01.16.2006 The Lord closes the door but He opens windows for His graces to come in
A single person may miss many things in life. However, the Lord in His infinite wisdom compensates for graces missed. Hence, we say "Single Blessedness".
When one is alone and no one to talk to, one can dialog with God through prayers. Send Him your words in despaid, when in joy, in gratitude, ask for help. He is always ready to listen. Wait for His answer.
You can find Him in the people you meet, most especially in the innocent, sincere-hearted children around. You can see Him among your loyal friends, poor neighbors, and needy people.
He send you blessings through the experiences you have and opportunities for progress. He is most happy when you can reach out to others and share the talents and blessings you have.
We believe in the Communion with saints, the help of our beloved dead so we pray to them to pray for us. The Lord knows our needs before we know them. We should only ask Him for help. He is true to His word.
12.18.2008
01.15.2006 In My Little Room
In my younger days I was fascinated in living in a chalet-form of home, I used to see along the way and in magazines that came to my hand. Sure enough when I became a teacher, I was able to buy a one story house in a housing project of the government. I had a little garden with two caimito trees. I was often surprised that there were smaller trees and plants that came up without my planting them. Sili shrubs, a guava tree and even an atis tree. (a camias seedling from Mila). I was even able to give away pabaon [give away] to my friends who came for a visit - some bananas. Best of all, I put up a grotto of the Blessed Mother of Lourdes in a corner in my yard. I also had a trees isis from which I got leaves to scrub my table tops with. In this house, I learned many things that sustained my faith and trust in the Lord's love and care.
Everyone has a purpose and vision in life, but God has a better plan, which often times we can not understand until finally, with His crooked ways, He straightens our life and then we realize that the life He has for us becomes meaningful.
My house is now a one-room place, but it is a place I can do in my former home. (what I did in my older home).
It is my prayer room where I can hear mass every day, listen and participate in every novena for the day. It is also my news room for my daily happenings. I am up-dated on events that happen. All these I get from a transistor radio. I have books to read, weekly magazines and periodicals. Jing supplies me with religious readings. I took along my religious imagaes of saints for my altar. Linda ang Corry make sure that I have the things I need for my personal use.
From my small window, views of people doing their daily chores, earning their daily bread, having fun provide me the reason to look up and remember to pray & thank God that He is present, caring & loving.
In my younger days I was fascinated in living in a chalet-form of home, I used to see along the way and in magazines that came to my hand. Sure enough when I became a teacher, I was able to buy a one story house in a housing project of the government. I had a little garden with two caimito trees. I was often surprised that there were smaller trees and plants that came up without my planting them. Sili shrubs, a guava tree and even an atis tree. (a camias seedling from Mila). I was even able to give away pabaon [give away] to my friends who came for a visit - some bananas. Best of all, I put up a grotto of the Blessed Mother of Lourdes in a corner in my yard. I also had a tree
Everyone has a purpose and vision in life, but God has a better plan, which often times we can not understand until finally, with His crooked ways, He straightens our life and then we realize that the life He has for us becomes meaningful.
My house is now a one-room place, but it is a place I can do in my former home. (what I did in my older home).
It is my prayer room where I can hear mass every day, listen and participate in every novena for the day. It is also my news room for my daily happenings. I am up-dated on events that happen. All these I get from a transistor radio. I have books to read, weekly magazines and periodicals. Jing supplies me with religious readings. I took along my religious imagaes of saints for my altar. Linda ang Corry make sure that I have the things I need for my personal use.
From my small window, views of people doing their daily chores, earning their daily bread, having fun provide me the reason to look up and remember to pray & thank God that He is present, caring & loving.
01.13.2006 Mother Mary's Apparitions
1. May 13, 1917; Oct. 13, 1917 - At Fatima, Portugal to 3 peasant children, Francisco, Lucia & Jacinta
2. 1858 - At Lourdes, France to Bernadette
3. At Akita, Japan - Repeated what has been said in previous apparitions. Repentance & a terrible chastisement on all if men do not repent.
4. Sept. 18, 1846 - La Salette - Appeared to Melanie, predicted a frightful crisis - Penance for sins
5. February 2, 1634 - Mother of Good Succor to Marianna de Jesus Torres. Dark night for the church, triumph of the Blessed Mother
6. Sister Elena, 1961 - Need for Russia to be converted.
7. Blessed Anna Maria Taigi (1837) - Chastisement from war, revolutions & other evils from Heaven - darkness, pestilence, danger from faith.
Sister Lucia of the Fatima Apparition is the only living person who knows the third Secret of Fatima. From the approved apparitions, it is the danger of faith that is contained in the third Secret. Danger in the Church itself, grave pastoral negligence of the Upper hierarchy -
Predicting apocalyptic events in the near future.
It is therefore for us the nations to heed the call of the Blessed Mother to change our ways. At the Church of Sta. Cruz Manila, the throne of the Blessed Mother of the Pillar, the Blessed Sacrament is exposed for the hourly vigil of devotees.
Parents bring their children to pray to the Blessed Mother de Remedios at Malate for Saturday blessings.
Big religious events are carried out at the Metropolitan Church - Manila Cathedral at Intramuros. Ordination of priests, Feast of the Immaculate Conception & others.
Let us all go to the Blessed Mother to help us in the many disasteres to come. Pray the Rosary.
1. May 13, 1917; Oct. 13, 1917 - At Fatima, Portugal to 3 peasant children, Francisco, Lucia & Jacinta
2. 1858 - At Lourdes, France to Bernadette
3. At Akita, Japan - Repeated what has been said in previous apparitions. Repentance & a terrible chastisement on all if men do not repent.
4. Sept. 18, 1846 - La Salette - Appeared to Melanie, predicted a frightful crisis - Penance for sins
5. February 2, 1634 - Mother of Good Succor to Marianna de Jesus Torres. Dark night for the church, triumph of the Blessed Mother
6. Sister Elena, 1961 - Need for Russia to be converted.
7. Blessed Anna Maria Taigi (1837) - Chastisement from war, revolutions & other evils from Heaven - darkness, pestilence, danger from faith.
