My Faith

I am not the most religious person in the planet. I admit that. I am baptized a Catholic but I don't practice my religion not because I don't want to. I just have my personal reasons. However, that does not mean I don't value my religion as much as my spiritual being.

My faith is one of the most important thing that I revere and is close to my heart. I do not declare in flamboyant ways my adoration and praises but I do it every day, every single hour, minute and second of each day. I speak to our Lord straight from my heart because it's the fastest way. I know, even before I say it, He knows already what I'm about to ask.

I believe that God teaches me a lesson in life that makes me pause, take 2 steps back and evaluate the things around me, my situation in life, the finances, the bad decisions, the severed ties with people and life in general. When moments like that reach to a tipping point where I cannot hold on, He is always there to catch me and give me strength.

Prayers can move mountains. And I believe that. I have seen His "miracles" happen in my life and when a prayer is not answered instantly, He does give me the reasons later on in the most subtlest of ways. It will hit me like a lightning and I will realize the reason why.

Faith does not bind you in whatever religion you are in. It is that unseen force in you that "believes" that no matter what, there is and always will be a Higher Being looking down at us. So, keep the faith my brethren.

When The Day Does Not Go Well - Pray!

I always find myself, well at least most of the time, I do wake up feeling and knowing that no matter how the day will go, I will choose to be happy. Unfortunately, my happy pill wore off today. Today is not one of them.

I wish I can share what's bothering me but I find it too personal to reveal in my blog. I guess I'll just fix it on my own. I always turn to God when I feel negative and today is quite difficult because I have to carry not just my cross but someone I love as well.

I just pray that I can get out of this victoriously as I have managed in the past because God has always guided me through my most trying times. Today is not an exemption. I just pray that tomorrow will be a  new day with new hopes and new chances.

Ask, Seek and Knock

The past few days and months have been very quiet in my blogging activity except for some giveaways here and there and the usual blog posts I do in a regular basis. However, the assignments that usually line up for few days in my list of things to do before are now becoming less frequent.

I read the verse in the bible that says "Luke 11:10 For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened." And so I did.

I asked God for more blogging opportunities to come. I sought for His grace and I searched for bloggers who are in need of ghost writers and then, I knocked on His door for blessings and graces. I only ask of these things because blogging is one way of keeping me grounded. Aside from the passion I have for writing and blasting away these thoughts, I get to earn from the thing that I love to do.

And so, Sunday rolled by with much blessings because God has opened the doors of opportunities for me. What used to trickle like a mist on a leaf has become a rain of blessings in the forest. For that, I am very grateful.

Thank you Lord. You really know what I need. I pray that this continues so I can help others as well.

Giving Thanks Today

Photo credit: yahoo.com

It's so nice to wake up in the morning feeling refreshed and relaxed after a long and taxing work week. And what's so great about this morning is that I thank God for another day, for the beautiful weather, for the family beside me, for a quirky little pooch sleeping on the foot of the bed, for the cozy bed, for the home, for the food on the table, for the warm clothing and there are just too many to be thankful for. 

I don't have to wait for Thanksgiving to appreciate everything around me for today is another day and I shall live it to the fullest!

Happy Friday everyone! Be thankful for your blessings!

Hearing Sense

I am very thankful for God's blessings because I almost got deaf. I had an accident 9 years ago back home. Actually, my daughter wanted to surprise me. She was only 5 years old then. She told me to lean to her and that she was going to give me a surprise. She even made me close my eyes. Of course, who would ever resist a child's very sweet and loving request?  I gladly obliged and next thing I new, I heard a very loud "toot" on my right ear. I remember crying in pain and actually heard continuous ringing in my ear after she blew a horn to my right ear. Then suddenly, all I was hearing was muffled and faint sounds. I knew she didn't mean to. Then I had fever the day after and my ears bled. I knew that wasn't good.

