The Pianists

He runs to the piano and sits on the bench. He tinkers with the keys with his little fingers for a few minutes. Then, he helps out in turning it off and covering it.

 

That has been his routine after every Mass that we attend on weekdays. He'd eagerly say hi to our pianist friend Tito Ed who serves daily in our parish by providing the music for the Mass. Then, he'd sit on the bench, play for a few minutes, and learn from Tito Ed.

 

My 5-year old son has been practicing Amen these past days with Tito Ed. Yesterday, he practiced Amen again and he got it right perfectly on his right hand. His Dad and I, together with his mentor, were all pleased and proud.

 

This photo was proudly taken by my son's mentor
using his own mobile phone last year.

 

Tito Ed showed Yanthy how to play Amen with his left hand as soon as he saw that Yanthy can already play it using his right hand.

 

Our family has been blessed to have met Tito Ed. He has been a source of inspiration to us by his example of service. We are also very happy to have found a friend in him. My kids love him and look up to him. They love to imitate him in church. They pretend that they are also playing the piano just like him. Lately, even my youngest son (2-year-old Mateo) would sit on that bench and try to play with his older brother. He helps in covering the piano too.

 

Tito Ed's encouraging words and actions help nurture my kids' love for music and their desire to serve God using their gift in music. I honor him for his patience and for focusing on the good in my kids. No wonder they always look forward to seeing him, greeting him, and being with him. 

 

Yanthy poses with Tito Ed after Mass last year on his 5th birthday.

 

Personally, I thank God for him for he is one of the answers to my prayers. I've been praying to God for mentors or role models for my eldest son especially in music because I know that my son loves music and is gifted in it. I'm so glad to have found one in Tito Ed.

 

I also feel excited for my son. I know that he'd learn to play more songs in the piano if he perseveres. I look forward to that day when my eldest son would play the piano in church, not after the Mass but during the Mass. Imagining that future scene tonight as I choose to dwell on this happy moment that I have witnessed last night brought tears to my eyes. That is one of my dreams as a mother... to see not one but all of my kids serving the Lord with their talent, time and treasure. Last night, God gave me a glimpse of that future and that is enough for me now to continue bringing my kids to Mass as often as I could.

Success Secret Revealed

Sending out text messages and emails and making calls in between doing household chores, watching over the boys, breastfeeding, homeschooling and trying to put the kids to sleep... That's what I've been doing these past days. To say that all these activities exhausted me would be an understatement. Maybe, I should say drained... But I'm too tired and too pressed for time to think of a better word. I guess that if you're a mom with small boys and you don't have a maid at home to help you out, you'll know what I mean. ;)

 

My days had been this busy many times last year and many days this new year. I don't think I could keep up or last long with this kind of lifestyle if every time I'm drained I'm not able to recharge or I'm not able to get my refill. How do I do that, you might ask?

 

My not-so-secret success strategy in getting refilled or recharged, most especially on days when I easily get drained, is making time for prayer and worship. I make time to meditate on God's Word during my personal time of prayer, throughout the day as I carry out my tasks and during the Mass.

 

This strategy never fails me. It helps me focus on my priorities and goals. It helps me fulfill my mission - not perfectly though. But through these times of prayer, I am reminded whenever I stray from my path that I should make some adjustments.

 

Today has been one challenging day again. I don't have the luxury of time to detail my adventures in this post now but I think you already have some idea because of how I began this post. :)

 

It would have been easier for me if I simply skipped going to Mass with my two sons (a 2 year old and a 5 year old) tonight. I could have worked on some of the tasks in my looong to-do list. But by the grace of God, I was able to let go of that urge and go to Mass instead. I thank God for the grace that enabled me to trust in Him that while I pause and pray in church tonight, He is moving. He is working on my behalf. I thank Him for the faith and hope to believe that God can do so much more and sometimes, I need to get out of the way so He can show me how and so that He can perform more miracles for me.

 

As I listened to the priest tonight give his homily, I could not help but smile and be filled with joy, especially when the priest said these words:

 

"If you want to be successful in all your endeavors, you need to make God your first priority."

 

He added, "Jesus was also very busy with his ministry. But no matter how busy he was, he always made time for prayer. Let Jesus' example in today's Gospel inspire you to do the same."

 

I was so grateful to God for putting those words in the mouth of the priest who celebrated Mass tonight. I felt God affirming my decision to still go to Mass even with two little boys that I need to feed and dress up before Mass. I'm sure parents with small children can relate when I say that going out of the house is ALWAYS a production number or a big event when you have small kids and you don't have a maid or nanny (yaya) to help you out with the kids.

 

The wise and encouraging words from the priest reminded me of my guiding verse for my business Full Life Cube Publishing and Events Services. It's from Psalm 1:3 (BBE).

 

He will be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, which gives its fruit at the right time, whose leaves will ever be green; and he will do well in all his undertakings.



Full Life Cube's logo inspired by Psalm 1:3

 

I have always believed this truth. That is why I do my best to be like that tree planted near Jesus so that I would be nourished by Him and sustained by Him in all my endeavors.

