Surviving the Vigan Trip

Seeing all these photos I got from Lhoraine made me realized how I endured our Vigan trip. Although my heart was aching when I left for Vigan, somehow these photos reminded me of how blessed I am to have such wonderful set of friends. Lhoraine and Bullet kept me company all throughout the trip. Jackie and Rachel had been too patient and wonderful too. I must admit I wanted to back-out then but I knew the plan will be messed up without me. These pictures revealed to me how God put angels to my life and yes, I am not alone!

The Struggle of A Lost

We are faced with so much struggles in life that we feel confused and lost. We suddenly become out of focus and deal with the problem itself than ourselves.

Yesterday, May 22, a very dear friend of mine (Lhoraine) had her left thyroid operated. I prayed so dearly to God for her and for the doctors who will perform the operation. I knew how she felt the night before the operation, the fear of not being awake after the procedure. I told her not to worry and rest assured that when she wakes up, it’s going to be a brand new life for her. I remembered her telling me once, “Nay, kaya ko yan!” (Ma, I can make it). Her strong conviction was so moving! Only those with a great heart and faith can really have that strong confidence to live!

Lhoraine had the operation at 6 in the morning. I woke up that same day and time to say a prayer for her through the intercession of St. Jude. Later that afternoon, Lhoraine sent me a message telling me she is fine and she could feel my prayers for her. I felt relieved and thankful to God for a successful procedure!

Also, yesterday, I visited a friend suffering from an ovarian cancer. It was timely that she was receiving the Holy Communion when I arrived in her house. I wanted to cry for her but it was‘nonsense’ to do because she was very calm and composed. She is very beautiful more than ever. She looked perfectly fine although I could see in her eyes what’s deep inside her! I could see the courage in her, the will to fight and the sense of hope! She told me that once her chemotherapy is over, she will join us again in our activities. I admire her for having a positive attitude despite of the adversity she is dealing right now!

When I got home, I thought of these wonderful persons. I felt sorry, not for them, but for myself! I was struggling with my own problems, feeling low about myself, and being too overwhelmed about the future. But these people are dealing with their lives one day at a time. Ever grateful each day for having a new day, a new life, a new chance, and new blessings! While, I suffered for my own troubles and trapped with the hurts of the past.

That night, I thanked God for allowing me to see these people who inspired me a lot! I read from one of my inspirational books, “thank God at all times and in all circumstances!” I asked for His forgiveness for feeling too low and for pressing myself down, hard enough, that I sometimes fail to recognize the blessings He has been giving me each day. I knew I have the faith but I didn’t live the faith in me. Now, I realized that my greatest enemy is myself.

It was hard to struggle and be lost in the process but thanks God for these people who motivate me and moved me in so many ways; how they value life and their immense faith which until this point keep them living and shining! Truly, God send people to touch our lives!

Hi4...ever

After a long while of not going out, finally I had this one rare chance! It was a momentous night (May 20) for we could be with our dear friend Mylene! We are actually 4 in the Hi4 group, Rachelle, Jackie, Mylene and I. They are my special and dear friends… my prayer partners, my confidants, my listening ears, my shoulders, and a lot more! It was April of last year when Mylene took wing and decided to work in Canada. It was a sad happening for our group knowing for a fact that we will be missing her a lot, at the same time we were happy for her luck of getting there with a better job.

The 4 of us used to get out together with some bible sharing and reflections also sharing our experiences and opinions over some issues. We were also fond of sharing our problems so that one may advise while the others listen. Mylene was the one who usually unites us together since Jackie, Rachelle, and I were busy most of the times, being in the busiest section in the office (book development dep’t). Or we just simply went out over a fine dining, laughing the night away.

Since the time Mylene went to Canada, the 3 of us left here hardly ever goes out. We were too busy with our own stuffs and had other priorities. That’s how we missed Mylene so much. She was our tie that knots us together! Being with ate Mylene again and with the rest of my girlfriends last night reminded me of how we were used to; how we used to give time for bonding and sharing despite of a hectic day work. I also realized how much time lost for us. Nevertheless, our friendship remained strong and dependable. Our being not together often didn’t cause us to break or lessen our passion for each other and desire to help every time a helping hand is needed.

We missed ate Mylene so much and she hadn’t changed. She is still very beautiful both inside and out! Too soon, she will be leaving again, probably on the first week of June. We were a lot happier this time because we knew that she is more decisive of going back to Canada and pursue her dreams! We love her so much and if there’s one thing we realized last night, that is friends will always remain friends no matter the distance, no matter what any circumstances… true friends never fade!

My Bohol Experience

So far, my Bohol trip is what I considered as the most exciting and wonderful travel of my life. I’ve been to different parts of the Philippines but Bohol is a lot lovelier than the rest that I’ve seen.

I arrived in Tagbilaran, Bohol last May 13 for the ACSCU seminar with 3 of my officemates, where we were served as the major sponsor. The venue was held at the Bohol Tropics. It was such a beautiful place. The weather was so supportive because it didn’t rain during our 3-days stay! We stayed at Metro Centre Hotel, also one of the finest hotels in Bohol.

