The CHANs

Our Family's Life School Journey

This site is primarily our way to keep track of our milestone and share our homeschooling activities in our neurodiverse family.Here is the assessment of Rai and Arya for this School Year. It was fascinating to see that it somehow matches their personality and skills.

AUGUST 2024

It was a trial month on how our Schedule would fit. We are NOT an early riser, so we would usually start before/after lunch. Thank God, we were able to established a routine. Rai's not pressured (I hope) with his goals. And Arya enjoyed her subjects, she even said it's easy and fun.

August Gallery

Week 1For RAI A remarkable milestone for the week is that he was able to wash himself after potty (without calling me). Hooray!!!! We started by reading aloud the Bible story of Joshua.
He participated in nature study (even if it's a chore for him to walk), For Astronomy we had an intro for Sun, Moon and Stars. He used to love outer space so he was quite familiar with our Astronomy topic.For Chemistry -- What is a matter, I think he understood it.With Math, we did exercises in skip counting and odd even. It was quite easy for him.We read aloud poems by Alfred Lord Tennyson and hymns in prose and he can do some spelling when dictated. His writing is improving as well as we do copywriting everyday.He was not very interested in Filipino literature but participated in singing “Bahay Kubo”. For AP, We studied the directions too. He is quite familiar with left and right, and now he knows the North, South, East, West. Same with NE, NW, SE,SW.We did the Four Voices from the Sing Solfa site. He would whisper, shout, and sing.He participated in the art study of Van Gogh - the starry night and noticed things such as the castle and trees. Did some watercolor arts and physical exercises too.We watched a karate event (Arya's tournament) and can do a little oral narration of what is happening.Started him with some typing drills (j and f) on the computer.

Week 1ARYA is establishing a routine – upon waking up she will brush teeth, wash face, comb hair as we tackled Cleanliness for this month. She is also doing a habit of reading her bible but not quite often - she is already in Samuel.It was a surprise that she enjoyed reading books. She finished Charlotte's web book in just 3 days and read it straight in one sitting for around 2-3 hours. She was able to narrate and actually felt sad because Charlotte died. She was able to memorize the poem of Sara Teasdale “The Love that goes a-begging”.She enjoyed our nature walk about Santan. She read aloud the book about Sun, Moon and stars as well as Matters, Molecules and Atoms.For Math, reviewed places value, skip counting, odd and even. Though she's having difficulty in Math she was able to do the exercises well.We read a story titled - Ginintuang Aral. She felt sad about this Filipino parable. We are working on singing the “Bahay Kubo”. For AP, we read aloud in the geography book. - How all Things Praise the Lord.We tried the Sing Solfa site , and she participated in the “Four Voices”. We discussed Van Gogh’s Starry night and it was interesting to know that she found it quite spooky. Did some arts and lots of copywriting too.And to cap off the week, She brought home an award from Karate:
Champion - Kata & 1st place - Kumite.CONGRATULATIONS SHOBEWe almost didn't let her compete because she was sick prior and during the event, but when we asked her she said she can do it. After the event, she said she was happy that she competed and even won an award

Arya's Videos

Poem

Kata (Discipline)

Kumite (Sparring)

Sadly, the time that he washed himself was just a one-time thing. Rai called me again to wash (more of to guide him after potty), so I continuously instructed him to get soap, get water, wash, and repeat 5x. For bible stories, we got to watch David from Sight and sound for FREE but he was not very interested.We studied the Kantutay flower, did some water coloring art of the flowers from the Burgees Flower book. We also studied Solid Liquid and Gases. It seems he knows, but sometimes he keeps on guessing.Did a lot of math drills to review Addition and Subtraction, in which he is much familiar. He can do “carry over” and “borrow” but with some guidance.Everyday reading of the poem “The Eagle” by Alfred Lord Tennyson. We are now in Hymn II for copywriting and spelling. I dictated some of the sentences in Hymn II and he was able to spell most words. But if in doubt, he would look at the text.For Filipino and AP - we are still practicing the song Bahay Kubo and reviewed the directions that we studied from last week.He performed the No more Pie for Music this week. Did some painting (watercolor) from our Nature Study. Checked on some Swedish drill, and since it's flu season, pointed out the importance of drinking vitamins. In which he reluctantly agreed.We are still continuing with the typing tutor practice of j,f, and space.

Arya continued on establishing daily habits and routine upon waking up (brush teeth, wash face, combed hair). Cleanliness from the book Laying Down the Rails is still our topic. Was not able to do much bible reading since she was sick the whole week. But we watched David from Sight and Sound and she was able to narrate her favorite scene from the bible which is fighting Goliath.Even though sick, she was able to finish the Charlie and Chocolate Factory book after 4 days. Recited Sara Teasdale’s poetry Wishes and did a lot of copy work of the poem.We studied the Kantutay flower, did some water coloring art of the flowers from the Burgees Flower book. We also studied Solid Liquid and Gases. She is quite interested in doing some chemistry experiments.She reviewed Money, Clocks, Perimeter, Addition/Subtraction Facts, and did Math drills. She understood Math problems well.Still practicing Bahay Kubo and was able to pronounce the words clearly with the right diction. For Araling Panlipunan, she was able to narrate the last week lesson “How All Things Praise the Lord”In Music performed the No more Pie and did some art works integrated from our Nature Study. She had Ballet practice for this week and since she was sick the whole week she cannot attend Karate. Reminded her about the importance of drinking vitamins.

