Pilgrim's Manuscript

First Ever, Christmas Wish List! (2011)

2011-12-15T03:10:00.002+08:00

I grew up believing that Santa's real. :) My parents, especially my mama would always tell me to hang my Christmas red stockings' on the door, (as soon as December starts) so to be ready for Santa's coming. I would then raise to bed early, feeling excited and looking forward for the morning to come, expecting a nice present from him.

♫♪♪ He's making a list and checking it twice, finding out who’s naughty or nice. Santa Clause is coming to town! ♪♫♪♪♫

Then, I made sure that I was a good girl to papa and mama, only to find out (later as I grew older) that they were only the ones who would put the gift inside the stockings'. Hmp! hahaha!

No wonder I would get some shampoo (that time I wanted a Rejoice shampoo for kids, and mama knew that). And I was not the type who would write my wish list to Santa, instead any present would always suffice for me.

But I was thinking, wouldn't be nice to receive a gift from someone dear to you, and that gift is something that you really like and is very useful for you? Well, practicality wise, I should say that sharing your wish list to your friends, people close to your hearts would be a really good thing to do.

So as for me, here's my wish list in random order, assuming that my dear friends and family reading this, or in other words, YOU who is reading this might be planning to share some love and blessings (to me) thru the act of gift-giving. :)

Umbrella - folding, automatic or not, it's fine. :) of course, let's consider its quality, so it should at least last a year or more.

Handkerchief or Bandana – Armando Caruso and Pierre Cardin would be really nice! Cartoon character designs like or Disney characters, floral or bohemian print would be awesome! J They cost more but I don’t mind if you give one piece only.

Gardening/Horticultural Tools -katong dako na gunting LOL! and etc...hehehe naa sa ace hardware ug handyman, kita koh. hehe

Pots for gardening/planting – the big ones

Vegetable Seedling/s or seens that I can cultivate and would be very useful for cooking. (like kalamansi, sili and etc.) In my parent's house, my mama and I planted a marcoted kalamansi and it grew beautifully, we didn't have to buy from outside... :)

Orchid plant/s

Kitchen Utensils and Essentials – a knife of good quality and any kind will do, hand towels, pot holder, a nice apron, and kitchen knife holder, chopping board, rug/s… stuff like that… ;-)

Hand Fan – I love using and collecting them--in different colors, designs, shapes and sizes.

Pen (I couldn’t get enough of them) and/or Notebook – There are a lot of interesting and cool designs to choose from in National Bookstore or SM. hehehe

Sling Bag – Medium to Large Size

Bath Towel/s

Addendum (murag charting)

Stuff I like to collect: (brand would NOT matter; but Quality counts!)

Umbrella
Handkerchief
Hand fan
Watches
Sunglasses
Sling Bag
Jewelry (gold and silver)
Books on spiritual nourishment (the ones you can buy from St. Paul’s)

So that's about it. But then again, like I mentioned earlier, any gift would always be special to me. And otherwise, your LOVE and PRAYERS would always be the best priceless gift you can give to me and to others this Christmas. ♥♥♥

The Big Tiny

2011-11-28T10:48:00.001+08:00

Thank you God, You created Dogs! ;-)

Do you believe that dogs are really man's best friend? Hmm... Well as for us (Joserg and me), especially Joserg, he believe's that they are loyal creatures, and that they can truly be the friend you'd never have. hehehe Does that make sense?

Anyway, we have a new dog in the house. Joserg named her Tiny. :) I find her so adorable. She's more of a playful type, and not so sweet like Rambo (my in-law's dog). Her breed is half Belgian (I don't know if it's Malinois or Shepherd) and half German Sheperd. And as of this moment, she's 4 months old. That basically explains her stubbornness, I must say.

Significantly, she's a clever dog and amazingly intelligent. hehe Yes, I know I sound really bias here. But I couldn't help it, coz it's true! lol

Tiny's parents.

All credits to the one who took this picture. :)

This is the 1st batch of pictures I took of Tiny.

When she looks at you.

Looking Down.

Sleepy

As if shy.

Her full attention to the camera.

I've been trying to teach her basic obedience like "sit, heel, down, stay". So far, she's really doing good, especially when she sees you ready with her reward. Oh I just had an idea, I should take a video of her while she do the tricks. So we'll see how she does.

Now, here's the 2nd batch... (Tiny, officially @ 4 months and 25 days)

As if, she's SMILING! hehehe

Looking straight again into the camera.

CURIOUS LOOK.

Are you a dog or a wabit? hihihi

Frankly speaking, I never thought that it'd be really fun to have a dog that you will seriously take care. I've had dogs before but my father was really their master, I was just there to pet them once in a while. But this time, I think it's way different.

We've been learning how to understand dog behavior and their natural instinct (thanks to Cesar Millan). So at least, we get an idea how to effectively relate and communicate with them.

And Tiny's breed needs a lot of physical activities and exercise, so I already have one great motivation to work out and burn more calories, that's by taking her for a long walk with Joserg, hehehe. NO MORE EXCUSES for me and for Joserg. It's a must!

Yet more importantly, having Tiny made me appreciate how great and powerful God is. Knowing that HE made all things--the flowers, particularly my orchids, you, me, our loved ones and even Tiny!

It's just that I couldn't explain how much happiness it gives me when I get to play or talk to this dog. For sure, all dog lovers would understand. :) I just thank God for this simple happiness HE gave us. Hopefully the next one would be "Babies--Two Bundle of Joy" LOL So twins, maybe? Well hopefully, in not so distant future we'll find out.

Hope you include us in your prayers. God bless You! ♥

My simple Orchid TLC!

2011-11-08T19:33:00.000+08:00

Just saying that I can rear plants! Not wear ha... I mean, I can take care of them and they give me flowers after how many months. weeeeh! I'm just overwhelmed and happy with the idea.

You see, I've always looked up to my grandfather and father when it comes to planting and gardening. When I was a kid, I'd see fresh green leafy vegetables, root crops, or any plant in our backyard. And now that I've grown, I've always dreamt of reliving that picture again in my new home. Although I'm not totally sure that it would be possible. But I'm thinking of having potted plants as soon as I get to start working on this plan.

Yet for the meantime, I was practicing my self-discovery gardening abilities with the orchid plants I got from my parents. Ma and Pa took care of these orchids when they were still alive but when they passed away, I decided on trying to "revive" them because the plants were really in bad shape and dehydrated at that time when we got them from my parent's house.

I've had doubts if the plants can still live, because they were already dry and as if withered. So what I did, I carefully arranged them, placed in a wired cube shape container with wooden coals (this I learned from my Aunt). Some of the plants where attached in a dead trunk from our mango tree where I just let it stand in a soil (now my problem is, the the termites are eating it up!) I'll handle that as soon as the trunk can't anymore support itself.

I watered them twice or once a day. I really didn't know what fertilizer to give them, so I just settled for plain water. And in doing laundry, the water used for rinsing can also be used for watering the plants. That's what I do, because they said, the laundry soap has the ability to kill the fungi and other plant diseases. Well as far as I've noticed, the orchids are pretty okay with that system. Plus I can save water. :)

I took pictures of the orchids. If I'm not mistaken, I have a Cattleya, Vanda and Dancing Ladies (no picture yet).

And more importantly, what I love about having your own flowers in the house is the fact that, I don't need to by flowers for our altar. :) Like here:

That's about it!

Having your own orchids is really nice. As for me, they make me happy. I really don't know why but each time I see a new bud coming out, I also see Life. "A Life That is Full of Hope".

Happiness is...

2011-09-13T03:01:00.001+08:00

What do you think?

To be honest with you, I've had many rough moments for the past weeks. I've been feeling really down, because there were things that I wanted to do but just didn't had the luxury to do it because of inevitable circumstances. And that's because I got sick. Hmmm sick in many ways- emotionally, physically and spiritually.

I felt that I was a mess. Well, not gravely but I felt that things weren't right.

So what else can I do, to reverse this? Actually, I've thought of something, and I call it. "Push the Refresh button!" I'd call it pushing your refresh button because it's exactly how I felt, after trying. I felt "refreshed".

But how do I literally do it? As far as I'm concern, what works for me is, reflecting on the things that makes me feel better and then I actively do those things, basically because I have been missing them. Say for example, singing feel-good songs while playing the guitar.

As you know, I'm a home-buddy and I love wandering around the house. Work, sing with my borrowed guitar, pray, clean the house, sleep, read inspiring materials and other outside-the-house activities ( with family, community and friends). Those are simple things that I think would really make my life a lot more meaningful.

But the problem now is, how do I put balance on all these important things. Truthfully, that's part of my struggle, up until now. I'm still working on this challenge. However, for starters I thought of going back and choosing the very most important thing in life, and that is the prayer time.

