New Mommy

This week makes two and a half months being a Mommy and. I must say Melevea makes it wonderful!

Excited! So many new things are happening and I'm "attempting" to not trip and fall over the different possibilities that are come into fruition! I've had the e-cards posted up for awhile (yes, I am selling e-cards and have been since last year :) and I haven't put too much energy into it but it's moving by itself. I can imagine that it will move a lot more if I actually put some work into it! 

On top of that we have our little bundle of joy coming! Yes, it's a Girl :) I am very excited and very happy to know that our 2 person party is growing to a 3 person party. I am attempting to steer clear of pink! :) I don't hate pink it was actually my favorite color for a long time till purple started to tickle my fancy! So she's going to be a purple girl :) 

Looking forward to starting new project and just get off my feet (which have been on rest mode for too long) and be a mover and shaker once again! I'll update you on my projects as time goes on but I hope you know that I do have a design and diy blog as well and there you can get free scrapbooking well digital scrapbooking things there! 

I do have a lot to do tonight so until we meet again!

LeiT :)

This is a card I created at first because I didn't see any cards that expressed what I wanted it to say :) Which obviously was "Pastor I Appreciate You" so in not being able to find it... I created it :) I hope you enjoy and please do share with friends and loved ones who have a Pastor they'd like to recognize!

LeiT

Buy card here!

Oh BOY or

Yes I think it's appropriate now to announce that we're having our first baby!

I found out in mid January that I was preggo my body felt so weak and I always felt fatigue. I tried to think if there was something I had eaten that made me feel that way but nope... I asked my husband to take me to Wal-Mart to get a hpt and did it the following morning. Sure enough it came out positive. I waited to make an appointment and went in and their test came out positive as well. It's been an interesting ride from there! The symptoms of pregnancy have totally thrown me for a loop and the adjusting isn't as easy as I thought it would be.

Manu is ecstatic he's been wanting a baby since the sday we got married lol but honestly I like to plan things out so having a baby was not part of the plan at the very beginning. Certain things needed to be put into place and situations needed to be settled. I wanted to be ready and now I am :) soooo... Yesterday was my 20 wk appointment and it wasn't as informative as I was hoping it to be the Dr. just looked like he had a very long day. But we got pictures of our little sugar plum :) 

 Here's a side of view of the head facing upwards :) and the million dollar question... Dr. says do you want to know? We said yes and he said ok well than... I can't take it back once you know LoL I said just tell me... He said ok well it's going to be expensive... meaning a GIRL! :) 

 this a clear shot between her legs and the round white-ish part are her feet so no boy for me but girl for him :p but I say as long as baby is healthy it's all good! I promised the Lord I would try my best to raise this child knowing Him, His laws and His ways! The Bible says that:

"Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward." Psalms 127:3 

Thank you Jesus for finding me worthy!

"For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book  were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them." 

Psalms 139: 13-16

This is my promise....

"Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it."

Proverbs 22:6

I say now... this child shall know His ways, His voice and that is my goal as a parent to not just to love, cherish and adore but to train her up in the ways of Jesus!

Love Love,

Mel&Manu

 

We're expecting...

I've been feeling really sick as of late and it's only last week the 10th that I took a home pregnancy test, which instantly came out positive. I than made an appointment at the Maui Clinic on the 11th and that was instant as well... I'm a bit worried since things haven't been good in the previous but my first exam is next week Friday the 20th... I'm praying for all to go well!

As the year comes to an end...

I bid this year farewell with a tidbit of my speech including "please don't come back!" This year was rough and tough on me personally. I think we are all being pulled and tugged in different ways and avenues. It will get worse before it gets better and that's a guarantee. 
     I am looking forward to the wonderful things God has in store for 2012. Lord willing, He will put me where He is blessing! 
     
     Tip of the day ;) add a cap of white vinegar to your soap water to get dishes spotless!


Until tomorrow~


Mel

Portuguese Sausage Salad

     Super Yummy and fast! It's somewhere around 8-10 carbs (or less depending on what you add or subtract from what I give you) if you're counting (yes I am counting bc I have to stay under 20 a day!) That means I need to get real creative! However, I've seen the results of being mindful of my eating habits Thank You Jesus all glory to you because I definitely can't do it! 

