These Little Wonders

I'm currently doing one of my favorite activities: decluttering. ♥ Among the helpful stuffs that I saw were three pieces of paper on which the following things were written:  Random Lesson # 1: Be OPEN . (From the homily on the gospel about the healing of a blind man.)  We all experience blindness in our lives, more than the physical, there's the spiritual blindness. In times like those, we just need to be OPEN:  Obedient.   Patient.   Enlightened.   Nothing (Be humble). Random Lesson #2: Oo sa Panginoon. Oo sa simbahan. Oo sa kapwa. You can't say yes to God without saying yes to His body (the Church) and to your brethren. Random Lesson # 3: God's reign is limitless, not bounded by time and space. The essence of kingship is service. Jesus came to serve not to be served. Therefore, unlike any other king, his kingdom has no end. ***** I also cleaned up my inbox and here are three messages of inspiration and encouragement. :)...

I have this little book called Light to my Path . And since this is a season of weddings, engagements, and proposals, I believe it's timely to post these basic truths that every Catholic should know. :)  COURTSHIP Marriage is a sacred thing. No two persons should get married "just to try." Before a man and a woman decide to get married, they should know each other well, each other's family background, values, religion, principles in life, tastes, ideals, etc. Hence, they pass a period called courtship.  How old?  When the persons are mature enough to give themselves in love, when they are physically and psychologically ready, when more or less they are financially in a position to raise a family.  How long?  Preferably not as long as five years  and not as short as one hour. Short courtship makes one "marry in haste, repent in leisure." Long courtship calls for much time, money, frustration, and exercise of continence.  Qualit...

I remember Your greatness. I remember Your mercy. I remember Your love. As a response, allow me to surrender myself to You - all my desires, all my hopes, everything that I am and I have.  The greatest gift that You've given me is Your life. Let my life be my gift to You, today, always, and for as long as I shall live.  With St. Therese Couderc, I declare:  You've been singing me love songs since the day I was born. As we remember your birth today, allow me to sing this for You:  Pag-aalay ng Sarili* (Lionel Valdellon) Panginoong Hesus ako ay nakikiisa sa 'Yong walang hanggan at walang katapusang 'sangkatauhang pag-aalay. Iniaalay ko ang aking sarili sa bawat araw ng aking buhay At sa bawat sandali ng bawat araw ayon sa 'Yong pinaka banal at kagalang-galang na kalooban. Ikaw ang naging alay para sa 'king kaligtasan. Nais kong ako'y maging alay ng 'Yong pag-ibig. Tanggapin Mo ang aking ninanasa K...

*This post is not a Filipino version of my previous post. It's simply an open thank you letter to God for His faithfulness, generosity, and overwhelming love. :) Dearest Lord,  You know very well how much I long for a good and restful sleep. Ang aking mga mata'y pikit na ngunit ang puso at diwa ay gising na gising pa. Bakit nga kaya? :)  Hindi ko na itatanggi dahil alam kong alam Mo na rin naman. Lately, ang dami ko lang iniisip at opo, marami akong pinagdaraanan. But You are just so amazing Lord, You know me so well that You know when I'm at my weakest. Alam na alam Mo talaga ang kahulugan ng bawat ngiti at bawat patak ng aking luha. Alam Mo kung kailan ko higit na kailangan ang presensya Mo. And You were never late, God. You are always on time. Parang ngayon. Ramdam Mo ang pagnanais ko ng kapayapaan, katahimikan, at kasiguruhan na ang lahat ay lilipas din. Kaya naman kahit wala sa plano ko, dinala Mo ako sa isang pagtitipon kung saan bawat kuwento ay haw...

It has been an awesome week but the weekend was simply fantastic! :) We left the CFC Center at a little past 1AM of Saturday because we were finishing stuff for the MMLA (2nd Annual David Awards Night). When I woke up that morning, I did some last minute errands for the MMLA and prepared for my CLP talk in the afternoon. Time management at its best indeed. :) After delivering CLP Talk 10 in Napico 1 chapter, we (Lawrence and I) hurried to AFP Theater for the special ICON registration and the MMLA itself. We arrived exactly at 430PM and immediately started to work - unpacked the cartons containing the promo shirts, sorted the shirts, accepted registrations, etc. By 6PM, we were already getting ready for the mass.  During the homily, Father Dave Concepcion shared four power statements :  1. Stay focused. 2. Know your priorities. 3. Live a balanced life. (Ora et labora - Pray while you work. Work while you pray.) 4. Do not be afraid to make painful decisions fo...

I chanced upon this video on YouTube and I found it inspiring. :) I read the producer's note and was even more moved. :)  There’s actually one more audience this short hopefully speaks to, and it’s those who have found the “last”. What greater feeling is there to have gone through a journey of years, emotion, heartache, joy, and to realize that the person you are with now is the person that embodies everything you’ve gained and needed from your past? If you are one of these people who are with the man or woman they hope, or are, the last, remember how lucky you are. Remember the time when you didn’t have their presence in your life. Remember…who, what, when, where, why they are your last, and be thankful. For there are many who are still on that journey you were once on. Encourage them; the lost to keep hopeful, the troubled to keep fighting for, and the cynics to keep believing in, love. With faith and confidence I say, true love has finally found me, and yes, I ha...

