C-food and C-sterhood

One of the beautiful gifts God gave me is the gift of friendship, the gift of sisterhood.

No recent pictures yet, so here goes . . .

ME and I. Haha.

I thank God for giving me such a sister. This day is just one of the many usual moments I have with her--usual yet special. "Usual" because what we did was something that we usually do. Haha. We went to Mass then we ate. We had a hard time looking for a non-meat food stall because today is Friday. (And part of the Lenten sacrifices of Catholics is to not eat meat on all Fridays of Lent (including Ash Wednesday and Good Friday), this is one of our (all Catholics) external expressions of our wanting to unite with the sacrifices of Jesus. (Wow! Four parentheses in one!)) So, my sister and I, decided to go at the "food court" area where we would have a lot of food choices. We end up eating C-food: Calamares and C-sig (Sisig) bangus. Hahaha. Seafood, I mean.

After eating, we talked. Here's the special part. We talked a lot of things. We reminisced college days, shared stories we still don't know about. From college days to what happened after it, until the present time. And the night was not enough recounting our many experiences--the highs and lows of our friendship--and how our Blessed Lord moves and writes our sisterhood story. I was near to tears because I cannot and would never comprehend the greatness of God's wisdom, all is in His perfect timing.

THANK YOU LORD!

Our other pictures . . . 

Morning of our graduation at I-forgot-where.

Watching a movie during breaks in our review sessions for the nurse board exam.

At a pro-life rally.

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Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us.

Most Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us.

St. John the Apostle, patron saint of friendship, pray for us.

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Heart Status

Boracay from the 25th to the 29th of December 2011. It was my first time. Yey!

I am with (from Left to Right) ate April, kuya Tony, Paolo, Nino, (and that's me), Kevin, Daddy, and tito Pol, who took the picture.

BORACAY FORMED MY HEART.

Banana boat. Helmet diving. Boat sailing. Island hopping at Puka Beach. Skim boarding. Eating. Sleeping. Food coma (Sleeping right after eating). Walking and lots of it.

Doing this new things (plus the Zipline and Wall climbing done in Eco Park, QC.), all of them for the first time except for the eating-sleeping-food coma part, reminded me of what I stood up for God at the beginning of the year 2011: To live a FEARLESS life for Him. And to live a fearless life is to always grip on to God's sufficient, saving, sanctifying GRACE because He is always gripping on us. If I have remained in my fear of doing new things, I wouldn't be able to experience how great those things are, and ultimately, how Great GOD is.

I don't have much interest in adventurous stuffs, but as I did the above-mentioned activities, the more I became awed of how great God is. The more I get to bask in the greatness of our Creator. 

God is the Master of all. In all the things I saw and did, what I always say is: "Ang galing ng Diyos!" (Great is our God). That for every wave tossed in the ocean, He is in control. That the coordination of His creation, sea, wind, and all, was designed very well. That the entire scene is God's artwork. And that Boracay is one big playground created by God for His children.


BORACAY BROKE MY HEART.

As hotels and restaurants were all over the place, so are bars and beers. We went there on the 25th. And it was heartbreaking to see some who celebrates Christmas without having the real Reason of celebrating it: JESUS. It breaks my heart that Christmas--God becoming Man, uniting Himself fully: physically and spiritually, with man--became just a holiday to some.

It breaks my heart to see some who do not respect their bodies as exposing them as if they are having a private time, forgetting that they are in a public place. And that there are also a lot of shops offering temporary and permanent tattoo; and I even saw kids having one.

If you don't respect your body, who will? . . . Our bodies is an invitation to love, and not an invitation to lust. --Jason Evert, Catholic chastity speaker.

It is heartbreaking to see that the virtue of chastity and purity of life, of body and soul, were abandoned by many. Maybe because they just don't know or, worse, they have forgotten about it. My heart breaks when I see people missing out the point of living life to the purest. 

As these things broke my heart, it also affirmed me that there are a lot of work to be done and we are on the right track.


MMH.

