Bring a Child Back to School

Bring a Child Back to School

World Vision Philippines doesn't just send children to school. They do so much more. Gone were the days when Jenny's education was the foremost concern. Wait, they still do that but now they do so much more. They help people, especially children and their families rebuild their lives, particularly typhoon victims. If you would love to become part of the "they," please go ahead and click on the link above and check out World Vision's Work here.

It's amazing how much you can do with just a click of a button or more. Click here if you would like to sponsor a child too. One day, I hope to be one of you kind people who pledge 20 pesos a day to send a child to school. (My turn to whisper to God -- next month, please?). Until then, I'll keep on dropping those extra change at Jollibee for their Change for Children fund. How about you? Care to share your desire or call for action here?

Feel free to share your comments and experiences. I do enjoy reading about other people's stories too. Be blessed! :)

happy feast day Mama Mary! I love you!

What a Blessed Sunday. Joined the holy mass at our church and attended my first meeting as an official member of our local chapter of Our Mother of Perpetual Help (Yay!) then off to visit Our Lady of Mount Carmel at her church in Mabolo. Thank you Blessed Virgin Mother. Happy feast day. I love you! Praise Jesus! I love you! Thank you God! :)

Thank you Aunty Gweny, for being so patient. I love you! :)

Jesus Be The Center

God bless! :)

Young Artists for Haiti - Worldwide Talents Collaborate

Artists For Haiti - We Are the World 25 (Official music video) HD 1080p

The Power of the Mass

At the hour of death the Holy Masses you have heard devoutly will be your greatest consolation. 

Every Mass will go with you to Judgment and will plead for pardon for you. 

By every Mass you can diminish the temporal punishment due to your sins, more or less, according to your fervour. 

By devoutly assisting at Holy Mass you render the greatest homage possible to the Sacred Humanity of Our Lord. 

Through the Holy Sacrifice, Our Lord Jesus Christ supplies for many of your negligences and omissions. 

He forgives you all the venial sins which you are determined to avoid. He forgives you all your unknown sins which you never confessed. The power of Satan over you is diminished. 

By piously hearing Holy Mass you afford the Souls in Purgatory the greatest possible relief.

Through Holy Mass you are preserved from many dangers and misfortunes which would otherwise have befallen you. You shorten your Purgatory by every Mass. 

Through the Holy Mass you are blessed in your temporal goods and affairs.. 

When you hear Holy Mass devoutly, offering it to Almighty God in honour of any particular Saint or Angel, thanking God for the favours bestowed on him, etc., you afford that Saint or Angel a new degree of honour, joy and happiness, and draw his special love and protection on yourself. 

Every time you assist at Holy Mass, besides other intentions, you should offer it in honor of the Saint of the day.

"The Mass is the most perfect form of prayer!" 

~Pope Paul VI~

For each Mass we hear with devotion, Our Lord sends a saint to comfort us at death. 

~revelation of Christ to St. Gertrude the Great~

Once, St. Teresa was overwhelmed with God's Goodness and asked Our Lord "How can I thank you?" Our Lord replied, "ATTEND ONE MASS."

The Blessed Virgin Mary once told Her faithful servant Alain: "My Son so loves those who assist at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass that, if it were necessary He would die for them as many times as they've heard Masses." 

"The Holy Mass would be of greater profit if people had it offered in their lifetime, rather than having it celebrated for the relief of their souls after death."

~Pope Benedict XV~

A great doctor of the Church, St. Anselm, declares that a single Mass offered for oneself during life may be worth more than a thousand celebrated for the same intention after death. St. Leonard of Port Maurice supports this statement by saying that one Mass before death may be more profitable than many after it. 

"When we receive Holy Communion, we experience something extraordinary - a joy, a fragrance, a well being that thrills the whole body and causes it to exalt." 

~ Saint Jean Vianney~

"The celebration of Holy Mass is as valuable as the death of Jesus on the cross." 

~Saint Thomas Aquinas~

"If we really understood the Mass, we would die of joy." 

~ Saint Jean Vianney~

"There is nothing so great as the Eucharist. If God had something more precious, He would have given it to us." 

~ Saint Jean Vianney~

"It would be easier for the world to survive without the sun than to do without Holy Mass. " 

~St. Pio of Pietrelcina (Padre Pio), stigmatic priest~

"When we have been to Holy Communion, the balm of love envelops the soul as the flower envelops the bee." 

~ Saint Jean Vianney~

"The heavens open and multitudes of angels come to assist in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. " 

~Saint Gregory~

"The angels surround and help the priest when he is celebrating Mass." 

~ St. Augustine ~

"When Mass is being celebrated, the sanctuary is filled with countless angels who adore the divine victim immolated on the altar." 

~ St. John Chrysostom~

Happy Mother's day Mama!

To the best Mama in the world! Happy mothers' day! I miss you so much! I love you! :)

Thank You Jesus!

Dear Lord Jesus,

First of all, I am ever so grateful for Your boundless LOVE for us Lord Jesus. Thank You so much for saving all of us, especially me. I saw Your eyes in church today and they reflected sorrow and pain beyond comprehension, which brought tears into my eyes.

