Anin

SO, I Got Covid!

noreply@blogger.com (bea) — Thu, 20 Jan 2022 05:34:00 +0000

Like everybody else, I also got Covid! It's like the "IN" thing today.

They say this is the start of the end of the pandemic.

The virus is mutating into weaker species than the last and it has become not so deadly. But affects so many!

Our City Health Office run out of test kits that anybody with the symptoms are considered positive and made to have a 10 days quarantine for fully vaccinated and 21 days for those that are not.

It's like everybody has it!

Our office closed up for four days. Almost half of us were infected.

I am thankful that this kind of COVID-19 affected us. I am only at home for quarantine. Besides, Quarantine Facilities are already full, anyway.

Today is my fifth day and I am glad I have been going well, especially my family in the house is still healthy and no one is infected.

God is really GREAT!

I hope and pray that this is really the start of the end, and no more deadly virus will appear.

UNCERTAINTIES

noreply@blogger.com (bea) — Thu, 16 Apr 2020 03:39:00 +0000

In the midst of this COVID 19 pandemic, uncertainties is what everybody feels right now.

What is happening in the world today in overwhelming.

We are like walking in the dark these days.

Every step could cause us to stumble and fall head-first into the unknown.

We have so many questions that scares us of the future.

Makes it inevitable for us to think people who died from the virus as better off than us who are alive.

We are at war, we know what is our enemy but we don't know how to overcome it.

We know how to fight it but we are not certain until when this fighting would stop.

We don't know when the light would shine on this situation.

We don't even know God's plan for us on this situation.

But I am sure, He has a beautiful plan for us. He allows everything to happen for a purpose.

Whether it would be bad or good, God loves us so much that He will always be with us and protect us
along the way.

We must find comfort in the promise that no matter what happens, God's plan for us is good.

The uncertainties will soon stop. People will heal. And we will be stronger than ever.

Lets us just continue to pray not just for ourselves but for others as well, especially those unfortunate, and for the whole world.

URSULA

noreply@blogger.com (bea) — Tue, 18 Feb 2020 13:57:00 +0000

Six years ago it was Yolanda - the Super Typhoon.

Recently it was typhoon Ursula.

And it hit our place on Christmas Day!

Fortunately it was not as strong sa typhoon Yolanda. There was no casualties, only trees and some parts of the houses that were not built really strong and are old, like the kitchen.

Let me share how was it and what it brought us.

A view from the rooftop

This Book Is For FREE

noreply@blogger.com (bea) — Sun, 10 Jun 2018 13:55:00 +0000

I want to share this wonderful book with you from one of my favorite and inspiring author in the country today.

It's about a super inspiring story of how a maid or a house helper became a millionaire.

Yes! I'm not kidding.

It's true story and has even been featured on TV.

It’s possible, and it’s already been done.

My life changed because of the story in this book.

I want to share the same blessing with you.

Now the story is out in a book, and you can get this book for FREE.

You only have to pay for the shipping.

The book is entitled

HOW MY MAID BECAME A MILLIONAIRE

It is written by Bo Sanchez.

The maid works for him and he taught her how to become a millionaire.

To order your copy just click on the link below.

https://bit.ly/2sF9BkO

Be a blessing too!

Good Friday Procession 2017

noreply@blogger.com (bea) — Sat, 15 Apr 2017 06:52:00 +0000

"Biernes Santo" or Good Friday. This is the most awaited day of Lent for the Catholic faithful. Though this is not really the highlight, most people prepares for this activity. This is when a procession of different tableaux or carriages depicting the passion of Jesus Christ is held. People walk behind each carriages praying and reflecting.

Lent is also one season where families get to bond for a religious activity.

Since we now belong to a new parish, our family had a new experience. Like we saw new but fewer carriages. There were lesser distractions during procession since there were fewer people compared to our previous parish.

This is St. Vincent Ferrer Mission Station

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

FORD EVEREST

noreply@blogger.com (bea) — Tue, 28 Mar 2017 15:41:00 +0000

Sounds like a mountain, huh! But it's not.

One day I had my car blessed by a priest.

“Father, can you please bless my car?” I asked.

“Sure.” he said.

I thought he would be expecting a brand new one and don’t want to frustrate him so I said,

“Father it’s second hand, my brand new Ford car is still on the way. When it arrives I would already be an excellent driver.” I told him. I know it would sound a joke to him but for me it was a prayer.

“Yes, next time it will be a brand new
Everest," he said.

Oh my...! I just said Ford car now he's saying Everest! I led him to my car. I know he was also joking.

The next day, when I reported for work, the tricycle that I rode stopped at the back of a car parked in front of our office. It was as if my head was really led to the direction of the car’s butt where there was an ingraved letters FORD and below it was EVEREST!

So, Everest is a FORD car!

------

"Allow yourself to be surprised by God.”

This was one of the messages of Pope Francis when he visited the Philippines in 2015.

Yes, indeed! God’s surprises can come in funny moment such as this.

Good Friday Procession 2015

noreply@blogger.com (bea) — Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:36:00 +0000

To most people, the procession on Good Friday is the highlight of the Holy Week. As a child, I would look forward to see tableaux with life-size statue of Jesus and the people during his time.

Semana Santa (H0ly Week 0r Easter Week in English), is the m0st imp0rtant date in the Christian Calendar. It c0mmem0rates the life and death 0f Jesus Christ -- His passi0n and resurrecti0n.

