Saturday, August 22, 2009

Errors and Omission


Errors and Omission










The Sin Of Omission
by: Margaret E. Sangster

It isn't the thing you do, dear, it's the thing you leave undone, that gives you a bit of a heartache, at setting of the sun.


No action, no reaction, no response, no involvement. There are times that this stand is not a good way to handle a certain situation. The message of sinning because of not doing anything has been haunting me for the last couple of days. I then started thinking about it and like a warning I even came across this writing about the The Sin of Omission.

Yesterday, I was with a former office mate whom I was asking assistance with my paper works. During merienda break, we started engaging in an exchange of updates on our other former co-workers. He started saying something about a manager, citing that the person was unfair. I felt that he had a wrong assessment of the manager, but I did not say a word. I wanted to hear all the things he has in his mind. Later on, I felt I should have said something, for silence meant I was agreeing with him.

I recall the instances where this is how I behave. I looked deeper into the reason why I chose to keep silent.

I realized there are a number of reasons:
(1) I was just lazy. I was looking at it just as a simple conversation or exchange of stories.
(2) I did not want to get involved or be quoted to have said anything. I thought I can have peace by being quiet.
(3) I don't want to disagree so that the person will continue to say more. I was also interested to know more for a wrong reason.
(4) I want to be accepted by the person I was with. If I started contradicting him, he may no longer enjoy my company.

Wow, that's heavy. Just writing those down surely opened my eyes to my very own mistakes.

But why should I discontinue this style? Thinking through, I told myself the following:
(1) It is not fair for the absent person. He cannot defend himself of the allegations. Even if the things were true then I could still have spoken to shorten the conversation or end it in a positive note.
(2) I will just be encouraging this habit of this whispering act, that is, people saying things against each other. Next time, I may even be the topic.
(3) The discussion will not turn out to be fruitful or productive and negativity surely drains good energy.

I can argue with myself by saying it is on a case-to-case basis, but it is still my conscience that shall dictate whether it is right or wrong.


Conscience is what hurts when everything else feels so good.
















Thursday, August 20, 2009

Spiritual Coaching


Spiritual Coaching






"I am nothing; God is all. Father I love you.

Come Divine Will to think in my mind, to move in my motion."







Life is beautiful if we look with the eyes of God. I was no longer expecting to be a part of any spiritual group. I have been wanting it for years but have never really had the chance to find one. This time the group seem to be the one to find me. I happen to renew contact with an acquaintance, who started inviting me in a very light way, to attend a group meeting every Thursday. She was not even an attendee there herself for her group meets in another venue and in another day.

The day and place she mentioned seemed convenient for me so I went. I have this new slogan in life . . . just show up. So, I did one Thursday.

The group discussion revolves around the Divine Will, from the writings of the servant of God, Luisa Piccarreta. It is a Catholic group where they do have the parish priest to get advise from, if ever. The meeting is held in a home where about 10 of us, mostly women attend to listen and discuss the Divine Will and say a couple of prayers as well. It was not really prayer-heavy nor do we sing a lot of songs, just one inspiring song once. I have been a member for barely a month, but my views of things have really changed, for the better.

It is good to pray by yourself, silent moments in solitude. It is required of us to attend mass on Sundays where we pray as a community. But it is my belief that a support group holds you up to hang in there in our daily life for spiritual strength and spiritual coaching.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Active Adult Living

Active Adult Living


It's time to STOP going through the motions of living, and START living.

Are you willing to do that now? Or are you going to wait until all life energy drains out of you and your loved ones who are trying to support you at this very moment? You were not born to follow rules and regulations. Living starts with dreaming. So dream, dream friend, and let dreams show you the path to your bliss.

I read the above just this morning as I open my e-mail. It kinda struck me. Did it not struck you?

Eureka! Have my savings in a bank account, have a happy family, a modest house, a car in running condition . . . yup they're included in my dreams. Previous to those were: to finish College, land a job immediately after graduation then move to the top of the Corporate ladder while still young. O wow, my dreams did come true.

However, after working really really hard in the Corporate world or maybe just because my dreams have become a reality, I stopped dreaming . . . dreaming big. Mine has been cut down to specific goals and actionables which I "have to" achieve.

But big dreams are different from the "have-to" goals. Dreams are "want-to" desires of the heart. As the fairy-tale song goes . . . "a dream is a wish your heart makes." Bo Sanchez is right when he said we have to have dreams (unrealistic dreams) that makes you wake up excitedly each day.

I never realized that I have forgotten to dream and wish for the dream to come true. So, I mustered courage to write down my unrealistic dreams that hopefully will lead me to live an exciting life (God-willing, of course.)

