The Divine Mercy

The Divine Mercy Chaplet

You expired Jesus, but the source of life gushed forth for souls, and the ocean of mercy

opened up for the whole world.

O Fountain of Life, unfathomable Divine Mercy, envelope the whole world and empty

Yourself out upon us. O Blood and Water which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus,

as a fount of mercy for us, I trust in you.

The Divine Mercy Shrine El Salvador at Cagayan de Oro, a photo of a friend of mine.

David’s Victories

2 Samuel 8

¹ In the course of time, David defeated the Philistines and subdued them, and he took Metheg Ammah from the control of the Philistines.

² David also defeated the Moabites. He made them lie down on the ground and measured them off with a length of cord. Every two lengths of them were put to death, and the third length was allowed to live. So the Moabites became subject to David and brought him tribute.

³ Moreover, David defeated Hadadezer son of Rehob, king of Zobah, when he went to restore his monument at the Euphrates River. ⁴ David captured a thousand of his chariots, seven thousand charioteers and twenty thousand foot soldiers. He hamstrung all but a hundred of the chariot horses.

⁵ When the Arameans of Damascus came to help Hadadezer king of Zobah, David struck down twenty-two thousand of them. ⁶ He put garrisons in the Aramean kingdom of Damascus, and the Arameans became subject to him and brought tribute. The LORD gave David victory wherever he went.

⁷ David took the gold shields that belonged to the officers of Hadadezer and brought them to Jerusalem. ⁸ From Tebah and Berothai, towns that belonged to Hadadezer, King David took a great quantity of bronze.

⁹ When Tou king of Hamath heard that David had defeated the entire army of Hadadezer, ¹⁰ he sent his son Joram to King David to greet him and congratulate him on his victory in battle over Hadadezer, who had been at war with Tou. Joram brought with him articles of silver, of gold and of bronze.

¹¹ King David dedicated these articles to the LORD, as he had done with the silver and gold from all the nations he had subdued: ¹² Edom and Moab, the Ammonites and the Philistines, and Amalek. He also dedicated the plunder taken from Hadadezer son of Rehob, king of Zobah.

¹³ And David became famous after he returned from striking down eighteen thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt.

¹⁴ He put garrisons throughout Edom, and all the Edomites became subject to David. The LORD gave David victory wherever he went.

Truly, victory comes from the Lord.

A Door Closes and Opens

God is faithful.

If you’re going through storms right now, know that better days are ahead. Because God is faithful. You will overcome. Because God is faithful. You will be victorious. Because God is faithful. The Bible says, He will not abandon you… (Deuteronomy 4:31)

When I look back into my life, I’m amazed at how God would bring the right people into my life. The right mentors. The right volunteers for ministry. The right business partners. The right connections.

One of God’s great rewards is He will make the right people walk into your life. Believe! Even amidst closed doors…

When a door of happiness closes, another door of happiness opens. But here’s our problem: we keep looking at the closed door so long, we don’t see the other door opening.

Examples?

You’re so hurt by that past relationship, or you’ve been so depressed by that failed business, or you’ve been so discouraged by that problem, you’ve not been able to move on. Stop looking at that closed door. Look around you. There’s a new door of happiness opening for you!

Maybe right now, a door that used to be open is now closed. Yes, mourn. But after mourning, move on. Don’t get stuck. Because another door is opening.

Rejoice that God is faithful. Be faithful as God is faithful.

May your dreams come true,

Bo Sanchez

Source: Excerpts from Bo Sanchez's article

Feast Day of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal

Today, November 27, Saturday (local date), we celebrate the Feast Day of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal.

Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal was the title given to the Blessed Virgin Mary after she appeared before St. Catherine, revealing the image of the medal she wanted to be made.

These were the words Mary conveyed to St. Catherine:
O Mary Conceived without sin pray for us who have recourse to Thee.

Have a Medal struck according to this model. All those who wear it with faith and confidence will receive abundant graces.

In accordance to the message of Mary, the Miraculous Medal should be worn closest to the heart to bring healing and protection to its holder. The medal ranks equal in importance with the holy Rosary and the Brown Scapular.


There are two churches who house the Miraculous Medal image in the Philippines. The first one is at the old San Marcelino Church, administered by Order of St. Vincent de Paul and the other is at the National Shrine of Our Lady Of the Miraculous Medal in Muntinlupa City.

The San Marcelino image is placed on an oval-shaped altar with three oval niches. The church has a yearly procession on the month of November. It's attended by Religious institutions administered by the Vincentians (St. Vincent de Paul).

Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Feast Day

The Feast Day of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal is to be celebrated on Novemeber 27.


Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal was the title given to the Blessed Virgin Mary after she appeared before St. Catherine, revealing the image of the medal she wanted to be made.
Our Lady appeared to St. Catherine Laboure many times but the major apparition happened at the Motherhouse Chapel in Paris, standing atop the world surrounded by an oval frame, over which gold engravings were written: O Mary Conceived without Sin, Pray for Us who have Recourse to You revealing to her the image of the medal she wanted to be made. Catherine told Fr. Aladel about the Virgin's message. Couple of years after the medal was finally acknowledged by the Archbishop of Paris and Catholic officials in 1832. Catherine was declared Saint by Pope Pius XII in July 1947.

These were the words Mary conveyed to St. Catherine:
O Mary Conceived without sin pray for us who have recourse to Thee.

Have a Medal struck according to this model. All those who wear it with faith and confidence will receive abundant graces.

In accordance to the message of Mary, the Miraculous Medal should be worn closest to the heart to bring healing and protection to its holder. The medal ranks equal in importance with the holy Rosary and the Brown Scapular.

There are two churches who house the Miraculous Medal image in the Philippines. The first one is at the old San Marcelino Church, administered by Order of St. Vincent de Paul and the other is at the National Shrine of Our Lady Of the Miraculous Medal in Muntinlupa City.

The San Marcelino image is placed on an oval-shaped altar with three oval niches. The church has a yearly procession on the month of November. It's attended by Religious institutions administered by the Vincentians.

The Posadas family donated the image in the Muntinlupa Shrine in 1970s. The church's structure was done by Architect Jose Zaragosa. Both the San Marcelino image and the Muntinlupa images are carved statues with no cloth or outer wear save for the crowns of jewels and the luminous golden shafts that radiates from Mary's rings. The Muntinlupa Shrine was consecrated in September 1980 by Jaime Cardinal Sin and Julio Cardinal Rosales.

Source: Wikipilipinas

Saint Pio of Pietrelcina

Whenever I go to Quezon or Batangas, I do not know why I have the impulse to visit the Padre Pio Church at Sto. Tomas. Posted photo of the church and his image.

In the church, you can buy colored candles (with incense to burn) for prayer offerings. The colored candles stand for specific things to pray for, like green for healing and brown for thanksgiving. The small store of the church sells them plus other items like rosaries, oil, prayers, statues and books.

There is a beautiful Padre Pio Chapel in Libis, Quezon City that I plan to check out.

Francesco Forgione was born to Grazio Mario and Maria Giuseppa de Nunzio on 25 May 1887, in Pietrelcina, a farming town in the southern Italian region of Campania.



Padre Pio then became a spiritual director, guiding many spiritually, considering them his spiritual daughters and sons. He had five rules for spiritual growth, namely, weekly confession, daily Communion, spiritual reading, meditation, and examination of conscience.

He compared weekly confession to dusting a room weekly, and recommended the performance of meditation and self-examination twice daily: once in the morning, as preparation to face the day, and once again in the evening, as retrospection. His advice on the practical application of theology he often summed up in his now famous quote, "Pray, Hope and Don’t Worry". He directed Christians to recognize God in all things and to desire above all things to do the will of God.

Based on Padre Pio's correspondence, even early in his priesthood he experienced less obvious indications of the visible stigmata for which he would later become famous.


The Padre Pio Pilgrimage Church is a church in San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy owned by the Ordine dei Frati Minori Cappuccini di Foggia. Built in devotion to Saint Pio of Pietrelcina, it can accommodate 6,500 people seated at worship, with standing room for 30,000 people outside. The Genoan architect Renzo Piano designed the church. It is located in front of Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, a big Italian hospital and research center, founded by Saint Pio of Pietrelcina.

Source: Wikipedia

How About 8.8 M Hits

For a (2) two-year old, 8.8 million hits for her clip is not bad, heheh. She's quite a wonderful girl.

Run the Race

This Yuletide season, aside from feeding the body with a lots of goodies and calories, let's not forget to feed the souls as well. Why not add more meaningful acts of mercy, I said to myself . . .

The Corporal Works of Mercy

(1) Feed the hungry
(2) Give drink to the thirsty
(3) Clothe the naked
(4) Shelter the homeless
(5) Comfort the imprisoned
(6) Visit the sick
(7) Bury the dead

The Spiritual Works of Mercy

1. Admonish sinners
2. Instruct the uninformed
3. Counsel the doubtful
4. Comfort the sorrowful
5. Be patient with those in error
6. Forgive offenses
7. Pray for the living and the dead

"Do not tire of doing good . . .", " . . . and run with determination the race that lies before us", says St. Paul.