Since we started reading again, Rai wanted to always read bedtime stories. We read the bible story about the Sneaky Snake. He was able to describe a little of what was in the picture. We continuously practiced good habits like brushing teeth in the morning and before sleeping.We studied Changes of State of Matter, did a drawing and somehow understood the Melting, Evaporating, Condensing and Freezing. We read aloud the living book for the Nature study and did some copywriting. We did a Nature Walk and studied the Piti-piti flower (Ruellia Tuberosa). We read about the Earth as a Planet and its distance from the Sun and Moon.He practiced Finding x by basic addition and subtraction. Was surprised that he was able to understand the concept of transferring, changing the symbol and that’s basic Algebra.He reads the poem “Strong Son of God, Immortal Love” by Alfred Tennyson and writes the Hymns and Prose. He was reluctant to write but would still do it. He is much faster to write if I would dictate it. But sometimes he would still check on the text for the correct spelling.We started reading “Mr. Beetle's many rooms” the Filipino version and he was able to sing the Bahay Kubo with the correct tune. We studied the regions of the Philippines and he was able to point where is the Manila (Taguig/Pasig), Nueva Ecija and Legazpi.
In singing “John the Rabbit” he should reply with “Yes Maam”, but he usually echoes only the lines but later on replies correctly. Painted the work of Van Gogh - The Starry Night with his own version. He participated in the exercise during Shobe’s karate and also managed him to drink a healthy drink - Ningxia.Still with the typing tutor and practicing j, f and space. He tends to use the right finger in the space bar and sometimes gets excited and will just use the right/left pointed finger.

We read the bible story of “The Sneaky Snake” and Arya was able to narrate the story well. She concluded with the moral of the story that we should always obey God and not blame others. She is now doing good habits of fixing herself upon waking up and before sleeping.She finished the book by Roald Dahl “Danny the Champion of the World” in just a day. She narrated it and took a video of herself. I uploaded it on YouTube since it’s 29mins long. She reads poetry by Sara Teasdale - Dusk in Autumn. Continuously doing some copywriting, we are working on her spacing.We did Nature Walk and studied the Piti-piti flower (Ruellia Tuberosa), she did copywriting of the description of the flower. Also, we did some study about the Changes of State of Matter (draw it to better understand). We did a study of the Earth and its distance from the moon and the sun.She did Math drills of Addition which includes carrying and Tally marks. She still got confused with the subtraction but she did fairly well.She also was able to narrate the story of the Wright brothers who studied about the birds as they designed their plane.Started reading “Mr. Beetle Many Rooms” (Filipino ver) and singing of Bahay Kubo with minimal correction of how she pronounced the words. We studied the Regions of the Philippines and she was able to locate our place (Manila) and the provinces of (Nueva Ecija and Albay).
Sang the “John the Rabbit” and replied correctly,

Videos

For our Bible Reading, we read aloud the story of “Noah’s Ark”. We even started our Family devotion for the week. For our Habits forming, Rai now willingly goes to the bathroom if called to brush his teeth. But since he still has some sensory issues, I would first brush his teeth and he would continue after me. We also read aloud the story from Laying down the Rails “Dust Under the Rug”.Our plant for the week is the Desert Plant, he did some copywriting and arts (watercolor) for this flower and the flowers in the New Burgees book. We also discussed Astronomy and drew the Earth, Moon and Sun and determined its distance from each one. For Chemistry, did some read aloud about some puzzles to explain such as the dissolving. He listens while I explain the theory in the coffee.With Math, he did his multiplication puzzle for the nth time. He reviewed the multiplication table through worksheets and he recited it too. There are some misses like in the multiples of 6,7, and 8.Everyday, we read the poem of Alfred Lord Tennyson - Ring Out, Wild Bells. He did copywriting with the Hymns in Prose (now in Hymn 3). He is now mindful of the symbols as well like the punctuation marks. I dictate some words to him for our spelling.Before bedtime, we continue singing the Bahay Kubo and still read aloud the Mr. Beetle Many Rooms book. For AP, we read aloud the Elementary Geography book Lesson 2 “Our World” and discussed the National Symbols of the Philippines. When we came to the part of the National house, he started singing it.He likes music, so even if it seems like he is not listening he still gets it. From the solfa site, we sing the Working Man but he is not doing the action. For Arts, we discussed Van Gogh’s The Harvest. It seems familiar to him since we lived in the province for quite a while. He was able to point at the hay and even thought that the horse was a carabao. For PE, he participated in the exercise while his sister was doing karate, though he unwillingly did it. We started playing bowling (toy) where he enjoyed counting the score (fallen pins). Since it’s still flu season, he constantly drinks vitamins for good health. I kept reminding him and he would say “Healthy!”.During Weekend, we immersed them in the Market. Usually, they would just wait in the car while I buy stuff. But now, they joined me and helped me carry those fishes and vegetables.

Bible Reading - she read aloud the story of “Noah’s Ark”. She also answered her journal from the kid’s church. We even started our Family devotion for the week, wherein she was very participative. For our Habits forming, she now brushes her teeth in the morning with minimal reminders. We also read aloud the story from Laying down the Rails “Dust Under the Rug”, and understood the importance of working faithfully or else you won’t find the gold.Our plant for the week is the Desert Plant, she did a lot of copywriting and arts (watercolor) for this flower and the flowers in the New Burgees book, which she thoroughly enjoyed. We also discussed Astronomy and drew the Earth, Moon and Sun and determined its distance from each one. She read aloud the book as well. For Chemistry, did some read aloud about some puzzles to explain. She quite understood the theory of the dissolving.For Math, she did a review of the Subtraction. She understood the theory of the borrow, but sometimes still got confused.She was able to finish a book for this week by Roald Dahl - BFG (Big Friendly Giant). She found it a little creepy because some giants eat people, except of course the BFG. Everyday, she is also reading a poem, for this week it’s Sara Teasdale’s Dream Song. She continuously practiced copywriting and can see that she is mindful now of the spacing.Before bedtime, we continued singing the Bahay Kubo. One time, during our market day, she noticed one store with Sibuyas, Kamatis, Bawang at Luya. She called my attention and told me what she saw. For Filipino literature, we do read aloud from Mr. Beetle's Many Rooms book. For AP, we read aloud the Elementary Geography book Lesson 2 “Our World” and discussed the National Symbols of the Philippines which she is quite familiar with already.From the solfa site, we sing the Working Man and do the action for it. For Arts, we discussed Van Gogh’s The Harvest. She is noticing a lot of details already from the picture. For PE, she diligently worked hard for her kata and sparring. She also did her ballet drills for the week. She played bowling with her brother this week. Since it’s still the rainy season, she would remind me of her daily dose of vitamins.During Weekend, we brought them to the Wet Market. Usually, they would just wait in the car while I buy stuff. But now, they joined me and helped me carry those fishes and vegetables. She also mixed her own pancake and cooked it with the help of her dad.