     Personally I for me it's easier to watch my carbs than my calorie intake (that drives me NUTS!) I've also resorted to sugar free snacks =) But hopfully by the time my big Sis (personal trainer) leaves I'll loose 30 lbs that will be in total 3 weeks? I'm half way there and by no means am I starving myself!!!!!! CAAARRAAZZZAAYYYYY this girl is all about food! Just not being piggy piggy and you know when the word says "resist the devil and he shall flee..." I've had to make a mind change because I tell you those foods literally call me up on the phone sometimes! I've had to tell cupcakes get behind me Satan! LoL but seriously that is the truth! Being 31 and having shortness of breath is not good! So having to say to a plate of Twinkies, krispy kreme and Micky d's get behind me, resist and disappear and finding another alternative works for me!

     Anyway I have lost about 15 lbs I did cheat one day so it set me back but I regained my footings... You know the saying "cheaters never prosper" that is the case with losing weight. I am not doing it for the wrong reasons if you know me or seen my figure I am a Pillsbury dough lady... I am not getting any older ;) and I'm too young to be feeling the aches and pains that I do... Balance... that's my goal- but it all starts with the transforming of the spirit man which will lead to the desire of changing our minds! 

Sorry for the hallabalou here we go!

What you'll need

Lettuce ( your choice I used romaine)

Veggies (any kind) I used zucchini, Italian squash I believe it is (the yellow cucumber looking thing? LoL onion and bell pepper

Cheese (whatever you want!) Just not excessive!

Dressing optional... I used a little bit of balsamic vinegar

Spices I don't cook at all with much salt anymore especially after reading how much salt is in processed food including Portuguese sausage. A pinch of garlic power, onion powder, red pepper flakes and fresh ground pepper (or any kine pepper)

Romaine lettuce per half cup it has about .2 carbs (I use the Costco salad container to gage my salad really nothing other than that!) I know if I'm overloading it or under doing it by my container hehe...

I put about a cup and a half of romaine...

1/3 cup cumber... approx anyway

Ok for the Portuguese sausage part... 

Pre-head your pot a minute in advance (makes it faster ;)

You'll need a shallow pot or frying pan

Olive oil (not a lot just a light coat on the bottom of the pot/pan

1/2 stick of Portuguese sausage (I used the aloha mild - according to the pkg it's 1 gram of carb for half a stick and you know I used that half a stick LoL)

1/2 t minced garlic (got it from costco)

1/2 t red pepper flakes (love hot stuff! optional though)

1 pinch of pepper

1 pinch of onion powder

1 pinch of garlic powder

1/3 cup of onion cut into wedges

1/2 cup of zucchini

1/2 cup of italian squash (yellow cucumber looking thing)

1/3 cup of bell peppers ( I used green and red)

If you've pre-heated your pot all you want is a little sizzle part of healthy eating is healthy cooking it's a little longer thus the heating before hand but try not to high heat cook your veggies.

Add garlic (you don't want it to burn so no high heating!)

Add red pepper flakes (gives a kick and heat is good for losing weight ;) let it sit for a half a minute... it'll allow the red pepper flakes to release its heat in the oil.

Pinch of garlic powder

Pinch of onion powder

Pinch of pepper

Let it sit for less than a min. so that all the flavors and meld together.

Add all your veggies onions, peppers, zucchini, squash and let it cook till your veggies are translucent (see through)

add Portuguese sausage and let that cook. 

In your salad bowl put your lettuce, cucumbers and drizzle a little dressing if that's what you want... than lastly the cheese at the top.

Grab your Portuguese sausage veggies and place it on top let it sit for a min get that cheese gooey! ;) 

and invite me over and lunch is served LOL KIDDING!

I hope it tastes good to you but really you can change this around to veggies that suit your tastes and likes... just make sure you've got your protein and your veggies! =)

Until we meet again!

Portuguese Sausage Omlet - Low carb

Ok So here's one thing that us Hawaii people LOVE Portuguese sausage, eggs and rice. I've looked up what works and guess what! =) Portuguese sausage CAN! If you're watching your carb intake that is! Which counting calories is for the birds LoL I can't do it! I can however watch my carbs less numbers to deal with (to me anyway) So here's something I enjoy and you can too! I'm not eating rice or talo (kalo), manioke, mae or ufi those are the no no list (yes I have no no list)!

So there's a give and take here it's very high in salt - which can off balance things so becareful!
Try not to add shoyu, salt, garlic salt etc.