We Can Do It

Work with what you have.

Work with the talents that you have.

Work with the money that you have.

Work with the circumstances that you have.

Be the best that you can be.

Because the Master stands behind you, his arms around you, creating a miracle in you.

May your dreams come true,

Bo Sanchez

Bo's full article on the above

Thinking of Missing a Mass? Don't

Want to know something that will be of value to you in this life and even after this life?

A friend shared this with me and I find the added knowledge truly a treasure.

Read on . . .

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~

Source: Theology Library

My Joy

I felt joy yesterday.

The source of my sorrow for a month has suddenly been lifted from my overly bruised shoulders. What with the help of my prayer warriors (specifically my mom and sisters), I have witnessed the power of both prayers and family.

Thanks so much to a big God who has been my refuge and my strength, a God who is bigger than my big problem. Whew!

Kahlil Gibran on Joy and Sorrow

Your joy is your sorrow unmasked.

And the selfsame well from which your laughter rises was oftentimes filled with your tears. And how else can it be?

The deeper that sorrow carves into your being, the more joy you can contain. Is not the cup that holds your wine the very cup that was burned in the potter's oven?

And is not the lute that soothes your spirit, the very wood that was hollowed with knives?

When you are joyous, look deep into your heart and you shall find it is only that which has given you sorrow that is giving you joy.

When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight.

Now What?

Today, I have come to the realization of my nothingness in the presence of God. All glory and praise to Him, our Maker and our Protector. I give thanks.

I'm Rich

“I’m rich and getting richer. I’m generous and getting more generous. God’s abundance is supplying my every need. Everything I touch prospers and succeeds. New doors will open before me. The right people will walk into my life. God will prosper the work of my hands. As I use my core gifts to serve others, I will be richly rewarded.”

Bo advises us to say the above daily.

Happiness and Family

Happiness is . . . having a fun mom and fun sisters.

It's all about having a great family.

An Ocean of Miracles

Inspiring words from Bo Sanchez, motivational speaker, spiritual leader . . .

I’ve noticed something: The older I get, the more I believe in miracles. In fact, I believe I’m surrounded by an ocean of miracles.

Everyday, I see God-Coincidences. Divine Appointments. Supernatural Connections. Mysterious Surprises. Spontaneous Healings.

More and more, I believe in the unexplainable, beautiful, mystical work of God in our lives. That no matter how impossible the situation, I believe that God will make a way where there seems to be no way.

Yes, I believe in magic. I live in a magical universe! I believe that in every moment, God is performing miracles. In every moment, He is blessing you, healing you, touching you, and guiding you.

The past year, I saw a certain movement in my spirit. It was a gentle call from God to a deeper kind of trust. I saw myself walking to a new stage in my spiritual life. Today, I’m a mystic. Again. I’m back believing in miracles. Obviously, I never lost faith in miracles. But in a more profound way, I’m realizing that everything that I do is dependent on miracles.

How did this happen? I really have no choice: It’s the only way to keep my sanity.

As overall leader of Light of Jesus and our other ministries, I’m faced with gigantic problems every single day.

I do all I can. With the best of my abilities. But the problems are still there. So I reach this point where only God can solve the problems. I have only two options: To be stressed or to be blessed. Stress and trust cannot co-exist.If I’m stressed, then it means I don’t trust. If I trust, then I won’t be stressed. So I decide to trust.

And I like a child, I tell Him, “I’ve reached a point of incompetence. Lord, this is your problem. Give me a miracle.”

And He gives me a miracle! He actually comes in and performs a beautiful miracle right before my eyes.

Why I’m Relaxed

My wife says I’m always cool. No matter what happens. Let me tell you why. I believe that I live in a friendly universe. I live in a gracious galaxy. I live in a universe that is conspiring to bless me.

Every atom of God’s creation is strategizing how to prosper me, solve my problems, open new doors of opportunity, give me divine connections, supernatural appointments, send miracles on my path, heal me, make me stronger, increase my peace, increase my money, tighten my relationships with my family, give me more wisdom….

And problems? I believe that when a problem comes, it brings within it a beautiful solution. When a trial comes, it brings within it a treasure waiting to be unearthed. I just need to be open to it—and the miracle will come.

We live in a magical universe. I’m surrounded by an ocean of miracles.

But I’ve now learned that sometimes, God allows small problems to protect us from bigger problems. He allows us to lose a small amount, so that in the future, we won’t lose a bigger amount.

