First Friday of the Month

My husband is excited for first Friday of the month. It's nothing special to some but, for him, it is a date that he looks forward to. I was really amazed that my husband religiously attended mass every Sunday for about three years now. Way different during our first two years in marriage. NOPE! It's not the doughnuts that keep him from going. (Shhh... it was actually the reason why; he tagged along with me on those two years, LOL) It did work huh?

I admit, he was the one who pulled me out of bed to get ready for 8AM mass. Dang! That's really early for me but, I want to support him. I was really happy to see his eagerness to be on time in the church, sitting on the same pew, greeting the familiar faces around us and most of all, he is attentive in the church. (Another shhhh LOL before, his eyes are always observing who came late and who's child is unruly LOL) He has changed for the better. He seldom swears. He is trying to extend his patience on things/incident that he cannot control and he is trying to control his temper. He is practicing a sound judgement.

 

I would say, I am lucky to have him as we journey on our faith. I remember the saying, "A family that prays together, stays together". Anyway, we attended the First Friday Mass and the Novena for Sacred Heart of Jesus today. As we went home, we drove down along the Indian River Drive and I took some photos. Have a blessed Friday everyone. Thanks for stopping by.

At Church for Penance Service

We rise early today to attend a Penance Service at our church along Merritt Island. The church scheduled a Penance Service, one in the morning and another, in the evening. My husband always prefers the earliest time so; we attended the 10 AM service. It was my first time to attend a service where the priest did a "mass penance" for everyone and that, "to make a good deed for the week". We did say/think our sins in silence; said the ACT of CONTRITION then; the priest gives the absolution for everyone who are in true sorrow. It was a nice service which started with reading of the bible and ended with priest pray-over and blessed the people. Check out the photo below:

Anyway, do you still remember the ACT OF CONTRITION? Here it is: O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended you, and I detest all my sins, because of Your just punishments, but most of all because they offend You, my God, who are all-good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of Your grace, to sin no more and to avoid the near occasion of sin. Amen.

Have a Blessed Holy Week everyone.

May 21, 2011: End of the World

When I was in High School, I was terrified to read about the apocalypse and that the world will end soon. Almost 3 decades passed, I am still reading about the end of the world but, I am not terrified anymore. I just shrugged the news!I read about the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse in one of the magazines that I read. Based in the last book of the New Testament of the Bible called the Book of Revelation, is about the four beasts that ride on white, red, black, and pale horses which each symbolize Conquest, War, Famine and Death. In the Christian apocalyptic vision is that the four horsemen are to set a divine apocalypse upon the world as harbingers or forerunners of the Last Judgment.Do you think we are seeing the apocalypse at this point in time? I snagged these pictures from google showing the catasthropic event happened in Japan. Do you think the earthquake happening this year is a sign that the world will end soon?
"MAY 21st Doomsday Movement" claims that on May 21 will be the rapture day or the Judgement Day. Look around you now! Do you think the world will end on Saturday? Or the Maya's prediction perhaps is true?May 21st Doomsday Movement say that Oct.21,2011 is the end of the world! 200 million of the people will just rapture on Saturday! Do you think this world will end so soon? If you ask me? NAH! This world is too beautiful to end on Saturday! Spread love everyone! Keep praying and stay close to your love one! This world is endless when we are with our family that we love, right?

Prayer of Righteous

Take time to talk to God. He is just right there waiting for you.

The following variation on the prayer was delivered by Mother Theresa when she addressed the United Nations in 1985

Make us worthy Lord to serve our fellow men throughout the world,
who live and die in poverty and hunger.
Give them through our hands, this day, their daily bread
and by our understanding love give peace and joy.Lord, make me a channel of thy peace.
That where there is hatred I may bring love,
That where there is wrong, I may bring the spirit of forgiveness,
That where there is discord, I may bring harmony,
That where there is error I may bring truth,
That where there is doubt I may bring faith,
That where there is despair I may bring hope,
That where there are shadows I may bring light,
That where there is sadness I may bring joy.
Lord, grant that I may seek rather to comfort that to be comforted,
To understand than to be understood,
To love than to be loved.
For it is by forgetting self that one finds.
It is by forgiving that one is forgiven,
it is by dying that one awakens to eternal life.
Amen.