2 eggs (lightly scramble them)
1 pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
1/4 cup onion cut in small cubes
1/2 Aloha brand Portuguese Sausage (check your own label if you don't have aloha)
1/4 cup cheese (yes we can eat cheese be aware how much you put! Don't go for the entire bag!!!)
go for mozzarella or sharp cheddar or whatever works for you!
1/5 cup of club soda (yup ;) It will add some fluff to the eggs and stretch it!

Fry this puppy up with olive or coconut oil it's about 3 carbs but be careful it is high in salt... it's a give and take!

I'm going to eat but just be more concious though there is a give and take if I could make my own sausage than HEY! but I can't and it's processed. I would say stay away from processed so I've learned but if you can't here you go... don't add salt... stay away from shoyu!!!! no Msg!!!!! Maybe misses dash...

MY PRINCESS I WANT YOU TO BE CONTENT...

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. ¹³ I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Philippians 4: 12-13

My Princess... 

I WANT YOU TO BE CONTENT

You were given My peace when you let Me into your life. 

It is possible, My princess, to enjoy your life with a peaceful mind and contented heart. 

You have so much to look forward to when you're settled in your heavenly home with Me. But for now you must remember that 

nothing you buy or collect will calm your spirit or soothe your soul like I can. 

You came into this world with nothing, and that is how you will leave it. 

Let Me do more than give you the good gifts this life has to offer. 

I will give you a place of peace decorated with delight and filled with memories that 

will be more cherised than anything this world has to offer. 

So let Me be your treasure, and 

I will give you a rich life that will become more beautiful than anything money can buy:

Love,

Your King and Contentment

My personal remarks on this is... 

     A lesson I personally need to learn... it's hard for me personally to not want (i'm being honest) But I do understand this principal and am currently trying to change with the Lord's help and be it his will of course. 

     For most of my life the time I became of age I worked and made money (well even before I could work I had money) however I could. I took care of my Mom the best way I knew how but really what I needed to do yet failed to see was trust in God. I'm not saying that I didn't trust at all but really... I was taught if you have the will, a functioning mind, two eyes, ears, hands and feet you should be working. It's hard and I mean very hard for me when I can't work or when I can't help to provide. Personally I feel lower than dirt and really nothing gets that low besides that dum dum ;) So lesson here -- Trust in God for provision.

     I can't say that I always did that honestly... but I see the difference between trusting in myself and trusting in Him. I can't do it alone or by myself I need Him. He's become the relationship I should have had or been taught to have right from the get go. Teaching our families and friends that God is the one who can carry us at all times is important because we'll never be content trusting in anything or anyone else... basically what the devotional said... not even in relationships or physical possessions. 

     I love new gadgets, learning new things and trying out different kinds of crafts but none of that matters... no matter how I try to clutter myself with appointments, time stealers etc... and really none of it matters at all! Only Jesus has made me content and only Jesus and His love bought me through my darkest and lightest of times. Only Jesus can do the same for you... How do I know? I'm a faithful customer and the club president LoL no no no.... that's a joke! Seriously I had to learn the hard way-- If this testimony or devotional can help you or encourage you in anyway possible please try to learn from my or someone elses mistakes. It's not to poke fun at or talk down or bad about someone but to lift up the Name of Jesus! Through Him and Him alone can we come through all things and concour all things!!!

With Love and Alofa!

Until we meet again <3

Low in carb but tastes great!

     In effort to be more creative with my meals yet be able to eat stuff that's tasty, I sort of made up my own recipe. Has it been done before probably! I just went to atkins.com to find out what I can eat (my menu plan of choice) while I go through my "lifestyle" change. I am trying to make it an entire change not just physical but spiritual, mental, emotional... basically all the al's LoL

     I hope that you like this recipe and you can tweak it for what tastes good to you! Luana! (Enjoy! in Hawaiian)

Ok so recipe 1 chicken any chicken as long as the skin is gone! I used a chicken breast  I did one whole chicken breast but it's optional how much you want to use one chicken breast is about 3-4 thighs 4-5 drums 5-6 wings be mindful it's a change!

1 chicken breast (Because a breast is thick I butterfly cut the breast into 3 slices.)

½ cup zuccinni

2 pinch garlic salt

2 pinches of pepper

4 twigs of fresh rosemary

2 pinches of red pepper flakes (optional)

¼ cup of mixed cheddar, mozzarella, blue, (any cheese really)

Preheat your oven at 350° 

Use whatever kind of pan you have if it isn't non-stick than use some kind of spray. Be mindful! Not a lot!