Even In Your Biggest Problems,

God Is Performing Miracles

Here’s what I learned in life: God’s size is flexible. Some worship a big God. Some worship a small God. It depends on your faith. Do you want to know the size of your God? Look at the size of your fears. If your fears are big, then it means your God is small. But if your fears are small, then it means your God is big.

Today, my fears are getting smaller and smaller, because my God is getting bigger and bigger.

Even In Your Biggest Problems,

God Is Performing Miracles

“This storm will end. Your miracle will come. What you wish for will be granted.”

You’re Surrounded By An Ocean Of Miracles

Perhaps right now, you too have experienced a loss. Perhaps you’re going through a heavy trial right now. And it seems like it’s an impossible situation. But in God’s vocabulary, there’s no such word as impossible. In God’s dictionary, the word “impossible” isn’t found. I have a simple message for you: Trust Him.

God will make a way where there seems to be no way. You’re surrounded by an ocean of miracles.

May your dreams come true,

Bo Sanchez

Worry Wart? Me?

" Don't worry about me, I'm just a worrier". My younger sister, Zinnia (a cute little worry wart), sent me a message on FB, and that's what it says.

Well, who isn't troubled nowadays, huh? Just try running down in your mind the things you should have done yesterday or a week ago, the things to do today and tomorrow and next week. You can actually feel a weight somewhere. Opening your mail and seeing unread messages that surely meant requested action and responses make a vein in your forehead twitch.

I just look around the house, at the stacked dirty dishes or the piled laundry or I just stand in front of my cabinet and that of my sons', surely that will make my head start to spin, and these are not even the big problems, just the usual daily challenges.

Don't be overwhelmed. A big NO to being frozen to inaction. Just tackle the tasks one at a time. Break-up the challenges to bite-size actions and celebrate little victories. These are things I tell myself.

This help me survive each hour, hahah.

At times, I even get worried when I have nothing to worry about. Crazy me.

Cynomolgus monkeys at the Batu Caves of Malaysia

When we visited Mamu, she's doing better after being confined for low WBC count as an effect of her chemo therapy. Her CBC result is okay now. Super! I do know how to count my blessings. It definitely feels good and with that comes thanksgiving.

My son got a card for Mamu. Written on the card that he chose were very inspirational words . . .

You've definitely got it, the deep-down strength it takes to make it through tough times, rough times, and all the "why me?" times . . . just believe in YOU.

So why worry, try kneeling down . . . still talking to myself.

Do Not Worry

"The Lord is teaching us not to over-worry about so many things," the priest was saying at church today.

Well, who has "zero" worry or problem, right? Each of us has a burden to carry but how each of us carry the burden is where the difference lies.


Some sayings that I practice (but struggles at times too, okay . . .)

Do not feed your fears.
Bo Sanchez

I've developed a new philosophy... I only dread one day at a time.
Charlie Brown (Charles Schulz)

The problem of life is to change worry into thinking and anxiety into creative action.
Harold Walker

More quotations on "worry, worry" . . .

If you are distressed by anything external, the pain is not due to the thing itself but to your own estimate of it; and this you have the power to revoke at any moment.
Charles Kettering

I've seen many troubles in my time, only half of which ever came true.
Mark Twain

Do not anticipate trouble, or worry about what may never happen. Keep in the sunlight.
Benjamin Franklin

Troubles are a lot like people, they grow bigger if you nurse them.
Author Unknown

Bible verses ready for us to claim (inserted in my prayers) . . .

Proverbs 3:5
Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Never rely on what you think you know. Remember the Lord in everything you do, and He will show you the right way.

Psalm 23:4
Even if I go through the deepest darkness, I will not be afraid Lord, for You are with me.

Psalm 55:22
Leave your troubles with the Lord, and He will defend you.

Psalm 121:1
I look at the mountains; where will my help come from? My help will come from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not let you fall; your protector is always awake.

John 14:1
"Do not be worried and upset," Jesus told them. "Believe in God and believe also in Me."

Matthew 6:31
So do not start worrying: Where will my food come from? or my drink? or my clothes? Your Father in heaven knows that you need these things. Instead be concerned above everything else with the Kingdom of God and with what He requires of you, and He will provide you with all these other things. So do not worry about tomorrow, it will have enough worries of its own. There is no need to add to the troubles each day brings.

Happy, Thankful and Rested

Late last night, before I went to bed, I felt really really tired, emotionally and mentally, more than physically. I was at the hospital with my sister and my mother from 9 AM to 5:30 PM. It was mom's first session of a series of scheduled chemo therapy, that is for this year 2010. Way back in 2007, we were in the same hospital, the same chemo unit and the same bed, doing the same familiar procedures.

