And Why?

 

Why was SNOW WHITE given a poisonous apple?

-To show us that not all people are loyal and good-hearted.

Why did CINDERELLA flee the castle when the clock strikes 12?

-To remind us that everything has limitations, even our dreams.

Why did SLEEPING BEAUTY wait a thousand years for that 1 kiss?

-To show us that true love can wait.

Why was the beautiful BELLE so in love with the ugly BEAST?

-To remind us that love goes beyond appearances.

Why did ARIEL the mermaid choose to marry a man and give up his tails?

-To let us know that love makes sacrifices.

Why did JASMIN fall in love with the thief?

-To show us that it doesn't matter who you are, love will find a way.

And why were these movies produced?

-To make us believe that every story ends with a HAPPY FOREVER ENDING.

If you're not happy?

Then it's not the end for you to look for your Happy Ever After.
💖💖💖💖💖

#disneyprincesses,

#ToshowUs,
#HappyEverAfter,
#istariray23moments,

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Happy Birthday Hopie!

"🎉🎈 Happy 3rd Birthday to the sweetest little princess, Hope! 🎂🎁



Sending you lots of love, laughter, and magical moments on your special day.
May your day be filled with joy, fun, and all things wonderful.



You bring so much happiness to our lives, and we are grateful for the light you shine.
Cheers to many more years of love, laughter, and endless adventures with you, Hope!"



🌟💖🎀🌟💖🎀





#HappyBirthday,
#ThreeYearsYoung,
#Happy3rdBirthday,
#MaligayangKaarawan,
#PrincessHopie19Moments,
#istariray23moments,

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What's in Your Heart❤️?

Sharing my devotional today from The Bible with Nicky and Pippa Gumbel Express version,
 as it captured so much of my attention on our human heart...

What's in Your Heart❤️?

The Nobel Prize winner and most important Russian literary artist of the second half of the twentieth century, Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn (1918–2008), who was imprisoned for eight years for criticizing Stalin, wrote, ‘The line separating good and evil passes, not through states, nor through classes, nor through political parties... but right through every human heart – and through all human hearts.’ We are all created in the image of God. Human beings are capable of acts of great love, courage, and heroism. Yet, not one of us (apart from Jesus) is without sin. 

Do you know what’s in your heart?

Proverbs 6:30-35

Your heart and its weakness

All sin breaks God’s law and is therefore serious. But there are gradations of sin. Some sins are far worse than others.

The writer of Proverbs makes this point by using the example of a person who steals because he is starving. Yes, even this is wrong and there is a price to pay (vv.30–31).

But the writer says the consequences of adultery are far more serious. It leads to ‘shame’ (v.33b), ‘jealousy’ (v.34a), ‘revenge’ (v.34b) and to the destruction of lives, particularly the adulterers themselves: ‘Soul-destroying, self-destructive... a reputation ruined for good’ (vv.32–33, MSG).

The writer says, ‘jealousy arouses a husband’s fury, and he will show no mercy when he takes revenge’ (v.34). Human nature has not changed in thousands of years.

There is nothing wrong with sex or money. But there are many temptations that surround them both. Several of the laws in the Old Testament passage for today were developed to put boundaries around them, safeguarding their proper use.

Lord, thank you for the gifts you give us and the boundaries that you have provided for their proper use.
Lead me not into temptation but deliver me from evil.

Mark 14:43-72

Your heart and its results

Sinful human nature led to the death of Jesus. 

The challenge is to live differently:

1. Be authentic

Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss. He said, ‘The one I kiss is the man’ (v.44a). He went up to Jesus and ‘kissed him’ (v.45).

In Greek, the word for hypocrisy is the same word as the word for mask (masks were used in Ancient Greece for acting). On the outside, Judas was wearing a mask of love for Jesus. In reality, he was betraying him to be crucified. The kiss was the ultimate act of hypocrisy.

Joyce Meyer writes about what she calls the ‘Judas kiss test’ – the test of being betrayed by friends we have loved, respected and trusted. Most people in positions of leadership for any length of time are likely to experience this. You need to ‘forgive the offender and not allow him or her to cause you to fail or delay in doing what God has called you to do’.

2. Speak the truth

Because there was no evidence against Jesus they had to rely on false testimony. Yet it appears that many were prepared to testify against him (v.56). Having worked as a barrister I have observed firsthand that some are still prepared to give ‘false testimony’ in a court of law.

3. Fight corruption

Corrupt judges are still a feature of the world today. They knew, or ought to have known, that Jesus was entirely innocent yet ‘they all condemned him as worthy of death’ (v.64b). It must be terrible to live in a society without the rule of law, where judges cannot be trusted.