VIDEOS

Reflection by: JohnInsight for: by Understanding the Person: Including the Invisible Parts by Dallas WillardGrowing up in a Christian family in which I am a third generation, it is not new to me to practice some religious activities like going to church, attending fellowships and even participating in certain ministries.
I would remember my mother playing Don Moen worship songs in the morning and also saw her reading daily bread devotional book. She always make sure she has a new copy of it every year.
She would also buy us this kid devotionals and tell us to read them and also instructed us to pray every night before going to sleep.But even with these, I grew up having a shallow understanding of Christianity. My belief was that being a Christian is a membership and it will be a ticket for me to enter heaven. After all, who really likes to go to hell with all of that eternal pain of suffering in the fire. My life did not reflect that of Jesus Christ although my sister told me that Christianity is not a religion, it is a relationship. I realize it now that I do not understand relationships.After graduating high school, I attended a retreat where the theme for the event is about the second coming of Jesus. This again added to the fear of me not wanting to be left behind the rapture just to have my head cut off if I do not deny Jesus Christ. In college and even as I started my professional career, I attended a different church where the pastor is charismatic and funny that wants me to be entertained. I did learn a lot of stuff back then, but I know I am still set on being righteous and good by my own will.After some time, one of my aunts is told us that they were attending CCF, so my family and I tried to attend it as well. As I joined in one of their singles retreat, one of my thoughts came that the theme of the retreat is for people who do not know Jesus yet and it made me wonder why is that. Does CCF does not care the growth of existing Christians? How would I grow if the retreat is not for me? Little did I know that Jesus already stirred my heart towards the right direction.After a while, I heard about the Glorious Hope Program Ministry (GH) and even though the market back then was for people in bondage of issues like drug addiction, alcohol and pornography, I know deep in my heart that I needed to attend this.
Attending GH was also difficult, I was not religiously answering the reflection exercises because I would rather watch anime series. I was one of the invisible ink guys or the guy who always has short answers but when it is time for my sharing, I talked a lot. GH is my turning point toward wholeness as I understood why I act the way I behave.In GH, I was taught about the heart and that only Jesus can fill it until it will overflow. It is the beginning of the slow process of my transformation. As I watched the video of Dallas Willard, I understood clearly that a lot of Christians are like me, still in bondage and wanted to change but unable to. I am set to become good by my own will. I set my will not to sin but keep on sinning. I set my mind that I will read my bible but find myself watching TV series. In other words, my god is myself and what I wanted to have, and the pleasures that comes along with it. I did not know that my soul was broken and needs to be restored toward wholeness.The Name of Jesus Christ works and the knowledge of the reality of Him can’t be compared to anything else. But like me, I am unable to realize it because I am focus on my whole self and not the parts of it. If you transform your parts then the whole will follow. God detailed the parts in Mark 12:30 And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.The heart according to Dallas Willard is mostly synonymous with the will or spirit. But what made me fail is that I was setting my will to what was best for me rather than setting it for what is best for God and what will bring Him glory.The mind are my thoughts and feelings. If your thoughts and feelings are set on what is good for God, then you will not even think about other things. Sinning will become less and less.Both the will and the mind need each other. They are co-dependent with one another and if both of it are set on what is best for God, this will reflect on your character.The soul is the deepest part in which we have no direct access. As I think about this, the soul do not want to be alone. The soul needs to revolve around something. And to achieve wholeness, it needs to revolve around Jesus. In other words, my soul yearns for Jesus to fill my desires. All of our souls are broken, and it needs to be restored.The body is made up of habits. Habits are usually what we do without thinking and our body is designed to be that way. It is automatic. And most of the time this is where the spiritual disciplines are manifested through (1) Surrender, (2) Scripture Reading, (3) Study, (4) Solitude and (5) ServiceHeart, Mind, Body, Soul are the parts that needs to be transformed.And lastly what I like about the message, is that discipleship and the disciples goes through the process of transformation. It is where we cultivate the good tree so it will produce good fruits. But unfortunately, there are times in our church, that the teaching and discussion in a discipleship group are about what you ought to do and what you must not do. But as Dallas Willard said, it is about what you should routinely do. It’s about confession where souls started to give up on splitting the self. It is a safe place where everything is not well and encouraging each other the need of our dependence on God and knowing Him based on how He reveals himself. And then understanding why you behave the way you behave. It is a redemptive community where real transformation happens (heart, mind, soul, body). That is what I like about the GH program, it is a place where broken and conflicted souls are gathered that are in need of restoration towards wholeness which can only be found in Jesus Christ.

How I recovered from anxiety

I'm a follower of JESUS recovering from anxiety, being a perfectionist, envying and self-seeking. I grew up as a third generation Christian in the family, where going to Church, having daily devotions, praying are normal things to do. The family had a small business but because of some untrustworthy individuals, we lost the business and my father needed to work abroad to make ends meet. But in spite of this, we were still well provided and although there were some struggles, I really did not experience the poverty that is normally seen. I can say I lived a comfortable life.

