Leave All

Leave all things for God
But never leave God for all things
Coz in life all things will leave you
but God will always be there for you

Somebody asked God

Somebody once asked God.. "What suprises you most about mankind?"
God replied, "They lose their health to make money and then, lose their money to restore their health. By thinking anxiously about the future, they forget the present... such that they live neither for the present nor for the future. They live as if they will never die and they die as if they had never lived. Life is precious, live it and be blessed."

(I forgot who sent it to me. But a million thanks.)

God Makes Us Brave

God makes us brave when we are afraid,
Makes us strong when we are weak,
But most of all He teaches us to hold unto Him when things keep on falling.

(Sent to me by Bro. Arnel. Thanks for this one. God bless you always. My prayers are always with you.)

A Life Worthy of the Gospel

“Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ…” – Philippians 1:27a

In the weekly catechism Ate Lou gives to some parish servants, she emphasized the teaching of St. Josemaria Escriva about prayer and study. “We must never stop studying because it is a means to holiness,” she taught.
Yes, she’s a member of Opus Dei. But what you may have not guessed is that she’s 80 years old. She already walks with a cane yet hears daily Mass in the church about three blocks away from her house. Living with her weak and sickly husband, and her son, daughter-in-law and grandson, she remained faithful to her prayer life, spiritual readings and study — a routine she has practiced for the past 35 years. For relaxation, she tunes in to EWTN, a Catholic network that features Catholic teachings, lives of saints, Eucharistic celebrations, rosary, Divine Mercy chaplet and other stuff that enriches Christian living.
( I got this picture from Flick uploaded by enenzi. Wow! Whoever you are, thanks for taking this picture. It's perfect for this blog.)

She reminds me of Mommy, who, until a ripe old age, heard Mass daily, woke up at 3 a.m. to pray until 5 for the long list of people she prayed for and other devotions describing how she lived “a manner of life worthy of the gospel of Christ.”
People like them inspire. So should we. (By Cristy Galang)

REFLECTION:
Examine your manner of living. Can you evangelize with your life?

Thank You, Lord, for the gift of good people who can help us become good Christians. Grant, Lord, that I will also be one.

Sometimes

Sometimes , God breaks our spirit to save our soul.

Sometimes, He breaks our heart to make us whole.


Sometimes, God sends us pain so we can be stronger.

Sometimes, God sends us failure so we can be humble.




Sometimes, God sends us illness so that we take better care of ourselves.




Somtimes, God takes everything away from us so we can learn the value of everything he gave us.




(This is text message was sent to me by Bro. Dondon. It's very inspiring! Thanks for this. God bless for your thoughtfulness.)

I love the broken-heart cloud picture. Big WOW! I have been wishing to see a cloud that forms a heart. I hope when God grants my wish, it wont be broken. Though its broken, you can still see the beauty! Amazing Lord~ Praise you..

“But as for the seed that fell on rich soil, they are the ones who, when they heard the word, embrace it… and bear fruit with perseverance.”
– Luke 8:15

He discovered his calling while watching a TV program about troubled schools in Harlem. Ron Clark packed his bags and drove his way to one of the toughest areas of Harlem. And he taught using unconventional methods. Once, he helped the students learn the states and its capitals by changing the lyrics of a popular rap and had them sing and dance with him. He made learning fun and exciting. His curriculum helped the students become complete individuals and to love life.
He saw the potential in each student. One of his students shared that she used to mock her teacher. Instead of punishing her, Ron told her, “Tamara, you’re a smart kid. You can do better.” Later, Tamara and her classmates felt Ron’s sincerity and love for them that they began to respect him. From hating school and being suspended for majority of the year, Tamara landed in the honor roll and entered the gifted program. Her classmates’ scores in Math and Reading also rose.
Have you given up on something or someone because you can’t see results? Remember, it takes time for seeds to grow
and bear fruit. Be patient. (By Judith Concepcion)

REFLECTION:
Have you grown impatient waiting for something to happen? Don’t lose heart. Your situation could be like that of which the butterfly, undergoes a process called metamorphosis. Sooner or later, it will emerge from its pupa, ready to spread its wings and fly.

