Everyone's Blog Posts - Diocese of San Pablo

In search of Maharlika delos Angeles

2009-09-20T08:59:04.000Z

I am looking for my intermediate school classmate Maharlika delos Angeles. I had an unconfirmed feedback from some other classmates that Maharlika is now a parish priest somewhere in Laguna. In my search, I found under the UCAN Diocesan Profile Series webpost a Chancellor who is named Chancellor Rex MP de los Angeles. Could these two names be the same person?

Our accelerated batch class 1978 is trying to complete the circle in order to have the possibility of coming together. So far, there are 5 active members hooked-up through either Friendster or Facebook. Our hope and prayer is to be able to complete the class by next year 2010.

Pinoy and Pinay

2009-07-27T08:04:13.000Z

Meron akong gustong ibahagi para sa ating lahat na mga PILIPINO. Simple pero parang mahirap gawin ng karamihan sa atin. Hindi ito makukuha sa puro daldalan lang or walang kabuluhang pagtatalo, kumilos
tayo ngayon na.

Sa ibang bansa: Pag nagkasala ang Pinoy, pinarusahan siya ayon sa batas.

Sa PINAS: Pag nagkasala ang ang Pinoy, ayaw niyang maparusahan kasi sabi niya mali raw ang batas.

Sa ibang bansa: Pinag-aaralan muna ng Pinoy ang mga batas bago siya pumunta roon, kasi takot siyang magkamali.

Sa PINAS: Pag nagkamali ang Pinoy, sorry kasi hindi raw niya alam na labag sa batas iyon.

Sa ibang bansa: Kahit gaano kataas ang bilihin at tax sa USA okey ang, katuwiran natin doble kayod na lang.

Sa PINAS: mahilig ka sa last day para magbayad ng tax minsan dinadaya mo pa o kaya hindi ka nagbabayad. Rally ka kaagad kapag tumaas ang pasahe at bilihin sa halip na magsipag mas gusto natin ang nagkukwentuhan lang sa munisipyo o kahit sa alinmang tanggapan.

Sa Singapore : Kapag nahuli kang nagkalat or nagtapon ng basura sa hindi tamang lugar, magbabayad ka na 500 Singapore dollars. Sabi ng Pinoy, okey lang kasi lumabag ako sa batas.

Sa Pinas: Kapag nagkamali ang Pinoy katulad nang ganito, Sabi ng Pinoy, ang lupit naman ni Bayani Fernando , mali naman ang pinaiiral niyang batas eh akala mo kung sino. Ayun nag-rally na ang Pinoy, gustong patalsikin si Bayani Fernando kahit na alam niyang mali siya.

Mga igan, ilan pa lang iyan baka may iba pa kayong alam.

Bakit ang PINOY, pwedeng maging 'law abiding citizen sa ibang bansa ng walang angal' pero sa sarili nating bayang PILIPINAS na sinasabi ninyong mahal natin, eh hindi natin magawa, BAKIIITTTTT? ????????

ETO PA, 'Ang Pilipino NOON at NGAYON':
NOON: Wow ang sarap ng kamote (kahit nakaka-utot)
NGAYON: Ayaw ko ng kamote gusto ko French Fries (imported eh)
NOON: Wow ang sarap ng kapeng barako
NGAYON: Ayaw ko niyan gusto kong kape sa STARBUCKS (imported coffee
100 pesos per cup)
NOON: Bili ka ng tela para magpatahi ng pantalon like maong
NGAYON: Gusto ko LEVI'S, WRANGLER, LEE (tapos rally tayo 'GMA tuta ng
KANO ') Di ba tuta ka rin naman.
NOON: Sabon na Perla OK ng pampaligo
NGAYON: Gusto mo DOVE, HENO DE PRAVIA, IVORY, etc. may matching shampoo pa
NOON: Pag naglaba ka batya at palopalo ok na, minsan banlaw lang sa
batis pwede na
NGAYON: Naka-washing machine ka na plus ARIEL powder soap with matching DOWNY pa para mabango. Alam ko mas marami pa ang alam ninyo tungkol dito, pero mangilan-ngilan lang iyan para bigyan ng pansin.

Mga Pilipino nga ba tayo? O baka sa salita lang at E-Mail pero wala naman sa gawa.

My Fellow Filipinos,

When I was small, the Philippine peso was P7 to the $dollar. The president was Diosdado Macapagal. Life was simple. Life was easy. My father was a farmer. My mother kept a small sari-sari store where our neighbors bought sang-perang asin, sang-perang bagoong, sang-perang suka, sang-perang toyo at pahinging isang butil na bawang. Our
backyard had kamatis, kalabasa, talong, ampalaya, upo, batao, and okra. Our silong had chicken¡ We had a pig, dog & cat. And of course, we lived on the farm. During rainy season, my father caught frogs at night which my mother made into batute (stuffed frog), or just plain fried. During the day, he caught hito and dalag from his rice paddies,
which he would usually inihaw. During dry season, we relied on the chickens, vegetables, bangus, tuyo, and tinapa. Every now and then, there was pork and beef from the town market. Life was so peaceful, so quiet, no electricity, no TV. Just the radio for Tia Dely, Roman Rapido, Tawag ng Tanghalan and Tang-tarang-tang-tang. . And who can forget Leila Benitez on Darigold Jamboree? On weekends, I played with my neighbours (who were all my cousins).
Tumbang-preso, taguan, piko, luksong lubid, patintero, at iba pa. I don't know about you, but I miss those days.

These days, we face the TV, Internet, e-mail, newspaper, magazine, grocery catalog, or drive around. The peso is a staggering and incredible P47 to the $dollar. Most people can't have fun anymore. Life has become a battle. We live to work. Work to live. Life is not easy. I was in Saudi Arabia in 1983.. It was lonely, difficult, & scary. It didn't matter if you were a man or a woman. You were a target for rape. The salary was cheap & the vacation far between. If
the boss didn't want you to go on holiday, you didn't. They had your passport. Oh, and the agency charged you almost 4 months of your salary (which, if you had to borrow on a '20% per month arrangement' meant your first year's pay was all gone before you even earned it). The Philippines used to be one of the most important countries in
Asia. Before & during my college days, many students from neighboring Asian countries like Malaysia , Indonesia , Japan and China went to the Philippines to get their diplomas. Until 1972, like President Macapagal, President Marcos was one of the most admired presidents of the world. The Peso had kept its value of P7 to the $dollar until I
finished college.

Today, the Philippines is famous as the 'housemaid' capital of the world.. It ranks very high as the 'cheapest labor' capital of the world, too. We have maids in Hong Kong, laborers in Saudi Arabia, dancers in Japan , migrants and TNTs in Australia and the US , and all sorts of other 'tricky' jobs in other parts of the globe. Quo Vadis, Pinoy? Is that a wonder or a worry? Are you proud to be a Filipino, or does it even matter anymore? When you see the Filipino
flag and hear the Pambansang Awit, do you feel a sense of pride or a sense of defeat & uncertainty? If only things could change for the better...... . Hang on for this is a job for Superman. Or whom do you call? Ghostbusters. Joke. Right?

This is one of our problems.
We say 'I love the Philippines ¡ I am proud to be a Filipino.'

When I send you a joke, you send it to everyone in your address book even if it kills the Internet. But when I send you a note on how to save our country & ask you to forward it, what do you do?

You chuck it in the bin.

I want to help the maids in Hong Kong ... I want to help the laborers in Saudi Arabia ... I want to help the dancers in Japan ... I want to help the TNTs in America and Australia ...

I want to save the people of the Philippines .... But I cannot do it alone. I need your help and everyone else's.

So please forward this e-mail to your friends. If you say you love the Philippines , prove it. And if you don't agree with me, say something anyway. Indifference is a crime on its own.

Juan Delacruz

Amazing true story

2009-07-27T07:50:37.000Z

Healing at 35,000 Feet . . .

I'm Jim Rogers, Associate Pastor at Bridge Way Church , Denver , USA . Our church has a passion to see the Kingdom
of God ministered by everyday saints to our city and the nations. We are part of the relational affiliation of
churches called Global Legacy.

In January 2008, I was flying home from Europe after ministering in Africa at Leaders' Conferences for the
release of Kingdom healing and the Father's love. Little did I know that God was wanting to show me that the power of
the Kingdom was coming home to the US in new ways and that he intended to heal many on the airplane.

We were about an hour into the air when the stewardesses gave us drinks. I was drinking Diet Coke and wearing a white shirt when accidentally the stewardess bumped my arm and pop went everywhere. My shirt was stained and I felt some frustration. But I immediately felt the presence of God come on me and I knew I was not to get angry. The stewardess helped as best she could clean up the mess. She was very surprised I didn't lose it. I realize now that the enemy was trying to stop what God had in mind.