I don't know how I could ever make up for all my sins, for my weaknesses and for the many times that I have reopened Your wounds because of my thoughtless disregard of my promises to You. But if ever I need to remind myself of how much You love us, I only have to look into Your eyes Lord Jesus.

It pains me to know that our sins have caused You sorrow but at the same time my heart leaps for joy when I think of our future with You. For the first time in my life, it struck me as odd why I sometimes act out, like an immature child, when in fact You are always there. It still boggles my mind how even though I see You on the Holy Cross every single day, I have come to take that for granted. It shames me to no end Lord Jesus and I have no words to defend myself, so I won't even try.

Instead, I will thank You daily and Praise Your Holy Name. Thank you Jesus for being my Savior, my Brother, my Friend. Please forgive me for what I have done and what I have failed to do. Please guide me every single day so that I may walk with You in me. Thank you so much for all the blessings you have showered upon me.

May there be more of You and less of me Lord Jesus. I surrender only to you Lord Jesus. Hallelujah to the Lamb. Amen.

Thank You Lord Jesus (Happy birthday dearest cousins)!

Heavenly Father, I thank you for the gifts you have showered upon me and I will celebrate each one. They are miracles, each one of them, and I will forever be grateful.

I am grateful for your boundless LOVE for me, for the gift of salvation, guidance and direction, for enlightenment, for my loving and super patient family, my uncle and aunt who are always there for me, for my dearest cousins, who are celebrating their birthdays today (please give them extra blessings, Lord God), for my grandma and uncle who keep me company, for my precious bunch of friends who are always there for me, for my present work which I thoroughly enjoy, for the file that I finished today for which I am so happy and grateful, for my chiefs and co-workers who inspire me to always do better, for the files that I have finished and for those that I have yet to finish, for the inspiring words You've sent my way, for Your Light and Presence, which never fades, for the presence of the Blessed Virgin, Your mother and ours who is always there protect me, for Your instruments who never cease to amaze me, for all the Blessings and Graces that you pour out upon me, day after day, for the trials and minor aches and pains, for bringing me out of the dark and pulling me back when I tend to wander off the right path, for the gifts of faith, hope, love, joy, peace, and the gifts of the Holy Spirit, thank You so much Lord Jesus for healing my wounded soul and broken spirit, for melting my hardened heart, for the tears and emotions that You have released. I praise you Lord Jesus and I thank You. May your Love reign in my heart, in my family and in those who seek you and those who have turned away. Thank you Lord Jesus for wiping away my tears and my confusion. Thank you for simply being there, guiding me, calling me, healing me constantly. Your presence is precious Lord Jesus. May you always be with us Lord God, now and always. This I ask, in Jesus' name. Amen.

My weekly time with God

My weekly time with God

THANK YOU LIST
Things to be grateful for from the past week

I am grateful for Your Love Lord, for my family and friends, my team mates and leaders.
I am grateful for your presence in my life, for calling me back to you, and never leaving my side in spite of my sinful nature and imperfections, for sending so many angels my way, your instruments.
I am grateful for the Blessed Virgin, I am grateful to Mama Mary, for leading me back to you.
I am grateful that when my load is heavy, You are there to comfort me, and my family and friends are there to lead me back to you.
I am grateful for the gifts of the Holy Spirit, for Your forgiveness, for the gift of life and love.
Thank you Lord Jesus for being my provider, my source, my guide, my goal, my life, my life.

SPECIAL NEEDS
Things to ask God for in the coming week
Lord, please strengthen my Faith, let my Hope grow, let Love blossom, let your Grace enfold me, let your Mercy rain down upon me, let your Patience rule me, let your Confidence overflow within me, let Courage grow within me, let Wisdom flow like a river, let Your Enlightenment guide my steps. Let the gifts of the Spirit surround me. If it be Your will, Lord, please heal me, my family and everyone who needs You. Please touch our hearts and by the power of Your Love, bring us near to you. Erase my doubts O Lord, cleanse me, and teach me to be humble always, so that I may always do what is right, and follow you all the days of my life. Please lead me towards the right path and teach me how to serve you. Please guide my steps O Lord God, that I may sow seeds of love. May Your will be done. Lead me Lord. This I ask in Jesus' name. Amen.

HIDDEN TREASURE
Most important word God told me this week
This tops the list: PATIENCE
The rest, are just as important: LOVE, PEACE, MERCY, GRACE, FAITH, HOPE, LOVE, HEALING, HUMILITY.

I surrender to your Holy will Lord God. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you Lord, in Jesus' name. Forever, I will praise you Lord. In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Holy Spirit, lead and guide me...

Is there compromise in my life with respect to any of the teachings of the Church? If there is, it is time we pray for the grace to rectify the situation.

Holy Spirit, lead and guide me in the ways of truth and righteousness and let me reject the ways of the world for the distractions and lies that they are. Amen.

I am sorry Lord God, for turning away from You sometimes. You know what's in my heart Lord. I am ready to follow you, whatever it takes, I will follow your Holy will. I pray for courage, wisdom and enlightenment, so that I may know what comes from you and acknowledge your Goodness all the days of my life. Thank you Lord Jesus, for always saving me just in time, always in time. I will worship you all my life and I will do everything it takes, to the best of my ability, to help build your kingdom on earth.