I always remember my mother would wake us up early in the morning to go to Church but also getting angry when we are late. After church, we will always gather with my relatives to eat together. But I always recall that a lot of times, they are talking about topics that seems to be judgmental and critical to other people's shortcomings. But at the same time, they praise other people who are either wealthy or have accomplished a lot of things in their lives.

With these, I grew up with the belief that I must not show any weakness or shame the family. I must always have good grades and be able to be financially capable. Or else, I will be judged and criticized by the family. This was also my definition of success. This also created in me a habit of just being quiet and just to stay on the side in gatherings. In this way, I thought they will not notice me. I grew up having honors and having good grades. And as long as I keep this up, they will not say anything bad about me. I also came to have a view of God as someone who is happy if I am doing and excelling while frustrated when I am doing bad things. And I must always be in my best behaviour.

Fast forward to year 2023, I am a regular attendee in CCF and I am already serving in a ministry. I experienced frequent gout attacks and also have an ear infection that blocked one side of my hearing. During one of the episodes, I heard ringing sound in that part of my ear and became fearful for my life. I always hear in the testimonies that you have to be in the lowest point in your life to experience God. And I questioned God at that time, why do I have to go through difficulties and hardships just so I can experience Him. Why do I need to experience pain and suffering just to realized I need Him. I thought to myself that I am incapable of going through that suffering if God were to give it to me. I doubted God's goodness and viewed Him as a Lord and King who will just do what He wants with you. And I feared Him immensely but not out of reverence. I became scared of Him.

After some time, I felt a numbness in my forehead that I never felt before. Fear struck me again thinking that I can die. While I want to hear Jesus say to me "well done my good and faithful servant", negative thought patterns is always in my mind like after I die, God will said to me "I never knew you, depart from me". I questioned my authenticity as a Christian and I doubted Gods' grace and mercy.

We decided to go see several doctors to check why I have numbness in my forehead. And after going through several laboratory tests and had my ears treated, I praised God that everything went back negative. One of the doctors said that I might be experiencing an anxiety disorder.

At first it was hard to believe that I had it since I am one of the guys who don't believe in mental health issues. I am competent and I have confidence. I am one of the life coaches. But learning and accepting I had anxiety disorder was not a difficult decision as I knew I needed to get some rest. Though I will always be reminded the feeling of no confidence, low self esteem and the feeling of helplessness in which people will judge and criticize you for being weak and proud. It seems I lost in being significant in my existence.

One of the passages that brought me through was John 15:4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me It occurred to me that I was always trying to do things on my own strength and I am trying so hard to produce good fruit by my own self even as I was serving in the ministry. I was laboring under religion that is why I am not able to enter His rest. Another passage that brought me through is Psalm 34:4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me
and delivered me from all my fears. I felt so afraid and scared when I had anxiety and I do not know what to do with them but to just continue to seek God in His goodness. And another that also helped in my recovery is Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. I was thinking negative and self defeating thoughts at the time that is not true and pure and lovely and honorable. Every morning as I wake up, I will recite the 3 verses, say aloud the serenity prayer and mention the acronym SANITY as I write it in my journal.

And then like a light bulb and aha moment, I forgot that God above all else, is my heavenly Father. I was so focus on what I need and ought to do. I was only focus on being saved by grace that I forgot that I must live by grace also. Then God impressed in my heart to reach out to a few high school buddies and start a d-group. Even though I wanted it to be very well planned and thorough, this time around I just scheduled it without any thought of the outcome. I trusted God on the process whether they will learn something or not. The burden was slowly going away as I knew that it is not me who will bring about the transformation in their lives. It's them and their relationship with Jesus that will bring about change.

At the moment, I also started to have bible study with my family. I no longer think that my son who has autism would understand it or not. I only know that I would like my family to enjoy growing and having progress in their relationship with Jesus. And that their life can only be abundant as they depend on God in everyday of their lives. I will always consider my anxiety as a significant event in my life. It is the time that I realized my soul is broken and that I truly understood what Jesus said in John 10:10 ...I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. To God be the Glory.

The Meaning of Our Family Logo

When we started to build this web site, Leslie told me that we need to have a logo. I told her that we will have a hard time creating one because both of us do not have an artistic mind. Both of us studied engineering and that is why both of us have our left brains work the most.Although, in a way, I already have something in mind for our logo. At a glance, our logo is just simple. You will notice the S, the heart, the cross, and the inverted C.

S - this can be represented as school, but the deeper meaning behind it is a Soul who is kneeling in prayer fully surrendered to JesusCross - represents Jesus Christ who paid the wages of our sins that we might have an abundant life.Heart - represents our will, spirit, mind, emotions and beliefs. We lift this up to Jesus so He can fill it. We put and set our hearts on what is best for God and what will bring Him glory.C - as we act on the above, Jesus Christ will put His protection in our family. He will never leave us nor forsake us. And No one can snatch us away from His hand and embrace. And we enter into His rest.

Insight by John

Having 2 kids myself, I am always amazed by how their eyes twinkle and being eager when we grant them what they want the most. I am always joyful when I see their faces put up a smile. But at the same time, you will also see their sad and frustrated faces whenever you don't grant them what they desire. Listening to the message by John Ortberg, I realized and this is very true that we are a people who loves to treasure. We get angry or frustrated when things that we treasure is taken away or it is being threathened. I really liked what he said that you don't have to ask people what they care about but just look at what makes them go crazy when they are being threathened. That is what happens when what we treasure are being taken away.

What is a soul? What comes to mind if you hear the word soul? A lot of us know the word but what does it really mean. Many of us picture the soul as an invisible being that comes out of our body when we die. I myself have wondered in Mark 8:36-37 For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? For what can a man give in return for his soul? It is one of the most important word in the bible and yet it is not often talk about. It has a depth that we find it hard to understand. And yet we are unknowingly aware that deep within us that our restedness and restlessness lies deep within the part of our soul.