I looked across the aisle and saw a lady squirming in her seat. I wondered what her problem was. The Lord told me she
had hurt her back two weeks earlier and He wanted me to pray for her. I was tired and just wanted to read my book and watch a movie, so I initially told the Lord "No." Isn't it funny ~ God often wants to use us when we least feel like it? But, God wouldn't let me go. After quite a few exchanges with the Lord I finally said, "OK fine, Lord, I will pray for her." I leaned across the aisle and asked the lady if she had hurt her back two weeks earlier. That got her attention and she asked how I knew that. I explained that the Lord had told me, and I also told her about my recent travels in Africa . Then I asked if I could pray for her. She said, "Yes." Then I asked if I could lay my hand on her shoulder; she looked at me and said, "Oh, you mean now?" I told her I didn't believe God wanted her in pain for the next 8 hours. As I
prayed for her, the Holy Spirit fell on her and she fell out of her seat and landed on the floor of the aisle. The stewardess came around the corner; greatly concerned and asked if we needed a doctor. I was trying to explain what had happened, that God was ministering to her, and that the lady was fine.

As we talked, the lady came out of the Spirit. The stewardess asked if she was ok. The lady said, "Yes I'm fine and, hey, my back doesn't hurt." I started to explain about the lady's back when she cut me off. She told the stewardess all about how she hurt her back on ice two weeks earlier and that this pastor prayed for her and she was totally healed. Caught off guard and aware God was present, the stewardess said she had hurt her knee 4 weeks ago and was in constant pain. She asked if I would pray for her. I said yes. Then she got a real serious look and asked if she would fall down. I said I didn't know. I prayed for her also and God healed her knee on the spot.

As I got up to go back to my seat, there were three people lined up in the aisle asking for prayer. Apparently others
had noticed what was going on! I felt the Lord urging me to continue. As I started to pray for the first lady, I suddenly heard over the intercom the stewardess that I had prayed for saying that there was a pastor onboard who had been in Africa praying for healing, and that when he prayed for her and the woman with the bad back both had been healed. She said: "If anyone needs healing they should come to the galley between coach and

first class and he would pray for them." I thought to myself, here we go”! Then a large gentle-man came up to me. He was from England . He asked if he could catch for me. I thought, Thank You Lord, at least there is someone else here who knows what is going on. For the next

two hours we had a healing service. At one point the catcher came to me and said, "You need to slow down, I am running out of places to put people." I looked in the galley and saw people lying everywhere.

We had 5 salvations during our time, including one young man from Saudi Arabia . He was coming to the US for surgery on his torn rotator cuff. He also had other damage to his shoulder. God healed him and I told him it was Jesus who had touched him. He said, "I know Jesus." I said to him, "Yes, you know who He is, but you need to know Him
as the Saviour." As we talked he accepted the Lord. One of his traveling companions was a lady who came to me and
said she was a Christian and would see that he got into a church. The people who didn't come forward for prayer
were wide-eyed and looking over their seats throughout the cabin to see what was going on. When all was finished, I sat down and I picked up my book and laughed to myself. The book was ‘Face to Face with God,’ by Bill Johnson. I thought to myself, God certainly does have a sense of humour for this indeed was a Bill Johnson moment ~ everyday saints doing the stuff!!

Praise God for His wonderful love and desire to use any one of us in His service! Feel free to share this testimony if
you feel it would be an encouragement to others.

Jim Rogers
Associate Pastor
BridgeWay Church Denver, CO

YOU’VE GOT A FRIEND “And if I should ever go away, well then close your eyes and try to feel the wa…

2009-07-27T07:41:57.000Z

YOU’VE GOT A FRIEND

“And if I should ever go away, well then close your eyes and try to feel the way we do today. And then if you can remember: Keep smiling, keep shining knowing you can always count on me, for sure. That’s what friends are for. For good times and bad times, I’ll be on your side forever more. That’s what friends are for.”

Well, if the words are very familiar to you, it’s because they were quoted from a Burt Bacharach song, which was made famous by Dionne Warwick (although Rod Steward also sang the same song as theme song of a movie).

American author and speaker Steve Stephens listed five reasons why we need friends. For one, friends provide perspective. “No matter how capable you are, there will be days you feel lost, when you need some clear direction, some fresh ideas, or just a different perspective,” he explains.

For another, friends provide company. “Good friends provide a distraction from the pressures of your day, comfort from the hurts of life, and escape from loneliness,” Stephens writes. “Sometimes friends laugh with you and sometimes they cry with you, but most important, friends are always willing to be with you when you need them.”

The third reason: friends provide a place to vent. “Some days you can handle the difficulties that press you down; other days you just have to let it all out,” he points out. “A friend is willing to listen when you just feel like complaining about the injustices and annoyances that fill this world.”

Friends also provide accountability. To be accountable, Stephens says, “is to consent to being watched and questioned. Allowing yourself to be transparent and vulnerable is a wonderful protection against temptation and naiveté. You let them catch you when you fall and lift you back to the place where you know you should be.”

Lastly, friends provide encouragement. Stephens states, “Sometimes it’s easy to lose hope. The frustrations of the past haunt you, the stress of the present overwhelms you, and the prospect of the future discourages you. When you are overwhelmed, you need at least one cheerleader.” And that cheerleader is your friend.

“Friendship improves happiness, and abates misery, by doubling our joy, and dividing our grief,” said Joseph Addison. Pam Brown adds, “In loneliness, in sickness, in confusion – the mere knowledge of friendship makes it possible to endure, even if the friend is powerless to help. It is enough that they exist. Friendship is not diminished by distance or time, by imprisonment or war, by suffering or silence. It is in these things that it roots most deeply. It is from these things that it flowers.”

Tim McGraw sums up the value of friends in these words: “If all my friends were to jump off a bridge, I wouldn't jump with them; I’d be at the bottom to catch them. Everyone hears what you say. Friends listen to what you say. Best friends listen to what you don’t say. We all take different paths in life, but no matter where we go, we take a little of each other everywhere.”

“If two friends ask you to judge a dispute, don’t accept, because you will lose one friend; on the other hand, if two strangers come with the same request, accept because you will gain one friend,” advised Saint Augustine, Roman religious figure and philosopher.

But some friendship never last forever. There are instances where friends become enemies. But there are also those that mend their differences and become friends again. “When we develop friendships, we intend for them to last. But since two fallen human beings are involved, occasional hurt feelings and unmet expectations are likely. If one or both people simply ignore the offense, the relationship can be damaged,” explains Dr. Charles Stanley in his In Touch Daily Devotional.

But friendship can be restored and saved. “Repairing a troubled friendship requires humility to admit our faults, effort to fix the problem, and time,” he writes. “But the reward is a renewed connection with a valued companion. The process of saving a friendship begins when you acknowledge that damage exists. This takes place the moment you say, ‘I feel something isn't right in our relationship. I’d like for us to find and fix the problem.’”

Dr. Stanley said that the two individuals must work together in order for them to save their friendship. For one, both should assess how the trouble started. Perhaps it resulted from a misunderstanding, an unresolved conflict, or one person being so busy.

“After recognizing the problem, apologize for your part in it,” Dr. Stanley advised. “Taking responsibility and saying ‘I’m sorry’ shows your love and commitment to the friendship. Remember that an essential aspect of apologizing is refusing to justify wrong actions or blame others.”

But apology is not enough; it must be followed up with amends. Here’s what to do: “Ask your friend what specific action you both can take to rebuild the relationship. Then, commit to follow his or her suggestion while occasionally asking, ‘How am I doing?’”

Dr. Stanley concludes, “Rather than waiting until their relationship is in trouble, wise friends will go through these steps as soon as they're aware of having hurt a loved one. Preventative care can soothe minor scrapes before they become serious wounds.”

To end this piece, allow me to quote some lines from the song popularized by James Taylor way back in the 197s0s: “When you’re down and troubled and you need a helping hand. And nothing, nothing is going right. Close your eyes and think of me. And soon I will be there to brighten up even your darkest nights. You just call out my name. And you know wherever I am, I’ll come running to see you again. Winter, spring, summer, or fall, all you have to do is call. And I’ll be there, yeah, yeah, yeah, you’ve got a friend.”

