God's Peace

 Come Oh Holy Spirit, please fill the hearts of thy 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 the face of the earth.

** **

It has almost been a month now that I have missed writing my thoughts and reflections.

Holy Week is almost here.

Next Sunday is Palm Sunday then, the following Sunday is Easter.

In between those dates are the commemoration of the Lord's passion, death and resurrection.

I chanced upon this short Tiktok video of 21 Egyptian Coptic Christians martyred Feb.15,2015.

Spare us Oh Lord and Christian Martyrs, pray for us.

I pray especially for the Iran, US-Israel war.

20th day now.

I pray that Ukraine may be spared anymore bloodshed. It has been going on for 5 years now.

I pray for the Gaza situation.

I pray for Nigeria.

Lord Jesus, heal us, guide us and protect us.

** **

My gratitude list:

Winter is almost over. I praise and thank God that despite the very icy paths, I am able to maintain my balance walking like a penguin. Small steps. Many instances of almost slipping and falling.

The wintry, magical frosting of the trees were a sight to behold.

I now know the best conditions for this to happen, the plus and minus of the temperature needle.

When the snow melts when the temperature borders above freezing, then a sudden dip below zero with blowing snow.

Wonderland!

So beautiful!

Thank you Lord for my youngest daughter having the musical skills and talents. She made a go of auditioning for her 3rd year with The Manitoba Honour band and she made it!

Her good friend did not unfortunately. They were hoping to bond and spend time together in this in depth training.

Marcelina's audition piece was so amazing.

She is also diving deep into Badminton. Her dad is is proud and happy.

Marina on the other hand is almost done with her Professional Baking course with the Red River College.

They had a social networking event the yesterday and she was asking me for my comments on her attire.

I marvel at how much she has grown in maturity and confidence.

She is gearing up for her internship. She will soon let go of her first work from which she has gained a lot.

I made sure that her gum paste pink cherry blossoms are taking special places in our home.

Thank you Lord Jesus for Ruel's presence and support with my various projects. Let me correct that phrase, Lord's Divine Appointments, instead.

Thank You Lord Jesus for the many many times You save us from the dark pitt.

Thank You Lord Jesus for the restoration work You have started and I claim Your choicest blessings  now and always.

** **

Kerygma Daily Bible Reflection questions:

This Lent, how can you intentionally express love and gratitude to the people in your life while they are still with you?

Lord, teach me to cherish love in the present. Help me express gratitude and affection today, following the example of Your selfless and sacrificial love. Amen.

February 27,2026 TGIF

 Come Oh Holy Spirit, please fill the hearts of thy 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.

**

At 7am today, I was able to catch up in the zoom event for the Novena Prayers with Rosary for the wife of a  friend. She passed 3 days ago. 

She was dad's replacement secretary in the Bank of the Philippine Islands, Zamboanga City Main Branch.

I was perhaps between 7 to 10 years old when I got to hear her answer my calls to dad when dad' secretary would be away,

She had this very unique way of answering the phone. Very remarkable. Unforgettable.

I will always remember our telephone numbers then.

36-31

29-31

** **

Today, the blowing snow is crazily making my view of the windows, remember driving last month, with the same or more challenging road conditions. Almost zero visibility.

I wanted Ruel to share to me the dash cam recording.

Unfortunately, it was recorded over before he could do it.

Nevertheless, I praise and thank God for the grace of His guidance and protection.

It made me recall the time we travelled to Alberta, November 2022.

Thank you God for sparing us from the more than 10 car pile up of cars and big truck accidents, a domino effect near Medicine Hat, Alberta.

We missed it by a few minutes.

Praise God Alleluia!

I will never forget seeing a firetruck man being pushed my the strong winds as he attempted to walk towards us and inform us of the road detours.

I will also never forget navigating small rural roads with no street lights at all.

Thank God again and again for His light and shield of protection and guidance.

** **

Today's gospel readings remind me of the gospel readings of the Friday/weekend of Valentine's day.

It reminds us to repair broken relationships and to get rid of negative attitudes and habits.

https://kerygmafamily.com/modules/dailyreadings/read.php?date=2026-02-27

Here are the reflection questions:

How do you live out your faith in your daily life? What kind of witness do others see in you?

How can you move beyond the outward sacrifices of Lent and focus on addressing the attitudes and emotions that truly separate you from God?

My prayer:

Lord Jesus, help me especially when I struggle to walk with faith on water.

February 26,2026

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

** ** 

Good morning world!

It is another beautiful day.

Weather reports predict that soon the ice and snow will melt.

I guess, that is not applicable to Manitoba. 

Someone told me that they experienced 4 seasons in one day.