I was ready to sleep, with my eyes closed, lying flat on my back, silent, not moving a twitch, just thinking . . . thinking.

Thank you Mamu is undergoing chemo therapy . . .
Thank you for the these medical technologies . . .
Thank you for these latest medicines that give healing . . .
Thank you for able doctors and nurses and hospital staff . . .
Thank you for this hospital that offers these medical treatments in our country . . .
Thank you for the capability to avail of these services in various ways possible . . .
Thank you for government benefits that help in a way . . .
Thank you for family and friends that show their support in their own personal way . . .
Thank you for Mamu's fellow community members that pray for her and visit her . . .
Thank you for Mamu's strength physically, emotionally and mentally to undergo treatment . . .
Thank you for the cheaper and faster methods of communication . . .

Thank you for a big God that handles our big problems . . .



Then, I fell asleep like a baby.

Peace Prayers, Peace Be with You

Prayer for Inner Peace

Dear Lord, sometimes we become nervous, upset, depressed and anxious.We need calm control to be able to think our problems through, successfully. Give us victory over our weaknesses and difficulties and always let your peace rule in our hearts.

Drive from our minds, Lord, the dark, old shadows of fear, resentment and negative thinking, and recreate us into new persons with deep inner power. All these we ask through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen.

Superb Song

I was looking for a good version of the song Amazing Grace, and I found a gem of a version. Enjoy!



Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
'Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far
and Grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me.
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.

When we've been here ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we've first begun.

Quick Answers to Problems

Let's look into this story:

Hannah is a very smart and faithful woman. She knows who has the answers to the question and problem that plague her life. She knows the answer does not lie in the wisdom and practices of the world; it is only God who can help her with her troubles. Therefore she sets off to the Temple to pray. As if she does not have enough problems, Eli thinks she is drunk. However, God hears her prayers and comes to her aid.

Each of us will face a similar situation. We will be confronted with seemingly insurmountable problems and we will be faced with the choice to fall into despair and give up, or to place our problem before God and await His solution. It is obvious that the second option is the better one. In fact, it is the only path that will lead to an answer.

Perhaps the most difficult thing we can be asked to do is to entrust everything to God; the truth is, this is the only way we will truly live and experience the life that God has planned for us. We can choose a path of self-sufficiency and we might have a very satisfied existence. However, look at it this way — if this is how good life can be without God as the center and guide of all things, then how much more satisfying and blessed could my life be if God was the center and master of every aspect of it? This is something we have to consider carefully because our choice will not only have immediate consequences to our life on earth; it could also have eternal consequences if we deliberately choose a life of sin.

Hannah is a wonderful example of a woman of faith; there are countless others in the Scriptures, the roll call of the saints and so on. Let us look to the examples of their lives in order to be inspired to give ourselves to God.

Fr. Steve Tynan, MGL

Lessons in the Midst of My Daily Life

Oh my, have this feeling of emptiness for no reason at all. Weird me!

I do have some pending concerns, but I trust that God will soon resolve those. I lack my usual energy and enthusiasm, though early this morning, after mass, I made an effort to be cheerful ... singing a song - "seek 'ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you . . .

I went about completing my errands, drove around and ended up entering a church and kneeling on the light blue pillow provided in front of the altar and of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. The kneeler is somehow connected to the image of our Lady by a light blue ribbon. While in prayer, looking up, one pleads, "O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee".

Then, I went to the image of St. Nicholas de Bari and said the intercession prayer. He is the patron saint of seafarers, children, business men and women, students, the youth, the poor, the falsely accused, the sick and those in difficult situations.

Lastly, I went to a large (bigger than the life-sized) crucified Christ and meditated on His Holy wounds. I also saw the super-sized frame of the Divine Mercy and said the chaplet (the prayer written at the bottom, though I know this by heart, due to the many favors I have asked and granted in the past).

I decided to make a candle offering, but there were no candles and I had no money. I searched from my wallet and found a couple of coins. I lighted a half-melted candle. I searched again for other left-over candles that may be re-used, and to my surprise found a new one.

I suddenly remembered Paolo Coehlo's words "He had not a cent in his pocket, but he had faith."

And you know what, by the end of the day, my anxieties "melt like wax". This is why I write to give "thanks".

Today, I learned the value of open churches, sacred images and ready "recite-able" prayers. For when I can't help feeling low, and without that spark to go to Him to "chat". I somehow did go.

Human Mistakes, Sharing on Mistakes Made

Me? I use my sons’ magic sketchpad. Okay, it’s a toy. But I love this toy. My boys and I would sit on the couch and doodle for hours. Together, we’ve drawn literally thousands of sketches. We’ve created entire worlds and galaxies together. Roller coasters, spaceships, rockets, monsters, aliens—you name it, we drew it.

