These Little Wonders

If Lady Gaga lives for the applause, Fr. Benedict, in his homily during the noon mass at the CFC Global Mission Center last Tuesday, says DON'T , especially if you desire to be a missionary.  "Hindi ka pwedeng maging misyonero kung kulang ka sa pansin o uhaw ka sa attention at recognition." (You cannot be a missionary if you are hungry for attention and recognition.) Image Source:  http://blog.zerodean.com/2012/quotes/work-for-a-cause-not-applause/ Fr. Benedict likened a missionary's life to the function of the yeast as stated in the Gospel (Luke 13:18-21). The yeast is an important ingredient in making bread but it is hidden and rarely recognized by the consumers who are just after the finish product. Missionaries play an important role in evangelizing people and harvesting souls for the Lord but more often than not, they do not take credit for it. If they do, then, they must re-assess their selves. Are they really working for the glory of the Lord or...

Writing is my first love. And I have always wanted to be a travel blogger. Now I'm trying to become one. :D  For the nth time, Lawrence has won in another online contest. His prize? Two round trip tickets to Basco, Batanes! :) But here's the catch, the airline, Sky Pasada , is based in Tuguegarao and since we were not able to book cheap airline tickets to Cagayan, we had no other option but to take the ten  twelve-hour bus trip.  We arrived at the Victory Liner terminal in Kamias a little past 5pm. Unfortunately, there are no more available seats for the 5pm trip. The next trip is at 630pm but since there is already a long queue of passengers, we didn't want to take the risk. Our flight to Batanes is at 8am tomorrow and we have to arrive in Tuguegarao before 7am. We decided to walk to the nearby Florida Bus terminal. They also have trips to Tuguegarao, some via Laoag. Thank God we were able to catch an ordinary bus which will go directly to our destination. ...

This morning, I got an email which at first I thought was a chain letter. But when I gave time to read it, I was moved and decided to not just forward it via email but share it here as well. Here's the content of the email:  October is Breast Cancer Month, and I've survived it for over 32 years, inspite of my prognosis given at 50-50% 5-yr-survival since I was stage 3. Prayers truly are answered and only God can heal us. The Reynoso Clan has been fighting cancer for the past 4 generations, and healing of the family tree is very important. We lost my brother, Litos, to lung cancer last March, and out of 9 kids, 4 are still fighting cancer. Although this may sound as a "chain letter" it is an honest request for helping the scientists and researchers to find a cure for cancer. My kids, Jay, Nette, and Joanne, gave me a "Pink Party" 2011 to celebrate my 30-yr-survival, and of course, being an Octoberian, it was held on my birthday. My grand daughter, Li...

This post is dedicated to everyone who made an effort to make my day extra special through their heartwarming greetings and wishes. :) To the following people who honored me through their text messages and calls:  Dianne Pasag Jenny Cunanan Jane Estella Kuya Mito Tayag Kuya Rob & Ate Cech Escaño Mars Macailing Ate Anne Jayme Bonj Vargas Ate Lorie Macapugay Kuya Nicky Barrios Rowell Miraflor Cat Abelardo Anne Fernandez Tita Juliet Fernandez Alpha Quelnan Rona Patio Ate Mitzi Hilado Leng Cacho Tina Aligada Shezha Madrigal Mary Anne Rodriguez Kuya Mel Calupig Ate Gemma Siriegan Kuya RP & Ate Chassy Tesoro Leyn Madueño Chai Mamalio Ate Sheh De Leon Shiela Azarcon Boggs Lagura Ate Flory Deseo Mario Ofina Kuya Ian Baldonadi Ate Chie Garcia Rica Daleon Nina Nacional Agnes Floirendo Divine Balintong Joseph Saduia Tito Men Sarne Kaycee Ramos Junior Bornilla Globe ♥ Marjo Salvador JM Junio Kaye Nogoy Ate Nhils Arena Ruth Ubaldo ...

I have my own fears and worries, but God never fails to assure me that He's got it all covered. :)  Above you are the overshadowing wings (Psalm 91:4); Underneath you are the everlasting arms (Deuteronomy 33:27); Round about you is the angel of the Lord (Psalm 34:7); Beside you are still waters (Psalm 23:2); Within you is the peace that passes understanding (Philippians 4:7); Before you is the presence of the Lord (Exodus 33:14); Following you are goodness and mercy (Psalm 23:6); Ahead of you is heaven’s home (Philippians 3:14). —Roy Lessin, expanded from a quote by Virginia Bell And today, He's singing this song to me and to all of us:  Don't worry, be happy. Because God has it covered. :)

One thing I learned about social media is it can make you realize how time really flies and that you're not getting any younger. I just stumbled upon two articles written by  Jessica Misener  to which I can totally relate.  In the first article entitled " 29 Underrated Things About Being In Your Late Twenties " ,  I found myself nodding in agreement to the following statements:  #4. Staying in to read is now something you actually look forward to.  I'm currently reading this. :) #5. You're the last generation to remember life before the internet. CHERISH THOSE MEMORIES.  I can soooooooooooooooooo relate. :D (Photo Credits: uproxx.com ) #6. When you find out someone was gossiping about you, you're like: I DOOOOOOOOOOOOOON'T CARE! #7.Your friends are your *real* friends, because you’ve whittled out everyone who’s just a phony hanger-on. #11. Setbacks don’t bother you as much as they used to. The second articl...

