The Praying Wife Ministry

The power of a praying wife is not a means of gaining control over the husband.  It is a gentle tool of restoration appropriated through the prayers of a wife who longs to do right than be right and give life more than get even.--- Stormie Omartian

*Painting by Clarissa & Malu Ortiz
Medium:  Acrylic

Join the Praying Wife Ministry every Thursday at room A3, 3rd floor, CCF St Francis Square, Mandaluyong City (behind Megamall) 3-5pm.                                            Call us for free counseling: 0917-896625 

Mystique

I am not a fan of Xmen movies but I must admit that I enjoyed the latest one.  The girl with a blue face, named Mystique reminds me of Clarissa's painting that she did last year.  I was so anxious to see her painting but can't seem to find it.  Our helper had kept it under my son's bed.  Whew!  It was a bit dusty but luckily I was able to save it and took the liberty of enhancing it.  So here it is...

Isn't she amazing???  Thank you Lord for her special gift!!!

Embracing God's Purpose For My Special Child

Embracing God's Purpose for My Special Child  Malu Tiongson Ortiz View Larger Photo Price: P 195.00  (US$ 4.33) ISBN: 978971009012-9 Cover: Paperback Available: Yes Description Author Malu Ortiz shares her journey as mother to her child with Down syndrome. Malu talks openly about her fears and difficulties, and helps others learn from her experience. The book is enriched with testimonies from other parents of children with special needs, plus useful resources and practical advice. Malu’s hope is infectious. Be inspired by her firm belief that God has a special plan not just for Clarissa, but also for those whose life she touches. "I have given so many parenting seminars all over the country I've lost count as to how many I've done so far. But one of the best experiences I had was when I gave a talk to the parents of special children. There is just something special with the love the parents have for "their special gift" from God. But this kind of parenting journey is littered with a lot of triumphs and tragedies along the way. Malu's book digs deep into the heart. She articulates her feelings and experiences so well it is a must read for all parents. This book warms the heart."  - Francis J. Kong Book Excerpt I believe that God did not give me the special task of mothering Clarissa just so that I should teach her her letters and numbers. He did not design her to learn the ways of the world. God designed our child with special needs to be an instrument to teach us to focus on heavenly things. Available to countries: This book is available worldwide! ADD TO YOUR CART Quantity order quantity limit is maximum of 20pcs for each product Comments: Mrs Doubtfire  -Apr 18, 2010 6:05am This book was a birthday present from one of my best friends. It's very helpful and I can really relate to every situation of each story told. liza  -Dec 19, 2009 7:34pm very inspirational. a friend got this book as an exchange gift in our SPED class Xmas Party at PNU, which she shared with us. Nice and easy reading. Congrats to the author and publisher. Post your own comment about this book: Your name: Email: Your comment: Your comment is subject to review. OMFLit.com reserves the right to reject or erase user-posted comments. HTML codes are not allowed. Image Code:

Pink Lady

I am not a pink person but somehow I like seeing my daughter Clarissa in pink.  When painting with Clarissa, I try to influence her with the colors I use--- brown, beige, black, and highlight it with orange.  But she taught me instead, opening my eyes to see bright colors.  Clarissa amazes me with the colors she uses--- red, purple, aqua, yellow, green and pink.  Check out this beautiful painting....

Isn't she cute?  :-)

Special Parenting

Photo by Paulo Canivel

Parenting a child with special needs is a God-given privilege.
Our children are created by our Heavenly Father,
in His image. They are precious individuals placed in our
families.

I am the mother of three grown-up children, with
Clarissa, our youngest, already in her twenties. Ironically, it
was only in 2004 that I learned what I believe is the true
meaning of parenting. In a parenting seminar led by Pastor
Peter Tan-Chi and his wife Deonna, I learned the important
lessons that helped me gain a better overview of what
parenting is all about.

How sad that there are so few subjects or courses in
schools about parenting. We normally rear our children based
on how our parents reared us. This means we also acquire
their mistakes. Our first tendency is to try to meet other
parents of children who have special needs. Often, they too
have little idea as to what and how we should teach these
needy young ones.

Photo by Paulo Canivel

Attending the parenting seminar in our church was a great help for me because it taught me how to raise my children in a biblical way. Although I thought it was too late for me, in some ways, for my children were all grown up, it turned out that with God, nothing is too late. His timing is always perfect.

Psalm 127:3 tells us that “Children are a gift of the Lord; the fruit of the womb is a reward.”

When Clarissa was born, I had to release her to God’s hands. I wept over her numerous times, for I realized that our lives would never be the same. I also realized that I was not equipped to raise a special
child. I was at a loss — how could I help my daughter
when I didn’t even understand what Down syndrome was?

Photo by Paulo Canivel

Instead of seeking answers from the Maker of my child,
I skipped that part and jumped directly to how I could help
her in terms of her physical, educational and medical needs.
I was not the overly spiritual type of person and at that time,
when Clarissa was a new infant, I had very little knowledge
of who God really was.

