These Little Wonders

I struggled on my fourth book this year. As you know, the world has changed all of a sudden. There's the Covid-19 pandemic, and we've been forced to stay at home for more than a month now. At first I thought it's not going to be a big deal (thank God I have some privileges, like wifi and work from home). But as the hours and days pass by, I find myself anxious about a lot of things, especially when you hear bad news after bad news. I couldn't concentrate (except at work - I have to focus on getting things done because that's the least I could do to show how grateful I am for being part of an organization that truly cares. Just a side note, I'm happy and proud at how our company is dealing with this crisis. I really applaud the foresight and the leadership of the management, local and global). I found myself starting several books but not finishing one, enrolling in online courses but not pushing through. I guess my mind too was cluttered. I wanted to do a lot al...

"Scarred people are beautiful people." This is what Fr. Joel said at the beginning of his homily. And that is why here I am again, writing about his beautiful reflection. ❤️  The Gospel ( Luke 24:35-48 ) is a continuation of yesterday's account (Road to Emmaus, reflection  here ). This time, Jesus appeared to the disciples and showed them his scars. "Look at my hands and feet and see that it is I myself. Touch me and see for yourselves that a ghost has no flesh and bones as I have." (verse 39) Instead of doing the natural human response of hiding and being humiliated by scars, Jesus made His scars as His badge of honor - something He could be proud of. Why? Because His scars are a symbol of His and the Father's great love for us sinners. Like Jesus, we can also turn our hurts and pains (and scars) into badges of honor by doing the following: Turn your pains into passion Forget the  lesions but remember the lessons Turn your...

I was so moved by the mass earlier this morning that I can't help but write about it. :) Gospel: The Road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35) Renewed Vision. "Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized Him; but He vanished out of their sight." (verse 31) After His resurrection, Jesus can no longer be "seen" with the eyes of the body. It is only with new vision, with eyes of faith, that we recognize Him present and active in us and around us.   Renewed Passion. "Were not our hearts filled with ardent yearning when He was talking to us on the road and explaining the Scriptures?" (verse 32) Encountering the Lord gives us hope and encouragement and makes our heart burn with passion to carry on and march forward. Renewed Mission. "They immediately set out and returned to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and their companions gathered together." (verse 33) Instead of going to Emmaus, the two disciples we...

This month has been difficult. But it made me reflect a lot. And so for my month-end post, let me share three decisions I'm so grateful I did. 1. Voting for Vico Sotto. ❤️ Seeing how he leads now makes me feel proud. I am no longer a resident of Pasig but I am truly happy for all the Pasigueños. They deserve a great leader. We all do. Kudos too to all the public servants and elected officials who are truly stepping up and doing their jobs responsibly and with compassion.  2. Sending our parents to Iloilo. ❤️ We were living together for more than 25 years, but in 2014, we decided it's time to part ways. Papa and Mama went home to Iloilo while Arnold and I stayed in Cainta. It was difficult, but now that I think about it, that experience taught us (my brother and I) to be independent. We learned, by practice, how to cook proper meals (before we were just our parents' apprentice), do the chores, buy stuff, etc. As for our parents, I am relieved that they are now in Il...

For my third book for this year, I read Sha Nacino's Mission Happiness: The Millennial's Guide to a Happy, Inspired, and Meaningful Life .   Like most (if not all) of Sha's books, Mission Happiness is an easy read. In fact, I think one can finish it in one sitting. In my case, it took me a week because I did not just read the book but went through the action steps as well (though I think I need to do more introspection).    So the book has 9 chapters, and an epilogue. As usual, I'm sharing my key takeaways from the book. It's been said that the best way to retain a learning is to share it. So here goes my list: 1. Be purposeful. Dr. Didoy Lubaton also mentioned about this in his book Whole Again . If we only do things just for the sake of doing them, then life would not have much meaning. Eventually, we'll get tired and burned out without really having a sense of fulfillment. As humans, we search for meaning, we aim for significance, and we are ...

So we're on the last day of the second month and just like last month, there's also a lot to be thankful for. ❤️ Let's begin with the basics - the gift of life and health. 🙂 Despite my frequent visits to the hospital (just like today), I didn't experience anything serious enough to land me on a hospital bed. So I take it as a positive sign that I am truly on my way to healing and wholeness. Thank God for the everyday strength and protection not just for me but for my husband and the rest of our families as well. ❤️ Next is my career. I'm loving my progress at work so far. I am able to finish what I commit and sometimes more. 🙂 I am also grateful to my manager for enrolling me in trainings and workshops that are enriching not just intellectually, but also emotionally. 🙂 Thank God for the gift of work and the opportunities to grow in the different aspects of life. ❤️ And of course there's the beautiful gift of marriage (and relationships). As days...

I just finished my second book for 2020 and it's amazing how it affirms everything I learned from the first book ( Whole Again ). Also, I finished it while waiting for my turn at the doctor's clinic. 😁 Book #2 for 2020. 😊 Here are 10 of my biggest takeaways: 1. You cannot "compartmentalize" physical fitness in one category of your being and spiritual fitness in another - every facet of your life has an impact on the person you are today and the person you will become tomorrow. 2. When you face concerns of any sort - including health-related challenges - God is with you. And His healing touch, like His love, endures forever. 3. Faith Above Feelings: "Emotions we have not poured out in the safe hands of God can turn into feelings of hopelessness and depression. God is safe." 4. If your willpower has failed you on numerous occasions, then it's time to turn your weaknesses over to God. If you've been having trou...