It's always been part of my blog writing, with which I keep on mentioning. And I don't exactly understand why. Maybe because it has always been a struggle for me to maintain THAT prayerful life, even though it's what I've always wanted.

And so I fail, because I still give in to temptation. And again, that's something that I think is also a lifelong process to work on--trying to conquer that kind of temptation and come out victoriously, as often.

Anyway, back to prayer time. Since I've been missing my prayer time, which started when I got sick. Sick from discouragement, plus I also got really sick because of my premolar tooth (wisdom teeth), and this equates sever pain on the gums. The result? Everything fell from the ground. It was a mess. I felt really down.

Up until I called for help.

I called for the Almighty God and asked pardon for neglecting Him. I prayed fervently to Him. I simply asked to please help me with my concerns, worries and burden. Because I knew that no one else can help me, except Him--Our Most High Heavenly Father.

True enough, 2 weeks ago, I was already starting to feel a burden being lifted. And just last week, finally I was able to go to confession. That was one of the things that I really wanted to do. Praise GOD! I did it!

I realize that I alone can't sustain my life. Everything will be worthless if I let myself rule everything. Again, I'd say all things will be a mess, if we neglect God's providence, because He is The Source of All.

In my humble opinion, if I include God all the time, in whatever I do, whenever I do it, and wherever I do it, things will definitely end up triumphantly!

And that, my friend, is what I call...

HAPPINESS.

Happy Moments

Of course, with my Pila Family. I'm always very grateful to them.

With my Velez Clan Family

Dancing with Heaven's Mom, my cousin dearie Cheska

With My Ever Dearest Goddaughter, Heaven Anthony!

Jogging @ Sports Center with cousin Mj

April 17, 2007

There's still more people that I really want to include, like my family in Ilo-ilo and some other friends who are dear to me, because spending time with them is a treasure.

To you dear reader, I'm praying and hoping that you find your true happiness in life. Cherish it, even though it comes in a small package. God bless you! ♥

P.S.
By the way, I'm feeling the joy in my heart. And it's precisely the very first reason why I wrote this post. ☺

Hoping For A New Start

2011-09-12T03:05:00.001+08:00

Thank God! I feel like it's been centuries...*chuckles* Anyway, I'm just posting something very short here just to take note that I just gave a my blog a new look. And I feel great about it.

What do you think? Hmm.. Well, feel free to drop a message and tell me what you think?

This would certainly be a new start for my blog. :)

God bless and Thanks for dropping by!

Open thy Heart for Lent

2011-03-15T22:31:00.000+08:00

Lent is here. We started with the Ash Wednesday last March 9, 2011 and it will end after 40 days. So all and all we are all being taught that this special season is a call for preparing ourselves for the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Repentance, Prayer and Faith, Alms-giving, so on and so forth are the significant things that is basically what we are ought to do as Catholics. As for me, it has challenge me to better myself as a Catholic.

A bitter fact that I experience the past couple of months is getting hooked by this very popular social network, the Facebook. First it has captured me with all its various interesting games online, next is just uploading all the photos of my whereabouts to I don't know why exactly why. Publish myself and others as the press button says it?! Oh well, I just can't imagine why it can be sort of addictive.

But on the other hand, I really find it also very useful in a sense that we can see all our friends, relatives and long lost friends/family etc. and then get connected once again. This is really helpful in building relationships with others at some point and we cannot avoid that fact. However, too much of something or rather, everything is bad enough. That is why, I decided that for this LENT, it is about time that I have to give up going online in facebook. It simply because I can't control my time whenever I log on to it. Oh so shame of me! *blushing*

That's why I finally gave myself this ultimatum since the Ash Wednesday and thank GOD it's helping me. Why? Because I am able to do more studying and reading. And I love that! I love learning about God, Faith, Catholic Church, and all other things. Though I still have other things to do at home for my chores and I feel bad about that but I will be scheduling my chores, errands, prayer time and the studying/reading. That's the first thing that I have to do now after writing this blog.

Anyway, interestingly my dear hubby Joserg is also abstaining pork meat for 40 days. And I do hope he can really keep up to it because we both really know that he is just a meat-lover. He is scheduled to cook his yummy recipe this week and maybe next week also. Oh no, i really bid him good luck. I hope he will be able to surpass it if he decides to cook the "hamonada".

Thus, I am challenging all to open their hearts now to God's call. He longs for us to follow him in our simple ways. We may think that it's hard and complicated to follow Jesus Christ but I honestly say there is always a simple way. God is never complicated however His wisdom is just as heavenly as it is and way different from human wisdom. God is God and we are just human beings. We have to ask His grace with the Holy Spirit so we can fully understand Him and that is the challenge for us.

We have to keep in mind too that GOD loves us no matter what but it's a two-way relationship. We also have to show our love for Him. And how do we do that? I leave the answer to you. I know you, deep in your heart that you already know the answer. God is just waiting for your call. So I say, let's open our hearts to Him. :-)

So all the fasting and/or abstaining is just an added spice as we go through this season because what we ought to understand is the meaning of our lives here on earth. And that when the Lent ends, we are able to answer the question to our existence as well as be able to confidently know our role in this world. And lastly, hopefully and prayerfully before the season of Lent ends, we are able to build a much more deeper relationship with our Heavenly Father.

May we all be able to take the journey through the Season of Lent fruitfully for forty days!

Love is In the Air on Saint Valentine's Day

2011-02-17T03:50:00.003+08:00

Another late blog post I made from a challenge that my cousin (MJ) gave. The challenge was about (1) posting your thoughts about love in general and in romance, (2) your valentine song for this year and lastly, (3) your "what if would happen to me" this Valentines. I honestly am a bit confuse with the last part. But anyhow, let me just proceed and share to you how I view love and what's my personal definition of it base on what I have gone through.

Love. One of the most commonly used word ever since the world begun, I think! Haha! I even considered it as a murdered word because it has been used wrongly by many. Please don't get me wrong but I am only speaking from my own opinion here.

The new generation (Generation X or I don't know what letter do you call it now! may it be Y or Z?!!) has somehow added some poison in it that even I when I was yet in college, been blinded by these worldly ideas and ideals of love. It is because mostly love is plainly referred to as a mere feeling and/or emotion.

I honestly find it too superficial and untrue. Now before I go on with my thoughts on love. Let me first share to you the song for my Valentine's Day this year. The first time I saw this video and heard the song in facebook through 100% Katolikong Pinoy, I honestly fell in love with it, because it already says EVERYTHING! Here. Better watch and listen. Enjoy!

In my own words, LOVE IS FINDING JOY IN SACRIFICE AND IN BEING SELFLESS. It's really tough doing it. BUT ALL OF US IS CAPABLE OF FOLLOWING IT! You may even say that it's too idealistic and unrealistic. But it is the real truth and nothing but the truth. And that is what I believe in. This is the light that we should live in. Walking "IN THE LIGHT" will make your life superb! I know for sure.

I have done so many mistakes in my life before when I was really young ( coz now I'm not so young anymore LOL). Mistakes that was brought about by curiosity and temptation. I was trying to make myself "in" with the fad and norms of society and with the youth of "today". But it all ended up to nothingness. I gained nothing but shame towards myself and to GOD. I thought I would feel complete.

But instead it was more of a feeling of emptiness and the guilt thats eating up my whole being. NONETHELESS, GOD was always to the rescue. In due season, I was able to wake up on that selfish bad circumstance. I confessed everything! Prayed fervently to God and to Mama Mary for the grace and guidance to lead me to the right path. Indeed GOD sent the right people and the right person. I was not left alone. It was all because of LOVE. GOD LOVES ME and I SHOWED HIM THAT I LOVE HIM and I WANT HIM TO LEAD ME TO THE RIGHT PATH.

I'd say GOD is really the perfect example on what love is and how to show our love to others. I firmly believe that if you accept God in your life wholeheartedly and live accordingly to HIS teaching, you won't lose anything. Instead you will be gaining the LIFE that you earnestly been wanting! Because HE has always been ready in blessing you the beautiful life that you deserve. :)

One more important thought I have in love is, YOU CAN NEVER LOVE OTHERS UNLESS YOU LOVE YOURSELF FIRST. It's like, how can you give something to someone when you yourself don't have that something? And loving oneself in NOT or NEVER vain. For me, it's more of being respectful and honest to oneself or to yourself. It's being humble and admitting your own mistakes and then making amend to yourself or to others or most specially to GOD. Most importantly, loving oneself/yourself is believing that loving GOD is your main priority because through this you get to seize life with pure joy and contentment! :)

One blessing that I've had was having my first boyfriend as my husband now. He has been my first in everything, like I said. We have been in a relationship for 5 amazing years straight. And our marriage will be turning 4 years this coming April. For all those years, we have dealt with so many obstacles but it has been God's abundant grace and blessing that we are still together.