Lord, continue to use me to help build Your kingdom! This I ask in Jesus' name. Amen.

Lord Jesus please help me live this out!

Point out your rules, LORD, and I won't disobey even one of them. Help me to understand your Law; I promise to obey it with all my heart. Direct me by your commands! I love to do what you say. Make me want to obey you, rather than to be rich. Take away my foolish desires, and let me find life by walking with you. I am your servant! Psalm 119:33-38

Help me Lord Jesus!

Point out your rules, LORD, and I won't disobey even one of them. Help me to understand your Law; I promise to obey it with all my heart. Direct me by your commands! I love to do what you say. Make me want to obey you, rather than to be rich. Take away my foolish desires, and let me find life by walking with you. I am your servant! Psalm 119:33-38

Thank you Lord Jesus. Amen.

GOD OPENS DOORS NO MAN COULD EVER CLOSE

The power of God is amazing.... Good morning said a woman as she walked up to the man sitting on ground. The man slowly looked up. This was a woman clearly accustomed to the finer things of life. Her coat was new.. She looked like she had never missed a meal in her life. His first thought was that she wanted to make fun of him, like so many others had done before.. "Leave me alone," he growled.... To his amazement, the woman continued standing. She was smiling -- her even white teeth displayed in dazzling rows. "Are you hungry?" she asked. "No," he answered sarcastically. "I've just come from dining with the president. Now go away." The woman's smile became even broader. Suddenly the man felt a gentle hand under his arm. "What are you doing, lady?" the man asked angrily. "I said to leave me alone. Just then a policeman came up. "Is there any problem, ma'am?" he asked.. "No problem here, officer," the woman answered. "I'm just trying to get this man to his feet. Will you help me?" The officer scratched his head. "That's old Jack. He's been a fixture around here for a couple of years. What do you want with him?" "See that cafeteria over there?" she asked. "I'm going to get him something to eat and get him out of the cold for awhile." "Are you crazy, lady?" the homeless man resisted. "I don't want to go in there!" Then he felt strong hands grab his other arm and lift him up. "Let me go, officer. I didn't do anything." " This is a good deal for you, Jack" the officer answered. "Don't blow it." Finally, and with some difficulty, the woman and the police officer got Jack into the cafeteria and sat him at a table in a remote corner. It was the middle of the morning, so most of the breakfast crowd had already left and the lunch bunch had not yet arrived.... The manager strode across the cafeteria and stood by his table. "What's going on here, officer?" he asked. "What is all this, is this man in trouble?" "This lady brought this man in here to be fed," the policeman answered. "Not in here!" the manager replied angrily. "Having a person like that here is bad for business.." Old Jack smiled a toothless grin. "See, lady. I told you so. Now if you'll let me go. I didn't want to come here in the first place." The woman turned to the cafeteria manager and smiled... "Sir, are you familiar with Eddy and Associates, the banking firm down the street?" "Of course I am," the manager answered impatiently. "They hold their weekly meetings in one of my banquet rooms." "And do you make a goodly amount of money providing food at these weekly meetings?" "What business is that of yours?" I, sir, am Penelope Eddy, president and CEO of the company." "Oh." The woman smiled again. "I thought that might make a difference." She glanced at the cop who was busy stifling a giggle. "Would you like to join us in a cup of coffee and a meal, officer?" "No thanks, ma'am," the officer replied. "I'm on duty." "Then, perhaps, a cup of coffee to go?" "Yes, mam. That would be very nice." The cafeteria manager turned on his heel, "I'll get your coffee for you right away, officer." The officer watched him walk away. "You certainly put him in his place," he said. "That was not my intent. Believe it or not, I have a reason for all this." She sat down at the table across from her amazed dinner guest. She stared at him intently.. "Jack, do you remember me?" Old Jack searched her face with his old, rheumy eyes. "I think so -- I mean you do look familiar." "I'm a little older perhaps," she said. "Maybe I've even filled out more than in my younger days when you worked here, and I came through that very door, cold and hungry." "Ma'am?" the officer said questioningly. He couldn't believe that such a magnificently turned out woman could ever have been hungry. "I was just out of college," the woman began. "I had come to the city looking for a job, but I couldn't find anything. Finally I was down to my last few cents and had been kicked out of my apartment. I walked the streets for days. It was February and I was cold and nearly starving. I saw this place and walked in on the off chance that I could get something to eat." Jack lit up with a smile. "Now I remember," he said. "I was behind the serving counter. You came up and asked me if you could work for something to eat. I said that it was against company policy." "I know," the woman continued. "Then you made me the biggest roast beef sandwich that I had ever seen, gave me a cup of coffee, and told me to go over to a corner table and enjoy it. I was afraid that you would get into trouble... Then, when I looked over and saw you put the price of my food in the cash register, I knew then that everything would be all right." "So you started your own business?" Old Jack said. "I got a job that very afternoon. I worked my way up. Eventually I started my own business that, with the help of God, prospered." She opened her purse and pulled out a business card.. "When you are finished here, I want you to pay a visit to a Mr. Lyons...He's the personnel director of my company. I'll go talk to him now and I'm certain he'll find something for you to do around the office." She smiled. "I think he might even find the funds to give you a little advance so that you can buy some clothes and get a place to live until you get on your feet... If you ever need anything, my door is always opened to you." There were tears in the old man's eyes. "How can I ever thank you?" he said. "Don't thank me," the woman answered. "To God goes the glory. Thank Jesus... He led me to you." Outside the cafeteria, the officer and the woman paused at the entrance before going their separate ways... "Thank you for all your help, officer," she said.. "On the contrary, Ms. Eddy," he answered. "Thank you. I saw a miracle today, something that I will never forget. And...And thank you for the coffee." If you have missed knowing me, you have missed nothing. If you have missed some of my emails, you might have missed a laugh.. But, if you have missed knowing my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, you have missed everything in the world. Have a Wonderful Day. May God Bless You Always and don't forget that when you "cast your bread upon the waters," you never know how it will be returned to you.. God is so big He can cover the whole world with his Love and so small He can curl up inside your heart.. When God leads you to the edge of the cliff, trust Him fully and let go. Only 1 of 2 things will happen, either He'll catch you when you fall, or He'll teach you how to fly! The power of one sentence! God is going to shift things around for you today and let things work in your favor. If you believe, send it. If you don't believe, delete it. God closes doors no man can open & God opens doors no man can close.. If you need God to open some doors for you...send this on. Have a blessed day and remember to be a blessing... LIVE WELL, LOVE MUCH, LAUGH OFTEN

