Thursday, June 5, 2014

Blessed to be a Blessing

June is my birthday month. As a child, I didn't like my birthday. It was either raining or some unfortunate event would happen on the day itself. I had always thought that it's not a "lucky" day and I was not a "lucky" person. My siblings would always have a more-than-simple-although-not-too grand celebrations because their birthdates fall on or a day before payday. Such fortunate ones, haha!

Well, that was before. Things have changed as I realize what really matters most. Of course, I would love to have balloons (at my age, haha!), cake, ice cream and gifts on my special day. However, deep inside me, I really know what I want. There's a gnawing desire in my heart to make a difference in other people's lives; to be a blessing, if you will. I know I am blessed and have always been blessed by the Lord. I no longer look at myself as some "poor, unfortunate soul", but rather a "beloved and blessed" by Him. Don't get me wrong, I'm not a millionaire, I'm not even rich. I simply want to be a blessing. I believe that blessings come in different packages; some are big, others are small, nevertheless they are all blessings. 

So, in celebration of my birthday, I would like to be a blessing to you, my dear readers. I am giving away three special gifts to three blessed readers of my blog. It's my simple way to thank you for being with me in this blog journey. As for those who will not be chosen, please don't lose heart, you will be receiving a special note from me. :) I have just one simple wish though, that is for you to write your comment/s below. You also have to let me know three things:

1. How did you "find" me?
2. What is that topic that touched/blessed you in one way or another?
3. What topics would you like me to include in my blog in the not-so-distant future?

Pretty simple, isn't it? I would really love to hear from you. Please stay tuned for my next post for the gifts reveal. :)

24 comments:

  1. Hi Joy! I can't believe I just discovered your blog now. I love that you write about being grateful and blessed and wanting to share your blessings with other people. To answer your questions:

    1. Well, you found me then I found you! Haha! I discovered your blog through your comment at momonduty.com.
    2. Your posts on motherhood and being grateful and blessed.
    3. I'd love you to write more about your journey of being a mother.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aw! Kim! You made my day! As in! I'm actually in tears, haha! Thank you so much for the comments. :)

      Sure! I'll write more about my "mommy journey". :) Again, thank you so much!

      Delete
    2. I read a couple of posts back and your story is very inspiring. So do share more about your experiences as a mom! :)

      Delete
    3. Thank you for the encouragement, Kim. Will do. God bless you. :)

      Delete
  2. Hello Mommy Joy,

    I am so blessed to know you in one of Manila Workshop's seminar. Your post on B-R-E-A-S-T-F-E-E-D-I-N-G is what I love most. I also enjoyed my pregnancies and exclusively breastfed my youngest until 3.5 years old. That I think was one of my great achievements as a mom. I would love you to write on how you manage your time everyday.





    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much Mommy Fatti for your comments. :)

      Wow! You nursed your baby until 3.5 years old? That's awesome! I would like to do the same or for as long as my baby wants.

      How do I manage my time everyday? That's a great topic I would love to share with you and other busy moms. Hope I will be able to help and be a blessing as well. :)

      Many thanks again, Mommy Fatti! :)

      Delete
  3. Replies
    1. Thanks, Ate Ganda, my number one fan and supporter. Haha! :) Love you. Blessings! :)

      Delete
  4. 1. We found each other at the right place and the perfect time! I'm very grateful that I joined Martine's Blog Your Best Year workshop last January. I did not only discover my blog's purpose but I also met you!

    2. All your posts reflect who you really are. You are a selfless and loving mother when you write about breastfeeding. Your unconditional love for family radiates when you tell stories about your own mom, sister and child. Your kindness and love for others are always reflected in your posts! You are indeed a blessing to all your readers!

    3. How do you fulfill your other passions while taking care of your family? Please share stay-at-home mom life tips to inspire others who chose the same path or convince them to do be 24/7 moms like you.

    Keep on writing, sharing and being a blessing to all! Happy birthday (for the nth time)! Have a great year Mommy Joy!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aw! Thank you so much, Mommy Nadia. I'm melting. :)

      Yeah, I agree, it was the perfect place and time. The Lord is good He made a way for us to find each other.

      Thank you for the encouragement and for the greetings (for the umpteenth time, heehee)! Blessings on you, Mommy Nadia! :)

      Delete
  5. Hi Mommy Joy,

    Firstly, happy birthday! :) Here are my thoughts about your questions:
    1. How did you "find" me?
    We were seated beside each other during the TLB's workshop, "Starting Your Preschool Homeschool" and you were very approachable and genuine. The day ended with the three of us having sharing snippets of our lives with each other.

    2. What is that topic that touched/blessed you in one way or another?
    I was not very fortunate to have been able to breastfeed my daughter for a long time because of my medications so when I read about breastfeeding on your blog, I was enlightened about the blessings of breastfeeding, not too mention, I really felt so proud of you!
    3. What topics would you like me to include in my blog in the not-so-distant future?
    I know you are a woman of faith and that resonates with the kind of parenthood you practice towards your daughter. May you share how you make your little one explore her faith too?