Semana Santa is 0bserved in different ways thr0ugh0ut the c0untry. Vari0us traditi0ns and rites ab0und t0 celebrate this sacred week. In s0me parts 0f the c0untry, it is celebrated with s0lemn pr0cessi0n 0f tableaux depicting epis0des fr0m the Way 0f the Cr0ss and statues 0f Dolorosa - M0st S0rr0wful M0ther -- and 0ther significant female characters in the bible that were present during the passi0n 0f Jesus.

This event happens 0n G00d Friday 0r Biernes Sant0. In l0cal dialect we call these tableaux 0r carriages as "paso". A pr0cessi0n is held in the street where pe0ple g0es behind these carriages. A gr0up 0f pe0ple prays the r0sary with s0ngs in between decades.

This is 0ne traditi0nal event I am thankful f0r where I am able t0 share in Jesus sufferings.

MEETING POPE FRANCIS

noreply@blogger.com (bea) — Thu, 05 Feb 2015 09:14:00 +0000

The feeling hasn’t changed. It was a decade ago. Still I was star struck, speechless, had goose bumps, teary eyed, feeling so very blessed. I had almost seen the Lord! Yes, seeing him is like meeting Jesus himself. However, there was a big difference this time. Twenty years ago, I saw him in person. He was just a stone throw away, but now he was so miles away.

I was in the office when Pope Francis arrived in the Philippines. I watched his arrival in my cellphone TV which I purposely bought for this event. It was so amazing. Even on my cellphone, I couldn’t help feeling excited as if I was also at the tarmac with many others waiting for him. For me, his holiness comes out from my phone which made me teary eyed. I wanted to shout with excitement just like the people who patiently waited for him. Going home, I still held my phone inside the tricycle. It was getting noisy around and I decided to connect my head set. Then I noticed my seat mate switched on her cellphone TV, too. Obviously she was watching on my TV and since she couldn’t hear anymore, she had to switch on her own. I thought I was alone doing it. I couldn’t wait to get home already,where our TV screen is wider.

At home, I had a better view of the Pope. For me it was better than being in Manila. I was comfortably seated holding my phone taking photos and videos. Whenever Pope Francis was closed up, I almost feel his holiness. I felt that we were so close and I wanted to hold his hand and hug him, too, like others that gets near him.

He was so humble. It was like Jesus himself came to the Filipinos. He came to live with the Filipinos. To mention a few, he wore the same colored raincoat that the peop had, we braced the same typhoon that day, he road in a jeep (one of the Pope mobile was made and designed from a jeepney) he ate with the very majority kind of people that we had. The poor and the lame and the sick were his guests. They were the VIP’s or the people in front and on stage. A few mothers with children outside the Apostolic Nunciature were he stayed were surprised when the guards told them the Pope wanted to meet them. They were brought to him and blessed them and gave them rosaries and medals. He love children too. On some of his motorcades he would bend and touch his driver to stop and made his guards get the babies among the crowd to kiss and bless them.

There were many incidents that made me cry while watching on TV. Whether it be the actions of the Pope or the people. I cried a lot watching his visit to Tacloban City. Signal number two typhoon Amang didn’t prevent him from going there. In the first place, it was the main reason that he came to the Philippines. Like the people in Tacloban, I also felt sad that he had to leave so soon because the typhoon is getting stronger. He was also sad, because he had prepared something for them. There he had lunch with the typhoon victims. They talked with each one of them, listened to them, ate the same food with them.

Many of Pope Francis' messages touched me, too. Like;

*The most important subject that we have to learn in life is to learn how to love.

*Allow yourselves to be surprised by God.

*If you don’t learn how to cry, you can’t be a good Christian

His last message to the people in Tacloban was to pray for him and keep quiet.

On the Pope’s last day, I was in the office again. Unfortunately, we were having a meeting and I didn’t get the chance to watch on my cellphone TV. When I noticed that it was already ten o’clock, I felt a pinch of sadness in my heart. The Pope had left.

The love of every Filipino for the head of the Roman Catholic Church was overwhelming that even just on TV, almost everyone I know was affected by the then popular "POPE EFFECT" hush tag.

Thank you and I love you, Holy Father Pope Francis, I will continue to pray for you.

Reminiscing WYD95

noreply@blogger.com (bea) — Tue, 27 Jan 2015 20:53:00 +0000

Anin: Reminiscing WYD95: In the light of this one great event, the Beatification of Pope John Paul II, I can’t help but remember the moments I had when he last visi...

Moments with The Pope

noreply@blogger.com (bea) — Tue, 13 Jan 2015 14:19:00 +0000

Anin: Moments with The Pope: Blessed John Paul II, pray for us! Six years ago, I was seated on the floor in front of my television set inside my room. I was watching...

Blessed Mother explains upcoming chastisement....For Immediate Release Video 1 of 2

noreply@blogger.com (bea) — Wed, 20 Aug 2014 08:00:00 +0000

For video 2 click this link http://bea-anin.blogspot.com/2014/08/blessed-mother-explains-upcoming.html

Please share with others to save more souls.

Blessed Mother explains upcoming chastisement....For Immediate Release Video 2 of 2

noreply@blogger.com (bea) — Wed, 20 Aug 2014 08:00:00 +0000

For video 1 click this link http://bea-anin.blogspot.com/2014/08/blessed-mother-explains-upcoming_20.html

Please share with others to save more souls.