When Jesus saw [his] Mother, and the disciple, he said to [his] Mother, "Woman, this is your son." Then he said to the disciple, "There is your mother." And from that moment the disciple took her to his own home. --John 19:26-27, NAB

At the very last day of our stay in Boracay, by God's plan and grace we saw a grotto of Mother Mary; elevated, situated in a rock. I wasn't expecting it in Boracay. And it reminded me that even Boracay is under the Motherly love of our Perpetual Blessed Virgin; and that Mary will not forsake us. She is our Mother, and we are her children.

I noticed, as well, that when some climbed up to the grotto to take picture, they won't include Mary in. They'd just take advantage of the elevation of the place. And yes, it broke my heart again.


There is really a lot of things that needs to be done. And I have to have a heart like Mary: MMH (Mama Mary Heart). A heart full of obedience, trust, and courage. 


God will meet us right where we are. Whether on mission or on vacation, God will. He never stops surprising His children. And as He surprises them, He teaches them. He assures His children that He is God. 


I have to remain FEARLESS for my God is now my Strength!


Most Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us.
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us.


A blog of Boracay pictures will follow; I just don't know when that will be.

Planning Ahead

The best gift anyone can give me this new year is a planner.
I like planners because I am a planner.
I like thinking ahead.
I like being prepared.
I get a high from being on top of things.
But some things are beyond planning.
And life doesn't always turn out as planned.

You don't plan for a broken heart.
You don't plan for a failed business venture.
You don't plan for an adulterous husband.
Or a wife who wants you out of her life.
You don't plan for an autistic child.
You don't plan for spinsterhood.
You don't plan for a lump in your breast.

You plan to be young forever.
You plan to climb the corporate ladder.
You plan to be rich and powerful.
You plan to be acclaimed and successful.
You plan to conquer the universe.
You plan to fall in love - and be loved forever.

You don't plan to be sad.
You don't plan to be hurt.
You don't plan to be broke.
You don't plan to be betrayed.
You don't plan to be alone in this world.

You plan to be happy.
You don't plan to be shattered.
Sometimes if you work had enough, you can get what you want.
But most times, what you want and what you get are two different things.

We, mortals, plan. But so does GOD in the heavens.

Sometimes, it is difficult to understand GOD's plans especially when His plans are not in consonance with ours.
Often, when GOD sends us crisis, we turn to Him in anger.
True, we cannot choose the cross that GOD wishes us to carry, but we can carry that cross with courage knowing that GOD will never abandon us nor send something we cannot cope with.

Sometimes, GOD breaks our spirit to save our soul.
Sometimes, He breaks our heart to make us whole.
Sometimes, GOD sends us pain so we can be stronger.
Sometimes, GOD sends us failure so we can be humble.
Sometimes, GOD sends us illness so we can take better care of ourselves.
Sometimes, GOD takes everything away from us so we can learn the value of everything He gave us.

Make plans but understand that we live by GOD's grace.

Note: Got this somewhere. Not mine.

Less Than Calvary

.11.22.2010.
WOW! Who would have thought I will be able to walk this great a distance...

I have marked with red the roads I have traveled by feet. Mayroong masasakyang jeep at taxi, ngunit lahat ay okupado. Manila with heavy rain = severe heavy traffic. Hindi gumagalaw ang mga sasakyan. Mas mabilis pa ang paa ng tao kaysa sa gulong ng ng mga sasakyan.


Rain started to fell by 2pm, I think. We were dismissed by 515pm after our inrep. And by 6pm I still found myself standing along E.Rodriguez Sr. Avenue waiting for the most awaited Proj.2-3 jeep. After that, I realized that waiting for a jeep would mean years and I felt the need to eat. Haha. I ate at a fastfood chain and stayed there for about an hour. I thought there would be a traffic improvement, but just as it is, it is just a thought. And I waited for about half an hour. And that was it. Cars were not really moving and I am left without a choice but to start walking. Haha. Huhu. And I was not only walking like carrying my backpack and umbrella with me. I am also carrying a paperbag that has more than ten tshirts in it.