I should say that what we were before is somehow a bit different on what we are right now. It's because we change some of our principles as we grew spiritually in Christ. Together we discovered God and his love in fullness. This is such a beautiful phase in our life as an individual and as a couple. And the journey still lives on. I should say that Joserg my ex-bf now my husband, has always been what God has in store for me and vice versa.

Romantically, we compliment each other because we are the opposites. hihihihi funny but I really find it romantic. It's challenging though but like I said, with God leading you both the way. You can never go wrong on the road that you both will take. So what's really the highlight of our romance now? Well it's not actually more of the love making part, the cooking for him or him cooking for me part, the watching movie together part, the hugging and cuddling part or kissing everyday part and etc.

But the 2 most romantic acts I've always like is when we just seat or lie down together and talk for hours and hours about anything. We talk about people, family, life, GOD and our service/community, our feelings/emotions, point of views, friends, business, fantasies, dreams and so on and so forth...

I really love that part! ♥ And I just realize that it would be really romantic when we are serving GOD together consistently in many ways. That would be oh so cool! We will be working on it! :D

So we spent our Saint Valentines Day just having dinner and spending the whole day together :)

PICTURE (Feb. 14, 2011)

Anyway, I guess till next time :) It's already almost 6AM and I still need to sleep. Good morning to you and good night to me. :) I hope you got something out of this post. Please don't forget that God loves you so much!

Be Inspired,
♥ Jet ♥

An Open Letter for my Parents

2011-01-30T21:17:00.010+08:00

One of the interesting challenge as new blogger I've encountered is writing an open letter to someone who is very dear to our heart and has already departed. And I personally find it interesting and thought I might as well try it. It's my cousin Cheska who gave us bloggers this challenge a couple of weeks ago. This may seem late but this is really special (for me).

This is how it goes...

To my ALL TIME BEST MAMA and my HERO PAPA,

*sigh* I miss you both so so so much! How are you both? Haha! I'm just starting to write you this letter and it's like tears are about to fall down! My throat suddenly felt dry as if I'm gonna choke up and as if I'm going to talk in front of you. Well, Ma and Pa, that's how I miss you both so much. It's like a mixed emotion that sometimes hard to understand or rather too easy to understand that no words could ever explain except the word "MISS".

Anyhow, many things have happened and I'm pretty sure that you both can see me/us here. I just want you both to know that, I'm pretty much fine and moving on to life with Joserg. He has been really good and loving to me. He's truly God sent and I am really so thankful to you Ma and Pa for accepting him fully and lovingly as my husband. You both really made the right choice in welcoming him to our family way back when we were still friends. So now, we are praying for the gift of family that soon, God would grant us a new gift of life even though you both can't be able to literally be with us now. But with God's grace, our prayers will be granted.

I just feel a bit sad that you both won't be with me physically when the time comes that I will be facing this chapter in my life (getting pregnant). You both are the first people I call whenever I feel any discomfort, sickness or whatsoever and then you both would let me feel as if I'm your one and only baby. Maybe that's why I grew up a crybaby! Hehehe oh well, it's just something that's planted in me.

Anyway, I was worked up by the OBGYN and we found out I had polycystic ovaries. This is something that's actually not so alarming but should be properly addressed. This is because I am severely overweight. Therefore have to lose, I think, 35% of my weight. *sigh* So this is my focus now Ma and Pa. Please help me naman. Ma and Pa, I think you both can intercede for me. =)

Now, I am getting busy with dancing thanks to my dear cousin Cheska for helping me out and sharing her talent to us her cousins and students. FYI: She's not just my cousin now but also an official dance teacher of mine. hehehe.. As you both can remember, Mng Jing2x was really the best dancer we had in our family here in Cagayan de Oro aside from our dear folks in Malaysia. I'm really hoping and praying that this will push through and will bear positive results as time goes by.

I have also some good news for the both of you, our family is fine and intact. I mean that in a beautiful way. Though of course there are still problems that we encounter but with God's grace we are able to handle it well. But we still need your prayers and guidance though. =) I am so thankful Ma that your siblings To Mens and To Nick are continuously showing their love and concern to me and to Joserg. And to you Pa, for paving the way for me to build strong relationships to my relatives in Iloilo. Thanks to facebook I still do keep in touch with them as often as I could. The family I have from the both of you are really amazing! Praise and thank GOD!

My in-laws are also just as amazing as my relatives. They have been so good to Joserg and specially to me. We will be reuniting again this coming March after Joserg's birthday and we might go on a great vacation experience. Oh how I wish you both can go with us and enjoy but as fate has not allowed, I accept it as it is. So you both have really nothing to worry about. I feel that God has still blessed me.

Even though you both went to heaven early, maybe it was still really meant to be. I was pushed harder to be independent from both of you and so it has turned my life this way. Thanks for raising me up like this. I feel that you both left me with great values in life that now I see and realize how important they are to be used day by day. I also feel that I have grown much more like you both, just a combination of you ma and pa. *smiles* And I like it!

Just like the two of you also, me and Joserg are involved in the catholic community called Kahayag Sa Diyos (di nga lang CFC) but I think it's the best community for us in helping us grow spiritually. I'm also praying to be a cooperator for Opus Dei with Tita Tit's guidance, remember Ma, she was once your avid phone pal too! Well, she has been contributing to my spiritual growth as housewife and a wife. God truly works in wonders... =) Thanks to you Ma and Pa for setting an example on how much beauty there is in being close to God and serving him.

So much for that, I just want to tell you both that I love you and I miss you. Papa's 1st death anniversary is fast approaching and 5t will be this coming Sunday already. We are planning to have our simple get together with the Peralta's at Tito Nick's home (as usual; by the way we usually have the gathering in PN Roa na and not in Camella, not like before). But sure it is still fun! Full of chitchats/gossips, singing sometimes dancing, and specially laughters!

So?! Till we meet again! hehehe but i sure hope not too soon...hehehe I love you both so much!!! I forever miss you both!!!

Love Your Patuting and Baliling,
♥ Jet-jet ♥

PICTURES!

Meet my Mama and Papa. A photo with them during my childhood years.

Me, my husband Joserg and them during our Wedding Anniversary! We have the same wedding date's. This was our 1st anniversary and if I'm not mistaken their 23rd wedding anniversary. ♥

During Saint Valentine's Day Year 2009. Just enjoying a meal @ MAX's Chicken! ;D (that is if I remember it right! ehehe)

Mama went to heaven last June 7, 2009 just a few days after Papa and my birthday.

Papa followed Mama 8 months after last February 13, 2010, a day before Valentine's Day.

♥AGAIN, I LOVE YOU MA AND PA! (I should have said this often as I could!)♥

1st for 2011 "Prayer Time"

2011-01-13T13:28:00.007+08:00

Prayer time. How do we go over with our prayer time? What comprises our prayer time? Why is our prayer time a big deal in our life? Personally, I believe that we should allot ample time for praying. Having it an hour or less makes wonders in our life. I for one can testify to this because it has changed me in a very good way. It has helped me to be humble, generous and patient to God's response and to others. What I love about having my prayer time is when God speaks to me and I can understand HIM crystal clear. It's something that amazes me and melts my heart whenever I get HIS message. So how do I go about with my prayer time? Let me share to you my idea and style:

1. Way back in Singles for Christ days when me and Joserg were serving, we have been taught a simple format of prayer that may help us when doing prayer-over or simply when saying our personal prayer. We can start of with ADORATION or simply saying praises and worship to GOD. Giving all our appreciation to our Heavenly Father for all his goodness and faithfulness to us HIS people. We give recognition to HIM our God and our all. This will be followed by the CONTRITION or what I call asking for forgiveness for our wrongdoings. Showing GOD our repentant hearts and the willingness to change for the greater good. Up next would be, THANKSGIVING. Our God is a loving and generous God. HE never fails to give blessings to us. We take a look all around us, the nature, the air, water, food.. etc. the list is infinite. So Who is the source of all these? I believe it's GOD. We show HIM how grateful we are for our provisions, HIS mercy and love, for healing etc. There is so much to be thankful for so we pour out everything in here. Last but not the least is SUPPLICATION. We tell GOD all our petitions and favors. I personally have my list of names together with their concerns so that I cannot forget to say them when I pray. We can also take this chance to pray for other and for the world. Our world is changing and for me, I just can't sit around and do nothing. For me change is not bad, as long as it's for the good. I'm referring to the good here as righteous. And YES! It's too idealistic, too good to be true and maybe impossible. But in my opinion, it's the best option and I'm hopeful for it. And PRAYER is one weapon we can use all the time.

