My First Prayer for the Year 2012

(: This year will be a great year, in Jesus' name I claim. Thank You Lord Jesus. Amen. :)

Lessons Learned – Yes, I Was Burned but the Lessons I Learned are Worth it...

I haven’t written a blog entry for so long, I’m not even sure if I still can. lol.

Seriously, today was such a fun awakening and adventure rolled into one. I met some of my old friends from my old office. You know what I discovered? I have an inferiority complex combine with an introverted attention seeker. I have noticed during the past few days a certain discontent which I am unable to identify. I have tried listening more to the inner voice inside me and I noticed that I tend to jump in on conversations that don’t involve me. Plus, I tend to cringe at the end of every song before my music player moves on to the next one. It’s like I expect something to happen. Weird! The bad news is I still don’t have a lot of self-control. The good news is that at least I’m listening to my body now. It is kind of strange how much a few years can fly by without me even noticing. One thing is for sure, I have a few New Year’s resolutions already prepared for 2012.

A few lessons I learned in 2011:

1. Health is wealth. No getting around it.
2. What goes around really does come around. The lies I have been hiding behind for the past several years just collapsed and I feel so bare and exposed.
3. You can’t force someone to love you. You can try to get them to like you. And I have the scars to prove that.
4. The difference between love and hate is paper thin. So is the difference between humility and pride. False bravado and courage.

I have been stumbling around blind for the past 3 years and these lessons are just sinking in. I am very happy that these have finally been revealed. It’s like running around like a horse with blinders that have finally been torn from my eyes. Much better than running around like a headless chicken, at least. J

I have been running around chasing people when most of them have been around all along. I was just too blind to see the truth. People move on but friends tend to stick around. At least the best ones do. And this is the best lesson I learned tonight. Really, it’s not about me. It truly is about you Jesus. I am sorry for the many times that I have hurt you in the past. I am mostly sorry for my indifference. I would like to start over again and I would like to do it with You Jesus. This is the best way I know how. Love song for my Saviour to follow. Thank You Lord Jesus. Amen. J

Love & Gratitude -- Why They Come Hand in Hand

Love can be a bit confusing sometimes. I have never really allowed myself to love someone. And by love, I mean love love. You know, with the opposite sex. It scares me, the thought of falling so deeply in love with someone that you can't live or breathe without them. I've always thought that was so cheesy. But now I'm not so sure.

I'm going through a transformation that is alarming and scary mostly because this is unknown. I have a feeling that when the clouds part, there's something elusive yet oh so wonderful at the other end. Kind of like following a rainbow? I don't know how to explain this but it sure is nice. Sure, there is some pain but I prefer this compared to the numbness that I went through before.

The truth really does set us free. But who knew that it would bring joy and laughter together with pain and sorrow? I surely did not expect this. Such bliss! I know this sounds crazy and I'm scared half to death already but for some reason I just keep moving on. It's like turning pages too fast and then going back to check out what I have missed.

Here comes the heartache again. But this time I welcome this with open arms. Embracing the pain makes it so much easier to experience the joy. This is the first time I have ever pursued a dream that has been living inside my heart for so long.

I may have been soul searching for the past 17 and a half years and now I have finally discovered that what I have been looking for has been with me all along -- love. And for that I am forever grateful. I guess it's true what they say... love and gratitude comes hand in hand for the simple reason that true gratitude is borne out of love.

A Lesson About Detachment

Mother Teresa of Calcutta mentions that we are to take what the Lord gives and give what the Lord takes. This is detachment. All too often, we become attached to many things, even money.


Money is to be used rightfully, in ways that honor the Lord and help those in need. The trouble is that money takes a hold on people’s lives and in the end, it kills.

What are the gifts that you possess? Do you possess them? Alternatively, do they possess you? Possession can breed selfishness. People can become stingy in their outlook in life. They are not willing to give and unwilling to make any sacrifice. On the other hand, many people are extremely generous. These are the good stewards. The selfless and detached person sees everything as given by God. They consider themselves unworthy to have such blessings. In their humility, they are more than willing to share. Let us be like the ones whom the Lord commends in the Gospel. If we have been faithful in small matters in our life, the Lord will entrust us with riches, the treasure of heaven, namely eternal life. What profit is it to gain the whole world yet loses one’s soul?


Are you trustworthy and faithful in what has been given to you?