Hope you have your own list and let's go and make our dreams come true.




A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes


A dream is a wish your heart makes
When you're fast asleep.
In dreams you will lose your heartaches
Whatever you wish for you keep.
Have faith in your dreams and someday
Your rainbow will come smiling through
No matter how your heart is grieving,
If you keep on believing
,
The dream that you wish will come true.

A dream is a wish your heart makes
When you're feeling small.
Alone in the night you whisper
Thinking no one can hear you at all.
You wake with the morning sunlight
To find fortune that is smiling on you.
Don't let your heart be filled with sorrow,
for all you know tomorrow

The dream that you wish will come true.



A new fresh beginning,
promises of new joys,
miracles big and small . . .

God's wish for us all.










THE TEN COMMANDMENTS FOR THOSE OVER FORTY YEARS OLD


1. Focus on enjoying people, not on indulging in or accumulating material things.

2. Plan to spend whatever you have saved. You deserve to enjoy it and the few healthy years you have left. Travel if you can afford it. Don't leave anything for your children or loved ones to quarrel about. By leaving anything, you may even cause more trouble when you are gone.

3. Live in the here and now, not in the yesterdays and tomorrows. It is only today that you can handle. Yesterday is gone, tomorrow may not even happen.

4. Enjoy your grandchildren (if you are blessed with any) but don't be their full time baby sitter. You have no moral obligation to take care of them. Don't have any guilt about refusing to baby sit anyone's kids, including your own grandkids. Your parental obligation is to your children After you have raised them into responsible adults, your duties of child-rearing and babysitting are finished. Let your children raise their own offspring.

5. Accept physical weakness, sickness and other physical pains. It is a part of the aging process. Enjoy whatever your health can allow

6. Enjoy what you are and what you have right now. Stop working hard for what you do not have. If you do not have them, it's probably too late.

7. Just enjoy your life with your spouse, children, grandchildren and friends. People, who truly love you, love you for yourself, not for what you have. Anyone who loves you for what you have will just give you misery.

8. Forgive and accept forgiveness. Forgive yourself and others.. Enjoy peace of mind and peace of soul.


9. Befriend death. It's a natural part of the life cycle. Don't be afraid of it. Death is the beginning of a new and better life. So, prepare yourself not for death but for a new life with the Almighty.

10. Be at peace with your Creator.. For... He is all you have after you leave this life.

Monday, August 17, 2009

Fast Turn Around

Fast Turn Around










Blessings to you!
Yes, I say a prayer for you, for I have been receiving blessings in enormous ways.

Things have been happening in strings. How do I start?

It was early this year that I have been experiencing a number of slaps on the face of my life. Have you been in a similar situation?

We just can't explain why we tend to call on Him, specifically when we do get heavy with problems. And you know how it is, when it rains, it pours. Concerns, issues, pressure, stress, knots of all sort, even illness, seem to bury you alive. Whew! Still you are alive. Bad seed maybe?

So what did I do in times of crises? I knelt down and pray. Things got overwhelming, so I decided to surrender everything to Him, to keep sane. I started going to church. Initially, I just drop by to say a little prayer, then my visits happened on a regular basis, I even started to hear mass. Since I was only squeezing the activity in my schedule, it turned out I was always late. I proceeded to the adoration chapel, on the sides, to compensate for my being tardy.

Inside the chapel, I brought the documents concerning one my heaviest burdens, then. I remember a bible story about a King who brought a letter to the temple. The letter was from his enemy, who was threatening to conquer him. The King asked the Lord for help. The Lord, in deed, gave him victory.

So, I held on to this knowledge, claiming that help would come. I have a small prayer in my wallet that I started to recite. It was the Divine Mercy Chaplet. I told myself, I will pray this to solve at least the heaviest of my burdens.

The Chaplet includes the 3 o'clock prayer, the one seen on TV at 3 pm. However, saying it daily and at 3 o'clock, is a challenge, dear. Of course, I failed in my attempts, until I decided to say it when I remember to do so, even if it's not at 3 o'clock.

Little by little, I was able to say the prayer daily, but still not at 3 sharp. On top of this, I found myself hearing mass, also daily, even if I was late.

I then, decided to complete the Novena for nine consecutive days. I did!

I am sure you are interested to know what happened to my burden. It did not disappear right away after the Novena, but it started to feel light, until I can no longer feel it. I continued praying the Chaplet and the Novena. My strategy was to memorize the Chaplet and set the alarm of my cellphone at the hour of great mercy, at 3 pm. I have equipped myself to succeed in this aspect. I also left a folder of prayers and information about the Divine Mercy at the chapel so that others may, in time, start their devotion to the Divine Mercy. Some did.

