June 10 affirmation

I have been feeling a bit down these past few days. Last night, after work, we played in the rain. I also slept relatively early and had a good sleep. This morning, my phone's Bible app wouldn't load and so I thought about jotting down a dream I had in my thoughts diary instead of reading about the verse of the day ---

Had a suuuuuper nice dream.

We were in a place that felt like we go there some times but never really considered it home

Aki was walking around and chanced upon a group of junior high students. My thought was eto na dapat yung classmates ni kuya.

They accepted him! They were singing ang dancing together. Aki had no cane but they had their arms around him to guide him. Until they culminated by forming a circle with Aki in the middle, laughing and clapping his hands. When I approached him, he was teary eyed with happiness and said, let's live here na lang. I was so happy that I told dad immediately.

LOrd, I hope this is your way of telling me that Aki will be all right. That he will be accepted and celebrated despite of his disability. Thank You for finding delight in my son, Lord. 😃

And when I closed my OneNote app, the Bible verse of the day has loaded and see what it says ---

For I have satiated the weary soul, and I have replenished every sorrowful soul.

Jeremiah 31:25 KJV

Truly, Lord, you have replenished my soul. Thank You, thank You so much!

June 7

Today's verse of the day is --

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you. I will remove your stony heart from your body and replace it with a living one,

Ezekiel 36:26 CEB

The prayer goes like this --

Reading the whole chapter, I feel like I am reminded that sometimes God allows us to be in the dark so that we know that He is the light. There are times when we pray so hard about something, only to claim victory over it for ourselves when we achieve what we pray for. We forget how we begged God for it in prayer, and it is only through God's grace that we are "victorious".

So never forget your prayers, please. Stay grateful for all of your blessings. Stay humble, stay kind. I love you.

P.S. don't forget our verse yesterday -- God gives you everything you need (not want) and more so that you can share your blessings. 😘

Devotional

Sharing this wonderful devotional from the Bible app that I read today regarding forgiveness..

John 14

This is the chapter pala where Jesus describes the Holy Trinity. I never really fully understood it -- how three personas are one. Here is what Jesus said:

   • Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words I have spoken to you I don’t speak on my own. The Father who dwells in me does his works.

   • The Companion, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I told you.

Okay, I still don't fully understand it. But it is comforting to hear Jesus talk about it. A priest once said that humans are not capable of understanding the complexity of God's works. Kaya nga hindi tayo god diba? The trinity remains once of those mysteries that as Catholics, we continue to have faith in even when we don't fully understand.

One more thing I like about this chapter are the promises that Jesus said:

   • My Father’s house has room to spare. If that weren’t the case, would I have told you that I’m going to prepare a place for you? O diba, wala kang atras, Jesus really wants to be with you in heaven.

   • I will do whatever you ask for in my name, so that the Father can be glorified in the Son. When you ask me for anything in my name, I will do it. Kaya pala we say "In Jesus' name" when we pray

   • I won’t leave you as orphans. I will come to you. Soon the world will no longer see me, but you will see me. Wait, this comes with a bilin -- and I find it true for me, too, for when I'm gone. Jesus (or me) remains in you because... Whoever loves me will keep my word. That means, you should remain obedient to what the Lord (or I) taught you. Only then can you say that I remain in you.

   • and finally.... You have heard me tell you, ‘I’m going away and returning to you.’ If you loved me, you would be happy that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than me.

I do hope you read this chapter for yourself. Let me know what key learnings you got from it.

God's persistence

So I had a dry spell again, and now I'm back writing letters to you, guys. :)

Last May, one of my classmates from high school set up an outreach program for the children of Buscalan, which is a small village North of the Philippines. This classmate was a close friend in 2nd year high school, but kinda drifted apart after that year. From his Facebook posts in the past years/months, I learned that he is battling depression, and that makes me so proud of him that he has found his calling with this outreach program. He plans to distribute school supplies and health kits to the kids, as well as have a short program with snacks.

I reached out to him ofcourse. Unfortunately, I could not give actual supplies nor go with him on the trip, so I asked for his bank account so I can share a small amount that could hopefully still help. Again, this was back in May.