Here’s why I love this toy. When I make a mistake, I don’t get angry. I don’t curse myself. I don’t condemn myself. I simply pull the eraser button and draw again. Which is what we’re supposed to do in life.

I’ve met some people who think that just because they’ve made mistakes, just because they made bad choices, God won’t bless them anymore. Hey, we’ve all made mistakes.

Perhaps you gave yourself to addictions. Perhaps you were a rebellious child and made your parents unhappy. Perhaps you married the wrong person. Perhaps you didn’t raise up your kids well. Perhaps you made poor financial decisions.

I want to give you hope today. Your future is brighter than your past. How do I know? Because God’s plan is bigger than your mistakes. Your mistakes are no match to God’s great plans to bless your life.

Have you missed your chance at a happy and blessed life? Meet the God of second chances. “You’re wrong. God has a great plan to bless your life. And He has many ways to make this great plan a reality. You made a detour. But that doesn’t mean you no longer can receive His abundant blessing.”

“If you read the Bible, you’ll realize that the biggest stars were the biggest sinners. They’ve fumbled big time. But God’s love is bigger! And God gave them a second chance. And a third chance. And a fourth chance. He will never stop giving you a chance to live a life of happiness and abundance.” I share a powerful Bible verse: Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

God wants you to go to Him with confidence. With boldness. Boldly pray for God’s abundance.

Friend, God loves you. He wants to bless you with great relationships and great people. Because His plan to bless you is bigger than all your mistakes.

Dear friend, God hasn’t given up on you. So don’t give up on yourself. And God hasn’t given up on your destiny. So don’t give up on yours!

Some of you may say, “But Bo, I’ve messed up. I’ve missed God’s best plans for my life.” I say No. Believe that the best is yet to come. And always remember, God’s plan is bigger than all your mistakes put together.

I wrote a special declaration for you to say below. Say it with all your heart. Confess your faith. Let your words define your reality:

“I may have messed up, but this is temporary. I may have made mistakes in the past, but my future is brighter than my past. Today, I come boldly into God’s presence to receive mercy. I reject condemnation. Because of God’s mercy, my best blessings are yet to come. Each day is a new beginning for me. Each day, I shall live a new life. Each day, I shall live in abundance. Each day, I shall walk in God’s favor. Amen!”

May your dreams come true,
Bo Sanchez

We Give Thanks

Giving Thanks with a Grateful Heart

I cast all my cares upon you, O Lord, for you care for me. I am making an effort not to be miserable but instead be happy in the midst of miserable circumstances. Thus I keep a smile on my face, even if just for a second.

Got some things bothering me deeply. Kinda have this throb in my head like forever. I do not want to slide into hopelessness. However, I do not know the way out of these specific things that are causing me miseries. His light shall shine upon me and my troubles.

Again, recalling happy thoughts, happy memories to keep me going.

I remain grateful to all the graces and the blessings He gives generously. May wisdom stay to keep me company in my decisions.

All praises and glory to our Lord. Thank you.

Be Happy

Courage is nothing else but fear that prays. Courage is being scared and going forward anyway. So it's okay to be afraid. But, you know what to do.


Feeling empty or alone? Sad but can't pinpoint the cause? Recall happy moments. Fill your being with happy thoughts . . . Happiness Blog

The Miracle Prayer

I got hold of this beautiful prayer entitled "The Miracle Prayer" and I want to share it with you.

Lord Jesus, I come before You just as I am. I am sorry for all my sins. I repent of my sins, please forgive me. In Your Name, I forgive all others for what they have done against me. I renounce Satan, the evil spirits and all their works. I give You my entire self, Lord Jesus, now and forever. I invite into my life Jesus. I accept You as my Lord, God and Savior. Heal me, change me, strengthen me in body, soul and spirit. Come Lord Jesus, cover me with Your Precious Blood and fill me with Your Holy Spirit. I love You Lord Jesus. I praise You Jesus. I thank You Jesus. I shall follow You every day of my life. Amen.

Queen of Peace, all the Angels and Saints, please help me. Amen.

Treating Anxiety Attacks

Bwahahah!

Got so many problems in 2009, or better just call them challenges, to be a little positive. Well, for the first week of January, my prayers are being heard and answered.

To face my fears, aside from more and a lot more prayers, I took hold of myself not to drown myself with worry, which I actually started (that is, killing myself softly with fear).

