Wednesday, September 29, 2010

The Wonder that is God's Love for You & Me

Dear Kristina,

When you love a person, and you feel like you’re giving more than he’s
giving you—don’t be bitter. Because you know that even if you don’t count
what you’ve given, I’m taking notice.

Always here,
God

P.S. And I’ll reward you, Kristina.



Me: Awed and humbled. Thank you Jesus!

Stuck in a rut? Ask Help From Mentors

Dear Kristina,

Stuck in a rut? Question: Are you doing the same things over and over again? Do something new, Kristina. Ask help from mentors to guide you.

Your Manager,
God

P.S. I gave you skills that will astound you, Kristina. I gave you skills that will astound the world.

The Thing About Relationships

Dear Kristina,

When it comes to relationships, you don’t measure what you give.  You don’t count.  You throw away the ruler.  You don’t say, “I rubbed your back, you should rub my back.” That’s not love, that’s business.  That’s not love,
that’s a legal contract.

Love,

God

P.S. Haven’t you noticed, Kristina?  I don’t measure.

Love, Love, Love -- The Secret to Abundance

Dear Kristina,

You'll never know how much abundance I have in store for you. I will bless you so wildly, you won't know what hit you.

Love, love, love,

God

P.S. Get ready to be overwhelmed,Kristina.

Whoever Lives By The Truth Comes Into The Light

John 3:20-21

Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God.

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Why Should I Love God with All My Heart? (In Math!)

September 26, 2010

Dear Kristina,

Have you ever asked why I can be so demanding? For example, why do I want
you to love me with all your heart, with all your mind, and with all your
strength? Shouldn’t I be satisfied if you love me with half your heart, ¾
of your mind, and 58% of your strength? Here’s the answer: Because it’s
good for you.

I love you,
God

P.S. You deserve the best, Kristina.

Why I Am Seeking Heavenly Treasures Too


Two words: God's call.

It's as simple as that. When before I heard God's call, these days I feel His call ... and it's so intense it literally brings me to my knees with tears in my eyes. My heart is heavy because I know deep inside that I have ignored His call many times. But looking back I now realize that I have also said Yes to Him many times, and did small acts of kindness in reply. Somehow for me that just isn't enough.

I guess I'm still holding on to this dream, this vision that I would join the convent and become a nun. But, since I am chained to my desk and computer, I guess this dream is in the past now. I am probably meant to serve Him another way. And so I do my best to help out. Serving during Holy Mass in Church, helping out with God's lyrics so that my fellow Christian-Catholics can sing God's hymns in worship as one, troubleshooting PC errors, helping out here and there and joining my favorite church group -- our devotion to Our Mother of Perpetual Help.

For some reason I am drawn to our Blessed Virgin Mother. It's hard to explain, this connection. Yet there is also this contradiction within. Ah, now I know the word that has been bothering me the past few weeks. It's not addiction after all, it's contradiction. See, I have always thought that serving the Lord must be done full time; that Jesus won't have it any other way. Boy, was I wrong. God is not a dictator. He is so gentle and loving and kind and very, very patient. I could never fathom the depths of His love and mercy so I won't. I'll accept His gifts and do my best to serve Him the best way I can.

I've been retracing my steps and do you know where it has led me? Right back into the arms of my Saviour. It's kind of hard to explain. Sure, I may have my moments of weakness, but now I choose to focus on my strengths -- on the core gifts that God has given me. And I intend to develop them as much as I can, completely trusting that God will guide me. I know the road is not easy, and some habits may be hard to remove, but I am determined, and I will persevere, and I will trust in God always. In the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

P. S. More of this in my next posts.
All I can say is Thank You Jesus! And thank you Mama Mary! And thank you family and friends! I am grateful and I am not afraid to show it. Grateful me. Unforgetful You! Thank You God!

Saturday, September 25, 2010

He Who Speaks to the Father in our defense -- Jesus Christ the Righteous One

1 John 2:1

My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense--Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.

My Dreams Will Come True! I'm Blessed!

September 25, 2010

Dear Kristina,

The entire universe, with all its vast resources, is simply waiting for your order. If you say, “I can’t do it. It’s impossible,” then nothing happens. Immediately, the stream of blessing is cut. But if you say, “My dreams will come true. I’m blessed!” then every blessing you need would flow towards you.

Your Creator,
God

P.S. I love seeing blessings flowing your way,Kristina.

Building for Lease

For lease: Commercial Building in Mactan, Cebu. Newly renovated, ready for use, secure area, right in the city. If you're interested, please contact me for details. Thanks!