2. Now, have you ever wondered how will GOD speak to you? well i did! :) But later in my community life, I've learned that God can speak to me in many ways. One is when I read my meditation guide. Here's the issue for this month of January 2011 and beside is a card I got from a very good friend of mine. I'm just so happy she remembered me. :)

and here's also a gift from my pastoral leaders ate chelo and manong dodon that has helped my prayer time more enriching :) and my personal bible :)

If we just learn to harden not our hearts and let God come in, then and there, we can hear HIS voice. We are called not only to listen but also to hear what HE has to say. GOD sends instruments and materials for us to discover, utilize and use. He works in may mysterious ways. We just have to open our eyes and hearts to unfold it. Later, after we know it, HE has spoken to us. :)

I'm sharing this not because I am able to do this always. No. I still struggle to do this and be consistent every single day. But astonishingly, it has helped me to be a better person even if I cannot "perfect" it. But I think it does not really matter if we perfect it. What matters for me, is the quality and value we give for our PRAYER TIME. I guess I am writing this out because I want to see for myself if I can give more improvement on my part and to motivate myself too. I hope and pray that I can really be a working progress because it has always been God's gift and grace that I am able to keep the fire of fervent prayer burning. This is my heart's desire because like I always say, "I'm offering it all back to Him!"

For God's greater glory!

♥ Jet ♥

It's worth the Wait

2010-09-30T18:11:00.005+08:00

Psalm 27:14 (New International Version)

14 Wait for the LORD;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the LORD.

This is the verse I got from a sister who commented on my post in FB when I said,

"i always try to seek all the goodness in every situation. as the old saying goes, everything that happens has a reason and a purpose. i do look up to this. however, many times it consumes too much energy and chances. Now, they say, PATIENCE is a VIRTUE. and that is why everything is still worth the wait. the ANSWER is still worth the wait. =)"

A statement I made from what I feel because of the situation I am in. A situation wherein as the usual is the outside of my comfort zone. A situation that I am being challenge as a wife and as a homemaker. *chuckles* A situation where I am weak and should be learning to balance time. These are one of the few of the matters that has been bothering me lately.

Now that we have no help, we are challenged to face all obstacles at home and outside. Me and my husband will now be juggling from all works inside and outside the house. Yes, it's something we all just ought to do. And I'm saying that this is it! This is what we call LIFE! The life I was living before was an easy one. I really am so thankful that God was generous to make that part of my life having someone to help us at home all the time. I am really grateful for it. However, life is moving on, it does really has its twist that we must accept. Yes, I'm dealing with our twist right now. And yes, it sure is a challenging one. That's what I like to call it. CHALLENGING.

My concern now is our time. Our time for our service to our community and to others. Not to mention our time for our loved ones. Our work at home is "time consuming" which includes mostly of the business and daily chores. But mostly because of the business that our time is being eaten up. This is something that I'm really praying for. How would we be handling our schedule? My faith that by the grace of God, we'd be enlighten and be given a chance to see solutions or alternatives.

"Oh Lord please make haste to help us."

And I am trying to be positive in this matter. =)

Therefore, although I have so many stuff in my head... More of it are questions... Questions of how, why, where and what... Questions that are still without answers... But I know through time, it will all be answered. It will be given by my Vindicator!=) Our Vindicator! in Hebrew you call it go'el which refers to a relative who would help out another relative A go'el who will set things right! So I know in time, all things will be put into places! And answers would be received. That is why, I'm putting on this face:

I know that I should be waiting positively and be doing my part. I know that I should not just sit around and do nothing. Instead, I'd be preparing and making ways to equip myself for the this journey. A journey unto a greater purpose. So this is truly it! And now let's bring it on! ;)

Be Inspired!
It's my time to shine (lol),
♪ Jet ♪

After All

2010-08-27T15:00:00.000+08:00

It's been a long time since i took time to voice out everything that has happened and say what's in my heart after all that has gone through here in our world. The hostage drama that happened here in our country Philippines, the major major 4th runner up Ms. Philippines issue. And before that, my encounter with a good friend after undergoing series of cancer treatment and the manifestation of God's love and power in her experience of having cervical CA. And now my discovery, just last night on how God has moved my life pleasantly.

Bottom line, I am just so overwhelmed with all of this.

But let me just start with my dear friend whom I just met about a year ago or two and has ever since been a good friend of mine. It is just simply because I am so amazed by her story and how she has experienced our Lord in her times of distress. She's in her early 30's with a loving husband and 3 kids. Just recently she was unexpectedly diagnosed with the big C! Yes, pretty scary. Going through that kind of ordeal is one thing I know that's like hell. Since i've experience it with my father and he just passed last February 2010. Anyway, we all were shocked and sad after knowing it. As her sisters in the community, we offered tirelessly our prayers for her healing and recovery. Little did we know that she was really having a hard time accepting it. I really feel for her even until now. And she shared to us, on the 3rd day since her sickness was discovered she still had difficulty getting a sound sleep up until she prayed and poured everything to God, a life "poured out". Let me quote this as a dramatic evocative image with deep emptiness and desolation. She cried her heart out and asked for God's comfort. Until she felt a warmth presence, a person in her vision lifting her up to hug cuddle her like a baby. It was the loving manifestation of God for our sister, giving her comfort and assurance that God will never forsake her especially in these times of trials. Listening to her story gave my goosebumps and brought tears into my eyes. She really felt God's presence, mercy and kindness. She felt God's love concretely. I do find it so powerful and inspiring. So after that encounter, she was at peace. She was able to sleep soundly and just move forward. She had her series of treatment with high hopes that God would do His purpose for her life. Now we are still continuing to pray for her healing. And it amazes me seeing her, still beautiful and radiant amidst all the things that she is going through. Therefore, I say that it is by the grace of God that she is moving forward and living her life to the fullest. She is one favored woman of God. Praise His Name!

Another big tragedy have happened here in Philippines. One thing that made me so sad for my country and for the victims. Just few days ago, a hostage crisis has shook the whole world and it ended up terribly with 9 dead people including the gunman or hostage-taker. I do not want to dwell on the details simply because aside from the fact that it's all over the news, I might as well just focus on what I can do or say that is something positive to this sad happening. Well I do hope that positive things will come out from this adversity. I'm hoping that all this will end peacefully. Justice will be served and HK victims will be able to forgive our country. I am praying for HEALING for all of us because I believe that this is what we all need right now. WISDOM for our leaders in the government. Now that they will be taking their next step or action plan in dealing with all the outcome of the disaster. I also just want to extend my heartfelt sympathies to the victims of the hostage crisis and that we do offer special prayer intentions for them and for our country.

"Sana din po, iwasan na natin ang pang lalait sa ating kapwa dahil alam naman natin lahat na hindi ito makakatulong sa sitawasyon. Di na dapat tayo magbigay na masasamang komento sa kapwa Pilipino natin kundi mag isip nalang po tayo ng paraan kung ano ang ating maitutulong (kahit maliit lang na bagay) sa pinag dadaan ng ating bansa ngayon. Maraming Salamat po"
God bless our country Philippines!

Now, I consider what our Miss Philippines has achieved in the pageant as blessing! I feel for her too. Though she only got into 4th place, she has showed her optimism in everything she does and say. I even thought that she has gone that far because she is simply a positive person. Her answer with the "major major" words was somehow obscure and funny, for me but I'd say this is what makes us Filipinos stand out. Our "ka jologans" or our innate unconventional and astonishing trait. This is what makes us unique as Filipinos. Nevertheless, I am happy for Ms. Venus and thanks to her for giving pride to our country as being the 4th runner up of Ms. Universe. I'd say it's still a big title to carry! =)

Furthermore, I just want to document that God truly remembers! HE answers our prayers. I'll talk more about this on my next post.

Be Inspired,
♫ Jet ♫

when I read

2010-07-23T10:37:00.000+08:00

Usually when I read something that struck me like lightning, i then get the urge to share it to everyone. But my problem then is this, I would prefer the author's original writing especially when i find it so precise and well iterated. Actually yesterday was the Memorial of Mary Magdalene, disciple of the Lord. The Gospel speaks about her experience after Jesus Christ died on the cross and was buried in the tomb. However just few days have passed, when she visited the tomb, she found out that the body of Jesus Christ was gone. Let me show to you a short description of yesterday's Gospel and the Gospel itself. Then a meditation guide that has inspired and touched my heart.

GOSPEL
The first person to proclaim the resurrection of Jesus was a woman. All of us are called to be evangelists. We just need to discover our gifts for evangelization and then use them at every opportunity. We should pray for the courage to proclaim the Gospel when the chance arises. God has changed our lives through the gift of salvation; let us be willing to offer that gift to others freely.

John 20:1-2, 11-18

1 On the first day of the week, Mary of Magdala came to the tomb early in the morning, while it was still dark, and saw the stone removed from the tomb. 2 So she ran and went to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them, “They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don’t know where they put him.”

But Mary stayed outside the tomb weeping. And as she wept, she bent over into the tomb 12 and saw two angels in white sitting there, one at the head and one at the feet where the body of Jesus had been. 13 And they said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken my Lord, and I don’t know where they laid him.” 14 When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus there, but did not know it was Jesus.

