These Little Wonders

Lately I have had the strangest feeling...  Sorry, it's not what you think it is. :) I told K about it and she advised me to have it checked immediately because the signs are not that good. She already told me the worst that could happen, and so I went to Salve Regina to consult Dra. Cordoba. I gave her the details and even before she examined me, she already commented, "bata ka pa, it's nothing serious." During the physical examination, she confirmed that there was indeed something. She explained the possible scenarios, including the worst, but I was relieved when she firmly stated (as if she was very sure), "God will not make you sick because you are working for Him." She proceeded with the request for further test but she said that it was just for our peace of mind.  Yesterday I got another recommendation to consult a specialist due to a condition I never thought I have. But since Dra. Cordoba's statement came first, I no longer worry....

I came back from my usual weekend in Baguio and when I opened the apartment unit, it was a disaster! I knew it, my brother is so back! :D Those who know me well also know how organized I am and how I always want to keep things in order. In short, I hate mess. But now that I am no longer alone (Yey!), I have to deal with it again. My brother asked, "don't you miss it?" I answered, "No!" But when I decided to calm down and pray about it, the Lord reminded me of a very powerful weekend retreat in SFC, the Princess Diaries. :) The first session talks about the core designs of a woman: a mystery to be revealed, a relationship to be pursued, and a beauty to be unveiled. Both man and woman are created in the image and likeness of God, but the woman is considered as the crown of creation. Why? Because the Lord created everything in a rising crescendo, in ascending order of beauty, finishing it with beauty to cap all beauty - a woman (blessed to be one!). I...

Here's another household topic worth sharing. :)  A Blind Beggar Receives His Sight 35  As Jesus approached Jericho,  a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging.   36  When he heard the crowd going by, he asked what was happening. 37  They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” 38  He called out, “Jesus, Son of David,  have mercy  on me!” 39  Those who led the way rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 40  Jesus stopped and ordered the man to be brought to him. When he came near, Jesus asked him,   41  “What do you want me to do for you?” “Lord, I want to see,” he replied. 42  Jesus said to him,  “Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.” 43  Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God. When all the people saw it, they also praised God. ***** In heaven, there is a warehouse full of gi...

I get a little emotional. :)  You can't blame me. I'm alone. My parents are in the province and my brother is with them (for a week-long vacation). *inggit much*  Just this evening, I had my usual conversation with them. Thank God for Sun's unlimited tri-net calls. :)  After several minutes of "kamustahan"... Mama: Anak, magtitinda lang ako ha? May bibili sa tindahan. Kausapin mo muna si Papa.  Me: Okay, Ma.  Papa: Anak, kamusta? Miss na miss ka na namin ....  *insert more questions about my work, CFC, Baguio, etc.* We're about to end the night when this happened:  Papa: Ay anak, kamusta na pala yung kinukwento mo?  Me: Ha? Ano po yun?  Papa: Yung ano...  Me: Ah. Wala po e. Wala naman.  Papa: Wala pa rin ba? Hayaan mo anak, maghintay ka lang.  Me: Ano pa nga ba, Pa. Wala naman po akong magagawa kundi maghintay. Papa: Basta anak, alam ko the best ang ibibigay sa'yo ng Diyos . Kasi...

I am blessed to be part of households that are led by CFC couple coordinators. And here's one topic that just proves how God is always ON TIME. :) Bob Richards, the former pole-vault champion, shares a moving story about a skinny young boy who loved football with all his heart. Practice after practice, he eagerly gave everything he had. But being half the size of the other boys, he got absolutely nowhere. At all the games, this hopeful athlete sat on the bench and hardly ever played.  This teenager lived alone with his father, and the two of them had a very special relationship. Even though the son was always on the bench, his father was always in the stands cheering. He never missed a game.  This young man was still the smallest of the class when he entered high school. But his father continued to encourage him but also made it very clear that he did not have to play football if he didn't want to.  But the young man loved football and decided to hang in there. ...

Kiltepan: Heaven on earth. ♥ It’s a living every moment Like it could be our last For our hearts are restless til they rest in love’s caress  In the moments we remember They interweave our hearts Like a tapestry surrounding us, that we forget to touch That’s why we wake up every morning It's why we seek each others’ smile It's why we know that its so worth it It's why we hold on and make the sacrifice It's in the eyes of a child As you hold her in your arms And your heart starts to beat once again And your world is reborn In the freshness of her song Smile, it’s a beautiful life It's in the hope of the poor man As he struggles to make ends meet It's in the laughter of his children As they play in the street Don’t need a million dollars To raise a happy child Just need a pair of loving arms The time to make her smile That’s why we wake up every morning It's why we seek each others’ smile It'...

I got up early one morning, and rushed right up into the day. I had so much to accomplish that I didn't have time to pray. Problems fast tumbled about me, and heavier came each task.  "Why doesn't God help me?", I wondered.  He answered, "You didn't ask." I wanted to see joy and beauty, but the day toiled on me, gray and bleak.  I wondered why God didn't show me, He said, "But you didn't seek." I tried to come into God's presence, I used all my keys at the lock.  God gently, lovingly chided, "My child, you didn't knock."  I woke up gently this morning, and paused before entering the day.  I had so much to accomplish, that I had to take time to pray.  Source: Straight from the Heart, A Prayer Companion by Fr. Mario C. Ladra) Photo Credit: Ink361.com

Today, God reminded me of a recent household topic.  Your life is the sum of the responses you have made toward God. Once God makes Himself known to you, what you do next is your decision. Your reaction reflects what you believe about Him. The rich, young ruler lived a moral life. He was well versed in Scripture and the laws of God. But his response to Jesus' invitation clearly showed that, although he possessed a head knowledge of the teachings of God, he did not know God in an experiential way that could be demonstrated by a response of faith (Matthew 19: 16-22). Whenever the Lord speaks to you, it will require an adjustment in your life. This truth can dramatically affect your prayer life. Every time you pray you must be aware that if God answers your prayer and reveals His will to you, it will immediately require you to reorient your life. Each time you read your Bible, you must be prepared to obey what God tells you. Why did God use Peter and James and John so ...