    Again, happy birthday! More blessings to come!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, Mommy Lui!

      Thank you so much for the greetings, for visiting and for commenting! :) Really appreciate it.

      It would be a delight to share with you and all my friend readers how I try to be a good example of woman of faith to my daughter. :)

      Thanks again and hope to see you soon!

      Delete
  6. 1. How did you "find" me?
    - The Learning Basket lead me to you.

    2. What is that topic that touched/blessed you in one way or another?
    - Love your thoughts on Becoming a Beautiful Woman. Your outside beauty will reflect what is the beauty inside. I stop making myself beautiful when I get married and I guess I should not have done that, I should make myself presentable in for my husband and kids.

    3. What topics would you like me to include in my blog in the not-so-distant future?
    - How about on moms in today's generation. What are the ramblings of a stay-home-mom. :D I love stay-home-moms and I am amazed on how they do it. Take care of kids and hubby and at the same time financially capable.

    Its nice to meet you Joy.
    I just started my blog (balotschatter.blogspot.com) and hope to share anything under the sun :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, Mommy Balot! :)

      Thank you for visiting and answering the questions. Appreciate the time you had given. :)

      As a woman, wife and mom, we should never "forget" ourselves. We can be a great woman, wife and mom without losing ourselves in the process. I'm glad that that post inspired you.

      I am hoping to share with you and other friend readers on how I (or even other SAHMs) do being a stay-at-home mom. I hope to visit your blog and meet you in person too. :)

      God bless you, Mommy Balot!. :)

      Delete
    2. Hi, mommy Balot!

      Can you please send your complete mailing address to: joy.b.lojo@gmail.com (my email addy).

      Thanks! :)

      Delete
  7. 1) The Learning Basket of Mariel
    2) This very article. It woul really be nice if everyone thinks of giving on their birthdays esp children... :-)
    3) Training , disciplining children to have godly character traits.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, Cyma.

      Thank you for visiting. It's a blessing and joy for me to hear my friend readers.

      Blessings on you! :)

      Delete
    2. Hi again, Cyma!

      Yes, it'll be a delight to share with you how I together with my husband train and discipline our daughter to have godly character. Hope it inspires you and other parents.

      God bless you. :)

      Delete
    3. Hi, C Cyma!

      Can you please send your complete mailing address to: joy.b.lojo@gmail.com (my email addy)?

      Thanks much! :)

      Delete
  8. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  9. 1. How did you "find" me?
    I recently saw your link being shared by The Learning Basket but then I remembered that I had already visited/commented on your Breastfeeding post last Feb. So it's my 2nd time now. Not to mention, I really want to win a free seat to The Learning Basket's upcoming workshop. :)

    2. What is that topic that touched/blessed you in one way or another?
    I love your post on "Stay Sane as SAHM". Thanks for sharing your actual experiences to us. The reading just came in time to me as a new SAHM. I really need this kind of inspiration and tips. I enjoyed reading it till the end even if it's quite a long post. :)

    3. What topics would you like me to include in my blog in the not-so-distant future?
    Hope you could share to us your daily activities you do at home from the time you wake up until just before going to bed. I also want to learn some toddler care tips in terms of dental cleaning, preparing healthy food, type of toys and kind of books you give to your toddler. I have an 18 months girl and I think we can relate with each other. :)

    Before I hit the 'Publish' button, let me greet you a Happy Happy Birthday! Enjoy your special day!

    Join my ongoing giveaway too at my blog: http://thebinondomommy.blogspot.com/2014/06/tbms-1st-anniversary-blog-giveaway.html

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, Mommy Sally!

      Yes, I remember you, "The Binondo Mommy"! :) Thank you for visiting again. Haha! I always have a long post, I'm sorry about that. ;)

      Thank you for the greetings! I did enjoy my special day. I was simply blessed beyond words. Will visit your blog and join the giveaway. ;)

      Blessings!

      Delete
  10. Hi Mommy Joy, happy birthday!
    I would just like to let you know that what you're doing for your birthday is such an inspiration!
    (1) I found you via The Learning Basket
    (2) I have read back thru your previous posts and I found that I can totally relate esp now that I am a newly SAHM. I loved your thoughts and ideas on motherhood and how that translates to how you bring up your daughter.
    (3) I would love to read more on practical tips on how to best manage your home while taking care of a toddler.

    Thanks and God bless~!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, Mommy Sheila!

      Thank you for the greeting. :)

      Isn't it exciting to be a SAHM? I hope you find joy and satisfaction as you take care of your family.

      Will post practical tips soon. I don't claim to be an expert, haha, but I'm hoping that it'll help you and other SAHMs as well.

      God bless you! See you around! :)

      Delete