Sister Lucia of the Fatima Apparition is the only living person who knows the third Secret of Fatima. From the approved apparitions, it is the danger of faith that is contained in the third Secret. Danger in the Church itself, grave pastoral negligence of the Upper hierarchy -
Predicting apocalyptic events in the near future.
It is therefore for us the nations to heed the call of the Blessed Mother to change our ways. At the Church of Sta. Cruz Manila, the throne of the Blessed Mother of the Pillar, the Blessed Sacrament is exposed for the hourly vigil of devotees.
Parents bring their children to pray to the Blessed Mother de Remedios at Malate for Saturday blessings.
Big religious events are carried out at the Metropolitan Church - Manila Cathedral at Intramuros. Ordination of priests, Feast of the Immaculate Conception & others.
Let us all go to the Blessed Mother to help us in the many disasteres to come. Pray the Rosary.
01.13.2006 Prayers Against Blasphemy
The Golden Arrow
May the most holy, most mysterious and most unalterable name of God be praised, blessed, adored, loved and glorifies in Heaven, on Earth and in hell, by all God's creatures & by the Sacred Heart of our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ in the most Holy Sacrament of the Altar.
Sins of blasphemy - Avoid these:
1. Against the Immaculate Conception
2. Against Her Perpetual Virginity
3. Againstr Her Divine Maternity
4. Sowing indifferences & scorn in the hearts of children of the Immaculate maternity
5. Directly outrage for Her Holy images
Messages at Fatima -
1. Emphasizing the Rosary
2. Devotion tothe Immaculate Heart of Mary
3. Value of the Brown Scapular
4. Truth of Purgatory
5. Authority of the Papacy
6. Sacrament of Confession
7. The Holy Eucharist as the Body, Blood and Divinity of Jesus Christ
The Golden Arrow
May the most holy, most mysterious and most unalterable name of God be praised, blessed, adored, loved and glorifies in Heaven, on Earth and in hell, by all God's creatures & by the Sacred Heart of our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ in the most Holy Sacrament of the Altar.
Sins of blasphemy - Avoid these:
1. Against the Immaculate Conception
2. Against Her Perpetual Virginity
3. Againstr Her Divine Maternity
4. Sowing indifferences & scorn in the hearts of children of the Immaculate maternity
5. Directly outrage for Her Holy images
Messages at Fatima -
1. Emphasizing the Rosary
2. Devotion tothe Immaculate Heart of Mary
3. Value of the Brown Scapular
4. Truth of Purgatory
5. Authority of the Papacy
6. Sacrament of Confession
7. The Holy Eucharist as the Body, Blood and Divinity of Jesus Christ
01.12.2006
This is Sai with Lola Paz. Full of trust, joy and love. Bless her always, Lord.
What a picture of joy from an innocent child. Let us be joyful like a child.
I always have special prayers for every child who comes to me.
The child is the greatest gift to its parents. What the parents make of the child is their greatest gift to the Lord. A big challenge parents have.
This is Sai with Lola Paz. Full of trust, joy and love. Bless her always, Lord.
What a picture of joy from an innocent child. Let us be joyful like a child.
I always have special prayers for every child who comes to me.
The child is the greatest gift to its parents. What the parents make of the child is their greatest gift to the Lord. A big challenge parents have.
12.17.2008
1.10.2006 A Marian Devotee
At the foot of the Cross, Jesus gave us His Beloved Mother. He gave His Mother to us as our Refuge in times of danger and great help. Let us then call on Her. Let us honor, praise, adore and be greatful for this great blessing.
As a devotee, thank you, Lord, for the experiences and opportunities I had to venerate Her.
As a child, I hada many occasions to pray before the Blessed Virgin of Lourdes at her shrine in Intramuros. I grew up in Sampaloc district where the Blessed Mother of Loreto is adored venerated. It was here where I was taught the foundation of my Catholic faith. With the help of the church catechist we had our first communion.
The Blessed Mother of Mt. Carmel is enshrined at the Basilica of Mt. Carmel along R. Hidalgo St. at the San Sebastian Church, the church built of steel. On our way to school at the Quiapo Primary School we came to greet Her everyday.
With my co-teachers during the month of May, I had the experience of attending mass and novena at Antipolo, Rizal where the Blessed Mother of Peace and Good Voyage is venerated. With our grandmother, we stayed nine days to pray to the Blessed Mother and prayed the 9-day novena (Inang Tina, Tatay's mother).
During the time, we were promoting the books we prepared at the Abiva Publishing House, my co-writers and I had the opportunity to pay homage to the Virgin of Penafrancia at Albay. During a seminar at Baguio City, the image of the Virgin of Manaoag was brought to the Basilica, then we were able to attend a mass in Her honor.
Every year in the month of October, the Virgin Mary of the Holy Rosary is honored with a 9-day novena and a pilgrimage is made on the occasion. Here, again, is a great occasion for celebrating.
The Virgin Mother of Perpetual Help, found in Baclaran, is truly a mother always near and ready to help. Wednesday is a special day for Her to me.
I had the good fortune of living in the housing project of the government Project 4. Within the project is the church dedicated to the Blessed Mother of the Miraculous Medal. Being a resident, I spent my time doing my prayer vigil, mass and novena prayers. Truly, the Blessed Mother did miraculous things for me, I got well from sicknesses I had. My prayers were answered. It was here where I retired, but still was able to re-tire myself for a new role as a senior citizen. With her help, I had a better meaning of life.
The feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Mother is celebrated in all churches (Dec. 8).
Our Lady of Fatima - May 13
Our Lady of Mt. Carmel - July 16
Our Lady of Guadalupe - Dec. 12
Feast Day of our Blessed Mother - May 1, Jan. 1
Solemnity of Mothers' Motherhood
Short prayers to the Blessed Mother -
" O, Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee."
"Mother, we put our cause in your hand."
"Pray for us now and at the hour of our death."