I place the rosemary two twigs of rosemary at the bottom of the bag parallel of each other length wise (of the pan long way is length wise). 

Place your chicken atop the rosemary height wise.

1 pinch of garlic salt spread across the 3 slices of chicken.

1 pinch of pepper spread across the 3 slices of chicken.

2 pinches of red pepper flakes go across the 3 slices of chicken. (yes I like spicy!)

Place your zuccini atop the chicken spread it evenly across the 3 slices of chicken.

1 pinch of garlic salt spread atop the zuccini.

Spred the ¼ cup of cheese atop the zuccini evenly.

Bake for 20-30 minutes

After that give a check making sure your chicken is cooked through thoroughly. 

Let it is for 10 minutes and vol-la!

I eat 1 - 1 1/2 slices with a salad it's just yummy! Be mindful of how much cheese you put on your chicken because that can totally take the whole low carb out of the picture.

Also chicken luau! I used coconut milk in mine but when I figure out the recipe you'll be the first to know ;)

I already made the chicken zuccini and loved it because I could taste the chicken yet it wasn't so blah! =D

Luana oe! (You enjoy!)

Until we meet again!

TRIUMPH THROUGH TRIALS

³Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

 ⁴But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

James 1:3-4 (King James Version)

I see you when you are in the garden of grief, My princess. 

I hear your cry for help in the dark hours of the night. 

I myself cried out in the garden the night I was betrayed.

In My suffering I asked My Father for another way-- a less painful way. 

Yet I trusted His will and purpose for My life and knew the ultimate victory was at the cross. 

Just as olives must be crushed to make oil. 

I pouredout My life as a love offering for you. 

Don't ever doubt that I am with you and that I long to take you to a place of comfort, peace and victory. 

Even when you cannot see Me from where you are. 

I am working on your behalf. 

Give to Me the crushing weight of your circumstances and come to Me in prayer. 

When it is time to leave the garden, I will walk with you across the valley and straight to the cross-- Where your trails will be transformed into triumph.

Love,

Your Savior and your Victor

This is just a reminder that these are devotionals -- never to be substituted for the Word of God! =)  

I look at this and think of how He can take my folly and use it for his victory! Which is what He tells us all the time but He wants us to come to Him in a time of prayer... It doesn't have to be some long boring prayer! If you're doing to do it make it count, make it real! Go into or to a place of peace, a place where you can be alone with the Lord and just let it all out! Even if it's crying! He wants it all but you know Jesus isn't Santa.... Yes, I was shocked when I heard that he doesn't want to be visited only when we have problems! He wants to be visited daily! Go check him out it's like chillin with a friend ;) I Love my alone time with Him and I'll confess sometimes it's short but spend it with Him undivided attention to Him! 

Much Love till the next time! ;)

Peace Out and Jesus Bless!

The Lord spoke this into my spirit this morning!

     I am encouraged by what I read this morning I hope it can and will be an encouragement to you!

     How I perceive things can make me or break me. I read this scripture and felt conviction. Conviction is nothing more than the Lord pressing on us to change- we know it's wrong so change... at least that's how I see conviction. It's not to stop and look at all my wrongs but to see what they are for who they are in me and to allow the Lord to change me and mold me. 

     My previous post has a statement I heard from my Pastor T. E. Bailey "Law brings knowledge of sin (wrong doing)" so reading the scripture brings knowledge of things I /we are doing wrong that I/ we may not know we're doing wrong. 

   

     So this scripture sheds light on curiosity and desire which are both flesh not spirit. They are wants and not needs for who we are and can become in Christ.

"All things [are] full of labour; man cannot utter [it]: the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing."

Ecclesiastes 1:8 KJV

All things are wearisome, more than one can say. The eye never has enough of seeing, nor the ear its fill of hearing  

Ecclesiastes 1:8 NIV

So here's how I view this though on another occasion this scripture can be read and the Lord will expose something completely different this is what the Lord spoke into my spirit today. Also my personal conviction...

