These Little Wonders

I woke up a little late and decided to just fix my things. I found in my "treasure cooler" a couple of really old stuffs. Some as old as kindergarten contest pieces! :D I realized I've been keeping too much memories that I've no longer have space for present and future stuffs. I mean literally. My "treasure cooler", the storage of all my things, is already full and I have other mini boxes in my room just to contain all my personal belongings. Looking back, more than anything else, I see God's faithfulness and unwavering love. And I can't help but be GRATEFUL. :) And my high school life had been so fun and meaningful because of these: Thank you, Rizal High School! :) High School Bestfriends - Westlife Sisters :) To end, let me share this beautiful poem which one of my Westlife sisters, Mary Anne, gave me during my birthday: Don't Quit When things go wrong as they sometimes will When the road you're trudging seems all...

Today, Marbert & Grace finally tied the knot. And it so happened that some of the details of the event are part of my dream wedding. :) 1. The Church: Transfiguration of Christ, Caleruega 2. The Guests: Just a few bunch of lovely people who know the couple really well. 3. Souvenir: Photo! :) And the best part is that everyone knows they got married because of their love for one another (not for anything else). :)  So, how do you want your wedding to be? :)

... is long and winding, and yes, a bit tiring. But once you get there, surely you won't regret. The first time I went there, I immediately fell in love. No wonder it's a favorite wedding destination. :) And we're here to witness another beautiful love story - the beginning of forever for Marbert and Grace. :) Transfiguration Chapel ♥ The Road to Caleruega ♥

"I came forth from the father and I AM He." This isn't going to be a long post. Just a short but sweet reminder and note to self. :)  I heard mass today and during the homily, Fr. Eli asked us why we were there. Of course there were different answers but he gave one simple reason: to have a date with God . The Eucharistic Celebration is the highest form of worship, and the closest connection we can get to God. When we love someone, we long to spend time with him/her. We cherish every moment that we're together. And if we had a choice, we wouldn't want to spend another day even another minute without seeing or at least talking to him/her.  That should also be our attitude towards God. We are all in a relationship with Him and if we truly love Him, we will make time for Him. The mass is the perfect date we can have with God. So let's take the opportunity to commune with Him and get to know more about Him (and eventually fall more deeply in ...

No long post for today. Just this song from a musical genius. :) Paalam na kahapon Kay layo na pala ng noon 'Di ko na inakalang Darating ang umagang ito Parang kanina lamang Nung tayo ay mga batang Walang kinatatakutan Sa bukas ay walang pakialam Iwanan man kita Nakaukit ka na sa puso ko Malilimot ba kita Nakaukit ka na sa puso ko Paalam na kahapon Kailangan na ako ng ngayon Alaala mo’y ikakahon Ngunit kailan ma’y hindi kayang itapon Tila utos ng mundong mabuhay Akong pasulong, at ‘wag paurong Patawarin mo ako kung Unti-unti akong binago ng mundo Iwanan man kita Nakaukit ka na sa puso ko Malilimot ba kita Kung nakaukit ka na Iwanan man kita Nakaukit ka na sa puso ko Malilimot ba kita Kung nakaukit ka na sa puso ko "What you need to know about the past is that no matter what has happened, it has all worked together to bring you to this very moment. And this is the moment you can choose to make everything new. ...

There must be a reason why God led me to this: And when I saw this comment, I knew why. :) "I sent it to my best friend and it saved him from doing suicide."  God led me to this video because He wants me to pass on the message. :) Whatever it is that you're going through right now, just be reminded that YOU ARE LOVED!  Don't give up. :)

Today, I am blessed! :) This morning, we had the continuation of the Covenant Orientation Weekend and I'm so thankful that it was a success. A brother came up to me and thanked me for organizing the weekend. I thanked him back because if not for them, all the preparations would mean nothing. God be truly praised! After the CO Weekend, we went to the venue of our MV household (Lance's house) and waited for Kuya Alain and Ate Mel. There were five of us - Kuya Alain, Ate Mel, Lance, Ate Gems, and me - and we had an intimate discussion on the topic prepared by Ate Mel. Then we went to Rosario Church to hear mass. We arrived just in time for the last mass for the day and the homily by Fr. Lito was, coincidentally, about covenant. :) But for today's post, I'd like to focus on the topic that we had during the household. The key verse was taken from Galatians 2:20. "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I...

