Behold, the Handmaid of the Lord

 

March 25,2025

Come Oh Holy Spirit, please fill the heart of your faithful, please enkindle in us the fire of Your Divine Love, send forth your Spirit Oh Lord and it shall be created, and it shall renew the face of the earth.

** **

Today is the  Feast of the Annunciation of Mary.

Exactly 9 months from now is the birth of our Lord.

I am attempting to do an impossible challenge.

May Mama Mary, who was troubled, yet choose to obey in Faith, that nothing is impossible with  God, did not waver to follow God’s will.

An unwed mother will surely be stoned to death in their time.

And yet, she said yes:

“ Be it done unto me according to your Word.” “ Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.”

** ***

 

Is dialogue a way of life in your family, neighborhood, and community (personal and virtual)? 

Like Mama Mary, how do you make yourself ready and willing to do God’s will for you?

What is the “small” yes that the Lord is asking from you this time?

 

** **

 

My answers:

 There are many  small yeses I need to focus and decide upon, like:

1.       Yes  to intentional eating and moderate diet.

2.       Yes to sugar free drinks and focus on water more.

3.       Yes to making the best of my time and lessen time wasters like doom scrolling in the internet.

4.       Yes to the needs of my husband, daughters and  family and community.

5.       Yes to my Good Shepherd, who knows best.

 

Part of making myself ready, is to seek and continue pondering on His Word as much as possible and to get into deep prayer frequently.

 

Dialogue in a calm, patient and loving manner is still a work in progress especially in moments of conflict and contention.

 

My recent chat with some good good friends was so refreshing.

 

Thank you Nanette, Dadah and Trixie. See you again with hopefully, Viola and Mona.

 

My wonderful sisters of Singles For Christ, Fatima ( circa 1996)

 

 

 

The God of Gladness and Joy

March 24,2025

Come Oh Holy Spirit of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Come!

 

** ***

The Kerygma Family Daily Bible Reading with reflections has this question for me to ponder on:

 

Do you challenge others just to confront them, or to encourage a deeper response in faith?

First of, confrontations are quite tricky and challenging to navigate.

My youngest was just telling me of an incident that occurred April 2020 that she has not gotten over with.

I hope, my listening and her venting would slowly dissipate any lingering  unhealthiness in mind and body.

The body usually and does keep score.

Buried emotions will sooner or later erupt in many ways and unscheduled times.

So, yes, I would try to avoid confrontations and process them through writing and seeking the Sacraments.

I was just reminded recently in an activity Ruel and I attended of the V shape dialogue. Where one seats side by side in sharing thoughts and feelings as in counseling.

Face to face  facing can be more confrontational  than the V shape posture.

Also, when one invokes the presence of the Holy Spirit of  God the Father and God the son..

Peace and calm will be achieved.

I am inclined to quote the last verse of today’s first reading:

“Now I know that there is no God in all the earth, except in Israel.”2Kings 5:15

This was when Naaman, the army commander of  the King of Syria encountered the prophet Elisha in his need for healing.

Words that stand out: Israel, Syria.

I cannot help but ponder on the pictures I saw lately of those beheaded in Syria for their Christian beliefs that the mainstream media will not report on.

 My prayer:

May the blood of the Christian martyrs in Syria recently and around the world through all of history give glory to the word made flesh, Jesus.

Bless me Lord for I am a Sinner!

 Come Oh Holy Spirit, please fill the hearts of your faithful, enkindle in us the fire of your Divine Love, send forth your Spirit Oh Lord, and it shall be created, and You shall renew my mind and the rest of the world.

** ***

I woke up like 3 times this morning.

First at 12:30am to bring Mayo out for her pee.

I noticed at once the new blanket of snow.

After two weeks of  hovering above zero temperatures...we got a new salt shaken surroundings.

I guess, we will still see this until April rolls in.

Then 2:30am then 4am.

Maybe, my body is super excited for the event for today.

***

My emails show me a good piece of news I have been looking forward to.

Thank you Lord.

***

Readings for this 3rd Sunday of Lent reminds us to Repent and turn away from our sins.

Time for the sacrament of  Reconciliation to be scheduled soonest.