5 Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?” She thought it was the gardener and said to him, “Sir, if you carried him away, tell me where you laid him, and I will take him.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni,” which means teacher. 17 Jesus said to her, “Stop holding on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am going to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’ ” 18 Mary of Magdala went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord,” and what he told her.

OUR GOD IS A GOD OF THE LITTLE ONES

God is not really interested in the status of a person — just their faith. It does not matter to Him whether one is the richest and most powerful person in the world or someone who ekes out a living on a small plot of land in a rural area that has no access to modern amenities. With God, it is not a matter of who or what you know, but how deep is your faith. Jesus chose to appear before Mary Magdalene, whose feast we celebrate today, after He rose from the dead before He showed Himself to the apostles. Why is this the case?
I think Jesus chose this order because He wants to emphasize that it does not matter who we are or what we were before we became His disciple; what matters is that we have faith in Him and are truly seeking His will for our lives. Traditionally, the Church believes that Mary Magdalene

is the same woman as the one caught in adultery — she is very blessed to be alive. Yet He appears to her before His apostles.
Mary Magdalene teaches us the value of faith and perseverance. She is an example of gratitude, for why else would she still be among the followers of Jesus? She has encountered Jesus and the encounter has changed her life to the point of being a believer. Mary has made a decision that to be with Jesus, wherever He may be, is the most important desire of her life. Can we say the same of ourselves?
We want to experience the benefits of our faith but are we prepared to make decisions that naturally accompany a life of faith? And it is here that we confront the critical issue: discipleship makes demands on our time and resources. Are we ready to respond accordingly? Fr. Steve Tynan, MGL

Reflection Question:
Am I willing to make the necessary and difficult decisions that will accompany my becoming a disciple of Jesus? Am I serious about my life of faith?

"Holy Spirit, open my heart to the grace God offers me to become His disciple and help me to respond to it with a generous and obedient heart."
____________________________________________________________________________________

So! I hope I am able to send the message to you. That God does not only looks to us instead HE looks through us, also. ♥

Be Filled with Joy,
♫ Jet ♫

Lifting All the Worries

2010-07-17T05:47:00.000+08:00

In life, the feeling of misery comes. Oh! I don't mean to exaggerate but let me put it in a lighter mode then, the feeling of unusual sadness comes. It's a feeling that one cannot determine nor understand. Have you ever felt that way? Well for me, I have... I don't know why or what made me feel this way.. All I know is, that this "stressor" has come to haunt me. *sigh* Being surrounded with so much complications and chaos of life that i never thought that I'd be so affected. Dengue being so rampant nowadays especially in our place, a friend's passing, a friend getting sick and past painful memories coming back... These are just few factors that slows me down and takes away the life in me. Now, how do I deal with all these? As the old saying goes, the show must go on. Feeling awkwardly bad, I still have to redeem myself and seek God's comfort. I know that this bothering feeling will go away with my prayers and just surrendering everything to him. What I do now is just ignoring these eerie feeling that I know its the devil putting me down. I trust God and that's all that matters. Whatever this feeling maybe, I know God knows this and he too knows what my hearts desire.

My Prayer...♥
In the Name of The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit. Amen..

Heavenly Father,
You are my God and my all.I am your servant, Oh Lord. But a servant that is now feeling strange. However Father, You know what I'm going through right now, You know what I'm feeling right now. I offer all these things to You and I surrender all my worries, pessimism and doubts. Please Lord, I need You. I need Your comfort and Your grace. Fill my heart with Your love and compassion for me and for others so I can spread the love all around. Send forth Your Holy Spirit to enlighten me in whatever I do and say for the following days. I love you Lord and You are my delight! In Jesus name I pray. AMEN.

This is my impromptu prayer at this very moment of July 23 @ 12mn ... short but heartily.. :)

Be Inspired,
♫ Jet ♫

A Calling... and HIS LOVE...

2010-07-07T19:24:00.000+08:00

I just received an email from our community that an upcoming weekend session with Jake Yap will be given to the members that are interested to join. Well as I read the email with an attached document of the tentative activities, my mind was curious on who Jake Yap is. And thanks to technology, I just googled him, at first I couldn't find such person that fits what I think he is then I decided to write the words Sword of the Spirit together with his name. Lo and behold I saw Dr. Jake C. Yap and found out that he is a member of The Servants of the Word in Manila, Philippines. He teaches Theology at the Loyola School of Theology in Manila. Hhhhmm now interesting! I'm actually interested to listen to him and attend the two-day session. Anyway, it'll be on the 3rd week of July and I do hope me and huvvy would have extra money to pay for the fee since it's a whole day session with meals and snacks. I'm really praying that we could attend this specially now that I'm blogging about it. He he he... Topics are really interesting such as “God’s Call for the SOS (Sword of the Spirit) and for Me”, “Receiving God’s Grace”, “An Open Door: Grace for Discipleship”, “An Open Door: Grace for Mission”.

Anyway, I have come to reflect on our greater purpose here on earth. As I mentioned in my previous writing about discipleship as one of our roles in life, we should then be open to learning on how to be faithful with our true calling as Christians. We gear up and prepare ourselves as we take up our cross and follow the path of Jesus Christ. But let me point out something really important that we should keep in our minds and hearts. Have you ever wondered why we ought to do all this things for God or for Jesus Christ? Why should we take up our cross, carry it and follow Him? Why should we take the less road traveled? Here's a story I want to share to you that was also shared to me by my sister in law, Ate Jane. I would like to thank her for sharing this.

♥A Love Story♥
by: Unknown Author

One day, I woke early in the morning to watch the sunrise.
Ah, the beauty of God's creation is beyond description.
As I watched, I praised God for His beautiful work.
As I sat there, I felt the Lord's presence with me.

He asked me, "Do you love me?"
I answered, "Of course, God! You are my Lord and Saviour!"

Then He asked, "If you were physically handicapped, would you still love me?"
I was perplexed. I looked down upon my arms, legs and the rest of my body and wondered how many things I wouldn't; be able to do, the things that I took for granted.

And I answered, "It would be tough Lord, but I would still love You."
Then the Lord said, "If you were blind, would you still love my creation?"

How could I love something without being able to see it? Then I thought of all the blind people in the world and how many of them still loved God and His creation.

So I answered, "Its hard to think of it, but I would still love you."

The Lord then asked me, "If you were deaf, would you still listen to my word?"
How could I listen to anything being deaf? Then I understood. Listening to God's Word is not merely using our ears, but our hearts. I answered, "It would be tough, but I would still listen to Your word."

The Lord then asked, "If you were mute, would you still praise My Name?"
How could I praise without a voice?
Then it occurred to me: God wants us to sing from our very heart and soul. It never matters what we sound like. And praising God is not always with a song, but when we are persecuted, we give God praise with our words of thanks.

So I answered, "Though I could not physically sing, I would still praise Your Name."
And the Lord asked, "Do you really love Me?"

With courage and a strong conviction, I answered boldly, "Yes Lord! I love You because You are the one and true God!"

I thought I had answered well, but... God asked, "THEN WHY DO YOU SIN?"
I answered, "Because I am only human. I am not perfect."

"THEN WHY IN TIMES OF PEACE DO YOU STRAY THE FURTHEST? WHY ONLY IN TIMES OF TROUBLE DO YOU PRAY THE EARNEST?"

No answers. Only tears.

The Lord continued: "Why only sing at fellowships and retreats? Why seek Me only in times of worship? Why ask things so selfishly? Why ask things so unfaithfully?"

The tears continued to roll down my cheeks.

"Why are you ashamed of Me? Why are you not spreading
the good news? Why in times of persecution, you cry to others when I offer My shoulder to cry on? Why make excuses when I give you opportunities to serve in My Name?"

I tried to answer, but there was no answer to give.

"You are blessed with life. I made you not to throw this gift away. I have blessed you with talents to serve Me, but you continue to turn away. I have revealed My Word to you, but you do not gain in knowledge. I have spoken to you but your ears were closed. I have shown My blessings to you, but your eyes were turned away. I have sent you servants, but you sat idly by as they were pushed away. I have heard your prayers and I have answered them all."

"DO YOU TRULY LOVE ME ?"

I could not answer. How could I? I was embarrassed beyond belief. I had no excuse. What could I say to this? When I my heart had cried out and the tears had flowed, I said, "Please forgive me Lord. I am unworthy to be Your child."

The Lord answered, "That is My Grace, My child."
I asked, "Then why do you continue to forgive me? Why do You love me so?"

The Lord answered, "Because you are My creation. You are my child. I will never abandon you. When you cry, I will have compassion and cry with you. When you shout with joy, I will laugh with you. When you are down, I will encourage you. When you fall, I will raise you up. When you are tired, I will carry you. I will be with you till the end of days, and I will love you forever."