Prayer Against the Sins of the Flesh

noreply@blogger.com (bea) — Sun, 06 Jul 2014 15:17:00 +0000

(This is one of the Mystical Prayers of our Lord Jesus Christ, revealed by Our Lord as His petitions to His Heavenly Father during His Passion, that were dictated to Barnabas Nwoye for us to pray daily.)

Prayer Against the Sins of the Flesh
(28 July 1998)

("Do you know that I was naked in the sight of all men so that you shall defeat and kill the desires of the flesh which lead to this sin of fornication and adultery? Children, my adversary used this sin to claim all men to himself --- Any sinner who constantly prays this prayer will gain true repentance --- The more you pray it the more many will return to me and leave fornication and adultery. Many people will be lost due to the sins of the flesh. Work hard to save souls ---")

Holy and Merciful Father, Your only-begotten Son is standing naked in the sight of all men, so that Your people will know and fear Your Holy Law. Accept my humble prayer for all Your people who are living under iniquity, fornication and adultery, that through all the shame and disgrace of Your only-begotten Son, You will touch their lives for repentance and save them. May they, through the Precious Blood of Your Son Jesus Christ, which I plead to fall on their hearts, gain repentance and be saved and through His shame make them bold for repentance. Amen.

____________________

THE MESSAGE OF BARNABAS NWOYE: THE PRECIOUS BLOOD DEVOTION is found in this link.

Good Friday Procession 2014

noreply@blogger.com (bea) — Thu, 24 Apr 2014 13:50:00 +0000

Yolanda - Supertyphoon, Super Blessing

noreply@blogger.com (bea) — Tue, 14 Jan 2014 21:27:00 +0000

Yes, I'd like to call it that way.

It is more than a month since the Supertyphoon Yolanda hit our place. I realize, indeed, it brought us super disaster but at the same time, super blessing.

The first thing that came to my mind is an island near our place. After the typhoon all the houses there became new and almost uniform. All fishermen were given new fishing boats with an imported motor.

Many shanty houses improved after the typhoon. Like before, their roof were only made of nipa now it is made of GI sheets. Many of it came flying on the street during the typhoon and so they just picked them all up and used for their houses.

Just like all the shanty houses around, our kitchen was roofless too. Unfortunately up to this date, it hasn't changed. It is presently under renovation. The blessing in here is that I got financial help from the company I work for.

I also got one of my many wishes, that is, to be a volunteer giving relief goods to typhoon victims. Boy, it was amazing. Very nice feeling. Handing those goods and making people smile. I didn't even notice that most of them didn't say thank you until some thanked me! And it felt better. Ah..it really was different.

I felt sorry for those people especially the senior citizens lining up, waited hours for us to come, and what we gave was, for me, not really enough for them. It seemed not worth the wait. But it was better than nothing at all. I wish I have more so I can personally give more in times like those.

To each of the families, many beautiful things happened to them too, like healing of relationship. It also showed the real character of a Filipinio, resilient, persevering, helping one another and optimistic, that despite all of these that happened, we could still smile and move on.

I think the best blessing was that people became more closer to God. Many turned to God for prayer of supplication and thanksgiving. Although, inevitably, some got angry with God. Many realization came to a lot of people. The revelation of God's saving power for their lives. His providence. To some, conversion. Many people goes to church on Sunday now.

This is what God wants us to, ----- communicate with Him. Talk to Him. Many people could not do so because of the influence of the world. I don't say He intentionally brought us this calamity, definitely not. This disaster is the price of our own doing, too. But everytime, God is always there around us. Ever ready to assist us in our needs, just waiting for our call.

During the feast of the Black Nazarene this month, the long procession was Super crowded with devotees, much crowded than last year. This time, many people from the Visayas who
were directly affected with the supertyphoon came to join the million crowd. They were with different reason but more for thanksgiving.

It was something that happened inside everyone that is the best thing that this calamity as brought us. It may not be so nice but as one famous writer said, "Your biggest problem is your biggest blessing." ...

.... yes indeed, and SUPER BLESSING!

HNY!

noreply@blogger.com (bea) — Thu, 02 Jan 2014 15:07:00 +0000

A friend messaged me on Facebook this afternoon. He greeted me a Happy New Year and asked "is there something new with you?"

"Oh yes, many!" I replied. "My credit card. It has a new balance, greater than last year. Hahaha!"

"Hahaha! Oh yes! Me too!" He replied.

This conversation made me think of what really are new to me this year.

Many means more than one, right? I only thought of four.

The next is our kitchen. Yes it is new! Unlike last year it has a roof, now it is roofless. After Super Typhoon Yolanda hit our place it is still roofless. The fund, but not all, is available but the materials are still in process and the carpenters are rare.

My Google Adsense earning. It increased by $5. After three years it still has a 2 digit balance.

The last is my new life. It means a new hope. A new chance. A chance to enjoy God's blessings. A chance to suffer with him and make amends for my our sins. A hope and a chance to go to heaven.

This year I am going to do something to improve them.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

******************************

I sent a male friend a new years greeting last year with a subject "HNY". He noticed it. He taught it was a shortcut for "Honey". Funny. Actually it is,

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

A STARTLING BOOK

noreply@blogger.com (bea) — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 05:26:00 +0000

READ ME OR RUE IT

Startling title, isn't it? Yes, I was also startled when I first saw this small book many many years ago and I started to be inspired with it and have become one of the many prayer warriors of the souls in purgatory. Even become fervent when many of my family became one of them, too.