There was the ... RED SHIRT DAY! ♥ Let me tell you the story behind this photo. :) As mentioned in my previous post , we attended (and led) the pilot Intimacy Weekend of Metro Manila. During the last day of the retreat, we were both wearing the "Pusong Maroonong Magmahal" shirt which I bought as a birthday gift for him (and yes, an early birthday gift for myself too). Thanks to my dear friend Rona who gave me the contact number of the merchant. :) And the thing about it is that we really didn't talk about what to wear that day. Nagkataon lang talaga  or maybe just a clear indication that we're really compatible. :D  And what about the McDonalds treat? Well, right after the Intimacy Weekend, we hurried to Antipolo for our CLP talks (10 & 11). On our way home, we thought of having dinner at United Steaks in Sta. Lucia but because we were carrying a lot of stuffs, we decided to just drop off our things first. When we arrived home, Mama is already pre...

Today is a full day. :) At work, I had a day full of meetings and dealings with people. November is just a crazy month for all of us. After work, I had a full stomach because of the buffet dinner at Bensetti's! Thanks to my ever sweet and practical Love. :) Why spend much when you can have discounted deals? :D Pink Shirt Day ♥ As I look back, I can't help but be grateful at the kind of love that we have. And because we just came from the pilot run of the Intimacy Weekend, let me share some points discussed in the retreat and relate it to our love story. :)  Ours is not a "can't live without each other" kind of love as described by Carrie Bradshaw in the movie Sex in the City: Though we're not yet married, not even engaged yet, I can sincerely say that what we have is genuine love - something free, full, faithful, and fruitful. :)  Free . It was his decision to court me. Nobody told him to do so (except probably for God), and ...

*We have internet at home! Finally! :) And because I'm still high from the laughter-filled household, I decided to just blog. :)  The title is such because I felt that I've taken some crash course on life and love last Sunday. :)  Let me begin by sharing that I was on "plain housewife" mode this weekend. After the stress-relieving family bonding in Batangas, I was left alone at home because my parents were busy with church events while my brother had to catch up with friends and work. And so I did all the household chores I don't usually do due to my busy schedule (yes, feeling celebrity :D). I washed some clothes, cleaned the bathroom, cooked, fed the dog, washed the dishes, cleaned my room, watched Eat Bulaga, and so on. :)  On Sunday morning, I woke up a bit late, and after having my self-prepared breakfast, I turned on the computer and got to watch this incredibly cute proposal video:  By the way, as I was looking for the video above, I c...

During our household last week, we talked about one essential thing in a man's life: SMILE. :) Sharing with you some of the materials we used and some inspirations as well to get us going. :) Happy (holiday) Friday! TGIF! ♥ Smile though your heart is aching Smile even though it's breaking When there are clouds in the sky You'll get by If you smile through your pain and sorrow Smile and maybe tomorrow You'll see the sun come shining through For you Light up your face with gladness Hide every trace of sadness Although a tear may be ever so near That's the time you must keep on trying Smile, what's the use of crying You'll find that life is still worthwhile If you just smile ************************************************************************ A smile costs nothing, but gives much. It enriches those who receive, without making poorer those who give. It takes but a moment, but the memory of it sometimes lasts ...

I turned 26 last Monday and though it was an overwhelming day at work, it was also a day full of love and surprises. :)  Last week, I posted this on Facebook and Twitter: This week I'm grateful for all the birthday wishes coming true. :) Looking forward for more surprises from my great God! :)  Before that, I posted a blog entry on my birthday wishes . And yes, most of them have already been granted. :) As of today, here's an update on my wish list: 1. Financial resources - for me to pay my bills, contribute to our monthly expenses (food, rent, and utilities), buy my medicines, and pay for the tests and consultation fees :) * As a birthday gift, Papa shouldered my ultrasound. And I was able to reimburse my medicine and consultation fees, thanks to company benefits. :) 2. Good health for me and the members of my family - negative results , please :) *I'm well now, and yes, I'm negative of kidney stones. :) 3. Daily inspiration, motivation...

I’m here in Boracay for a great birthday weekend, and I'm super excited for the 2012 BDJ Fair at the SM MOA Music Hall on October 14! :)  Just a couple more days and I’ll see you all the Fair! The 2012 BDJ Fair is open to everyone!  :) Drop by and visit the different partner booths, and get the newest editions of the Belle de Jour Power Planner, Navi: Your Life Navigator and the FMN Notebooks at 20% off! Their newest planner, everything is possible, will also be released at 20% off!  Enjoy the various fun activities from their various brand partners!! No Entrance Fee!!    For a small donation of Php 100, get a chance to enjoy   special booths   :) I’ll be bringing ü   Myself! (of course) ü   My sweet smile and my warm heart :) ü   Print-outs of my email notifications (I joined some of the events, and I also won some great prizes. :D) ü   Comfy shoes for w...