Call on Mary, anytime, anywhere you are. She is always near. Do not fear, She is our Mother.
Mama Mary loves us all. All the time.
At the foot of the Cross, Jesus gave us His Beloved Mother. He gave His Mother to us as our Refuge in times of danger and great help. Let us then call on Her. Let us honor, praise, adore and be greatful for this great blessing.
As a devotee, thank you, Lord, for the experiences and opportunities I had to venerate Her.
As a child, I had
The Blessed Mother of Mt. Carmel is enshrined at the Basilica of Mt. Carmel along R. Hidalgo St. at the San Sebastian Church, the church built of steel. On our way to school at the Quiapo Primary School we came to greet Her everyday.
With my co-teachers during the month of May, I had the experience of attending mass and novena at Antipolo, Rizal where the Blessed Mother of Peace and Good Voyage is venerated. With our grandmother, we stayed nine days to pray to the Blessed Mother and prayed the 9-day novena (Inang Tina, Tatay's mother).
During the time, we were promoting the books we prepared at the Abiva Publishing House, my co-writers and I had the opportunity to pay homage to the Virgin of Penafrancia at Albay. During a seminar at Baguio City, the image of the Virgin of Manaoag was brought to the Basilica, then we were able to attend a mass in Her honor.
Every year in the month of October, the Virgin Mary of the Holy Rosary is honored with a 9-day novena and a pilgrimage is made on the occasion. Here, again, is a great occasion for celebrating.
The Virgin Mother of Perpetual Help, found in Baclaran, is truly a mother always near and ready to help. Wednesday is a special day for Her to me.
I had the good fortune of living in the housing project of the government Project 4. Within the project is the church dedicated to the Blessed Mother of the Miraculous Medal. Being a resident, I spent my time doing my prayer vigil, mass and novena prayers. Truly, the Blessed Mother did miraculous things for me, I got well from sicknesses I had. My prayers were answered. It was here where I retired, but still was able to re-tire myself for a new role as a senior citizen. With her help, I had a better meaning of life.
The feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Mother is celebrated in all churches (Dec. 8).
Our Lady of Fatima - May 13
Our Lady of Mt. Carmel - July 16
Our Lady of Guadalupe - Dec. 12
Feast Day of our Blessed Mother - May 1, Jan. 1
Solemnity of Mothers' Motherhood
Short prayers to the Blessed Mother -
" O, Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee."
"Mother, we put our cause in your hand."
"Pray for us now and at the hour of our death."
Call on Mary, anytime, anywhere you are. She is always near. Do not fear, She is our Mother.
Mama Mary loves us all. All the time.
12.12.2008
12.20.2005 Concepts for Reflections
1. Heaven is not a place to look for or to find. It is a decision to make. It is here for you to make it.
2. Life is a test. Life is a trust.
3. Big things come from small beginnings.
4. The lost, the least and the last the Lord's beloved.
5. The impotency of money in the face of the will of God.
6. The good Samaritan
7. Man always wants certainty of things. Hence the cause of sins (control of things).
8. Look beyond one's behavior (reason for bad acts). Seek the innocence - focus on the beauty of life.
9. Make peace with imperfections.
10. What you practice you will become.
11. Think of problems as potential teachers.
12. Hope with humility.
13. A true Christian's way of life
14. There never was a saint without a past; a sinner without a future. (Contrition and a sincere desire for amendment)
15. God answers all prayers in His time and is the way that is best for us.
16. It takes time for fruits to mature and ripen. (Patience)
17. Thought -> Action -> Habit -> Character -> Destiny
18. Best expression of love is time.
19. Fear of God is the beginning of wisdom.
20. A little thing is a little thing but faithfulness in a little thing is a great thing.
21. Without God, life has no purpose, without purpose life has no meaning, without meaning life has no significance.
1. Heaven is not a place to look for or to find. It is a decision to make. It is here for you to make it.
2. Life is a test. Life is a trust.
3. Big things come from small beginnings.
4. The lost, the least and the last the Lord's beloved.
5. The impotency of money in the face of the will of God.
6. The good Samaritan
Pity -> Compassion -> Action -> Sacrifice -> Commitment
7. Man always wants certainty of things. Hence the cause of sins (control of things).
8. Look beyond one's behavior (reason for bad acts). Seek the innocence - focus on the beauty of life.
9. Make peace with imperfections.
10. What you practice you will become.
11. Think of problems as potential teachers.
12. Hope with humility.
13. A true Christian's way of life
Less for oneself, more for others, enough for all.
14. There never was a saint without a past; a sinner without a future. (Contrition and a sincere desire for amendment)
15. God answers all prayers in His time and is the way that is best for us.
16. It takes time for fruits to mature and ripen. (Patience)
17. Thought -> Action -> Habit -> Character -> Destiny
18. Best expression of love is time.
19. Fear of God is the beginning of wisdom.
20. A little thing is a little thing but faithfulness in a little thing is a great thing.
21. Without God, life has no purpose, without purpose life has no meaning, without meaning life has no significance.
12.27.2005 Thank You for Your Love on Christmas 2005
To you, Lord
To you, Lord
To you, Lord
for your gift of Life at 87 & 5 months the blessing of normal mind set to
understand the physical needs of a senior citizen; adjustments to the
environment the answer to my prayer that I may learn the true meaning of
Christmas; peace in my heart
To you, Lord
for the kindness & thoughtfulness of my relative & friends
1. for the material gifts I got:
(a) fruit cake from Alvin
(b) greetings from Boboy, Obet & Patrik, Dinkie Boy, Manang
(c) pasalubong from Cebu - Dany
(d) an amount for Christmas from Abet; goodies from Jun-Jun &
Lory
(e) goodies from Liddy
(f) dusters from Jenny, Jing & Mayette
(g) phone call from Arleta, a friend
(h) card-greeting from Norming - U.S.A.
