These Little Wonders

Someone said that I am not yet ready to get married because I cannot leave my parents.   They are right because as long as I can, I will continue to support my Papa and Mama, and if needed, provide for them. That's the least I could do to repay them for what they have sacrificed for me all these years. And just so you know, my parents never demand anything from me/us. They're self-sufficient. What I do for them is simply my response to their unconditional "I love you". :) But they are also wrong . Because today, I celebrate my one year (and a day) of being independent , of being truly SINGLE ( read: to draw away from the traditional structure of family ). You may now clap your hands and say, "Congratulations, Aiza! You survived!" :D Time flies so fast. I could hardly believe it has been a year already. Here I am, still living alone , away from my comfort zone, distant from the people with whom I spent the first 28 years of my life. And for the pas...

They say that a father is a son's first hero and a daughter's first love . It must be true because Papa has always been my first love, and Lolo Amen, my first hero. :) I won't share much because I might end up crying again, because I miss them terribly, but suffice to say, I am so blessed to have a father as loving, as nurturing, as faithful, and as responsible as Papa.  Three of my maternal aunts remained single by choice and their common reason is that they have never met someone like my father. And I agree with them, Papa is my benchmark, too. But I know very well that I won't find another Heide Escuadero Garnica. Nag-iisa lang ang tatay ko!  I am sure though that if I'm going to marry, he would have to be just like Papa - loving, nurturing, faithful, and responsible.  Lolo Amen had only one reminder to his daughters (and to me, being the eldest granddaughter) - marry someone responsible. By that he meant someone who can manage his time well, who ca...

In 2013, I decided to make a series about The Lord's Prayer based on the Christian Community Bible (Catholic Pastoral Edition). There's a special page on my blog for it but since today, the Gospel is about the perfect prayer that Jesus taught His disciples, I'd like to share it again (with photos taken from Sagada and Batanes - two of the most heavenly places I've visited.). Just click on the links to read the blog entries. Happy praying! ♥  Jesus replied, "this, then, is how you should pray:"  Our Father in heaven , holy be your name , your kingdom come , and your will be done on earth as in heaven . Give us today our daily bread . Forgive us our debts just as we have forgiven those who are in debt to us . Do not bring us to the test but deliver us from the evil one . Photo Credit: Bethlehem Church

Read this at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Lipa, Batangas. Good note to self. Especially today. :) Be on terms with all people. Speak your truth quietly. Listen to others. Avoid loud and aggressive persons. Do not compare yourself with others. Enjoy your achievements. Exercise caution in your affairs. Be yourself. Don't be cynical about love. Take kindly the counsel of the years. Be gentle with yourself. Be at peace with God (whatever you conceive Him to be) . Keep peace with your soul. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy. Photo Credit: Positive Mental Health Support Group

Today, I got the book I have long waited for. :)  As I start this journey, let me share a beautiful poem written by a woman who as Kendall and Jones put it, " chose to take advantage of her singleness ."  The Single Gift  How blessed you are, you single one, Don't talk of care and woes.  You've got too much to be thankful for, Oh what, you'd like to know.  It's no mistake, no misdirection Of God's perfect plan That you've not found your special lady Or you, that certain man.  God loves you so and has much more To give than you've ever received.  That He's giving His best to you right now, You really must believe.  His best is Himself, do you have it in full Or only a bit on the side. No man can meet your needs like God, Nor can a lovely bride.  If your life's not complete, you know that Jesus is And your life He will fill If you'll only put Him first each day And live to do...

What would you do if you're left alone in the office with this song playing in the background?  Sa gitna ng dilim Ako ay nakatanaw Ng ilaw na kay panglaw Halos 'di ko makita Tulungan mo ako Ituro ang daan Sapagkat ako'y sabik Sa aking pinagmulan Bayan ko, nahan ka Ako ngayo'y nag-iisa Nais kong magbalik Sa iyo, bayan ko Patawarin mo ako Kung ako'y nagkamali Sa landas na aking Tinahak Sa pagsibol ng araw Hanggang dapit-hapon Malamig na hangin Ang aking kayakap Huwag sanang hadlangan Ang aking nilalandas Sapagkat ako'y sabik Sa aking sinilangan Cry.  Not because you're alone. Not because of the song. But because you miss your father. Because you remember that every time he hears this song, he cries. Why? Long story. But I'll try to make it short and sweet.  Papa left Negros Oriental in 1979 to escape his painful past and to start a new...

(1) Because yesterday, my parents celebrated another year of togetherness. Happy Anniversary, Papa and Mama! Thank you for making me believe in forever. ♥ (2) Because today is the first day of June - the month of many weddings. May it not just be about weddings but long-lasting marriages. :) (3) Because one day, someday, I will marry the man God has prepared for me. And we'll both need all these reminders. :)  Borrowing the words of St. Justin , whose martyrdom we remember today, "I do not think. I know. " ♥ #TiwalaLang #MyTimeWillCome #InHisTime :D ***** See my other posts on the same topic:  http://bit.ly/1GgkMn3  :)