God of my heart, give me the grace of detachment. Dearest Lord, teach me to be generous. Amen.


Gospel Reflections: http://kerygmafamily.com/

Where is Prudence at Work in My Life

Where have you seen prudence at work in your life?

Prudence is a gift of the Holy Spirit, one of the cardinal virtues. We need to be cunning as serpents and wise as doves. Prudence tells us that we should be practical in affairs and cautious in our undertakings. The prudent man looks where he is going (Proverbs 14:15). To be prudent is to discern the good in a given circumstance and the right means of achieving it (Catechism of the Catholic Church, No. 1806).


Prudence is an advice that I have receive from most of my loved ones... family and friends. I have received a plethora of advice but this is my favorite. You see prudence is something I sorely need. I act on a whim or on impulse and most of the time it gets me in trouble. Most of the time I manage to get out of the mess caused by my lack of prudence but sometimes I get in too deep that it kind of gets too "tangled" if you know what I mean.


My grandmother tells me it's important to seek the help of the holy spirit before doing anything, especially before I start working. My aunt tells me she asks the Holy Spirit to guide her in her daily activities. My uncle tells me I should think twice before doing or saying anything. My father tell me it's important to always act with prudence and ask God for help before doing anything. A plethora of advice. And good ones at that. I'm so happy to belong to such a loving and wise family. They help keep me grounded. And so do my friends.


Recently, my friends and I shared secrets and now I realize that their message was prudence too. That it's okay to act on impulse sometimes and let our emotions direct us. But not always... because sometimes emotions cloud our judgment and they make us act against the will of God. Fighting God's will is like swimming against the current. It's next to impossible and there's a huge possibility of drowning. My friends are like my sailing buddies now. They are on the same boat with me and my family has given me their blessing to go and follow my dreams.


We just started our own company this year, May 2011 to be exact. And I have to admit that it has its ups and downs. There were even times when I was so scared that we wouldn't make it. That's why I include our company in my prayers. I know I should learn to trust in Jesus and let him take the wheel. Sometimes I'm just too stubborn to realize that my God is the God of impossible things. He makes all things possible and with Him there is nothing that we can't do.


Running our company is fun. I have to admit that, even to myself. It was fun when we began and it's still fun until now. Sometimes though I wish we had less problems because it pains me to see my friends going through pain too. I know we're in this together and only recently did I realize that they are in this for the long haul too and that they are ready to help... that we are a team and we are blessed with amazing people who are always hard at work with us making all our dreams come true, with God's help, of course.


Now that I am no longer alone in my work, it has grown to become an integral part of my life that brings me joy. Yes, sometimes it brings me fear and sadness and pain but it's so worth it. It's always been a dream of mine, my personal mission, to help fellow Filipinos find work that they can do in the comforts of their home, like me. To make life easier for them and show them that they don't have to leave their families to pursue their dreams or earn a good living. Now I know that having my friends with me on this journey makes it all the more exciting because we're actually making a difference in each others' life.


My only prayer is that our business will grow and soar so that we can give more and help more people. The thing is, I do need constant guidance and for that I turn to Jesus and Mama Mary and seek the help of the holy spirit to instill in me the value and virtues that I need like prudence so that my work will always be according to God's will. I love my life and I'm living my dreams, thanks to Jesus and Mama Mary.


Heavenly Father, I thank You for sending the Holy Spirit to all of us. Lord Jesus, I thank You for staying with us on our journey and for never leaving our side. Mama Mary, I thank you for your example -- your humility, obedience and trust in our Lord Jesus Christ and your constant guidance. Thank you for bringing me closer to Jesus and our Heavenly Father. One thing I ask from you today is to remind me always to be prudent at all times. And to show me where I came from and where I'm going. Thank You Jesus for my family and friends and for my new team -- friends old and new who are with me on this journey called life. We're sailing with You Jesus and that's enough for me. Thank you Jesus. Amen.

About Judgment... Why Can't We All Just Get Along?

“Stop judging, that you may not be judged.” (Matthew 7:1)

The funny thing about judgment is that it has a way of coming back to us. My personal experiences caught on God's canvas is very colorful and there are some embarrassing spots  this canvas but if there's one thing I've learned it's this -- judgment is like a boomerang -- once thrown out there it comes back with such a huge "WHAM" and when it happened to me, I didn't even know what hit me!