(i) Christmas delicacies from Ipang
(j) Bag- card from Jing
2. for the care of Linda & Lovely - personal needs
3. for the personal attention of Corry
4. for the company of Lily, an elderly, too
5. greeting from Lily's grandson & wife
6. visit of Jo-Jo & friend
7. shawl from K.C. & Kiko
8. a gallon of mayonnaise dressing - Janet, a friend
9. Senior Citizens' gift from the Barangay
10. one month pension bonus - G.S.I.S.
11. a small book from Ipang - 12 Little Things Every Filipino Can Do To
Help Our Country - Alexander Lacson
12. joy given by the innocent ways of children in the family
12.24.2005 Bless Them, Lord Wherever They Are
They made my teaching days joyful and memorable.
One's workplace must be conducive to bring about effective and excellent results for the accomplishment of the goals of the office. We were blessed with one - The Legarda Elementary School. I remember co-workers who made it so.
1. Mrs. Soly Meneses was a Mother Teresa to all of us.
2. Mary Andres who was always ready to be my maid of honor.
3. Teresa Robles who was ready with snacks to fill up our hunger.
4. Elvira del Prado our marriage counselor, although very single.
5. Nena Pangilinan was always willing to go on a date.
6. Venusto Aquino, a lover to everyone.
7. Mr. David - Father Pio to all of us, our Assistant Principal.
8. Julia Singson - our Ate Julie
9. Amy Nakpil - Ever ready to sew a dress for any occasion, "utang muna"
10. Mrs. Felicing Garcia, another A.P., our office TV patrol; Mr. Arturo Coronel, our Big Brother.
11. Nena Penalosa and Mandang Gabriel were the bagsakan of the children who come the first time.
12. Merla Oteyza - the school nightingale
13. Naty Gonzales - Anthem conductor
14. Mr. Piano - School dancecheographer choreographer
15. Pacing Haber - Small but terrible- my dear komadre
16. There was always our school principal, the soft-spoken Miss Soledad Gomez who took care of our teaching excellencies as well as our spirituality. Who can forget our First Sunday mass every month at Nazareth School and our Rosary Hour at the DZRH radio station and the November 13th exodus on her birthday get together?
17. Our school helpers and others who made life one to remember always.
They made my teaching days joyful and memorable.
One's workplace must be conducive to bring about effective and excellent results for the accomplishment of the goals of the office. We were blessed with one - The Legarda Elementary School. I remember co-workers who made it so.
1. Mrs. Soly Meneses was a Mother Teresa to all of us.
2. Mary Andres who was always ready to be my maid of honor.
3. Teresa Robles who was ready with snacks to fill up our hunger.
4. Elvira del Prado our marriage counselor, although very single.
5. Nena Pangilinan was always willing to go on a date.
6. Venusto Aquino, a lover to everyone.
7. Mr. David - Father Pio to all of us, our Assistant Principal.
8. Julia Singson - our Ate Julie
9. Amy Nakpil - Ever ready to sew a dress for any occasion, "utang muna"
10. Mrs. Felicing Garcia, another A.P., our office TV patrol; Mr. Arturo Coronel, our Big Brother.
11. Nena Penalosa and Mandang Gabriel were the bagsakan of the children who come the first time.
12. Merla Oteyza - the school nightingale
13. Naty Gonzales - Anthem conductor
14. Mr. Piano - School dance
15. Pacing Haber - Small but terrible- my dear komadre
16. There was always our school principal, the soft-spoken Miss Soledad Gomez who took care of our teaching excellencies as well as our spirituality. Who can forget our First Sunday mass every month at Nazareth School and our Rosary Hour at the DZRH radio station and the November 13th exodus on her birthday get together?
17. Our school helpers and others who made life one to remember always.
12.24-12.25.2005 Christmas 2005 at 87 (soon to be 88 years of age)
1. The coldest day recorded 23oC.
2. Burial of NBI Director - Reynaldo Wycoco
3. Heavy traffic as usual - one day before Christmas
4. Mla. Film Festival parade - 3:00 p.m.
5. Gift giving for the less fortunate going on.
6. Another death recorded - Senator Robert Barbers died of throat cancer.
7. Minimized destruction from use of fire crackers.
8. More number of fire incidents - 6
9. Rise of prices of prime commodities.
10. Tiangge sales more than mall sales.
11. Gov't. benefits still wanting - bonus and increases.
12. More fortunate people aware of the meaning of Christmas - entertainment, civil & social organizations & private citizens (individuals).
11. Politically minded people still on their antics - rallies, radio talks
12. More peaceful than other Christmas days "Praise the good Lord."
1. The coldest day recorded 23oC.
2. Burial of NBI Director - Reynaldo Wycoco
3. Heavy traffic as usual - one day before Christmas
4. Mla. Film Festival parade - 3:00 p.m.
5. Gift giving for the less fortunate going on.
6. Another death recorded - Senator Robert Barbers died of throat cancer.
7. Minimized destruction from use of fire crackers.
8. More number of fire incidents - 6
9. Rise of prices of prime commodities.
10. Tiangge sales more than mall sales.
11. Gov't. benefits still wanting - bonus and increases.
12. More fortunate people aware of the meaning of Christmas - entertainment, civil & social organizations & private citizens (individuals).
11. Politically minded people still on their antics - rallies, radio talks
12. More peaceful than other Christmas days "Praise the good Lord."
12.25.2005 "Thoughts on Christmas Day"
1. The reason why we have Christmas Day is to celebrate the birth of the child Jesus; not to carry out activities for us to enjoy our material wealth. Let us instead remember the sacrifice Jesus did for our salvation. Focus on the true celebrator.
2. Let us remember the lost, the least, and the last among us on Christmas Day. This does not mean, however, that Christmas Day is celebrated only on Dec. 25. Let Christmas be every day in our hearts.
3. To whom much is given, much is expected. Christmas is loving and giving. No matter how poor one is, one has always something to give; no matter how rich one is, one has still a need. Acts of kindness with love can be carried out by everyone of us.
4. Christmas means love, peace, humility, compassion, joy, gratitude and goodness.
5. Love is the greatest.
1. The reason why we have Christmas Day is to celebrate the birth of the child Jesus; not to carry out activities for us to enjoy our material wealth. Let us instead remember the sacrifice Jesus did for our salvation. Focus on the true celebrator.