 

I could choose to work all day and up to the wee hours of the morning daily but I won't be as effective as I want to be if God would not give me the grace to be effective. I could choose to be so systematic and organized but no matter how skilled or competent I am, I am no match to the power and wisdom of God. And so I choose to let God be God of my life, my life dreams and my mission. I choose to let Him take the lead in all my endeavors.

 

Some may find this success tip or strategy too spiritual or religious. I wouldn't blame you because it is indeed spiritual. And why not? We are spiritual beings. We have spirits and only God can nourish our spirits or our souls.

 

Are you also feeling drained? Are you exhausted from the many things you did today? Recharge with God and let Him fill you up again... with His love, His joy, His hope, His wisdom, His peace... Let Him fill you up to the brim so that you can wake up refreshed and renewed in the morning.

 

Let me end by echoing what the priest said in his homily tonight.

 

"If you want to be successful in all your endeavors, you need to make God your first priority."

Minister to Me, Lord Series: Day 3 - Enable Me To Do the Impossible

How was your week? I definitely had a very exciting (read: working on one project after another) week. I had been working on a number of projects and I have mixed emotions at this point. I'm very happy with what God had inspired me to start and do in the past days and weeks. I'm struggling to make time for the many wonderful things that I now have on my plate. And I'm nervous for my faith is challenged to believe that I CAN DO ALL THESE THINGS BY THE GRACE OF GOD.

I once read that when you are given a God-sized dream, you'll realize that it's beyond your capacity to bring it to completion because it's so much bigger than what your limited abilities and gifts can handle. The good news is that YOU and I do not need to do THE IMPOSSIBLE on our own. God will ENABLE us as He has called us.

Are you feeling overwhelmed now with your long to-do lists? Are you overwhelmed with your already full calendar? Are you overwhelmed with the amount of house work that needs to be done? Are you overwhelmed with the many projects you need to coordinate? Are you overwhelmed with the many tasks that you urgently need to finish? Are you overwhelmed with deadlines? Are you overwhelemed with problems?

Today, I invite you to surrender ALL these at the foot of Jesus' Cross. Unburden yourself. Stretch your tired arms and open your heart to God's amazing grace. Lift up your eyes to your Savior.

Let Him minister to you.  Listen to Him. Let His Words comfort and empower you. Let Him OVERWHELM YOU with HIS LOVE.

Look Him in the eye as He speaks these words to you now.

 

"With man this is impossible,

but with God all things are possible."

Matthew 19:26

 

You might feel that you cannot handle all your problems and concerns right now. You feel that all your tasks and projects are beyond your strength and knowledge. You feel that you have very limited time and that you cannot meet your deadlines or finish your tasks on time. You might even feel that you are not good enough for your God-sized dream.

 

Jesus is telling you now...

 

"Do not despair for I will enable you to do the impossible. I will supply you with the strength, wisdom, ability, energy and all that you need to accomplish my plans and purposes for your life. I will carry you when you feel weak and tired. I will restore you in body, mind and spirit. Remember that you are not on your own. I am in your team. We are a team. Bask in my love. Tap into my power. Let my Holy Spirit move you and empower you!"

 

Then, as you ponder on these words of Jesus to you, I invite you to listen and use this song to pray to Him. Allow God to minister to you through this song Nothing is Impossible by Planetshakers.

 

 

 

 

Believe in His words. Believe in His love. Believe in His power. Believe in the impossible!

 

Minister to Me, Lord Series: Day 2 - Reserve me the best

 

 

"There are times in our lives when we feel left behind... I had felt I gotten left behind. But after patiently waiting, working and praying, I now have my dream... All the while, God was reserving the best seat I could ask for." (Didache, April 26, 2013)

 

I read this reflection a couple of days ago and I felt that God was speaking to me through it. I could relate with the writer of the reflection. I also felt left behind in my current projects and honestly I've been struggling to keep on going because of this feeling. I feel like my deadlines and competition are giants staring and looking down at me while I look down feeling defeated.

 

God however used this reflection to change my perspective. I felt God's assurance through the Bible verse featured in that reflection.

 

"I am going to prepare a place for you." John 14:2

 

God assured me that He has gone ahead of where I want to go. That He has made a way for me. He has prepared a place for me. He has reserved the best place for me.

 

I read several inspiring posts from different sites in the past days and the same message resonated. God is behind me, with me and ahead of me in all these adventures of mine. God Himself has sealed my victory and is waiting and ready to hand it to me. I only need to keep moving forward with faith believing that as early as now I am already victorious.

 

This message served as a follow up to God's message to me on Day 1 of this Minister to Me, Lord Series. He used the song below (Who Your Are by Gateway Worship) to remind me that I need not live in fear and that I am not alone for He is with me always. I need not fret whenever I have needs in my projects even when they seem so big for me. I was reminded that nothing is bigger than God and that because of His great love for me, there is no good thing He will withhold.