God's message for me today (so sweet, as always)

On this day, God wants you to know...

... that a successful relationship requires falling in love many times, always with the same person. Always with the same person, but deeper and deeper every time. Each time on a whole new level you together open in love and discover the truth of your beloved anew. There is no limit to the beauty of your beloved. If you think you've reached the end, stop generalizing.

Can't wait to meet him. :) Thank you God. Amen.

Thank you Lord Jesus for this day!

Thank you Jesus for blessing me with loving family and friends who lift my spirits when I'm down and share my happiness when I'm high on life (natural high). Thank you Lord for being my beacon, giving me wisdom, guiding my steps and putting up with my silly mistakes.

I'm grateful for the chance to hang out with one of my closest childhood friends. I miss our chats and silly antics. This day truly was special cuz I miss hanging out with my friends. Thank you for making all things possible Lord Jesus. I am forever grateful!

I'm sorry for being too hard on myself and others sometimes. Mostly, I apologize for blaming you for some of the more unpleasant experiences that I went through. The anger and shame remains but I'm glad that you give me constant reminders that life is wonderful, no matter where my wheel is currently at. Life has its ups and downs but I love this roller coaster ride.

All I'm hoping for right now is that despair never comes a knocking, or if it does, that I will never open that door again.

Thank you Lord Jesus for keeping me grounded and giving me opportunities to spend time with family and friends who know me inside and out and are not afraid to point out my mistakes and bad habits as soon as they notice them.

I have my faults, I am not perfect, but I sure am grateful Lord Jesus that you are a constant presence in my life, in my mind, and in my heart. I'm sorry for the times in the past that I have rejected you or your instruments and the graces you have given me. I am sorry for making stupid decisions. If I could take them back, I will but since they're all in the past, I will pick up the lessons I can learn from them and use them for future reference.

I will bury the regrets and resentments but yes, Lord Jesus, I will grow! Thank you for the answers to the questions that I have not even asked, and for the graces that I have not even asked from you yet. Truly, you are an Awesome God! Praise you Jesus! Thank you Jesus! Amen.

My Gratitude List for today

From today's Gospel:

"The most important aspect of our discipleship is that we have been chosen by God."

Thank you God for all your gifts -- life, love, family, friends, work, everything that gets me through the day. Thank you most of all for all your instruments who are hard at work making my life more beautiful and helping me make sense of things during those days when nothing seems to be going right. I know I am not a perfect disciple, not even near that but I also know deep in my heart that you are right there even during those times when I turn away from you.

Thank you Jesus for carrying my cross for me, enduring the most horrible death on the cross that our sins caused, and rising again to remind us that no matter how hopeless things get, you will always be my personal Lord and Savior. No matter what happens, please never let me give in to despair. Jesus, I trust in you and I always will.

When my doubts and fears are all that I see, I will always remember that You are there, waiting for the dark clouds to disappear, nay You are dispelling the dark clouds, bringing sunshine back into my life.

Again, I thank you for this lovely day, which I have yet to explore, for my meals, and of course for my family and friends, who are the kindest, most loving, most understanding bunch of people I have ever known in my entire life. I love my life Lord Jesus and I'm sorry for all those times that I have hurt you and the people around me.

I look forward to the day when I can stand up and say, I am moving on, finally, with no regrets, no fear, no doubts, and with utmost courage and faith in you Lord Jesus. Thank you for giving me hope, and love that never stops, like a spring that never ends. I am all out of words now Lord Jesus, all I ask now is for wisdom, enlightenment, guidance, direction, and healing, especially for all of us who really need it. Also, please bless my endeavors and the people I meet, live and work with and protect me and my family. May your will be done Lord. This I ask in Jesus' name. Amen.

Notes from Bo's inspiring talk -- Be Consistently Aggressive

Learn to share in the success of others.

Be clear about your dreams. Write down your dreams. 7 dreams. Read it everyday.