I had to see an ear specialist because I couldn't hear anything on the right side. I was constantly tripping and had difficulty listening especially in a crowd where people would talk all at the same time. At one point, I had considered the use of hearing aids. I remember going to work with an ear patch because of the topical medication and ear drop. It was a bit messy and unsightly but I could care less. Having my hearing again was my main concern so if I had to walk around with some cotton balls stuck in my right ear, I would do that.

The accident left my right ear drum slightly scarred and I had to go through years of treatment to improve the hearing. I was partially deaf for 3-4 years after my daughter blew a horn to my ear. I patiently went through the treatment and felt the improvement because I can hear again. It is not 100% perfect but I settle for the fact that my hearing is back, say 70%. That's not a bad percentage!

So now, I appreciate every senses the Lord has given me because I have felt how it is to be partially handicapped. It is not easy. I have great respect for those who don't make their handicap an excuse to do the things they set their hearts on.

Happy Thoughts and Positive Energy

I don't have a perfect life. It's far from rosy but that doesn't deter me from being happy and positive despite of the circumstances surrounding my family back home.

I remember the happy times when my dad was still alive. My family back home was the picture of happiness and contentment. However, when my dad passed away 6 years ago, everything he worked hard for went down the drain. Our business, the savings, the properties...  nothing is left except for the house my dad and mom built with their own hard labor. And that house is slowly rotting, the memories, the values, the hope.

I try to salvage what ever I can but I will let God's will be done. I will maintain happy thoughts and encourage positive energy to come but if the people I am helping doesn't want it, so be it. I cannot live the life they have chosen.

God is good and He never fails. If people don't see it that way then it's not my problem anymore. I will keep believing. I will keep praying and I will keep asking God for blessings because He knows I deserve it.

The Simplest Blessing

I sometimes forget how blessed I am when I feel the little nuisances of life. Complaining on the littlest discomfort is so easy because I tend to look about how I feel without considering the feelings of others.

Today is a good day to change my perspective about life's discomfort and put my place in the shoes of other people.  I just finished doing the laundry without a sweat because I used a fully automatic washing machine. So, I shouldn't be complaining, right? However, the next part was the one that I was trying to avoid given my right shoulder's painful condition and the extreme weather outside (46 degrees Celcius at 11:56 a.m.). I didn't have a choice because I wanted to maximize the hot weather so the clothes could dry fast. I opened the veranda door and the hot air filled the room instantly and I started sweating. It was like standing in front on an open oven door. That is how hot the weather is right now. And then I saw them - the workers. Right in front of our building is a steel fabricating company. I saw the workers in their dirty jumpsuit with towels on their heads working, hammering steels, driving forklifts and doing their day-to-day routine. And there I was, standing on the veranda with our living room airconditioning unit on, putting the clothes to dry in the line for only few minutes and complaining already about the hot and humid weather. My inconvenience and discomfort is so insignificant compared to their hard work and sacrifices to support themselves and their families. It is 46 degrees Celcius outside and they are working, I cannot compete with that.

I took my camera and instantly snapped them. It will always be a reminder for me to not complain and be thankful because I have it easy. This is a testament of how blessed I am and I don't have a reason to doubt it. Thank you Lord for allowing me to see this new perspective in life. And please Lord, bless those hard working labourers outside who have to endure the hot weather to earn an honest living. Bless them all and give them a break.

Thankful This Thanksgiving

Photo credit: www.squidoo.com/thanksgiving-cornucopia

There are so many things to be thankful for inspite of the tremendous challenges we are all facing in this bleak economic times. There are still great things which we can call as God's blessings that we should not take for granted.

As for me, I am grateful for the roof over my head, the food on my table, the clothing to make me warm, the love and support of my family and friends, the love and loyalty of my dearest pooch, the job that provides for the financial needs, and the challenges which make me a stronger and better person.

I am very thankful for the gift of life. Every waking day I have is a testament that God still believes in humanity and that we are still His sons and daughters making a big and hopefully, a positive change to the world we live in.

I am very grateful for all of these and I will continue to be thankful for all the littlest blessings because that means I am still alive to appreciate all of them.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone and be thankful.