This book written by Fr. Paul O'Sullivan tells many true stories about the Poor Souls in Purgatory. He relates incidents from the lives of the Saints to show their great sufferings, our obligation to help them, as well as the many helps and graces which they obtain for their benefactors in return.

This little book, READ ME OR RUE IT, needs to be spread far and wide. It will lead to a powerful link between ourselves and the "Church Suffering," our brothers and sisters in Christ who suffer the torments of Purgatory – a powerful bond of holy charity whereby we shall please God, send souls to Heaven, and obtain for ourselves and our families a host of priceless graces and blessings.

Several prayers for the Poor Souls are given at the end of the booklet including a Novena for the Poor Souls in Purgatory for each day of the week and the Litany for the Poor Souls.

When I started to pray the novena for the souls in purgatory, I feel happy that I have helped a lot of souls already. In my dreams, I would see some of them smiling. I can feel they are thanking me. I don't know many of them. There are also souls that come to me in my dreams asking for prayers. There were times when I became a witness to a crime and when I woke up, I pray for the person killed. It has become my habit to pray for someone I see in my dreams. I just knew in my heart they are souls asking for prayers.

My job required me to transfer to another town, and this made me live on my own. Sleeping in a room alone. I am really afraid of ghost. My father died when I was still a child and I remember I told him not to show himself to me as a ghost, only in my dreams.

I still continue to pray my novena for the souls then. But I started to hear their messages not only in my dreams any more. I would wake up at the middle of the night and really feel their presence. It really scared me. A ghost in my room! Good thing I didn't see them. I prayed for them immediately, whoever they are and the scary feeling would go away.

Then one night I got tired of feeling scared of sleeping. I woke up in the middle of the night from a scary dream. I was trembling. I still managed to pray for the soul. But I was really furious. I feel that they are around and I said angrily. "I know that you ask for prayers, but you know I am afraid of ghost! I don't like being scared always! Can you stop doing this to me! Ask me to pray for you but don't scare me!" I stopped praying my novena. But I didn't miss my daily prayer for them, especially in my rosary.

It worked! Since then, I haven't dreamed of scary scenes. I even started to pray the novena again. Honestly I missed it, too. My dreams are more on simple or happy dreams about them.

I remember one dream I had a few years ago. I was in a small road. With me were lots of white robed men standing. They didn't notice me. They all seemed to be heeding the highway a few footsteps away. While I was walking between them, suddenly a man turned his head and smiled at me. I was surprised. After I smiled back, I woke up. It was still midnight and I wasn't scared.

The souls in purgatory could no longer pray for themselves. This is why they need us to pray for them. But they could pray for us. Imagine if they become saints, we have saints already praying for us even if we don't ask them to.

Aside from asking them to pray for me, I also ask their help in simple things like finding something, and especially for accompanying me when I go home alone at night. Some wonders that they do that is found in the book, Read me or Rue It, I experienced them happening to me, too.

So let us not forget to include them in our prayers. Remember the Golden Rule - "Do unto others what you would like others do unto you."

_________________________________________

You can download the book for free here.

I want You

noreply@blogger.com (bea) — Sun, 03 Mar 2013 12:03:00 +0000

"Lord, I came here to make a sacrifice and to fast. But it seems like I am not doing all these. I ate a lot, I was hungry. But I need to eat to last 'till morning. I must not sleep, but it's alright to sleep. I want to kneel longer, but it's alright to sit. I thought...." I don't know if it was a complaint or a question. But suddenly I hear God say;

"Bea, I don't need your sacrifice tonight. I want you!"

I felt my tears falling down my cheeks. Oh! how sweet really Jesus is.

This made me remember Simon who were made to carry the cross of Jesus on His way to calvary. The cross wasn't as heavy as Simon thought it to be. It was like Jesus, still, carried the cross for him. I also remember the many times when I would offer my pains to Him, the pain would become bearable and some even vanish.

Honestly, to be with God was my primary reason in attending the vigil and it was so good to know God felt the same. I missed being with God in silent. Just being with Him without praying! Well, of course, I know, just by being is already a prayer. What I mean is being with him like I used to. Just like many months or years ago. My life has been different for me now and I miss "those days and moments" with God.

I realize that those times were always there, its just in a different degree. Oh, I just can't put into words how I understood it now. But that's how it is.

We hear this phrase "Jesus is the same, today and tomorrow." And yes indeed!

I guess all I lack is time. Enough time to frequent God's presence.

What a better place to be than in a prayer vigil.

Feeling God's presence in everyone. Being with God as I am, with all my flaws, understanding each others behavior at the moment.

I was at the vigil of the Alliance of Two Hearts Movement. The two hearts refers to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary.The vigil culminates in the First Friday and ends in the First Saturday of the month. It is an all-night reparation vigil offered in atonement for the sins of mankind grievously offending the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

The Alliance of Two Hearts - Communion of Reparation is the Catholic world's response to the urgent request to make "reparations" to the Hearts of Jesus and Mary, particularly in today's society where the "culture of death," destruction of the family and the outrages and sacrileges committed against the Holy Trinity and Blessed Mother are rampant.