And so as I get up from yet another fall, I've learned a few more lessons along the way, thanks to my family and friends...


First, stop judging myself and other people and keep my emotions in check. Sometimes it's wiser to just accept that things happen for a reason.


Second, stop pointing fingers because when I point them, only one finger is pointing at my opponent, one finger (my thumb) is pointing down, and the other 3 fingers are pointing right back at me. If that isn't irony then I don't know what is.


Third, I've learned the value of detachment. Don't get me wrong, I'm still struggling with this one. I have the tendency to get too attached to people and things and when they go away or break down, as people and things are wont to do (didn't mean to lump them together), the loss gets a bit too much too bear.


Finally, I've learned to accept myself for who I am... human, prone to mistakes and imperfect. And that's just the way I like it. Sure I want to be better but at the end of the day, pushing myself too much only results in disaster so I've decided to cool it. Hands on the brakes just in case, pedaling slower to enjoy the journey better and maybe backpedal sometimes to remember a lovely memory or two. I'm loving this bike ride!


So there, I've learned some lessons which intend to keep. Thank God for so many second chances. I'm glad to be alive. Happy to be loved. And grateful to be surrounded by such a wonderful group of loving people - my family and friends. God is good all the time. And He is sooo awesome! :)

When our work seems small and insignificant...

G O S P E L

In the parables of the mustard seed and the yeast, Jesus shows us that even though the things of the Kingdom of God may seem very small and insignificant, in God’s eyes they are very great and powerful. Let us not be discouraged when our work seems small and insignificant because if done with love for God, it will bear an abundant harvest in His time.

ALLELUIA
R: Alleluia, alleluia
Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth; you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the Kingdom.
R: Alleluia, alleluia

Luke 13:18-21
18 Jesus said, “What is the kingdom of God like? To what can I compare it? 19 It is like a mustard seed that a person took and planted in the garden. When it was fully grown, it became a large bush and ‘the birds of the sky dwelt in its branches.’” 20 Again he said, “To what shall I compare the kingdom of God? 21 It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of wheat flour until the whole batch of dough was leavened.”

my reflections
t h i n k : Let us not be discouraged when our work seems small and insignificant because if done with love for God, it will bear an abundant harvest in His time.

Is There Compassion for Sidewalk Vendors in Our Government Leader's Hearts?

I am a native of Lapu-Lapu City or Opon, as it is called in the past. We call ourselves Oponganon and that binds us together both as residents of this small island in Cebu and believers of Jesus Christ and Mama Mary.


Have you ever gone to our local church? The Virgen de Regla Parish has a shrine of our Blessed Virgin Mother, Mama Mary, gently holding the baby Jesus – our Sr. Sto. Niño de Cebu in her arms. A lot of pilgrims and devotees flock to our church because we believe that our patron is miraculous – more so because we are praying to both Jesus and Mary every time we visit our Virgin of the Rule.


She has been our patron as far back as I could remember. Since I was a little child, I have been a part of this church – the Holy Catholic church – and God has always blessed our family abundantly with so much love. Though there may have been heartaches along the way, God has always been there and so has the Blessed Virgin Mary.


My grandma tells me that a woman who was unable to conceive for many years came to visit our Virgin of the Rule and a few years later, came back to thank the parish priest because she was finally able to give birth to a child, thanks to her devotion to our Virgin of the Rule.


Sometimes when I tell this story to my friends, I get goose bumps because I am amazed at how much God loves us and how much He loves Mama Mary… whatever she asks for us, her intercession is always honoured by our Lord Jesus Christ and our Heavenly Father.


What breaks my heart is the constant attacks against our local vendors. You see, it happened outside our very own church one fateful night, the irony still lingers in my heart – there was a healing mass scheduled that night and even before it could begin, there was a truckload of policemen and their aides, who took away all of the shoes and bags and other items that were being sold by our local vendors. I remember that night because so many “nanays” (mothers) were very angry. I understand why. They voted for the same government officials who are taking away their livelihood.


Standing there, watching them take everything away, I felt so helpless. I tried calling an old friend who used to fight for human rights but I could no longer reach her. And then I asked one of the nanays, why are they taking away your “tinda” products? They told me that our mayor wants them to find a new place to sell their products and she is asking for permits and taxes. The irony is this – small business owners and sidewalk vendors have to pay taxes and permits while “The Mactan Export Processing Zone is an industrial tax-free zone.”