During his homily, Fr. Benedict, gave separate reflections on the First Reading and the Gospel. And in both reflections, I felt God speaking to me personally.  First Reading (Jonah 3:1-10) Then the word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time: “Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you.” Jonah obeyed the word of the Lord and went to Nineveh. Now Nineveh was a very large city; it took three days to go through it. Jonah began by going a day’s journey into the city, proclaiming, “Forty more days and Nineveh will be overthrown.” The Ninevites believed God. A fast was proclaimed, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth. When Jonah’s warning reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, took off his royal robes, covered himself with sackcloth and sat down in the dust. This is the proclamation he issued in Nineveh: “By the decree of the king and his nobles: Do not let people or animals, herds or flo...

This is the first weekend of my birthday month   and I know that everything that happened in the past two days is just a foretaste of the greater things that await me as I grow another year older and wiser. :)  So let me thank the Lord for the following:  A very successful SFC East A4 Cluster CLP Talk 4 ♥ The gift of community... and the inspiring stories of our Titos and Titas. :) This! ♥ Here's the story behind that couple key chains: During the MC Assembly, those who celebrate their birthdays and wedding anniversaries this month were prayed over and were given tokens - rosary bracelets for birthday celebrants, couple key chains for wedding anniversary celebrants. Because there was no more rosary bracelet for me, I was given the token for couples instead. And that to me is a powerful affirmation! :) SFC East A Family: Because the fruit of a good work is more work. :) Team Yellow! :) Thank God for my parents, indeed! ♥ Nothing beat...

*Cluster 4 Household Topic Why does Jesus warn his disciples to "not despise the little ones?" God dwells with the lowly and regards them with compassion. His angels watch over them as guardians. "For he will give his angels charge of you to guard you in all your ways" (Psalm 91:11). God has not left us alone in our struggle "to refuse evil and to choose good" (Isaiah 7:15). The angels are his "ministering spirits sent forth to serve, for the sake of those who are to obtain salvation" (Hebrews 1:14). Scripture is full of examples of how the angels serve as messengers and protectors. When Peter was chained in prison and kept under guard, an angel woke him in the middle of the night, released his chains, and brought him safely out of prison, past several guards and through locked gates. When Peter realized he wasn't dreaming, he exclaimed: "Now I am sure that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me" (Acts 12:11). When Dan...

I first learned about the Belle De Jour Power Planner  through my dear friend Mars . Since then, I never wanted any other planner. :D There's a lot of beautiful planners out there, I agree, but nothing beats BDJ! It has everything that I want and need in a planner and as long as it serves its purpose in my life, I will never trade it for any other brand. :) And since I'm a BDJ Veteran, allow me to share my BDJ Power Planner journey. :) Make a video of your own at Animoto. You too can have your own Belle De Jour Power Planner 2014. Just visit their website or their social media accounts for details. Or if you're a certified bella like me, you can also join their contests and stand a chance to win a free BDJ Power Planner 2014! :)

Today is the Feast of the Holy Guardian Angels  and so I'd like to share one of the first prayers I've learned (I'm sure most, if not all, of us know this):  Angel of God, my guardian dear to whom God's love, commits me here ever this day, be at my side to light and guard to rule and guide. Amen. It's just comforting to know that in our life, God sends angels to help, protect, and guide us especially in the most difficult moments. :)  The communion song was very fitting. Muntik na nga akong maiyak e. :) And He will raise you up on eagles' wings Bear you on the breath of dawn Make you to shine like the sun And hold you in the palm of His hand. My guardian angel :) Also, yesterday was the Feast of St. Therese of the Child Jesus (St. Therese of Lisieux)  and I find here life really inspiring. At a very young age, she sensed that deep longing for God and had the desire to discover and pursue her vocation. She once prayed,...

Tumatakbo ang oras, naiiwan na ako ng panahon... I've been singing that line in my head since last night upon realizing that it's already the last night of September.  Well, it's true. Not only does time run, it flies! Sometimes, too fast. I can so relate to this: so much to do, so little time . But then again, as what Fr. Reggie Said, little becomes much when entrusted in the hands of God . Another reminder which I will carry with me this month and probably throughout my lifetime came from Tita Sesi of Focolare: When it becomes difficult to love the people around you, forget about them and remember instead the God in them.  So as I say thank you to September and all the past months of 2013, I say hello and I'm excited for you, October! Alam na. :) ♥ Photo Credits: Claire Mojher