On Living Gratefully

Today I want to talk about something that’s been on my heart lately: gratitude. Not the kind that’s just a polite “thank you” when someone passes the salt, but the deep, soul-filling kind. The kind that stops you mid-step on a doubtful day and makes you say, “God, I’m thankful just to be here.”

Life isn’t always easy. We have busy schedules, unexpected struggles, and seasons where we feel more empty than full. But here’s what I’ve learned—when we choose to focus on what we do have, even when it’s small, our perspective shifts. We become lighter. Brighter. And more open to joy.

Last week, my husband and I attended our orientation as new home owners of a Condominium. As the staff read the rules and regulations my heart sank in desperation. I never thought we would have so many “Do’s and Don'ts” in owning our first property. And the costs of living there? God, can I handle it?

But the discouragement I felt during the orientation became nothing when I saw the unit and was there for a while. I love it there, the ambience, the quiet, the feel of the house I can now call my own.

Though I knew we would not be able to live there as the way we envisioned it to be, not me and my youngest son who study and work in our current location which is two hours away from the condo.

If we insist, we would only get tired, burn out or worse, get sick. I can’t afford any of these because I need to sustain everything with my job.

But then again, I felt grateful for having that unit that I once thought I will never have. God gave us that condominium for a reason, I may not have that otherwise or be in another property. His grace led us there. He provided me and helped me all throughout the process of getting it.

I don’t know what His plan is but I trust it is for our own good.

I’ve found that when I take time to thank God—even for the small things—I stop focusing on what’s missing and start seeing the blessings I’ve already been given. It changes everything.

That’s why I’m so excited to share something close to my heart: the “Grateful” Rose and Butterfly Design T-Shirt. It’s a daily reminder to stay rooted in gratitude. The soft pale pink rosebud and delicate blue butterfly represent beauty, transformation, and grace—everything I pray to live out. And the golden typography of the word “grateful”? A shining statement of the life I want to lead.

Whether you wear it to church, give it as a gift, or pair it with jeans and a smile, this shirt is for anyone who wants to live with open hands and a grateful heart.

Ready to wear your gratitude?

Available in the following stores:

Teepublic:http://bit.ly/4nlJlWA

Redbubble: http://bit.ly/3ZMT4LA

Zazzle: http://bit.ly/4elBsfL

… and carry a little beauty, faith, and thankfulness with you wherever you go.



With love and a thankful heart,

Jen 💛

"Faith It Till You Make It" Puns Pattern Typography Design T-Shirt

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. - Hebrew 11:1.

 Without faith, it is impossible for me to get this far. There are three stories in my life that I can testify about this:

1. Losing the job of my husband just when we transferred in Makati City.

When we first moved in Makati from the province, it is the faith that keep me going especially when after a few months, my husband had been terminated in his job because of drug addiction. 

I remembered praying, "Lord give us until the end of the school year to survive so that we can go back to the province." That six remaining months that I'd been asking for turned out to be 8 years and counting. His provisions sustained us all these years. 

2. Losing the job that sustains us for the first two years. 

I had to leave before I got terminated because I can't reach my metrics. I thought I can rely on the job of my husband back then, trucking in Montalban, but I was wrong. He's still into drugs and he damaged the truck he was servicing. 

I was confused and wanted to accept every kind of menials job I can put my hand into - tindera, labandera, etc. just so I can finance my kids. I had no money to buy them uniforms and school supplies. I was sick also because of stress, I was high blood.  

But I did not lose hope. I trust the Lord and He provided me the job that I still have even now. 

3. Buying my first property.

I was able to buy my first condominium but my salary is not sufficient to get one within Metro Manila. I got one in Imus though at around 1.7 M through Pag-ibig financing. Now, it is once again a dilemma as to how we can live there when my kids are studying here in Pateros and I am working in Taguig City. 

When I look back, I've gone through a lot of dilemmas that I successfully been through. I know that this present one will be easier because I have faith. 

We, who are in different kinds of difficulties in life can "FAITH IT UNTILL WE MAKE IT" hence this t-shirt design I made just for us. Snag it HERE. 

Faith can move mountains. 

Faith can be an antidote for fear. 

Faith can keep us going.

Faith can make the impossible, possible. 

So wear your faith all the time. 

Nevertheless, She Persisted — Because Giving Up Was Never an Option.

I saw this shirt the other day from Crazy Dog T-Shirts — the one that simply says:
“Nevertheless, she persisted.”

And I knew immediately…

This isn’t just a slogan.

It’s a battle cry.

It’s a badge of honor.

It’s a quiet anthem for every working mom, side hustler, and woman who shows up even when her soul says “I can’t today.”

Because We’re Not Just Women.

We’re working two jobs and running a household.

We’re packing lunches and planning content calendars.

We’re up at 2 AM replying to emails, fixing typos, and uploading new designs between coughs and sniffles.

(Yes, even when we’re sick. Because moms don’t get sick days.)

We keep going.

Not because we always feel strong…

But because we’ve got mouths to feed and dreams that burn deep in our bones.