 

 

 

 

God used this song to keep the fire in my heart burning for the dreams He has planted in my heart. He reminded me that these God-sized dreams of mine with God-sized needs requiring God-sized abilities is not mine alone to accomplish. God is bringing it to pass with me as collaborator. I am working on these projects therefore with God on my side.

 

I watched the movie Facing the Giants last night with my husband and I was reminded of the story of David who triumphed over a giant, not because of his own ability but because God was with him, because He had faith in His God to deliver him.

 

I also remembered the story of the Israelites who felt intimidated just before they entered the Promise Land. They also felt that they are no match to the giants occupying the land that God has promised to them. But God proved them wrong.

 

I claim that I now stand at the threshold of my God-sized dreams and that I am about to give birth soon. I claim that the fulfillment of my God-sized dreams is just a stone's throw from where I am now. I choose to focus on God and my dreams. I choose to take my eyes off the giants standing in front of me.

 

I claim that I will walk past these giants and march towards my victory because my God walks with me and has won the victory for me. I will walk with certainty for I am certain of God's love for me. I am confident that my God-sized dreams will be fulfilled because I am confident in the God of all my dreams. He will enable me as He has called me. All I need to do is give my best to Him. He will supply the rest.

 

Do you also feel that there are giants standing before you now and hindering you from moving forward? What are these things, people or circumstances that intimidate you now? Take your eyes off those giants and focus your eyes on God and on the dreams God has planted in your heart. God has granted you and me the victory. Let us march victorious and claim what He has reserved to be ours. We are almost there! Let us boldly step out in faith for our victorious God walks ahead of us! He has reserved the best seat for us! Let's walk confidently towards that seat! Let's not keep God waiting!

 

Minister to Me, Lord Series: Day 1 - Make Me Glad

God spoke powerfully into my heart last night through Isaiah 41:10 which says,

 

"So do not fear, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

As usual, God spoke the exact words that I needed to hear from Him. He always has perfect timing, you know! :)

I was teary-eyed as I meditated on these words last night.  And as I pondered on His words, a song came to my mind. I could sing some lines but I could not remember the title of the song; so I asked my son (who has a very good memory for his age) to help me recall. True enough, he was able to help me remember the title and I found the song video in You Tube.

The song was Made Me Glad and it was performed by Darlene of Hillsong. I invite you to watch the video and allow the Lord to minister to you as you listen to the song.

 

God invited me through the song to trust Him at ALL times... Yes, all times!  That meant trusting Him last night as I faced many uncertainties about my ongoing projects and God-sized dreams.  Through the verse from Isaiah, God reminded me of who He is in my life. His loving reminder made me strong last night as I wrestled with my fears over my projects and God-sized dreams. God delivered me from my fears through His assuring words. Suddenly, I felt so loved by Him.  I felt strengthened. Truly, He is my very present help in times of need. He knows perfectly well how to supply my every need at the most perfect time.

 

Do you also have fears right now that seem to paralyze you and hinder you from moving forward or closer to fulfilling God's plans for your life? I invite you to meditate on Isaiah 41:10 as well. Soak in the truth of God's Word to you. Claim it and allow the Lord to make you glad. Allow Him to strengthen you and to help you with whatever difficulty or trial you are going through. Humble yourself before His holy throne and TRUST HIM... Trust Him now... Trust Him even when you feel shaken by your fears and challenges. Let God's powerful words penetrate your heart and spirit. Sing with me this worship song and feel the power of God's Holy Spirit minister to you.

 

Claim the truth that He is our ever present help in times of need! Then, carry this truth in your heart today. Recite this verse and sing this song every time you feel your fears haunting you and trying to hold you back. God's Words will help us combat enemy lies and move us closer to the victory that Jesus has already won for us.

 

 

 

Were you blessed by this reflection or sharing? I hope so. I will be posting a series of reflections in the next weeks with this format. I will begin by sharing a verse from Scripture and share a bit how God ministered to me through it.  Then, I will also share a song that helped me deepen my understanding of that verse and experience the truth of that verse. I hope and pray that by doing this I'd be able to bring God's message and love to all who'd chance to read my posts here in this blog. May God minister to more people through this series!

* This post is part of the Catholic Bloggers Monthly Link-up Blitz for April 2013.
 

Believing that Nothing is Impossible by the Grace of God

God spoke powerfully to me through the recent Truly Rich Club Wealth Summit event that my husband and I attended last weekend.  He did this through the invited guests and speakers in the event, through the talks, through the many wonderful people I met and through the songs used in worship.

Last Friday, God spoke to me again through the songs sang during our prayer meeting at Feast Sucat.  One of those songs was Nothing is Impossible by Planetshakers.

 

 

This morning, God spoke the same message to me during my prayer time as I meditated on Loyola Press' 3 Minute Retreat for today entitled Nothing is Impossible.

 

God truly knows my heart.  He knows what to speak at the precise moment.  These past days beginning with the Wealth Summit, God has inspired me a lot and taught me a lot. One of my main questions and frequent questions to God has been, "Can I really do all these given my already busy schedule even before I got all these new inspirations and learnings?" Jesus only has one answer.  "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."  Matthew 19:26

 

I thank the Lord for this reminder and encouragement.  He also used another song during our prayer meeting last Friday to help me pray to Him and express what's in my heart, mind and soul.  Let me share that song as well.  It's Still Standing by Israel Houghton.