A letter from Indonesia

2009-07-27T07:29:37.000Z

God bless,

My name is Tjong Khim Long/ Tjuk Lin Tse -- alias Yusuf.? Tjuk Lin Tse is the name I use in my profession. I was born in North Kalimantan but have settled down in Jakarta for 21 years as a Chinese physician. I am also a member of the Indonesian Chinese Physicians' Association. Besides being a Chinese physician, I am also a fortune teller, I started my practice at a fee of Rp. 500 for each patient. The last fee before my repentance in 1988 was Rp. 150,000 per patient for half an hour's consultation. I had so many patients that they have to wait for their turn for 2 to 3 months, and sometimes even up to 4 months to have their fortune told.

1. Method of Fortune
After a patient has registered and the turn came for his fortune to be told, he will come into the room. The moment he walked in, I knew the problem he faced that caused him to look for me - whether it was about work, family or others. I also knew what sickness he was suffering from and if he needed medical surgery and how many times he had undergone surgery. What's more, I knew everything about his children, whether they are widows or widowers, etc. That was not my power. I learned the method of fortune telling from the knowledge descended from my ancestors. I did not learn it from books. Since I was young I was trained by praying, fasting and reciting charms.

When a patient approaches me to have his fortune told, it was the spirit that is in him that told the spirit that was with me. Even my student who has not passed could be accompanied by a spirit that would tell him everything. Because it was the spirit in the patient that told the spirit that was with me, which enabled me to read my patient's mind, that was why I was confident that I could tell fortunes accurately. So then how did a person from such a background as me believe in Jesus when I totally could not believe in Jesus?

At that time, Jesus, to me, was not of the same race as me, so how could He bring me to heaven? It was even impossible for me to dream about it. To me, the Bible was written by men, it is not something that dropped down from the sky. But now I believe in Jesus, maybe more than some Christians do. I did not become a Christian through a Christian? Even if there was someone who handed me 100 million Rupiah to become a Christian, I would not want to be a Christian, I would reject that offer. I became a believer through a long process from God Himself.

2. How did I believe in Jesus?
1st February 1988 was the when I started to believe in Jesus. Every human being possesses love and it was through love that I got to know Jesus. The love that I am relating is the love between husband and wife. On 23 March 1987, my wife passed away due to an illness that caused her to lose her appetite for food. Although I was a physician, I had never given her any prescriptions.

Instead I brought her to other famous physicians for prescriptions. There was a room in my house which was like a temple. For 21 years, the idols that I worshipped could move and during the course of my wife's illness, I worshipped those idols. But there were no results. All my other efforts to cure my wife did not have any results too?
At last my wife was sent to the hospital, but the doctor could not figure out what my wife was suffering from? The general check-up showed that my wife was healthy, there was no illness? At that time my wife could only eat 2 spoonfuls of food. She would throw up if given another spoonful. After facing a dead end, my wife told me that she decided to receive Jesus Christ and believe in Him. Although I did not believe in Jesus at all, I permitted my wife to go ahead because of my love for her. When my wife believed in Jesus, she was prayed upon by my son and daughter who at that time already were believers of Jesus.

After being prayed upon, my wife slept soundly that night. When she woke up the next day, she looked so radiant and since then she could sleep peacefully every night. What happened in return made me unable to sleep. How did that happen?

Imagine, my wife had believed in Jesus, but my house was still full of idols. According to my prediction, my wife would return home from the hospital in 8 to 10 days and the situation at home would undoubtedly be a problem for her. As Christ's believer my wife would say "Halleluiah and Praise God", while I still had to say words of my idol worship. This difference would undoubtedly result in an uncomfortable atmosphere.

3. Idols in my house destroyed
Immediately I gathered my students for a meeting, but they could not come up with a suggestion for a way out. Due to the love for my wife, I destroyed every kind of idols in my house, including the one from Ming Dynasty that could move.

The doctor found out that my wife was suffering from cancer of the intestines 6 hours before the passing away of my wife. We thought that it was only hemorrhoids. When my wife passed away, I was still an unbeliever. Since my wife already received Christ, her funeral service was carried out in a Christian manner.

There was a service in my house every night and I had to pray after them in the name of Jesus. I also heard about Jesus and how He gives life and heaven to those who believes in Him. I wanted to know where my wife was; in heaven or in hell. According to the Christians and pastors, my wife is in Heaven, but how could they proof that to me? No one has ever been to heaven and returned to tell me that my wife is in heaven.

4. Attending the church seminar in South Korea
In August 1987, there was a church seminar for Asians. My family of 7 registered for the seminar. I attended the events but not the services. Many churches in Asia sent their representatives there. I went there just to learn about Jesus.

I have 4 children, 1 son and 3 daughters. My eldest daughter was totally deaf. She could not hear at all, not even the sound of burning firecrackers. I brought her along to Korea anyway. We went to the Mount of Prayer, where people go there in throngs. At that time, a total of 163 Indonesian went there, including my family. There were caves in which we could pray. I was interested to know about those caves. I queued up but my turn never came. I met a church elder from Taiwan . I saw him pray in the name of Jesus for healing without any charms or medicines. There was a person whose arms were not of the same length, after being prayed for in the name of Jesus, his shorter arm grew outward and became the same length with the other!

I was also an ex-acrobat and magician, but what I saw was not magic. Then I asked that church elder to heal my eldest daughter. He told me that he has no power to heal, but he only relies on the power of Jesus. I was given the opportunity to witness God's power. The church elder placed his two fingers in my eldest daughter's ears and prayed. He said that in the name of Jesus this child must be able to hear and say 'Amen'. After he finished praying, he snapped his fingers behind my eldest daughter, she could now hear.

That incident really touched my heart because for 31 years my eldest daughter could not hear a single sound. Now she could hear just through a prayer. That church elder taught my daughter to say "Halleluiah" and she was able to follow after him although not fully accurate. At that moment I felt like country fellow who for the first time came to the city. I felt the magnificence of God.

5. I began to feel the awesome power of God
On the way back to Indonesia , we stopped by Taiwan and Hong Kong . Usually each time I was in Singapore or Taiwan , I did not have the chance to go anywhere since many people would come to me to have their fortune told. But no one knew about my stop over in Taiwan then, so I had the chance to go to a place of recreation called Wu Lay.

When I came back from Wu Lay, my foot began to swell to a size bigger than my shoes could fit. But due to my scheduled flight, I had to fly to Hong Kong with my foot which condition was getting even worse. I thought that if it worsened even more, I would have to carry my shoes to Indonesia . So I asked my daughters to pray for me. After they prayed in the name of Jesus, I did not see any results. They prayed a second time, still there was no change. So I left it at that and went to sleep? The next day when I woke up, my foot was healed!
Filled with joy, I went back to Indonesia with my shoes on. At that time, I still did not want to believe in God, and I continued my profession as a fortune teller. At that time, I was also suffering from diabetes and chronic high blood pressure. In that situation, I wanted to know how great God's power is. I did not take any medicines, instead I asked my children to pray for me. After being prayed for, I went to the doctor for a check-up.
The doctor asked me where I went to seek medical attention for the past month. He was amazed at the result of my check-up. I told him I did not seek any medical attention at all. He did not believe that without any medication my illness could be healed. My diabetes and chronic high blood pressure were back to normal. Back then it was difficult for my blood pressure to reach 150, but now it reaches between 135 - 85. What had happened assured me that there is great power behind prayers.
I had to confess the splendor of God, but I was still unable to bring myself to fully accept Him. The problem laid with my profession as a fortune teller which enabled me to earn a lot of money easily. At that time I could earn about 500 to 600 thousand Rupiahs per day without any capital. If I were to accept Christ, I would have to leave my profession and I would not have any earnings. I was at a pinch, such that I chose to remain a fortune teller.

One thing that was very unusual, there were also many Christians who wanted their fortunes told. I got to know that because I bought 100 Bibles from Korea and I gave one to each of my patients. Some of them said that they already have a Bible, which could mean they are Christians and they believe in Jesus. When I asked them if Jesus still helped them, they said that Jesus used to help, but not anymore. I advised them that there must be something wrong and I suggested that they seek God earnestly. I told them that God is willing to help even someone who did not believe in Him, He helped me! At that time my fortune-telling became more popular, and many Christians were curious because there was a fortune teller who gave out Bibles. They said that in this world, the only fortune teller who would give out bibles is me!