Book Review: A Conversation with God

A Conversation with God

If You Could Ask God Any Question, What Would It Be?

by Alton Gansky

I received this complimentary book from Thomas Nelson publication, courtesy of Booksneeze.com. My head was brimming with questions and if I would find the answers in the book. I had to find that out.

This is a question and answer book about the many aspects of one's spirituality and God. It dabbles on God, the bible, the future, our pain and sufferings, Jesus, the Kingdom of God, heaven and hell, humanity, Christian living and the world as we know in the present times.

The questions asked in the book are quite common. I am sure that some of you may have questions which you never dare to ask your priest nor minister but if you get a hold of this book, you may just find the answers to your questions. I, at one point, have even encountered some of them but never quite knew the answers. So, this book presented me with possible answers which I thought I would never come to know. Sample of questions in the book which gave light to my curiosity are:

* God, who are You? What are You?
* Are we living in the end times now?
* Why are some people rich and others poor?
* God, do you truly care for everyone?
* Why does sin still plague us?

The "conversations" in the book is like having a nice chit-chat with God over a cup of coffee as "He" answers our questions in the context of the scripture. It is like when you pray in silence and you hear Him speak to you only this time, you read them.

The author, Mr. Alton Gansky, has succeeded on his undertaking to "not confine" this wonderful book for the enjoyment of theologians but even for the common Joe and Jane. Each chapters were designed to be short so readers can read as many or as few as he/she wants in single seating. Also, the author ensured that proper scriptural reference is noted at the back of the book to allow readers to check out the Bible verses on their own.

The book is printed in high-quality and glossy paper and has 304 pages in total. I consider this book as revealing and yet gives you something to reflect on regardless of your spiritual orientation. I really enjoyed reading this book.

The book can be read in any order unlike other typical books where you have to start from the cover up to the very end. I like it that the author presented the book in that manner so when you have a nagging curiosity to check out the other chapters of the book, you may do so without feeling the guilt of jumping conclusions because there are none. The only conclusion in this book is that when you "ask, it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you."

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com; book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 

Don't We all

I often get forwarded emails from family and friends on anything under the sun, including stories of inspirations and motivation.

I received this from a dear buddy in UK and I was compelled to share it to everyone. So, I am giving credit to the one who created this article. This is a beautiful one. I hope we all learn a thing or two from the story. Read on...

"I was parked in front of the mall wiping off my car. I had just come from the car wash and was waiting for my wife to get out of work. Coming my way from across the parking lot was what society would consider a bum.

From the looks of him, he had no car, no home, no clean clothes, and no money. There are times when you feel generous but there are other times that you just don't want to be bothered. This was one of those "don't want to be bothered times."

"I hope he doesn't ask me for any money," I thought.

He didn't.

He came and sat on the curb in front of the bus stop but he didn't look like he could have enough money to even ride the bus.

After a few minutes he spoke.

"That's a very pretty car," he said.

He was ragged but he had an air of dignity around him. His scrag gly blond beard keep more than his face warm.

I said, "thanks," and continued wiping off my car.

He sat there quietly as I worked. The expected plea for money never came. As the silence between us widened something inside said, "ask him if he needs any help." I was sure that he would say "yes" but I held true to the inner voice.

"Do you need any help?" I asked.

He answered in three simple but profound words that I shall never forget. We often look for wisdom in great men and women. We expect it from those of higher learning and accomplishments.

I expected nothing but an outstretched grimy hand. He spoke the three words that shook me.

"Don't we all?" he said.

I was feeling high and mighty, successful and important, above a bum in the street, until those three words hit me like a twelve gauge shotgun.

Don't we all?

I needed help. Maybe not for bus fare or a place to sleep, but I needed help. I reached in my wallet a nd gave him not only enough for bus fare, but enough to get a warm meal and shelter for the day. Those three little words still ring true. No matter how much you have, no matter how much you have accomplished, you need help too. No matter how little you have, no matter how loaded you are with problems, even without money or a place to sleep, you can give help.