Divine Mercy Sunday

Today is the Divine Mercy Sunday, a big celebration for Roman Catholics in the whole world. In the Philippines especially in El Salvador City, Misamis Oriental, pilgrims gather to give reverence to the mercy of God and its power. The pictures below were taken at Ulaliman, El Salvador City, Misamis Oriental, Philippines at the Divine Mercy Hill.
Divine Mercy devotion which is known today can be traced to a Polish nun and canonized saint, Sister Faustyna Kowalska. Just this week though, a tragic plane crash accident happened which ended the lives of 92 high ranking officials in Poland. Polish President Lech Kaczynski and his wife were among the casualty. This accident was believed to be the worst disaster in Poland since WWII. Today, is a day of mourning in Poland and the whole world join in prayers for the eternal repose of their soul. God's mercy will not be turned away from them.

Ten years ago, Pope John Paul II officially instituted the Feast of the Divine Mercy universally for the Catholic Church. It is done on the same day that he canonized St. Faustina. The Divine Mercy is also recognized and celebrated by the Universal Anglican Church and adapted the chaplet and the rosary.

The Image Symbolizes: Blood and Water

Paint an image according to the pattern you see, with the signature: Jesus I trust in You. I desire that this image be venerated, first in your chapel, and throughout the world. (Diary 47) -

source: ewtn.com

I promise that the soul that will venerate this image will not perish. I also promise victory over its enemies already here on earth, especially at the hour of death. I myself will defend it as My own glory. (Diary 48) -

source: ewtn.com

I am offering people a vessel with which they are to keep coming for graces to the fountain of mercy. That vessel is this image with the signature" :Jesus, I trust in You." (Diary 327) -

source: ewtn.com

The two rays denote Blood and Water. the pale ray stands for the Water which makes souls righteous. The red ray stands for the Blood which is the life of souls. These two rays issued forth from the very depths of My tender mercy when My agonized heart was opened by a lance on the Cross. These rays shield souls from the wrath of My Father. Happy is the one who dwell in their shelter, for the just hand of God shall not lay hold of him. (Diary 299) -

source: ewtn.com

Not in the beauty of the color, nor of the brush, lies the greatness of this image, but in My grace. (Diary 313) -

source: ewtn.com

By means of this image I shall grant many graces to souls. It is to be a reminder of the demands of My mercy, because even the strongest faith is of no avail without works. (Diary 742) -

source: ewtn.com

Jesus, We trust in You!

Lead Me Lord

I took these pictures last month during the winter snap. The view was beautiful even without the sun. Seems that clouds relay a message spoken only by the heart...hmmm! When we go down the beach, I love to listen to this song sung by Gary Valenciano.

Lead me Lord, lead me by the hand
And make me face the rising sun
Comfort me through all the pain
That life may bring
There's no other hope
That I can lean upon
Lead me Lord Lead me all my life.
Walk by me, walk by me across
The lonely road that I may face
Take my arms and let your hadn
Show me the way
Show the way to live inside your heart
All my days, all my life.
Refrain: You are my light
You're the lamb upon my feet
All the time my Lord
I need You there
You are my light I (just) cannot live alone
Let me stay
By Your guiding love
All through my life
Lead me Lord
Lead me Lord Even though at times
I'd rather go alone my way
Help me take the right direction
Take Your road Lead me Lord
And never leave my side
All my days
All my life.
You are my light
You're the lamb upon my feet
All the time my Lord
I need You there
You are my light I (just) cannot live alone
Let me stay By Your guiding love
All through my life
All through my days Lead me, O Lord Lead me Lord.

God is Good

I just want to share this wonderful abstract that I saw on the Facebook wall of my friend. It is indeed amazing. Follow the instructions stated below and see the image. We need HIM to hang on when we are feeling low. Let us make HIM part in our lives in every activity that we do. Hoping we remember HIM for all times.

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

GOD IS GOOD, ALL THE TIME!

ALL THE TIME, GOD IS GOOD!

Who Am I?