Never had I cried so hard before. How could I have been so cold? How could I have hurt God as I had done? I asked God, "How much do You love me?"

The Lord stretched out His arms, and I saw His nail-pierced hands. I bowed down at the feet of Christ, my Saviour. And for the first time, I truly prayed.

---END---
As my sis in law said, this simple short story brought her into tears. Yes! It's indeed touching, but are we just until that part where we say it's so touching? I hope not! We have to move and act. HE LOVES US! Why won't we learn to love him in return? I hope that you agree with me that we are not a selfish being because we have the capacity to love, we have the capacity to change because it's NEVER TOO LATE. Remember, God is forever PATIENT with us simply because of the UNCONDITIONAL LOVE HE has for each one. No one's a VIP and no one's an exemption.Plain and simple, He loves us and through HIM we can savor that real freedom and not just happiness but pure joy. This is why I do want to serve him, this is why I have the hunger of His sacred words, gifts and graces. This is why I struggle to love HIM in return. ♥

Be Inspired and Live with Joy,
♫ Jet ♫

Gotta Start

2010-06-29T21:36:00.001+08:00

It's Tuesday! Happy Feast of St. Peter and Paul everyone! It's been days since I wanted to write something. For me, it sounded so lame when I was waiting and searching for inspiration to strike at me because I guess I didn't know where to start or or where to begin. Anyway let me start from the things I have learned these past few days.
I've learned that being in a community big or small really does make you feel special. It aids in nourishing your faith to God and guides you to stay on track, follow the right but not so easy path. We may feel scared to take the road less traveled but as a matter of fact, we have someone with us, we have someone praying for us, we have our brothers and sisters in Christ. I've seen a clearer picture of a community (for God) and the truth is that we are WITNESSES (to see, hear, or know by personal presence and perception) for each other and for one another. In short, we help each other build and nurture a healthy relationship with God and with others. This is why I've come to appreciate being in a religious community. We are all struggling sinners striving for victory over sin.

Aside from being in a charismatic community, I found myself journeying with a small community or let me say sisterhood started by my dearest aunt. I see in her as an instrument of God for other women. She made this small group mainly because she wants to share her faith to us. She even gave us this:

This is the Patron Saint for the ordinary, Saint JOSEMARÍA ESCRIVÁ and also he's the founder of Opus Dei. I do want to know him more. I'll research more about him later soon.

One more thing, me and hubby have been starting to read the Daily Scriptures and I just realize that we both can learn so many things. The partner of my Bible

is the "the WORD among us" daily meditation for Catholics.

I so love it!!! It touches my heart every time I read it!

Lately, I have been getting a message on discipleship most specially yesterday's Gospel. Hhhhmmm what do you think about discipleship? Pretty deep right? Right! A very challenging call. But I' up for it! It's tough, first day of doing and thinking and meditating about it, I was tested. Yes! Harassment's will be always around. A sister thought I was attacking her with my plain simple short words. I didn't expect she would react and be offended just because of my explanation. Honestly, I got so affected and irritated that why on earth would she think that way and not considering and opening her mind of the visible facts to take note of! It bothered me a lot and I got hurt too (because she got hurt first), since it was NEVER of my intention to make her feel that way. She's my sister and I respect everything she says. I just simply point out the facts to her. But I love her still and keep in mind my calling here on earth (discipleship). It's really hard but amazingly with God's grace, I tend to listen more than to talk. In talking less, I would use less words but striking and powerful, I hope ☺. With God's grace, I learn to be humble and just think of those important matters and not dwell on all the negative. I'm writing these actually because I believe this is an ongoing process. It'll be a learning process on my part, somehow I find it really tough but like I said, I'll take the challenge until the end. I hope you agree with me and will do the same....=)

Be Inspired,
♫ Jet ♫

Eulogy for Pa (and Ma)

2010-06-25T16:21:00.000+08:00

I shared here what happen to my parents and how I was able to cope up little by little. I'd say it's an everyday process. As I was browsing through my computer, I found a writing I made for my father's eulogy. I guess after speaking in front for the eulogy, I forgot to delete it or maybe I still wanted to keep for just for the sake. Anyway, I thought that I really do want to have a copy of it and aside from that I do want to share it to you too. So these was my piece:

Saying what I want to say after all that has happened

February 20, 2010 at 3:05 am

Please allow me to talk a little about my parents.

All my life I have always been with my ma and pa. I was their one and only… I was their baliling (for my pa) and patuting or lovelou (for my ma). I know that each one of them loved me in their own different lovingly ways. And I am proud of them. Why? It is because they have showed their love for me fully and unconditionally. Reflecting on things that have passed involving my parents, their were moments wherein I thought they have loved me less but then again, I realize that I was absolutely wrong. They were just protective of me because I was their only child. I would say that both of them waited for the right time for me to learn what this earthly life is really all about. When mama died 8 months ago, I realize that it was already her time. It was also one way for her to teach me how to be independent and strong in facing this worldly life

I praise and thank the Lord that he gave me Mr. Romulo Jimenez as my father and Ms. Joanna Peralta as my mother. It is because of them that I became closer to God. It is because of them that my prayer life has improved. It is because of them that I have reached this point in my life. It is because of their love that made me who am I am today and what I have become. For me, they were good examples for a married couple because even though they were not really vocal with their affection towards each other, I still see in them that spark and burning love in their eyes and how they treat each other. Remembering both of them gives a smile on my face because they were really both in love with each other and nakaka kilig talaga. I even thought of wanting my marriage to be like theirs because they really lasted until their life here on earth ended. Papa even wanted to follow mama right away but had no choice but to wait for his time. And thru that process I’ve realize that papa was also God’s instrument so for me to learn to be on my own and face life independently with a strong faith in our Heavenly Father amidst life’s trials.

For that, I am convinced that I am truly blessed by God that He gave me a father like papa. I will really miss him…both of them... How I only wish my future kids would get to be able to experience the love of my parents… but I guess God has other plans for me and now I openly accept that. I love you pa! I love you ma! Till we meet again. An Ilonggo song I dedicate for them:

“Tubtub sa aton pag kita, ginikanan kong pinalangga. Magahilayuay sa di madugay, adios na sa inyo palanggang tunay. Amligi ang gugma ta, ilahad naton sa diwa. Adios na sa inyo, adios pinalangga tubtub sa aton pagkita.”

I want to say a very big thank you to the following:
To my closest friends, Angel, Krisan, Donna and Lina who never failed to include us in their prayers and offered their assistance if or when I needed some. To the Kahayag sa Dios Community, thank you for the prayer services.
To papa’s closest friends, the CFC community on their services and support for me and for my parents (choir, moral support, prayers). From colleagues in CESH on their assistance on whatever means. Most specially our neighbors in terry hills for their concern (ma’am singson for taking care of the house and our pets during the times when we were away)
Relatives in the Jimenez side, to my cousins in Iloilo who were with me and gave me moral support and prayed with me everyday. My Uncles and Aunties who offered financial assistance and moral support or just their mere presence and seeing papa during their vacant time and talking to him when he was still alive. To Tita Bec who was always there for me and papa. Never left us and offered her selfless love to us continuously. Thank you gid Ta Bec.
To my relatives in the Peralta and Velez Clan. Thank you so much for the prayers mga tito’s and tita’s and for your support and thoughtfulness (text messages). I appreciate that a lot. To Tita Wink for always following up on me and papa. I have felt your concern and love gayud. To my Tita’s and Tito’s who also gave us financial assistance, thank you so much! My dear cousin and PL too who walang sawa and suporta Nong Dodon and Ate Chelo , thank you so much for the words of encouragements and support. To all my cousins who have helped me in so many little ways and prayed for me, thank you so much.
To my in laws who have always been with us. Thank you so much for the love and support! Thank you so much to my dear husband Joserg for the unconditional love. You are truly a God’s gift to me.

I firmly believe that this picture captured by my cousin just plainly shows the grace of God. I actually cried when I sang the Ilonggo song but good thing I was able to compose myself and started to thank everyone. I was feeling and seeing that God has always blessed me. The photo above captured it. Thank You God for everything!

More pictures:

Pa's actually a retired AFP, that explains the flag and the soldiers around.
Lastly, the flag of the Philippines was given to me since my Ma's not around anymore too.

Everything boils down to the cycle of life. Life's a gift from God. My parents were able to fulfill their purpose in life. They left without any unfinished business and I am glad, in that I find consolation but of course with so many things that God gives Whom inspires me always. If I may say, this is and will always be a learning process. I learn from God and from the life He gives me.