God really pampers us. Imagine, He would send Mama Mary to us to teach us what to pray to Him to appease Him.

Because of His great love for us, He even sent His son. Only because He want all of us to be saved.

In this lenten season, may we all be able to take time to reflect on this great love and in our little way, be able to give this love back to God.

Let us help God in His mission to save all to heaven.

SILLY PRAYERS

noreply@blogger.com (bea) — Sat, 12 Jan 2013 02:43:00 +0000

“Tong! Tong! I won a TV!” I was shouting as I was excitedly walking towards him. “I won a TV, Tong.” I told him. “Yes, I know.” He replied. I run my fingers across my name on the wall. “Yes, I know.” He said again.

Of course, he knew I won. I saw him reading the list of winners long before I could reach his place. Well, it wasn’t really obvious I was that very excited, isn’t it?

At last, I learned something that he didn’t know yet. He asked, “How does your TV looks like? How big it is?.” I smilingly pointed out to him the box that the supermarket staff was carrying. “Wow!”, he said. I was waiving to him as I was on my way out. Tongtong is a long time friend. He works in the cathedral. He helps during all the masses everyday.

I recalled it was one of my tiring night when I suddenly miss watching a movie in a big screen. I was busy enough to find the time to go to a movie house. When I do, there is not a good one showing. Can’t fit in my budget, too. Well, it does if I go alone. But I need to bring a battalion if ever I go and watch one. So we ended up watching on my netbook.

God never gave me the chance or the fund to visit a movie house. He brought the big screen to my room instead.

Silly Prayer

It was getting so late that I and my officemate decided to go home. We were at a Christmas Party. A raffle draw was going on. I was saying we’d better leave already because my name might not be called anyway. But then it happened! My name was called! I won an overnight stay at a hotel.

Then I remembered several months ago, I wished to stay in one of the hotel in the city. The one on my mind that time, was the hotel that I won.

Silly Prayer

I was really surprised. For me, it’s unusual that I won. I don’t usually win in raffle draws. The last time was in 2001 at a mall in Bacolod. Thought it was the first and the last.

Then I said, “Thank you, Lord. This is just a sign. I know something greater is going to come!”

Yes, indeed! It was New Year’s Eve when I received a text message from my officemate that I won a 32" LCD TV from a Supermarket Raffle Promo. I believe something greater than this is still coming this year. This is the year of blessing to me.

Silly Prayer

I’ve been wanting to have a pouch like that of my cousin. A pouch that has three compartments and can hold three cellphones. I’ve been looking for one and found none. I thought maybe God will show me or will give me one someday. I can still make use of the individual pouch that I have.

Today my officemate gave us all in the office the exact pouch that I really wanted. It’s her post Christmas gift.

Silly Prayer

Do you also have one? I have a lot. Not just three. Some were half meant and some I don’t expect to receive or happen. I noticed, these are all my wants and not my needs. I tried asking God why.

But I guess I just have to let Him be. It’s been sometime since I felt God’s pampering.

Silly Prayer

God loves us so much. He is generous. He supplies for our needs, even our silly wants.

A Touch of God on Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (bea) — Tue, 25 Dec 2012 15:02:00 +0000

I was reading a Kerygma magazine while waiting for my flight to Manila. The topic was about being Jesus to others. It was a calling to me for that day. But instead, I said, “Lord, I am lazy today, can you be Jesus to me instead?”

God took my half meant prayer seriously. A friend was just so happy to find me seated where I was. When we arrived in Manila, he offered to give me a ride to the place where I am going to stay. I can see God smiling at me as I was smiling twice as He was.

On my way back home I remembered my previous trip. I wondered if God will be “Jesus” to me again that day. What I meant was if someone would give me a free ride home again from the airport. This thought was playing on my mind when suddenly a teenager came to me and ask me something. He was wondering why he wasn’t asked to pay for a terminal fee when his uncle was telling him he needs to pay one . Obviously, he was already in the waiting area before boarding, and he was still afraid he could not ride a plane. I explained to him it was already included in the ticket he bought online. He thankfully left with an assurance that he could ride a plane home. We were not in the same flight.

Obviously, God didn’t send Jesus to me this time but instead, I was sent me to be Jesus to others.

Inside the plane, on my way back to my seat from the toilet, somebody greeted me. To my surprise, it was my high school classmate. For me, it was actually God who surprised me and not my classmate. You see, she has a car! As I expected, she gave me free ride home.

I was arguing with God one night. I said I won’t pay for a make up artist for our Christmas party presentation contest. I was angry. I don’t want to spend some more. I had already spend some for our uniform.The next day, I received a phone call. Somebody was ordering Guyabano capsule. I didn’t expect to receive the payment right away. The amount was more than enough for my make up fee. I felt tears falling down my check.

Those tears were not all for joy or thanksgiving. For me it was more than that. It was a loving touch of God. I could hear Him say, “Hey, I’m here. I never leave you. My love for you is still the same.” Indeed he cares for me, all of me. Everything that I have, my needs, my concerns, my future, my loved ones, everything. As in EVERYTHING. But I forgot.

For quite some time I felt God was far away. It was like He’s changed a lot. He wasn’t that close to me anymore. Then I remember what I told my cousin abroad who felt something like this too. I told her, “It is actually us who are going away from God. The truth is, God is going after us. He loves to be closer to us." Now it’s time I tell this to myself.