6. My repentance
To end my testimony, on 1st February 1988 at 1 o'clock past midnight, I repented with all my heart. That day I went to look at 2 projects for Feng Shui. The last one was at Pondok Indah, a very broad land with many buildings. It was raining cats and dogs when I reached there, such that it was hard for me to get out from my car. I brought with me my compass but the compass needle would not point accurately from inside the car. So I had to go out from my car with an umbrella to look at the place.
When I reached home, it was already close to 8 o'clock at night. I went to bed right after dinner because I wasn't feeling well. At midnight I was awaken with breathing difficulties. As a physician I knew that was a heart problem. The air that I exhaled seemed more than the air that I inhaled. I couldn't stand it anymore, and I knew that in 5 to 10 minutes, I would die.
At that moment, I remembered the power of prayer, and I knelt down on my bed, praying to God that He would bring me through that critical moment so that I could see tomorrow. After "Amen", there was no result, and my breathing grew more difficult. Again I knelt down and prayed to God. After a second "Amen", there was still no result. I felt so uneasy and according to my prediction, I still had 2 minutes left. That short time would determine whether I would still live or die. In that situation, it was already impossible for me to return to worshipping idols because I have destroyed all of them, such that the only way then was to pray for healing. I promised that if I was healed, I wanted to believe in Jesus, obey Him, be His witness, serve Him and leave my old profession.

At that very moment, I believed that Jesus was right there in front of me. As usual I ended my prayer with "Amen", but amazingly, just as I was saying "A", before I could even say "Men", I was already breathing normally and fully healed. My body felt so fresh. It was as though I was young again, and I felt deep joy that I have never felt before for the whole of my 61 years I have lived in this world!

It was at that moment that I put my trust in Jesus. I am a man who holds on to my promises, and that was also why I fulfilled my promise that I made to Jesus.

On the 1st of April 1988, I announced that I no longer practice fortune-telling and Feng Shui although there were still many people who wanted to have their fortune told, including people form Singapore, Taiwan and Malaysia. God loves men, but it's a pity not many men want to love Him. I felt very indebted to God who loves me so much and my desire is to repay His love.

I call out to you to get to know Jesus, believe in Him and receive him whole-heartedly. Trust in Him 100%, not 99%, and you will be saved, healed and restored in this world and also in heaven.

May this testimony of mine increase the faith of all believers and to tell the pre-believers that Jesus is not an idol which we can make, pick and choose but He is the God for men to put their trust in and to be worship.

John 3:16 : For God so loved the world, that he gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life".

John 14:6 : Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Hebrews 2: 3-4 : How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with diverse miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?

Hebrews 4:7b : "To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.."

Acts 4:12 : Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

John 1:12 : But as many as received him, to them gave the power to become the sons of? God, even to them that believe on his name.

We can do no great things, only small things with the great love of God.

have a good laugh!!!

2009-07-27T07:20:27.000Z

Subject: A few good Senior Moments

An elderly gentleman.....
Had serious hearing problems for a number of years. He went to the doctor and the doctor was able to have him fitted for a set of hearing aids that allowed the gentleman to hear 100%
The elderly gentleman went back in a month to the doctor and the doctor said, 'Your hearing is perfect. Your family must be really pleased that you can hear again.'
The gentleman replied, 'Oh, I haven't told my family yet.
I just sit around and listen to the conversations. I've changed my will three times!'

Two elderly gentlemen from a retirement center were sitting on a bench under a tree when one turns to the other and says: 'Slim, I'm 83 years old now and I'm just full of aches and pains. I know you're about my age. How do you feel?'
Slim says, 'I feel just like a newborn baby.'
'Really!? Like a newborn baby!?'
'Yep. No hair, no teeth, and I think I just wet my pants.'

An elderly couple had dinner at another couple's house, and after eating, the wives left the table and went into the kitchen.
The two gentlemen were talking, and one said, 'Last night we went out to a new restaurant and it was really great.. I would recommend it very highly.'
The other man said, 'What is the name of the restaurant?'
The first man thought and thought and finally said, 'What is the name of that flower you give to someone you love?
You know.... The one that's red and has thorns.'
'Do you mean a rose?'
'Yes, that's the one,' replied the man. He then turned towards the kitchen and yelled, 'Rose, what's the name of that restaurant we went to last night?'

Hospital regulations require a wheel chair for patients being discharged. However, while working as a student nurse, I found one elderly gentleman already dressed and sitting on the bed with a suitcase at his feet, who insisted he didn't need my help to leave the hospital.
After a chat about rules being rules, he reluctantly let me wheel him to the elevator.
On the way down I asked him if his wife was meeting him.
'I don't know,' he said. 'She's still upstairs in the bathroom changing out of her hospital gown.'

Couple in their nineties are both having problems remembering things. During a checkup, the doctor tells them that they're physically okay, but they might want to start writing things down to help them remember ..
Later that night, while watching TV, the old man gets up from his chair. 'Want anything while I'm in the kitchen?' he asks.
'Will you get me a bowl of ice cream?'
'Sure..'
'Don't you think you should write it down so you can remember it?' she asks...
'No, I can remember it.'
'Well, I'd like some strawberries on top, too. Maybe you should write it down, so as not to forget it?'
He says, 'I can remember that. You want a bowl of ice cream with strawberries.'
'I'd also like whipped cream. I'm certain you'll forget that, write it down?' she asks.
Irritated, he says, 'I don't need to write it down, I can remember it! Ice cream with strawberries and whipped cream - I got it, for goodness sake!'
Then he toddles into the kitchen. After about 20 minutes, The old man returns from the kitchen and hands his wife a plate of bacon and eggs... She stares at the plate for a moment.
'Where's my toast ?'

A senior citizen said to his eighty-year old buddy:
'So I hear you're getting married?'
'Yep!'
'Do I know her?'
'Nope!'
'This woman, is she good looking?'
'Not really.'
'Is she a good cook?'
'Naw, she can't cook too well.'
'Does she have lots of money?'
'Nope! Poor as a church mouse.'
'Well, then, is she good in bed?'
'I don't know.'
'Why in the world do you want to marry her then?'
'Because she can still drive!'

Three old guys are out walking.
First one says, 'Windy, isn't it?'
Second one says, 'No, it's Thursday!'
Third one says, 'So am I. Let's go get a beer.'

A man was telling his neighbor, 'I just bought a new hearing aid. It cost me four thousand dollars, but it's state of the art.. It's perfect.'
'Really,' answered the neighbor . 'What kind is it?'
'Twelve thirty..'

Morris, an 82 year-old man, went to the doctor to get a physical.
A few days later, the doctor saw Morris walking down the street with a gorgeous young woman on his arm.
A couple of days later, the doctor spoke to Morris and said, 'You're really doing great, aren't you?'
Morris replied, 'Just doing what you said, Doc: 'Get a hot mamma and be cheerful.''
The doctor said, 'I didn't say that.. I said, 'You've got a heart murmur; be careful.'

One more. . .!
A little old man shuffled slowly into an ice cream parlor and pulled himself slowly, painfully, up onto a stool.. After catching his breath, he ordered a banana split.
The waitress asked kindly, 'Crushed nuts?'
'No,' he replied, 'Arthritis.'

I love this story

2009-07-27T06:51:49.000Z

I LOVE this story

Somewhere in Milaor, Camarines Sur, there lived a fourth grader boy who
would follow this route to school everyday: He has to cross the rugged
plains and cross the dangerous highway where vehicles are recklessly driving to and from.

Once past this highway, the boy would take a short cut, passing by the
Church every morning just to say Hi to God, and faithfully say his,
"Magandang umaga po" in Bicol dialect. He was faithfully being watched by a Priest who was happy to find innocence so uplifting in the morning,

"Kamusta, Andoy? Papasok ka na?"

"Opo padre ... "he would flash his innocent grin, the priest would be
touched. He was so concerned that one day he talked to Andoy.

"From school...", he advised "Do not cross the highway, you can pass through the Church and I can accompany you to the other side of the road...that way I can see that you are home safe...."

"Thank you father ... "

"Why don't you go home ... why do you stay in this church right after
school?"

"I just want to say 'Hi' to my friend, God," and the priest would leave the boy to spend time beside the altar, talking to himself, but the priest was hiding behind the altar to listen to what this boy has to say to his Heavenly FATHER.

"You know my math exam was pretty bad today, but I did not cheat although my seatmate is bullying me for notes... I ate one cracker and drank my water, Itay had a bad season and all I can eat is this cracker.

Thank you for this! I saw a poor kitten who was hungry and I know how he feels so I gave my last cracker to him ... funny but I am not that hungry.

Look, this is my last pair of slippers ...I may have to walk barefoot next week, you see this is about to be broken... but it is okay....at least I am still going to school.... Some say we will have a hard season this month, some of my classmates have already stopped going to school .... please help them get to school again, please God?