***

Jesus Christ of Nazareth, son of the living God, have mercy on me, a sinner

REDIRECTION FROM REJECTION

 

Come Oh Holy Spirit, please fill the heart of your faithful, please enkindle in us the fire of your Divine Love, send forth your Spirit Oh Lord, and it shall be created, and  You shall renew the face of the earth.

 

** ***

For several days now, I have been trying to shake off the awful feeling of rejection and stinging criticisms.

Today, as I start reading Kerygma Family Daily Bible  Reading and Reflections, the lay man’s reflection is all about rejection.

The first scripture reading is about Joseph, the Son of Israel, the dreamer with the colorful tunic, being rejected by his own brothers for being the youngest and the favored one.

I saw an FB post that reminded me again of being rejected by this person.

I recalled the moments I shared with this person, thinking that it would have made us closer…but, no, it didn’t.

I pray for this person T_____.

I really don’t know why it seems I have repelled you so much that I feel so much animosity from you.

Whatever it may have been, I hope you find it in your heart to forgive me and  let us move on.

I will try my best to go beyond this hurt and pain and simply keep praying for healing all around.

I offer a rosary for this today and always until the ache will be gone and  this just a dim memory.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS:

What have you contributed to the work of God’s Kingdom? What more is He asking you to do?

What “fruits” have you been offering to God after receiving manifold blessings from Him?

Prayers:

Lord, give me the eyes to see how You move in my life to turn each stumbling block into a cornerstone and my passion to Your purpose.

Thank You, dearest Lord, for protecting me through experiences of rejection and redirection in my life. Amen.

 

SURFACE OR AUTHENTIC CONVERSION?

 

Come Oh Holy Spirit, of my Lord and My Savior Jesus Christ.

I thank and praise God for His message to me today  through  Kerygma Family Daily Bible Reading and Reflection.

https://kerygmafamily.com/modules/dailyreadings/read.php?date=2025-03-14

I have been having lots of unruly thoughts again of winning and losing.

Having less and giving more.

Conversely, having more and giving less.

Reflection Questions:

Aside from fasting and abstinence, what is the Lord asking you to let go of, so you can be more compassionate and loving?

What does true conversion mean to you? How have you experienced this in your faith journey?

What is the “more” that God is asking you during this Lenten season? 

Here are more of my random thoughts:

Troubling events and words spoken against one.

Causing pain and destruction.

Broken spirit and a hurting heart.

Discouraged.

Despondent.

Almost hopeless.

I surrender them all at the foot of the cross of my Lord Jesus. who offers me comfort, solace, shield and refuge.

He heals me of my broken heart and spirit.

He replaces my shame with radiant light.

He replaces my fear with faith.

He replaces my lack with courage and boldness.

By His Most Precious blood and body, I am freed from my bondages to sadness, grief and guilt.

From all shame and condemnation.

Stress free.

Anxiety free.

I put my trust on my Lord Jesus and surrender all my troubles to Him.

I claim the Peace that only Jesus can give me.

I claim VICTORY over all of these negativity and toxicity.

I put my HOPE AND TRUST in His Divine Mercy.

He is my good Shepherd.

There is nothing I lack or want.

I have everything I need.

I surrender all the pain, the memories of hurt, the sting of criticism...I give it all up to YOU.

All the prickly thorns of betrayal, disappointments, discouragements.

Jesus binds and soothes all my wounds.

Jesus is healing my broken heart.

He erases all my scars.

He brings me out of all the dark pits I  fell into.

He is lifting me out of it all.

He is dusting off all the dirt, grime, mud  on me.

He illuminates all the dark areas of my mind, heart, body and soul.

All my moments of distress and troubles, I turn them all to Jesus.

He is my rock and my refuge.

Thanks be to God, the Father, The Son and the Holy Spirit.

Mary, the Mother of God, please cover me and my family with your blue mantle of love and protection.

Ave Maria.

Totus Tus.

ALMOST -END - OF- QUARTER NOTES

 Come Oh Holy Spirit Come!

Time management has been a challenge.

So many things to do. So depleting energy and  time.

