Warm thoughts for a Cold Season - My Top 10 Fave Beaches

As much as I love the snow for Skiing and Snowboarding,
the cold makes me reminisce of warm beaches!

So, I thought I'd compile my list of TOP 10 fave beaches around the world, that Ive travelled to, that I recommend you check out (if you like to travel too).

Other than my local fave's like Johnsons Beach in Barrie and Leonards Beach in Innisfil;
I've included a pic of each one of my favorite beaches.

Notice the different shades of blue each beach has- these pictures are very accurate as to the color of the water that you can expect at all these beaches.

I've also written what's-so-awesome about them....

1. Smiths Cove- CAYMAN ISLANDS
Whats so great about it: The tropical fish as soon as you step in

2. Cayo Santa Maria - CUBA
Whats so great about it: Super Calm Crystal water

3. Boracay- PHILIPPINES
Whats so great about it: Tons of Beachfront Restaurants and Shopping!

4. Waikiki- HONOLULU, HAWAII
Whats so great about it: You can take surfing lessons, plus the view of Diamondhead Volcano!

5. Bondi Beach - SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
Whats so great about it: A beach within a busy city!

6. Paradise Beach - MYKONOS, GREECE
Whats so great about it: Camping & Walking along the cliffs for scenic ocean views!

7. Kekaa Point (Black Rock) - MAUI, HAWAII
Whats so great about it: The snorkling- its free!  Oh, and whale watching too!

8. Nice - FRANCE
Whats so great about it: Stone Beaches make it feel like a hot stone massage!

9. Cultus Lake- Chilliwack (45 mins west of VANCOUVER)
Whats so great about it: Mountains at the Beach!

10. South Beach- MIAMI
Whats so great about it- Aqua Blue Waters that remind you of being in Cancun!

Isnt God SO Good for creating such beautiful beaches... I think so! Have a Warm Christmas Season!

Christmas Party Games

What's a party without games?

Every year at our Life 100.3 Staff Christmas Party, Crystal Summers organizes games for the staff to participate in. And every Xmas season, they are so classic and so fun!

I've compiled a list of my top 7 favorite Christmas Party games, that I've played before, and highly suggest you try at your next office or family Christmas party:

1. The Doo Doo Doo Christmas Carol Guessing Game (we played this one at our office xmas party!)
How it works:  Get someone to sing Christmas Carols using only the words Doo Doo Doo, and then guess what song it is!

2. Bring me a Christmas Present
How it works:  The emcee of the party asks the crowd to "Bring me a Christmas Present of ____(random object)".... for example: a tube of lipstick, green napkin, or a ribbon.
The first person who brings the emcee the item, or "The Christmas Present" wins a Prize.

3. Statue Dance
How it works:  Everyone gets on the dance floor, when the music stops, everyone must Freeze like a Statue.  Whoever moves first is out of the game

4. Longest Merry Christmas
How it works:  On the Microphone... the person who can say "Merry Christmaaaaaaaaaaaaaaas" for the longest number of seconds wins!!!  You'll need to really need to hold your breath for this one!

5. Longest Line
How it works:  From one side of the room to the other- 2 teams need to draw a line on the ground using ONLY the objects they have on them (wallet, belt, socks, shoes, etc)... the team with the longest line in 60 seconds wins!

6. Pass the Candy Cane
How it works:  A candy cane is passed while the music plays, whoever is holding the candy cane when the music stops, is out of the game.  The last person standing wins.

7. Fill the Christmas Present
How it works:  Provide 2 teams with 2 empty boxes.  They need to fill the boxes with as much stuff as they can.  The team with the most items in the box after 60 seconds wins



And if all else fails, there's always Musical Chairs.... Have a holly jolly Christmas party!

What are you known for?

Isnt it interesting how people remember you by the one or two things
that you've done that has affected their lives?

For example, if I name dropped Scott Jackson, you'd automatically go,
"That's the owner of the Christian Radio station!"

Or, if I named dropped someone in Hollywood like Angelina Jolie,
you'd think of the actress with 5 or so adopted children from around the world.

Or a famous preacher like Joel Osteen- you'd think, hey-
that's the motivational pastor who always smiles, right?

Whenever I go to Life 100.3 events, I always hear the same thing from
listeners:  "I remember when Maria was driving across Canada to come to Life,
and I listened as she was driving through the different cities".