Today's Gospel: Embrace Suffering as Jesus Did

G O S P E L

Jesus makes it quite clear to His disciples that He will suffer. He does not want them to have some sort of false expectations that life with Him will be devoid of suffering. We need to accept this truth, too, and draw from the grace God gives us to not only embrace suffering but to believe and trust that it is helpful in bringing the Gospel to others (cf. Colossians 1:24). If this is true, and it most certainly is, then it is possible to endure all things for the sake of the Gospel.

Luke 9:43b-45
43 While they were all amazed at his every deed, Jesus said to his disciples, 44 “Pay attention to what I am telling you. The Son of Man is to be handed over to men.” 45 But they did not understand this saying; its meaning was hidden from them so that they should not understand it, and they were afraid to ask him about this saying.

my reflections
t h i n k : Let us draw from the grace God gives us to not only embrace suffering but to believe and trust it is helpful in bringing the Gospel to others.

Friday, September 24, 2010

Why We Should Rejoice In Our Sufferings

Romans 5:3-4

Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.



Wow! I never realized that we hope can also spring forth from our sufferings. Who knew that through sufferings, we learn to persevere and that in turn builds character. Hopeful me. Yay!

Be Confident and Persevere

Hebrews 10:35-36

So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Honor Your Loved Ones

September 22, 2010

Dear Kristina,

You’re a prophet. You can shape the destiny of your children, of your
friends, of your loved ones by your words.

Bless,
God

P.S. People will rise to the level of what you prophesy. People will adjust
to your prophecy. Honor your loved ones, Kristina!

Monday, September 6, 2010

I Believe in You God

Dear Kristina,

Dethrone the lies in your mind. Say these words again and again: “I’m
beautiful;” “I’m a wonderful person;” “I have a great future;”  “I’m
anointed. I’m strong. I’m blessed.”

I am the Truth,
God

P.S. I know the truth, Kristina. Believe me, okay?

Joy is coming, and that will last -- God

Dear Kristina,

I know you don't like pain. I don't like it too. But for one to get well, one must endure the pain of surgery — to cut away that which is no longer helping but hindering you.

Doc,

God

P.S. Pain won't last, Kristina. So bite your lip and take a deep breath. Joy is coming, and that will last.



Sunday, September 5, 2010

Plan Big, Harvest Big -- The Law of the Harvest

Dear Kristina,

Your life is governed by the Law of the Harvest. What you plant, you
harvest. If you plant small, you harvest small. If you plant big, you
harvest big. If you plant all, you harvest all!

Bless you,
God

P.S. I love big harvests, Kristina!

GodWhispers: LOVE!

Dear Kristina,
Do you know that you're a miracle worker?

Thinking of you,
God

P.S. It's love. If you can love, then you possess the greatest power in this universe. Love created every atom. Love can recreate every atom. Stop reading now, Kristina. Perform miracles out there!

Today's Gospel - Thank You Lord


1st READING

It is only the arrogant who claim to completely comprehend the mind and will of God. Those of us who are a little more sensible and with a degree of humility will say that we are seeking to be obedient to His will for our lives; trying to understand what He asks of us and putting that understanding into practice. The Book of Wisdom reminds us that humility is a key when seeking God’s will. Let us remember that we can never fully understand the ways of God, but let this not stop us from humbly seeking His will for our lives.

Wisdom 9:13-18b
13 Who can know God’s counsel, or who can conceive what our LORD intends? 14 For the deliberations of mortals are timid, and unsure are our plans. 15 For the corruptible body burdens the soul and the earthen shelter weighs down the mind that has many concerns. 16 And scarce do we guess the things on earth, and what is within our grasp we find with difficulty; but when things are in heaven, who can search them out? 17 Or who ever knew your counsel, except you had given Wisdom and sent your holy spirit from on high? 18 And thus were the paths of those on earth made straight.

P S A L M

Psalm 90:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 14, 17
R: In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.
3 You turn man back to dust, saying, “Return, O children of men.” 4 For a thousand years in your sight are as yesterday, now that it is past, or as a watch of the night. (R) 5 You make an end of them in their sleep; the next morning they are like the changing grass,  6 which at dawn springs up anew, but by evening wilts and fades. (R) 12 Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain wisdom of heart. 13 Return, O LORD! How long? Have pity on your servants! (R) 14 Fill us at daybreak with your kindness, that we may shout for joy and gladness all our days. 17 And may the gracious care of the Lord our God be ours; prosper the work of our hands for us! Prosper the work of our hands! (R)

2nd READING

It may have taken the Christian Churches too long to put their full weight behind the move to abolish slavery, but perhaps a bigger scandal is the degree to which slavery still exists today. It exists whenever anyone is put into forced labor or not properly remunerated for their work. It exists when people are trafficked by others or when they are given false impressions concerning the work they are signing up for, particularly when in a foreign land.