2. Let us remember the lost, the least, and the last among us on Christmas Day. This does not mean, however, that Christmas Day is celebrated only on Dec. 25. Let Christmas be every day in our hearts.
3. To whom much is given, much is expected. Christmas is loving and giving. No matter how poor one is, one has always something to give; no matter how rich one is, one has still a need. Acts of kindness with love can be carried out by everyone of us.
4. Christmas means love, peace, humility, compassion, joy, gratitude and goodness.
5. Love is the greatest.
12.11.2008
12.22.2005 Are We Ready to Answer?
After all is said and done at the end of one's life - the questions to be asked are:
Not what you have got but how much you have given;
Not what you have won, but how much you have done;
Not how much you have saved but how much you have sacrificed
Not how much you have been honored, but how much you have served.
* Heaven is not a place to look for, a place to find,
It is a decision to make.
It is here.
Seek the Kingdom of God first and Heaven will be yours,
*Love God, our Father
Love others as you love yourself.
After all is said and done at the end of one's life - the questions to be asked are:
Not what you have got but how much you have given;
Not what you have won, but how much you have done;
Not how much you have saved but how much you have sacrificed
Not how much you have been honored, but how much you have served.
* Heaven is not a place to look for, a place to find,
It is a decision to make.
It is here.
Seek the Kingdom of God first and Heaven will be yours,
*Love God, our Father
Love others as you love yourself.
12.22.2005 The Word of the Lord in My Experiences: What has God taught me?
a. from failure - Thy will be done, Lord. Do your best and leave to God the rest. Leave the consequences to God's mercy. Look for positive results to my failure.
b. from a lack of money - Lack of money is not a reason for not reaching out to others. There will always be instruments of God to provide. Lack of money lessens one's concern for one who has more of it.
c. pain, sorrow or depression - Have faith in the Lord. Claim His promise to ease one's burden and give rest if only we come to Him. Supplications to saints and departed ones. Pray to the Holy Spirit to send you the gifts and fruits He gives. Unceasing prayers to the Lord.
d. through waiting - Patience is bitter but its fruit is sweet. Good luck comes to those who wait and pray. Fruits ripen and mature a long time. Reflect on what you are waiting for. Is it beneficial or not?
e. through illness - Have trust in the Lord. All prayers are answered. Strengthen faith. Take good care of yourself. Recall witnesses to God's help. Be prayerful.
f. from disappointments - People differ in their beliefs, attitudes and perceptions. Forget the good that you do. Never expect return of good deeds you do. Do what is right.
g. from my family, my church, my relationships and my critics - There is a great need for understanding of other people - members of groups one belongs to - family, neighborhood, community and other groups.
We can choose our friends, not our relatives. Be humble. Learn to listen. Learn how to argue and to disagree but do not be disagreeable. Watch your words. Know what flattery and praise mean. Let others be righteous. Be graceful during your bad moods.
a. from failure - Thy will be done, Lord. Do your best and leave to God the rest. Leave the consequences to God's mercy. Look for positive results to my failure.
b. from a lack of money - Lack of money is not a reason for not reaching out to others. There will always be instruments of God to provide. Lack of money lessens one's concern for one who has more of it.
c. pain, sorrow or depression - Have faith in the Lord. Claim His promise to ease one's burden and give rest if only we come to Him. Supplications to saints and departed ones. Pray to the Holy Spirit to send you the gifts and fruits He gives. Unceasing prayers to the Lord.
d. through waiting - Patience is bitter but its fruit is sweet. Good luck comes to those who wait and pray. Fruits ripen and mature a long time. Reflect on what you are waiting for. Is it beneficial or not?
e. through illness - Have trust in the Lord. All prayers are answered. Strengthen faith. Take good care of yourself. Recall witnesses to God's help. Be prayerful.
f. from disappointments - People differ in their beliefs, attitudes and perceptions. Forget the good that you do. Never expect return of good deeds you do. Do what is right.
g. from my family, my church, my relationships and my critics - There is a great need for understanding of other people - members of groups one belongs to - family, neighborhood, community and other groups.
We can choose our friends, not our relatives. Be humble. Learn to listen. Learn how to argue and to disagree but do not be disagreeable. Watch your words. Know what flattery and praise mean. Let others be righteous. Be graceful during your bad moods.
12.17.2005 Learn from Trees
There is a poem we have learned in grade school that I consider a beautiful prayer. Here it goes:
One can derive desirable traits to show gratitude to the Lord's blessings, for the rain and the sun; think how a big tree grows from a tiny seed. How prayerful a tree is! Even the feathery snow flakes take refuge on the branches and leaves of trees.
The sight of a treeless mountain side can remind us of the sinful hands of man as the cause of floods and big destruction brought about by loggers.
I still think the writer of the poem is not a fool, for I find my sense of spirituality enhanced by the images I have in mind as I read the poem. I see humility in the last line. In grade school, we were even taught to sing the song - Trees.
If we can only pause every now and then as we go - on our way and reflect on the messages the good Lord sends us to tell us His everlasting love and care for us, then we can truly be grateful for the graces we receive and love Him more and more.
Let us give thanks to the Lord.
Look around and discover small creations of God and reflect on what good things or how these show the Lord's love for the human beings He created.
There is a poem we have learned in grade school that I consider a beautiful prayer. Here it goes:
Trees
I think that I shall never see
A poem as lovely as a tree,
A tree whose hungry mouth is pressed.
Against the earth's sweet flowing breast
A tree that looks at God all day
And lifts her leafy arms to pray,
A tree that may in summer wear
A nest of robins in her hair,
Upon whose bosom snow has lain
Who intimately lives with rain
Poems are made by fools like me
But only God can make a tree.
One can derive desirable traits to show gratitude to the Lord's blessings, for the rain and the sun; think how a big tree grows from a tiny seed. How prayerful a tree is! Even the feathery snow flakes take refuge on the branches and leaves of trees.