I already knew this but I just need someone to say it to me so I can grasp the message well. Does it sounds familiar?

The truth is, I was the one who went away from him. Who have been ignoring him, not for some time, but more time. I have been lazy. I was busy with a lot of things, like my job, my balloon business. Many things of this world has caught my attention like Christmas parties, preparing gifts, making a Christmas budget (the hardest!) and yes!, including the loss of Manny Pacquiao, the Miss Universe First Runner up Janine Tugonon, Typhoon Pablo victims, and many others. My personal concerns has affected my trust and faithfulness to God. I just need to re-order my priorities and manage my time well.

For me, this is the true meaning of Christmas that has become real to me. He loves me and cares for every details of my life. This is why He came.

God is reaching for us. We are His pearl of great price. To Him, we are almost of equal value with His son. Imagine how much He loves us?

“God so love the world that He gave His only begotten son. That whosoever believe in Him will not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

May we not lose sight of God’s loving touch not just during Christmas season but in our daily life.

I Hope everyone had a very MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Note: I make Guyabano/Soursop capsule primarily for family consumption. Some I sell to friends who order. We also make balloon arrangement for any occassions.

It's PENTECOST SUNDAY!

noreply@blogger.com (bea) — Sun, 27 May 2012 10:30:00 +0000

Today is the birth of the Catholic Church. This is when;

"Suddenly there was a noise from the sky which sounded like a strong wind blowing, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then they saw what looked like tongues of fire which spread out and touched each person there. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to talk in other languages, as the Spirit enabled them to speak." Act 2:2-4

This is the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the twelve apostles, the Blessed Virgin Mary and other followers of Jesus

The Catholic Church celebrates Pentecost Sunday, seven weeks or 50 days after Easter Sunday. The Greek word for 50 is pentecost.

Jesus has ascended into heaven but He sent the Spirit so that believers could have the comfort, guidance and empowerment of God's presence in their lives.The Spirit that enabled them to proclaim God's world to all the world.

On this day, the believers were given the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit, namely;

The gifts of Wisdom, Counsel, Understanding, Fortitude, Knowledge, Fear of God, Piety.

With the mention of these gifts, I can't help singing a memorable song that I learned when I was younger, which we sung in celebration of the Pentecost Sunday, too. Let me share the lyrics of the song. I used to sing this song as part of my prayer, singing it again and again.

                 COME HOLY SPIRIT; The Fruits

Refrain: Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful
              Enkindle in them the fire of Your love.
Send forth Your Spirit and renew the face of the earth

I.    Spirit of wisdom, teach me to despise
     The perishable things of this world
      And aspire only after the things, that are eternal

II.   Spirit of counsel, show me the sweet way of
      Pleasing God and heaven
      Spirit of fortitude help me overcome
     With courage all the obstacles that oppose my salvation

III. Spirit of understanding, enlighten my minds
      With the light of Your Divine truth.
      Spirit of piety, guide me to find
      The service of God sweet and amiable.

                               INSTRUMENT OF CHANGE

You have fulfilled God's promise that we shall not be alone
Let Your light be our guide, in the road to everlasting life

Chorus: Come Holy Spirit renew the face of the earht
             In my heart, with Your light thru Your might.
   Change the world

Thru Your gifts. We shall be strong to face the world seemed lost.
Let Your love be our strength, to witness to God's word at any cost

With Your fire, we have the warmth to fill the empty hearts
Overflow, 'till we grow in the faith and hope with love to carry on

Coda: May I be a temple of Your Divine Spirit.
         To be an instrument of change.
          Renew the face of the earth. (Chorus)

May we continue to allow the Holy Spirit to work in our lives as we open our hearts to His promptings.

Happy Birthday to one and all!

Lolo's Smile

noreply@blogger.com (bea) — Sun, 13 May 2012 14:18:00 +0000

This is not frequent, a once in a blue moon moment with my grandfather that I treasure in my heart.

I woke up one very early morning. I have to catch up for the second trip to the next town where I work. It was Monday and I must not be late. After drinking a glass of warm water, I washed my face and hurriedly wrapped my tattered hair with a big handkerchief and took my back pack. On my way to the door, I would pass by Lolo’s room. As usual, it would always be him that I would get to say goodbye every time I would leave this early for work. I would find him playing solitaire. Every time I say my "good bye" to him, sometimes I would find him surprised like he forgot I existed. Sometimes almost shocked that I disturbed him from his meditation with his cards, he would just look at me and nod his head and proceed with his solitaire. Sometimes he would blankly stare at me while I walk away. No expression. I would even suspect if he knows who I am. I wonder if he thinks I’m a thief? A respectful thief, asking permission to go after stealing something. Huh!?

But this morning was different. This time I was sure he recognized me. He was smiling at me when I told him I was leaving. He wasn’t surprised or shocked. He was almost laughing. He was looking at me. I thought maybe I had a “morning glory” (muta or dried tears). Maybe he found my unfashionable look so funny that morning even though this has been my attire whenever I travel. Well, I have only red and green bandana. But no! It wasn’t like the smile he makes when I gave him a cake that he loves when I go home on weekends. There was something in those smiles that stroke like a lightning and was suddenly imprinted permanently in my heart. Ah.... It’s been so long since I saw those smiles. I wonder how he really felt that early morning. There wasn’t just happiness in those smiles but joy. This time it was me that was surprised. After telling him I was leaving, he smiled again and said yes and continued with his solitaire.