...Oh, you know, Inay hit me again, it is painful, but I know this pain will pass away, at least I still have a mother.... God, you want to see my bruises? I know you can heal them.... Here... here and .... oh ...blood ...I guess you knew about this one huh? Please don't be mad at Inay, she Is just tired and she worries for the food in our table and my schooling that is why she hits us....

Oh, I think I am in love ... there's this pretty girl in my class, her name is Anita ... do you think she will like me? Anyway, at least I know you will always like me, I don't have to be anybody just to please you, you are my very best friend! Hey your birthday is two days from now!!! Aren't you excited? I am! Wait till you see, I have a gift for you ..... but it is a surprise! I hope you will like it! Oooops, I have to go ..." then he stood up and calls out, "Padre, padre, I am finished talking to my friend ....you can accompany me to the other side of the road now"

This routine happens everyday. Andoy never fails. Father Agaton shares this every Sunday to the people in his church because he has not seen a very pure faith and trust in God, a very positive look at negative situations.

One Christmas day, Father Agaton was sick so he could not make it in the Church, he was sent to the hospital. The Church was left to 4 manangs who would chant the rosary in 1000 miles per hour, would not smile and would always find fault in what you do, they were also very well versed in cursing if you irritate them! They were kneeling, saying their kilometric rosary when Andoy, coming from his Christmas party, playfully dashed in.

"Hello God! I ......"
"P----!! (a curse) bata ka!! Alam mo nang may nagdadasal!! Alis!!"
Poor Andoy was so terrified, "Where's Father Agaton? He is supposed to help me cross the street .... and to be able to cross the street I will have to pass by the back door of this church ...not only that, I have to greet Jesus. It is His birthday, I have a gift right here...."

Just as he was about to get the gift out of his shirt, the manang pulled his shirt and threw him out of the church. "Susmaryosep!!! (does the sign of the cross fervently) Alis kang bata ka, kung hindi matatamaan ka!!!

So the boy had no choice but to cross the dangerous side of the road in
front of the church. He crossed. A fast moving bus came in. There was a
blind curve. The boy was protecting his gift inside his shirt, so he was not looking. There was so little time. Andoy died on the spot.

A lot of people crowded the poor boy, the body of a lifeless young boy
...Suddenly, out of nowhere a tall man in a pure white shirt and pants, a face so mild and gentle, but with eyes full of tears... He came and carried the boy in His arms.

He was crying. Curious bystanders nudged the man in white, and asked,
"Excuse me sir, are you related to this child? Do you know this child?"

The man in white, His face mourning and in agony, looked up and answered, "He was my best friend .... " was all he said. He took the badly wrapped gift in the bloody chest of the lifeless boy, and placed it near His heart.

He stood up and carried the boy away and they both disappeared in sight.

The crowd was curious ...
On Christmas Eve, Father Agaton learned of the shocking news. He visited the house, and wanted to verify about the man in white. He consulted the parents of Andoy.

"How did you know that your son died?"
"A man in white brought him here." sobbed the mother. "What did he say?" The father answered, "He did not say anything. He was mourning. We do not know him and yet he was very lonely about our son's death, as if he knew our son very well. But there was something peaceful and unexplainable about him.

He gave me my son, and then he smiled peacefully. He brushed my son's hair away from his face and kissed him on his forehead, then he whispered something..."< /DIV>

"What did he say?"
"He said to my boy..." the father began, "Thank you for the gift...
I will see you soon ... you will be with me..." and the father of the boy continued, "and you know for a while, it felt so wonderful ... I cried, but I do not know why....all I know is I cried tears of joy .... I could not explain it, Father, but when that man left, something peaceful came over me, I felt a deep sense of love inside ... I could not explain the joy in my heart, I knew my boy is in heaven now but...tell me, Father, who is this man that my son talks to everyday in your church, you should know because you are always there ... except at the time of his death ......

"Father Agaton suddenly felt the tears welling in his eyes, with trembling knees, he murmurred, " ... He was talking to no one ...... but .. GOD...."

If you love this story, you know what to do...I just did!

ST. MARY MAGDALENE PARISH, LOOC, CALAMBA CITY, LAGUNA

2009-07-16T07:23:05.000Z

HAPPY FIESTA SANTA MARIA MAGADALENA!LOOC, CALAMBA CITY, LAGUNA

2009-07-16T07:13:47.000Z

For the Eternal Repose Of Msgr. Benito Pagsuyuin

2009-06-30T04:41:13.000Z

Msgr. Benito Pagsuyuin return to our creator on the afternoon of July 28th at Our Lady of Mediatrix hospital, Lipa City. His remains lies in his home in Alitagtag, Batangas. His burial is scheduled this coming thursday, July 2, after the 1:00 pm Mass.

Ecclesiastical Year of the Priests

2009-06-30T04:04:06.000Z

The Church announced that from June 19 2009 to June 19 2010 as the year of the Priest. As the year of St. Paul is ended this June, Pope Benedict XVI have proclaimed the year of the priest in connection with the 150th anniversary of the death of the Curé dArs, St. john Mary Vianney, the patron Saint of diocesan priests.

The Diocese of San Pablo announced in in the ordination of Rev. Fr. Alex last June 19 in Calihan, San Pablo City along with the plenary indulgence for those who attended the said celebration.

The universal Church has the theme "Faithfulness of Christ, the Faithfullness of Priests with the Philippine Church with the theme Year of the Two Hearts of Jesus and Mary in Participation to Peace Building.

Please pray for our priest! Please support our Priests!

Blogs commenting Fr. Jessie's post

Msgr.Gerry Bitoon, The priest of the hour.

2009-06-22T18:29:02.000Z

It is now the 30th sacerdotal anniversary of Msgr.Gerry Bitoon. Nothing has changed in his outlook , The energetic, the principled, the wise, the leader, and has become, younger and more handsome as ever. I knew him since the 80's when our land was devastated by the dictatorship and the corruption that made us desperately hopeless. He was simply fearless in his expression to bring about the truth, giving hope and change to the suppressive situations. He was the light that gave birth to the sacerdotal involvement in San Pablo. This was something new, specially, when heroes are nowhere found in modern times. In the 90's, he became more
prominent in his moral stand, uncompromising even to the political luminaries that earned his respect. Now,
after the many years in Rome, I know, he knows much has been given to him, much more he is required to give and share. He is much more, wiser, in making use of the blessings given him by the almighty.

I am very sure that you have become the LIGHT and the SALT of the many faithful that felt and thought of Christ real presence in your life. Your HOMILY is how you live, the life that Christ wants you to be. You have inspired people by your simplicity, by the whispers not by pompous words that echo in the hearts of men, by
the poverty of spirit not by the hunger of materialism and recognition. We shall continue to have the admiration and respect for your CHRIST like life..as a person, a friend and a spiritual leader that will perpetuate Christ mission for our salvation. We need you and more of your kind. Msgr. Gerry.. congratulations and many more years in Christ.

Mary, the lady in the dark...

2009-05-24T17:14:36.000Z

The advent of Mary's veneration in the Philippines is dated back on 1500. Indeed, Mary is a blessing to all of us. She has been our refuge with out really understanding who she is as the co-mediatrix. Maybe to some,but who really knows, of the millions of catholics, have known what her role is all about. The thousands of Mary's believers celebrate the Santa Cruzan or the flores de Mayo in all its grandeur. Complete with all the Hermanas and Hermanos, set of officers for the activities, Altars in small huts, stripped off by ignorance..all becomes a cultural rather than religious signficance. The Church has declared May as Mary's month but to whom..to the
not too learned, the learned as church festivity. How about to those young children from the urban and rural barangays who know nothing about Mary but the popsicles, candies, puto as rewards for joining the festivity. I dont know how the church see this or how they would address this.

Mary, the lady in the dark..and literally the shrine of Mary remains in the dark at the side of the Cathedral amidst the grandeur of its festivity.

God's Letter to a Woman

2009-05-19T06:35:52.000Z

God's Letter to a Woman
(This is a must read!!!!)

When I created the heavens and the earth, I spoke them into being.
When I created man, I formed him and breathed life into his nostrils.
But you, woman, I fashioned after I breathed the breath of life into man, because your nostrils are too delicate.

I allowed a deep sleep to come over him
so I could patiently and perfectly fashion you.
Man was put to sleep so that he could not interfere with the creativity.
From one bone, I fashioned you.
I chose the bone that protects man's life.
I chose the rib, which protects his heart and lungs and supports him,
as you are meant to do.

Around this one bone, I shaped you....... I modeled you.
I created you perfectly and beautifully.
Your characteristics are as the rib, strong yet delicate and fragile.
You provide protection for the most delicate organ in man, his heart.
His heart is the center of his being; his lungs hold the breath of life.
The ribcage will allow itself to be broken before it will allow damage to the heart. Support man as the rib cage supports the body.