The sight of a treeless mountain side can remind us of the sinful hands of man as the cause of floods and big destruction brought about by loggers.
I still think the writer of the poem is not a fool, for I find my sense of spirituality enhanced by the images I have in mind as I read the poem. I see humility in the last line. In grade school, we were even taught to sing the song - Trees.
If we can only pause every now and then as we go - on our way and reflect on the messages the good Lord sends us to tell us His everlasting love and care for us, then we can truly be grateful for the graces we receive and love Him more and more.
Let us give thanks to the Lord.
Look around and discover small creations of God and reflect on what good things or how these show the Lord's love for the human beings He created.
12.10.2008
12.16.2005 God is good all the time. Adore, glorify and praise Him!
Adam and Eve were created in the image of God. Without sin, in the likeness of God. Unfortunately Adam and Eve sinned. They abused their knowledge and wisdom of God, making themselves God.
We were created to be holy and blameless kaya lang [however]...
There is still hope to regain the lost Immaculate Conception. As sin begins in the mind, it is therefore necessary to have a clean mind, free from sin, a clear conscience.
Learn to say "I am sorry" "I love you"
Original sin is wiped out through the sacrament of Baptism.
All creations act according to the will of God. It is only man that is given a free will. Hence the occasion of sin. Avoid sin by having clean thoughts so our actions will be clean. Clean actions will make for clean habits that will result in clean character.
Adam and Eve were created in the image of God. Without sin, in the likeness of God. Unfortunately Adam and Eve sinned. They abused their knowledge and wisdom of God, making themselves God.
We were created to be holy and blameless kaya lang [however]...
There is still hope to regain the lost Immaculate Conception. As sin begins in the mind, it is therefore necessary to have a clean mind, free from sin, a clear conscience.
Learn to say "I am sorry" "I love you"
Original sin is wiped out through the sacrament of Baptism.
All creations act according to the will of God. It is only man that is given a free will. Hence the occasion of sin. Avoid sin by having clean thoughts so our actions will be clean. Clean actions will make for clean habits that will result in clean character.
12.11.2005 Implication of the Immaculate Conception on our Lives - As gleaned from the homily of Father Arnol Yap
The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a source of great graces. Countless miracles and favors have never ceased since the apparition at Lourdes have come to us. Whoever desires to obtain special favors from the Blessed Mother should not hesitate to ask from her through the Immaculate Conception. In order to experience God's aid and protection, we should not only turn to the Sacred Heart of Jesus but also confidently venerate and invoke the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
Four thousand years before she appeared on earth, she was the aurora of the day of Redemption. God Himself announced to her to our fallen parents in paradise as the sinless, ever holy Mediatrix.
The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a source of great graces. Countless miracles and favors have never ceased since the apparition at Lourdes have come to us. Whoever desires to obtain special favors from the Blessed Mother should not hesitate to ask from her through the Immaculate Conception. In order to experience God's aid and protection, we should not only turn to the Sacred Heart of Jesus but also confidently venerate and invoke the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
Four thousand years before she appeared on earth, she was the aurora of the day of Redemption. God Himself announced to her to our fallen parents in paradise as the sinless, ever holy Mediatrix.
12.10.2005 We love you, Lord.
(Kat-Kat with Lola Paz)
The peace we can have when the elders among us can find joy when at play with an innocent being as a child. There may not be an exchange of words, but more can be said through the smiles and the laughter and the body language from both.
Age does not matter in being joyful as long as there is love. Imagine yourself in the presence of a child and an adult 100 years of age. You should have the patience, and tolerance to be able to take care of the child and a lot of understanding for the desires, needs and actions of the 100 year-old adult.
Simple are the needs of an elderly; a hankie for a head band and one for a sore throat, a cozy chair to sit on, a cup of coffee or milk, a bottle of mineral water, tissue paper, fruits and biscuits. Personal needs can be seen in the photo.
The child? the soft and assuring touch of someone with an understanding heart; warm lap to lay down its body and a belief that it can partake of whatever there is to eat of the food on the elderly's table. Bless them, Lord.
Bless their caregiver, Lord.
(Kat-Kat with Lola Paz)The peace we can have when the elders among us can find joy when at play with an innocent being as a child. There may not be an exchange of words, but more can be said through the smiles and the laughter and the body language from both.
Age does not matter in being joyful as long as there is love. Imagine yourself in the presence of a child and an adult 100 years of age. You should have the patience, and tolerance to be able to take care of the child and a lot of understanding for the desires, needs and actions of the 100 year-old adult.
Simple are the needs of an elderly; a hankie for a head band and one for a sore throat, a cozy chair to sit on, a cup of coffee or milk, a bottle of mineral water, tissue paper, fruits and biscuits. Personal needs can be seen in the photo.
The child? the soft and assuring touch of someone with an understanding heart; warm lap to lay down its body and a belief that it can partake of whatever there is to eat of the food on the elderly's table. Bless them, Lord.
Bless their caregiver, Lord.
12.09.2008
12.07.2005 "Are you a Nothing People"? Don't be one.
One who doesn't hate but cannot love, does not rock the boat but cannot use the oar to bring the boat to safety?
Do you -
(a) wait for returns when you give something to others?
You should -
(b) make service an integral part of your life - doing unnoticed signs of kindness.
(c) think life is a great deal more fun when you stop blaming others.
(d) become an early riser, think more time to life than work, children and sleep - instead try to enjoy the blessings of the sunrise, the quietness of the environment, the many wonderful things God does when we are quiet and there is peace about.
(e) let others be right most of the time.
(f) spend a moment every day thinking of someone to thank.
(g) smile at strangers, look into their eyes and say, "Hello".
(h) make peace with imperfections.
Learn to love the unlovable. It pays.
Let us always remember how much the good Lord loves us. Teach the little ones all the wonders He made for us. Let us proclaim His love always - This poem tells us why. (Adapted)
There may be lines that I cannot remember.
What other wonders God made for you and me? How do we show our gratitude for them?