This is going to be short and simple. :)  During the first day of our Covenant Orientation Weekend, at exactly 2PM, Tito Roland, our cluster coordinator, began his talk on Strengthening Family Life. And I was struck by the wisdom he shared.  2PM = 2 loving people, P apa & M ama He said a family will never be without a father and a mother, thus if we want to strengthen our families, we should strengthen our parents. That's why they were given importance in the Bible. The fourth (depending on which version you're reading), commandment says, "Honor your father and your mother."  Thank God for Papa and Mama, two loving persons, united in marriage, co-workers of God in bringing me and you to life. :)

We had our upper household tonight and we reflected on one of the most important events in the Salvation History, the Annunciation. The Angel Gabriel appeared the Mary and announced to her the great news. This reflection is taken from http://www.preciouslife.com/?va=122&vb=212#Day33 . Intention: Mary is troubled by the Angel Gabriel’s greeting, but still, Mary rejoices to do the Lord’s Will. Let us pray that all mothers who conceive a child may place their trust in God our Father, and know that the little one they have conceived, no matter what circumstances were in place, should be nourished and protected. Scripture: And Mary said, "Behold the handmaid of the Lord, be it unto me according to Thy Word." (Luke 1: 38) Reflection: Our mother is a model of correspondence to grace. If we contemplate her life, our Lord will give us the light we need to divinize our everyday existence. Throughout the year when we celebrate feasts dedicated to Mary, suc...

Before I share, let's sing first. :) I want to be the face you see when you close your eyes I want to be the touch you need every single night I want to be your fantasy And be your reality And everything between I want you to need Me Like the air you breathe I want you to feel Me In everything I want you to see Me In your every dream The way that I taste you feel you breathe you need you I want you to need Me Like I need you I want to be the eyes that look deep into your soul I want to be the world to you I just want it all I want to be your deepest kiss The answer to your every wish And all you'll ever need I want you to need Me Like the air you breathe I want you to feel Me In everything I want you to see Me In your every dream The way that I taste you feel you breathe you need you I want you to need Me 'Coz I need you More than you could know And I need you To never never let me go And I need...

Met up with Mae & Tin this evening and we talked about relationships and marriages especially Mae had just undergone a marriage encounter retreat. :) I'm just excited about my future marriage and I know it will be one fruitful experience. I believe the secret to happy marriages that last a lifetime is LOVE , and maybe that's also the reason why the following marriage creed has those letters. :) 

"There is a connection between sin and sickness. Desire leads to sin which leads to death." This was the main message of the homily based on the Gospel reading today. One may notice that every time Jesus heals, He would always say, "Your sins are forgiven. Go and sin no more." Jesus does not heal the physical without healing first the spiritual. Healing will only be complete if both body and soul are restored. I believe that's the reason why there's the sacrament of reconciliation and the sacrament of anointing of the sick, because healing comes from the forgiveness of our sins. :) This beautiful song from Rebecca St. James says it all:  GO AND SIN NO MORE I've sinned, come on my knees  For I'm not worthy of Your love  How could You die for me  Such grace can only come from God Oh Lord, You search and You know me  You see me inside out  God, You alone can forgive me  Erase my fear and my doubt  Fathe...