You were not taken from his feet, to be under him,
nor were you taken from his head, to be above him.
You were taken from his side, to stand beside him and be held close to his side.

You are my perfect angel.....You are my beautiful little girl.
You have grown to be a splendid woman of excellence,
and my eyes fill when I see the virtues in your heart.
Your eyes...don't change them.
Your lips, how lovely when they part in prayer.
Your nose, so perfect in form.
Your hands so gentle to touch. I've caressed your face in your deepest sleep.
I've held your heart close to mine.
Of all that lives and breathes, you are most like me.

Adam walked with me in the cool of the day, yet he was lonely.
He could not See me or touch me. He could only feel me.
So everything I wanted Adam to share and experience with me, I fashioned in you; my Holiness, my Strength, my Purity, my Love, my Protection and Support.

You are special because you are an extension of me.
Man represents my image, woman my emotions.
Together, you represent the totality of God.

So man......treat woman well.

Love her, respect her, for she is fragile. In hurting her, you hurt me.

What you do to her, you do to me.
In crushing her, you only damage your own heart;
the heart of your Father, and the heart of her Father.
Woman, support man. In humility, show him the power of emotion
I have given you.

In gentle quietness, show your strength.
In love, show him that you are the rib that protects his inner self.

Did you not know that WOMAN is special in God's eyes?

Parish of St. Mary Magdalene, Looc, Calamba City, Laguna

2009-05-06T03:30:00.000Z

MY ATTORNEY

2009-04-24T07:30:00.000Z

My Attorney

After living what I felt was a "decent" life, my time on earth came to the end. The first thing I remember is sitting on a bench in the waiting room of what I thought to be a courthouse. The doors opened and I was instructed to come in and have a seat by the defense table.

As I looked around I saw the "prosecutor. " He was a villainous looking gent who snarled as he stared at me.. He definitely was the most evil person I have ever seen. I sat down and looked to my left and there sat My Attorney, a kind and gentle looking man whose appearance seemed so familiar to me, I felt I knew Him.

The corner door flew open and there appeared the Judge in full flowing robes. He commanded an awesome presence as He moved across the room. I couldn't take my eyes off of Him. As He took His seat behind the bench, He said, "Let us begin.."

The prosecutor rose and said, "My name is Satan and I am here to show you why this man belongs in hell." He proceeded to tell of lies I told, things I stole, and in the past when I cheated others. Satan told of other horrible perversions once in my life and the more he spoke, the further down in my seat I sank. I was so embarrassed, I couldn't look at anyone, even my own Attorney, as the Devil told of sins even I completely forgotten about. As upset as I was at Satan for telling all these things about me, I was equally upset at My Attorney who sat there silently not offering any form of defense at all. I know I was guilty of those things, but I did some good in my life - couldn't that at least equal out part of the harm I'd done?

Satan finished with a fury and said, "This man belongs in hell, he is guilty of all I have charged and there is not a person who can prove otherwise."

When it was His turn, My Attorney first asked if He might approach the bench. The Judge allowed this over the strong objection of Satan, and beckoned Him to come forward. As He got up and started walking, I was able to see Him in His full splendor and majesty. I realized why He seemed so familiar; this was Jesus representing me, my Lord and my Savior.

He stopped at the bench and softly said to the Judge, "Hi, Dad," then He turned to address the court. "Satan was correct in saying this man sinned, I won't deny any of these allegations. And, yes, the wage of sin is death, and this man deserves to be punished."

Jesus took a deep breath and turned to His Father with outstretched arms and proclaimed, "However, I died on the cross so this person might have eternal life and he accepted Me as his Savior, so he is Mine."

My Lord continued with, "His name is written in the Book of Life and no one can snatch him from Me. Satan still does not understand yet. This man is not to be given justice, but rather mercy."

As Jesus sat down, He quietly paused, looked at His Father and said,"There is nothing else that needs to be done. I've done it all."

The Judge lifted His mighty hand and slammed the gavel down. The following words bellowed from His lips.... "This man is free The penalty for him was already paid in full. Case dismissed"

As my Lord led me away, I could hear Satan ranting and raving, "I won't give up, I will win the next one."

I asked Jesus as He gave me my instructions where to go next, "Have you ever lost a case?" Christ lovingly smiled and said, "Everyone that comes to Me and asked Me to represent them, received the same verdict as you, "PAID IN FULL.."

(from : forwarded email )

Prof John Power – Remembers…Tommy

2009-03-30T01:44:55.000Z

Prof John Power – Remembers…Tommy

Father John Powell, a professor at Loyola University in Chicago, writes about
a student in his Theology of Faith class named Tommy:

Some twelve years ago, I stood watching my university students file into the
classroom for our first session in the Theology of Faith.

That was the day I first saw Tommy. My eyes and my mind both blinked.
He was combing his long flaxen hair, which hung six inches below his shoulders.
It was the first time I had ever seen a boy with hair that long. I guess it was
just coming into fashion then. I know in my mind that it isn't what's on your head
but what's in it that counts; but on that day

I was unprepared and my emotions flipped. I immediately filed Tommy under
"S" for strange... Very strange.

Tommy turned out to be the "atheist in residence" in my Theology of Faith course.
He constantly objected to, smirked at, or whined about the possibility of an
unconditionally loving Father/God. We lived with each other in relative peace for
one semester, although I admit he was for me at times a serious pain in the back pew.

When he came up at the end of the course to turn in his final exam, he asked in a
cynical tone, "Do you think I'll ever find God?" I decided instantly on a little shock
therapy. "No!" I said very emphatically.

"Why not," he responded, "I thought that was the product you were pushing."
I let him get five steps from the classroom door and then called out,
"Tommy! I don't think you'll ever find Him, but I am absolutely certain that
He will find you!" He shrugged a little and left my class and my life.

I felt slightly disappointed at the thought that he had missed my clever
line -- He will find you! At least I thought it was clever.

Later I heard that Tommy had graduated, and I was duly grateful. Then a sad
report came. I heard that Tommy had terminal cancer. Before I could search
him out, he came to see me. When he walked into my office, his body was
very badly wasted and the long hair had all fallen out as a result of chemotherapy.
But his eyes were bright and his voice was firm, for the first time, I believe. "Tommy, I've
thought about you so often; I hear you are sick," I blurted out.

"Oh, yes, very sick. I have cancer in both lungs. It's a matter of weeks."

"Can you talk about it, Tom?" I asked.

"Sure, what would you like to know?" he replied

"What's it like to be only twenty-four and dying?
"Well, it could be worse.

"Like what?

"Well, like being fifty and having no values or ideals, like being fifty
and thinking that booze, seducing women, and making money are
the real biggies in life..

I began to look through my mental file cabinet under "S" where I had filed

Tommy as strange. (It seems as though everybody I try to reject by classification,
God sends back into my life to educate me.)

"But what I really came to see you about," Tom said, "is something you said
to me on the last day of class." (He remembered!) He continued, "I asked you
if you thought I would ever find God and you said, 'No!' which surprised me.
Then you said, 'But He will find you.' I thought about that a lot, even though my
search for God was hardly intense at that time.

(My clever line. He thought about that a lot!)
"But when the doctors removed a lump from my groin and told me that it was
malignant, that's when I got serious about locating God.. And when the malignancy
spread into my vital organs, I really began banging bloody fists against the bronze
doors of heaven. But God did not come out. In fact, nothing happened. Did you
ever try anything for a long time with great effort and with no success? You get
psychologically glutted, fed up with trying. And then you quit."

"Well, one day I woke up, and instead of throwing a few more futile appeals
over that high brick wall to a God who may be or may not be there, I just quit.
I decided that I didn't really care about God, about an after life, or anything like that.
I decided to spend what time I had left doing something more profitable. I thought
about you and your class and I remembered something else you had said: 'The essential
sadness is to go through life without loving. But it would be almost equally sad to go
through life and leave this world without ever telling those you loved that you had loved them.'"

"So, I began with the hardest one, my Dad. He was reading the newspaper when I approached him.
"Dad."

"Yes, what?" he asked without lowering the newspaper.

"Dad, I would like to talk with you."

"Well, talk.

"I mean. It's really important."

The newspaper came down three slow inches. "What is it?"

"Dad, I love you, I just wanted you to know that." Tom smiled at me and said it with obvious
satisfaction, as though he felt a warm and secret joy flowing inside of him.
"The newspaper fluttered to the floor. Then my father did two things I could never remember
him ever doing before. He cried and he hugged me. We talked all night, even though
he had to go to work the next morning. It felt so good to be close to my father, to see his tears,
to feel his hug, to hear him say that he loved me."