Even if it's just a compliment, you can give that. You never know when you may see someone that appears to have it all. They are waiting on you to give them what they don't have. A different perspective on life, a glimpse at something beautiful, a respite from daily chaos, that only you through a torn world can see. Maybe the man was just a homeless stranger wandering the streets. Maybe he was more than that.

Maybe he was sent by a power that is great and wise, to minister to a soul too comfortable in themselves.

Maybe God looked down, called an Angel, dressed him like a bum, then said, "go minister to that man cleaning the car, that man needs help."

Don't we all?"

-------------------------- oOo----------------------------

I think we all need to be reminded that no matter where we are in society's status, we still need to keep our feet grounded. We all have our own struggles in life and each of us need help in any manner too.

God Bless everyone and remember to be kind.

Signs or Coincidence?

I received this from a forwarded email from a friend. I was a little adamant to share this but it sparked an interest I thought was best shared.

What ever is happening around is frightening. I am not ashamed to admit my fear and anxiety over the issues involving the only place we humans live in - Earth. It is not a joke to read news about civil unrest, political warfare, natural calamities left and right and the rise of bad over good. Everything is just not right.

I hope this information can bring senses to humanity. There is a greater force beyond mankind.

Read on...

A 6.3 magnitude earthquake hit New Zealand, the death toll stands at 100 and rising.

We're only into month 3 of 2011 but here are some major natural disasters that have taken place so far this year.

1. Earthquake magnitude 6.4 Argentina

2. Earthquake magnitude 5.2 Southern XinJiang, China

3. Earthquake 7.1 magnitude Chile

4. Land slides in Brazil

5. Flooding and Hurricanes in Australia.

There are countless more I can mention.

Is this a coincidence????? Is it just global warming????

Matt 24: "There will be famines and earthquakes in various places"

We've also seen 5 major revoltstake place across the Arabian/ Middle East Nations (Tunisia, Yemen, Egypt, Bahrain, Libya). The Arab nations are undergoing a natural and Spiritual Shifting!!!! What's happening is Bible Prophesy coming to pass? Or is it a coincidence?

I'm saying all of this to say that all of these events have been foretold!!! Christ warned us. He told us the signs to look out for, that we see these things coming to pass, know that He's coming soon. To everyone who is sleeping! I'm here to tell you that the count down is nearing its final phase! Wake up while there is still time. Not necessarily sleeping in literal sense but dulling and dumping the work of the master - which is living a Holy and Exemplary life. Don't forget He will come like a thief in the night. Unexpectedly...

------ oOo ---------- end of message ----------- oOo ---------

Frightening, right? Sometimes, I wonder what the world has become? Was it because of the advancement of technology? Too many options in life to choose? Bad media? Or the unseen enemy?

We have a choice. We can decide which one to follow, the straight path or the crooked one. The choice is yours. All I can say is, God will never forsake us.

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."

Imminent Danger

Japan is still experiencing after shocks as we speak. The grim reality of facing the catastrophic effect of the recent off-shore quake and tsunami is overwhelming. The threat of a nuclear meltdown is also looming around the Japanese government and the world as a whole.

I am still following the development of the recent natural disasters which hit Japan last week. Bodies are now floating in the coastal areas and the hope of containing the scary nuclear meltdown is becoming dim.

I feel sad and scared. Much as we all want to do our share to help; these events are just beyond our capacity as humans. These things will remind us that there is certainly a higher power greater than mankind.

I pray all these imminent danger come to pass. We need to pray for Japan to have the strength to rebuild its nation. We cannot let the possible meltdown ruin the environment and the rest of the world. I believe that a prayer when said in unison becomes a prayer brigade. Let's do our part in any way we can.

Another Birthday, Another Year

Photo credit: www.jeremyperson.com

Yup, the age of 39 just rolled in. While I was just getting used to the fact of writing 38 on forms that I fill up, here comes 39. It is back to square one for me.