St. Joseph - The Silent Worker Today we celebrate the Feast of St. Joseph, the foster father of Jesus, a carpenter, and the patron of laborers.  Joseph is a tool of salvation. In fact, salvation history will never be complete without him. He is an example of an obedient servant who accepted the challenge of being Mary's spouse and Jesus' foster father. Despite the difficulties he remained strong and ever dependable.  We are also called to be like Joseph, to boldly accept the challenge to be bearers of the Good News. Like him, we ought to remain humble, obedient, and faithful. We must use whatever knowledge we have to serve our faith. And we must be ready to go to where God sends us, with full confidence that He won't bring us to where His grace cannot keep us.  If there is no Joseph, surely there will be no Jesus. As we honor St. Joseph, let's also ask ourselves, how many of us will be memorized in history? How many of us will leave a mark in Christia...

Fact: Change is inevitable . And the only way for you to grow is to embrace change and allow yourself to be transformed. No long post for today, just two photos. :) Enough said. :)

It was such a looooooooooooooooooooooooooooooong day. My Saturday began at Commonwealth Elementary School for the last Cornerstone Session for this school year. It was a happy and sad experience. Happy because for one school year, I was given the opportunity to live my childhood fantasy of being a teacher. Sad because we're leaving the students we've come to love. But I am hopeful that they would be able apply in their lives whatever lessons we have imparted to them. I may sound like a broken record but I'd still say that though "saying goodbye is never an easy thing," every ending definitely leads to a new beginning. As we bid farewell to Commonwealth, we say hello to another school in our home sector, East. :)  I look forward to meeting new set of students who will test our patience, will make us laugh, cry, love, learn, and realize that truly, there is hope in the young ones - only if we help them unleash their full potential, develop your skills and ...

Today's Gospel is taken from Mark 12:28-34. One of the scribes asked Jesus which commandment is the first of all. And the lord replied, "The first is: Hear, Israel! The Lord, our God is One Lord; and you shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart , with all your soul , with all your mind , and with all your strength .   And after this comes another one: You shall love  your neighbor  as yourself . There is no commandment greatest than these two." For today's post, allow me to share the commentary on my Bible (Christian Community Bible) which I think is the summary of talks 5 and 6 in the SFC Christian Life Program (CLP). :) To love God is not a commandment like others, because the commandments show specific actions that should be undertaken or avoided, i.e., you shall rest on the day of the Lord, or you shall not commit adultery. On the other hand , when it comes to loving God, there is no limit.  The commandments of the Bible (especially th...

"When you give yourself and your all to the Lord, expect blessings. Because God is a generous God." This is big message that I got during this morning's worship. Truly, the Lord rewards the faithful, and no matter how hard we try, we can never outdo Him in generosity. But while we know that God honors and appreciates our sacrifices, and that we were told that He will reward us in due time, let us not work just so we could claim the rewards. Just like what Tito Mon said during the home office recollection, don't work for the pay. Rather, get paid for your work. In other words, expect blessings, but don't work for them. Rather, be blessed and rewarded a hundredfold for the work you have done. Do things not for anything else, but simply because of love. Let the reason be LOVE. :) No long post for today just some thoughts to ponder . . . And this song . . . I GIVE MY ALL Bless my life Take away the shame Allow me to experience Your most ...

Today, let me share my notes during the Home Office Recollection. We are very much blessed to have as speaker, one of the most respected Titos in the community, Tito Mon De Leon. I hope you'd be able to gain something from it. :) Definitions: 1. Work Values - values identified that enhances productivity 2. Relational Values - values that enhance work relationship 3. Trustworthiness - important in the work setting; employers and co-employees look for these characteristics when working with you        * Do you have the highest ethical standards?        * Do you honestly represent your capabilities?        * Do you deliver what you say you're going to deliver? What do employees look for you? - CV / Resume - IQ (Basic Intellect) - Interviews - Past Performance / Experiences - Value for money they pay you What do employees really want? - EQ, not only IQ - Present performance, not only yo...