Let me tell you something real:

There are days when I just don’t feel like showing up for the “corporate job.”

But I do.

Because the salary I am getting from it fuels the little side hustle of mine.

And my side hustle is my escape route.

It’s my ministry and my mission.

Like Denis Waitley said:

“Success is totally dependent on three things: persistence, determination and a positive mental attitude.”

He’s right.

It’s not talent or luck or perfect circumstances.

It’s the grit to keep going — even if we cry, mess up, or need a nap and a prayer break.

I cling to Galatians 6:9 on hard days:

"Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up."

This isn’t just about T-shirts or side income.

It’s about purpose.

It’s about believing God will multiply our small seeds, even if all we have today is 15 minutes between errands or an extra $10 from affiliate sales.

We keep going.

We trust the harvest is coming.

We don’t give up.

I’m not the designer of this one — it comes from the Crazy Dog Shop, where I’m a proud affiliate.

But the message hit me hard:

Nevertheless, she persisted.

It reminds me of YOU.

Of me.

Of every woman juggling kids, cash flow, Canva files and calling.

So if you need a little reminder on your chest (or your coffee mug), I say get this shirt. Wear it.

Claim it.

Let it remind you — and the world — that quitting was never your plan.

Grab the shirt here

(Affiliate link, at no extra cost to you — but thank you for supporting a fellow mompreneur ❤️)

Your work matters.

Your dreams are not selfish.

Your hustle is holy.

And every tiny effort — even the unseen ones — will bear fruit.

So fix your crown.

Refill your coffee.

And keep showing up, even if it’s messy, late, or imperfect.

Because nevertheless, you persisted.

And you are not alone.

With love and hustle,

Jen

Dream Design Do Hand Lettering Typography Hoodie for Artist Creatives who Hustles

Ever feel like your to-do list is longer than your sleep schedule?

Between mom life, work deadlines, and chasing your dreams—you’re doing the most. But let’s be real: Sometimes it’s hard to stay motivated when you’re burnt out, under-caffeinated, and overcommitted. You know you were made for more—but where’s the daily reminder?

The “Dream Design Do Hand Lettering Typography for Artist” for artists and creatives is our new uniform for purpose-driven days. This hand-lettered, hand-drawn design was made for creative moms who are turning nap time into hustle time. Whether you’re at a pop-up bazaar, designing your next sticker set, or just grocery shopping with your toddler in tow—this shirt speaks your language.

When I was in our team building just recently, one of my team members frankly said, “Yes, you have no absences, only lates.” And that embarrassed me very much. I was not tardy when I was in Customer Support but when I became a Team Leader I had a lot. Why? Because leadership is loaded with many compliances, reports and coachings that eight hours isn’t enough. This steals my time for designs, housekeeping and parenting which I tried to cram up within five hours, sacrificing my sleep. 

My plan moving on is to come early so that I can come home early, too. I am attempting to do this many times but I find it difficult due to lack of sleep, juggling household chores, me-time, and parenting. .I’ll do this anyway because I want to have time for my designs, for my kids and for my household tasks

We who are working while hustling should do everything to manage our time so that we still have enough for what really matters to us.. 

Although our jobs are not our priority, this is necessary to fuel our dreams whether it’s for our creative designs, for our kids, or for our personal goals. Our current job is the source of the money that sustains us in the mean time.

If you are one of us who’s working and hustling – Dream. Design. Do. 

Grab this shirt today and wear your hustle with pride. Available in following stores:

TeePublic:https://bit.ly/4l1cAMy

Zazzle: https://bit.ly/43TkC30

Redbubble: https://bit.ly/4jzAoWp

How Fantasy Arts can Help us Deal with Life's Difficulties

Learning how to color a mermaid in Photoshop made me remember how drawing a fantasy art can help us deal with life's difficulties. 

Even as an adult we often find ourselves in times when life is boring, futile or painful and that's when we find a way out,  a scape to reality. I learned this as a child having the gift of drawing and writing. I guess what made me last this crazy world is having this ability. 

I experienced a broken homes, I experienced losing friends and loved ones, I experienced broken hearts in all of my years. It's hard to cope with each so I escaped in my fantasy world where I draw food when I am hungry, mermaid and fishes when I miss the sea, trees and nipa houses when I miss home and sunset sceneries with boat and fishermen when I am sad, I also read a helpful book, and write in my diary. These are my constant help that often bring my troubled mind calmness. I added walking to work as my meditation and exercise and time for prayers nowadays. 

I never experienced mental health issues which is so rampant nowadays to the young people because God gave me a lot of possible means to deal with it. My experience taught me how to be stronger and aim to be better each day. 

If you have the gift of arts, use it, don't let it wither. You don't have to sell your arts just enjoy the healing process it brings to your troubled mind. And if you have a child who also have this gift, encourage them, support them, give them the inspiration like this Hoodie that's available in the following shop:

TeePublic

Zazzle

Because pursuing art might be all the things they need in the future to keep going.