I sang to myself . . . "Something good is going to happen to me, this very day, this very year . . . " In one of the TV commercials, I heard pep words . . . "It would only be great!"and "See the difference." I claim that things will work out for the good. Romans 8:28 . . . And we know that in all things God works for the good for those who love Him. By the way, I also decided to have a facial for the day, heheh (that's after I finished my houseworks which I completed happily.)

Thinking less of one's self and more of others is also a plus. Do start at home, working from the inside out, those close to you then moving to other people.

Here's a related article:

You know that annoying saying "Things always work out for the best?" It's something motivational speakers like me say from the podium when we're trying to help people deal with the bad things that happen to them. And a lot of people might think it's Pollyanna BS.

Well, let me share my recent example.

I'm single and the holidays can be lonely. So several years ago I decided to start taking great trips during those holidays. It's a slow time business-wise, so it's been a fantastic solution. I expand my horizons, don't miss out on lots of business opportunities, and don't sit around feeling sorry for myself.

This year I was seriously considering going to Greece. I bought several books on Greece, contacted several companies that do tours of Greece, and thought it might be the location for this year. But the economy took a nose dive and I decided it would be wiser to pay off my mortgage rather than take an extravagant vacation.

Of course, as the holidays approach I've been wondering if maybe I made the wrong choice, if I shouldn't have played it safe. Can you say, "Whew?"

As many of you know, Greece is in a horrible state right now. It's being torn apart by rioters. Obviously I would have had to cancel my trip or if somehow I had gotten caught in this mess, there's no telling what could have happened. It certainly wouldn't be the Greece I wanted to visit.

We don't have a crystal ball, we can't know the future. Sometimes something seems bad (this recession) but maybe you will also realize there's some aspect of it that's for the best. Maybe we'll reassess what's important to us. Maybe we'll treat our customers like they are worth their weight in gold (which we sometimes forget when times are good). Maybe we'll operate more efficiently. Maybe some companies will fail that really needed to. Maybe you'll be let go from a job you really hated and find work you really love. Maybe someone leaves you, only to free you up to meet the person of your dreams! We can't see the future and what the end result will be. So hang in there!

How to stop worrying about the future:

1.) Assume if you do the best you can things will work out in the long run. It might be the very long run, but they WILL work out.
2.) Don't confuse short term pleasure (eating a whole pizza) with long term happiness (being healthy). Sometimes things are awful in the short term, but pay off big time down the road.
3.) Tell yourself, "When the going gets tough, I get going." Action obliterates fear and worry.
4.) Stop imagining the worst. If you insist on predicting the future, why not assume the best?
5.) Stop beating yourself up over the past. It is over - you did the best you could with the information you had at the time.
6.) Realize that when people try to predict the future they are usually wrong (and we think they are weirdos - gypsies, astrologers, palm readers and weathermen come to mind.)
7.) Quote Nietzsche - it if doesn't kill you, it makes you stronger! Bring it, Life! The harder it is, the stronger we will be!
8.) Remind yourself that most of the things you worry about never happen and that worrying doesn't do a damn thing about them anyway.

Bottom line - you never know what the future holds. Something that seems bad today could end up to be something good tomorrow. You might meet the love of your life at the second job you had to take to make extra money. The Universe works in mysterious ways. Your only job is to keep showing up and staying open to hope.

Denise Ryan, MBA, is a Certified Speaking Professional, a designation of excellence held by less than 10% of all professional speakers. She is a blogger http://motivationbychocolate.blogspot.com.

Her website is http://www.firestarspeaking.com where you can see more articles and sign up for a free newsletter.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Denise_D._Ryan

Black Nazarene, Philippine Fiesta, Quiapo

Happy Fiesta! It's the Feast Day of the Black Nazarene of Quiapo here in the Philippines. Thousands of devotees joined the vigil and the procession from Quirino Grand Stand to Quiapo church. This is in thanksgiving for the healing and the blessings they have received n the past.

The Black Nazarene is a life-sized, dark-colored, wooden sculpture of Jesus Christ held to be miraculous by many people, especially its Filipino devotees. Its original carver is an anonymous Mexican carpenter, and the image was transported by a galleon from Mexico. The image is currently enshrined in the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo, Manila, Philippines where novena celebrations are held every Friday throughout the whole year. Roman Catholic tradition holds that the Black Nazarene came from a boat that caught fire, turning it from its original white into black or charred complexion. The Black Nazarene is carried into the streets for procession in a "Caroza" or carriage.

The feast of the Most Holy Black Nazarene is celebrated every 9th of January while novena masses begin on the first Friday day of the year, in honor of its weekly novena mass held every Friday. During the annual public procession, only the body of the Black Nazarene is displayed in procession to the public, while the original head portion of the statue is retained in the Basilica of the Black Nazarene within the high altars of the church. The Black Nazarene is also famously noted for its devotees who walk the procession streets barefoot, without shoes or sandals as to imitate Jesus Christ on his way to Mount Calvary.