"It was easier with my mother and little brother. They cried with me, too,
and we hugged each other, and started saying real nice things to each other.
We shared the things we had been keeping secret for so many years.

"I was only sorry about one thing --- that I had waited so long." Here I was,
just beginning to open up to all the people I had actually been close to.

"Then, one day I turned around and God was there. He didn't come to me when
I pleaded with Him. I guess I was like an animal trainer holding out a hoop,
'C'mon, jump through. C'mon, I'll give you three days, three weeks.'"

"Apparently God does things in His own way and at His own hour. But the
important thing is that He was there. He found me! You were right. He found
me even after I stopped looking for Him."

"Tommy," I practically gasped, "I think you are saying something very
important and much more universal than you realize. To me, at least, you are saying
that the surest way to find God is not to make Him a private possession, a problem
solver, or an instant consolation in time of need, but rather by opening to love. You know,
the Apostle John said that. He said: 'God is love, and anyone who lives in love is
living with God and God is living in him.' Tom, could I ask you a favor? You know,
when I had you in class you were a real pain. But (laughingly) you can make it all up to me
now. Would you come into my present Theology of Faith course and tell them what you have
just told me? If I told them the same thing it wouldn't be half as effective as if you were to tell
it.

"Oooh.. I was ready for you, but I don't know if I'm ready for your class."

"Tom, think about it. If and when you are ready, give me a call."

In a few days Tom called, said he was ready for the class, that he wanted to do
that for God and for me. So we scheduled a date.

However, he never made it. He had another appointment, far more important
than the one with me and my class. Of course, his life was not really ended
by his death, only changed. He made the great step from faith into vision.
He found a life far more beautiful than the eye of man has ever seen or the
ear of man has ever heard or the mind of man has ever imagined.

Before he died, we talked one last time.

"I'm not going to make it to your class," he said.

"I know, Tom."

"Will you tell them for me? Will you ... tell the whole world for me?"

"I will, Tom. I'll tell them. I'll do my best."

So, to all of you who have been kind enough to read this simple story about
God's love, thank you for listening. And to you, Tommy, somewhere in the
sunlit, verdant hills of heaven --- I told them, Tommy, as best I could.

If this story means anything to you, please pass it on to a friend or two.
It is a true story and is not enhanced for publicity purposes.
With thanks, Rev. John Powell,
Professor, Loyola University,
Chicago

__________________________________

Life is mostly froth and bubble,
Two things stand like stone -
Kindness in another's trouble,
Courage in your own.

7 Last Words

2009-03-24T12:53:03.000Z

Seven Last Words is one of the Lenten activities of the Catholic faithful for a deeper reflection of one's faith as we travel with Jesus towards the celebration of his resurrection. One of the TV presentation on the Seven Last Words can be viewed in Channel 13 on April 10, 2009 from 9:00 Am to 12:00 Pm, The Bishop of San Pablo, Bishop Leo M. Drona is one of the speakers.

Ang Huling Pitong Wika ni HesuKristo
1. Ama patawarin mo sila dahil hindi nila alam ang kanilang ginagawa.
(Father forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.)
Most Rev. Teodoro Bacani, Jr., DD
Bishop Emeritus of Novaliches
Novaliches, Quezon City

2. Ngayon din ay isasama kita sa Paraiso.
(Today you will be with me in paradise)
Rev. Fr. Joey Paller
Spiritual Director/Founder, Kamay ni Hesus
Diocese of Lucena
Lucban, Quezon

3. Babae, hayan ang iyong anak, anak hayan ang iyong Ina
(Woman, here is your Son, Son, here is your mother)
Most Rev. Ramon C. Arguelles, DD, STL
Archbishop of Lipa
Lipa City

4. Diyos ko, Diyos ko, bakit mo ako pinabayaan.
(My God, my God, why have you forsaken me)
Rev. Fr. Recto Hernandez
Parish Priest, San Lorenzo Ruiz Parish
Diocese of Lucena
Brgy. Pulo, Mauban Quezon

5. Ako'y nauuhaw
(I am thirsty)
Most Rev. Leo M. Drona, SDB, DD,
Bishop of San Pablo,
San Pablo City

6. Natapos na
(It is finished)
Rev. Fr. Jojo C. Gonda
Parochial Vicar, Cathedral of St. Sebastian
Archdiocese of Lipa
Lipa City

7. Ama sa iyong mga kamay, inihahabilin ko ang aking espiritu
(Father into your hands, I place my Spirit)
Most Rev. Ruben T. Profugo, DD
Bishop emeritus of Lucena
Lucena City

Raconteur
Rev. Fr. Nonie C. Dolor
Social Communication Director
Archdiocese of Lipa
Lipa City

7 Last Words vodpod

2009-03-24T12:47:37.000Z

As we are approaching the holy Week, a time for a deeper reflection of the greatest gidt of salvation is needed. Some information that can help us to do this is through the reflection of the Seven Last Words of Jesus Christ. I have made a special collection for the said purpose of the said video material. I put it also to the same very words it describes, 7 Last Words. An added collection to my vodpod videos

I collect with Vodpod. Watch more of my videos

Belated 10th yr. sacerdotal anniversary of Rev. Fr. Erwin S. Sanchez & Rev. Fr. Jose Francis A. Calo…

2009-03-24T01:30:00.000Z

Belated 10th yr. sacerdotal anniversary of ~~Rev. Fr. Erwin S. Sanchez & Rev. Fr. Jose Francis A. Calo~~
last March 22, 2009

CHILDREN'S PRAYER FOR A TEACHER

2009-03-21T04:42:28.000Z

I just want to share this beautiful prayer for the teachers. I have seen this prayer posted in one of my kinder pupils notebook which I could not read clearly.....sa loob ba naman ng isang taong dala-dala ng batang 5 taon, expected talaga na gusot na ang papel at malabo na ang nakasulat. But because I was inspired by this prayer, I was encouraged to post it here. Maybe some of you dear readers are familiar with this..... but anyway no matter what.(hehehe)

Dear Jesus, I pray for my teacher.

Bless her with lots of wisdom, love and joy to share us
Bless my teacher with patience and understanding when we find it difficult to behave.
Bless my teacher with stamina to go through all our homework, quizzes and papers, and all other school works and still find time for herself
Bless my teacher with contentment in her vocation to teach
May she know how much I appreciate all the efforts she does, most importantly, bless her with the grace of faith that she may learn from You the GREAT TEACHER

Another prayer posted at the back of the cover page of his notebook

Dear Jesus,
I pray for my teacher today. May he/she be like a bridge that connects us to knowledge
A light that guides our path. A window through which we see our future.
A song that expresses our dreams and aspirations. A compass that always pointing in the same direction towards YOU. May my teacher be like Mama Mary, always loving and caring for those entrusted to her.
More importantly, may my teacher be like YOU the GREAT TEACHER bringing us closer to the FATHER. Amen.

What a beautiful prayer.. It encourages me to continue my apostolate teaching young children... and it helps me to imitate Mama Mary more specially in caring and loving them.

I pray for my teacher today. May she/he be a like bridge that connects us to knowledge.
A light that guides our path. A window through which we see our future. A song that expresses our dreams and aspirations. A compass, always pointing in the same direction towards You. May my teacher be like Mama Mary, always loving and caring for those entrusted to her. More importantly, may my teacher be like YOU the great teacher bringing us closer to the FATHER. Amen

Diocese of San Pablo Network

2009-03-18T09:00:00.000Z

Supposedly this post should be the first one I have posted before but due to a lot of work, I almost forgot it.

This is a public network of the catholic faithful and clerics of the diocese of San Pablo, Laguna, Philippines.

The very reason for its creation is a venue of which the different organization and personalities within the Diocese can exchange ideas and post their activities for sharing and enrichment. As there is no one has the monopoly of truth there is no one so greater than the rest. We are here to explore and learn from one another and as well as to show that there are some activities within the diocese that we have to show from other catholic faithful of other dioceses and even to non catholic Christians and non Christians also, as a living witnesses of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Well this is not the only venue but the author would like to offer this as one of the venues in this multicultured society.