4. Identify with Jesus
I can sympathise totally with Peter’s denial of Jesus. He was really determined not to do it, yet he failed. I know how weak my own human nature is.

The account of Peter’s denial can only have come from Peter himself – who with extraordinary openness and vulnerability reveals his own weakness and failure.

When Jesus was in serious trouble, ‘Everyone deserted him and fled’ (v.50).

However, Peter is brave and committed enough to make his way ‘right into the courtyard of the High Priest’ (v.54), albeit following at a distance, in sight of Jesus and the trial. I suspect that by this point I would have been with the rest of the disciples – halfway to Galilee!

Yet, there are haunting words about the self-indulgence of the great apostle Peter. While Jesus, his friend and leader, was taken to trial, Peter ‘sat with the guards and warmed himself at the fire’ (vv.54,67).

As Peter saw what was happening to Jesus and what he was going to have to suffer, Peter increasingly distanced himself from Jesus (v.54a). Having started in that direction the next step was to deny him. Having set out on a course that involved lying, he ended up saying, ‘I don’t know this man you’re talking about’ (v.71b).

I am sure Peter didn’t intend to go so far when keeping his distance from Jesus, but as it is for all of us, one sin can easily lead to another and, before we realise it, we end up doing things that we deeply regret. When Peter realised what he had done ‘he broke down and wept’ (v.72c).

Lord, thank you for the encouragement that although even the great apostle Peter failed and messed up, you forgave him, restored him, and used him so powerfully. Thank you for your amazing grace.

Leviticus 19:1-20:27

Your heart and God’s law

God wants us to live lives that are pure and clean. We are to reflect who he is and, thereby, point people towards him. This part of Leviticus has been called ‘the holiness code’ – ‘Be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy’ (19:2).

Because human nature has a wayward side there is a need for law. As in any society, there are civil and criminal laws. Some of these laws are specific and directed at the problems of Ancient Israel. Others are broad and generally applicable to most societies.

The ceremonial laws are now obsolete, the dietary laws having been superseded by Jesus and the sacrifices fulfilled in his death. The civil laws are not necessarily appropriate to other nations. Some were humane, and others severe. They seem to have been necessary for the earlier stages of Israel’s history, but they are not all of permanent or universal validity.

The moral law, as expanded and deepened by Jesus, and as illustrated in the apostolic letters – especially in their positive parallels to the law’s prohibitions – is still in force as a revelation of God’s will for his people.

The moral law is summed up by Jesus as ‘Love the Lord your God… and… love your neighbor as yourself’ (Luke 10:27). This goes back to our passage for today, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’ (Leviticus 19:18b). The moral law was that God’s people should be holy (v.2b). The rest of the law instructs us how to love our neighbor as ourselves and how to be holy.

The moral laws applicable to us now would include the laws to protect the poor (v.10), the laws against racial discrimination (for example vv.33–34), as well as the more obvious ones about theft (v.11), fraud and robbery (v.13a) and so on.

There are often important principles that have very real applications today. For example, ‘do not hold back the wages of a hired worker overnight’ (v.13b) is a challenge to us to pay all our bills on time. There is an increasing tendency to delay the payment of bills until the final reminder. God’s people are called to be different. This is but one tiny example of what it means to be a holy people.

To keep your heart pure, you need to turn away from the things that spoil your life. Among the more obvious sins listed here (vv.3–31) is one about being a ‘dispenser of gossip’ (v.16, AMP) and ‘holding grudges’ (v.18, AMP). Keep confidence and try not to hold anything against anyone. Holding a grudge is like allowing someone else to live rent-free in your head.

There are also warnings about the dangers of ‘witchcraft’ (v.26b). Avoid reading horoscopes, consulting psychics, fortune-telling, palm reading, tarot cards, and every other kind of occult activity (vv.31). If you have meddled in any of these things, you can be forgiven. Repent and get rid of the things associated with that activity such as books, charms, DVDs, and magazines (Acts 19:19).

Another aspect of the law is that it brings sin to light and leads to repentance and reliance on the grace of God. As I read all these laws I see how hard they are to live up to, how far short I fall of God’s standards, and how much I need his forgiveness and the help of his Holy Spirit.

Lord, thank you that you died to set us free from the law. Thank you that there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Fill me with your Holy Spirit today and help me to live a holy life.

Pippa Adds

In Leviticus 19:10 it says, ‘Do not go over your vineyard a second time or pick the grapes that have fallen. Leave them for the poor and the alien.’