Know what you want.

God bless!

Do I offer kind words to people I relate with?

Thank You, Lord, for reminding me to offer a blessing or good wishes to all I meet. Please guide me to be a life-giving person to others. Amen.

To be continued...

Thank God for Lola!

Are you afraid of the uncertainty of things? Remember Jesus who rose from the dead. Have faith and live!

Thank You, Lord, for the gift of life and for the grace to live on with faith, hope and love. Amen.



Perfect timing! Today's Gospel Reflection hit me like an arrow through my heart.

My Grandmother is currently in the hospital right now and as usual, my initial reaction was a mixture of panic and confusion. Should I go with her? Should I stay and keep working? Should I break down and cry? What should I do? And so, I ended up calling Jesus and Mama Mary, asking them to watch over my Lola and bless her.

During these times, I realize how helpless we really are when situations involving our loved ones' health confront us. Today's Gospel and Reflection sent by Kerygma Family was a welcome salve to my troubled spirit. The prayer above is perfect for what my family and I are going through.

I am grateful that God has given my lola so many blessings, including a bonus of 17 years to her life on earth. They say after 70, you already count the succeeding years as bonus. I'm blessed to have aunt and uncles who are calm under stress or distress, who know how to handle matters without making them worse, who do not cry at the first sign of distress. Thank you Lord Jesus for being our beacon of hope, our light, our salvation. Thank you also for reminding me that no matter how scary things get, we can take courage under your wings of love and protection.

Ironically, this is exactly what I've been praying for since a few weeks ago -- faith, hope and love. It's comforting to know that God does respond and he knows who to send to take care of us when things go wrong. Thank you Lord for your loving kindness and your gently way of reminding us how much we need to depend on you, how we need to put all our trust in you.

So without mincing words, I declare: I love you Jesus and I thank you for taking care of my family and me. Please heal my Lola, if it be your will and never let us surrender to despair. Please keep her safe, fill us all with your strength and courage and may your unbounded Love heal my Lola and bring my family together so that we may weather this storm together. This I ask in Jesus' name.

Thank you for carrying our cross, dying on the cross in Calvary and rising from the dead -- thank you for the gift of salvation. I praise you Lord Jesus and I thank you! Amen.

My Gratitude List for today

Wow! It's been a while since I've written down the things that I'm grateful for. I'm not sure why but I've been avoiding it for weeks now. Call it laziness or spending time on less important stuff or being too preoccupied with work but I think it all boils down to two things -- fear and slight discouragement. I know that probably doesn't make much sense but those two combined can be quite volatile. All I know is that I need to get back into the habit of writing down the things that I'm thankful for because it adds more meaning to my daily life. It's like a daily habit that I need to cultivate because it helps remind me that no matter how bad things go, no matter how awful I feel, no matter how things appear, God always provides. And so, I'm back, stronger and more upbeat! At least, I hope so. lol.

Today is extra special coz it's Easter Sunday so I need to give an extra shout out!

Thank you Heavenly Father for sending our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to save us! Thank you Lord Jesus for coming here on earth and making the ultimate sacrifice -- dying on the Cross to save sinners like me! Thank you for sending the Holy Spirit to strengthen and cleanse us on a daily basis! Thank you Lord Jesus for being our constant pillar, our inspiration, especially when our crosses get heavy! Thank you for being the best role model, for setting the best example, for lifting up our weary hearts and spirits, for never letting go, no matter how far away we run from you, for being our Good Shepherd! I love you Lord Jesus and I always will! Please forgive my sins and iniquities! Blessed be your name now and forever! Amen.

Thank you God for the gifts of life and love, the gift of salvation, which we celebrate today. Thank you for the gifts of loving family and friends who not only understand but bear our crosses with us. Thank you God for being our center. May your love reign in our hearts always and forever.

Thank you God for inspiring us to move mountains. Thank you for sending your instruments to guide us. Please use me Lord Jesus to build God's kingdom here on earth. Thank you for erasing the confusion and the doubt and for standing by me while I was struggling with those doubts. Thank you Jesus for never giving up on me no matter how bad things got, no matter how much I rebelled, no matter how much I fought, You prevailed Lord Jesus. And now, I'm sure that you always will. Thank you Jesus, Amen.

Thank you Lord Jesus for giving me work that I enjoy, people who I enjoy working with, for giving me opportunities to learn, to serve and to share my skills to help others. Thank you Lord Jesus for being my boss, my mentor, my guide, and for sending instruments to help me grow as a person, as a daughter, as a granddaughter, as a niece, as a friend, as an employee, as a Christian, as a servant of the Roman Catholic Church, as your instrument. Thank you for being my anchor, my rock, my refuge. For helping me get through each day, safe and satisfied that I have done my best with honesty and integrity. Thank you Lord Jesus for teaching me the best way to serve.

As I start this new week, may you remain as my center, may you continue to light my path, may you continue to guide my steps and lead me closer to you, our source, guide and goal. Lord Jesus, may I grow in faith, hope and love, determined to follow your will and remain your humble servant. Please cleanse me Lord Jesus, through the power of your Holy Spirit, and help me renounce the things that are blocking your grace from enveloping my heart, my mind and my soul. Teach me to serve you in every way I can and please give me the wisdom, enlightenment and discernment so that every opportunity will be used for the benefit of our Holy Church, and even stumbling blocks will become opportunities for me to put you first Lord Jesus. Please help me never to veer off the path of righteousness and keep my focus on you. Once again, Lord Jesus, I surrender to your Holy will, I deny myself, I will carry my cross and follow you Lord Jesus. Please walk with me always, this I ask in Jesus' name. Amen.