One who doesn't hate but cannot love, does not rock the boat but cannot use the oar to bring the boat to safety?
Do you -
(a) wait for returns when you give something to others?
You should -
(b) make service an integral part of your life - doing unnoticed signs of kindness.
(c) think life is a great deal more fun when you stop blaming others.
(d) become an early riser, think more time to life than work, children and sleep - instead try to enjoy the blessings of the sunrise, the quietness of the environment, the many wonderful things God does when we are quiet and there is peace about.
(e) let others be right most of the time.
(f) spend a moment every day thinking of someone to thank.
(g) smile at strangers, look into their eyes and say, "Hello".
(h) make peace with imperfections.
Learn to love the unlovable. It pays.
Let us always remember how much the good Lord loves us. Teach the little ones all the wonders He made for us. Let us proclaim His love always - This poem tells us why. (Adapted)
All things bright and beautiful; all creatures great and small (can you name some?)
All things wise and wonderful; the Lord God made them all (have you seen them?)
Each little flower that opens; each little bird that sings
He made their glowing colors; He made their tiny wings
The purple headed mountain; the river running by
The morning and the sunset; He made them everyone
He gave us eyes to see them and lips that we might tell
How great is our God, our Father
Who doeth all things well.
There may be lines that I cannot remember.
What other wonders God made for you and me? How do we show our gratitude for them?
12.06.2005 Self Evaluation: The Gift of Life - The greatest gift of all
Nothing happens without the will of God. I ask myself why then I was born? The Lord gave me the answer - I read, I listened, I searched for the answer and the good Lord told me why. He had five reasons for doing so for me, and for all of us.
1. God wants us to be happy, and at the same time He wants to know that in creating us we can show our happiness for life. He created us for His pleasure. Let us then bless, adore, praise and love Him.
Do I show adoration, love and praise for Him?
2. Before creating man, the God, Lord of love made assurance that there will be provisions for us to live on. He created the wonderful things around us, things we need for life, to take care of, to nurture. He created us for all His creations.
3. He would like us to be prepared for a life with Him after our life on earth. To live a life like His son, Jesus. How loving our God is. He will prepare a life for us with Him in Heaven. Have I learned to know and live His words? to love others?
4. He gave me all the means I can go by - a mind to think, eyes to behold His creations, hands to work with, feet to follow His way, and a heart to feel what He feels for persons like me.
Do I use the abilities, capabilities I have for service of others? How?
5. He expects me to widen my idea of life not only by myself but with others - in small group, in a family, in a neighborhood, as a community, as a member of a nation, spreading the good news that He is the way, the truth, and the life.
Think - As you wake up each day - a new day is born, will you let it slip useless away? Carry out the purpose the good Lord has created you.
Pray, Reflect & Listen to God's reply.
---}~@~{---
Nothing happens without the will of God. I ask myself why then I was born? The Lord gave me the answer - I read, I listened, I searched for the answer and the good Lord told me why. He had five reasons for doing so for me, and for all of us.
1. God wants us to be happy, and at the same time He wants to know that in creating us we can show our happiness for life. He created us for His pleasure. Let us then bless, adore, praise and love Him.
Do I show adoration, love and praise for Him?
2. Before creating man, the God, Lord of love made assurance that there will be provisions for us to live on. He created the wonderful things around us, things we need for life, to take care of, to nurture. He created us for all His creations.
3. He would like us to be prepared for a life with Him after our life on earth. To live a life like His son, Jesus. How loving our God is. He will prepare a life for us with Him in Heaven. Have I learned to know and live His words? to love others?
4. He gave me all the means I can go by - a mind to think, eyes to behold His creations, hands to work with, feet to follow His way, and a heart to feel what He feels for persons like me.
Do I use the abilities, capabilities I have for service of others? How?
5. He expects me to widen my idea of life not only by myself but with others - in small group, in a family, in a neighborhood, as a community, as a member of a nation, spreading the good news that He is the way, the truth, and the life.
Think - As you wake up each day - a new day is born, will you let it slip useless away? Carry out the purpose the good Lord has created you.
Pray, Reflect & Listen to God's reply.
---}~@~{---
The Lord gave us "talents" just as He gave talents in the parables we have learned from the Bible. What "talents" did He give me? What are yours?
I Just Taught School
I wrote no poems men's hearts to thrill,
I sang no songs to lift men's soul
To battlefields no soldiers led
In halls of state I boast no skill
I just taught school, but
In that little groups where I just taught school,
Were poets, singers, soldiers, statesmen and all,
I saw them in the smiling eyes
In faces aglow with purpose strong
In straightened bodies, tense and tall
Where I just taught school.
And they uplifted gazed intent
On cherished heights they shoon shall reach
And I inspired therefore content
I just taught school.
Do small acts of kindness with great love.
"Mine the hands that led them all
And I inspired therefore content"
I still taught school.
(Adapted)
---}~@~{---
Miracles Do Happen : Prophecies from Our Lady
Apparitions of the Blessed Mother have appeared to many people in many places. Words from the Blessed Mother were spoken to many religious and even to the simple children and lowly people in rural and distant places.
Mama Mary calls for the change of heart of all of us; contrition for the many sins being committed against God. She tells of the terrible things to happen in case we do not go back to Christ. While it is true that the big miracles were for the holy ones, there are a number of miracles for the ordinary people is only we believe in Him, listen to His voice and believe that everything depends on His will and we are truly grateful for the many blessings we receive. Let us count the little things that give joy and happiness to us - Small miracles from the Lord.
1. the miracle of life to us
2. the birth of a baby to a mother
3. the return of a loved one
4. the warm hand clasp of a friend
5. the love in the family
6. the forgiveness of our sins
7. the rising of the sun
8. the rains on a hot summer day
9. warm embrace of forgiveness
10. think of many more, etc.
12.03.2005 Lord, Bless my friends!
[Lola Paz is on the first row, sitting third from the right]
My loyal, true friends at Legarda Elementary School.
Mandang Gabriel
[Lola Paz is on the first row, sitting third from the right]My loyal, true friends at Legarda Elementary School.