Or I hear, "Your morning facts (stuff-you-didnt-know) is so interesting!".

Because I hear the same comments over, and over, and over again,
whether I'm at a Barrie, Huntsville, or Newmarket event... 
whether it was 1 year ago, or 3 years later,
I know that those are things are what people associate with my name.

So, what is it for you?  What do people know you for?

And an even deeper question... if we are Christian,
do people know us for being Christ-like?

It says in the bible in Matthew 5:16:
"Let your light shine before others, so that they
may give glory to your Father in Heaven."

So, here's hoping, that we can be more conscious of how we present ourselves to
other people, and to friends and family-
because it's the 1 or 2 things that we do that can stick-in-their-minds...

Plus, you never know what others will remember you for...
until the next time you see them, and they tell you, of course. :)

Why You Wanna Be like a Sheep: Kind and Gentle

 

 

I came across words from Jesus in the bible today that really

had an impact: on how it's a good idea to follow His kind and loving ways,

as if he were a Shephard, and we were Sheep...

 

Here's what he says in Matthew 25:31.

(The passage is titled "Sheep and Goats")

 

“When He finally arrives,

blazing in beauty and all his angels with him,

the Son of Man will take his place on his glorious throne.

 

Then all the nations will be arranged before him,

and he will sort the people out,

much as a shepherd sorts out SHEEP and goats,

putting sheep to his right and goats to his left.

 

“Then the King will say to those on his right,

‘Enter, you who are blessed by my Father!

Take what’s coming to you in this kingdom.

It’s been ready for you since the world’s foundation. And here’s why:

 

I was hungry and you fed me,

I was thirsty and you gave me a drink,

I was homeless and you gave me a room,

I was shivering and you gave me clothes,

I was sick and you stopped to visit,

I was in prison and you came to me.’

 

Then those ‘SHEEP’ are going to say,

‘Master, what are you talking about?

When did we ever see you hungry and feed you,

thirsty and give you a drink?

And when did we ever see you sick or in prison and come to you?’

Then the King will say,

‘I’m telling the solemn truth:

Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored,

that was me— you did it to me.’

Coolest Toothbrush Ever

Its called the Fountain Toothbrush. A real invention!  Combines the school water fountain with your toothbrush- how clever.

 

Baby Elephant Falls in Ditch, Parents Help Out

This caring act of elephant parents reminds me of the bible verse, Luke 11:

"If your little boy asks for a serving of fish, do you scare him with a live snake on his plate? If your little girl asks for an egg, do you trick her with a spider? As bad as you are, you wouldn’t think of such a thing—you’re at least decent to your own children. And don’t you think the Father who conceived you in love will give the Holy Spirit when you ask him?”

Sister Love :)

Every so often, like once in a blue moon, I get to spend time with my sisters:
Sanna and Nicky. 

We eat delicious food and do our nails, and have girl times. :)

We all work different professions: I'm in broadcasting, my one sister is in telecommunications,
and the other is a teacher.

I live in Barrie, the other lives in Vancouver, and the other in Kelowna.

We grew up in a mixed-family. I used to live with my dad in the Philippines, but he passed
away when I was little. My mom is now married to my step dad, so I have 2 sisters.

Big family, and we all love each other.

Sanna and I used to be on the volleyball team together in elementary.

Nicky and I were shopping buddies in high school.

People always give us a funny look whenever we said that we're sisters, because we look so different.

But the bond we have for our family is true and awesome!

Might seem complicated for some- but for us, its the norm. :)

And our Mom and Dad (my stepdad) have been married for over 20 years!

Just thankful that God has blessed us with a sense of family friendship, love, and acceptance.

And of course, am so happy whenever I get to hang out with my sisters for "girl-time"...
even if its only once in a while.  Thankful for the good times...  Miss them lots!

Pix from Unite. Ignite. Take Flight. Women's Conference 2014

 

Why Not to Idolize our Problems

One of the greatest commandments in the bible is to Love God with
ALL our heart, soul, mind, and strength... not with some, but all.

Not just 90%, but 100%.

But sometimes, we can get into a rut,
and when we focus our thoughts on all the negative aspects of our lives...
sometimes that negativity can eat at our Joy.