My Gratitude List for today

Wow! It's been a while since I've written down the things that I'm grateful for. I'm not sure why but I've been avoiding it for weeks now. Call it laziness or spending time on less important stuff or being too preoccupied with work but I think it all boils down to two things -- fear and slight discouragement. I know that probably doesn't make much sense but those two combined can be quite volatile. All I know is that I need to get back into the habit of writing down the things that I'm thankful for because it adds more meaning to my daily life. It's like a daily habit that I need to cultivate because it helps remind me that no matter how bad things go, no matter how awful I feel, no matter how things appear, God always provides. And so, I'm back, stronger and more upbeat! At least, I hope so. lol.

Today is extra special coz it's Easter Sunday so I need to give an extra shout out!

Thank you Heavenly Father for sending our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to save us! Thank you Lord Jesus for coming here on earth and making the ultimate sacrifice -- dying on the Cross to save sinners like me! Thank you for sending the Holy Spirit to strengthen and cleanse us on a daily basis! Thank you Lord Jesus for being our constant pillar, our inspiration, especially when our crosses get heavy! Thank you for being the best role model, for setting the best example, for lifting up our weary hearts and spirits, for never letting go, no matter how far away we run from you, for being our Good Shepherd! I love you Lord Jesus and I always will! Please forgive my sins and iniquities! Blessed be your name now and forever! Amen.

Thank you God for the gifts of life and love, the gift of salvation, which we celebrate today. Thank you for the gifts of loving family and friends who not only understand but bear our crosses with us. Thank you God for being our center. May your love reign in our hearts always and forever.

Thank you God for inspiring us to move mountains. Thank you for sending your instruments to guide us. Please use me Lord Jesus to build God's kingdom here on earth. Thank you for erasing the confusion and the doubt and for standing by me while I was struggling with those doubts. Thank you Jesus for never giving up on me no matter how bad things got, no matter how much I rebelled, no matter how much I fought, You prevailed Lord Jesus. And now, I'm sure that you always will. Thank you Jesus, Amen.

As I start this new week, may you remain as my center, may you continue to light my path, may you continue to guide my steps and lead me closer to you, our source, guide and goal. Please cleanse me Lord Jesus, through the power of your Holy Spirit, and help me renounce the things that are blocking your grace from enveloping my heart, my mind and my soul. Teach me to serve you in every way I can and please give me the wisdom, enlightenment and discernment so that every opportunity will be used for the benefit of our Holy Church, and even stumbling blocks will become opportunities for me to put you first Lord Jesus. Once again, Lord Jesus, I surrender to your Holy will, I deny myself, I will carry my cross and follow you Lord Jesus. Please walk with me always, this I ask in Jesus' name. Amen.

My Gratitude List for today

Wow! It's been a while since I've written down the things that I'm grateful for. I'm not sure why but I've been avoiding it for weeks now. Call it laziness or spending time on less important stuff or being too preoccupied with work but I think it all boils down to two things -- fear and slight discouragement. I know that probably doesn't make much sense but those two combined can be quite volatile. All I know is that I need to get back into the habit of writing down the things that I'm thankful for because it adds more meaning to my daily life. It's like a daily habit that I need to cultivate because it helps remind me that no matter how bad things go, no matter how awful I feel, no matter how things appear, God always provides. And so, I'm back, stronger and more upbeat! At least, I hope so. lol.

Today is extra special coz it's Easter Sunday so I need to give an extra shout out!

Thank you Heavenly Father for sending our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to save us! Thank you Lord Jesus for coming here on earth and making the ultimate sacrifice -- dying on the Cross to save sinners like me! Thank you for sending the Holy Spirit to strengthen and cleanse us on a daily basis! Thank you Lord Jesus for being our constant pillar, our inspiration, especially when our crosses get heavy! Thank you for being the best role model, for setting the best example, for lifting up our weary hearts and spirits, for never letting go, no matter how far away we run from you, for being our Good Shepherd! I love you Lord Jesus and I always will! Please forgive my sins and iniquities! Blessed be your name now and forever! Amen.

Thank you God for the gifts of life and love, the gift of salvation, which we celebrate today. Thank you for the gifts of loving family and friends who not only understand but bear our crosses with us. Thank you God for being our center. May your love reign in our hearts always and forever.

Thank you God for inspiring us to move mountains. Thank you for sending your instruments to guide us. Please use me Lord Jesus to build God's kingdom here on earth. Thank you for erasing the confusion and the doubt and for standing by me while I was struggling with those doubts. Thank you Jesus for never giving up on me no matter how bad things got, no matter how much I rebelled, no matter how much I fought, You prevailed Lord Jesus. And now, I'm sure that you always will. Thank you Jesus, Amen.