Mandang Gabriel
Pilang Campos
Esang Robles
Coz Belen Capulong
Mary Andres
Coring Alfiles
Carol Malabanan
Relationships will live forever.
(+) Arlet Maghirang
(+) Prima Mendoza
Amy Nakpil
Myself
Pacing Haber
Angie de la Rosa
The heart is a love storage. The Lord is the supplier.
(+) Arlet Maghirang
(+) Prima Mendoza
Amy Nakpil
Myself
Pacing Haber
Angie de la Rosa
The heart is a love storage. The Lord is the supplier.
I shall remember them with much love - a life of joy
We cannot choose our relatives but we can, our friends. After the passing of so many years, with many experiences along the way, how wonderful it is to recall fond memories of days gone by spent with friends with whom one had shared moments at play and at work.
Birthdays, meetings, field trips, provide reasons to pose and project the joy in our hearts through the glow in our eyes, the smile on our lips that will always be there to show the love that friendship can bring. Looking at the picture, the mind rolls out scenes that will surely brings tears of love which the Lord has stored in our hearts.
God of beauty and of love, bless our friends.
Thank you for helping me be one.
Thank you for calling me a friend.
Thank you for coming to me
through the love of a friend -
the love of many friends.
(Inside front cover)Handwritten note by Lola Paz in front of the card:
Praise the Lord for my friend, Gloria Reyes
Wherever you are - Be at peace with God.
Ate Pacing
My friend, Gloria was a Supervisor in Pilipino D.C.S. Manila. We worked at the Abiva Pub. House as textbook writers after our retirement. Bless her, Lord.
Abiva Publishing House, Co-Worker
Pilipino Writer, High School Supervisor
Wealth and fame may pass away
Faithful friends abide all way.
Thru the world I'd gladly go,
If one faithful friend I know.
12.08.2008
Journal I: My First Journal 2005
Cover Passage:
Faith is belief in what you do not see and having a firm conviction in what you believe. Love God with all your heart with all your mind and with all your soul. Trust God.
----
11/29/2005
A gift from my new friends from F.E.U. (This photo album.)
Ailyne Molano
Aimee Montemayor
New found friends from the School of Nursing of F.E.U.
The good Lord in His infinite wisdom and immesurable love answers prayers.
How can one who has lost the means to reach out to others to share the good news? God will make a way --
Two fine ladies came to make the day for me and interviewed me on the conditions of life for the senior citizen: sharing of minds and exchange of views resulted with joy for us all.
Faith is belief in what you do not see and having a firm conviction in what you believe. Love God with all your heart with all your mind and with all your soul. Trust God.
----
11/29/2005
A gift from my new friends from F.E.U. (This photo album.)
Ailyne Molano
Aimee Montemayor
New found friends from the School of Nursing of F.E.U.
The good Lord in His infinite wisdom and immesurable love answers prayers.
How can one who has lost the means to reach out to others to share the good news? God will make a way --
Two fine ladies came to make the day for me and interviewed me on the conditions of life for the senior citizen: sharing of minds and exchange of views resulted with joy for us all.
The first time I met Lola Paz, my then-boyfriend-now-hubby Albert and I were just about a few months into our relationship. Several months passed before I saw her again and this time, she asked me what my major was and when she learned that I'm also an Applied Physics major she had another question to ask - "Ah, scientist ka pala. Anong ginagawa nyo dun? Sa computer ba? May mga nuclear ba dun sa laboratory nyo? Mag-iingat kayo lagi ha delikado yun..." [So, you're a scientist? What do you do? Does it involve computers? Are there nuclear stuff in your laboratory? Always take care, those are dangerous...]
That's Lola Paz, her mind is still very inquisitive and eager to know new things even though she's already88 oops, 90 yrs old. She buys a broadsheet every Sunday ("Linggo lang, mahal din magparasyon ng araw-araw") [Only on Sundays, it would be too expensive to have a daily ration] and shares it with Mama (Lory).
She also takes clippings of articles, pastes it on her journal and write her thoughts about the article. She asks for pictures of her family and writes about them (I especially love these stories). She writes about anything under the sun, her prayers, her hopes and dreams, her memories, even her resolutions - everything is a hodgepodge of thoughts - all these in a penmanship that evokes memories of my grade school teachers (Is that a requirement for grade school teachers? - their penmanship looks similar to me). Here's a sample:
----
Just some stuff about her journals and how I'll be translating it to this blog:
- Her journals have a label in front containing a passage. I'll include those as an introduction everytime I start transcribing a journal.
- Pictures, articles, cards will be scanned and posted along with her thoughts
- So far, Lola Paz has always included the date for each journal entry, I'll place those in the title of each entry.
- I'll be copying her entries, as is. That means no editing, whatsoever. If she crosses out words from her entry, I'll mark those as words with a strikethrough as well - Thank God I know how to do that with HTML hehe.
- I'll be adding translations, indicated by [ ]
That's Lola Paz, her mind is still very inquisitive and eager to know new things even though she's already
She also takes clippings of articles, pastes it on her journal and write her thoughts about the article. She asks for pictures of her family and writes about them (I especially love these stories). She writes about anything under the sun, her prayers, her hopes and dreams, her memories, even her resolutions - everything is a hodgepodge of thoughts - all these in a penmanship that evokes memories of my grade school teachers (Is that a requirement for grade school teachers? - their penmanship looks similar to me). Here's a sample:
----Just some stuff about her journals and how I'll be translating it to this blog:
- Her journals have a label in front containing a passage. I'll include those as an introduction everytime I start transcribing a journal.
- Pictures, articles, cards will be scanned and posted along with her thoughts
- So far, Lola Paz has always included the date for each journal entry, I'll place those in the title of each entry.
- I'll be copying her entries, as is. That means no editing, whatsoever. If she crosses out words from her entry, I'll mark those as words with a strikethrough as well - Thank God I know how to do that with HTML hehe.
- I'll be adding translations, indicated by [ ]
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)