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.

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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.”

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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?

 

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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!

 

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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!