I am not celebrating my birthday this year with a shindig or anything. Maybe just a snack with my colleagues and a dinner at home with my love ones. You see, I am not the party goer anyway. I even hate my own birthday parties so it's just okay to "not" celebrate it. However, I do celebrate "life" - life that God has given me once again for my birthday. That means, I have another year of promises to make and keep (hopefully not to break), dreams to aspire, time to spend with the people who matter the most to me, activities to engage in, people to help, causes to support and another life to live as God has intended it to be. I am thankful for the added year despite my denial of old age slowly creeping in. It is inevitable and I am happy to be alive.

Happy birthday to me! 

Thank you God for giving me another chance in life.

Blasphemous Remarks

"Is this the way you repay the LORD, O foolish and unwise people? Is he not your Father, your Creator, who made you and formed you? - Deuteronomy 32:6"

I am really bothered why people who don't believe in a Higher power would leave irreverent comments in some websites about "our God" in the wake of the numerous news about the natural tragedy which struck Japan yesterday.

I will not dignify those people's comments anymore by posting them here but to say bad things about "our God" is totally blasphemous. If you don't believe in God then that's your prerogative. When people say they offer their prayers and pray to God for redemption, let them! BUT don't let us Catholics and Christians keep our faith to ourselves!

Chilean Miners Out

It is so nice to hear and read news of happy endings. I followed the events as it unfold on the Chilean miners - all 33 of them getting trapped in the mine.

I am so glad that the Chilean government did not lose hope and continued to pursue their plan to release the trapped miners at all cost. I salute their spirit and "faith" in believing that the rescue will be a success and it will happen.

You see, God's wonder really works in mysterious ways. Most of the miners continued to pray and so are the people outside for their safety and inevitable return to normal life.

I feel a warm feeling inside knowing that the indomitable spirit of men can really move mountains. Thank you God for saving all those 33 miners and for using other people to be your instrument.

Mid-Life Crisis and Me

I don't know why but I have this weird feeling down my gut (nope, not abdominal gas or tummy ache nor diarrhoea) that I am experiencing mid-life crisis.

I have heard this cliche and have witnessed people close to me go through this crisis. My mom, for one, went through it. So, it leaves me wondering, what is mid-life crisis anyway?

Mid-life crisis is like an emotional transition experienced by people from 40 and 60. It is that phase where people begin to take stock of their lives and question their worth and purpose. It is that time of their lives where they make adjustments to get certain fulfillment in life and purpose.

Carl Jung, the psychologist who identified this phase said that it is a normal event in a person's maturing process.

This mid-life crisis is very awkward for me. Not that I am acknowledging its presence in my life at the moment, I cannot deny the fact that I am becoming a textbook example of a person going through it. It is not easy. I have so many questions I never thought I would ask myself while I was younger. I am only few years shy of turning 40 but these thoughts in my head about what I want and where I want to be in the future are mind boggling. I still do not have the answers and do not know when and where I will find them. All I know is that, I have this doubt, fear and certain battle within me to find the real essence of my life. It is so profound and I know it also involves my spirituality.

I hope to get over this phase, if ever I am really experiencing it or my hormones are just playing tricks on me. Whatever the case may be, I shall draw my strength from my God. I know this will pass and I hope I get through this with stronger faith and belief that my Lord will see me through.

My Spiritual Wealth

I have always believed that no material possessions I have here on earth can ever save me. I try my level best to live by that rule. I am not a goody-goody Miss Two Shoes kind of person but I try so hard not to cause any harm to others nor bad-mouth someone nor think ill thoughts. I just want to do and say the right things as far as my faith and belief are concerned. I would like to face my God during the last days of my life with a clean heart and conscience.

The tenets of my spiritual wealth includes prayers and doing good deeds to others. These are the kind of wealth which cannot be measured in terms of monetary value. It is not a simple task because I face different people with varying personalities and beliefs as mine. Most often, other's ways and habits contradict my views but I practice tolerance and respect as long as they do not question my faith. Sometimes, these people will test your patience but I just accept them as they are and pray that we gracefully accept whatever differences we have.