Today's Kerygma Family Daily Reading and Reflection has  once again nourished my malnourished soul.

Autopilot mode  on manual .

Deactivation.

Pause.

Here are some of the  questions to  reflect on:

What grace do you need today?

How do you feel when God does not grant what you prayed for? 

Beautiful insights.

The challenge remains on how I can apply it to my daily grind, my struggles.

The graces I very badly need today are the following:

1. To remain Kind and Gentle and Self Controlled despite the ugliness that is thrown your way like DISRESPECT, RUDENESS and outright REJECTION.

2. Seek God's will and to align my will to His.

3.  To remain  HOPEFUL that all will be well in His most mighty name, Jesus and favor.

Father, I cannot go through life pretending I can do it myself. I rely on You alone. Save me today with Your merciful grace. Amen.

Last nights photos  & videos when we had a tour of  Ana's soon to be new school. We super enjoyed the free Slider burgers and Apple fritters with vanilla ice cream and  whipped cream.

Delightful and Fun!

February 14

 Many Remembrances of this day of hearts...

1. There was this rushed date with a relationship of 4 years...that ended in a jolt and a shock. Took me years to recover.

2. The year 2010 where I gifted myself and my love ones with the best love letter ever....an income protection investment with Eternal Plans from my very good neighbor in Wayan St. Mandaluyong.

She inspired me to be like her...a crusader for leaving testaments of love that will echo even long after one is gone.

3. Kris Aquino. Born in this day of hearts. A complex woman of contradictions and very strong convictions. I pray for her and many others who are battling very visible wars over bodily strength and resilience.

Our Lady of Lourdes, please intercede for our prayers for healing of body and soul.

4. Gudauri, Georgia 2019. The cross roads of Eastern Europe and Asia of formerly Soviet control . Paragliding in the snowy capped Caucasus mountains.  A-getting -to-know snow and winter and challenges to come as we embark in our greatest step, immigration to the great white north.

I still get nervous looking at my video. I still have guilt and worry thinking of the worst case scenario...but, our Creator is not done with our story of salvation. 

I decide to continue putting my hope in Him for protection, provision and  guidance.

"It will do us well to remember Saint Augustine who is credited to have said, “God, who created you without asking you, will not save you without asking you.” Fr. Joel Jason"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9oZZO0ozSo&t=415s&ab_channel=GoingVananas

May God be praised!

MISSION POSSIBLE AND READY

 

January 25,2025

8:23am

Come Oh Holy Spirit of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, please send me your Holy Spirit, please enkindle in me the fire of your Divine love, send forth Your Spirit Oh Lord, and it shall be created, and You Oh Lord, shall renew the face of the earth, starting with my thoughts and words and actions Oh Lord Jesus.

** ***

Today, I stood up for my morning bathroom visit at 5:46am. The pain from my over extended left knee was making me grumble and mumble arghhh ouch array ...I at once claimed and declared it is a very BEAUTIFUL DAY despite the aches and pains we encounter or have to deal with along the way.

Next week, the Chinese will be celebrating a New Lunar New Year. It coincides with Ruel and our 23rd’s wedding anniversary. January 30.

My first born is eager to prepare something for us as early as December. She reminds me also it is our dog Mayo’s 10^th bday.

(pause)

I heard our bedroom door open, and here comes the excited pitter patter of our fur baby coming to me as if she instinctively knew I was writing about her.

Many times, I have proven this is really so.

I quietly prepare for her food while busy with other tasks...food prep and all...here she would come close to me as if she was cued already.

Really! I honestly believe she reads my mind.

The other day, while we had some visitors and our conversation was getting to be more passionate and emotional...she stands infront of me, looking at me with this puppy wide eyes...” Are you okey?” and “ Do I need to bark aggressively at anyone like the postman or squirrels and bunnies in the front yard?”

Mayo is indeed a blessing. I thank God for this gift.

Ruel and I are being tested again in how we can work together and target the overcoming of another looming mountain before us.

I continue to ask for extra graces and mercies from Our Great Mighty God, who is ever true to His Promises to us of miraculous favors and magnificent blessings.