The image was brought to the Philippines by the Augustinian Recollect Missionaries on May 31, 1606. It was initially enshrined in the first Recollect church in Bagumbayan (now part of Rizal Park). On September 10, 1606, the church was inaugurated and placed under the patronage of St. John the Baptist. In 1608, the Nazarene image was transferred to the second bigger Recollect church of San Nicolas de Tolentino built inside the fortress of Intramuros. Between the years 1767 and 1790, the Archbishop of Manila, Basilio Sancho de Santas Justa y Rufina, ordered the transfer of the image of the Nazareno to the church in Quiapo under the patronage of St. John the Baptist. The intensity of the devotion to the Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno flourished and spread throughout the Philippines.

Today, the head portion of the Black Nazarene is retained in the high altars of the Quiapo church while the body is used for public procession. In the 2007 Black Nazarene feast, both the original head and the body were combined together in celebration of the Black Nazarene's 400 year old history.

The veneration of the Black Nazarene is very popular among Filipinos because of their religious piety and devotion to the sufferings of Jesus Christ. Many devotees of the Black Nazarene attribute their poverty and struggles in the daily society to the wounds and tribulations of Jesus Christ, as represented by the Black Nazarene. Although the patron saint of the Minor Basilica of Black Nazarene is originally Saint John the Baptist, the consecration of the Black Nazarene has gained more popular because Jesus Christ is the center of piety and devotion, which may or may not be interceded through a saint.

Below is the National Hymn composed by Lucio San Pedro, which is used by the Quiapo church as the main hymn to the Black Nazarene.

Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno
Lyrics: Lucio San Pedro

I
Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno, (Our Father Jesus Nazarene)
Sinasamba ka namin (We worship you)
Pinipintuho ka namin (we admire you)"
Aral mo ang aming buhay (Your lessons are our life)
at Kaligtasan (and our salvation)

II
Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno (Our Father Jesus Nazarene)
Iligtas mo kami sa Kasalanan (Please save us from our sins)
Ang Krus mong Kinamatayan ay (Your cross from which you died on)
Sagisag ng aming Kaligtasan (is the sign of our Salvation)

Chorus:
Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno (Our Father Jesus Nazarene)
Dinarangal ka namin (We honor you)
Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno (Our Father Jesus Nazarene)
Nilul'walhati ka namin (We glorify you)
Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno (Our Father Jesus Nazarene)
Dinarangal ka namin (We honor you)
Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno (Our Father Jesus Nazarene)
Nilul'walhati ka namin (We glorify you)

Devotion

The devotion to the miraculous Nuestro Padre Jesús Nazareno has attracted huge following among the populace. Its popularity, which initially spread to the northern and southern provinces of Luzon, spread over time throughout the country.

The uniquely Filipino devotion to the Black Nazarene merited the sanction and encouragement of two popes. In 1650, Pope Innocent X gave his pontifical blessing with a Papal Bull that canonically established the Confraternity of the Most Holy Black Christ Nazarene (Cofradia de Santo Cristo Jesús Nazareno) and Pope Pius VII gave his second blessing in the 19th century, by granting plenary indulgence to those who piously pray before the image of the Black Nazarene of Quiapo.

In addition to this, devotees pay homage to the Santo Cristo Jesus Nazareno by clapping their hands in praise at the end of every Mass performed at the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene.

Processions

Today, despite the rough-and-tumble that usually accompanies the thrice-yearly procession of the image, the Filipino people's devotion to God in the special appellation of Nuestro Padre Jesús Nazareno continues to flourish and shows no sign of waning; death, wounds, bodily pains and physical discomfort notwithstanding.

For more than 200 years, the statue has been placed on a golden red carriage every January 9th and pulled through the streets of Quiapo by male devotees clad in maroon. People who have touched the Nazarene are reported to have sometimes been healed of their diseases. Catholics come from all over Manila for the chance that they will be able to get close enough to touch the image and perhaps even receive a miracle. They also throw towels or handkerchiefs to the people guarding the statue and ask them to rub them on the statue in hopes of carrying some of that power away with them.

The procession, and the accompanying Feast of the Black Nazarene, takes place every year on January 9.

Keep on Praying in 2010

Let's all claim it will be a great 2010. Choose to be happy in the midst of about anything. Keep on praying though.

Believe that you’ll have a super blessed year! This is the advise of Bo Sanchez, a motivational speaker and a preacher in blue jeans.