(and let's face it, all of us have something negative that has been
brewing in our minds at one time or another)

I feel that when we focus too much on whats going wrong in the world,
VS what God is doing Right, we end up idolizing...

If you look at the dictionary for the word "Idol"-
it means a person or thing that is GREATLY admired, loved, or revered.

According to Jesus's words in the Bible, that number1 thought
we need to keep our minds, hearts, and souls locked onto is the Love of God...
and his promises for us.  Thats it. ALL of our Minds, hearts, soul, Strength.

Not some of it. All of it.

So not on the problems, issues, complaints, sadness, irritations,
anger, or fears... because when we let these feelings overtake
thoughts that are pure, lovely, noble... then we tend to "idolize" the negativity,
and not count our blessings.

So, hopefully this blog will send out a reminder to all Christians,
including myself, that our minds should be focussed always on the good, and the wonderful blessings, and on God.

Coz otherwise, we end up idolizing aspects of the world and not of
Christ's Kingdom... Christians understand this spiritual concept.

Like soldiers who need to train their minds and bodies to be physically
fit for war... so we need to train our minds and hearts to be fit
to focus our thoughts on God and his goodness, each and everyday of our lives.

Because the God of Christ is GOOD, all the time. And the LOVE sent to us via his Holy Spirit goes beyond all understanding... and is Bigger than ALL your problems/issues.

Amen and Amen. :)

God bless you today! 

The Airport Cookie Story

I came across this story while seeing a friend's
wedding over the weekend- it was given during one of the speeches and
is oh-so-profound!  Take a read...

A young lady was waiting for her flight in the boarding room of a big airport.
As she would need to wait many hours, she decided to buy a book to
spend her time. She also bought a packet of cookies.
She then sat down in an armchair, in the VIP room of the airport,
to rest and read in peace.
Beside the armchair where the packet of cookies lay,
a man sat down in the next seat, opened his magazine and started reading.
When she took out the first cookie, the man took one also.
She felt irritated but said nothing. She just thought,
"What the nerve!"
For each cookie she took, the man took one too.
This was infuriating her but she didn’t want to cause a scene.
When only one cookie remained, she thought,
"Ah…..what will this man do now?"
Then, the man, taking the last cookie, divided it into half,
 giving her one half.
 Ah! That was too much! She was much too angry now!
In a huff, she took her book, her things and stormed to the boarding place.
When she sat down in her seat, inside the plane,
she looked into her purse to take her eyeglasses, and,
to her surprise, her packet of cookies was there, untouched, unopened!
She felt so ashamed!! She realized that she was wrong …
she had forgotten that her cookies were kept in her purse.
The man had divided his cookies with her,
without feeling angered or bitter.
While she had been very angry, thinking that she was dividing her
cookies with him.
And now there was no chance to explain herself…nor to apologize.

The moral of the story…
There are five things that you cannot recover.
The stone …after the throw.
The word … after it’s said.
The occasion….after the loss.
The time …after it’s gone.
The action…after it’s done.

Taking the time to say Hello

Its amazing how a simple hello, in person, or on text message can be a life changer for some people who are needing the encouragement the most.

I am probably one of the worst for being a snob- being too busy to say hi, or too busy to respond to text messages. So, if you fall into the snob category too, you've got some company. Hoping we can fix that though!

I was prompted to write this blog about taking the time to say Hello, because of a message I received from a friend from Western Canada who texted me last week.

I was hanging out with other friends in Barrie during the day, and when her text message of "Hello how are you" came,  I felt I was too busy to respond... I saw the message, read it, and chose to respond perhaps the next day... not even acknowledging that I had received the message.

I thought nothing of it, no big deal right?  She'll understand that I'm busy and that I can talk to her tomorrow.

Then... tomorrow came... and something I didn't expect to hear.

My friend told me over the phone, that when she messaged me on Wednesday night.... she was at home alone, with her car on in her garage... attempting to commit suicide.

But she didn't go through with it..... Because ONE friend managed to help and comfort her in that sad time.

But it wasn't me.

I DIDNT event know she was having suicidal thoughts!!! :(

But if I cared to say Hello... even when I was BUSY... perhaps she would have told me what was on her mind, what she was feeling, and I could have been an encourager to her.

But I was too busy!!!!

And today I feel horrible for it.  But, on a positive note,  I was able to pray with her over the phone, and tell her that if ever she's in a rut ever again, I assured her I would make the time to help and encourage her.