     In this day and age of course I want... I won't lie and I'm being real I want a better home, car, job, business, sight, body, money and the list goes on! Shiny flat screen t.v., beautiful house to roll up to in a nice vehicle BUT realistically I have what I have and that is what is real. Being human though I want, want, want and even try to make it a need want LoL! Thus [ The eye never has enough of seeing ]

     Also hearing the daily scoops when I get around different family, friends and church members. If I'm not careful I can get caught up and fall into the gossip groups; those which I try really hard to stay away from! When I hear an inkling of what is going on I tend to want to know the truth thus getting involved where really I have no business in all cases even my own! Thus [ nor the ear filled with hearing ] 

     So here's my take on the entire scripture... It is impossible to calculate how much anxiety, pain, labor, and fatigue are necessary in order to carry on daily operations of life. What does that mean? Life is laborious even if I try to do it lazy man style, it will actually become worse should I neglect/ ignore problems.

      The desire of gain can be endless, and an endless curiosity to unfitness a variety of results, cause men to, labor on. So what exactly does this mean? I/ we work and faint after temporal (earthly possessions / I can also mean investing too much time on self image etc. ) things that can cause more problems than solve. Yes we have needs and fulfillment of those needs are important but knowing when we're being excessive is where the Lord comes in. He is he weight and balance for all things. In His Word we can find that His grace is sufficient! [ And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. ] 2 Corinthians 12:9 We don't have to over exert ourselves when we have the Lord as ours weight and balance. We may not like the answer He gives but NO, is an answer. 

     I am a lover of art and graphics on any type of medium... When I had the ability I would buy magazines and anything that caught my eye artistically. Did I need it? No, I wanted it... The eye sees much, but wishes to, see more. Seeing in particular can be very scary because it can lead us into many temptations that can cause me to fall short of God's glory [ present tense from my last post check it out! ] I know I don't want to lose what I currently have so I will maintain what I have with prayer.

     The ear hears of many things; but is curious to hear more. So desire and curiosity carry men... If I trust in God no matter what my eyes see or what my ears hear He is sufficient for me! Gossip can be a real man killer I learned this one straight on. I won't lie I've been caught up and did my fair share of damage but as painfully as it was I have learned my lesson. I had to learn my lesson the way I did because I wouldn't have learned it any other way. Thus the Lord putting me/ us in situations where things are so messed up, not knowing head from toe, up from down it's so that he can reign in our dilemma. 

So he spoke into my spirit these things from this one verse:

My grace is sufficient... 2 Corinthians 12:9 (Our wants & needs seeing )

He is Jehovah Jireh our provider... Here's a great atrical on being content.

In Him we can find contentment...  ( Our wants & needs seeing )

 ⁵Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

 ⁶So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. Hebrews 13: 5-6

Be aware of our conversations... ( hearing ) Hebrews 13: 5,

"Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man." Matthew 15:11

If our replies are not good about anything, blaming, sarcasim, do a heart check... (conversation)

"O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh." Matthew 12:34

So here's my close that does not mean we live a life of nothingness, poverty or hanging out with others. It means that even more so we need the Lord today to keep us in weight and balance. Keep our conversations clean and basically not throwing rocks at anyone with our mouths. Not over indulging with our eyes to the point where we become greedy, prideful and the like. This scripture encourages me because now I know what I need to look out for and how I need to be careful!

Till my next post!

<3

ps. i'm trying to figure out how to write my blogs so bear with me if I jump from first to second persons in my writings!

Living Justified and in Balance

This was Sunday morning (March 20th) preaching by Pastor T. E. Bailey. Each time I hear the Word of the Lord coming from my Pastor I can feel a weird movement inside... Almost like a slushing feeling trying to burst out...

I know what it is though, through  my Pastor the Lord is waking the giant within... a giant who fell asleep. A Holy Ghost giant! I've had the not so great privilege of  wandering in the wilderness and really at times I didn't know, where, how, what and why I was wandering. I still don't understand some things but I'll leave it to the Lord to expose it at His due time not mine!

Anyway... in attempts to gain back some ground I allowed to slip out of my hand, I'm taking control of my flesh! Devotion, study, prayer, exercise in all aspects of the word! I'd like to live a justified and balanced life and I can do this through Christ who strengthens me! I know I can't because truly my flesh is saying "get real, who you kidding?" But I received a Word from the Lord that says I can do it through you!!!!! Amen Lord I receive it!!!!

So here's some of the preaching that was shared on Sunday... Forgive me because he was moving way too fast for me to get everything! I need to start recording it!

