, dining table, coffee table, garden, or wherever you are not going to be distracted and be comfortable at the same time.5. Choose how you will daily approach bible reading: Per book that interests you, per devotional message and suggested reading, or by following a scripture or bible reading guide. What is important is you stick with this and grow in delighting the word.
6. Note passages that stand out to you — you may want to copy them in your notebook, or memorize them or put them on a post it and paste it anywhere visible in your home.7. Jot down questions you may have and ask your priest, pastor or bible study leader for the answers the next time you get to see them.
8. Before starting your bible reading time, it is best to start with a quiet time or prayer with God. Seek His guidance as you try to understand His words.
9. More importantly, live a life consistent to what you have read

Thank you for stopping by and till next post! Leaving you with this bible passage that highlights the joys of regularly reading the Lord’s words:

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness'”

2 Timothy 3:16

A happy homemaker is a Happy Pinay Mommy!

https://happypinaymommy.com/2023/07/17/healthy-budget-ulam-recipe-ideas-for-the-week/

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In my motherhood journey, one thing I have learned is that no matter your situation, mom life will never be too easy. It is the best thing that can happen to you yet it can bring about challenges that are not for the faint of heart. For both the joys and challenges that it brings, I believe having a consistent prayer routine is the most essential habit we need to develop and nurture so that we could be the best moms that we could be.

Having a consistent prayer routine in our daily life means we know where our strength comes from. It is like having a home amid the busy rigors that motherhood brings. Whether we work out of the home from 8-5, we work from home, we are a full time housemom, or we work part time, we all need to go back to our Creator, worship Him, thank Him for every blessing, seek His counsel and ask for His help.

Consistent prayer routine benefits the whole family

I remember our Parish Priest quoting a saying that we should pray at least 30 minutes a day, but if we are too busy, then we should pray for an hour. Some may find it counter intuitive to have quiet time with the Lord first thing in the morning, when everyone is supposed to be rushing or preparing for the day ahead. But really, devoting one’s time to talk to our Sovereign King will help transform our lives for the best.

Since we moms are the “ilaw ng tahanan” we need a source of energy. We could not afford for our light to go dim. Moreso, we cannot afford to be broken. The whole family will be affected if we lose our “light.” Jesus is the light of our lives, and we moms should go to Him consistently for a recharge, and filling of energy or the Holy Spirit. This can be achieved through a consistent prayer routine.

The routine that transforms family life

Once we moms get transformed, our homes will even be better managed, our kids and husband will be better cared for, and our whole family will be centered to the Lord. If you think there are areas of improvement in your character as a mother, a wife, or a family member, or if you want to grow spiritually, or simply need fortitude as you face challenges in your life then this consistent quiet time with the Lord will carry you through all your difficulties. It will not remove problems in your life because problems are a given in life; but it allows you to cling to the Lord who will be with you through deep waters, raging rivers, and flaming fires (Isaiah 43:2).

So how do we carve out a consistent time for prayer?

We all have different situations, but we as humans are creatures of habit. What time do you usually pray? Every morning? Before sleeping? You can keep this prayer time and just augment it to add a quiet time with the Lord plus bible devotional and reading so you could go deeper in prayer. Need a prayer guide for your routine? Please check out this past post on how to start a personal relationship with God.

If you do not have a usual time for prayer then identify first if you are a night owl or a morning lark. If you are a night owl, then that means that you could dedicate some time to pray to God when everyone is asleep and you can be alone in one area of your home. If you are a morning lark, then that means that you can dedicate time for prayer before everyone else is up in the morning.

Cannot find the opportune time early in the morning or late at night?

We are all at different phases of our lives. Those who have super young children could schedule consistent prayer times during their child’s nap time. Those with school children could dedicate time while their kids are in school. Those working 8-5 could eat a bit quicker and allot time during their lunch breaks.

Most office buildings do have chapels, empty conference rooms during lunch break, a roof deck, or a nearby garden where we could spend time with God and read the word.