The incident came back to my mind during the mass the next day when at homily, the priest mentioned about making other people happy. I noticed tears falling down my cheek as I recalled what happened. I wondered what have I done to him that made him smile and laugh at me like that. It’s like a thanksgiving to me. I felt the happiness in those eyes, in those smiles. It showed how contented and happy Lolo is with his life that moment. He was blessed not with material things but with love. Imperfect love from people he has loved imperfectly. God knows how he’s been bad but God never deprived him of being blessed like this especially during this time when he is helpless.

I prayed that I would be blessed, even more, like Lolo when I would be old and might also be sick. I wish I would also have someone like Bea beside me.

*********************************

I wrote this about 5 years ago. My mother took care of him and my Lola when they started to become sickly until they died. Today is his second death anniversary.

I love you and I miss you Lolo!

Prayer:

Eternal rest grant unto Paterno, Sr. and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace.

Green Thumb

noreply@blogger.com (bea) — Tue, 01 May 2012 15:48:00 +0000

"An extra ordinary ability to make plants grow."

I have it. It is only now that I have given it much attention. Honestly, I had more important things in mind than planting. Also, it is only in recent years that had my own place to plant.

My desire to help the environment increased my desire to plant. Well, aside from being an entrepreneur.

I like to eat fruits, and so my desire to eat more made me also decide to plant fruit trees. For a year now, I have been buying fruits, grow the seeds and when it grows, I gave it to my friends and officemates and to those who wants to plant, too.

Some of my grown seeds I planted in our small lot in the country. I visited the place today and I was amazed how some have grown. Though some had died because nobody takes care of them often. Fortunately, we met a cousin one day and she asked if she could plant vegetables in our small lot so she could sell it in the market. We were so glad she did. Now, someone takes care of my plants there. Plus, we get free vegetables when we visit like today. I brought some of my grown fruit trees and transplanted it.

Guyabano or Soursop

Rambutan

Avocado

Marang

Macopa

Santol

Kalamansi with squash crawling around

Papaya

The small lot is in the middle of a rice field at the foot of the coconut tree

It's not easy planting. I got blister digging holes. My one technique is to dig shallow holes then I just put the plants and top it with lots of soil. I know this is not the right way to do it but somehow I have grown many already.

This is my one gift that I am sharing to you, and to the world.

I hope this could inspire others to plant, too. There are a lot of barren lands. Maybe if others will only be conscious of our environment, somehow we can alleviate some inconveniences that we experience that is caused by our present environment. Sometimes I wish I could easily plant in those spare lands. But I know its impossible.

Holy Week Imperfect Sacrifices

noreply@blogger.com (bea) — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 08:35:00 +0000

Holy Week or Easter Week is the most important date in the Christian Calendar. It commemorates the life of Jesus -- His passion and resurrection.

Various rites and traditions are observed to celebrate this sacred week. In our place, just like in other parts of the country, the Good Friday procession is the most awaited rites that Catholics like me looks forward to. It is a solemn procession of tableaux depicting episodes from the Way of the Cross and statues of Dolorosa -- Most Sorrowful Mother - and other significant female characters in the bible that were present during the passion of Jesus.

Parishioners flocks to the church to hear the Seven Last Words of Jesus before He died. The mass is very long during this time. After which the procession starts. But early on, many people are already lined up on the street.

Some were just spectators

Some do business

The procession went early this year. I didn't know so I was late. When I arrived in front of the church, there were only few carriages left. The sun was still up but the carriage with the dead body of Christ is already moving. At first, I thought it was just going to its line but it was already moving on. This made me stop taking pictures and started to walk before it, starting to pray my Rosary as the procession progressed.

As usual, as the mob troops to the road, some were praying, some were just walking in silence and others were just talking with friends like they were walking at the park. Others we laughing. These did not fail to distract me from my silent prayer. Many thoughts come to mind. I started to reflect on the things that were happening around me.

The scenario can be likened to our life. When we follow Christ there are a lot of distractions. God allows them to test our faith and faithfulness to Him. He makes us grow and learn to know Him more.

One thought made me laugh. I can see myself behave like everyone else around me. Not a few times have I been a distraction to others, too. Not a few times have I been disrespectful and disobedient to God. But with all my warts and flaws, God still love me.

Indeed, God loves a so great. He is madly, deeply in love with us. In local dialect "Patay na patay siya sa atin." And He literally died for us!

God loves us to folly. Our imperfections does not diminish the great love Jesus has for us.

He patiently understand and accepts us as we are. Our distorted belief about God hinders us from receiving His love for us. He is not a punishing God. He will always find ways to bring us back to Him no matter how stubborn we are.

I am grateful for this lenten season. Some of us may not understand the meaning of the various practices we do. Some of us may only be doing them for worldly motives, but I bet God is thankful and happy to see us do such rites.

He is happy to see us being one in making these little imperfect sacrifices for him.

For a complete pictures of the tableaux or carriages click here.

Bonding with Lola Dela

noreply@blogger.com (bea) — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 14:12:00 +0000

(I wrote this article years ago. This is about my Lola or grandmother. I am posting this again in memory of her first death anniversary. Lola was a Marian devotee. She died in her sleep at 90 years old. We have a lot of good and loving memories of her. Though we miss her so much, we are happy where she is now.)