When I first read this passage in Mark, I have always understood this as a person can have wealth, power and fame and yet can go to hell. While this is true, John Ortberg iterates that there is a much deeper meaning than just a person going to the lake of fire. It means that the soul is a far more precious and probably the greatest treasure that one can have. If you put the soul in one scale, and put all the gold, all the fame, all the power, all the earth and all the universe in the other scale, the soul would still be the one going heavier in the scale. And it made you think that how come we have not bothered to care for it.

Looking back at my life, I never really thought of the care of my soul. But rather, I always look to care for the self and that is myself. I became a Christian because I am looking at my self and I don't want to go to hell and burn eternally. I get irritated when I am not comfortable. I always find ways to satisfy myself like playing video games, watching whatever I want, eating junk foods and along with many other lists. I only care for myself.

In the video, John Ortberg said that he also had a hard time understanding the soul until Dallas Willard explained it to him in a way that makes more sense. The soul is what it means to be a person. And what it means to be a person is best describe if you divide the person according to the function of the parts.

He divided the person based on (1) Will (2) Mind (3) Body (4) Social Relationships (5) Soul.

The WILL is one of God's given image to us. It is our ability to choose and decide. This is your core. This is where the dignity of a person comes from. This is where you have the capacity to bring good or bad into existence. This is what makes us accountable to God and to others. And in the ancient world, the general understanding can be the heart or spirit. The heart is the core and center of who you are and the spirit is your energy and your personal power to do things. This is also what gives you your own kingdom.The MIND is your thoughts and feelings. This is our ability to direct consciousness. This is where most of the time determines the quality of our mind. A joyful and outgoing person we will see as a positive person while a sad, angry and fearful person we will view as a negative person.The BODY is the part where your kingdom begins. This where we find our habits and our appetites. And most of the time, this is the part where we find it hard to manage.The SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS is the part where we are crowned by our identity. This is deeply embedded in our system. Who are we interacting to as we grow up? What are our experiences good or bad as we deal with them? How much influence does your social dimension have an impact in your identity?The SOUL is the one that integrates them and this is the distinct person that is you and only you. It is the capacity to integrate all the parts into one being.Now what is the problem?

We are made so that our parts are in unity with each other. We are made so that the parts are in harmony with one another. One of the problem that we see now a days, is that the will is enslaved to the body. Our habits and appetites takes over on what we know to do what is right. And that is what we usually call addiction or compulsive behaviors. I remember that my body is enslaved in going to strip clubs and watching pornography even though I know in my mind that this is not right. This is me as an example of a broken soul. I know I need to read the bible, share the gospel but my body and social relations (the identity and the compulsions that I have experienced) would not allow me to do so. I have a conflicted soul. I really liked what John Ortberg said that you do not have to know the bible to see that there are a lot of souls that are lost. We just need to look around us. Our families, our friends, our neighbors, the television...how many souls are lost? YOU, ME and every person have a soul.

If you have been around the Christian community for long, you have probably heard of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). AA is a 12-step program particularly dedicated for people recovering from alcoholism. It then expanded to different mutual-aid programs that supports recovery from substance addiction, behavioral addictions and other compulsions. This is also where the Glorious Hope program is derived from.

Glorious Hope is a program that helps and equips individuals to address personal life issues and more. It is a systematic process that helps identify and resolve issues that are manifestations of deep-seated hurts as a result of their family dynamics. As a way of survival through the years, people have adopted certain coping mechanisms that have formed and shaped their behavior, attitude and beliefs.

As I think about the Glorious Hope program, it is really a program for lost souls. Our social relations growing up have shaped our identity and built the body that we know, and that is our habits, appetites and compulsive behaviours. Our mind becomes negative due to this painful experience and our will is enslaved to our mind and body. We have lost the capacity to bring good into existence.

The soul is lost, broken and it needs to be cured, restored. It needs to revolve around something brighter. It needs a glorious hope. And that hope is Jesus. As I study on this, my mind always takes me back to this verse Psalm 42 As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. The soul requires satisfaction and it is thirsty. And we try to fill it in many various worldly ways. That is why it cannot be whole no matter how much our will tries. It also dawned upon me this verse in Isaiah 55:3 Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live;

Part of the lesson in the GH program is where we discussed the heart and the meaning of desires. As I was meditating on this, it seems to me that the desires that we are really seeking is what our souls really thirst for and requires satisfaction for. When our desires are filled and our souls are satisfied, we will become whole. And that wholeness will bring about true spiritual transformation.

To be honest, I just recently understood this. I have been a Christian for as long as I can remember. I always hear the message and testimonies of lowest point, intimacy with God, grace and hunger for Gods word, and that we are all sinners and needs forgiveness. But the words that really struck me and is like a wake up call for me are the words brokeness and wholeness. My soul is broken and it needs to be whole. I cannot do the things I know what is right because my soul is broken. After understanding this, then I understood really what is meant to draw near to God. I have slowly understood on what is meant to rest on Jesus. And I have realized that the spiritual disciplines are not a chore, but a delight to bring healing, recovery and restoration.

Have you cared for your soul? Does your soul need to be cured? These are the questions that we need to address to. The soul is the treasure that is really important to put our focus on. Because once this is lost, no amount of wealth can ever reclaim it. Have you asked Jesus to help take care of your soul?

