A Girl’s Notebook :)

It has been a week since Chichi died. My sister is still grieving though. I must admit that I also miss our “tough guy”.

Talking about “ending”, I wasn’t able to share my thoughts about the recently concluded teleserye of Channel 2, “May Bukas Pa”. The said teleserye was based on a Spanish story, Marcelino Pan Y Vino. A day before the said teleserye aired its last episode, I research the story of Marcelino; what’s it about and how it ended. In the story, Marcelino was carried by Jesus on His arms, where He asked him to sleep. It was a scene where Marcelino left the world and joined Jesus in His paradise. Since, May Bukas Pa was patterned with it, I know that Santino will die in the series. I decided not to watch the ending because it will really make me cry. I was telling my sisters that, since ABS-CBN did a lot of changes in May Bukas Pa (far from what Marcelino Pan Y Vino), they should have at least do a little twist on its ending. Well, they actually did! ? Good job!

I was able to watch the scene where Bro (Jesus) took Santino to a place that I want to go to as well. He introduced him to His own mother, Mary and fulfilled Santino’s greatest wish, to see his mother. In spite of all his hardships he was blessed and was given sometime to be with his beloved mother. He was given a chance to be with his father as well.

To top it all, I am glad that Santino didn’t really die at all. He was just in a deep sleep, enjoying the company of Bro and his parents. ?

I know that Santino has been truly love by his foster fathers, the priests, and most especially by his adoptive father, Father Jose. If I am not mistaken, Dominique Ochoa who played Father Jose, gave Zaijan (Santino) an xbox 360 for his birthday. Wow!

May Bukas Pa taught us not to give up and always be faithful. God would have not created tomorrow if He meant today to be perfect. We may face many challenges in our lives, and we just find ourselves crying. It’s okay to cry, what is important is that we never forget to call on to God, who is always loving, forgiving and caring. He will never leave us.

Here are the 2 last scenes of May Bukas Pa..

\

This episode is so sweet…

I had goosebumps when I watch this!

Ciao!

While I am fixing my books on our shelf this morning, I found a pocketbook which I bought about 2 years ago. It is called, the Private Prayers of Pope John Paul II. Pope John Paul II was the most beloved Pope in our generations. When he first visits the country February, 1981, my mother was still pregnant me then. She remembered running along the streets of Quezon City circle where the pope mobile carrying him will pass by. She also told me that if I would have been born a boy, she would name me after him.

I personally seen his holiness during the 1995 World Youth Day. It was a different kind of happiness seeing him. That’s why I really felt sad when he died.

I went through the pages of book and my attention was caught by a certain topic which is entitled: May your Life be a Light of the World. I hope that this will make a difference to everybody who will be able read it.

The words of Jesus are valid for you in a very special way: “Let your light shine so before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Yes brothers and sisters! the light of your faith shines bright; the light of your chastity joyfully; the light of your poverty generously!

How much the Church and the world need this light, this testimony! How deeply we must commit ourselves, so that its full splendor and its utter eloquence may be realized!

How essential it is that we reproduce in ourselves, mortal beings, the mystery of the Christ’s devotion to the Father for the salvation of the world: the miraculous devotion that began with the presentation in the temple, whose memory the whole Church celebrates today.

How essential it is that we, too, fix our gaze on the soul of Mary, on the soul that, according to the words of Simeon, would be pierced by a sword so the thoughts of many hearts might be revealed. (February 2, 1980).

Ciao!

We celebrate the month of holy rosary during the month of October. St. Dominic first used holy rosary. When we speak of the rosary, we also speak of Mama Mary. I remember that every known and verified Marian apparition, the holy mother always asked the people to pray the Rosary.

Two of the most famous Marian apparitions are the apparitions in Fatima, Portugal and in Lourdes, France. When Mama Mary appeared before Lucia, Jacinta and Francisco in Fatima, she always mentions praying the rosary. When she appeared before St. Bernadette in Lourdes, France, praying the rosary was her message, too.