The worldly possessions I have here are just physical manifestations of the great blessings I receive. As my act of gratitude, I believe in the word of God and the Bible Prophecy. I digest His words like my daily bread and spread the word thru good deeds. I would like my Lord to be proud of me and when End Times come, I am ready to walk in His kingdom with all my spiritual wealth.

The Year That Was and The Year That Will Be

I welcomed 2009 with big, open arms but was disappointed as the year wore off. I am not saying that my 2009 started on a wrong footing. As a matter of fact, the beginning of 2009 was promising for us. We spent the holidays with our love ones back in the Philippines. We applied for our USA visa for the first time and got approved. My brother's employer gave him a chance to work full time in their company. And I established good blogging relationships with new bloggers who later on became my online-sisters cum buddies.

2009 didn't really start to disappoint me until the recession took a nose dive sometime mid of the year. Our company did not give us increment in lieu of our job securities. We did not get our bonus for the exemplary performance we gave for the previous year. However, despite the lack of monetary award, we have our jobs. That is a blessing in itself.

A lot of misfortune happened this year. Many calamities hit my motherland. A lot of people perished. And now, Mount Mayon is showing its natural force! Are there more to come before the year ends?

My heart ached for this year's misfortunes and misgivings of people I trust and close to my heart. I feel bereft of anything except for the flicker of hope that is 2010. The recession is still on. But I hope that tiny shimmer of hope does not wane as I enter the new year ahead.

I am praying for everybody and not just for myself and my family. I am praying that the coming year will bring us good tidings and peace. Please join me in this solemn prayer I wrote:

Dear God,

We thank you for the year that was and the year that will be. We know the trials before us are something to prepare us to strengthen our faith.

We pray that You will guide us through 2010 with big hopes and belief that all these will come to an end. Help us detach ourselves from earthly possessions which hinder us from accepting all the harsh realities. Let us grow in our faith and hope with your loving grace.

We know it will be tough but with You on our side, we will get through this. We will believe that there is hope in everything as long as we pray with sincerity.

Thank you dear God for the lessons we learned this year and prepare us to learn more with a better discernment and bigger faith as 2010 approaches.

We believe. Amen.

Rest in Peace little Angel

Not so far from where my cousins lived, a young girl named Sandra Cantu (she's only 8...) had gone missing and was later found dead inside a luggage dumped in the pond few miles from where she lived in Tracy, CA.

I cannot believe how another human being can inflict pain and harm to an innocent child let alone, another life form. Monsters abound our world and let's all pray that abominations like that will stop.

My family and I offer our deepest sympathies to the families of Sandra. To little, sweet Sandra, you are now in the arms of our loving God. Spread your wings and fly towards the Kingdom of peace.

My New Year's Prayer for 2009

Dear Lord,

As we come to the end of a tumultuous year of 2008, give us a shining ray of hope to welcome 2009 with faith and belief that all of the crisis the world is facing right now will come to an end.

I pray for peace amongst my brethren. I pray for prosperity for everyone. I pray that You will continue to bless us with your grace and love. Keep all of us safe from harm. Provide us the needs that You deem is enough for us. I pray for the protection of the innocent children all over the world. I pray for the healing of Mother nature. I pray for happiness of those who have already lost so much and hope for the hopeless. I pray for the indigent people. I pray for our religious and political leaders that they will be guided according to Your will. I pray for the homeless to have shelters. I pray for the rich that they may share their riches to those who are in need. I pray for the lost souls that they may find their way. Give us the strength to battle each obstacle that will come our way. Make us steadfast in our faith in Your most omnipotent power.

I believe in You Lord because You know what is best for us. I will leave all my worries with the passing of the old year and welcome 2009 with bright promises.

Thank you Lord for the year that was and for the year that will be.

Love,
Ria