Dear Lord, help me learn the value of patient waiting.

When God gives us NO for an answer,
Keep in mind that there's a much greater YES behind it!
His NO isn't a rejection...
But a redirection.
God bless...



(Bro. Arnel and Bro. Don Don sent me the same message. Either one of them has this first then sent it to me. Thanks to both of you.)

God Smiles

God smiles when we praise Him,
Listens when we pray
Gives when we ask,
Forgives when we repent and
Stays forever when we love.
God cares for you.
God is good.

(Sent to me by Kerwin. Thanks for this one~)

Thirst for Goodness

Strive eagerly for the greatest spiritual gifts. But I shall show you a still more excellent way. – 1 Corinthians 12:31


Even as a child, I was fascinated with topics concerning God and faith. I enjoyed reading Bible stories. I attended Bible studies for kids. I even joined a summer Bible school at a Protestant church only because there was nothing like that in our parish at the time. I was searching for something. I wanted to know what it took to be a good person. That thirst for goodness has been a blessing to me through the years. I was never always a good girl. Many times in my life I had been bad… really bad. But each time I would slip into waywardness, a Voice within would always tell me to look inside and seek the goodness in me.
I feel very special because I know that God planted in my heart that desire to be good. Whenever I’m derailed, He gets me back on track. And significantly, He continues to give me opportunities to be of service to Him. He gets me involved in church activities, in charity causes, and more recently, He led me to where I am now so I could share with you my wonderful experience of Him through the written word. (By Nova Arias)
REFLECTION:
Do you consciously strive to be good every day?

Holy Spirit, lead me to the path of righteousness.

Wonder Worker

The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him. – Luke 2:33


In the Psalms, He is the Good Shepherd. In the book of Isaiah, He is the Prince of Peace. In the book of James, He is the Healer. These are just some of Jesus’ many titles. But His names take on a new meaning when they become true in your life. For example, if He has lightened your problems in life, you will now call Him the Burden Bearer, a name you will find in the book of Amos. Our worship becomes more intimate as we call Him by these terms of endearment.
To me, He is Wonder Worker because of the big and small miracles He does in my life. Once, in Hong Kong, I was overjoyed over a pair of sunglasses I bought because of its compact size. The next day, at Disneyland, I lost it. My husband said to give up looking for it because there were too many people and it would be impossible to find it. Nonetheless, I prayed that it would be found.

Later in the afternoon, as I passed by the theater we visited earlier in the morning, I made an inquiry. Yes, they had found a pair of sunglasses. God is truly wondrous! (By Donna España)

REFLECTION:
Do you still believe in miracles? Call on the Wonder Worker and believe it will happen in your life.

Remember how Jesus turned water into wine? Well, i got this picture from Flicker. This is how humans mix water into wine. But Jesus does wonder and He turned water into wine in His power...May this remind us of God's love. He will do the impossible, if needed.


Lord, I trust in You at all times, even when things go wrong.

Bear the Fruit

“For every tree is known by its fruit.” – Luke 6:44

I look up to people and to Christian communities who have served the Lord for many long years. But I’ve also realized that the number of years doesn’t automatically convert to the deepening relationship of a Christian. A tree can keep growing but not bear fruit.

I’ve seen a community grow big only to start losing its members after they lost their personal touch with one another. I’ve witnessed servants who became “superstars” and then they started acting like one! I’ve heard of humble and loving members who’ve become intolerant, impatient, critical and judgmental after learning much about the Lord and gaining a lot of experience from service.
The one-million-peso question to ask is: What fruits have you borne in those years of service? Preachers like me live in an aquarium. People watch us. Because at the end of the day, no matter how powerful our preaching is, no matter how talented or knowledgeable we are, and no matter how many long years we’ve been serving, we are measured by the fruits — our families, our relationships, our character. It’s not an easy job! That’s why we need lots of God’s grace. We need the Holy Spirit that we may bear His fruit. (By Alvin Barcelona)

REFLECTION:
As we grow deeper in faith are we also growing deeper in love?

