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 💛

Berry Yourself in Good Vibes! – Cute Strawberry Lover Design!

Being inspired to create a t-shirts collection for women, I come up with this design. Designing this t-shirt does not come on a whim. I've been contemplating about it for the past week. 

Every week's a realization. This time I realized that even when I am creating t-shirt designs for every occasions or holidays, I still did not define the gender of whom I really want my design to be. 

Now I know that my t-shirt designs should be for women. It should enhance the femininity in them. Make them stand out. And of course, the funny design should make them smile. Sprinkling it with inspiration to make them keep going despite of the challenges. 

Grab this design here.

Speaking of challenges here's the latest story.

Yesterday, I meet agents to help me secure a property. I brought my family to meet up with them. The day went smoothly at first until the afternoon comes when my husband and I has to sign a hundred of documents for the condominium that we're vying for in Alabang. 

By 6:00 PM, we're still not through signing. Then at around 9:00 PM during the last interview, I failed because they said that my salary isn't enough to buy a condo unit costing around Php 2.2M. One of the agents said, "We can't push any further." Suddenly it became clear to me why I wasn't able to secure a property on Acquired Asset.

Check this out!

My heart sank in desperation. I knew that my salary is enough if they would consider the allowances on top of it. However, they said it's not included. My mind suddenly becomes cloudy in hopelessness. Will I ever get a property? If not now, I know that my age a year or two from now will also go against me to loan a Pag-ibig Fund. 

We're heading back home inside my agents' car when I mentioned out of nowhere that the salary capacity can also be based with the price of the property nit just age. I asked, "Is there a  property with much lower cost than the one I failed to buy?" Then all of a sudden, Lady Agent said, "If that's in Imus, then there is." Imus is a little bit far from Taguig. I said, "Then I'll get one from Imus."

That's the end of conversation, I was able to reserve the property. Just a few steps more and I know I'll have it. 

Sticker's version and matching products here.

What I can't remember which put me in total ease was what the Lady Agent said, "I believe that God will direct you in a place where you are more suitable to live. I believe that what happened was Him being in control of the situation." I heard it from Papa before when  we first transfer to Makati then my husband lost his job. He said, God will not bring you there if He has no plan for you. And that has been my prayer also, that God would direct us in buying my very first property. 

The process had been tedious and sizzled with doubt. In between, I thought, buying property isn't for me. I am old and the salary that I thought is large enough suddenly becomes not enough.  

Yet, the ending of this story proves that when God opens the door, no one can shut it. Just a month ago we're in Imus, Cavite looking for a house. We already had a glimpse of what will going to happen. 

God knows we've been through a lot of troubles renting a house. God knows all of my sacrifices in raising my family. I believe that it is Him who is at work here. I may have many options and wishes, but for as long as I'm sure that God is there with me all along in choosing my best property, and He allows me to get it, then I have nothing to worry or feel guilty about not getting anything else. Ito talaga ang para sa amin. 

Who wouldn't create an inspiring funny design in this situation? When you are down, you'll tend to look for something that will inspire or encourage you to keep going. Such is the "Berry Yourself in Good Vibes! – Cute Strawberry Lover Design"

Cap and matching products see here.

It add a berry sweet touch to you and your loved ones life with a design featuring a plump strawberry standing confidently in a swirl of golden jam! Topped with the feel-good phrase “Berry Yourself in Good Vibes!”, this design is perfect for strawberry-loving girls who radiate positivity and good energy wherever they go.

Whether you're headed to a farmer's market, a summer picnic, or just vibing with friends, this cute and vintage-inspired design brings the fruit-forward flair and upbeat attitude. With playful colors and a charming retro vibe, it’s a must-have for anyone who believes in staying sweet and sunny — no matter what.

And since this is a new design, you will receive a discount when you purchase within 24-48 hours. 

Until next for my designs and life's update.