What does God want us to know about our child? Our
child has special needs. She was uniquely designed by
God, so we are not to compare her with our other children.
Her mental, intellectual and physical abilities will never be
the same as those of our regular kids. But God created them
“just so” for a special reason. He created all children for His
pleasure and they are designed to worship Him. Ultimately,
it is our role to teach our child how to have a personal relationship
with the Lord. We must teach them to know God
and fear Him.

God says it is the duty of the parents to teach
and train their children. In Proverbs 22:6 God clearly states
that we are to “Train a child in the way he should go, and
when he is old, he will not turn from it.”

Photo by Paulo Canivel

Some parents may think that because a child is mentally
handicapped, their child will never understand who God is
or learn how to worship Him. Most of the time, teaching
our child about God is an aspect of child-rearing that we
leave out or take for granted.

I assumed that, because of Clarissa’s mental disability,
she would not understand who God is. But when I started
to teach her how to pray and let her listen to praise songs (at
maximum volume), I realized that she does have a heart for
God. She would dance to the music and raise her hands to
Him. Clarissa is one young adult who has no hang-ups or
embarrassment in worshipping the Lord. I have no doubt
that she loves God with all her heart, soul, mind and strength.
Praying and worshipping is her lifestyle. She is my prayer
partner and she doesn’t mind when we pray all the time.



*Excerpts from "Embracing God's Purpose For My Special Child"

My Little Picasso

I thank the Lord for giving me the ability to draw. As an

Medium: Acrylic Paint

interior designer and a painter, I am able to teach Clarissa
through the talent that God has given me. Home-schooling
a deaf-mute is very challenging. For her to understand
what I am teaching, I have to draw everything. I had no
other way to teach her except through pictures and signs.
While speaking or mouthing the words, I taught Clarissa to
identify everything through pictures. She is learning more
and more words, and is able to spell them from memory
after practice and repetition.

I have been delighted to discover Clarissa also has artistic
ability. At the age of fifteen she started copying my drawings
of men and women, and drew for herself stylized
portraits of family members and friends. Believe it or not,
others have said these portraits are reminiscent of those
somewhat exaggerated portraits by Picasso! She uses vibrant
colors and the color combinations she chooses are amazing.
Her drawings of women are very detailed with eyelids, eyelashes,
eyebrows, teeth, tongue, grooves of the ears, and
accessories such as earrings and necklaces. Our walls at home
have become a mini gallery of my daughter’s oil pastel
drawings.

When Clarissa celebrated her sixteenth birthday, we gave
her a party at home and decorated the whole house like an
art gallery. We had four different art activities for her guests:
apron-painting, beading, pastel drawing and pin craft. First,

her guests got to paint their own name and paint a design
on their apron. In another corner, we had beading materials
set up so the guests all got to make their own bracelets to
take home with them. I had also set up some vases on our
dining table, so the kids could learn to do still life pastel
drawings. And in our living room area, with our helper, we
assisted the children doing pin crafts. We were thrilled to
receive such positive feedback. My friend Dottie, mother of
Vicky Lou (former classmate of Clarissa), said it was the most
fun party her daughter had ever attended.

*Excerpts from "Embracing God's Purpose For My Special Child"

Clarissa's Art

Clarissa's art

By MALU TIONGSON-ORTIZ, Mother and homeschool teacher of a child with Down Syndrome, and author of 'Embracing God's Purpose for my Special Child'

February 10, 2011, 12:40pm

MANILA, Philippines — Clarissa is a young adult with Down syndrome. She is also deaf, mute, physically handicapped and bipolar.

When Clarissa was 18 years old, I started homeschooling her because I wanted her to do as well as she can academically, for her own enjoyment of life. I believe that parents are the best teachers of their children because we are able to instill our personal, spiritual values through our teaching.

Homeschooling Clarissa enabled me to discover her strengths and weaknesses as well. I became more involved in my child's education as my daughter received one-on-one teaching unmatched in the private setting.

Extra grace required
But teaching a hearing-impaired child could be very frustrating. It needs E-G-R (Extra Grace Required)! Homeschooling a deaf and mute child, with Down syndrome at that, is very challenging.

When I began to homeschool her six years ago, I repeatedly taught her at home what she had been taught in school and in her speech therapy class. I continued to pray for my daughter's ability to speak. And even as I write these lines, Clarissa hasn't spoken except to say “Papa” — but that one word gives me every reason to persevere and trust that God will not fail me.

I thank the Lord for giving me the ability to draw and paint. As a Fine Arts graduate, I am able to teach my daughter with the talent that God has given me. r her to understand what I am teaching, I have to draw everything. I have no other way to teach her except through pictures and signs.