“The Mactan Export Processing Zone (MEPZ) is a 120-hectare industrial estate located at Lapu-Lapu City.  It started out with 8 companies in 1986.  Twenty-four years later, MEPZ 1 has 148 locators.  This growth reflects the fast-paced economic development that is happening in Lapu-lapu City.  The Mactan Export Processing Zone is an industrial tax-free zone.


Factories in MEPZ 1 deliver world-class products to the United States, the European Economic Community and Japan. Such products include watches, semiconductors, electrical equipment, garments and precious jewelry.”


Source: http://www.lapulapucity.gov.ph/for-business/mepz-1


Then yesterday, the same thing happened, this time closer to home. My neighbours were totally caught unawares. Their corn, guavas, pineapples and other products were taken. This is so frustrating because I do not understand why they keep taking away our sidewalk vendors’ livelihood. Why on earth would our own local government want to take away the livelihood of their own constituents? There are so many ways to help them like giving them a place where they can keep selling whatever food or items and still find customers. My uncle even said, sidewalk vendors deserve a chance to earn an honest living. And I agree with him totally.


The thing is these people are earning an honest living so why can’t our government officials just let them be? Which leads me to my next question… could these constant attacks against the poor in Opon be the reason for the rising violence? Or maybe this is unrelated. I do not know. What I do know is, based on the news that Lola shares with me from the radio, violence here in Opon is rising. People are shooting other people left and right almost every night. There are even parents selling their children’s innocence on the internet. Do we really want this to be our future?


I believe that God has put us here for a good purpose a really good one. But with the way things are going, I am confused. How can we help? Why can’t we just get along and give each other a chance? Is there a way that we can resolve this problem without destroying other people’s lives? I am reminded of the cavalier way they spray firemen’s water against squatters or start a fire there just to make the demolition easier. Our government officials should be on our side, shouldn’t they? After all, they swore an oath to serve and protect. So why are they attacking the poor? It makes no sense and it’s heartbreaking!!!


And so I pray, Lord Jesus, please grant us the serenity to accept the things we cannot change, the courage to change the things that we can and the wisdom to know the difference. Amen.

God's Calling and My Journey with Him

I have been on a journey of self-discovery and now I realize that Mama Mary has always been with me. It’s hard to explain but I believe that she has strengthened my faith in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and brought me from the darkness of sin to the light of God’s love and grace. My constant prayer to her is, “Mama Mary, please bring me closer to Jesus” and she has never left my side even though I have sinned many times.


In the same way, I feel God’s love is with me always, even during my darkest hours. My Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ has been with me through it all. And I do believe that Jesus is my first love simply because He loves me even before I was conceived. He is a constant presence that I cannot ignore and His call is resounding in my ears always. I don’t know where He wants me to go or what He wants me to do for Him but this much I know – my life is yours Lord Jesus Christ even though I know that it will never be enough to repay all of your love and mercy and grace and your living sacrifice, which I am blessed to experience every single day of my life.


And that is why I will strive to do my best to serve You, Lord Jesus and Mama Mary every day of my life, in every little way that I can. I know deep in my heart that You love me Lord Jesus and Mama Mary and I am ready to open my heart and my life to you. More importantly, I ask You Lord Jesus to open my heart, which I lift up to you in praise right now. We glorify your name Lord Jesus and worship you alone. And from the depths of my heart, I lift up my life to You Lord Jesus because I know that You alone can rescue me.


My worst nightmares have come true and yet I am still here, alive and amazed. My dreams have also come true and for both times, I am grateful because Your promise is true Lord Jesus. You will never leave us Lord Jesus and you will be with us until the day we leave this earth and meet you someday only You know. And so I pray that as I continue on this voyage, that love will be my center, faith will be my shield, and hope will be a constant part of my life. Lord Jesus, I trust in you. I believe that You will never leave us. Thank You Jesus and Mary.


Precious blood of Jesus, Save us. Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pray for us. Sacred Heart of Jesus, Have Mercy on us. Amen.

Ask and you shall receive...

Thank God for answered prayers...
Thank God for answering prayers I have not even uttered...
Thank God for answering prayers in His time...
Thank God for answering prayers that weren't even mine...
Thank God for answering prayers.