Well your dad and I aren't really ideal models of financial stability, and you know how he felt about charities. In short, I kept putting off the donation mainly because we were running short of funds. Also because I didn't have the guts to tell your dad that I'm setting aside money for kids in a faraway village.

Fast forward to yesterday. Lola and I brought M to your pedia for his vaccine. I didn't feel the need to check his baby book but I knew I had to set aside Php1600 for vaccine. I even sent a text message to the pedia earlier that day to ask what was the vaccine worth Php1600 so he can bring a vial for M later that night. He said it was for MMR and that was it so we brought M. Turned out M already had his MMR so we just did a well-baby check up and was advised that next vaccine is for M's 5-in-1 shot, which costs Php3000 and is due 3 weeks from now.

So yey I have extra money and I was thinking finally I could go out and eat more at work. I could also save the Php1600 so I could just worry about the rest of the cost of the 5-in-1 vaccine later. But surprise surprise! God had other plans! Here was how God spoke to me --

1. Suddenly I remembered that a few days back, I read a post from Ptr. Joseph Bonifacio talking about how we should guard our hearts. He also speaks of giving away (i.e. share) material possessions because of generosity and because this is what is good for our hearts.

2. My classmate posted a number of items that they still need for the outreach.

3. Even after seeing #2 above, I did not quite get it. I was thinking maybe my classmate already forgot about my pledge and I no longer need to fulfil it. Then this came today - this is a post on a Verse of the Day application on my phone -- 

1 Corinthians 10:13

Like God was telling me not to be tempted to back out on my promise.

4. You know how God gave me a "way out" as He promised in #3? You see sometimes, I transfer a small amount from my salary to my savings account. This is done before all the budget plans for the payout are made. The money almost always get used up to make up for shortages in the budget plan, e.g. we ate out or we made pasyal, etc. For this payout, I actually forgot all about the money. Your dad and I were so frugal that halfway along the payperiod, the money was still intact! I believe this is God providing for us, reminding us that if we are bent on providing for other people, He will provide for us. Dont't you think so?

5. To cap it all off, the Responsorial Psalm and gospel for today's mass is all about God's providence too. The gospel was about the miracle of the loaves and fishes, while the psalm is shown below --

So, yes, God. There is no denying Your message to me. I sent the money the same night and sent a note to my classmate.

I pray the outreach will be a success and that they will be able to connect with a lot of children. I pray for the children that they be inspired to achieve their dreams and that they get encouragement despite whatever struggle they are currently experiencing in their lives.

Amen.

2015 Resolutions

I never really meant any of my previous New Year's Resolutions. This year, I want to really focus on them with an aim to end 2015 as a better person. Here it goes!

Live healthier. Less food portions. Healthier food choices. Be more active, at least walk around more.

Serve more. Serve dad, mom, darwin, kids, Franco, and even the help more. Serve God more, too.
I had kind of a feeling that we rely too much on lolo and lola to manage the household. Since lola is leaving for SG for a few months, I think it is a good training ground for us to be more independent and more responsible when it comes to raising you kids.
I hope I will be able to make you feel that your dad and me are always here for you. That in our family, you will always be secure and loved.

Strive for continuous improvement. Learn a new skill, or improve program processes. This is mostly grounded on my work tasks.

Save for the kids. The bible says "It isn’t the children’s responsibility to save up for their parents but parents for children" (2 Corinthians 12:14 CEB) and I want to honor that. These first years of our marriage has been a bit selfish for your dad and me. I want to rectify that. I am praying that God heals us from vanity and pride so we can focus on preparing for your future.

There you go. Four major points to keep in mind for 2015. Do you make New Year's Resolutions? Let me know so I can remind you when you forget.

You may also want to read about my other prayers for our family.

Life verses

Since the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, everyone was coming up with different challenges over at Facebook -- Top 10 Books challenge, Top 10 Movies challenge etc. The premise is you provide your list and then challenge other people to share theirs.

My favorite so far is the Life Verse Challenge where you share your favorite Bible passage or your life verse. I'm sharing with you my list of favorite verses. The first one is on top of my list; those succeeding iy are in no particular order.