I have been delighted to discover Clarissa’s artistic ability. At the age of 15, she started copying my drawings of men and women, and drew stylized portraits of family members and friends. Clarissa uses vibrant colors and the color combination she chooses are amazing. Believe it or not, but you may say these portraits are reminiscent of the exaggerated portraits by Picasso!

Clarissa is also a lifetime scholar of Silab Artreach by Teacher Nick Calma who helps hone her God-given talent. Both teacher Nick and I make collaborative paintings of Clarissa's works. Our walls at home have become a mini gallery of my daughter's oil pastel and acrylic paintings. She is truly gifted!

God is good. Clarissa cannot hear or speak but He gave her eyes to see colors and hands to paint faces. I always have this verse in mind -- "With man this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible." Matthew 19:26

In celebration of the National Down syndrome consciousness month, I would like to share the story of Clarissa and the work that God is doing in her life. May every reader be touched by this testimoneen delighted to discover Clarissa’s artistic ability. At the age of 15, she started copying my drawings of men and women, and drew stylized portraits of family members and friends. Clarissa uses vibrant colors and the color combination she chooses are amazing. Believe it or not, but you may say these portraits are reminiscent of the exaggerated portraits by Picasso!

Clarissa is also a lifetime scholar of Silab Artreach by Teacher Nick Calma who helps hone her God-given talent. Both teacher Nick and I make collaborative paintings of Clarissa's works. Our walls at home have become a mini gallery of my daughter's oil pastel and acrylic paintings. She is truly gifted!

God is good. Clarissa cannot hear or speak but He gave her eyes to see colors and hands to paint faces. I always have this verse in mind -- "With man this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible." Matthew 19:26

In celebration of the National Down syndrome consciousness month, I would like to share the story of Clarissa and the work that God is doing in her life. May every reader be touched by this testimony.

A Special Child, A Special Gift, A Special Purpose

Clarissa Ortiz is a young artist with Down syndrome, severely to profoundly hearing impaired, speech impaired, physically handicapped, and bipolar.  Being home-schooled by her Mom, Malu Tiongson-Ortiz, Clarissa's artistic bent was discovered and honed.  She makes incredibly beautiful portraits in acrylic and oil pastels, enhanced by Mom's finishing touches.

God created Clarissa for a special purpose.  While Malu taught her how to draw and paint, Clarissa taught her the more important things in life--- unconditional love, patience, perseverance, contentment and simplicity.

Clarissa is one of God's greatest gift to her family.

"With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."  Matthew 19:26

How My Daughter Found Her Voice In Art

February 23 2011, 11:56 PM
LIFESTYLE PARENTING - LIFESTYLE PARENTING PARENTING

How my daughter found her voice in art
Malu Tiongson-Ortiz

Philippine Daily Inquirer

February 16, 2011

My daughter is deaf, mute and has Down Syndrome— but she paints the most wonderful pictures
CLARISSA TIONGSON-ORTIZ is a young adult with Down Syndrome, who is also deaf, mute, physically handicapped, and bipolar. When she was 18, I started home-schooling her because I wanted her to do as well as she could academically, and still enjoy life without the undue pressure of competition, either with regular kids out there in the world or with her peers in special education programs.

I believe parents are the best teachers for their children, because we are able to instill in them our personal values through our teaching.

Home-schooling Clarissa enabled me to discover her strengths and weaknesses, as well. I became more involved in my child’s education, and my daughter received a one-on-one education unmatched in the private setting, enabling her to make the most of her talents.

Teaching a hearing-impaired child can be very frustrating. It is truly a case of E-G-R (Extra Grace Required)! When I began to home-school her six years ago, I repeatedly taught her at home what she had been taught in school and in her speech therapy class. I continued to pray for my daughter’s ability to speak.

As I write these lines, Clarissa hasn’t spoken except to say “Papa,” but that one word gives me every reason to persevere and trust that God will not fail me.

I thank the Lord for giving me the ability to draw and paint. As a Fines Arts graduate majoring in Interior Design, I am able to teach my daughter through the talent He has given me. Home-schooling a child is very challenging, what more one who is deaf, mute, and has Down Syndrome? For her to understand what I am teaching, I have to draw everything. I had no other way to teach her except through pictures and signs.

I was delighted to discover Clarissa’s artistic ability. At age 15, she started copying my drawings of men and women, and drew stylized portraits of family members and friends. Believe it or not, others have said these portraits are reminiscent of Picasso! She uses vibrant colors, and the color combination she chooses are amazing.

Clarissa is also a lifetime scholar of Silab Artreach by teacher Nick Calma, who helps hone her talent. Both teacher Nick and I make collaborative paintings of Clarissa’s works. Our walls at home have become a mini gallery of my daughter’s oil pastel and acrylic paintings. She is truly gifted!

God is good. Clarissa cannot hear or speak, but He gave her eyes to see colors and hands to paint faces. Truly, with God, all things are possible.

Malu Tiongson-Ortiz is author of the book “Embracing God’s Purpose for My Special Child.”

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