Insights for 12 steps for All of Us - by Leslie

I used to think that the soul and spirit are the same, it’s like the spiritual being that is inside of us that makes us alive and when we die it floats around earth before it goes to heaven.But from what I understand from the video, the soul is what integrates the parts of our being into a whole person. The parts are the:
1) Will - our ability to choose
2) Spirit - the form of energy or power, with the Heart as the center core
3) Mind - this refers to our thoughts and feelings, it has the ability to direct consciousness
4) Body - refers to our habits, appetites
5) Social - our relationship and identityUnderstanding our soul can help us take care of it. To make sure it’s a healthy soul, each part should be healthy as well. It would also help to care for our soul, by having our own solitude, practice journaling and accountability.But sin causes the disintegration of the soul. That’s why we are invited to come to Jesus, the healer of our soul. To surrender our wills, our minds, our bodies and our relationships to Him.Mark 12:30-31
30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”I love how it was commanded in Mark, to love God with every parts of our being. And to love our neighbor (social) as well.

Reading and studying the Bible is a journey of discovery and transformation. It’s not merely about gaining knowledge but about encountering spiritual truths and trying to applying them in our lives. By approaching the Bible with curiosity, commitment, and an open heart, I know that I can experience profound impact on my personal growth, faith and relationship with Jesus.As I embark on or continue my journey through my regular quiet time and studying the Bible with my family, I will always remember that each moment is an opportunity to deepen my understanding and enrich my life towards spiritual transformation and maturity by applying its truth. I will continue to embrace the process, enjoy the discoveries, and let the Bible guide and inspire me and my family in every aspect of our lives.

Our First Bible Study as a Family - August 28, 2024

I always wanted to start a bible study for my family. But each time I think of doing it, my mind always gives an excuse of not starting one:1) I need to finish my work
2) I do not have time to prepare.
3) Rai has autism. He won't understand what I will teach
4) Our home is not suited to have a good mood and environment in studying the Bible.
4) Arya is still too young
6) I'm not sure on where to startAbove are reasons I come up for me to not begin discipling my family.But God, through Jesus Christ, in His awesome goodness and abundant grace, used Arya to just go ahead and just get going.On the Sunday of the week that we started our bible study, Arya heard the Pastor that the father should disciple his family. She then insisted Leslie her mom and mom told me. And then I said we will start on Wednesday. She was so excited. And I then stopped playing the excuses in my mind and just start it.As I was thinking what we can study together, God impressed in my heart that we start with the roots. And so I chose the One by One of CCF as it is foundational.Although we are already followers of Christ, I knew in my heart that I want to know if everyone in my family have the right perspective in having a relationship with Jesus. And it is not a set of religious activities.God wants us to have an abundant life (John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.). And it is not a life that we can live only by our own self. It is a life that connects us to Him. A life that people can see that His Kingdom is manifesting in us. A life that His reign has effective control in our mind, heart, soul and body. It is a life where we think, feel, believe and act the interest on what is best for God moment by moment.But sadly, we all have sinned. We all have decided that we are our own god (Isaiah 53:6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.). We all trust to follow the idea on what is good and what is bad in my life. If we sin just once, we are guilty of being a sinner (James 2:10 For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it.). That is because God is a Holy God.But God is Love (1 John 4:8 Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love). And He showed it to us through Jesus Christ (1 John 4:9 In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him).While God is Love, He is also just. For the penalty of our sins is that of unabundant life that is dark and void in which this is the death that the Bible speaks of (Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.).And through Jesus, we can have an abundant and meaningful and eternal life. (John 3:16 For God so loved the world,[a] that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life).I want to know that my family knows this. That the life that we seek here on earth and the next is not about being rich, not about having power and not about being the most influential and wisest person and mostly not about just being existing. It is a life where we live in His Kingdom that is everyday unhurried and everyday full of exciting adventures where God will always show His grace and amazing goodness.

BEE FARM

Last Aug 31, 2024 we were blessed with good weather for our bee farm field trip at Casa Mellifera. It is located in Taytay Rizal which is roughly less than an hour from our place. It was an effort for us because we need to be there at 8 and we are not early risers. But good thing we pushed thru because it's worth it. While we learn about bees we get to enjoy and appreciate them too on how they contribute to our world.Here are the activities for the kids: (of course, us parents can join too)Tour Activities
1. Drone Challenge - Drones are the male bees, their primary role is to mate to the queen. But once they mate, their life ends. They don't have any stinger which makes them harmless to humans. Arya was able to hold one.2. Meet the Queen (Her Royal Highness) - The queen's life span is usually 3-5 years. They secretes a pheromone which is unique to their hive, it is also used as a communication between bees. A queen bee is made by a feeding it a royal jelly or special diet.3. Egg Hunt - in each cell, the queen bee lays one egg. Kids get to see the tiny egg like a grain of rice4. Bee Frame pictorial - They got to hold the bee frame or the brood swarming with bees5. Bottle the Honey - The honey from the bees where already transferred to a container, wherein the kids transfer them into the small jar, where they can also design their own label6. Spelling Bee - Rai was able to spell the words asked by the facilitator, such as Bee Honey and Queen, Arya was able to answer the first 27. Stereomicroscope - Arya enjoyed this activity, she even went back to it. You get to see zoom and see the small details of the bee.8. Bee Feeding - They get to experience feeding the bees using hone9. Honey Tasting - They had 5 different honeys and Arya said the best is the one from this farm , probably because it's Raw10. Bee Bracelet Making - Arya made one for herself and I made one for Rai11. Duck Feeding - not part of bees but it's inside the farm as well. So it's a good activity too if you haven't tried it.We end the activities with some healthy brunch from their resto.