Thank you God for this blessing disguised as a challenge.

Last night, I wanted to sleep off my “ under the weather” physical symptoms...but tasks and meetings had to be accomplished.

Thank you God for the grace to be able to PUSH MYSELF a bit more beyond my limits.

After my prayer time today, here I go again writing away my worries and anxieties away.

Another blessing of grace to rest and persevere.

Thank you God.

Kerygma Gospel Questions and my reflections for today:

To whom is Jesus sending you to share the Gospel?

How will you share the Good News with this person?

The Baptism we receive is not a social function. How can we live out our call to mission?

 

My thoughts:

You, my dear reader...let me tell you first and foremost, God, Our Father Almighty, LOVES YOU.

The snow covered roof tops infront of me and behind me, as I gaze our of my east and west windows, reminds me of white icing cake.

It looks so yummy.

Also, it reminds me that no matter how bad my sins are, God, through His Son Jesus Christ, already washed it away with His most precious BLOOD, that if we believe in Him, trust in Him, we can have LIFE to the full, here on earth and in the after life.

Pure and unadulterated wiping out of our sins. Clean and renewed slate as long as we ask for His most Divine Mercy, strength and grace.

He will walk with me in my path towards His Will and holiness...which is simply also known as greatness and excellence in following the way of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

Student learning the craft of His Master.

Trainee in residence declaring :

Responsorial Psalm | Psalm 117:1, 2

R: Go out to all the world and tell the Good News.

¹ Praise the Lord, all you nations; glorify him, all you peoples! (R) ² For steadfast is his kindness toward us, and the fidelity of the Lord endures forever. (R)

January 3,2025 Gospel Reading Reflections

 Blessed, Bountiful New Year 2025!

Come Oh Most Holy Spirit, please fill the hearts of thy faithful, enkindle in us the fire of thy Divine Love, please send forth Your Holy Spirit Lord and it shall be created, and You shall renew the face of the earth.

Today's lay reflection is by Rissa Singsong Kawpeng.

She tells us of a very holy mission worker who was called to the next life after battling stage 4 cancer.

Prayers for his physical healing was not answered.

Reminds us of  God being God. He gives and He takes back on His perfect time.

Yesterday, I got two information of death of friends/relatives.

And a young  distant niece battling Meningitis.

My Father-in-law struggling with some prostate issues while in the hospital for a week now.

Lord Jesus, we continue to seek your tender Mercies and Graces, for complete and total healing of our love ones and friends as well as the eternal repose of those who passed on.

** **

Reflection questions:

What is Christian hope?

How can you be a pilgrim and ambassador of hope this new year?

** **

The reflections of Father Albert Garong SSP is very beautiful.

Please allow me to directly quote it:

Today’s readings remind us that we, Christians, walk along two timelines. For us, time is not just the forward passing of seconds (chronos), but also moments of divine opportunity, or God’s perfect timing (kairos).

“When the fullness of time had come,” says Paul in Galatians, “God sent His Son.” What is this fullness? Who can predict it? God’s time will always be a mystery to us. Such is the basis of our hope: that God has His own perfect time, which no one can predict or influence. His perfect wisdom, justice, and plans are not ours to control but ours to completely rely on, as Mary did, whose faith led her to say yes and believe that God’s timeline was more important than her own. 

As we put to action our carefully designed plans, may we look up to Mary, Mother of God and model of hope. Let us trust that whether it is the first day of the year, the middle of a difficult month, or near the end of another year where nothing seems to have gone our way, God’s interventions can happen anytime, anywhere, in ways unimagined, and always better than anything we could have anticipated. 

As we remain in God’s mysteries, we navigate life’s twists and turns, and ponder them with faith in our hearts. Like Mary and Joseph, we remain obedient to God’s commandments and stay close to the Church, so that when it is our turn to receive His invitation to what He has been preparing for us all along, we can also give our wholehearted yes. With this in our hearts and minds, Jubilee Year 2025 will surely be a pilgrimage of hope. May we radiate this hope so that others can be lifted up, too, by God’s perfect plan for them. Fr. Albert Garong, SSP

** ***

Today, I had an important Divine Appointment despite the fact that I woke up with a terrible head cold. My other plans for today were revised due to this.