I am just an ordinary person who excel in my own unique world. I would say, 98% of my students every year likes me. That was a history now though. Back home, I was a teacher for twelve years. I can't please everybody because of my strict policy. But I would say, my students and the parents appreciate what I did for them. When I choose to follow a different path, they shed tears when I bid them goodbye. That was really sad yet awesome, knowing they love me. I love the music of Josh Groban and I idolize Lea Salonga for her passion of music and sharpness of her ideals. Fascinated with Walt Disneys achievement of having that fortune, a tremendous accomplishment. I giggle with animated films such as Nemo and admire the fantasy story of Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast. Movies of Jacky Chan and Eddie Murphy makes me laugh and I become a dreamer watching Notting Hill, Maid in Manhattan and Pretty Woman. My family is important to me. I salute my mother for her compassionnate heart. I envy her strength to survive amidst all odds of life. Her being is unequal and her belief of God is very admirable. I love her more than anyone else. My brother is the person I admire for his devotion to his family. He stood by us when me and my mom were dependent on him. I have a normal childhood (me, mother and brother). That is normal to me. Got friends from all ages and all walks of life, hehehe . I am a loner type but not lonely. In college, I was the studious one and a confidant to most of my friends. I am the kind of friend that could listen to all their rantings . I confide to GOD when problems shattered me. Attended in a University and was a self-supporting student. My college life was the most memorable moment of my life. Music fills in all my activities. My experiences made me who I am now. Working is always a need for me to have to survive and live the good life. I have no complains. I am so much blessed in life. My husband is the greatest addition of God's blessings to me. And I am grateful to God for all of me and everyone that surrounds me.

Our Own Triumphs and Struggles

I love music and one of the CD's that I love to play is about the triumphs and struggles of Charlie Chaplin. He is a man with great passion to his family, his music and film, peace and love of America. He was born in England, had a successful career in the US and died in Switzerland. His childhood was full of dream and later on accomplished in Hollywood. His life was full of controversy especially when he was seen as a threat and a Communist by the US and therefore exiled in Switzerland. One of the music he wrote was SMILE. Out of his sadness and heartaches, he composed this song. That musical show made me realized to keep on hoping and have faith in God. Brooke Shields made mention too that this is the all time favorite song of Michael Jackson.

Why I blog about these things? Because...

• A friend of mine had a marital problem and they wanted a divorce. I listen to her pain.
  
• Another friend had fallen out of love for her husband because of financial situation and family member interventions. I am her shocked-absorber.
  
• A friend ignored the infidelity of his wife. Poor man.
  
• A friend suffering from depression because of health problem of her family member. My heart goes out to her.
  
• ..........so on and on....

Famous people or ordinary one's have problems, no question about that. We all have our own struggles and yet, when we feel that it's not going accordingly, we are lost! We thought that God has forsaken us. I have my own depression too. But, I take life very lightly. "THIS STORM WILL PASS", I convinced myself.

When things are alright, we are so triumphant! Have we taken the moment thanking God for the blessing? When we are in Joy, we sleep with a Smile on our face. But, have we really taken the time to talk to God for that happiness we felt? I bet not the way how, when we are in deep sadness. We usually cry to sleep at night and refused to accept the truth.

Whatever problems we have right now, PRAY! Seek for answers and do not lose HOPE. Accept the things that we have no control of. Acceptance of reality will lighten the burden. Have a good day Everyone.

Smile, though your heart is aching
Smile, even though it's breaking
When there are clouds in the sky
You'll get by.

If you smile through your fear and sorrow
Smile and maybe tomorrow
You'll see the sun come shining through for you.

Light up your face with gladness
Hide every trace of sadness
Although a tear maybe ever so near
That's the time you must keep on trying

Smile, what's the use of crying
You'll find that life is still worth while

If you just smile.

Are You An Atheist?

A man went to a barbershop to have
his hair cut and his beard trimmed.
As the barber began to work,
they began to have a good conversation.
They talked about so many things
and various subjects.

When they eventually touched on
the subject of God, the barber said:
"I don't believe that God exists."

"Why do you say that?"
asked the customer.

"Well, you just have to go out in
the street to realize that God
doesn't exist. Tell me, if God exists,
would there be so many sick people?
Would there be abandoned children?
If God existed, there would be neither
suffering nor pain.
I can't imagine loving a God who
would allow all of these things."