Come, Holy Spirit, grant me the grace to bear Your fruit. In Jesus’ name.Amen.

5-6

“If you lend money to those from whom you expect repayment…” – Luke 6:34


Papa was one of the Indians or Bumbay who pioneered lending (“5-6”) in Manila.
He would come home before the sun sets, empty his pocket with all the money he collected that day, then my elder brother and I would count them, arrange them, and give them back to him. We grew up doing that every single day.
One afternoon, I asked Papa a most interesting question: “If people cannot repay you, what would you do?” He answered with confidence, “I forget about his obligation and find another person in need.” Then he gave me an advice that I still remember to this day. He said, “If you are going to lend people money, be sure that you are willing to let go of that amount, not expecting it to return to you. So, lend only what you can afford to lose.”
To this day, when people in dire need ask for my financial help, I follow Papa’s advice. I give only what I can afford to lose. But of course, I still ask them to pay me back when given a chance, and if they can already afford it. Some do pay; others are still on the run. Regardless, my standard is justice; but over and above it, love. (By Arun Gogna)

REFLECTION:
Do you owe people money? Pay up so blessings would come.

Give me a generous heart for those who are in need.

Mother Superior

“Be glad when that happens…” – Luke 6:22
“


Good morning, Mother Superior,” someone greeted me, and everyone started laughing.
I was with a Philippine media group on a familiarization tour of Hong Kong. During dinner, I made the sign of the cross and said grace before eating. One of my colleagues saw me and asked, “Are you Born Again?”
“Catholic Charismatic,” I said. She asked some more questions so I blabbered on about my spiritual renewal. Word must have gotten around because the next morning, everybody was calling me Mother Superior. I kind of felt persecuted and, I must admit, started regretting that I ever talked about my faith. But I remembered the teachings on persecution like the one mentioned in today’s Gospel.
So, trusting God’s promise that the downtrodden and the persecuted would be blessed, the next time someone teased me, I smiled and replied, “Hello, Sister.” And before I knew it, throughout the trip, the ladies were being called “Sister,” the men “Father,” and our leader, “Monsignor.” They simply got a kick out of their new titles.
Had I forgotten the Gospel when I felt persecuted, I would have missed the opportunity to infect my friends with a dose of my faith. (By Cynthia Santiago)

REFLECTION:
Stand up for Jesus.

Lord, grant me the grace to seize every opportunity to share You with others.

Wrong One

Wouldn’t it be far better to just take it, to let yourselves be wronged and forget it? – 1 Corinthians 6:7 (The Message)

If there was anyone in my family that I almost always argue with, it would be my mom. My mom and I are both strong-minded people (I love you Ma!) that we tend to rub each other the wrong way at times. Back when I was younger, we used to argue at least once every two months. It was usually about my mess, something I said, my laziness and sometimes even about my so-called love life!
If you noticed a pattern with the causes I mentioned, the arguments are usually my fault. I admit that now, of course, now that I’m older and more mature. But back then? No way would I admit that I was wrong! I would stand my ground until I was tired from arguing and crying to prove my point. I realize now that I could have avoided all those tears and arguments if I backed down. It’s not just about conflict avoidance, but taking the peaceful way, especially when I know that I am wrong. It’s not about being weak, but being humble enough to listen to the other party and accept the fact that you have to change. Tina Matanguihan

REFLECTION:
Annoyed? Pissed off? Remember that fighting in your defense is not always the best thing to do.

Lord, help me to know when to speak up and when to back down.