Catholic Singles

2009-03-18T06:37:51.000Z

Some marriageable but unmarried friends will sometimes ask me to look for a partner for them. Well, it has been a long time to be serious about their request. maybe because I thought that they are just joking. On the other hand upon reflecting much of this subject matter, it is also imperative to give some occasions for such a request. The documents of the Catholic church clearly gives us a go signal concerning this matter. It is clear in the document familiaris consortio that it is the duty of the church to prepare the faithful for marriage life even up to the early stage of life so that they may be responsible individual and a God fearing citizen and faithful. The Church is full of ideals concerning this matter. upon reflection, it is clear to me that there is a necessity to offer such venue for young faithful to have an enough information and be able to choose the right person for his/her partner in life. Yes, there are a lot of dating sites, even of catholic dating sites. However, it will not hurt if in my own capacity would like to add to such listing. Dating sites, including catholic dating sites have been succumbed to commercialization and have sometimes forgot the very purpose of their existence. Maybe because any legal entity in the internet have to be run also by money for its existence. I have found a site of which this "catholic singles" can be housed for free, hoping that the networking site will remain free.

So, I am inviting all catholic singles to log on Catholic singles at http://catholicsingles.ning.com
View my page on Catholic Singles
Visit Catholic Singles

Find more photos like this on Catholic Singles

My Videos in Youtube

2009-03-18T01:00:00.000Z

Since ning removed the application of youtube, I am posting my video channel here.

ANNOUNCEMENT LANG PO.....

2009-03-17T10:09:41.000Z

...my cp was stolen last saturday.. i am just informing that this number 09174961120 which was my previous number is no longer with me... the person who stole my cp is using it and asking for load from some of my contacts.. if ever this number appears in ur cellphone please reject it... especially when it asks for money or load... thanks...

for all my contacts please save my new number: 09151899486

THE PAIN OF GOODBYE

2009-03-07T13:26:23.000Z

What is goodbye?

Goodbye is deep, wounding experience

that twists our hearts in agony and hurts for years.

It is an empty space in us that cries out to be filled,

when a part of our life seems to be out of place or unfulfilled.

Goodbyes are all of those experiences that leave us,

With a hollow feeling and a terrible pain someplace deep inside us.

Saying goodbye always hurt, sometimes it hurts a lot.

But we have to learn to recognize and to accept our goodbyes.

When we run away from our goodbyes,

we miss the opportunity for growth that these goodbyes offer us.

Only after we have acknowledged our losses and have recognized

the pain inherent in these goodbyes, can we continue on our journey

of growth and greater love for others.

We all need to learn to say goodbye, to acknowledge the pain,

So that we can eventually move on to a new life, and say a new hello.

The reality of moving on after pain in life means that we have to let go.

Letting go is never easy, but growth will never happen

Unless we do let go and surrender what we are hanging on to.

To let go does not mean that we stop caring and loving.

Rather, it means that we choose to use our energies in another way,

Giving them another direction.

To let go does not mean that we ignore old feelings and memories,

Or that we fail to remember the loved ones whom we miss so much.

To let go is not to forget but to leave someone or something behind,

So that we are free to journey toward a new life, new place that is waiting for us.

To let go and to move on in life means to surrender.

When we surrender to God, we open ourselves to the mystery of life,

To the risks of the future, to the challenge of the unknown.

God is such an important part of our goodbyes.

“Goodbye” meant “God be with ye” or “Go with God”.

to the traveler “Goodbye” meant

“… we cannot keep you from this journey

… we hurt deeply because you are leaving

… you have made your home in our hearts

… yet we know you must leave in order to grow

So go, GO WITH GOD!

BeINg UnFaIR To My SeLF?

2009-03-07T13:13:55.000Z

I have been unfair I guess…

I know I have that feeling of being discouraged in life but it is unfair if I would allow this overcome me.

I release the need to be indifferent,

….to be undisciplined.

I think I have to do somes action toward it.

I have to stop myself… I have to welcome each learning experience in my life..

I understand why I am becoming this way.

I know but whatever it is,

it has no power over me.

I am the power in my world.

I can overcome this depressing feelings..

Life is good and I have to be good.

I am now retrieving once more

the disposition I built within me…

the decisions I have made in my life.

I am now back to my reality…

that life is wonderful..

offering me a lot of surprises…

I am now relaxed

and I can feel this great love within me.

Hope comes over me…

Here they are coming in to me..

I welcome them..

I greet them “Hi” with all my smiles…

I am allowing them to flow through every single cell of my body. I feel fine. I feel good..

yes I feel good.. I love life not because this is what I want to feel but because this is what I want to feel but because I do feel it.

I love life.. and I welcome its surprises to me.

What happens now to me is part…

part of the adventure.. part of the tests…

will I give up? No! I am the power within me.

God has given me that power to firmly stand…

to fight the mess being created in my life…

I just have to move on…

to lift myself once more and continue the journey towards the GOAL I’ve set.. .

the goal God is sharing with me, the goal, which is my inspiration.

I have to open once more my eyes..

and be in awe with its beauty and brightness…

almost there… I am almost there…

I still have to do few steps and I am there already..

now I feel good.. I feel fine and relaxed…

I am now standing up and walking toward that point.

I see my self already standing there embracing the goal…

I gain once more myself… full of hope love and happiness.

bymel^_^

ONE GOD EVERYWHERE

2009-03-07T13:11:35.000Z

We only have one God,

Yet He makes Himself present to all.

He is the God, whom I am always chatting with,

The God, whom also the Pope is talking to

He is the God who personally speaks within me

In the silence of my heart,

And the same God who speaks in the heart of all

who listen to Him

He is the God, who walks with me,

And the same God who travels with all who journey with Him

He is the God, who personally loves me each day,

The same God who personally loves each of His creation everyday

And this truth about God wonders me,

BUT NEVER I DOUBT IT,

BECAUSE EVEN THOUGH WE HAVE ONLY ONE GOD,

I AM VERY MUCH GRATEFUL OF HIS OMNIPRESENCE.

mel

11/10/07

Mornese Pansol

HerS, ThE GenTLe HaNdS oF mY LoRD

2009-03-07T13:10:27.000Z

He who molds my life to perfection

Creatively works with all His affection

His gentle hands form my interior

Gracefully moving through my superior

The scattered pieces of my self

Are gathered in the hands of her

To construct the puzzle of my soul,

To put up my being and make me whole

Her eyes look straight at my eyes

Her ears listen attentively to my cries

Her words enlighten me, give life to my faith

The gestures of the Spirit, I always await

She works so gently, molding each piece

With force divine, uses her fist

To twist away and crush the inner “beast”

Within my soul that longs for peace

I feel the joy of being held by gentle hands

Yet sometimes pain too, in the force of her palms

I feel afraid when they hold me up

Yet surprised too, for they support me with love

At times, I may find myself deformed

In the open hands of my Lord

But His effort of making me new

I feel through this presence I know

She gently touches the soul within

Forming the core of my being

Gradually, soul follows the design,

The shape that the Master desires

Oh, I can see in her

How gentle God is to me,

His gentle touch on my soul,

By: Asp. Mel Vista

Dated: September 20, 2006

Hers, the gentle hands of my Lord.

My WoRtH aS HuMaN..

2009-03-07T13:09:20.000Z

February 24, 2009 by aspmel

I am confident and unafraid..

Life is so beautiful, everything goes around well.

I am happy and doing fine in my life…

I am supported by the wisdom of the universe.

Whatever I want to know is being revealed to me the way I want it to be.

I am smart and feel beautiful inside and out.

I have this capacity to make friends with others..

And I am lovely enough that others enjoy my company..

I only seek for good.

Positive is always in my mind.

I am the seat of positive insights, vibes and feelings.

I am unique, I am different.

Love is in me and is all around me.

I am loved.

People reigns in my heart and lives in the air.

Hope is always present in me

And is always real for life.

I am confident.

I can talk fluently.

I can speak clearly.

I can express myself wittily

and I can audibly explain my self in a tactful way and prudently.

I am easily understood whenever I explain something.

They love listening to my stories.

They greatly enjoy the wisdom of my conversation with them.

I am fortunate in all aspects of life even in financial.

Money is all around.

I can easily get the job I want that would fit best to my quality.

They compensate that worth it my performance.

I feel young and complete.

I enjoy studying.

I enjoy reading.

I have focus.

I am concentrated and fixed to the goal in front of me.

It is just a stone thrown far from me.

And in some days, this goal is already upon my hands, my life and is happening to me.

I am successful.

Nothing is impossible.

Everything turns well and easy.

I am experiencing different success in life

And I celebrate having them in me.

I congratulate myself for the well done performance I’ve done in my life.

I am worthy and worth believing, worth loving, worth caring for..

I am grateful to every gift of life that comes to me each day.

My day to day life is made wonderful and complete with so many surprises and joys.

God loves me so much. More than I’ve ever known..