Then I started to walk. Paused for awhile to rest my arm due to the paperbag. Haha. Then walk again. I started to walk for just this reason: "Sabik na akong umuwi. Gusto ko ng magpahinga." Until I reached Judge Jimenez-Sct. Ybardolaza-Kamuning Road, that's when I was able to ride a jeepney; not the Proj.2-3 one. I took another route just to get home. Haha. I got home by 815pm.


3 hours in the making, just to get home. When it would just normally take me half an hour. My "Lakad Para Maka-uwi" taught me a lot of things:


1. I was asking myself, "Bakit ganito? Bakit super trapik?! Bakit walang masakyan?! Bakit kailangang maglakad?!" And I further said, "Ang hirap hirap ng sitwasyon ko!" Imagine me with a backpack, then holding the umbrella at one hand, let's say at the right. Then on my left is the paperbag. That I may not pause from walking due to the paperbag's weight, I have to juggle both the umbrella and the paperbag from between hands. 


While I was walking, I saw a woman holding an umbrella in her left hand and on her right a not-yet-one-year-old infant, I think. And that thing humbled me. "Ako na nahihirapan kayang magpapalit-palit sa dalawang kamay ng aking mga bitbit. Pero 'yung babaeng 'yun kahit anong gusto niya hindi niya pwedeng ipagpalit-palit ng kamay yung bata at 'yung payong. Kapag ginawa niya 'yun, mauulanan 'yung bata. Kapag ginawa niya 'yun, baka masaktan 'yung bata." That thing I saw made me accept my situation. It helped me shut my mouth from asking why.


2. While walking, I prayed "Lord! Your plans are better than mine. What is it that you want to show me?" That was the first that that had happened to me. (I have not experienced Ondoy at school, so I don't know.) Truly, the word of God is strength to human heart. I remembered the verse:

My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness." I will rather boast most gladly of my weaknesses, in order that the power of Christ may dwell with me. Therefore, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and constraints, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak, then I am strong. --2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (NAB)

No trial has come to you but what is human. God is faithful and will not let you be tried beyond your strength; but with the trial he will also provide a way out, so that you may be able to bear it. --1 Corinthians 10:13 (NAB)

I was near to developing a wound at my left foot due to my shoes. And at the same time my feet, or my entire lower extremities, rather, is getting weary. That I knew I was near to develop a wound, I told myself that I need to have an adhesive bandage (band-aid). Haha. Si LORD laging on time and on place! After realizing the demand, I saw the supply. I was standing, twenty steps away from a drugstore!

3. I continued to walk. I remembered the EXTREME LOVE session. Kuya Cocoi asked, "Are you part of the generation who is willing to suffer for the love and cause of Christ?" As I remembered kuya Cocoi's question, I remembered my answer. And that as I have answered, I must live out my "YES". As I consider the things that are happening as part of my redemptive suffering, I offer it up to GOD that though it cannot, in any way, equate unto Jesus Christ's Cross, I may find it fulfilling.

4. Also, as I continue on walking and juggling the things I carry, I suddenly realized "this is less than calvary". My experience is far less than what happened to Jesus. My experience of pain, tiredness, and all cannot be compared to what Christ has done. That I am not in the right place to complain. Rather, I am in the right place to humble myself for what Christ has done.


Now, that I am writing (typing) this, it made me further realize that GOD's extreme love really do encompass our situations of highness and lowness. That HE can be found and be magnified by a heart who is willing to glorify His Name! This reminds me that the Cross of Christ is foolishness to nonbelievers; but is wisdom and strength to those who believe.


Post Scriptum. As I walk the following morning, I laughed saying, "Ang sakit sakit ng paa ko." Haha. And as I rode a jeepney taking me to the streets I was able to walk, all I said was, "WOW! Nalakad ko 'yan kagabi! Grabe!"


Naglevel-up ako sa paglalakad. Haha.
Baka i-level up ko din itong blog na ito by writing a "Part 2". Ang haba na kasi.

13.5 Hours na Household

13.5 hours? Haha. Joke lang. 13.5 hours lang akong wala sa bahay. It was an experience! Ang haba daw ng household namin sabi ng tatay ko.