We're nineteen years old! :) And since we're on a tight budget, we just had a simple date at 7-11. We had our favorite drink, Mogu Mogu (yummy! :D), and one of our favorite snacks, Tortillos. The monthsary date continued at Palmera Heights during our cluster upper household. Tito Roland shared that life on earth is built on love . He ensured that the place will be holy. He also discussed the top priorities and concerns of a single person: God, family, work, community, and being a Christian. But our main topic was sacrifice . According to Tita Daisy, sacrifice is a daily occurrence, and it in itself, is already being a Christian. Sacrifice literally means "to make holy," and to us, it also means these three S: school of love , stairway to heaven , and source of holiness . Also during the sharing, we were reminded of the reality that God's greatest calling comes in times of our struggles, not during our "comfort days." That's why respondi...

I'm halfway through with my 40-day blogging project. Yey! :) First, allow me to share with you this beautiful song from one of the most respected singer songwriter in the Philippines, Gary Granada. Fr. Froilan performed this during the mass and it's just a great love song. :) Feel free to sing along. :) You may think that this song has nothing to do with the title of this post. Actually, it is somehow related to one of my previous posts. :) A love separated by distance, a love that didn't last, a love that is not so like the love of God. Today's readings both speak about the lepers, the sick and the outcast. The society treats them as unclean individuals, people are warned against them. Nobody dares to go near them for fear that they may acquire the disease. But God, in His kindness and generosity, welcomes, touches, and heals them. That is true love - without condition, without fear, without reservations. That is what we are called to do - to love l...

Anger is indifferent. It has no morality. It is neither good nor bad. This is the opening statement of Fr. Ted David during his homily. In today's Gospel ( John 2:13-25 ), Jesus got mad at the merchants who turned the temple into a public market. It's good that Fr. Ted gave a historical background on the story. According to him, during those times, the people really ought to offer a sacrifice at the temple. But since they are coming from far places, and transportation is not yet available then, they just bring money and buy their offerings near the temple. The money changers were there to convert the temple-goers' money that bore the image of Ceasar because they cannot offer to the temple that kind of money. Jesus got mad because the temple, which is supposed to be sacred, was turned into a marketplace. It was His "zeal" (passion) for God's house that drove Him mad. For more discussions on the anger of Jesus, I encourage you to visit GotQuestions?o...

Today is March 10. Today is Ate Maila's birthday. Today is also Giada's birthday. Today is Kuya Rob & Ate Cech's anniversary. Happy day indeed! :) And today is the first day of the 20th Edition of Wedding Expo ! The event was good and we had fun visiting the different booths. (If you're going to the expo, don't forget to visit the booths of Dominic Barrios (photographer) and Hazel Icasiano (make-up artist) .) It's just that the experience was tiring especially with a lot of people asking the same thing. I wouldn't mind answering each and every question that they throw at me, if only I had a definite reply. To make me feel a little better, I just thought to myself, kapag pumunta ba sa Wedding Expo kailangan ikakasal na? Hindi ba pwedeng naghahanap lang ng freebies? :D On a serious note, I really don't have an answer yet because I, too, am questioning. But as I question, I also hope for, pray for, and look forward to th...

It's my second day at the center, and so far, I am loving it. :) So how's life here at the central office? Well, we begin each "work" day with praise and worship, the recital of the CFC Mission and Vision, and the singing of the CFC Theme Song. At 12NN, there is mass at the Ugnayan Hall, and at 3PM, we pray the prayer to Divine Mercy. I truly feel that it's a great privilege to be here at the center of the community's global mission. It's really a blessing as it helps me grow spiritually, it draws me closer to God who is my ultimate boss, and it makes me appreciate CFC more. It's also good to be reminded of what the community believes and the cause for which we all work. And so today, let me introduce to you Couples for Christ . :) And I am happy to say that this is my community, and this is where I work. :) Founded in 1981, Couples for Christ is a movement intended for the renewal and strengthening of Christian family life. It has five...