1. God wants us to live a justified life.
2. We have liberty with boundary's.  Example: Living in the U.S. we have the ability to attain a drivers license, with this license we are given the privilege to operate a vehicle. There are RULES and LAWS that must be followed or else our license can be revoked. Law states that on a particular highway 55 MPH is the limit we can choose to go 100 or higher MPH being that we have what we need to do this. However the law clearly states 55 MPH is the limit, here is where the Lord blessed us we have a CHOICE to follow the law stated or break it. There are consequences either way someone can get hurt #1 and/ or when caught we could be fined or worse the revoking of a privilege.
3. God wants us to live righteously... the simple definition of this word is Right with God.
4. Justification simply means Just as if I never sin. There are two major extremes we do not want to fall into... 
1. We live in a world where we don't want to change, I'm fine it's everyone else that's the problem... Liberalism
2. Holier than thou... self righteousness... Legalism.
5. We want to be in balance! There is no such thing as penance with the Lord. We cannot work to get into heaven- it's more than that we need repentance.

What I've got written here is the way I understood the preaching so from my perspective. I will ask him for more notes =) 

I do want to add some things from the preaching that really helped me!

Shame is nothing more than unforgiveness to self. Shame ties the hands of the Lord to help in our situations.

Liberty is not a license to sin. Liberty is that we have been liberated from Old Testament rules and laws. Example: scape goats etc. 


Law brings knowledge of sin- without we don't know that we are sinning or doing wrong. 


Jesus gives us the ability to live above sin!


Romans 3:23-24 King James Version
For all have sinned (Past tense)
and come short of the the glory of God; (present tense) what does that mean? We ALWAYS NEED HIM!

23For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus

Ok... so what's my news than with all this... I took it to heart and this is what is on my heart and mind.... 

Honestly when I see someone who's groomed well, body is shape, great personality and more importantly and cannot stress that enough has a beautiful spirit!!!!! And more of course! I myself appreciate that... I can't say that I've been diligent at that but that's my prayer. To be diligent in all aspects... spirit, mind, body which will also include soul. I hope you pray for me and I'll keep anyone reading this blog in my prayers for a change in all parts of life- I Love Jesus and cannot say that I'm always going to do right or be right but I don't want my "license" revoked when I appear before the Lord but I also want to be happy here on earth... while I have the time. Getting my spirit right with the Lord, getting my attitude right with the Lord, my body in to shape and a smile not just on my face but in my spirit.

Siutu (continued)

Siutu sets out in a single man canoe headed for a place and a people she longs to call her own. Strapped to her head- the only protection, strength and human possession she brings with her is her Holy Bible. Padding and hoping, yet not knowing when or if she'll see a shoreline. As it was told me to, Siutu pulls up to the shores of Vava'u, Tonga. The details at this point are vague but story goes that she makes her home in Neiafu a village in Vava'u and becomes a nurse there in the village. Because of Siutu's compassion for the sick and hurting the people fall in love with her regardless her skin color. Siutu's compassion brings quite the attention she wasn't wanting but received. The royal family in Neiafu took quite the liking to her that they bought her home with them and set her up for marriage with another guest they had taken a liking to. He was from Fiji Epeneza/ Epenesa is his last name and from what is known a very well known name in Fiji. They are introduced and get to know eachother and from there the rest is simply history.

Siutu

Just recently I was on the phone with my cousin (because of our age difference I call her Aunty) Siutu. She shared with me of our namesake. The story starts off like this...

The time period is during World War Two it was a time when the South Pacific was flooded with Germans and Europeans in general. Siutu's father was a German solider aiding the U.S. via Samoa. Born in Satapuala a village situated on the north west coast of Upolu island in Samoa, Siutu adorns the world with her beauty as an afakasi and it doesn't stop there she is born as an albino child.

During this time to be afakasi was not openly accepted and she felt it and heard it growing up. Not being accepted by the very blood that ran in her veins, she left her village to seek out a place where she would be happy and allowed to live without rude comments or gestures from family members. Siutu sets out for Upolu the captial of Western Samoa there she will take a leap of faith.

Thinking to herself not just in her mind but in her heart of the things she had been through and not wanting to go back home... her mind is set to find a place and a people who will accept her as she is and allow her to call that place home. Siutu leaves Upolu with her Bible strapped to her head in a single man canoe and paddles hoping to land somewhere... anywhere...

Neiafu, Vava'u Tonga is where she finds herself...

To be continued =)

God's Plan for Marriage

Some time ago while spending time with my family, m Aunt bought out a magazine she shares with us when she's finished reading the articles. It was the June 2008 Reflections for woman from Pentecostal Publishing that I picked up and it just so happened to have an article that I read again and again as I am now married. I will summarize the article but it's this chart that it provides that is so helpful!!