May God in His time and ways, touch you as He has touched me. Again, I say, blessings to you!

Sunday, August 16, 2009

The Divine Mercy Novena

"Dear Lord we ask you to cover us with Your protection against all harm and evil and to bind every spirit that may come against us. Into Your hands Dear Lord I commend my body, mind, soul and spirit. St Michael, the Archangel pray for us."

Open each day with the Chaplet to the Divine Mercy then say the prayer for the day's intention:

The Lord's Prayer:
Our Father Who art in Heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name; Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven; Give us this day our daily bread; And Forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation
But deliver us from evil.
Amen

Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of Grace, the Lord is with Thee, Blessed art Thou among Women and Blessed is the Fruit of Thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.
Amen

Apostles' Creed:
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
On starting and on the 4 large Rosary beads say:
Eternal Father, I offer You to Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your Dearly Beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.
On each of the 10 small Rosary beads say:
For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.
Conclude by saying three times:
Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.


First Day
"Today bring to me all mankind, especially all sinners, and immerse them in the ocean of my mercy. In this way you will console me in the bitter grief into which the loss of souls plunges me."
Most merciful Jesus, whose very nature it is to have compassion on us to forgive us, do not look upon our sins, but upon our trust which we place in Your infinite goodness. Receive us all into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart, and never let us escape from it. We beg this of You by Your love which unites You to the Father and the Holy Spirit. Eternal Father, turn Your Merciful gaze upon all mankind and especially upon poor sinners, all enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. For the sake of His Sorrowful Passion show us Your Mercy, that we may praise the infinite power of Your Mercy, forever and forever. Amen."


Second Day
"Today bring to me the souls of Priests and Religious and immerse them in my unfathomable mercy. It was they who gave me strength to endure my bitter passion. Through them, as though channels, my mercy flows out upon mankind."
Most Merciful Jesus, from whom comes all that is good, increase Your grace in men and women consecrated to Your service that they perform worthy works of mercy, and that all who see them may glorify the Father of Mercy who is in Heaven. Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the company of chosen ones in Your vineyard - upon the souls of Priests and Religious - and endow them with the strength of Your Blessing. For the Love of the Heart of Your Son in which they are enfolded, impart to them Your Power and Light, that they may be able to guide others in the way of salvation, and with one voice sing praise to Your boundless Mercy for ages without end. Amen


Third Day
"Today bring to me all devout and faithful souls and immerse them in the ocean of my mercy. These souls brought me consolation on the Way of the Cross. They were that drop of consolation in the midst of an ocean of bitterness."
Most Merciful Jesus, from the treasury of Your Mercy, You impart Your graces in great abundance to each and all. Receive us into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart and never let us escape from it. We beg this grace of You by that most wondrous love for the heavenly Father with which Your Heart burns so fiercely. Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon faithful souls, as upon the inheritance of Your Son. For the sake of His Sorrowful Passion grant them Your blessing and surround them with Your constant protection. Thus may they never fail in love or lose the treasure of the Holy Faith, but rather, with all the hosts of Angels and Saints, may they glorify Your boundless Mercy for endless ages. Amen


Fourth Day
"Today bring to me those who do not believe in God and those who do not yet know me. I was thinking also of them during my bitter passion, and their future zeal comforted my heart. Immerse them in the ocean of my mercy."
Most Compassionate Jesus, You are the Light of the whole world. Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who as yet do not believe in You or do not know You. Let the rays of Your Grace enlighten them that they, too, together with us, may extol Your wonderful Mercy, and do not let them escape from the abode which is Your Compassionate Heart. Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls who do not believe in Your Son, and of those who as yet do not know You, but who are enclosed in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Draw them to the light of the Gospel. These souls do not know what great happiness it is to love You. Grant that they, too, may extol the generosity of Your Mercy for endless ages. Amen


Fifth Day
"Today bring to me the souls who have separated from my Church and immerse them in the ocean of my mercy. During my bitter passion they tore at my body and Heart, that is, my Church. As they return to unity with the Church, my wounds heal, and in this way they alleviate my passion."
Most Merciful Jesus, Goodness Itself, You do not refuse light to those who seek it of You. Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who have separated from Your Church. Draw them by Your Light into the unity of the Church, and do not let them escape from the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart; but bring it about that they, too, come to glorify the generosity of Your Mercy. Eternal Father, turn Your Merciful gaze upon the souls of those who are separated from Your Son's Church, especially those who have squandered Your Blessings and misused Your Graces by obstinately persisting in their errors. Do not look upon their errors, but upon the love of Your Own Son and upon His Bitter Passion, which He underwent for their sake, since they, too, are enclosed in His Most Compassionate Heart. Bring it about that they may glorify Your great Mercy for endless ages. Amen


