A Sunday of doing absolutely nothing. That is what I have going on right now. Today, the family went to see Aladdin and although that sounded tempting, i just couldn’t. I am a purist and not way can that compare to the original…even if that original is a cartoon
So now I find myself at the local Starbucks sipping on my Ice Green Tea just watching the world turn. It’s amazing how much of the world you can learn about being at a Starbucks. From kids (and quite a few adults) working to their school stuff to the couple sitting outside talking about what could be some serious subject…life just continues.
I always thought it was silly to see people just sit here drying their coffee or tea and just kill time. It’s really not so silly now that i have to be here for the next two hours.
Off topic from this blog but i had to share this as coin collecting is such a passion of mine.
It took almost a year to finally find one but today in an Antique store in Atlanta, I finally found a USA – Philippine Peso. First thing I noticed is how heave it is. It feels like a barber half dollar. This is a beautiful coin to add to the collection.
According to PCGS, this coin is The Only Dual-Nationality Coins in U.S. History.
Standard U.S. coinage was not useful for the impoverished Philippines because the denominations were too high. Two years later, in 1903, a dual national coinage (U.S. and the Philippines) was released. These coins were the only coins ever minted that were legal tender in the U.S. and another country.
At first, the coins were minted in Philadelphia and San Francisco (“S” mint mark). Then Denver got into the act on lower-denomination U.S. Philippine coins. Finally, in 1920, the U.S. opened a Mint in Manila, the only U.S. mint ever established outside the U.S. Coins from the Manila Mint carry an “M” mint mark. No collection of U.S. mint marks is complete without this “M” mint mark unique to the U.S. Philippine series.
These coins were denominated in pesos and centavos, and were made to standards which were either identical to those of United States coins or microscopically smaller (0.002%). Yet, the silver dollar-sized peso, legally convertible to U.S. gold and silver coinage, was valued at only 50 cents USD. The 50 centavo was valued at 25 cents, and so forth.
My walk with Christ has been one big soundtrack. I can hear a song and immediately go back to a time when i head this song. Songs that remind of of the power of God (God’s Not Dead – Newsboys) to the inspiration that i need at that particuar moment (Lauren Daigle.)
Lately, my “go to song” has been Tauren Wells – Hills and Valleys. According to his Wiki page, Tauren has been in the music industry for more than 15 years. The song i am currently in love with Hills and Valleys peaked at number 3 in the charts in 2017. The song speaks to me with where i am at in my walk with Christ. I have been through the highs and the lows of life and i recognize that in it all, Jesus has been with me the whole time. Such a beautiful song that is beautifully wrttien and speaks to the heart. I hope you enjoy. God Bless – PJSLB.
I’ve walked among the shadows
You wiped my tears away
And I’ve felt the pain of heartbreak
And I’ve seen the brighter days
And I’ve prayed prayers to Heaven
From my lowest place
And I have held Your blessings
God, You give and take away
No matter what I have, Your grace is enough
No matter where I am, I’m standing in Your love
On the mountains, I will bow my life
To the One who set me there
In the valley, I will lift my eyes
To the One who sees me there
When I’m standing on the mountain
I didn’t get there on my own
When I’m walking through the valley
I know I am not alone
You’re God of the hills and valleys
Hills and valleys
God of the hills and valleys
And I am not alone
I’ve watched my dreams get broken
In You, I hope again
No matter what I know
I’m safe inside Your hands
On the mountains, I will bow my life
To the One who set me there (to the One who set me there)
In the valley, I will lift my eyes
To the One who sees me there
When I’m standing on the mountain
I didn’t get there on my own
When I’m walking through the valley
I know I am not alone
You’re God of the hills and valleys
Hills and valleys
God of the hills and valleys
And I am not alone
Father, You give and take away
Every joy and every pain
Through it all, You will remain
Over it all
Father, You give and take away
Every joy and every pain
Through it all, You will remain
Over it all
On the mountains, I will bow my life, yeah
In the valley, I will lift my eyes, yeah
On the mountains, I will bow my life
To the One who set me there (to the One who set me there)
In the valley, I will lift my eyes
To the One who sees me there
When I’m standing on the mountain
I didn’t get there on my own
When I’m walking through the valley
I know I am not alone (I’m not alone)
You’re God of the hills and valleys (yeah)
Hills and valleys
God of the hills and valleys (You’re the God of the hills)
And I am not alone
You’re God of the hills and valleys (yeah)
Hills and valleys
God of the hills and valleys (You’re the God of the hills)
And I am not alone (God of the valleys)
And I will choose to say
Blessed be Your Name
And I am not alone
2018 was a year full of uncertainty. I was broken, I was confused, I was alone. Normally, that would break any person but not me. I was steadfast and held on to my faith. The reason is simple…I went thru the exact same thing from 2013 to 2015. During those “trying” years, I learned to trust and submit to God. I believe that 2018 was my test to see if I learned from past experiences. Today, I am in a position to be a positive influence in the lives of others and it’s because of God and the lessons he has given me.
Pain is temporary but the Grace of God is forever. PJSLB