First things first! We visited the antique church of Baclayon (Immaculate Concepcion of Baclayon). I was so captivated with its historic façade and structure. Really, it’s very amazing. Built in 1500s and is one of the oldest coral stone churches in the region. I was able to take few shots of its interior. Too sad, cameras are not allowed inside their museum. You can really appreciate the aged furniture and other sacred materials used during the Hispanic times. Most of the old churches in Bohol have ‘pulpito’ or pulpit. A pulpit is a small elevated platform from which a member of the clergy delivers a sermon in a house of worship. This traditional structure was used during the Spanish colonization in our country. I was really amazed and very thankful to God for having seen that wonderful church!

Among the wonderful sites I’ve seen in Bohol are Panglao Nature Resort, Hinagdanan Cave, Man-made Mahogany Forest, Chocolate Hills, Loboc Church of San Pedro and museum, Loboc River Floating Restaurant Cruise, Tarsier sanctuary, and Albor where the largest phyton in captivity, Prony, can be seen!

All those sites offered different admiration to me. The man made forest is really amazing! The chocolate hills are so stunning and surely one of God’s miracles on earth! The tarsiers are cute, I love them! My experience of Loboc River cruise is also memorable. Most especially, I was astonished by the sight of Loboc Church. Just the same with Baclayon, it is the second oldest church in Bohol. It was built in the 1600s. The interior walls, floorings, furniture, images, confessional boxes, other sacred materials were all well-preserved. We also saw its seminary (about 400 years old) on the second floor. It gave me a chill realizing how many priests ever trained and lived in that holy church. Inside the church is the beautiful, life-sized image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and has been known to have performed a lot of miracles. Many petitioners keep on coming back, giving her new clothes. A lot of answered prayers happened through her intercession, so I made sure that I have also prayed for mine.

I thanked God for having been to Bohol. It used to be one of my dream adventures and finally it came true! My heart was overwhelmed with praises and gladness and I could still feel the hang-over of Bohol! If God’s will, I hope to be back in Bohol someday. Bohol is definitely a breathtaking and lovely place!

My Life Statement

I will go through this life only once,
and I shall have but one chance to live;

Not all people will like me,

others may even despise me,

as I may not be easily understood;

Yet I will take this chance to live,

and I will reach out in ways I know;

I will love those whom I can,

and I will strive to understand them more;

Not all days will bring me sunshine,

so I will rejoice also for the rain;

Not every endeavor will be a success,

but I will savor the victories I achieve;

Not all dreams I dream will be mine,

but in time new dreams will fill my heart,

and as from a star those hopes will propel me forward

doing everything the best way I know I can;

No fear shall trample me whatsoever,

though some tasks seem to outweigh my strength;

I will only do what I have to do,

and God will take care of the rest!

Contentment

I am very thankful to God coz I am slowly going back to my old self. I have more time with myself and with Him. I am thankful because I was able to regain my habit of going to the adoration chapel like I used to only that I decided to change my adoration day. It used to be every Wednesdays, but I chose to change it to Monday; primarily because it is good to start the week with that.

I am quite slow in recovering but I know God will lead me there one day at a time. I know there are still a lot of challenges along the way but it is comforting to know that I will never be alone, He will always be there for me.

If there's one that I learned from the past days, that is the value of contentment.

One of the great mysteries of Christianity is contentment. At least one must presume it is a mystery, because so few people live it. Yet contentment is not something that's found; it is an attitude.

Contentment is an attitude of the heart. I believe that contentment does not mean being satisfied where you are, rather knowing God's plan for your life. It is very hard to be contented with the things we have maybe because of a faerful spirit. We should stand up to our fear and trust God that He will provide us the things we need and our heart's desires. He may not give it at once, but He has the proper timing when to answer our needs - and in that contentment there is truth, the joy of contentment without the pleasure of satisfaction.

For now, I just wanted to live my life one day at a time, keeping in mind to live not only for myself but for others. I should be strong for the people around me who love me

"The heart DECIDES and what it decides is all that really MATTERS"

We are Called

Vocation Prayer for Discernment

God, I know You love me and have great plans for me. But sometimes I am overwhelmed by the thought of my future. Show me how to walk forward one day at a time.May I take heart while I search openly, learn about all the choices, listen to others for advice, and pay attention to my own feelings. By doing these things, may I hear your call to a lifestyle and a career that will let me love as only I can, and let me serve others with the special gifts that You have given me. Amen.

To Know One’s Vocation

Lord, my God and my loving Father,You have made me to know You, to love You, to serve You,and thereby to find and to fulfill myself.I know that You are in all things,and that every path can lead me to You.But of them all, there is one especiallyby which You want me to come to You.Since I will do what You want of me,I pray You, send your Holy Spirit to me: into my mind,to show me what You want of me; into my heart,to give me the determination to do it,and to do it with all my love, with all my mind,and with all my strength right to the end.Amen.

I just got these beautiful prayers for vocation. We are all called to live according to our vocation; some were called to a religious life, some to become single blessed, and some are called to married and family life. Whatever vocation we are called to, they all serve as blessings from God. We need not be perfect in living up with our vocation, but at least faithful enough in whatever vocation is given to us.