Sixth Day
"Today bring to me the meek and humble souls and the souls of little children and immerse them in my mercy. These souls most closely resemble my Heart. They strengthened me during my bitter agony. I saw them as earthly angels, who will keep vigil at my altars. I pour out upon them whole torrents of grace. Only the humble souls is capable of receiving my grace. I favour humble souls with my confidence."
Most Merciful Jesus, You Yourself have said "Learn from Me for I am meek and humble of heart". Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart all meek and humble souls and the souls of little children. These souls send all Heaven into ecstasy, and they are the Heavenly Father's favourites. They are a sweet-smelling bouquet before the Throne of God; God Himself takes delight in their fragrance. These souls have a permanent abode in Your Most Compassionate Heart, O Jesus, and they unceasingly sing out a hymn of love and mercy. Eternal Father, turn Your Merciful gaze upon meek and humble souls and upon the souls of little children, who are enfolded in the abode which is the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. These souls bear the closest resemblance to Your Son. Their fragrance rises from the earth and reaches Your very Throne. Father of Mercy and of all Goodness, I beg You by the love You bear these souls and by the delight You take in them. Bless the whole world, that all souls together may sing out the praises of Your Mercy for endless ages. Amen


Seventh Day
"Today bring to me the souls who especially venerate and glorify my mercy and immerse them in my mercy. These souls sorrowed most over my passion and entered most deeply into my spirit. They are living images of my compassionate heart. These souls will shine with a special brightness in the next life. Not one of them will go into the fire of hell. I shall particularly defend each one of them at the hour of death."
Most Merciful Jesus, whose Heart is Love Itself, receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who particularly extol and venerate the greatness of Your Mercy. These souls are mighty with the very power of God Himself. In the midst of all afflictions and adversities they go forward confident of Your Mercy. These souls are united to Jesus and carry all mankind on their shoulders. These soulks will not be judged severely, but Your Mercy will embrace them as they depart from this life. Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls who glorify and venerate Your greatest atribute, that of Your fathomless Mercy, and who are enclosed in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. These souls are a living Gospel; their hands are full of deeds of mercy and their spirits, overflowing with joy, sing a canticle of mercy to You, O Most High! I beg You O God: show them Your Mercy according to the hope and trust they have placed in You. Let there be accomplished in them the Promise of Jesus, who said to them that during their life, but especially at the hour of death, the souls who will venerate this fathomless Mercy of His, He, Himself, will defend as His Glory. Amen


Eighth Day
"Today bring to me the souls who are detained in purgatory and immerse them in the abyss of my mercy. Let the torrents of my Blood cool down their scorching flames. All these souls are really loved by me. They are making retribution to my justice. It is in your power to bring them relief. Draw all indulgences from the treasury of my Church and offer them on their behalf. Oh, if you only knew the torments they suffer, you would continually offer for them the alms of the spirit and pay off their debt for my justice."
Most Merciful Jesus, You Yourself have said that You desire mercy; so I bring into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls in Purgatory, souls who are very dear to You, and yet, who must make retribution to Your justice. May the streams of Blood and Water which gushed forth from Your Heart put out the flames of Purgatory, that there, too, the power of Your mercy may be celebrated. Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls suffering in Purgatory, who are enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. I beg You, by the sorrowful Passion of Jesus Your Son, and by all the bitterness with which His most sacred Soul was flooded: Manifest Your mercy to the souls who are under Your just scrutiny. Look upon them in no other way but only through the Wounds of Jesus, Your dearly beloved Son; for we firmly believe that there is
no limit to Your goodness and compassion. Amen.


Ninth Day
"Today bring to me souls who have become lukewarm and immerse them in the abyss of my mercy. These souls wound my Heart most painfully. My souls suffered the most dreadful loathing in the Garden of Olives because of lukewarm souls. They were the reason I cried out: "Father, take this cup away from me, if it be Your will". For them the last hope of salvation is to run to my mercy."
Most Compassionate Jesus, You are Compassion Itself. I bring lukewarm souls into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart. In this fire of Your Pure Love let these tepid souls, who, like corpses, filled You with such deep loathing, be once again set aflame. O Most Compassionate Jesus, exercise the omnipotence of Your Mercy and draw them into the very ardour of Your Love; and bestow upon them the gift of Holy Love, for nothing is beyond Your power. Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon lukewarm souls who are nonetheless enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Father of Mercy, I beg You by the bitter passion of Your Son and by His three-hour agony on the Cross, let them too, glorify the Abyss of Your Mercy. Amen