6.30PM kami ng Saturday night umalis ng pinsan kong si Niño papuntang Nova Core Household. Tapos naghintay kami ng ibang mga kapatid sa core sa Jollibee Tandang Sora-Palengke [si Baby James lang pala at kami ang magpunta sa meeting place], then dumiretso na kami sa may St. Anthony Academy, QC. Kung saan nandun na sina DR Pogi at Mikki. Dumating na si MacMan. Ang Roque siblings: ate Sweet, Precious, and Mac. Tapos sina Louie at Faye. Tapos nag-household na kami [kwento ko maya ang saya ng household]. 


After ng household umuwi na kami. Nabali yung susi ng kotse ni ate Sweet. Lesson learned: magpa-duplicate ng susi. Kaya ako magpapa-duplicate na ko ng susi. Susi ng bahay. Alangan namang car key, eh wala naman akong car. Wala kasi akong susi ng bahay. Susi lang ng gate ang meron ako. So, kakatok pa din ako kahit anong mangyari.


"I believe that the Lord is telling us to close the household", as verbalized by Mikki [subjective cue]. Since pauwi na kami. Gusto ko na talagang umuwi. Kahit sana i-drop na lang ako somewhere na alam ko kasi gusto ko sa bahay umuwi. Kaso out of concern ng mga kapatid ko sa core dahil gabi na nga, minabuti ko na lang na kina Niño umuwi at matulog. Natulog ako sa kanilang "E-Room" as Ian will refer to it [pwede din pala yung ER. haha]. And since natulog ako sa bahay ng iba, mababawa lang ang tulog ko. "Ate Kaye gising na" sabi ni Niño; at gising agad ako!


BLESSED BE THE NAME OF THE LORD! I believe He wants me to appreciate some things that I forgot. I missed that early morning walk under the still-good-rays of the sun! Reminding me of the goodness of waking up at seven in the morning with that good feeling knowing this is Petiks Day!


Nung ginising ako ni Niño, honestly gusto ko pa matulog. Pero ibinangon ko ang aking sarili sa simpleng rason: GUSTO KONG UMUWI DAHIL GUSTO KO NG MAKITA MGA MAGULANG AT KAPATID KO. Imba! Isang gabi lang akong hindi nakauwi sa bahay. Nangulila na akong tunay! Pag-uwi kong bahay, nagsimba kami. Baon ko galing sa Misa: DISCIPLESHIP IS LEARNING.

Discipleship is Learning: Learning to Imitate Christ: Imitating Christ by embracing the Cross: The Cross which manifests the Wisdom and the Power of God.

Now, our recent household. Let's have a rest. Opo. Nagpahinga lang kami sa household.


Here are some Pahinga Verses:


Psalm 62:6-9 [NAB]

My soul, be at rest in God alone, from whom comes my hope. God alone is my rock and my salvation, my secure height; I shall not fall. My safety and glory are with God, my strong rock and refuge. Trust God at all times, my people! Pour out your hearts to God our refuge! 

Psalm 23:2 [NAB]

In green pastures you let me graze; to safe waters you lead me

Matthew 6:33-34 [NAB]

But seek first the kingdom (of God) and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides. Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil.

Matthew 11:28-30 [NAB]

"Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for your selves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light."

I've read Matthwe 11:28-30 before and never have I bothered to know what the "yoke" truly is. Hahaha. Here is a picture of the "yoke":

A yoke is shared by two animals. 
As children of God taking his yoke, finding rest is connecting with God!
That we may find our burdens light because it is not us who's carrying it anymore but Jesus Christ who carries it all and us as well.


Ang magpahinga ay ang mag-REST.


Redemptive suffering.
Endure and mortify.
Surrender and empty ourselves to be filled with God.
Trust in God.


Sure ka? Ang magpahinga ay mag-suffer? Mag-endure? Mag-mortify? Oo naman! To others, this may sound foolishness. But to us who finds rest in God, this is wisdom! Knowing that through our redemptive sufferings, trials to be endured, and mortifications, we ready our hearts in full hope and trust that one day we will find our full reward of eternal peace with God! Enjoying the rest we long for.


Laus Deus!