The customer thought for a moment,
but didn't respond because he didn't
want to start an argument.
The barber finished his job and the customer
left the shop.
Just after he left the barbershop,
he saw a man in the street with long,
stringy, dirty hair and an untrimmed
beard.
He looked dirty and unkept.

The customer turned back and entered
the barber shop again and he said
to the barber:
"You know what? Barbers do not exist."

"How can you say that?"
asked the surprised barber.
"I am here, and I am a barber.
And I just worked on you!"

"No!" the customer exclaimed.
"Barbers don't exist because
if they did, there would be no
people with dirty long hair
and untrimmed beards,
like that man outside."

"Ah, but barbers DO exist!
What happens is, people
do not come to me."

"Exactly!"-
affirmed the customer.
"That's the point!
God, too, DOES exist!
What happens, is, people
don't go to Him
and do not look for Him.
That's why there's so much pain
and suffering in the world."

Enjoy your day everyone.

The Bible Experience

Do you have a bible at home? If you are a Christian, you probably have a bible. The Bible is more than a book. It has the old testament and the new testament. When I was in college, we study the bible as part of our curriculum. Some of the stories written in the bible talks about history like the Genesis to Esther. The book of Job to Ecclesiasticus talks about moral issues, heavenly wisdom and morality. Some of the books of Old Testament contains predictions concerning the end of the world. Whether we will be a witness or not, the bible is our guide to our daily lives. I love reading the bible but sometimes, my human nature took charged of my weakness. After the days work, I am too tired to open a chapter or two. The Bible Experience website is a great help for all of us who wanted to keep our spiritual nourishment active. This product is a complete bible experience compiled using the voices of 23 Grammy Award Winners, eight Emmy Award Winners, five Golden Globe Winners, three Oscar Award Winners and over 400 Honored Performers. These award winning performers used their talents to express the emotion and dramatized the stories of the bible. Visit the Website and be amazed of this wonderful product. You can listen to this product, relax and reflect on the Word of God.

Fill The World With Love

"Let me share to you the lyrics of Fill the World With Love. I
learned the melody of this song when I was ten in a church choir. "

In the morning of my life I shall look to the sunrise.
At a moment in my life when the world is new.
And the blessing I shall ask is that God will grant me,
To be brave and strong and true,
And to fill the world with love my whole life through.

(Chorus)
And to fill the world with love
And to fill the world with love
And to fill the world with love my whole life through

In the noontime of my life I shall look to the sunshine,
At a moment in my life when the sky is blue.
And the blessing I shall ask shall remain unchanging.
To be brave and strong and true,
And to fill the world with love my whole life through

(Chorus)

In the evening of my life I shall look to the sunset,
At a moment in my life when the night is due.
And the question I shall ask only I can answer.
Was I brave and strong and true?
Did I fill the world with love my whole life through?

(Chorus)

Hoping that each one of us will strive to do a good deed each day.

Fatima Soriano A Believer

I saw this girl most of the time when I watched the mass in ABS-CBN with Father Gerry Orbos. If you are in trouble and if you are sad today, please listen to her song and be inspired with her message. Take it from a blind child who is in physical pain all her life. The song is in English but, her message is in Filipino. Her wishes: Peace in our hearts and Peace in our home; have faith in God and believe that your wishes will come in God's time. Just listen to her song and be inspired.

Good Night Friends

Thanks for visiting my two blogs everyone. I just finished my rounds from my CBOX Visitors and some in my bloglist too. I really appreciate your constant support. I enjoyed reading your comments , Thank You. See you later! For now, I will leave you this:

SERENITY PRAYER

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
Forever in the next.
Amen.

Fiesta Celebration In The Philippines

When I open my MSN IM at 8PM (8AM Philippine Time), I was facing my whole clan on cam. LOL! The kids gets the first spot to talk to me. As if they are saying, NEXT?LOL!