My Favourite Magazine

2010-06-20T15:23:00.000+08:00

Lately, I have been fond reading a magazine distributed I think almost all over the world. It's a very nice magazine because it inspires most of the readers. It's called Kerygma published by Shepherd's Voice Publications. This is a sample of the magazine, a June issue entitled GIVE LIFE A CHANCE:

Anyway, as much as I want to rewrite this article that I am about to share to you, I believe that there is no better way to reiterate what the original writer wrote but except that I encode it in my computer and share it to everyone else. Here we go:

TITLE: CONDOM CONUNDRUM
In its February 2010 issue, Time magazine ran an article on Dr. David Ho, a scientist very active in researching over an antibody that he believes would prevent HIV infection. Interestingly, the article narrated a 2007 incident when, in an AIDS conference where Dr. Ho was in attendance, a presenter flashed a cartoon of a blindfolded baseball player swinging mightily at an incoming ball and, of course, missing. I’m not sure what the purpose of the presenter was. But according to Time, the imagery was clear. The blindfolded baseball player was Dr. Ho and his team, and the incoming fast ball was AIDS. It was another futile swing and a miss – of the many in humanity’s long battle with HIV and AIDS.

I admire Dr. Ho and his tea for their dedication and humane passion to eradicate the challenge of AIDS. But I thought that cartoon incident offers volumes of commentaries over the issue.
It reminded me of a story I read before
A bull has been working in the bull ring for several years finally retired. Talking to a fellow retiree, he shared his conundrum (i.e., a paradoxical, insoluble, or different problem or dilemma). In utter frustration he shared, “For years I have been chasing after that red cape and I never really did catch it. How do I solve the problem of that red carpet?” The retiree whispered, “Just between the us, the problem is not the cape. It’s the matador. Eliminate the matador and you eliminate that pestering cape as well.”
This Aesop’s fable explains why the bull was always painted as a dumb animal. It charges mindlessly, without thought, without purpose. Driven by inordinate passion and sheer instinct, it chases it target clueless and knowing that the real target should be something or someone else. The result: frustration, energy spent in futility and, for some, even death at the hands of the matador.
Isn’t this our collective experience so far in a long standing battle with AIDS? It has been more than 25 years since the pandemic and we all look like a blindfolded baseball swinging mightily at an incoming AIDS fastball – frustrated, spent and, for some, dead. The rate of HIV transmission and AIDS continues to swell. Just last March, the DOH noted an alarming increase in HIV cases among the young and specially the MSM (men having sex with men) sector in the country.
In February14, 2010 the Department of Health placed itself at the center of discussion with its distribution of free condoms to celebrate the “love” day. When called to task for such actions, the DOH explained that it’s the Department’s way of battling with the HIV and STD transmission. It was to remind people to have safe sex I was asking myself. “What is safe sex?” More properly, since when has sex become unsafe anyway?

In the Beginning, It Was Not So
Once, I was at a conference with young professionals and I was sharing with them John Paul II’s Theology of the Body. During the open forum guy came up and asked. “Father, is having a good sex important?” I was a bit surprised. Gathering my senses, I answered, “It depends what you mean by good.” “If good sex you mean sex whenever, wherever and with whomever I want,’ I continued, “then my answer is no.” Then I concluded, “But if by good sex you mean, sex as God intended it to be, then by all means, go and have good sex.”
When we read in the Bible, “then God blessed them and said, ‘Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it’” (Genesis 1:28), God was telling the first man and woman to have sex. Genesis 1:31 concludes by saying, “And God looked at hat He has created and it was good.”
Sex is among the things God has created. Therefore sex is good, sex is safe. Notice that sex and the ability of the woman to bear a child is the first thing that God blessed in the world (Genesis 1:28). John Paul II calls it the world’s “primordial blessing.” But why do we now speak of the need to be protected from “unsafe sex” and the need to have “safe sex”?
It us not because sex is naturally unsafe. It is our behavior and inordinate desires of our hearts that has made sex unsafe. No scientific literature will contest that sexually transmitted diseases like HIV and others are not natural by-products of sex. God did not make sex with HIV and STD on the side. They are the by-products of irresponsible sexual behavior. Christ calls it in the Gospel of Matthew as the “hardness of our hearts.” It is our “sex whenever, wherever and with whomever” mentality that has ruined the world’s primordial blessing and morphed it into the modern world’s primordial threat. Case in point, no one who is practicing abstinence or monogamy and fidelity has ever contracted HIV or any other STDs (unless he is a drug user and may have used an infected needle).
So how do we make sex safe and redeem it back as the world’s primordial blessing? Unless we change our behavior and look into the “hardness of our hearts,” we remain a hapless bull and a blindfolded baseball player, helplessly missing the point No one in his right mind will contest that abstinence (if you are single) and monogamy/fidelity (if you are married) are the only 100 percent ways of eliminating the HIV and AIDS menace. But why aren’t we considering it? It is not because it doesn’t work. It is because we are not willing to give it a try. It’s the hardness of our hearts.

The Heart of the Matter

I once read of a man suffering from obesity due to uncontrollable desire for food. To remedy the situation, he underwent an operation to shorten his small intestines to simulate the feeling of being full even with a little amount of food. It didn’t work. The man developed new complications. His intestines were close to bursting with continuous food intake. What’s the problem? The problem was not with food. The problem was not with his small intestines. The real problem is the with his heart – his inordinate desire for food. Even if all of his intestines are taken away, the problem will remain unless he corrects his attitude.
Similarly, the problem of STDs and HIV is not about sex. IT is not an issue of disease control but self-control. It is not a technical problem. It is ultimately a problem of the human heart and it will not be solved apart from correcting the desires of our hearts.

The Condom Files

Lat March 19, 2009, the National Review Online reported in its publication the results of the work of Edward C. Green, director of the AIDS Prevention Research Project at the Harvard Center for Population and Development Studies. In is recent study, he announced, “We have found no consistent associations between condom use and lower HIV-infection rates, which, 25 years into the pandemic, we should be seeing if this intervention was working.”
We should no be surprised at this. In scientific circles, it is openly admitted that condoms are not in fact 100 percent safe. On an average, it is said that there is a 10-15 percent inefficacy, since the AIDS viruses are much more ‘filtrating’ (i.e., able to pass through) than the sperm. Google “condom voids” and you will discover that the male sperm is small enough to easily pass through the pores or natural voids of the rubber latex, thus the 10 to 15 percent failure rate as a contraceptive. Condoms have natural microscopic holes, which measure 5 microns (.0002 inch) while the HIV virus measure 0.1 micron (4 millionth of an inch). It’s a no-brainer. Prescribing condoms as a protection for HIV and AIDS is a virtual Russian roulette. Sooner or later, you will have it. It’s only a matter of time. Therefore, even at a “technical” level of efficacy, one should question the scientific seriousness and the consequent professional seriousness of the condom campaign.
Speaking to the National Review Online, Mr. Green added, “The pope is correct, or put it a better way, the best evidence we have supports the pope’s comment. (T) here is… a consistent association shown by our best studies, including the U.S.-funded ‘Demographic Health Surveys,’ between greater availability and use of condoms and higher (not lower) HIV-infection rates.”
Green added, “I also noticed that the pope said ‘monogamy’ was the best single answer to African AIDS, rather than ‘abstinence.’ The best and latest empirical evidence indeed shows that reduction in multiple and a concurrent sexual partner is the most important single behavior change associated with reduction in HIV-infection rates.”

Missing the Mark

In Ancient Greece, archery us a sport of excellence, a measure of greatness. Failing to hit the bullseye is considered a great failure. They have a term for it – hamartia, i.e., missing the mark. It’s no coincidence the Greek word for sin is likewise hamartia. Sin, or moral failure, is not only breaking a moral law. It is missing the mark of humane excellence, a true manhood (humanity).
More than the threat of HIV and AIDS, the Church looks at the issue as a question of growing in authentic love and in our humanity as sexual persons. With or without the threat of HIV/AIDS and STDs, the Church has always called and will call for an education in chastity, premarital abstinence and marital fidelity, which are authentic expressions of human sexuality. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gave out the invitation to experience the joy and thrill of being chaste. Secular mentality proposes an attitude of always being on a chase.
Look at a recent TV ad showing in local television. A sexy woman passes by, looks seductively at a man of her fancy, and the man begins to run after her. Whether the man or the woman is committed to one another is not important. The point of the TV ad is best described by the sheepish smile and boast of the male lead, “And tunay na lalaki, proteksyon bago umaksyon.” It’s a “bullish” portrayal of manhood.
If I feel like charging, I will, for as long as I have protection. No wonder our relationships leave us frustrated, spent, dead.
Jason Evert, a husband, father, chastity speaker and Theology of the Body enthusiast couldn’t have said it more eloquently, “A real man is not someone who will conquer a woman for the sake of his desires. A real man is someone who will conquer his desires for the sake of a woman.”
What kind of manhood does condom distribution promote? Your answer is as good as min.