In The Face of an Enemy

When ridiculed, we bless; when persecuted, we endure. - 1 Corinthians 4:12

In one of the episodes of the TV series ER, Dr. Benton, a black American physician, was about to go home after working long hours in the hospital. It was his mom’s birthday and the family is throwing a party for her. On his way out, a skinhead is rolled into the ER with a tattoo on his arm saying “Die, Nigger, Die.” Dr. Benton attended to him and saved his life, consequently missing the birthday party of his mom.
It takes a lot of courage to face an enemy, and even a greater braveness to actually do him good. But it is a call to all of us who wish to be true disciples of Christ. It is never easy to be holy but every time we go through the fire, every time we pass the test, Jesus is there on the other side, waiting to say, “Good job! Well done!”(By Jane Gonzales)

REFLECTION:
When you are treated like rubbish, do you try to get even or do you reply in kindness and try to heal the hurt?

Lord, grant me the gift of fortitude that I may handle well the adversities of life. Amen.

Let the Lord Judge

My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. – 1 Corinthians 4:4

“God was with us when we did it.”
An actress said this on national television years ago. She was referring to the sexual act that she committed with an actor boyfriend who eventually sired her first child. Apparently, she must have thought that premarital sex is some thing that God approves of.
Once I asked my students if they thought cheating is unethical. Many of them said, “It depends.” Somehow, in the complexities that we have created in our lives, we have lost our inner compass, our sense of divine integrity that the Creator has embedded in us.
The poet Edgar Guest says it clearly in his poem “Am I True To Myself?”:
I don’t want to keep on a closet shelf
A lot of secrets about myself,
And fool myself, as I come and go
Into thinking that nobody else will know
The kind of man I really am;
I don’t want to dress up myself in sham.
So, do you really want to know who is innocent? Let the Lord judge you in your thoughts and actions. (By Red Cerrer)

REFLECTION:
Are your actions in line with your values? With your faith?

Father, create a clear mind and heart in me. Amen

Just Ask

Let no one deceive himself. If any one among you considers himself wise in this age, let him become a fool so as to become wise. – 1 Corinthians 3:18

He who asks is a fool for five minutes. He who does not remains a fool forever. A lot of people think they are wise yet they do not ask.
One of my faults (as with most men, I think) is that I tend to rely on my instinct and knowledge when it comes to directions. Once, we drove to an unfamiliar place looking for a friend’s house. We were lost yet I didn’t ask for help. It was only when we hit a dead-end that I asked. If I had done that earlier, we could have found the house 40 minutes earlier.
Some people think it’s beyond them to ask, especially when it comes to faith. Many Catholics convert to other religions because “Catholics worship Mary when the Bible says we should worship only God.” If only they had the courage and humility to ask, they would have known the real answer: Catholics worship only one God. We venerate Mary and place her in high esteem because of her special role in God’s plan of salvation. If you have questions about our faith, ask a priest, community elder, a church/canon expert or look it up in the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
That way, you need not wander for long. (By Jun Asis)

REFLECTION:
What questions do I have about my faith? Have I asked somebody dependable, trustworthy and knowledgeable?

Give me, Lord, the humility to admit that I do not hold all the answers to life’s questions and the courage to ask for help.

St. Rosalia, virgin, pray for us.

The One who Heals

THE ONE WHO CAN HEAL

At sunset, people suffering from many kinds of sickness were brought to Jesus. Laying his hands on each one, He healed them. – Luke 4:40

Arbularyo. Booze. Crime.Drugs. Sex. It’s baffling what people resort to or seek out to cure the different illnesses of their body, mind, heart and spirit. To whom do they turn to for cure of their sickness? What do they take to slip past depression and loneliness? What do they do to fight poverty and hunger? What do they do to escape their troubles? Most of the time, after a run of hits and misses, and hitting rock bottom, only then do they stumble at the hard truth.
What is the truth? That the Lord invites you to come to Him. He is waiting for you with open arms. He is the Divine Healer who will deliver you from your woes, lead you to peace, give you happiness and bring you salvation.
So what are you waiting for? Marie Franco

REFLECTION:
Do you have any illness that you can bring to the Lord? Do you believe that His hands will touch you and heal you?

My God, my Salvation, and my Deliverer!