 

 

 

Here are the lyrics from Sing365.com.

 

Verse One:

You gave me courage to believe that all your goodness I will see

and if it had not been for you standing on my side where would I be

Chorus:

If not for your goodness if not for your grace I don't know where I would be today

if not for your kindness I never could say I'm still standing

if not for your mercy if not for your love I most likely would have given up

if not for your favor I never could say I'm still standing but by the grace of God

Verse Two:

To you I lift my offering and set my heart on higher things

for if it had not been for you standing on my side where would I be

Vamp:

I'm still standing I'm standing I'm still standing but by the grace of God


I love the chorus very much! It's so true in my life.  I know that it's only because of God's mercy, goodness and favor that I am where I am now in spite of the many difficult things I've been through. And I know that wherever I will find myself in the future, it will be because of God still and His awesome goodness, mercy and grace in my life.

To God be the glory now and forever!
 

Counting on God to Fulfill My Dreams

I prayed the song I'm Counting On God last Thursday night before I started working on one of my articles.  I was pressed for time because my article was due the following day.  I've been trying to work the whole week but I found it very difficult because we only have one maid now and we have two kids to take care of aside from the house chores that need to be done.  I was somehow in panic mode and getting worried over my deadlines -- articles for magazines and the deliverables for my current HR project (job descriptions, company policies and training program).  I was also thinking of how we'll settle the balance for our townhouse which is due at the end of the month.  (You may click here and here to know the story behind this move we made out of faith in God.) Aside from these, I have started working on book projects that God inspired me to work on together with some friends.  With all these concerns in my mind, I chose to stop and simply told God that I can in no way do all or finish the things that I need to do without His help and grace.  I knew deep inside that I can count on God to empower me to do all that He has called me to do at this time of my life.  I was confident in God's strength and power to deliver me and my family from our worries and troubles.  I was confident in His provisions even though I do not have the amount I need yet in my pockets.  I let my soul soak in the message of the song as I listened to it repeatedly while reading some materials and while working on my article.

 

The following day, I read this message in my desk calendar:

"Test me now in this," says the Lord of hosts, "if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows..." - Malachi 3:10 (NASB)

 

It was very timely.  The temptation not to tithe regularly is strong when we experience financial challenges.  But through this verse, God reminded me that as I give to Him faithfulfully, acknowledging that all good things come from Him, He will provide for my needs and that of our family.

 

I continued to work on my article.  I wanted to go to Mass that day and I prayed that I'd be able to submit my article early so I can make it to the Mass at Feast Sucat and listen to the talk on Unlimited Earthly Rewards.  I could not explain why I had a strong prompting last Friday to attend Feast Sucat at SM Sucat.  My family and I normally attend The Feast at PICC on Sundays.  We missed the talk last Sunday because we celebrated my eldest son's birthday.  I finished it by afternoon of Friday.  I yielded to the Holy Spirit's leading and went to SM Sucat with my kids.  We met my husband there since he came from work.  It was our first time to attend there.

 

I felt happy when I heard the song Shout to the Lord being played while waiting for the Mass to start.  God usually used that song  in my past experiences to assure me of a victory or to usher in the unfolding of a miracle or prophecy to be fulfilled.  I participated in the Mass with joyful anticipation.

 

Then, the worship started.  I was pleasantly surprised when the first song sang was the very same song I had been singing in my time of prayer -- I'm Counting on God!  I danced and sang my heart out during the worship.  I felt that God has honored my prayer and is telling me that I have done the right thing to count on Him to provide for my needs and fulfill my dreams.

  

   

The second worship song sang moved me to tears.  The song was Who You Are.  It was a spirit-filled and powerful worship.  Listen to the song here and you'll know why. :)

The talk started and I was amazed at how perfect the talk was for me and my family's situation.  After the talk, it was very clear to me why God allowed us to miss the talk in PICC.  He wanted us to listen to Rissa Singson-Kawpeng give the talk because the anecdotes she will share will be perfect for our concerns.  She shared about her parents' challenge before to finish building their house and how God provided for their need.  She also talked about tithing and the lessons that we can learn from the farm.  Guess what verse she highlighted during her talk?

 "Test me now in this," says the Lord of hosts, "if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows..." - Malachi 3:10 (NASB)

Isn't that amazing?  Perfect timing again!  Only God can orchestrate these things!  She shared some more stories and her testimony on how God has shown His faithfulness to her through the years.  I could not help but be encouraged and affirmed since like her, I have sowed in the past years since I was a teenager when I committed my life to the Lord as a college student.  Now, I continue to sow and plant and I feel that God is encouraging me to keep on doing so and expect great rewards even here on earth because He cannot be outdone in generosity and goodness.