 Philemon 9-10, 12-17
9 I, Paul, an old man, and now also a prisoner for Christ Jesus. 10 I urge you on behalf of my child Onesimus, whose father I have become in my imprisonment, 12 I am sending him, that is, my own heart, back to you. 13 I should have liked to retain him for myself, so that he might serve me on your behalf in my imprisonment for the gospel, 14 but I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that the good you do might not be forced but voluntary. 15 Perhaps this is why he was away from you for a while, that you might have him back forever, 16 no longer as a slave but more than a slave, a brother, beloved especially to me, but even more so to you, as a man and in the Lord. 17 So if you regard me as a partner, welcome him as you would me.

G O S P E L
To follow Jesus as a disciple involves paying a price of allegiance. Jesus is not saying that we must hate anyone – that would be a sin. Jesus is merely reminding us that to commit our lives to a task or goal, even that of the Kingdom of God, involves prioritizing the Gospel and its proclamation. Family is important, but sometime in our lives we separate ourselves (to greater and lesser degrees according to the individual situations) from even our immediate families, as we seek to make our way in the world and to give our lives meaning through the choices we make.

Luke 14:25-33
25 Great crowds were traveling with Jesus, and he turned and addressed them, 26 “If any one comes to me without hating his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. 27 Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. 28 Which of you wishing to construct a tower does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if there is enough for its completion? 29 Otherwise, after laying the foundation and finding himself unable to finish the work the onlookers should laugh at him 30 and say, ‘This one began to build but did not have the resources to finish.’ 31 Or what king marching into battle would not first sit down and decide whether with ten thousand troops he can successfully oppose another king advancing upon him with twenty thousand troops? 32 But if not, while he is still far away, he will send a delegation to ask for peace terms. 33 In the same way, everyone of you who does not renounce all his possessions cannot be my disciple.”

my reflections
t h i n k : Jesus reminds us that to commit our lives to a task or goal, even that of the Kingdom of God, involves prioritizing the Gospel and its proclamation.


God’s special verse/thought for me today: Faith & Allegiance to God
Carry my cross & turn away from sin. Renounce all of my possessions.
I was created good and beautiful, in His own image and likeness.

T O D A Y ’ S BLESSING LIST
Thank You Lord for: The gift of your Word, Life and Love. For my family. For the gifts of enlightenment and discernment. For the reminder that life is fleeting and we should spend more time proclaiming the Gospel instead. For reminding me that Your Kingdom is more important than anything this world could ever offer. For answered prayers. For the blessings that You continue to pour down upon me and my loved ones. It's reassuring to know that no matter what we do You will always be the Great Provider. Thank you, Lord. Amen.

READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR  Psalm 56-60

Friday, September 3, 2010

Fidelity in Anonimity

The first readings of the past days talk about the faction that divided the community at Corinth. Some were loyal to Paul, others to Cephas (Peter) and some others to Apollos. Paul encourages the Corinthians to go beyond personalities and focus instead on the bigger reality that all of them are simply “administrators of the mysteries of God”(1 Corinthians 4:1), of one and the same Christ.
Being caught up with people’s perception, praise or criticism can be a distraction for any disciple or minister. What matters to Paul is that he remains an honest and trustworthy administrator of Christ. “It matters little to me whether you or any human court pass judgment on me” (v3).
This applies to all of us, minister or not. As Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta said, “God does not call us to be successful but to be faithful.” It is not a call to mediocrity but to fidelity to be good, applause or no applause.
Let us end by reflecting once more on these lines attributed also to Mother Teresa. It is called “anyway.” “People are often unreasonable, irrational and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies. Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and sincere, people may deceive you. Be honest and sincere anyway.
What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight. Create anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous. Be happy anyway.
The good you do today will often be forgotten. Do good anyway.
Give the best you have and it will never be enough. Give your best anyway.
In the final analysis, it is between you and God.
It was never between you and them anyway.”Fr. Joel O. Jason
 
Reflection Question:
Ponder on this: “Character is who you are when no one is looking at you.” Are you the same good person in and out of the spotlight?
 
Lord Jesus, bless my intentions to do good. Let me be content simply by knowing that I do Your most holy will. Amen.

Listening to God's Love Songs

Dear Kristina,



I sing a lot. Usually, love songs.

Serenading,  
GOD 
 

P.S. If you listen to the flowers, the hills, the seas, you'll hear my love songs, Kristina.

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Keep Growing -- God (Heaven ... I can't wait!)


Dear Kristina,



You've grown so much! It's wonderful to see all the changes that have happened in your life through the years.

Celebrating your victory,  
GOD
 

P.S. You make my day, Kristina. Keep growing. Heaven will be so exciting because you'll continue to grow there too.

Chitika