September 2024

It's our 2nd month @_@ Yey! We're adjusting to our new routine. With lesser complaints :)

RAIFor Habits this week we continue with the washing after potty. He would initiate getting soap and the blue “tabo” to wash himself 5 times. We follow up with washing hands thoroughly after. For our bible reading this week we read aloud the bible story Tall Tower “Babel”.We always do the Bible reading at night along with the singing of Filipino songs. We practiced Lupang Hinirang this week and supplemented it with the Panatang Makabayan (even if I don’t ask it from him he just continues to recite it). We also practiced singing Lilim by Victory Worship. He is in tune though need to speak the words with clarity. We also read aloud for Filipino literature “Ang Mahiyaing Manok”.We studied Bees this week as a review from our trip last weekend to a Bee Farm. We discussed the life cycle of the bee. We did some drawings of the life cycle. He still needs to be assisted in this aspect. We also discussed Molecules, how molecules consisted of an Atom. He had some drawings with the parts of an atom. He was able to tell the name of the charges. He did some drawings of the Earth and showed the diameter.We did some Division math drills which he can answer correctly. Also reviewed the Subtraction and Addition but he got confused if I mixed up the Subtraction and Addition problems. We eill do more quizzes next week.For English, we read aloud the poem of Alfred Lord Tennyson - The Kraken. DId a lot of copywriting from Hymns in Prose. We practiced spelling by dictating some words from the Hymns. If he doesn’t know the spelling he would look at what I am reading.We read aloud from the living book Elementary Geography about the Sailor Boy. And discussed some interesting facts about the Philippines. He was able to point out what is in the picture. He also remembered where Taal Volcano is located.We sing the Cobbler, Cobbler from the Sing Solfa site. For Arts he did some drawings of his own depicting The Harvest of Van Gogh. And he willingly participated in the exercise during Karate.For this week, we started training Rai with washing the spoon and fork. However, due to sensory issues he washes his hands first rather than rinsing the spoon and fork. We will continuously try it until he gets used to the soapy feel. He continues with the typing tutor, for now I concentrated on just using both left and right pointer fingers. He is struggling to use the middle finger. He was able to try the u,r,k keys; d,e,i keys, and c,g,n keys.

ARYAShe is now being consistent with her morning habits. Though sometimes I still remind her, she will willingly do it. She also diligently answered her bible journal from CCF. For our bible reading, we do it every night. We are reading The Tall Tower - Babel. She understood the story.Last weekend, we went to the Bee Farm. So we supplement it for this week’s discussion. We studied the life cycle of the Bee. She understood it well and drew the life cycle. We also did some drawing for the parts of the Atom, she discussed it and understands that molecules are composed of Atoms. Also discussed the size of the Earth and did some comparison with the other planets. She also drew the Earth and indicated its diameter.She did some Math exercises for the measurements, fractions, temperature and graphs. Got confused with the volume measurements but was able to understand it when shown practically.She really enjoyed reading books and was able to finish Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator. It’s quite hard for her to summarize but she can narrate a lot of scenes from the book. She is also expressive with her emotions whether she’s feeling sad or excited. She read poetry by Sara Teasdale - Faults. She’s improving with her copywriting too.We are practicing the song “Lilim” by Victory Worship and ”Lupang Hinirang”. Her words are getting clearer. We read aloud “Ang Mahiyaing Manok for our Filipino Literature.We read aloud about the Sailor boy from the living book - Elementary Geography. And also reviewed the National Symbols of the Philippines and some interesting facts about the Philippines. Arya was able to remember the National Symbols when I quizzed her about it.We sing from the Solfa site - Cobbler Cobbler. For Arts, did her own version of the Harvest by Van Gogh. And for PE she’s getting used to sparring with one of her teammates. She said that she isn’t hurt anymore. For her Ballet, she is doing her own dance to be presented next week.

Week 2 : Sep 9 - 13

For our habits, gave importance to washing of hands before meals which he needs to be reminded of. He was able to wash himself after potty without my help but with his sister’s instruction.We did a lot of nature walks which he hesitantly participates in. We did an artwork of pine trees since this is what we saw mostly in Baguio.For Math,he did worksheets of place value. He is quite familiar with it but has a hard time when it’s already in millions. Need to review more of it next week.He did read aloud “Alfred Lord Tennyson’s The Sea Fairies” poetry.For our Filipino literature, still in the book Ang Mahiyaing Manok and still practices the song Lilim. He would occasionally play the piano and he obliged to play Lilim.We explore places in Baguio, which is part of CAR. Introduced some tourist spots to him such as Burnham Park, Strawberry Farm, Igorot Stone Village wherein he wore Igorot’s costume.For Music, we sang the Johnny Works with One Hammer and he willingly participated. With Arts, studied the painting of Van Gogh - Road with Cypress and Star. He described the picture as a swimming pool. As for our PE, we did a lot of walking and climbing while we were on the trip.He practiced typing in Type Master using the Aceconnect account.

Our family went on a trip to Baguio and stayed in Nueva Ecija for a week. So we had a hard time adjusting to our sit-down routines. Arya was able to attend the weekly huddle which tackles the Swept Under the Rug, she was very excited since we already read this story from Laying Down the Rails. She was reminded to do your work faithfully. She continues to do her morning habits. For this week’s lesson, we gave importance to washing of hands before meals which we practiced as well.Since we went to Baguio, there’s a lot of nature walks. She’s full of energy and wants to explore more. She did artwork and drew pine trees, she also drew the spooky house that we saw. As for Math, she was able to practice different word problems, we brought her worksheets and were able to answer them. She was able to understand basics such as all together and more than that.She was able to read her book for the week, Giraffe, Pelly and Me by Roald Dahl. She also did an oral narration for this. Also continues to do read aloud of the poetry, Snow song by Sara Teasdale.For our Filipino literature, still in the book Ang Mahiyaing Manok and still practices the song Lilim.We explore places in Baguio, which is part of CAR. Went to Burnham park which is a main tourist attraction in the province. Also went to La Trinidad to check on their Strawberry farm but it’s off season. Also immersed themselves in Igorot Costume in the Igorot Stone Village.For Music, we sang the Johnny Works with One Hammer and she’s very participative. With Arts, studied the painting of Van Gogh - Road with Cypress and Star. She described the drawing pointing to the star as the sun. With PE, we just did a lot of walking and climbing stairs while in Baguio. She also practices her Kata while on break and performs her Ballet dance (with her own choreo).

