These Little Wonders

Three things we learn from the prayer of David (2 Samuel 7:18-19, 24-29): 1. Humility to recognize that God is God and we are not to realize our unworthiness, sinfulness, and weaknesses "Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my house, that You have brought me this far?" 2. Gratefulness for God's mercy despite our sins for God's blessings and abundant grace for God's constant, faithful, eternal love "For You have established for Yourself Your people Israel as Your own people forever, and You, O Lord, have become their God." 3. Courage to ask for more more of God's grace more of God's truth more of God in our lives "Now therefore, may it please You to bless the house of Your servant, that it may continue forever before You. For You, O Lord God, have spoken; and with Your blessing may the house of Your servant be blessed forever."

*Cluster 4 Household Topic "When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure; when we are insulted, we answer back with kind words. We are no more than this world's garbage, we are the scum of the earth to this very moment." -1 Corinthians 4:12-13 Reflection:  Scum of the earth. The stone rejected turns out to be the cornerstone.  When we set out to serve the Lord, our expectations must not even consider comfort, or ease, or acceptance. Following the Lord's ways in this earthly life is always strewn with difficulties, conflicts, entanglements. Without these, we can so easily, with the snap of a finger, and wink of the eye, breeze through what life requires of us to be made. But Jesus spells the difference of a full life, a whole life, a meaningful life.  In community, we are presented with people, situations, and opportunities for loving:  People who serve us, people we minister to, people we call brothers and sisters.  L...

Unlike any other parable in the Bible, Jesus generously explained about the parable of the sower.  Aside from the "given" lesson, Fr. Albert Poblete shared "the other side of the coin" - a beautiful reflection on this gospel - during his homily at the noon mass. But let me share the reading first. :)  Gospel Reading (taken from Mark 4:1-20):  Again Jesus began to teach by the lake, but such a large crowd gathered about him that he got into a boat and sat in it on the lake while the crowd stood on the shore. He taught them many things through stories and parables. In his teaching, he said, "Listen! The sower went out to sow. As he sowed, some of the seed fell along a path and the birds came and ate it up. Some of the seed fell on rocky ground where it had little soil; it sprang up immediately because it had no depth; but when the sun rose and burned it, it withered because it had no roots. Other seed fell among thorn-bushes and the thorns grew and ...

Every organization has its own set of Mission, Vision, and Core Values. And I am blessed to be working for a company whose values are the same as mine.  Aside from sharing in the Vision and Mission of Couples for Christ Global Mission Center, we have also come up with our own MIST Work Ethics . Thought of posting it here for easier reference (and for me to always be reminded). ^_^ Core Values: M alasakit. I ntegrity . S ervice-oriented. T eamwork. Work Behavior: Check/read/answer office emails at start of day, mid of day, and end of day (at a minimum). Do not make customers wait. Escalate issues to ensure delivery of requests. Do whatever it takes!  Give timely and regular feedback on requests/inquiries/project status.  Provide accurate reports. Advise Admin re tardiness/absences. VLs must be filed at least 3 days prior date of leave.  Be in neat/proper/professional grooming. Honor "silence means yes . " Cc/Bcc Department Head in all email e...

... putting others first... always... Photo Credit:  dianelindstrom I remember when Fr. Joel shared that the best Italian translation of " I Love You " is " Ti Voglio Bene " which means " I want your good " or " I want what is good for you ." Photo Credit: Pinterest If I am to define LOVE, it would have to be this:  L asts. It's not a feeling. It's not fleeting. O thers-centered. It's not selfish. V alues persons. It does not use them. E xpects nothing in return. It does not calculate costs.  To love is to give. To love is to serve. To love is to die for the sake of the other. Just like this prayer: Lord, help me to live from day to day In such a self-forgetful way That even when I kneel to pray My prayers shall be for “OTHERS” Help me in all work I do Ever to be sincere and true, And know that all I do for You Must also be done for “OTHERS” Let self be crucified and slain And buried deep an...

and my very prayer today... ♥ Lord, what You will let it be so Where You will there we will go What is Your will help us to know Lord, when You will the time is right In You there's joy in strife For Your will I'll give my life To ease Your burden brings no pain To forego all for You is gain As long as I in You remain Because You will it, it is best Because You will it, we are blest Till in Your hands our hearts find rest Till in Your hands our hearts find rest

... about courage and going into the unknown . to see the world to draw closer to find each other that is life Familiar? Then you must have already seen the film or at least the trailer of " The Secret Life of Walter Mitty ." :) I only learned about it from my brother who just watched it tonight. He thought it was beautiful that he even updated his Facebook profile and posted his favorite quote from the movie. He advised me to see it for myself. Since it's already late and the cinemas are already closed, I opted to just watch the trailer first: So, who's willing to watch it with me? :)