May this story of what happened to me this week, help serve as a "wake up call" for all of us, that a Simple "Hello" can make the world of a difference for someone whom you don't even know might need it.

Fave Desserts From Around the World

What are some of your favorite desserts? Here are some of mine.

(And if you have a sweet tooth, I challenge you to try some of these!)


1. Halo-Halo (Philippines)

2. Gulab Jamun (India)

3. Baklava (Greece)

4. Pandan Jelly (Thailand)

5. Strawberry Crepes (France)

6. Sapin-Sapin (Philippines)

7. Cherry Cheesecake (North America)

8. Baked Cookie and Ice Cream (North America)

9. Pistachio Kulfi Ice Cream Popsicles (India)

10. Mochi Ice Cream (Japan)












 Sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeet!!!  :)

Proverbs 3:5 - Inspiration for Today!

Some of us may have 'an issue' with surrendering what we want, and focusing our thoughts into what-would-God-want-us-to-do, based on words in the bible. 

For some of us, it seems like Nonsense to put ourselves Second, and Trust God First.

Some of us would much rather trust in what-looks-best-to-the-world, and do things in-our-own-strength-without God... rather than trusting in God to lead the way.

If that's you... Well, from what I understand in this Proverbs 3:5 verse... when  we trust in God with ALL our hearts, and let Him lead the way- our paths in life just get a little more smooth. Believe it or not.

Well, it says so in the bible.

God can straighten a windy road, esp. when times are rough, when we Trust in Him to do so. And he never leaves us in the process.

There are way too many of us in this world who want to make ourselves the Number 1 thing... doing everything without even asking ourselves, would God be pleased with my decisions? ... and I think even us as Christians can fall into that trap at some point in time in our lives, as none of us is perfect.

But, I think the key thing, at the end of the day... is to Constantly give God Your entire Heart and love... because when loving Christ becomes the object of your affections, rather than anything in this world- He can lead you to great places, and to do good, amazing things to make the world a better place.

Isn't that what being a Christian is all about... letting the world know of God's Great Love through our lives and actions? Wasnt that Christ's whole mission?

I think sometimes when we get caught up in just doing-things-in-our own strength, things might seem ok for now... But when one day a storm of life hits, and we knew deep down that what we were doing was not in-line with what God would have wanted us to do, we will fall harder, and it will hurt more.

But when we Trust in The Lord with all our hearts, no matter what endeavors we take on, He will make sure that we are Good in the end. (Just think of how Christ Trusted God, even if he knew he was going to be put to death... but in the end he resurrected. God took care of Him when he was obedient.)

I believe that Trusting in God is one of the most powerful things we can do in our lives.  Even Christ said that the Greatest Commandment is to: "Love God with all your heart, soul, mind, strength". (Matthew 22:38)

And why is it So Great?  Because we can make SUCH a Positive Difference in this world when we do that. That's why.

God can lead us to greater places, where we can have an IMPACT.

If we live for our own selfishness, and don't care about making a difference for God... well, then that's up to you. I am not the judge.  But wouldn't life feel so much more full, knowing that there was a purpose to spread love?

And God's love is the best love- unconditional, everlasting.  So, if we can tap into that- we can share it with others too. :)

 As a recap of this bible verse:  "Trust in The Lord with ALL your heart, and lean not on your Own Understanding. In ALL your ways, acknowledge Him, and he will make your Paths Straight."

Basically, the more we acknowledge God as a part of our lives, the more he can guide us to accomplish great things. So, there really is a Bonus in trusting God.

God is good, all the time- after all.

Random Acts of Hope

While shopping at the local Christian bookstore, I was inspired to buy a new tool to help in every-average-day ministry.

They were a pack of $2 cards called Faith Builders... they came with 20 bible verses placed on a business card with a pretty picture on it.

I've decided that from here on in, if I come across a person in need (for example, a beggar on the street), or if I meet a new friend, rather than just buying them a coffee or handing out some spare change, I can add a Faith Builder business-card with One Bible Verse on it.

Why?  Because it's simpler than a Bible tract, and can cause a person to wonder about the goodness of God... they can read a bible verse without even being given a bible.... and this could be a "hint" for them to explore their faith further. Enhancing everyday ministry, and not missing a moment to share the word of God.