"By him all things consist" Colossians 1:17

The writer chose to delve into the respective biblical roles of husband/wives to describe God's plan for marriage as a covenant, one which parallels God's covenant with His bride, the church. See Eph. 5:25, II Cor. 11:2 and Re. 19:9  Thoughout the Bible we can see that God did relate to man with covenants . Each built upon the previous sort of like foundations... Each with privileges and obligations... When relating properly God blessed and the same when breaking a covenant.
By him all things exist... in marriage he is the glue that sets everyone in their place and firm at that- that is basically what the article was about. In his ten commandments we can see a relative role for those commandments in marriage which is what the writer was talking about when one parallels God's covenant with his bride the church. Well that also goes for husbands and wives as well...

Here is the table

It's Getting There? Are We There Yet?!

Here we are dawn of a new year! Happy NEW Year to one and all!

Last year (review)
For myself was NOT the business! I am humbled that I've been married one year so far pray for us that there will be many more! So we are called "newly weds" that's fine by me but is there ever a time (like seriously) when you are never a newly wed or do you even want it to come to that? Something to think about...

New Year (what's in store!?)
I don't want last year to carry over so... changes obviously need to be made and you know I've happy with my husband and our little life we have going on but there's more to life than some ordinary day in our ordinary lives. Jesus is the reason why we're here and well... I want to be and do right not wrong, I want to help not hurt and add not take away from all that belongs to Him. I've done enough of that in my lifetime and do not want to be hindered or hinder the blessings of he Lord Jesus! How do we start changing? Well I stopped my routine that I was blessed by so... I'll start again and try a little bit more and a little big harder that's a start don't you think? Some things I would like to accomplish are or pray to have accomplish are:

- my morning prayer walks I used to do it for about an hour to an hour and a half... when I got married behold I kept to it! When hard times hit I stopped... When really I probably should have prolonged it!!! Ah well you live and you learn right!

- a job to help my husband and myself - going back to school to finish isn't an option at the moment. I want to help my Manu.

- stop closing doors when things get hard. Inside run to open more doors (Jesus willing of course)!

- live healthy not lose weight just live healthy!

- save to go to Tonga! I need my dad I really do!!!! In Jesus Name

Anyway that's just a few things a way to have something is plot it out! A step at a time if not nothing will come about! Ok I did my first design of the year and it's now my header for our blog. I haven't had the desire to design but here we go that's another one. I will start designing for personal products.

I don't have much to share at the moment soooo I'll be back =)


Ofa atu!

Happy Anniversary Baby!

It's a Friday in Maui nei, beautiful, bright and shunny as my niece used to say! Like I posted on my Facebook I woke up this morning overwhelmed by the presence of the Lord. I actually woke up in tears and cried even more when I realized what the day was bringing forth. There's a song that sort of explains how I felt when I woke up it goes like this....

Your love is extravagant
Your friendship, it is intimate
I feel I'm moving to the rhythm of Your grace
Your fragrance is intoxicating in the secret place
Cause Your love is extravagant

Chorus:
Spread wide in the arms of Christ there's a love that covers sin
No greater love have I ever known; You considered me a friend
Capture my heart again

Your love is extravagant
Your friendship, it is intimate
I feel I'm moving to the rhythm of Your grace
Your fragrance is intoxicating in the secret place
Your love is extravagant

Spread wide in the arms of Christ there's a love that covers sin
No greater love have I ever known; You considered me a friend
Spread wide in the arms of Christ there's a love that covers sin
No greater love have I ever known; You considered me a friend
Capture my heart again

Your love is extravagant
Your friendship, it is intimate


I am so overwhelmed by the power and love of Jesus Christ and so glad it's His hand in my marriage. We would not have made it this far or any further if it were not for the Love of Christ and the power of Christ through forgiveness. We are truly blessed to be His children... I know it's not going to be easy but as my pastor says it's not easy to face an uncertain future but to place our uncertain future into a certain God. Though I love my husband with all my heart - he and I don't compare to Jesus. I openly proclaim that our marriage is held together by Christ and not of ourselves. I pray that will continually be so for the rest of our lives. If there be any sin in our marriage I pray the Lord expose it and deal with it because as far as I am concerned my heart and body belongs to my husband he is my earthly partner appointed by Jesus Himself. If it were not so we would have not come this far... I love you Manu Tu'ifua and I love you Jesus!!!!