When I was young we lived beside a large apple orchard. We walked through it regularly. At harvest time there would be one major pick of all the apples. After that, any fruit that had fallen or not ripened in time would be collected into large rotting piles.

Letting the poor take the food may not make economic sense, but the biblical principle is that the poor should be provided for and that food should not be wasted.

References

Joyce Meyer, *Everyday Life Bible,* (New York: Faithwords, 2018), p. 1593. Aleksandr Isaevich Solzhenitsyn, *The Gulag Archipelago, Part 1 & 2*, (Harper Row, 1974) Unless otherwise stated, Scripture quotations taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version Anglicised, Copyright © 1979, 1984, 2011 Biblica, formerly International Bible Society. Used by permission of Hodder & Stoughton Publishers, an Hachette UK company. All rights reserved. ‘NIV’ is a registered trademark of Biblica. UK trademark number 1448790. Scripture quotations marked (AMP) taken from the Amplified® Bible, Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. (www.Lockman.org) Scripture marked (MSG) taken from The Message. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group.


#HumanHeart,
#WhatsInYourHeart,
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#istariray23moments,

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Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day to all the amazing dads out there, in every form and role they may take on! Today, we celebrate not just biological fathers, but all those who play a fatherly role in someone's life.

To the fur dads who lovingly care for their pets as if they were their own children, your bond is truly heartwarming and special.

To the mom-dads who courageously step into the role of both mother and father, your strength and dedication do not go unnoticed.

To the should-be dads who dream of starting a family or one day becoming fathers, your future little ones are already lucky to have you in their hearts.

To the solo dads who juggle the responsibilities of parenting alone, your unwavering love and support are truly commendable.

To the new dads embarking on this exciting journey of fatherhood, cherish every moment as your little one grows and learns from you.

To the stepdads who choose to love and care for children as their own, your willingness to step up and be a positive influence is truly admirable.

To the granddads whose wisdom and love know no bounds, your presence and guidance shape generations to come.

To the chosen dads who may not be biologically related, but who step in to provide love, support, and guidance nonetheless, your impact is immeasurable.

To the expecting dads eagerly awaiting the arrival of their little ones, get ready for a lifetime of love, laughter, and joy.

To the dads who have strained relationships with their own fathers, today can be a time for reflection, healing, and growth toward reconciliation.

To the dads who have lost their own fathers, may your memories be a source of comfort, and may you find solace in knowing that their love lives on in you.

To the dads who are in the process of restoring their relationships with their fathers, may this journey bring you both closer together and lead to renewed understanding and connection.

No matter what kind of dad you are or the role you play in someone's life, your love, guidance, and presence are invaluable. Happy Father's Day to each and every one of you! 🌟💙

#FathersDay,
#CelebrateDad,

#Ama,

#Tatay,

#Papa,

#Dada,

#Daddy,

#Papi,

#Papito,

#Padre,

#Father,

#FathersDay,

#HappyFathersDay,

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Human Heart ❤️

gif by TigerJeff

The human heart is a fascinating organ that not only serves the vital function of pumping blood throughout our bodies but also holds immense capacity for love, emotions, and complexities. In terms of its physical function, the heart works tirelessly, beating around 100,000 times a day to keep us alive and healthy. It is remarkable how this small organ plays such a crucial role in sustaining our existence.

Metaphorically speaking, the heart is often associated with love and emotions. It is said that the heart has the capacity to love more than one person, to feel deeply for multiple individuals simultaneously. This speaks to the vast and boundless nature of love, showing that our hearts are capable of expanding and encompassing various relationships and connections.

However, despite its capacity for love, the heart can also be deceitful, as noted in the Bible. This points to the idea that our emotions and desires can sometimes lead us astray, clouding our judgment and causing us to make decisions that may not align with our true values and beliefs. The concept of a deceitful heart serves as a reminder to be mindful of our feelings and motivations, ensuring that we act with integrity and honesty in all aspects of our lives.

Indeed, the heart's ability to betray our life decisions highlights the internal struggles we may face when it comes to matters of the heart. Whether it be in relationships, career choices, or personal beliefs, our emotions can sometimes lead us down a path that conflicts with our best interests and intentions. It is crucial to listen to both the rational mind and the emotional heart, finding a balance that allows us to make decisions that are true to ourselves.

In essence, the human heart is a complex and multifaceted entity that symbolizes both love and vulnerability. It is a source of strength and resilience, yet also holds the potential for betrayal and deceit. Understanding the intricacies of our hearts and minds is essential in navigating life's challenges and staying true to our authentic selves.