If we get disrupted a bit by our children then we should know that the Lord understands. It may be best to get them fed already and address some of their needs during the time we will take so that they will not cut into our prayer time. I remember a bible reading when Jesus was supposed to go somewhere to pray and then the people saw Him so he had to address the needs of the sick and the hungry first, and then He left to go pray (Matthew 14:23). I am no bible expert but to me, this means that we can take some time to take care of urgent needs no one else could address for our children, and that He would understand that. Moreover when our kids see us devoting consistent time for prayer, it becomes a tangible and powerful message to them that they too should set time for prayer and fully rely on Jesus.

Finding the energy to maintain a consistent prayer routine

Once you have identified the best time for you to have quiet time with the Lord, then the next challenge is being consistent.

Some may ask how will they find the energy to wake up at least 30 minutes earlier or stay up 30 minutes later than they should when they already lack sleep as is? Well discipline is key. Maybe we should turn off the TV or put down our phones a bit earlier than we normally would so we could get enough sleep or have the time to thank the GREATEST PROVIDER who gave us all things in our life for us to enjoy. Isn’t it about time to prioritize quiet time with Him? As the Gospel of St. Matthew says: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33

Importance of a prayer routine

Setting aside time for prayer and bible reading reminds us about our humanity. That our lives are fragile and it needs anchoring because without it we could easily get shaken. Even Jesus modeled the need for quiet time with the Lord. One of these instances where recorded over at Mark 1:35 “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where He prayed.” And this goes on because He excuses Himself to be alone with His Heavenly Father, to pray and seek His counsel.

As for my parting shot, I would like to share with you another bible verse that could hopefully encourage you more to have a consistent prayer routine: “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength.” Isaiah 30:15

Thank you for stopping by and till next post!

A happy homemaker is a Happy Pinay Mommy!

https://happypinaymommy.com/2023/07/10/seven-budget-ulam-ideas-for-this-week-2023/

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My daily devotionals took a twist today as my two younger kids decided to join me. My little boy made a bookmark featuring one of my favorite bible verses, particularly that from Deuteronomy 28:5 — “Blessed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl.” This verse is posted in our refrigerator, as I find it so special given that I am an amateur home baker and I find myself needing to fill my basket to continue preparing food and nourishing my family.

I am so proud that little shot tried his best to make his bookmark look good. He used his sister’s brush pens. Shob on the other hand did her own devotional. I gave her a guide before on what to do during this time. It is basically a set of questions that I wrote in the back cover of her devotional notebook. There is nothing so hard about the guide questions, it is all age-appropriate and can help her reflect on God’s words and write about her thoughts in her journal.

Quiet time with the kids

I am just happy that while I was in my “Dalmanutha” Shob suddenly approached me and asked for a bible passage. Since she knows how to locate passages just by having a copy of the bible address, she got to read Isaiah 43:4. which reads:

“Because you are precious in my sight, and honoured, and I love you. I give people in return for you, nations in exchange for your life.”

She reflected on this verse and wrote in her journal. As for me, I proceeded with reading my devotionals, study prompts, and my bible. This is all followed by journaling. The littles were happy, and I am happy too. I didn’t realise that they have grown enough to have a quiet time with me already. time indeed flies. Just a heart-warming day for me, and I am sharing it with you.

How to encourage the kids to devote time to the Lord

I am no expert in this topic, but like what our Parish Priest says, “we can never tell our children what they should do, we can only influence them.” So if they see you routinely reading The Word, they too will likely get interested in it. Of course exposing them to church and church activities, as well as lessons in school will also help deepen their faith. Singing praise songs also help and seeing scripture around the house are encouraging as well. In fact answering even their simplest of questions helps too.

It will also help to get them their own bible. There are kid-friendly bibles out there – not the bible stories for kids but real bibles where they can learn to find verses using bible addresses. Give them highlighters, a small ruler, pencils, and a journal notebook intended for their own devotional. Sticky notes are inspiring too!

Journeying to God’s heart with young people in tow

Anyway, knowing in your heart that you have younger people willing to go with you in your journey to God’s heart is but enough fuel to keep on going towards the light. But as they say, progress over perfection. Baby steps in faith do count

May you have a peaceful day ahead. Shalom!

A Happy Homemaker is a Happy Pinay Mommy!

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