I was not able to get up and prepare Ruel's lunch.

Despite the twists and turns experienced in my schedule and plans getting disrupted, I pause and  continue to pray for the wisdom of the Holy Spirit, to have the grace to put my HOPE and CONFIDENCE in God's will and direction for my life as I continue to show up as a CHILD OF LIGHT to the world.

Thank you dear God for the graces to be able to do what is expected of me today and always.

Mary, Most Holy, My Mother, continue to pray for me.

St. Joseph, terror of demons, continue to pray and protect my family and me especially in the home we call in your honor.

** ***

I found this in youtube a few minutes ago. I claim all the prayers of breaking of financial curses in my life through this prayer of this person and in Jesus most Holy Name.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHj_-iJLAFM&ab_channel=TaraMullarkey

** ***

Responsorial Psalm | Psalm 98:1, 3-4, 5-6 (or Psalm 113:1-2, 3-4, 5-6)

R: All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.

¹ Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done wondrous deeds; his right hand has won victory for him, his holy arm. (R) ³ All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation by our God. ⁴ Sing joyfully to the Lord, all you lands; break into song; sing praise. (R) ⁵ Sing praise to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and melodious song. ⁶ With trumpets and the sound of the horn sing joyfully before the King, the Lord. (R)

Alleluia Alleluia

January 2,2025 Gospel Reflections

 Blessed New Year 2025!!!

Come Oh Holy Spirit, please fill the heart of Your faithful, please enkindle in me the fire of Your Divine Love, send forth Your Spirit Oh Lord, and it shall be created, and You shall renew the face of the world, starting with my thoughts, my habits, my decisions and my life.

Last night, Ruel and I had a nice chat at bedtime.

I now beg the Lord's Mercies and graces for these intentions to come into fruition in the name of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior, and through the powerful intercession of Mary, Most Holy Mother of God.

Here are today's gospel readings reflection questions for me to ponder on:

Are your troubles making you doubt yourself?

It is important for us to reflect on what it means to "abide in Jesus" (verse 28) as we live the Christian life. We need the strength and power of Jesus and the Holy Spirit to enable us to live this way of life. When we abide in Jesus, we gain His strength. Let us pray for the grace to dwell in Him and let Him dwell in us

Do you recognize the Holy Spirit’s work in your life?

How can you surrender to Him in a deeper way?

How have you blocked the Lord’s path recently by your words and actions?

Before I proceed, please allow me to identify and thank Bo Sanchez and his various ministries especially the Kerygma Daily Bible Reflection.

I have been receiving this most regularly for more than 30 years to my email.

The format is very nice.

It starts with the reflection of Bo Sanchez ( usually the first day of the month ) and other lay missionaries. Then each reading is given a introduction. Short but ever helpful in putting you in the right context of the scripture.

Then a priest gives his thoughts on the gospel readings with the applicable short prayers and reflection questions.

I continue to pray that Bo Sanchez and his various media tools be blessed more abundantly.

** **

The first reading asks us what a LIAR or who is one?

The psalms extol God as our savior at all times and that this will be made known to the ends of the earth.

The gospel tells us about John, the Baptist cousin of Jesus, who prepared the way for His coming and work.

** **

Am I a liar?

Do I engage in lies?

** ***

First question asks me if my troubles have made me doubt myself. I'd say, my self doubt and lack of confidence has put me in some trouble.

Thus, my challenge is to seek God's will in everything I do from the moment I wake up to the time I lay my head on my pillow at night...

Focus on His will and work, and the strength to do it first and foremost and have faith and confidence that everything will fall into place as He has shown me countless of times.

** **

I may have blocked the Lord's path recently by focusing on my own wants and desires.

The solution to this is to refocus on His Will, His work first...and all will fall into place.

My prayer:

Lord Jesus Christ, God the Father and God the Holy Spirit, please continue to guide me in seeking your will in my life as a wife, mother and  business person in the market place.

I know you LOVE me so much. Thank you.

I remain and abide in your care, protection and guidance as your child.

-JMJ-

AA