It was a great relief upon knowing I have to give up a teaching stint aside from my present job. It would mean I could go on with my postponed vacation leave from office. I made a lot of plans, like visiting a beauty parlor and have my hair have its yearly make-over. Spend time playing badminton with my nephews and nieces, sending them to school, read with them, a bonding with my Lolo, and Lola, listening to my mother’s heart and many other things. Unlike my previous vacations, I planned to spend this week mostly at home.

Eventually I learned God had greater plans for my vacations. Oh my, I almost ruined it. It was my first Saturday night at home when my Lola had a fever. The next day she showed me a wound on her feet. She couldn’t remember how she got it. Monday morning we brought her to a doctor and were advised that she needs to be admitted because of infection.

Obviously, only my mother was available to take care of her in the hospital. Inevitably, I was expected to take turns with her since I have no office. The thought of staying in the hospital ward was not a very good thing to look forwarded to. Why can’t we just have gone to a private hospital? I would be willing to take care of Lola as long as the room is clean and properly kept and smells nice. But of course, we couldn’t. We still have remaining obligations there from my Lolo’s hospitalization months ago.

On the second day of my Lola in the hospital, I started to complain to my mother. I began to show some irritation of having to spend my vacation in there. She just listened to me because she also has no other choice. It was decided that Mama will sleep in the hospital and the next morning, I will relieve her so she can take her bath at home and buy medicine.

One night before going home, I went to the PEA (Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration chapel). I sat very near the Host to make sure God can clearly hear me. I talked my heart out. I was really upset and angry and furious that things like this should happen on my scheduled vacation and most of all I can not do anything about it. It’s just not fair that I know I am doing the right thing and my feeling contradicts.

I asked God, “Please take this bad feeling out of me, please Lord.” I kept repeating this phrase when suddenly I was interrupted by a soft and stern voice. “It is not for me to take, it is for you to decide.” The words seemed like a slap on my face. As I was silently sitting there, a lot of realizations started to come to mind.

What have I prayed? I felt stupid. I was blinded by my personal concerns and forgot about Gods concerns. Wasn’t it my self knowledge that everything happens for a purpose? God has been doing great things thru me and I was focused on my delayed visit to the parlor and many other things to do at home.

Then I remembered the dying woman. After Lola was laid on her assigned bed, I noticed this old woman next to her. She was breathing so loud even with an oxygen on her nose. I was drowsy. While seated, I placed my head down on the bed and slept with her sound as my lullaby. Suddenly I woke up and noticed the silence. Then I heard someone said she’s dead. Her family were silently crying, everyone was just observing and nobody seems to be praying. I found myself repeating “Eternal Rest Grant Unto Her…” After almost tired of my litany, I stood and blessed her with a sign of the cross on her forehead. Didn’t I felt great having prayed for someone on their death bed?

Yes indeed, it is for me to decide. Will I continue to stay feeling like that or do something about it? I can not control everything around me. The only thing that I can control is myself and my emotions. I can not tell Lola to be well and go home. But surely, I can tell myself to be patient. Accept things as they are and change my perspective so that I can heartily do the right thing at the moment. It is for me to decide if I would entertain my negative feelings and eventually ruin my vacation.

The next day, when I came to relieve my mother in the hospital, I was happy to learn that she’s sending me out so I could fix my hair and do the things I wanted to do including a night visit to my cousins. The following days I stayed in the hospital but with a different set of mind. To conquer my fears and go beyond my limitations. I was able to endure the different kinds of odor in the hospital ward and be at home to it. Not a few times did I blame my asthma. Maybe if I don’t have it, I would not be too conscious and bear the smell of the room and it would be like perfumes to me. I pictured the two lepers Mother Theresa picked up and washed and took care. I wished I had a heart and attitude like her so that I could bear accompanying Lola to the comfort room which seemed like a torture to me. I began to feel deep empathy for the people who work as caregivers to elderly. I was also able share tips on how to prevent asthma attack to an asthma patient beside Lola. I shared the importance of having healthy eating habit. I also felt most proud to hear not a few people saying Lola was still very beautiful at 86, and felt a little bit sad not looking like her.

I felt great to have bonded with Lola during those moments. I almost forgot it was one of my plans. I enjoyed feeding her with chico, her favorite fruit. Who knows, I might not be able to do this to Lola again. I felt many grandchildren will be envious with me. It makes me feel so great to see how she like and enjoys it when I do loving things for her. It was the sixth times that we went to the CR that afternoon and I didn’t help telling her not to stay long inside because I might have an asthma attack because of the smell. I was touched when she motioned me to go out. I just laughed and felt happy. I knew I just couldn’t leave her there. Oh, how Lola really love me! Mind you, she also worries that I wouldn’t have someone of my own to grow old with that she prays for it daily. She’d tell me that not just a few times. I hope and pray Lola will see her prayers granted for me before she leaves us.

God’s plans are always better than mine. In a nutshell, I was able to do the things I planned and a lot more. Since it was weekend, my aunt came to relieve us and I spent the last days of my vacation bonding with my mother, siblings, nephews and nieces at home.

Virtues are earned and not given instantly, hence, since God wants to bless me with it, He gives me a lot of opportunities for me to gain more virtues. It is just but a pity that sometimes I do not recognize it.

What a grand vacation, indeed!

(Bea-072707)

***********

Prayer: "Eternal rest grant unto Adela, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. may she rest it peace. Amen."