It is our village fiesta in honor of the Divine Mercy (founded by Saint Faustina). It has been instituted by Pope John Paul ll that after Easter, The Feast of The Divine Mercy will be celebrated. I am a Catholic and just happy to note that my village , acknowledge the devotion of the Heart of Jesus as the source of overflowing LOVE and MERCY. I always join the celebration, my way of thanking God for all the blessings he poured on us. Fiesta celebration in the Philippines differ from each barangay (zone ), town or city . As for me, we celebrated twice in a year. We have City Fiesta in honor of Saint Augustine and Divine Mercy in honor of Jesus and remembering the life of Saint Faustina. Fiesta is a time for family gatherings. The host/hostess takes care of all the food preparation. Unless, other family member wanted to share /bring some food. This celebration is also a time for sharing, whoever wants to eat are welcome. Even strangers! This happened during City/Town Fiesta. They usually knocked on the door and their preference really is a take home food. Which the host/hostess willingly gave them anyway.

So proud of my mother because she did all the preparation and she hired my cousin as a Cook. Christian is a born cook. He was laughing when I said, I do my share of cooking here too. They did pretty good with the side dish and LECHON (roasted pig) takes over the center of the table. Typical Filipino main Food for every big occasion. My hubby was amazed to see my extended family jam packed in my bedroom just to talk to me. Delighted to see them all and I felt like I was there with them too. My mother was so happy of course, and that's what matters most to me. She likes to entertain her guests. Her close friends were there too. She was doing a good job and all the credits goes back to her. I stayed at 4AM (wide awake) talking to each one of them. My mom is the last person I talk to and she was so happy , tired but happy for the day's celebration.

HAPPY FIESTA!

Feast Of The Divine Mercy

April 19, 2009 marked as this year's Fiesta of the Divine Mercy. The Feast was officially instituted by Pope John Paul ll and was celebrated universally for the Catholic Church. The Feast of the Divine Mercy is celebrated after Easter. Devotion of the Divine Mercy started by a nun, Sister Faustyna Kowalska who was beatified and canonized by Pope John Paul 11.

"Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world."

How Great Is The Lord

If this question is being ask to you : " How great is the Lord?" , what would be your response? Having a blessing of good health right now is a sum total that the Lord is really great. He who gives me wisdom and heart to understand the people that surrounds me in great humility is already a blessing that justify His greatness. Others may want to contradict my response, we can't please everybody anyway. I may not find words to elaborate more deeper how I feel this way but, i know in my heart that God is great. The very sure thing is that the Lord is really great for having me as who I am today at the moment.

Anyway, I am just inspired to say these things because of these wonderful art collections that I found in greatistheLord.net. This is a Christian Store that sells Lithographic Arts, wall decor, home decor, kids decor, musical inspirations, personal accents, Unique Christian Gifts and many more religious stuffs. Visit the site today and see their wonderful products.

Divine Mercy Hill

This is the Divine Mercy Hill, the statue and stairs are fully constructed. 5o ft tall statue of Divine Mercy can be found in El Salvador City, Misamis Oriental, Philippines.
The statue of Jesus is gigantic. Look at the normal statue of Mama Mary, it is so tiny compared to the Divine Mercy Statue.
At a close up look. The foundation of the huge statue is truly remarkable. The right stair is the white ray from the heart of Jesus. The left stair is the red ray flowing from His heart. Those were the water and blood significance.
The landscape view surrounding the huge statue.
This is a sacred place to worship. People who visit this place should give reverence . Women are encourage to wear skirt. If ever you wear jeans, the place provides a wrap around skirt to overlap the jeans and it is free.
The landscape at the far left end of the area. Wide stairway that is heading to the temporary/makeshift prayer wooden house.

Jesus is Lord

I was so fascinated with the artistic design of this pumpkin and the message it conveys to everyone who happens to view this. It is truly unique and deserves a second glance and then, meditation. Thank you Cecile for sharing this message to me and to my blog.

"Proverbs 22:5-6 In the paths of the wicked lie thorns and snares, but he who guards his soul stays far from them. Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. All children must learn that there is only one King of all Kings and Lord of Lords and that is: Jesus Christ! "

Now I will gladly share my love for my Savoir Jesus Christ to my friends: Janiz, MyGirl, Michelle, Veta, Icyents


Jesus is Lord, Redeemer, Savior and Friend !