Many people question about praying the rosary. Even ney, doesn’t believe in it. Well, maybe because he believes in other religion, he does not really agree in praying the rosary. It really made me upset that sometimes, he would say that it against God’s law to pray the rosary. Never does he know that the more he scrutinizes he rosary, the more I am drawn closer to it.

They would say that praying the rosary is a “repetitive kind of prayer”, but every mystery of the rosary is an important chapter in Jesus’ life, while He was still living with us. And, in every chapter, we would find His loving mother behind Him.

On a personal note, praying the Rosary has been always my armor before pain and problems. In my 28 years of existence, I have been through many of life’s difficulties, yet I am still standing. Not because I am a super woman, but because God has always been with me, Mama Mary has always been with me through prayers and praying the Rosary.

Ciao!

Last September 8, Catholic believers celebrated Mama Mary’s birthday. I wasn’t able to greet her through this so, this is my chance.

”Belated happy birthday Mama Mary!”

September 8 was not really her birthday, we just celebrate it on that day. When is her “exact birth date”? I don’t know. I am not sure if her birthday was mentioned even in the Bible. As we all know, people during her time paid no attention to women. In fact, in population statistics, only men then, are included in the count. So, I am not sure whether or not her birth date was in the Bible. Nevertheless, we love her and respect her as Jesus’ mother and as our own mother, that’s why we remember her birthday.

In line with this, Legionaries of Legion of Mary, held their Praesidium function. In my godmother’s speech during the celebration, she mentioned that the said event should always be called Praesidium function and not September function.

September 8 was a Monday and in the Legion of Mary’s handbook, it stated there that Preasidium function will be observed on a Saturday nearest, and after September 8.

Legionaries of Sto. Rosario de Pasig Parish church, celebrated Praesidium function last September 12. My youngest sister Pau and my aunt Evelyn are Legionaries. Their praesidium will present an interpretative dance.

Since it was my off from work, I volunteered to take charge of the video camera and to bring their snacks. Of course, I would really love to participate in the said event. I was an active Legionary. However, due to work schedules and some personal matters, I have not been able to attend the weekly meeting for couple of years now.

As I have mentioned, My sister choreographed the dance. Their members danced in the tune of “Mariang Ina Ko” and Heal the World. It was a very nice presentation. My sister’s concept was good. Though having a little more time of practice would make the presentation better. The celebration started with praying the rosary and of course, it ended with a closing prayer.

Attending the Praesidium function was a memorable experience for me. I know someday, I will be an active Legionary again.

Ciao!

When I received this email from my friend earlier, I told myself that it is one of the “chain emails” I usually received. I read the first line and I told myself that I have read that email before. Anyway, I did read the email though. I was right. I have read that email before. But as soon as I read the email, I started getting goosebumps.

DID YOU KNOW THESE FACTS?
I SURE DIDN’T TILL NOW..

Death is certain but the Bible speaks about untimely death!
Make a personal reflection about Very interesting, read until the end…..

It is written in the Bible (Galatians 6:7):

‘Be not deceived; God is not mocked:

for whatsoever a man sow,

that shall he also reap.’

Here are some men and women who mocked God :

John Lennon (Singer):

Some years before, during his interview with an American Magazine, he said:

‘Christianity will end, it will disappear.

I do not have to argue about

that. I am certain.

Jesus was ok, but his subjects were too simple, today we are more famous than Him’ (1966).

Lennon, after saying that the Beatles were more famous than Jesus Christ, was shot six times.

Tancredo Neves (President of Brazil ):

During the Presidential campaign, he said if he got 500,000 votes from his party, not even God would remove him from Presidency.

Sure he got the votes, but he got sick a day before being made President, then he died.

Cazuza (Bi-sexual Brazilian composer, singer and poet):

During A show in Canecio ( Rio de Janeiro ),

while smoking his cigarette, he puffed out some smoke into the air and said:‘God, that’s for you.’

He died at the age of 32 of LUNG CANCER in a horrible manner.
The man who built the Titanic

After the construction of Titanic, a reporter asked him how safe the Titanic would be.