 

Here's another passage that was quoted as part of the talk:

 “I promise you,” returned Jesus, “nobody leaves home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or property for my sake and the Gospel’s without getting back a hundred times over, now in this present life, homes and brothers and sisters, mothers and children and land—though not without persecution—and in the next world eternal life. (Mark 10:29-30 emphasis mine)

It was an empowering and inspiring talk!  God knew what I needed to hear and He moved heaven and earth to pave the way for me to be there last Friday night.  My heart was filled with thanksgiving and joy.

I came out of SM Sucat's Cinema 4 with a stronger resolve to give to the Lord what is due Him and not to cheat Him by giving less than 10 percent of what we earned this past month/days.  It will be another leap of faith but I'm confident that God will pour out blessing upon blessing upon my family and He can multiply what we have given and are about to give a hundredfold!  And if it is His will, my family would be spending and celebrating Christmas this year in our new house (one of my dreams). :)

I continue to count on God for my many dreams to be fulfilled!  My God is much greater than any of my needs or dreams.  He only needs to will them and my dreams will be fulfilled.  Let me end with a verse I love and used as inspiration when I reserved the new house we got (which sister Rissa quoted during her talk as well): "According to your faith will it be done to you." (Matthew 9:29)
 

UPDATE: In less than 3 weeks after I wrote this post, we found a buyer for one of the condominium units we were selling.  

Will You Complain or Praise?

The Israelites complained against God and Moses in the first reading today. They said in Numbers 21:5, “Why have you brought us up from Egypt to die in this desert, where there is no food or water? We are disgusted with this wretched food!”

Let’s recall what happened before the Israelites got to this point.

First, they were slaves in Egypt. Then, God delivered them from slavery through His servant Moses. God performed miracles through Moses to convince the pharaoh to let them go. (Exodus 7-12) Second, when the Israelites marched out of Egypt and pharaoh decided to pursue them with his soldiers, God saved the Israelites again through Moses by parting the Red Sea so they can cross and walk on dry land while fleeing the Egyptians. (Exodus 14) Third, when they were in the desert of Shur and they complained about the bitter water, Moses prayed to God and God transformed the bitter water so it would be fit to drink. Fourth, when the Israelites were at the desert of Sin and they complained again to Moses and Aaron, God chose to be gracious to them and provided for them food to eat. They said, “We wish that the Lord had killed us in Egypt. There we could at least sit down and eat meat and as much other food as we wanted. But you have brought us out into this desert to starve us all to death.” (Exodus 16:3) Even though they complained against God and His servants Moses and Aaron, the Lord still gave them manna and quails everyday for forty years until they reached the land of Canaan.

Do you think that the Israelites stopped complaining after all these miracles and provisions from God? NO. When they camped at Rephidim and they discovered there was no water for them to drink, they complained again to Moses. They said, “Why did you bring us out of Egypt? To kill us and our children and our livestock with thirst?” (Exodus 17:3) When Moses was at Mount Sinai talking to God, the Israelites felt that he was taking too long, so they asked Aaron to make them a gold bull-calf that they can worship as God. They even said that it was the god who led them out of Egypt! (Exodus 32) When twelve spies were sent to explore the land of Canaan or the Promised Land and ten of the spies spread fear to the Israelites, the Israelites complained again. They were so afraid that in their distress they complained to Moses and Aaron again. “It would have been better to die in Egypt or even here in the wilderness! Why is the Lord taking us to that land? We will be killed in battle, and our wives and children will be captured. Wouldn’t it be better to go back to Egypt?” (Numbers 14:2-3) What's more, they said to one another, “Let’s choose a leader and go back to Egypt!” (Numbers 14:4)

So you see now that even after God has performed miracle after miracle to the Israelites and answered their many prayers, they kept on complaining to God whenever they encountered a challenge or problem and whenever following God through their leader Moses became inconvenient for them. Whenever they faced challenges or inconveniences, they easily forgot the blessings and miracles God gave them.

God already spoke His punishment to them after they have complained to Moses, Aaron, Joshua and Caleb after the spies to Canaan came back. God told them that those who rejected Him by complaining and rejecting the leaders He has chosen will not enter the Promised Land. (Numbers 14) Do you think the people learned their lesson?

The first reading today will tell you.

Just before they got to Mount Hor, God enabled the Israelites to win over the Canaanite king of Arad in the southern part of Canaan. And yet, here they go again complaining against God and Moses.

Why do you think did they keep on complaining when God had been faithful in helping them? Could it be that they did not trust God or their leader whom God has chosen to lead them? Could it be that their faith was not big and deep enough to endure their inconveniences and problems? Why were they quick to forget God’s miracles and blessings to them? Could it be that they did not meditate and ponder these things in their hearts? Could it be that they did not they much time to celebrate and praise God for these things? Could it be that they did not talk about these miracles and blessings often in their assemblies? Could it be that they had different expectations on how God would deliver them from the Egyptians and bring them to the Promised Land?

What can we learn from the Israelites? What should we do so that we do not commit the same mistakes that they committed?