Isaiah 42:16 NASB -- for Kuya, ofcourse
"I will lead the blind by a way they do not know, In paths they do not know I will guide them. I will make darkness into light before them And rugged places into plains. These are the things I will do, And I will not leave them undone."

Luke 1:31 KJV -- for Kuya again; we called him JESHUA
And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.

Job 42:2 NASB -- on trusting God
"I know that You can do all things, And that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted.

Job 2:10 NASB -- when your dad had GBS
"Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept adversity?"

Jeremiah 29:11 NIV -- on having faith when having financial struggles
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord , “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Psalms 73:25-26 NASB -- praising God
Whom have I in heaven but You? And besides You, I desire nothing on earth. My flesh and my heart may fail, But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

Galatians 6:9 NIV -- on doing good to others and sharing your blessings
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Psalms 139:14 NASB -- when you feel insecure
I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well.

Isaiah 49:15 NIV -- just imagine God's love for us!
“Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!"

1 Mga Taga-Corinto 2:9 RTPV05 -- what a beautiful promise!
“Hindi pa nakikita ng mata, o naririnig ng tainga, ni hindi pa sumasagi sa isip ng tao ang mga inihanda ng Diyos para sa mga umiibig sa kanya.”

John 11:4 NASB -- again, I encountered this when your dad had GBS
"This sickness is not to end in death, but for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified by it."

Matthew 5:46-47 NASB -- on loving your enemies
For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have... If you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others?

I have a lot of favorites pala! What are your favorite verses? Share them with me. :)

VER results anniversary 2014

"Dedicate to Me all your oldest children." Exodus 13:2 CEB

It was really fitting that we named you after Jesus, son. You have taught us humility and gratitude, and have been the cause of our joy even at our darkest hour. Happy VER results anniversary, my first love, and blessed be the name of the Lord! :)

I love the way you look at me 😄

Galatians 6:9 NIV -- Do not get tired of doing good

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

Isaiah 40:28-31 NIV

Do you not know? Have you not heard? The  Lord  is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.    He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.    Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;    but those who hope in the  Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Proverbs 19:20 NIV

"Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise."

Because being wise is to seek advice. ;)

On Age and Friendship

"Don't limit yourself to people of your own age. Some of the warmest friendships recorded in the Bible were between people with considerable age differences, such as Ruth and Naomi, David and Jonathan, and Timothy and Paul."

Philippians 4:13 NIV

I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Claim this! Psalm 23:6 NIV

Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Defend the weak

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.    Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy. (Proverbs 31:8, 9 NIV)

Proverbs 31:10-30 NIV -- For Iya

A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants. She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all." Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.


I hope someday you'd get to be like this, sweetheart. Love you!

WHAT THE BLIND SEES

Two blind men followed [Jesus]. – Matthew 9:27

In college, I volunteered to teach a blind class in a school for special children. The students there were some of the happiest people I have ever met. As soon as I entered the classroom, a student would greet me, "Long time no see, Ma'am!" And another would say, "Gumaganda po tayo, ah" (You're getting prettier). Being blind didn't stop them from being happy. Instead, it gave them a better appreciation of themselves and even indulged in humor.

Having been around blind people, today's Gospel left me with some questions. How can it be physically possible for two blind men to follow Jesus? How could they find their way? Did Jesus have a special scent that allowed them to track Him? Maybe they had a guide. Or ropes tied to their waists that were latched on to Jesus. Or, just maybe, their blindness allowed them to ignore the distractions of physical beauty and gave them the chance to clearly see Jesus' healing power.

And there they found true joy. Pepper Bruce (pepper.bruce@gmail.com)

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P.S. to the last post -- What are your standards in life?

Did I mention that the ultimate standard is according to the word of God? :)

Here is what the Bible says from Psalm 119:9-11 NIV --

"How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word.    I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands.    I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you."

1 Peter 3:3-5 NIV

Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to adorn themselves. They submitted themselves to their own husbands.

Joshua 23:14 NIV

Now I am about to go the way of all the earth. You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the  Lord  your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed.