A BIRTHDAY PRESENT

Cute, bubbly and beautiful-This is how I know my sister. When she was around 3 years old, she joined this contest for Little Ms. Danipas (A search for the cutest and the smartest child in our barrio).  She bagged the 3^rd runner up. We were nurtured by our parents with a happy-environment.  She grew up like any other ordinary children.

                As we grew older, things changed.  Time came that we studied in the same university. I encouraged her to get into this school and have scholarship because of the financial problems we have had.  Together with my other sister, we stayed in one house near the school. I know that it wasn’t easy for her to adjust in her studies.  When I graduated, only the two of them were left. I admit that I wasn’t able to guide them well. I had shown to them a “superior attitude”. I wasn’t the kind of “ Kuya” they expect. Most of the time, I was so cruel and so strict to them. I even have not remembered helping them in their school academic lessons when I was still with them. I know that there were times that they suffered in their studies even if I send them the allowance from my salary. I knew that they were longing for a brother, who will be with them in the most difficult times.

                There was one time that she called me up and told me that she wanted to stop studying. There is one more year before her graduation. So, I got very mad and insisted to pursue the course. When graduation day came, as she received the diploma, she was so happy. While going down the stage, she saw me waving to her. I came near and gave her a hug. She was teary-eye while one of her professors, congratulated her of the success. I knew that she had realized the value of education in life.

                Challenges were on our way as she was on her search for a job. We had some fights with her with regard to my contradiction to her gang. I believed that she finds comfort and worth with their company. So, I encouraged her to join the same community I have. I was so thankful for our relationship as a brother and sister has been growing.  Now, that we are far from each other. There were moments that I still feel the guilt. I always have wished to be with them to cope up from my mistakes.  
               

                I pray on your birthday that may you truly find the joy.  As your elder brother, I am always hoping for the best of your life. I know that, someday, you will be surprised of God’s plan in your life.  Just keep your faith on Him for in the right time, He will bless you abundantly. Though we are away from each other, you will always be here in my mind and heart.  I LOVE YOU MY DEAREST SISTER.

STOP, LOOK AND LISTEN…

Weather changes; leaves falling from its branches; friends come and go; but time keeps on counting into second, minute, hour and day … Sometimes, we feel that time moves too slowly or too fast. But, actually, a second remains a second.  Nothing has changed.  It is just how we see things and everything around us that makes us feel this way.

Our perception has a big part on what we had become in the past and what it will make us in the future.  The way we perceive at present has a great say on if you want that history be repeated or choose to make a change for something you hope to be in the future.

Whatever life’s happenings we have had before, our present always defines our lives.  But, with the question on  who has the final say on what best defines each of our lives, I believe that it is only God, who knows the best for us.  That is why listening to what He wants us to decide is very essential and yet ignored by most of the time.

Listening is more than a skill to be learned, it is a GIFT to EVERYONE to be treasured. At all times, He has always made ways for us to listen. He speaks to us in so many situations in our lives, may it be through all the people around us or in the experiences we faced, good or bad.

            So, how do we listen? We listen to Him by seeking His will, especially, at the times when we are confronted in quite moments.  It is in silence that we are confronted with the truth. That truth determines His will. It’s either that message we deny or accept wholeheartedly, even if it hurts or it does not fulfill our heart’s desire. I once asked a priest on how we know that a decision is on God’s will. He answered that when that decision you need to stand, is not your will. Mostly of us, pray for only our will but not really God’s will.  We equate our heart’s desire to our own will. But God always know our heart’s desires.  It may not be our will which will be done but there must be a greater reason why. Surely, it is always for the best. That makes it noble to listen, in our hearts, to our Lord’s will.

            One day will come that we will just be amazed of what it will reveal to our lives by listening to His voice.  We will come to realize that there are no certain in this world except God’s promise to all of us. And that He will always be with us whatever happens. We just have to learn on how to listen with a sincere heart to whatever calling He wants us to listen. For this moment, let us take time to STOP and reflect on how the Lord has blessed us with a bountiful life or on how He saved us from total darkness. Then, LOOK at the positive side of life at all times. Be joyful as we face the challenges encountered at present. But never ever forget to LISTEN to His will before making a stand or decision in life. For it is in listening that God’s plan for our lives will be fulfilled.

" A Taste of Heaven"

(A personal experience during the Garage Sale For A Cause- Be A Champion for Baby Chino”)

It was one of the most joyful moments I have experienced in my life. While saying a thanksgiving prayer, I just can’t help but cry. I knew it is more than tears of joy.  I would say that I had “a taste of heaven”. That blissful day I am referring to, is the “Garage Sale for A Cause- Be A Champion For Baby Chino” which happened last December.

It all started with the great desire of the SFC Social Ministry Head to extend a help the child for his heart operation. His parents are both missionaries of Couples for Christ in the Philippines. We have gathered boxes of unused clothing, anything that can still be used. We have set a target amount to raise the fund. Since it was the first time to have the garage sale, we met challenges on the process of the planning. Though there were much oppression from the other side, with God’s grace and enlightenment, we were able to manage and execute the plans well.

What and how it happened was just so surprising.  We did not expect that the amount raised exceeded to what we expect. I have realized that it gave the people the opportunity to practice generosity. Somehow, it became an instrument to do an act of charity. We extend our warmest thanks to the community for supporting the program. With my co service team, we have appreciated more the beauty of service. I knew that it was also a memorable experience in your lives. My heartfelt thanks for the heart of service you have shown. Be grateful for being given the privilege to help other people through your time and effort. Most importantly, to all of those who willingly donated their “wealth and possessions”.  For without your benevolent heart to help the child, we could not have experienced a foretaste of heaven, no matter how small the help given. What matters most, is the act of kindness that will always be treasured in our hearts. Indeed, you are Baby Chino’s Champions!

To Baby Chino, who in one way or another, touched everyone’s heart and opened the door for us to feel the real joy of helping, thank you so much. To our Almighty Father, who always provides, all these things are done for your greater glory. We praise you for all the wonderful people we have met in our journey. I hope and pray that we may not forget the essence of sharing and giving in our everyday living.

 

FACING THE MUSIC…

FACING THE MUSIC…

Each has its own music to face.  The music I refer to is the challenge that we face in our lives. Have you ever felt you are worthless, empty, or tired of life? Did you feel like giving up?

Most of us are still dreaming of the past. We wanted to go back and wished for living that old life meaningfully. And because it is impossible to do so, we ended up blaming ourselves and tend to forget that there is more to life which our naked eyes can’t see.  Many of us are already at the peak of our success. Yet, when alone and when silence speaks to us, we felt so hollow. We ignored when loneliness confronts us. There is a longing for a real joy besides the outstanding accomplishments we have reached. While many dying people are hoping to live longer on earth, many of us are depressed in living life. After choosing a thing which we think can give us worldly pleasure, it turned out suffering the consequences of such decision. What makes it more miserable is, when we fail to recognize that there is a God who is always there for us, like a father, who comforts us whenever our souls are down and weary.

We have to accept the truth that we are hungry of God. We need to nourish the spirit with the very act of goodness that He implanted on the deepest of our hearts and souls. Living in this temporary world is a great mystery to be unfolded. These challenges we encounter will ultimately reveal the very purpose and reason for living. The moment we learn to make God the center of our lives, then, we can start to appreciate the beauty of life.  He knows, since conception, on what we will be going through. Cast away the fears and worries when we trust our God.

Every second of our lives counts. Whatever we feel and like to do and in our lives matter most.  Let the music be played on how much willing we are on letting our God rule our lives. At the end of day, after letting go of the nightmares and facing the music, we can still say, “Thanks for the music!”