First, we need to spend ample time praising and thanking God for the blessings and miracles we received from Him. But we should not only do this whenever good things come our way. We should do this regularly and even when we face problems and challenges. When we do this, we will be focusing more on our blessings and the miracles God gave us instead of our problems. One mistake that the Israelites made was that after a miracle was performed for them by God, they chose to dwell on their inconveniences and problems instead of on the miracle that just happened. Since they focused on their inconveniences and problems, they got magnified. All of a sudden, they felt that their inconveniences and problems are so big and insolvable that they just want to go back being slaves.

Second, prayer and praise should be our first recourse instead of complaining. When we are faced with challenges, it is so tempting to complain first. But that will not help our situation. It will just magnify our problem. So, when faced with a problem, let’s kneel down before our God in prayer. Let’s choose to praise Him even when our circumstances do not support our decision to praise Him. Let us pray and praise God unceasingly, in good times and in bad. For though we have problems surrounding us, we still have a big reason to praise God. That one reason is that He is our God! When we remember who our God is and His qualities, our hearts will be filled with praise, thanksgiving, hope and peace. We would remember that our God is bigger than any of our problems and that He will provide for all our needs. We would remember that He loves us and that He doesn’t waste our tears. Our perception of our problems or challenges will change when we spend ample time in prayer. We will receive direction and wisdom from God when we spend time to listen to Him and ask Him what His will is. Let us focus our eyes on the cross and our Lord Jesus Christ and find strength and courage in Him. When we pray, we open ourselves to God’s graces. In prayer, we grow in faith and tap into God’s power.

Third, let us humble ourselves and trust not only God but also the leaders He has chosen to lead us. When the Israelites complained against Moses, they were actually complaining against God because Moses was just carrying out God’s instructions for His people. When they spoke angry words to Moses, they actually spoke angry words to God, for Moses was simply God’s spokesperson or representative to the Israelites.

So the next time you face inconveniences or challenges in following the Lord, will you complain or praise Him? Let us learn from the experience of the Israelites.

Preparing for CHRISTmas

I had been busy mind storming about possible family bonding activities for the Christmas season. I checked the internet for suggestions on what families can do together to make the “holy days” memorable but nothing seemed to excite me from the options I have seen. We already visited Casa Santa and had our pictures taken with a live Santa Claus last year. We have already watched the C.O.D. or Christmas on display in Greenhills as a way of continuing the family tradition my parents started when my younger brother and I were still kids. We have toured around Makati to marvel at its Christmas lights display. We have shopped together for gifts for our extended family members. What else can we do? I continued my Christmas shopping and bought some of our needed grocery for Noche Buena while I continued to be open to possibilities.


Then, I got my biggest surprise this Christmas when I was asked to organize the Simbang Gabi for our condominium community four days before it started. I learned that our Liturgical Committee Head was already busy preparing for his overseas assignment soon and begged off from the responsibility of organizing and overseeing the preparation. Being his assistant, the responsibility landed on my lap. I initially thought that the task wouldn’t be very difficult since there are other members of the Liturgical Committee and there are cluster representatives in the different buildings in our community. But I was wrong. I found out in the course of the preparation and coordination that there were only three reliable members of the Liturgical Committee. And that included me, a lay minister and our head. Since our head was busy with his work commitments, he only committed to provide the music by playing the keyboards. I was already very happy with that. At least, finding a musician was one task off my very long to-do list. The lay minister, although very knowledgeable with the requirements for the Holy Mass, relied more on me to mobilize and coordinate with people and to provide the other items or requirements for the Mass.

It was very stressful especially in the beginning because I had to do almost everything and I had to move from one place to another during the mass because no one else volunteered or was familiar with the parts of the mass. There were only a few cluster representatives who responded to my text messages and calls when I coordinated. Out of the many representatives, I think less than 10 percent responded and much lesser are those who responded positively. A lot of times during the first few days of the Simbang Gabi, I wasn’t sure who was going to be the readers, offertory ushers, fruit or grocery basket donors or choir. Every night, I kept praying to God that He would touch and move hearts and that He would send other volunteers who would help me organize the Simbang Gabi. Then, slowly each night, God sent one or two more volunteers until it came to a point that I didn’t have to be the only commentator. I thank God that there was another woman who volunteered. This development enabled me to focus on other tasks/roles that needed to be done/filled during the mass like ensuring that the symbolic offering every night for the Christmas Novena would be in order and that those assigned to offer would not forget to bring what they are supposed to bring and walk at the right moment. That the offertory procession would be in order and that there are people chosen to carry the love offering baskets, water, wine and host and that they are carried in the right order at the right time. That there would be Power Point slides used to project the Responsorial Psalm, Christmas Novena, Prayers of the Faithful and the songs for the Mass and that there would be someone who would operate the computer and the lcd projector. That the contents of the mass kit are complete and ready for use, etc. etc.

I remember there was a night when our resident musician could not make it to play the keyboards for the mass and George was not sure if he can make it because of work concerns as well. I had to gather recorded mass songs so that we’d still have music during the Simbang Gabi. Thank God someone volunteered to be commentator that night because I needed to be the one who would operate the computer and lcd projector and assist the technical assistant in playing the songs.