As I start this new week, may you remain as my center, may you continue to light my path, may you continue to guide my steps and lead me closer to you, our source, guide and goal. Please cleanse me Lord Jesus, through the power of your Holy Spirit, and help me renounce the things that are blocking your grace from enveloping my heart, my mind and my soul. Teach me to serve you in every way I can and please give me the wisdom, enlightenment and discernment so that every opportunity will be used for the benefit of our Holy Church, and even stumbling blocks will become opportunities for me to put you first Lord Jesus. Once again, Lord Jesus, I surrender to your Holy will, I deny myself, I will carry my cross and follow you Lord Jesus. Please walk with me always, this I ask in Jesus' name. Amen.

Room to Read - Home - Room to Read

Our Vision

Room to Read believes that World Change Starts with Educated Children. We envision a world in which all children can pursue a quality education that enables them to reach their full potential and contribute to their community and the world.

Our Mission

Room to Read seeks to transform the lives of millions of children in developing countries by focusing on literacy and gender equality in education. Working in collaboration with local communities, partner organizations and governments, we develop literacy skills and a habit of reading among primary school children, and support girls to complete secondary school with the relevant life skills to succeed in school and beyond.

From their website.
http://www.roomtoread.org/

My weekly time with God

SABBATH PAUSE

My weekly time with God

THANK YOU LIST

Things to be grateful for from the past week

Lord, I am grateful for the gifts of life, love, my family and friends, and for your unwavering love and support for me.

No matter how far I have strayed, you are always there, guiding me, giving me comfort, sending your special instruments into my life. Even in the midst of my trials and confusion, no matter how dark things may seem, you are always there to shine your light for me. This Lenten season, I offer you my undying gratitude Lord Jesus for coming her to save us, to save me, sinner that I am. Thank you Lord Jesus for all your blessings and for guiding me every single step of the way. Thank you for giving me glimpses of heaven in the lives of saints, especially in the life of your earthly father, St. Joseph. Thank you for giving us your Blessed Mother, to become our Blessed Mother. I thank you everyday for sending Mama Mary to be our light in this big old world, where things aren't always how we want them to be. Thank you for the stars and the moon, the sun that always shines every single day, for the people around me who continue to inspire me to be better, to do better, for the birds and the bees, well, I'm glad that bee didn't sting us this morning. Thank you for being the light at the end of our dark tunnel, for changing missed chances into opportunities, for showing me that love is all around, if I only take the time to stop and see the beauty of nature, all of your creation. I praise you Jesus for always being there for me, for my family, for my friends. Thank you so much Lord Jesus!

SPECIAL NEEDS

Things to ask God for in the coming week

As another week begins, Lord Jesus, I pray for guidance and direction, for courage and protection, for love to reign in the hearts of all men and women, for strength to live out our faith in you, for hope to never fade, for joy and good cheer to spread all around us, for the enlightenment, discernment and wisdom so that we can make the right choices, for happiness to abound in every family, for the gifts of the Holy Spirit to work in each one of us, believers and non-believers alike, may you continue to use me to build your Kingdom here on earth. Lord Jesus, I pray that every single one of my spiritual blocks be revealed so that I may renounce them all and serve you fully in spirit, mind, body and soul, I offer everything in Your service Lord Jesus. Please show me the way to be a better servant Lord. This I ask in Jesus' name. Amen.

HIDDEN TREASURE

Most important word God told me this week

Two things come to mind -- humility and obedience. Lord, please guide my steps so that I may not falter and I may continue to live out my life in pattern with yours -- with utter humility and total obedience. Thank you Jesus! I love you Jesus! Amen.

Who’s The Best Teacher For Your Kids?

Got this from Bo's blog today:

I believe the best teacher is mommy and daddy.
Some parents tutor their kids after school. And that’s fantastic.
But shouldn’t some parents be the school for their kids? That’s called homeschool. Yes, I agree that it isn’t for everyone. There are families that simply won’t be able to homeschool, and that’s why there are great traditional schools around. But if you’re interested in homeschooling, take a look at www.CatholicFilipinoAcademy.com now. It might just be the answer to your prayers for your kids.

Save a Child's Life!

I got this from my daily Gospel and reflection email from Kerygma Family. I strongly believe this is such an urgent issue that I thought I should share it with you.

"A couple of weeks before I received this assignment to write for Didache 2010, I attended a media forum, the Bulong Pulungan held at the Hotel Sofitel, where the guest was Edu Manzano, chair of the Optical Media Board, whose mandate is to confiscate pirated CDs or DVDs. Edu showed samples of DVDs he has confiscated — showing what he called “appalling, stomach wrenching” pornography involving girls in their puberty.

A week after that, I received an invitation to attend a press conference on human trafficking. The guest was Kristie Kenny, United States Ambassador to the Philippines. She called on everyone to make the fight against human trafficking “the fight of our lifetime.”

Then, a couple of weeks later, Rey Ortega, founder of Tahanan ng Pagmamahal, an orphanage supported by the Light of Jesus, gave me an article where he wrote about the wards of Tahanan. One of them was a rape victim.

Yes, children are being attacked by adults who are supposed to nurture and protect them. Indeed, as the Gospel today points out, evil lurks in our midst. Let us pray for the victims, let us pray for strength for those who are working to save the children, and let us do what we can to fight this evil."