Wow!

Snow, Rain  and Summer weather with a bit of spring?

That would be something to experience.

I just re-learned about the awful flooding in Texas and the Coast Guard hero Scott Ruskin.

https://www.kcra.com/article/texas-flooding-coast-guard-state-of-the-union-award/70494903

Flash flooding that killed around 130 people and this rescuer saving 165.

Wow!

Praise God for listening to the prayers for help of those 165 people.

Seeking God's grace of surrender for those who perished.

** **

Today's Kerygma Family Catholic gospel readings remind us of the right posture of asking anything in prayer from Our Lord.

Matthew 7:7 Ask and  you shall receive, Seek and you shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto you...

But, what if one does not receive what one asks for?

God' knows best.

Last night my youngest came to me so giddy with excitement...telling me she is wanting to tell me of a project that is coming to fruition.

She asks me if I will say YES to support it.

This is the 3rd time she has come to me in this manner and with an already answered question of YES.

So, I would patiently and gently remind her I cannot do that.

I have to know all the details before I say YES.

I made two guesses which made her irritated with me.

I asked,  your crush has a crush on you too?

BIG no!

I asked again, do you now have a boyfriend?

Now, I was treading on dangerous waters.

I still proceeded with my guesses...until she left me to finish my task on hand.

** **

Was I like her when I was a teenager? 

Guess so...I just remember I need to be very patient as my parents were.

** ** 

Reflection questions:

What have you been struggling with lately? Has this brought you to the point of giving up? Or has this made you closer to God?

How can you grow in trusting God’s wisdom, even when His answers to your prayers are not what you have hoped for?

Kerygma prayers:

Lord, may I find myself and Your love for me in the process of asking and working for my intentions.

Lord, help me to trust that You know what is best, even when Your answer is different mfrom my desire. Amen.

God knows my struggles.

I surrender to His wisdom and guidance.

Thank You God the Father, God the Son Jesus Christ and God the Holy Spirit, One God in three.

EDSA People Power Revolution 40 Years Later

 Come Oh Holy Spirit, please fill the hearts of thy 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.

** **

What a beautiful morning!!!

The sun is gloriously shinning through the kitchen and dinning windows!

My pizza is almost done in the oven!

This is my 2nd attempt in making my own pizza dough without baking powder, yeast or egg.

So happy!

Last week, my Marina made her no bread crumb pandesal!

Oh it was so yummy!

Praise God for the grace to work with our hands!

Praise God for the 80% relief I am experiencing from my sciatica.

It took me a while to get up from bed though. Changing positions is still a struggle and involves a lot of pain.

But, over all, I am very happy with the recent exercise I am doing!

Praise God!!!

** **

Pizza got the passing grade from my high school freshman as she grabs a quick bite while dashing out of the back door claiming she is late for school.

yayy!!!

Mayo got a small bite too!

** **

Last night, I finally got most of the Christmas tree decors down. Hopefully by the weekend, there will be no more Christmas decors in the house.

My weekend was so full that the headache  developed  late Sunday, required me to just rest the whole of Monday and a bit of Tuesday!

** **

Took time to be updated with world news.

Praying for peace and safety of all people affected by the Cartel operations/reactions in Mexico.

Praying for all those negatively affected by the Epstein evil reign.

How true the Ghislaine Maxwell was sighted in Montreal?

Also, the growing suspicion over Erica Kirk's unfaithfulness to Charlie?

Lord knows whatever is true.

We entrust all of these disturbing news into His Hands. Trusting that He will keep all our love ones safe from the devil's tactics of manipulation, temptations,  oppression, infestations and possessions...in Jesus most might name and blood we claim.

** ***

I just learned about another death.

The numbers come in waves and batches.

Are they related to the Covid Vac?

Are these cases reactions to it?

Spare us Oh Lord Jesus Christ!

** ***

Today's Catholic Gospel Readings taken from Kerygma Family:

https://kerygmafamily.com/modules/dailyreadings/read.php?date=2026-02-25

Here is my audio recording of it:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32XsG63P6y4

____

Reflection question:

Are you learning to walk by faith, even when you don’t see clear signs or immediate answers?

***

Remembering the first People Power revolution in reaction to the death of Ninoy Aquino Jr.

40 years ago!

I was first year in college.

Yellow was the color!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dnYEJjZ5es&t=4s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6V0uDXlvcI

Monsignor Soc Villegas message today:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRADqlv6mKI

Catholic Gospel Readings for February 16,2026

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

** ***

Today's gospel readings as taken from Kerygma Family 

https://kerygmafamily.com/modules/dailyreadings/read.php?date=2026-02-16

My audio recording of it:

https://youtu.be/2ofoc_eOgVQ

** ***

Reflection question:

What are you hungry for?

** ***

I hunger for the faith and confidence of a mustard seed that as I seek my good Shepherd's hand and guidance in my life as THE WAY, THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE, I may achieve my God mission on this earth.

I hunger for a grateful heart that no matter what struggles I may face, I will remain thankful to Our Lord's generosity.

Happy Birthday Jane Steubing

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

** ***

Today is Louie Riel Holiday.

It is also my dear friend's Jane's birthday.

I will honor her with photos of her Christmas Home. This past Christmas, she admitted to going a bit low key in her decorations. She usually goes all out.

It is a marvel still to see her beautifully decorated home and eat her wonderful food for Christmas dinner.

A tradition we always look forward to each December since 2021.

I continue to pray to our Lord Jesus for her to continued blessings of good health, mental strength and her many projects this year and beyond.

Here are some photos:

Feb.10,2026

 Come Oh Holy Spirit, please fill the hearts of thy faithful, please enkindle in us 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.

** ***

Today's gospel readings as taken from Kerygma Family Daily Bible Reflections:

https://kerygmafamily.com/modules/dailyreadings/read.php?date=2026-02-10

My audio recording for added convenience:

https://youtu.be/9HDXiMqUNNQ

** **

It is my eldest sister's birthday today. She is the 2nd of 9.

I have been meaning to write about her as a way of honoring her and her presence in our life.

Her nickname is taken from her almond light brown eyes.

Her Christian name is from a saint and a flower.

I am not sure anymore of mom and dad's  reasons behind naming her.

Among all of us, she and the first born were born in Lourdes Hospital in V.Mapa, Kalentong, Mandaluyong City.

I wished that our birth certificate was similar to theirs.

They had their footprint stamped on it.

All the rest of us were born in Brent hospital along Cawa-cawa boulevard, facing the  Basilan Strait and  Sta. Cruz island, a favorite swimming destination for us with pink coral sands.

Hazel is the most fashionable and photogenic among us.

She took up Fine Arts at the College of the Holy Spirit in Mendiola.

She had loads of suitors.

She has stepped up many many times to be the best older sister to the rest of us.

I remember her taking time off work so she could accompany me to Ayala Avenue in Makati City for my interviews in the head office of Bank of the Philippine Islands.

I remember being a bit scared of riding the bus.

She would send me stuff or sew me skirts and blouses when I was in high school.

I will always treasure the Penny Loafers with Tassle I was so happy to wear for my junior and senior year in High School.

I will never forget the Pink Balloon skirt with wide pockets she sewed for me with a white blouse with  pastel colored ribbons as buttons behind it. Pink, Blue, Yellow and Lavender. I wore it to a dance presentation to the song of Cindy Lauper, She Bopped!

I remember borrowing most of her clothes.

My most favorite memory is wearing her bridesmaid gown for one debut dance I attended in the Bernad Subdivision homes.

I felt every bit a princess in that gown.

It was designed and made by Patis Tesoro.

She and I have long conversations together a lot.

Thank God for technology.

She recently accomplished something very big for our family last year.

I was telling her just last week, it was like moving heaven and earth, but, with God's extra grace, she was able to accomplish it.

Something, I would not have exceeded her excellence given the same situation.

May St. Scholastica, the sister of St Benedict, intercede for all your intentions and for your unica and husband.

May your be blessed more and more.

Sorry for sharing your photo of your flying in the skies with a glider without your permission.

I was just super happy for you.

Anyhow, thanks for  calling me out on that.

** ***

Western Mindanao State University high school (orange) uniform.

Years in Dubai.

                                                                  With her Unica Hija

                                                                          Christmas 1966

( all photos grabbed from her facebook account, still without permission! When will I learn?)

** ***
Reflection questions from Kerygma:

As you work on your interior life, focus more on the Lord rather than yourself?

What teachings and traditions of the Church distract you from remaining focused on loving Jesus and your neighbor as you love yourself?

How do you nurture your inner self?

** ***

My prayer:

Lord, Jesus Christ,  thank you for the gift of family. Thank you for the love and care we get from your through them. Thank you Lord Jesus for our parents. May your LIGHT shine upon them and may dad and mom and all our ancestor's soul's rest in peace. May your peace heal all hurts, wounds and division and may we continue to seek Your will in our lives! Grant us your graces and tender mercies to be able to fulfill them in our lifetime. Grant us also a happy, healthy senior years and a happy peaceful death when our time comes. Mama Mary, Our Lady of Lourdes, please pray for us.

Ave Maria!