Week 3: Sep 16 - 20

For the Habits, we read aloud the story of the Three Pigs and continued to practice the habit of cleanliness such as taking a bath, washing hands, brushing teeth. Rai still needs a prompt and reminder. We read aloud the story of A New Home from the bible stories which he participates in.We discussed a sub topic for our Nature Study which is the part of the tree. He did a drawn narration that indicates the parts of trees/plants. We also discussed the Physical and Chemical change, it’s still hard for him to determine as he seems to be disinterested. As for Astronomy, we read aloud the book The Sciences about the distance of the sun from the Earth.With Math, he did some math drills still in the Place value and Expanded form. He can understand up to Hundreds, but is having a hard time if it will be on Thousands. Still need to further discuss it in the following week.He unwillingly read a poem of Alfred Lord Tennyson - Break, Break, Break. And continued to practice copywriting and dictating some words so he could do spelling. He can do spelling but sometimes when unsure he would check the word.We are still practicing the song Lilim and reading the book Ang Mahiyaing Manok. He sometimes gets the correct diction of some Filipino words.For our Araling Panlipunan, we studied Region 1 – Igorot Region. We learned about some important events and products in this Region.We did the Sing Solfa - Hickory Dickory Dock. And for the arts, did a version of the painting - Road with Cypress and Star. And for PE, he reluctantly joined the exercise or warmed up for karate.As for TLE, he participated in the lumpia wrapping. Even if he has sensory issues, he still tried to participate and instead of rolling it became folding.

For the Habits, we read aloud the story of the Three Pigs and continued to practice the habit of cleanliness such as taking a bath, washing hands, brushing teeth. Which I seldom remind her of. We read aloud the story of A New Home from the bible stories.We discussed a sub topic for our Nature Study which is the part of the tree. She did a drawn narration that indicates the parts of trees/plants. We also discussed the Physical and Chemical change, she was able to determine some of the changes. As for Astronomy, we read aloud the book The Sciences about the distance of the sun from the Earth.With Math, she diligently answers the math drills which involves Addition of Larger numbers with carry over. But she is having a hard time if there’s a time limit as such in the case with aceconnect. She also participated in the e-modulo art contest, where we both studied how to do the Latin square, Method of Reflection, and Operation of Multiplication.She really enjoyed reading books and can finish a book in a day. For this week, she read the Fantastic Fox by Roald Dahl. She did an oral narration about it and she’s now learning how to summarize the story. She continued on reading poems by Sara Teasdale and did copyworks too.We are still practicing the song Lilim and reading the book Ang Mahiyaing Manok. She is now getting the correct diction of some Filipino words.For our Araling Panlipunan, we studied Region 1 – Igorot Region. We learned about some important events and products in this Region.We did the Sing Solfa - Hickory Dickory Dock. And for the arts, did a version of the painting - Road with Cypress and Star. And for PE, she had her karate training and still practices her Ballet even if there’s no session for the week.

Sep 23 - 27

Sep 4, 2024 :
We continued with our Family dgroup bible study about One Truth. Most of the time we are not sure if Rai understood it or not but we just leave it all to God.We asked Rai to read the Sinner's prayer / Acceptance Prayer and surprisingly he read it with clarity.We are all wondering if Sep 4 is Rai's spiritual birthday ... Only Jesus knows.With Arya, she accepted Jesus last January 30, 2023.My prayer is that my kids will come to know Jesus as Lord and Saviour and have a relationship with Him.

(Oct 7 - Oct 12)We read the bible story “The Visitor” about Sarah’s pregnancy. Rai and Arya read aloud the story book. We also had a Krispy Kreme Doughnut factory tour, complemented this study with the importance of cleanliness and washing hands in food preparation.
Rai is still being trained on washing after himself. But still needs to be told.
Arya can do all her habits by herself, but needs to be reminded to do it already.
We had a field trip to the National Museum, where we explored a lot of things and learned a lot too. It covers Natural History.
Arya’s favorite part in the museum is the animal that poops coffee. (LOL)
Rai’s favorite part is the elevator which is called the Tree of Life, sadly we’re not able to ride it because there’s a bunch of people waiting for it.
We did Math exercises and they were able to understand it.
Rai did some writing of numbers in number words.
Arya studied the rounding off in 10s and 100s.
For English:
Rai read aloud some poems of Sara Teasdale. Also, did some copywriting of the Hymns in Prose and some dictations in the Hymns as well.
Arya read aloud poems of Alfred Lord Tennyson and did some copywriting of the poems. She also read the book by Roald Dahl - The Enormous Crocodile which she was able to narrate well.
We continued to sing the song “Leron Leron Sinta” and read aloud the book “Ibong Adarna”.And for the Araling Panlipunan, studied Region 3 and did a drawing of the region.For the Music, we sing the Sing Solfa - Doggie, Doggie. For Arts, we studied the Spolarium in the National Museum. Interesting to note their observation - Rai said - “man, sleeping, floor”, and Arya while describing it more in a little detail it’s like they were being punished. Arya’s also had some Art lessons online, she did drawing and shading with pencil. For their PE, Arya’s doing karate and ballet. while Rai is joining her in the karate exercises. For Health, since we had a lot of activities this week told them of the importance of having enough sleep.For Rai’s EPP/TLE, he’s doing Typemaster and training him to do vacuuming of the floor.

OCT 14 - OCT 19

OCT 21 - OCT 26

OCT 28 - NOV 2