With an ironic tone he said:

‘Not even God can sink it’

The result: I think you all know what happened to the Titanic

Marilyn Monroe (Actress)

She was visited by Billy Graham during a presentation of a show. He said the Spirit of God had sent him to preach to her. After hearing what the Preacher had to say, she said:

‘I don’t need your Jesus’.

A week later, she was found dead in her apartment

Bon Scott (Singer)

The ex-vocalist of the AC/DC. On one of his 1979 songs he sang:

‘Don’t stop me; I’m going down all the way, down the highway to hell’.

On the 19th of February 1980 , Bon Scott was found dead, he had been choked by his own vomit.

Campinas (IN 2005)

In Campinas , Brazil a group of friends, drunk, went to pick up a friend…..

The mother accompanied her to the car and was so worried about the drunkenness of her friends and she said to the daughter holding her hand, who was already seated in the car:

‘My Daughter, Go With God And May He Protect You.’

She responded: ‘Only If He (God) Travels In The Trunk, Cause Inside Here……It’s Already Full ‘

Hours later, news came by that they had been involved in a fatal accident, everyone had died,

the car could not be recognized what type of car it had been, but surprisingly, the trunk was intact.

The police said there was no way the trunk could have remained intact. To their surprise, inside the trunk was a crate of eggs, none was broken

Christine Hewitt (Jamaican Journalist and entertainer)

said the Bible (Word of God) was the worst book ever written. In June 2006 she was found burnt beyond recognition in her motor vehicle.

Many more important people have forgotten that there is no other name that was given so much authority as the name of Jesus.

Many have died, but only Jesus died and rose again, and he is still alive.

‘Jesus’

‘Lord, I love you and I need you, come into my heart, and bless me, my family, my home, and my friends, in Jesus’ name. Amen.’

And I say, AMEN..

Well, what else can I say but Happy Easter everybody!

Let us not forget to thank Jesus for everything.

Many people are now obsessed with the letter C..

Cellphone

Credit Card

Car

Chick

Cash

Career..

Today, let us reflect on the real meaning of C — Christ..

CHRIST was CRUCIFIED on the CROSS..

He redeemed us from the CURSE and saved us from hell (Gal. 3:13, 14)

By God’s COVENANT, we became joint-heirs with CHRIST in His kingdom (Ro. 8:17)

In CHRIST name, we can CRUSH the devil and CAST OUT demons! CHRIST is the CENTER of our lives. CALL upon Him!!!

I received this email today. It’s a novena prayer. I don’t think that it’s some sort of chain letters that we usually received. Well, I just posted here though it’s being asked to forward it to 20 persons. I have forwarded it to 7 and I believe that more than 20 more will be able to know about this through here.

You were chosen to receive this novena. The moment you receive it,

Say:

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

Our Father who arth 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.

GOD WANTED ME TO TELL YOU, It shall be well with you this coming year. No matter how much your enemies try this year, they will not succeed. You have been destined to make it and you shall surely achieve all your goals this year. For the year 2008, all your agonies will be diverted and victory and prosperity will be incoming in abundance. Today God has confirmed the end of your sufferings, sorrows and pain because HE that sits on the throne has remembered you. He has taken away the hardships and given you JOY. He will never let you down.

I knocked at heaven’s door this morning, God asked me… My child! What can I do for you? And I said, ‘Father, please protect and bless the person reading this message… ‘ This is a Novena from Mother Theresa that started in 1952. It has never been broken. Within 48 hours send 20 copies (Or as many as You can - God does know if you don’t have 20 people to send it to. It’s the effort and intent that counts.) to family and friends. This is a Powerful Novena. Couldn’t hurt. Can only help.

Please do not break it…

Every October 1, Catholics celebrate the feast of a notable saint, St. Therese of Liseux also known as St. Therese of the Little Flower. This saint didn’t actually die in a hard way. She died at a young age because of her poor health, while she was still a novice in the Carmelite convent.

What is so special about this saint then? Well, everything that she did, even the littlest thing, was done for the glory of God. Well, isn’t that good? In our lives, why not we start doing the same thing.

I have a little prayer that you can utter in favor of St. Therese.