Christmas & One Year Anniversary

Christmas is here and though I am so ecstatic because it's a time where most of the world is exposed to Jesus and what happened on that blessed night I am still a little sad, yet hopeful! I don't have work right now and I think that's what I want for Christmas... Not gifts but work to help my husband help us! He works with no gripe, he helps with no gripe and I am so grateful to and for him. I don't want him to do it alone I want to work beside him in contributing to our home. Thank you Jesus for meeting our needs though we've been scrimping by just barely but God has been so good!!! I'm thinking of getting my husband some fins and goggles for Christmas... he's been mentioning it that he wants to go diving so I guess that's what I'm gong to scrimp for- he goes for food so it'll lessen his grocery list lol!

Along that note my one year anniversary is coming up and I don't know what to do! it's in 16 days! My how the time has passed!!!! I love my husband he's a good man thank you Jesus! Lord bless my husband Manu!

QT

So my husband and I are coming up on our one year anniversary, that was really quick! December 17 is our one year anniversary being married to each other and it has been one lovely roller coaster ride. We don't have the luxury like a lot of the people I know to have courted for a long time. We did court and that was fun although being secretive about it felt childish. So I won't mention a lot about courting except that it is important and don't go backwards! Court first to see if you're both compatible. Alsot that's the time to see attitudes, morals and all the important foundational things in a relationship not a marriage but a relationship. Sex is important but when push comes to shove sex will not bind a marriage together don't forget that- too many people try to use that as a binder but it doesn't work I've seen it too often in other relationships and marriages. Don't go there!

Our hectic schedules prevent some much needed QT aka quality time but I highly suggest it. I sneak it into our even rash times. My husband is one of those people who works from sun up to sun down and I have to remind him at times hello there fella you have a home to get to and a wife. He always giggles and says he's on his way home. Dinner is always ready for him when he comes home and his chilled juice. His bed is made and clothes are laid out and no that's not going over board part of it is I've learned what he likes and I do them. He doesn't ask for it but I know it makes him feel special and like man of his home. Which he should, if a man walks into a house and feels like an alien than something's wrong. When I was single there was a time in the church I come from the Pentecostals of Maui had to go through a whole series of marriage lessons and I thank God for them because a lot of them have been put into practice in my marriage so far Getting my husband to learn is another story but I can guarantee anyone who goes through that teaching series that Pastor Bailey taught will have a little bit of heads up on what to do and what to expect. I am so thankful for that teaching!!!!! In effort to squeeze in QT we'll buy a little something to eat and sit at the beach and talk, go and play tennis together before he gets together with the guys, set up a quick lunch date before we have to run off to something. If we don't have a relationship with Christ how do we call ourselves Christians? I've realized it's the same in comparison to a marriage how can you even say you're married if you don't have a relationship. Today I notice that a lot of people who were married say yeah I was married but yet know nothing about their spouse. No relationship... my husband and I try to keep a tight relationship and we have sessions where we pray together as well. A family that prays together stays together! Relationship is very important for the survival of any relationship. Manu and I on the grander scale of things see things the same but in details we see things differently and it doesn't make either of us wrong. It's like We know where Walmart is but there are so many ways to get there and no one way is wrong. Perhaps if you want to be there in a certain time frame you may want to pay attention to the details but the idea is to get there! Another lesson I learned from my Pastor you can't see what's coming up on the road on your way to your destination. Same with marriage you can't see ahead so prepare early on... I don't agree with some of the things my husband does but I've learned that is where educating comes in on both parts. We can differ in opinions that is what makes us.. US. So my for my title QT very important for any marriage it isn't just sitting and watching t.v. together it's doing something that will have you both interacting with each other. Some suggestions are going for a walk in the mall chatting about whatever, lunch dates are fun, playing a sport together, going to a show or dining experience together. I live in Hawaii and there are many things we could try! Ziplining, parasailing, luaus, shows or even just kicking back at the beach and talking. It's a together deal not a one sided thing. That is where the relationship comes in you learn each other and school each other. If you think you know it all about your partner you are mistaken there's always something new to learn. QT it's important for my husband and I it is important - we do dorky things but it makes us laugh and enjoy and that is what makes all the difference. A QT relationship with the Lord is vital to all marriages. It will help you bear when you think you cannot. A QT relationship with your spouse is vital as it brings pleasure and satisfaction to your marriage.