The Thrill of the Chaste

I end with another fable. An eagle egg was accidentally mixed with chicken eggs. After a period of time, the eagle egg hatched and soon the eaglet found itself growing in the company of the chickens. All the while, he thought he was a chicken, a ground creature. Until one day, he saw an eagle soaring up in the heavens. Something in him was stirred. He found himself constantly looking up in the heavens, waiting for the eagle to soar by. The image of the soaring eagle seemed to awaken a deep unconscious desire in his heart. Until one day, while admiring the flying eagle, he just found himself flapping his wings, lifting himself up in the air, and soaring with the eagle he daily admired. It was then that he realized he was not a chicken. He was an eagle destined to soar up in the heavens.
It took the image of a soaring eagle to reveal to him his genuine identity.
Our culture wants us to believe that we are nothing but chickens – ground creatures. I hear it often. Someone will say, “Father, palay na ang lumalapit sa manok. Ano pa gagawin ko? (Father, if it’s the grain that approaches the chicken, what will I do?). I always answer back, “Kung manok ang tingin mo sarili mo, eh di tukain mo (If you think of yourself as a chicken, then go peck the grain).”
The first line of the morality section of the Catechism of the Catholic Church (#1691) richly says it, “Christians, recognize your dignity.” The Church position on the condom question is more than a question of technical efficacy (although even by technical efficacy, the Church position is unarguably the best solution). It is a question of educating and inviting us to discover the joy of genuine love, the beauty of genuine human sexuality and our nobility as human persons.
Is AIDS really an untouchable fastball? Is the red cape really invisible? Maybe we are just blindfolded and simply “bullish” in our approach. In any case, we are missing the mark. How do we solve the condom conundrum? I propose we take our blindfold, get wise, stop our “bullish” behavior and start aiming at the real mark. Otherwise, like a mindless bull we will forever be on a chase, missing out on the thrill of the chaste. –Father Joel O. Jason
-------END-------

This is really one of the sad truth that we all face. And I just passionately want to spread the word. I am one darn struggling catholic who simply wants to do my part and I firmly believe this is one way for me to share what I have learned. I do hope and pray you get something good out of this. God bless you all!

Be inspired,
Jet

This is for You, Lord

2010-06-19T17:13:00.000+08:00

At last I was able to finish my piece early morning at around 3am. I told myself that I have to finish it first before I go to bed. And thankfully, I'm done. I guess I have to do more editing to shorten it somehow. This is my very first sharing that I made with the guidance of a pastoral leader who taught me how to make it. I hope I made things right for the greater glory of God.. This is for Him!

1)Introduction (GOOD MORNING!)
a)I’m Jessa Floricel Jimenez Pila, married, no kids YET. And during my single days, me and Joserg we were once a member of SFC but after we got married, I would say God was leading us here.

b)I was invited by my cousin Manang Bem and together with my husband; we joined the ECLS I think 2 years ago. First I was able to join the women’s single group under Ate Ching and Ate Beth wherein I really had a great time back then. Then came the regrouping and we found ourselves under the care of my PL’s right now, Ate Chelo and Nong Dodon.

2)My Sharing
a)I am an only child by the way and I would say I had a good relationship with my mother and father. And so last year June 7, 2009 just a couple of days after my birthday and before the birthday of my mother, she had a heart attack just minutes after she gave her sharing in their CFC chapter assembly. It was actually her 4th time and so she didn’t make it. She just passed out fast and left. I was so overwhelmed! Everything went so fast, I was still talking to her lunch time and just after a couple of hours, she’s gone. I actually didn’t have the chance to grieve in my own way because I had to be strong for my father. Since he was not well, he was sick and we didn’t know what kind of sickness he has. A node was found in his lungs and is advised for biopsy but he refused, actually both of them didn’t want to do it. I for one got confused because the procedure might trigger the sickness. Me and papa were thinking that it was cancer and had hope that he will be healed. Until last October 2009 we decided to get a second opinion in Iloilo where my father’s hometown is. Just days since we arrived he was starting to feel really sick and was vomiting, he could not eat anymore. So I decided to bring him to the hospital. He was admitted in St. Paul’s for 43 days. I had the chance to take care of him until his last breath which happened at the house of my Lola (my fathers’ mother) last February 13, 2010. He followed Ma peacefully, I would say.

b)Just 8 months, God allowed me to be with my father and to be prepared for what is going to happen. Back then in Iloilo, I was really alone since Joserg was left here. I was out and away from my comfort zone. I was all the time with Papa, seeing him in pain physically, emotionally and spiritually. I too on the other hand struggled on how to handle all of these. I still wanted to grieve from mama’s passing but here comes another dreadful situation. I lost my mother, my comfort zone, my Ma, the all time number one person who loves me no matter what, accepts and understands me. And now I’ll be losing my father too, the only man who kisses my armpits! Funnily true but he’s my Pa, I wanted him to see and cuddle his grand child at the very least since my Ma can’t do that. I felt really down-hearted.

c)But God was so good to me, slowly He paved the way for me to understand and accept that Papa will soon be with Mama. He revealed to me His LOVE through the daily Scriptural readings since I was reading it to papa every single day because I knew Papa reads the Bible ever since. Unexpectedly, God was communicating to me, He was comforting me and telling me to have faith and to trust Him. So I did, I trusted God wholeheartedly. And then He sent His instruments, He already set everything up. God gave me a very loving, supporting and understanding husband who never failed to show all these to my parents and me! I never expected that we will be able to get through with our expenses from the hospital bill down to other necessities after papa was discharged from hospitalization. But God provided it all considering I am unemployed and Joserg just starting his business. God led us to people who gave their support financially and morally. God really had plans for me because before I got married at the age of 23, many were wondering why I was getting married at that early age (they said). I simply would say because of LOVE. Anyway, it was really God’s plan. God didn’t want me to feel alone especially at night when everyone’s sleeping already. I came to appreciate it too why I was led to Iloilo, I was to build relationships with my relatives there especially with my cousins. I had the chance to teach them to pray the rosary and every night we would pray with my father. And now I am able to regularly communicate with them.

d)Like I said God sent instruments and I would like to call them God’s beautiful angels who unceasingly prayed for us and supported us in simple ways by all means. To our dear PL’s and MWG, I would like to grab this opportunity to say thank you again with all my heart and the KSD community for the prayer service offered for my parents. Thank you so much for touching my life, our lives! Most and especially to my dearly beloved husband Joserg, a lovingly thank you to you! I love you!

3)God wanted to widen my horizon and to tell me to get out of my shell and now I’ve realized that but can I make hirit Lord? It’s really not easy… But then again, here’s my inspiration…

I would like to share an anecdote, a verse and a quote before I end:

NO GOD
By: Author Unknown, Source Unknown

A college student was in a philosophy class, where there was a class discussion about whether or not God exists, The professor had the following logic:

"Has anyone in this class heard God?" Nobody spoke.

"Has anyone in this class touched God?" Again, nobody spoke.

"Has anyone in this class seen God?" When nobody spoke for the third time, he simply stated, "Then there is no God."

The student did not like the sound of this at all, and asked for permission to speak. The professor granted it, and the student stood up and asked the following questions of his classmates:

"Has anyone in this class heard our professor's brain?" Silence.

"Has anyone in this class touched our professor's brain?"

Absolute silence.

"Has anyone in this class seen our professor's brain?" When nobody in the class dared to speak, the student concluded, "Then, according to our professor's logic, it must be true that our professor has no brain!"

LESSON:
*We don't see and touch God but we feel HIS most Holy Presence and LOVE*

My parents taught me about life and God showed me how to live a life!

Therefore, getting out of my comfort zone may be hard but I’ve learned that God is always present and ready to show me/us the way. So why would I be afraid?

(If we only know how to count our blessings…)

If I fail in doing so, I can try and try and try again until I succeed… as…

St. Paul says, “Where sin abounds, grace abounds all the more” (Romans 6:20), even sin makes perfect the love we have for Jesus. Fr. Bobby Titco

Sharing (draft)

2010-06-18T21:33:00.000+08:00

Oh God help!
Today's Friday, right? And I am to share a personal testimony to my community this coming Sunday. It's actually my first time and I'm sort of freaking out. BUT! I must not. Anyway, my main concern is my sharing, it's content and flow. God has been so good to me because I have my/our pastoral leaders to show me what to do. How is it done correctly. She taught me that I must follow the ABC's for sharing, A for Audible, B for Brief and C for Christ-centered. Just this afternoon, me and my husband went to their house to have a lovely launch and after that we talked about my sharing. Here's some points on what we came up with since, I told her what I was thinking for the content of my sharing. I even wrote points (not yet the details) so I won't forget.

1. Introduce myself. (brief background about me and how I became a member in the community)
2. My story or trial/s that I encountered recently.(My parents early passing. What significantly happened.
3. How did I cope up? How did God showed His undying faithfulness and love for me?
4. A conclusion that is still Christ-centered and I would want to end with a Bible verse or a anecdote (I still have to decide).

Anyway, I have to finish this and put everything into words. God help me!