❤️💔❤️💔❤️💔❤️💔❤️💔

#HumanHeart,
#Puso,
#Heart,
#MyHumanHeart,
#istariray23moments,

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Seagate One Touch | 10 Tera Bytes

Unboxing my Seagate 10 Terabytes today and I am indeed so impressed with the quality, and the speed it gave me on my every transfer from my lappy and from my other external drive amazes me.

And let me share my thoughts about this...

The Seagate 10 terabytes One Touch with Hub - is the ultimate solution for all your storage and backup needs! 🌟 With its massive 10TB capacity, you can now store and secure all your precious memories, important documents, and multimedia files with ease and convenience. 

Featuring an integrated USB-C and USB 3.0 hub, this versatile external drive not only offers lightning-fast data transfer speeds but also provides a seamless and efficient way to connect multiple devices at once. Say goodbye to cluttered desks and tangled cables - the One Touch with Hub is here to streamline your digital workflow and keep you organized.

But that's not all! What truly sets the Seagate One Touch with Hub apart is its inclusion of rescue data recovery services. In the event of accidental deletion, file corruption, or any other data loss mishap, rest assured that your files are in safe hands. Simply reach out to Seagate's experts, and they'll work tirelessly to recover your valuable data and get you back on track.

Don't compromise on safety and convenience when it comes to backing up your important data. Choose the Seagate One Touch with Hub for a reliable, effortless, and worry-free backup solution. Experience the peace of mind that comes with knowing your files are securely stored and easily accessible whenever you need them. Backup made easy, backup done right. 

🛡️💾🛡️💾🛡️💾

 #Seagate,
#10TeraBytes,
#OneTouchWithHub,
#DataRecovery,
#BackupMadeEasy,
#ExternalHardDrive,
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APEC Las Piñas Milestone Ceremony

🌟🎓 Exciting News! 🎓🌟

I am beyond thrilled to share that today I received an email from my daughter's school about her upcoming Grade 10 graduation! 🎉 The news filled my heart with joy and pride knowing that Jedi will be taking center stage as she leads the national anthem hymn during the ceremony. 🎵

But that's not all - the email also revealed that Jedi will receive a merit award for her hard work and dedication throughout her Grade 10 studies. 🏅 It's moments like these that make all the late-night study sessions and early-morning school runs truly worth it. 💫

As a parent, there is no greater joy than seeing your child excel and reach new heights. Jedi's achievements remind me of the incredible person she is becoming, and I couldn't be more grateful for the opportunity to witness her growth and success. 🌺

Congratulations, Jedi, on this well-deserved honor!
Your journey through Grade 10 has been nothing short of inspiring, and I can't wait to see all the amazing things you will accomplish in the future. 🌟
Keep shining bright, my dear, and know that I will always be cheering you on every step of the way. 🌈💕

#APECLasPinas,

#APECGrade10Completer,

#Grade10Completer,

#APECMilestoneCeremony,

#ProudParent,

#BrightFuture,

#Grade10Graduation,

#MeritoriousAchievement,

#LoveYouToTheMoonAndBack,

#prettyjedi14,

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Photo Dump_Caylabne Bay

🌿🌊 Exploring the Serene Beauty of Caylabne in Cavite 🌊🌿

Nestled in the province of Cavite is the picturesque paradise of Caylabne. As you venture to this hidden gem, you are greeted by lush greenery, rolling hills, and the soothing sounds of the ocean waves. It's a place where nature's beauty flourishes, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

The view of Caylabne is simply breathtaking. Imagine standing on a cliff overlooking the crystal-clear waters of the West Philippine Sea, with the sun setting on the horizon painting the sky in hues of orange, pink, and purple. 

The cool breeze gently caresses your skin, carrying with it the salty scent of the sea. You can't help but feel a sense of tranquility wash over you as you take in the panoramic view before you.

Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a beach lover, or simply someone looking for a serene retreat, Caylabne has something to offer for everyone. From hiking trails through the verdant forests to relaxing on the pristine beaches, there's no shortage of activities to enjoy in this little slice of paradise.

So, if you're seeking solace in the embrace of nature, head over to Caylabne in Cavite and let its beauty captivate your senses. Immerse yourself in the stunning views, breathe in the fresh sea air, and let all your worries drift away with the tide. Caylabne awaits, ready to enchant you with its natural splendor. 

🌅🌿🌊

#Caylabne,
#Cavite,
#NatureBeauty,

#istariray23laboy,

#istariray23travel,

#istariray23moments,

#istariray23photography,

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