Messages...

My dad sent me a message saying “Avoid doing bad things, be good and don’t forget to pray always.” I was moved with his message; simple yet very motivating. It was a very timely message from my dad. I just felt very lucky to have my parents raised me into what I am right now. My dad is turning 70 this may 31. I wish I could give him something special for his birthday. I remember telling him that I’m going to give him 8 grand kiddies… hahaha, and he told me that I should better start now. I guess my dad knows how I love him and my mom so much and that’s what matters most.

Also, I received another message from my college best friend, Shely, asking “why do good people suffer and the bad ones easily walks and gets away from the troubles they made and the good ones are left suffering from the loss?” whew, quite a tough question it is. I mused for a while and thought that good or bad ones are not spared from being hurt. I guess it’s not about who suffers and who gets away, but our capacity to forgive amidst soreness. Life sometimes requires us to get out of our comfort zones and accept hardships as pathway to peace. Most of all, God wants us to help ourselves, more than anything else, so we can extend the same with others who need our comfort.

Hmm… I wonder what message am going to receive next...

Life Is Short

I woke up this morning feeling quite better. I thanked God for another day of my life and promised myself to have in mind all but beautiful things around me. How could I forget all the wonderful things in my life; my family, my friends, the people around me, my work, my everyday experiences? I told myself that I should welcome new opportunities instead. It surprised me when I saw my recollection notebook where I found a piece of paper we used during that day. We placed a piece of paper at our back and people will start writing their impressions about you. Plus, I saw other set of letters I received that day expressing their sentiments about you. It made me feel good to read their feelings about me. How could I forget those wonderful words I received from them? It was very comforting and encouraging to know that people appreciate you for what you are.

It’s true that we cannot satisfy everybody and some may make you feel cold and senseless but what’s important is the sincerity of our dealings with others. We cannot expect others to treat us the same as we treat them but life is all about doing good with other people no matter how they have hurt you. I know God has placed me in a situation where I could reflect more about myself; how was I during the last 29 years of my life? It’s very heartening that no matter how I feel alone, there is someone UP there who listens and cares so much. I know God wants me to be more trusting and I feel sorry for losing confidence especially when I am hard-pressed with my emotions. I know everyday He is giving me the reason to appreciate LIFE and day after day, He’s giving me the chance to make things better. Everyday offers a new hope and it is up to us how we live our day.

The most tiring thing to do?
–to think.
The most expensive?
–smile.
The hardest to regain?
–trust.
The most painful?
–loss
The easiest escape?
–to pretend.
The most challenging?
–to move on.
The bravest thing to do?
–to love.
The most effective solution?
–to pray.


"What’s MEANT to be will always FIND its WAY."

My Vigan Outing

I just got back from Vigan outing last April 30-May2. It was a long-awaited get-away and was supposed to the happiest outing of my life, but it turned the other way around. I left for Vigan with a heavy heart. I didn’t know how I was able to last the trip. The SERENITY prayer helped me endured the entire outing. As how the prayer goes… “GOD, GRANT ME THE SERENTIY TO ACCEPT THE THINGS I CANNOT CHANGE, THE COURAGE TO CHANGE THE THINGS I CAN AND THE WISDOM TO KNOW THE DIFFERENCE.” I kept on repeating those lines in my head to gather some strength from it.

I remembered how I planned the outing well and was too excited about it. It was planned long ahead and I just couldn’t mess it up by backing out so I tried so hard to pull my knees to get there. I felt too much pain and even made me cry watching my friends having fun with their own stuffs. I couldn’t imagine how I would keep up until the very last day.

I tried to isolate myself from the group since they have their own agenda and company. I spent most of my time visiting the old/ antique churches of the town. I was just glad Lhoraine and Bullet kept me company though I knew they were aware about my state of being. My emotions were too contagious, that’s why I also gave them the time to be together alone, so I wouldn’t spoil their being together.

I only had a few shots with a forced smile on my face. I thought to myself, I wish I just could leave everything there and true enough, I left a part of my heart in Vigan with a promise that someday I’ll be back to appreciate the place and the experience.

When it’s time to pack-up, I exhaled heavily telling myself that I have survived the outing… I have survived the pain. It was hard to be there and pretend to be happy when in fact I was suffering inside. I was deafened with the sound of my own emotions. Nevertheless, it taught me to be more patient and more trusting to God; that whatever situation I am into, He will always be there to provide me strength and courage.

Next week, I will be in Bohol for a 3-day seminar (May 13-15). Sometimes, it helps to be away and be busy with something else. Somehow, it diverts my mind and turns sorrows into labor of love. I am praying and hoping that one day, I could write betters and happier thoughts here. Soon, I could get back on my feet, hopefully with the same old smile on my face, but with a bigger heart and a stronger soul.

"How I wish that I might have what I asked for and that God would give me what I hoped for. How I wish God would crush me and reach out his hands to destroy me. Then I would have this comfort and be glad even in this unending pain, because I would know I did not reject the words of the Holy One." - Job 6:8-10