The bible says "The word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword." Hebrews 4:12.

Before handing them out, I'd pray that the cards would fall into the hands of people who need to hear Christ's Inspirational Message that day... you never know whose life can change based on a simple bible verse given to them by a stranger. :)

Pix from The Billy Graham Festival of Hope at ACC, Sept 12-14 2014

Pix from 'Jesus in The City' Parade in downtown Toronto (Sept 6 2014)

Children See, Children Do. Be a Good Influence.

Bear Rescues Crow, Aww Soo Cute!

How to Make Pancakes Healthier

Mmm, I love Pancakes- one of my fave breakfast foods!

However, as they are made from white flour and sugar,
they are not necessarily the healthiest for us.

Here are 6 ways to make those Flap Jacks healthier for everyone in the family:

1. Try adding mashed sweet potatoes to your pancake batter
2. You can also try adding oats to the batter
(you have oatmeal in the mornings anyways right?)
3. Fruit is another great thing to add in the pancake batter,
and you know it will taste delicious
4. Instead of using an egg, you can try using a mashed banana.
5. Instead of using a cup of oil to make the pancakes fluffy,
you can use half a cup of applesauce instead.
6. And finally, try putting yogurt on top of that pancake for added sweetness,
rather than dousing it in maple syrup. Yogurt is sweet and a good
source of protein!

Have fun flippin' those healthy pancakes!

Source:   http://www.fitsugar.com/Tips-Healthier-Pancakes-19913367 

Who has the Most Giving Heart? Find Out who!

Here's an interesting eye-opening social experiment.

Check it out!

 

 

This video is a good reminder of the bible verse:

"When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required." Luke 12:48

Some people could watch this video and think to themselves... well, if the guys at the Pizza shop were given a Free Pizza, would they have been just as generous as the other person?

Was the person who shared their pizza only generous because he had been given a Free one? Would he still have been as generous if he had bought a couple of slices with his own money?

Regardless of where the pizza came from- one major difference is  that the people in the Pizza shop likely had jobs, and could obviously afford a pizza. And the one who could not afford, still shared.
That's the biggest difference.

Hope this video serves as an inspiration to all of us to be generous with the blessings, money, resources that God has blessed us with.  And when we have, we can give.

The easiest way to do so, if we are feeling too selfish even if we have (which is a natural human tendency), is to offer whatever we're giving to others, as an Act of Worship to a Great God who provides for us always. And when we do this with the mentality that we are going to use our resources so that God's love will be known, giving becomes easier. Try it! :)

Proof God Exists

Very good analogy/video that proves the existence of God's love.

 (although not so sure if Albert Einstein really said this, the message is very good!)

Turning the Other Cheek- Wimpy or Bold?

In Luke 6 in the bible, Jesus teaches...

"If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn the other cheek.
If someone demands your coat, offer your shirt also."

Sometimes I think that some Christians take this
teaching the wrong way,
in that it means to be a wimp, and to let the abuser
continue to abuse.

But in fact, this line means the opposite.
Because when you think about it-
it takes a lot of courage, boldness, and maturity to face
your bully in Peace, rather than either running away,
or being angry and fighting back.

Jesus also teaches:
"Love your enemies.
Do good to those who hate you.  
Pray for the happiness of those who curse you.
Pray for those who hurt you."
When things are taken away from you,
don't try to get them back."

So basically- not only has Jesus instructed us to
Stand tall and face our opponent in Peace- but also to Pray for them.
Love them (otherwise you become a victim of your own anger).

And if they have stolen something from you,
whether that be your pride, happiness, joy, money, family,
friends, or material object, don't try to get revenge.

I love this teaching about Christianity.

It teaches us to have Zero Hate in our lives,
no matter what kind of injustice we may have faced.

It teaches us to stand tall against our opponents-
but to do so in Peace.

At the end of the day, if your heart is right with
God, no matter how difficult the situation is,
your situation is GUARANTEED to resurrect from the dark
times and transform into something beautiful.

Just wait on the Lord, and Trust He will do this for you.

As Jesus says in John 3:16,
"Whoever believes in me will have eternal life."

So if you seem dead tired from being the victim of bullying or injustice... 
Just know that if you can face your opponent in Peace,
and you can Pray for them, And Love them,
no matter how badly they've hurt you,
you're on the right track to the good life.