-- Cynthia Santiago

I agree wholeheartedly with this reflection. Child abuse is evil. So is child trafficking, child pornography, child labor and every other offense committed against children, major or minor.

It's horrible how media overlooks these types of abuse and practices as well. Sure, the latest showbiz or political scandal can be quite entertaining and informative, respectively, but something should be done about the horrible attacks against children. They should be exposed, the wrongdoers, I mean, as well as their offenses.

In fact, imho, I think for every newspaper or television/radio station out there, there should be at least one reporter covering this issue on a daily basis. I'm not kidding! And for those media outlets who are already doing this, more power to you!

Seriously, human rights abuses are never acceptable, no matter how minor the offense is, especially those committed against women and children. We should all speak up, especially since we've got technology right at our fingertips.

Child pornography is just not right! Neither is child abuse or human trafficking, particularly involving children. Isn't it about time we did something more than read or talk or write about it? Prayers help, a lot! So does action! I think it's time to brainstorm about possible ways to solve this problem. Or maybe just jump in and start an online campaign? What do you think?


I'd really love to help out, I hope this spurs you into action too. We don't have to rush to the streets, I think little things will do. One voice added to another one and yet another one makes one heck of a ruckus, don't you think. Hey, I'm not urging chaos here, just action -- serious, well-guided action. Let your opinion be heard!


Save the children! Save the world!

Thank You Lord Jesus!

Ok. So I'm still sick and feeling quite blue today. Bad and very dry cough, headache's getting better, cold is almost gone so yay! Praise the Lord! Been crying out Jesus' name all day, my family must think I've gone bonkers or something but hey, twas worth it. I'm so glad things are settling down a bit. My first day at my new full-time job was quite a success, even though I must've had the flu yesterday. Today was even better coz we got to work on our own and dig into google for research. Not really nerve-wracking, just a bit overwhelming as we had to go through a truckload of information. No complaints here, just reviewing the past couple of days.

I have a whole lot to be grateful for today but I'll try to squeeze it into a few paragraphs coz I still need to rest. I need to take some time out to thank Jesus for guiding me today.

First, I am grateful for the gifts of life and love, family and friends, most of all for God's immeasurable love for all of us. Life's a rollercoaster and sometimes the lows can get me down but I'm not giving up! The highs are worth it so it's only right to give thanks and praise where they are due. Thank you Jesus! Praise you Jesus!

Second, I thank God for curing some of my ailments. It's not easy working while you're under the weather but I'm grateful cuz at least my runny nose is dry now and even though the cough and headache are still there, praise Jesus for giving me kind mentors and co-workers. So this is a double thank you -- for the healing and for the nice people who I've been working with all day. Thank you God for the early break too! :)

Third, I am thankful for the messages from friends and for the daily Gospel which brightens my day. I read it a bit too late but still applicable. I am also grateful for the chance to relax after work and have a snack that's filling and tasty. And I am grateful for everything else in between.

Yes, the confusion remains (along with the cough and headache) but I'm sure that tomorrow will dawn bright and beautiful. Way sapot ron so yehey! Hihihi. Thank You Jesus! Praise You Jesus! Amen.

Thank You Lord Jesus!

This is going to be short cuz honestly, I'm kind of feeling under the weather right now. Migraine, cold, cough, sore throat, my body is trying to tell me something... slow down, I guess. Must be stress-related or something. Sigh!

Oh well, now that I'm done complaining, I'm determined to jot down the heaven-sent gifts for which I am truly grateful.

First, just reading my blog post from yesterday, I am reminded of God's indescribable love! No matter how down and out or out of sorts I feel today, I know that God is still there all around me. That alone is worthy of a whole page but since I'm sick and all, please pardon me if I stick to just a few sentences.

Second, I am grateful for yet another day added to my life and my loved ones' life as well. I'd like to insert a small prayer too. Lord Jesus, please guide my Uncle's journey. May he travel in still waters and come home happy and may his trip be safe all the way.

Third, I am grateful for new opportunities and yet another chance to challenge myself and the gifts God has given me. Honestly, I am quite aware that this was not his plan for me originally and I know that my disobedience has a price that's why I'm going to stop complaining about my ailments. God will heal me, and that is enough for me.

Fourth, I am thankful for all the gifts God has showered me. I know I am blessed and this sadness is passing. I believe that God has a great plan for me so no matter what happens, I am secure in the knowledge that I have already surrendered to Jesus and will do so every single day of my life. Yet another prayer... Lord Jesus, I am ready to deny myself and take up my cross. I will follow you Lord Jesus, my God, my Savior, and nothing will ever change that. Thank you Lord Jesus for your love and your guidance. I know you are with me every single day and I will worship you every single day of my life. I love you Lord Jesus. Thank you Jesus! Amen.

Fifth, thank you Lord Jesus for surrounding me with loving family and loyal friends who have stood by me in spite of everything that has happened. I am forever grateful. Praise you Jesus! Thank you Jesus! Amen.

Stop Child Abuse!

Children deserve to live a happy, normal childhood. Stop child abuse and violence against children and women! There are many organizations out there whose main goal is to protect children against abuse. One of them is Women's Crisis Center Manila. Visit http://www.wccmanila.com/contact.php to help out.