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.

St. Pedro Calungsod - The 2nd Filipino Saint

Photo credit: www.wikipedia.com

As a Catholic, I rejoice in the canonization of St. Pedro Calungsod - the second Filipino Saint. The first was St. Lorenzo Ruiz who was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 18 October 1987, making this year his 25th anniversary as a saint.

St. Pedro Calungsod has joined the ranks of the martyr saints today, 21 October 2012. He has been canonized by Pope Benedict XVI in Rome in the presence of Cardinal Ricardo Vidal.

He was a martyr and suffered religious persecution at the hands of one of the tribes' man in Chamorro in Guam. Along with St. Vitores, another missionary in the village, stones were tied to their feet and they were thrown in the sea.

The  religious sufferings and martyrdom of St. Pedro Calungsod was considered by the Roman Catholic Church and approved his beatification in March 1997.

"St. Pedro Calungsod, intercede for us. Amen."

Book Review - Jesus, My Father, the CIA and Me by Ian Morgan Cron

The title of the book is very captivating. So, I ordered a paper-back copy of this wonderful book of and I am amazed by how beautiful and effortlessly funny the author delivered his story from the eyes of a young boy until his adult years. 

The author’s rendition of his life with an alcoholic father and the discoveries he had about him and his very own spirituality is very poignant. I was deeply moved by the drama of his life that I felt his sadness when he related his yearning for his father’s affection and approval. I felt his confusion about the emotional detachment he got from his own father and for a young boy. That was a breaking point in his growing years. I cried with him in all his miseries and emotional turmoil only to know that in the end, he never knew how his father felt about him. I was moved by how his relationship with Christ went to oblivion because of his own fears and hurts. And I am elated to know that in the end, his life came in full circle – filling the huge gap in his heart with the love of Christ.

Ian has captured my heart with his honest and vulnerable emotions coping with an alcoholic father and fighting his own destructive self. I like how he puts his feelings in every word written on this book to share to his readers. I definitely recommend this to everyone. It is a great enlightenment to one’s inner spirituality and beliefs.


Disclosure of Material Connection: 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 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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 

Beatification of Pope John Paul II

Photo credit: catholicism.about.com

Today, 1 May 2011, marks the beatification of Pope John Paul II or Karol Josef Wojtyla - his Polish name. The faithful erupted in tears of joy and cheers when the face of young Pope John Paul II was unveiled in St. Peter's Basilica for his beatification in Vatican City.

Pope Benedict XVI beatified Pope John Paul II in front of million of faithful gathered in Vatican today and the nearby areas and also from live stream across the globe.

He reigned as the Pope of the Catholic Church from October 16, 1978 until his death on April 2, 2005. 

Easter Greeting 2011

(Photo credit: 21cartoondrawings.com)

In the bonds of Death He lay

Who for our offence was slain;

But the Lord is risen to-day,

Christ hath brought us life again,

Wherefore let us all rejoice,

Singing loud, with cheerful voice,

Hallelujah!

~Martin Luther

Happy Easter everyone!

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."

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.

Ash Wednesday

Today is the first day of Lent. Many Christians observe this holy occasion as it marks the onset of Lenten season. Ash is applied on the forehead to signify repentance and to remind us that "For dust you are and to dust you shall return" (Genesis 3:19).

Catching Up

I am back but taking things easy and slowly this time as I have a lot of catching up to do. I didn't realize the amount of tags and awards I need to do and post; not to mention the other articles I have set aside to post eventually at a later date. They need updating of course.

How was everyone's Christmas? I hope it was spent meaningfully with the people who matters most. My family had a great time and I was glad I took the trip. I was adamant of going because of financial reasons. I felt it was too "inconsiderate" thinking how the world was suffering from economic crisis and there I was - traveling. Then again, I didn't travel for the sake of satisfying my travel bug sickness but I had to spend my Christmas with my mom and siblings and in-laws too.

Well, the New Year will be a different matter. I dare not talk about it ;) I just pray and hope that good things will come despite the rise of job cuts, the crazy increase in credit card interest rates (which reminds me that I need to discard mine before I fall into a bottomless pit!), the uncertainties looming around us. I always believe that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. The tunnel might be long and winding but it will reach its end. Let's just have faith and rely on our family and friends for support in this time of need.

I wish you all a very peaceful and prosperous 2009. Prosperity might not come in riches but the blessings that we still have food on our table, a roof over our heads, clothes to keep us warm and a job to sustain our living. Let's all believe. We will all pass this storm unscathed but with more steadfast faith in Him.

Happy New Year everyone.

I Love Rome - Part 1

Here are some photos taken in the holy and historical Vatican and St. Peter's Square.

Just a tip - wear a very, very comfortable shoes or sandals. When visiting the Holy place of Vatican, do not wear shorts and sleeveless or any revealing clothes. I have seen a lot of tourists wearing skimpy clothing (I wonder why they even have to wear anything at all...) and was not admitted inside. Like most religious places of interest, one has to respect and conform to their norms.