Saint Therese, the Little Flower of Jesus, please pick a rose from the heavenly garden, and sent it to me with a message of love.

I beseech you to obtain for me the favors that I seek (here mention your request).

Recommend my request to Mary, Queen of Heaven, so that she may intercede for me, with you, before her Son, Jesus Christ.

If this favor is granted, I will love you more and more, and be better prepared to spend eternal happiness with you in heaven.

Saint Therese of the Little Flower, pray for me.

I checked my email this morning and I received, a “chain letter” kind of email about St. Therese. It showed the picture of the young saint, the prayer that you need to utter to obtain the wish you have and ofcourse need to pass it on to 17 more people.

St. Therese of Lisieux  is close to my heart. I have been praying her prayers for petition since I was younger. And believe it or not, I have received God’s grace with St. Therese prayers. I know, that many are not believer of saints. We do not praise saints. We respect and pay tribute to them. They are our role models, in showing great love for God. Their lives are our inspiration to face the battle and challenges of life.

St. Therese of Lisieux is also the little flower. Why? Because, even the littlest thing task, she did it with great love and offered it to God. I’m trying to research for a prayer that I used to cite then, every 11AM. It has a line that goes like, ” St. Therese of the Child Jesus, please pick me a rose from the holy garden and send it to me with love. Please obtain before God this (petition). Tell God that I will love him each day, more and more.” Simple things yet done with great love, this is what this young saint taught us.

“As a Carmelite nun she would never be able to perform great deeds. ” Love proves itself by deeds, so how am I to show my love? Great deeds are forbidden me. The only way I can prove my love is by scattering flowers and these flowers are every little sacrifice, every glance and word, and the doing of the least actions for love.” She took every chance to sacrifice, no matter how small it would seem. She smiled at the sisters she didn’t like. She ate everything she was given without complaining — so that she was often given the worst leftovers. One time she was accused of breaking a vase when she was not at fault. Instead of arguing she sank to her knees and begged forgiveness. These little sacrifices cost her more than bigger ones, for these went unrecognized by others. No one told her how wonderful she was for these little secret humiliations and good deeds.” (To know more about St. Therese, click here. For St. Therese’s prayers, go here).

“Therese’s “little way” of trusting in Jesus to make her holy and relying on small daily sacrifices instead of great deeds appealed to the thousands of Catholics and others who were trying to find holiness in ordinary lives.”

When St. Therese’s relics visited the Philippines, about 7 years ago, I, my godmother and godsister went to Antipolo cathedral to visit it. Some people may question that, but the feeling I felt during that time was unexplainable.

It is true that little things, little sacrifices, a little love can go a long long way. .

St. Therese of Lisieux

Here is the email I have received this morning:

Look at the picture; make a wish, then read the prayer.

In case you are not aware, Saint Theresa is known as the Saint of the Little Ways, meaning she believed in doing the little things in life well and with great love. She is represented by roses. May everyone who receives this message be blessed.

Theresa’s Prayer cannot be deleted. REMEMBER to make a wish before you read the prayer. That’s all you have to do. There is nothing attached. Just share this with people and see what happens on the fourth day. Sorry you have to forward the message, but try not to break this, please. (Well, I didn’t forward the message to only 17 persons. I posted it here on my blog so the whole world would know).

Prayer is one of the best free gifts we receive. Read the prayer below.

Saint Theresa’s Prayer

May today there be peace within.
May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
May you not forget the infinite possibilities s that are born of faith.
May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.
May you be content knowing you are a child of God.

Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love.
It is there for each and every one of us.

(May be said to help you find a lost article)

St. Anthony, perfect imitator of Jesus, who received from God the special power of restoring lost things, grant that I may find (name it) which has been lost. At least restore to me peace and tranquility of mind, the loss of which has afflicted me even more than my material loss. To this favor I ask another of you: that I may always remain in possession of the true good which is God. Let me rather lose all things than lose God, my supreme good. Let me never suffer the loss of my greatest treasure, eternal life with God. Amen.

(from www.overcomeproblems.com)