I experienced so many challenges preparing for the Simbang Gabi but the miracles I witnessed each night were so much more. The first miracle I witnessed was the very big turnout of mass-goers. The chairs were not enough since day 1 because those who attended the Simbang Gabi in our clubhouse were always more than a hundred. In fact, on the first night and on the last night of the Simbang Gabi, the attendees were more than doubled because our clubhouse was filled with people up to the second floor. The second miracle was that I always get surprised with the turnout of donors for the fruit or grocery basket. There were days when no one has committed or pledged to donate and I would just pray to God that He would move my neighbours to be generous. And then I noticed that it was during those nights when I wasn’t certain if someone would donate or offer a basket that we had the most fruit/grocery baskets offered. Amazing! There was also a night when no one confirmed among those I texted until around an hour before the Mass. A neighbour who was supposed to donate and offer during the weekend but did not make it called me and told me she will donate and offer that night. What perfect timing! It was only then that I realized why she was not able to attend and offer during the weekend. It was because she was appointed by God to offer that night when no one else would donate and offer except her. The third miracle I witnessed was the raising up of new volunteers among the residents of our community. One by one, some neighbours eventually approached me and volunteered to help in their own small way. We still have a very small group of volunteers for our liturgical services but it’s better than not having any volunteer at all. I continue to hope and pray that God would send more laborers into the harvest for the harvest is great but the laborers in our community are few. The fourth miracle I witnessed was when our next door neighbour who rarely went to Mass attended our Simbang Gabi and they even agreed to carry the wine and host in one of the Masses. And then I wondered… Could it be that some of our neighbours are like them who are not regular churchgoers but because the Mass was already in the comforts of our clubhouse, they have chosen to attend? Possible! And with that realization, I grew in conviction to endure the hardships, challenges and inconveniences of organizing the Simbang Gabi.

The fifth miracle I got was the answer to my question and search at the start of the Advent season. I realized while preparing for the Simbang Gabi that this was the family bonding activity God wanted me and my family to share this Christmas. I discovered that this was the first time my husband was able to complete the Christmas 9 Day Novena Masses. And his experience was made more memorable because he was not only a spectator or regular attendee but he had some active participation and specific roles in some of the Masses because I needed his help and there weren’t many servants/volunteers who can help me. Most of the time, he was part of the music ministry and he was helping out Yanthy with the symbolic offering. Our 2 year old son, Yanthy, was able to attend the Simbang Gabi for the first time this year because it was held in our own clubhouse and it was held in the evening when he was still awake. He even played a special part because of the symbolic offerings which are part of the Rogationists’ way of having the Simbang Gabi. It was also very meaningful and memorable for our family especially for Yanthy because he lent his things to the Baby Jesus in the manger. Since I was the one organizing and only a couple of residents volunteered to provide the symbolic offerings, a number of the things offered in the manger are Yanthy’s things. I was very happy that Yanthy was involved somehow in preparing for Jesus’ birth. I saw how eager he was to lend Baby Jesus his baby pillow, baby clothes and toy drum. I was glad to see my son happy to offer his own things so that the Baby Jesus would have something to “use.” It was a delight to see and hear my toddler son sing liturgical and Christmas songs during the Mass. It was a fulfilment of my dream; that one day when I have my own family, we will be one household serving the Lord. I only hoped and prayed for something nice that our family could do and experience together this Christmas but God surprised me and exceeded my expectations by giving us this amazing and unforgettable experience of the first ever Simbang Gabi in our condominium community. These are just some of the many miracles I witnessed as I organized the Simbang Gabi. There’s so much more but I am at a loss for words right now. I just can’t help but marvel and be awed at God’s amazing hand.

It was an exhausting and challenging 9 days but if I would be asked to do it again, I would still say yes. The Simbang Gabi experience did not only help me and my family prepare our hearts for the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. It also helped many residents in our community prepare their hearts for Jesus. It was an honor and a privilege to be God’s instrument and to be like St. John the Baptist to our neighbours. As I end this reflection and sharing, let me share part of the homily of Fr. Tim, one of the priests who celebrated the Simbang Gabi with us. He said that God needs people like Mary who are willing to make a sacrifice so that others would experience His Love. His words struck me because God called me to make a sacrifice this Christmas so He could use me to organize the Simbang Gabi which would bless a lot of people. I wasn’t stressed much because of the Christmas shopping because I started early. It was only later that I realized why God moved me to do this early. It was because He was going to give me another assignment. What stressed me was the day by day preparations for the Simbang Gabi when a lot of the things we needed were provided sometimes literally at the last minute. But it also paved the way for me to witness God’s faithfulness and amazing grace. Then I realized, it was not only me who made a sacrifice but also my family because we were exhausted during the Simbang Gabi because of the preparations and coordinations and we slept late most of the time including Yanthy. We were not able to prepare much food also for our Noche Buena because I didn’t have much energy anymore to cook a number of dishes. I simply prepared a pasta, salad and soup dish. Moreover, although we were able to shop for gifts for other people and for Yanthy, my husband and I were not able to spend ample time searching and buying gifts for each other. We were not able to go out also to have a date on our wedding anniversary because we needed to serve in the Simbang Gabi. We simply had lunch as a family in a restaurant and offered a fruit basket and a copy of my book during the Mass. But as we reflected on our Simbang gabi experience on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, we realized that what we have experienced as a family this year is what is essential. That’s what really Christmas is all about. It’s all about Christ and about being Christ to others. I’m blessed to have given Jesus Christ -- the real reason for our celebration -- the gift of myself. And I’m doubly blessed to have received Him in my heart as the most precious Christmas gift I have received this year.

Raising a Son, Raising a Saint

September 8, 2009 was a memorable night for me. I gave a presentation to the Singles for Christ group in Surigao City. I have already made a number of presentations/talks in the past when I was still single but this one was extra special. What made it extra special? First, it's Mama Mary's birthday. Second, it was my mother-in-law who recommended me to the SFC leader to give their members an inspirational talk. Third, my husband, son and mother-in-law were there to witness it and to show their support.

But before I was able to write my presentation, I had some challenges. I had little sleep during the past nights leading to my presentation. I was very busy preparing for my niece/godchild's debut party wherein I was the emcee, packing our things for the trip and finalizing the details of my son's first birthday party. Then, on the night before my presentation, I had very little sleep because my son, Yanthy, kept crying for the most part of the night. He was able to sleep only after my husband and I decided to pray over him. I thought that God must be preparing something great for my presentation that's why the enemy is doing a lot of things to distract me and hinder me from preparing well for it. Good thing, I still woke up feeling good and excited to do my assignment from God.

I acknowledged how unworthy I am to be His messenger and how little my time was to write the details of my talk. I prayed for inspiration. As expected, inspiration filled my mind and I was not only able to finish writing my talk, I was also able to make a Powerpoint presentation. My husband and I even had time to attend Holy Mass.

We arrived just in time for the prayer meeting. The Music Ministry was playing some songs... fast worship songs. And since one of my son's favorite past times these days is to dance and clap, he danced and clapped his heart out to the tune of the worship songs being sang. I felt so good watching him. Even if I wanted to use the extra minutes before my talk to review my notes, I couldn't help but watch Yanthy with joy, pride and wonder.

Then, the prayer meeting started. Yanthy prayed with us in his own cute ways. He put his little hands together as if saying "amen" and then he clapped and danced again. Later, after my talk, my husband said he clapped with the crowd as they applauded me. And when I had picture taking with the sisters as I signed some books, Yanthy also gamely posed with us.

I was very happy with the result of my presentation and dialogue with the brothers and sisters from Singles for Christ. I felt honored and privileged to be God's voice to them last night. I felt so blessed to be His messenger. It also felt so good to be one with my family in ministering to God's people. It was another dream come true.

This morning, Yanthy delighted me once more when as he woke up, he raised his hands again as if praising God and then he put his hands together as if reminding me to pray. So, I gladly led our family to our morning prayer.

I thanked God for answering my prayer regarding my presentation. I thanked him for our family. I thanked Him for many wonderful things, all the blessings that He has given us. I thanked Him for the privilege of being a parent, a mother, of the opportunity of raising a son, a saint. For more than serving as an inspirational speaker wherever God calls me, I know that my greater call is to inspire my son and mold him to be the best that he can be. I pray that I'd do really well in this God-ordained assignment.


TG :)
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God’s Glory in the Ordinary

“The thing I seek most of all is the privilege of meditating in his Temple, living in his presence every day of my life, delighting in his incomparable perfections and glory.” Psalm 27:4 (LB).

Participating in daily masses and receiving Holy Communion everyday, having Holy Hour at the Blessed Sacrament adoration chapel, attending weekly prayer meetings and Bible studies… oh, those days were glorious! Today, I don’t get to do all those things anymore even if I wanted to. My current circumstances prevent me from the luxury of time to participate in all of them. And yet I do not feel guilty at all; for God has taught me a very valuable lesson: God is as glorious in church as He is in my home.

I was blessed to have experienced God’s loving and powerful presence as I participated in all those activities for many years in the past. But now that I’m a young mother with the responsibility of caring for a newborn child, I’ve recognized that God calls me to a different kind of worship. My daily acts of worship no longer include most of the traditional ways or ways of worship I got used to. But they are acts of worship still. I don’t get to have long prayer times as I used to have when I was still single; but, I do not feel that my friendship with God has become less intense.

What God has taught me in the past months and year is this: every moment of my life can be an act of worship when I offer every moment of it to Him; and, God is as everpresent to me in church, as in my very own home. Having recognized these truths, I find peace and joy loving and worshiping God in a different way now. I still find myself marveling at God’s greatness and glory in the ordinary events of my everyday life. I still find myself in awe of God many times during the day as He manifests His loving and powerful presence in my daily routine as a wife and mother. I may not have pushed through with becoming a Carmelite missionary sister or nun but I’m still living out the Carmelite goal of being a contemplative even in my busy world.


TG
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