Tomorrow is Never Promised

 Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and enkindle in them the fire of your love.

Lead: Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created.
Response: And you shall renew the face of the earth.

Let us pray. O God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant us in the same Spirit to be truly wise and ever to rejoice in His consolation. Through Christ our Lord. Amen

** ***

Hi!

Welcome back to my blog!

Did I have a total rest this past weekend?

Not as much as I had wanted.

Ruel and I spent  driving the girls from one event/appointment to the other.

We got stuck for almost 20 minutes in the train crossing.

The train was moving in a snail pace and it was such a long row of cars!

Lilli was late for her 330pm appointment .

Mari did not bring her car to her to place of work since parking is quite expensive downtown.

Praise God, we were able to pray the rosary together as a family last Saturday and Sunday.

I miss praying with them during the evenings of the week.

Praise God just the same.

***

I  received a compliment from someone recently for my penned words.

He calls me a " wordslinger!"

Thank you and advance Happy Birthday to you and your unica hija very soon.

I also would like to honor you for being such a great big brother to your siblings!

May God continue to bless you more and more.

** **

There are times I am not able to receive such recognition with grace.

I still cringe and try to nit-pick on my imperfections...which I do not edit sometimes to remind me that perfection can only be achieved in union with my Maker.

His sent Advocate.

His Paraclete.

** ***

The sun was shining all throughout the weekend that I finally we were able to do our fall shoot in the nearby Assiniboine Forest, a project of Rotary Intl, it's guardians.

Additional photos for posterity to be shared.

** **

Today's Kerygyma Family Daily Bible Reflection

https://kerygmafamily.com/modules/dailyreadings/read.php?date=2026-10-19

What sacrifice are you being called to make to bring healing in your family?

How have you lived your life up to today? Do you dwell more on the past or  worry much about the future?   

Some thoughts :

I just learned of another tragic death.

This time of a priest celebrating  Oct 17 evening mass in a church somewhere in Ecuador.

After giving a homily on  death being a surprise...the big crucifix behind him falls on his head much to the shock and horror of the mass goers.

A few October 8, a  34 year old part time construction worker died in The Fairmont Hotel renovation project, died when a big portion of the wall they were working on fell on him.

His name was John Cabanliza.

As a Legion of Mary, we were asked to conduct prayers for him.

Goodness graciousness!!

Lord Jesus, through St Joseph, the patron of workers and good death, please help us always be ready to meet you at our last breath when it is time.

May all the things we value and given service and time to, be received together with our soul into your LIGHT and Mercy.

Spare us, if you will, by Your most precious blood and name, the scourge of a painful, tragic death through accidents, long lingering illness etc etc.

Grant us a peaceful and joyful one instead...

Thank You Lord Jesus.

** ***

More photos of Thanksgiving Weekend:

Painting done October 11 while eating french fries and listening to music.

Lemons by Lilli, Sinigang ingredients by Mari, Papaya by Ruel and oranges by me.

Halloween costume for Mayo in Hotdog and mustard!!!

Fall wreath Mari and I prepared.

Thanskgiving brunch lovingly prepared by me!

Mari's Tiramisu for Sunday lunch.

Fall photo shoot Oct 18 2026

“Never measure your generosity by what you give, but rather, with what you have left.” (Blessed Fulton Sheen)

16 on 16th

 Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and enkindle in them the fire of your love.

Lead: Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created.
Response: And you shall renew the face of the earth.

Let us pray. O God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant us in the same Spirit to be truly wise and ever to rejoice in His consolation. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

** ***

I just learned about an 80+ year old man named Oscar who is sick and needs prayers.

Early this morning, I woke up  also thinking about my dad and how old exactly he died.

With counting fingers I re-learned he was 82 in 2015. He was born 1932.

Oscar on the other hand was born 1945.

The tail end of World War 2.

I met Oscar in  my final interview for a job as a teller with Bank of the Philippine Islands.

He asked me why I did not mention in the interview process that my dad was with BPI before and they had a special accommodations for children of employees.

Dad worked a total of 25+ years with the company.

Through various mergers and acquisitions.

I replied that I wanted to find out if I could make it without the help of that benefit.

I saw him twice later on in my almost 4 year stint with the bank.

I represented our branch in the CBA or collective bargaining agreement rounds.

It was in Davao Apo View Hotel.

He commended me for the diplomacy I employed in asking for our concerns.

The other representatives started to send me their concerns so I could voice them during the negotiations.

Tact and gentleness almost always trumps entitlement.

Give me ! Give me! Now!

Something I should remind myself again and again.

I dont know if you guys noted in my previous blog that I was at a fork in the road recently.

And yes, I have walked a quarter of a mile in it so to speak.

I hope and pray that God blesses me to reach the finish line.

In Jesus with Mother Mary's powerful intercession, I place my hope.

** ***

This weekend hopefully I can just sleep in.

Rest and recover!

Re-charge depleted reserves.

In Jesus name I pray and claim.

Thank  You Lord Jesus.

*** ***

Canadian Thanksgiving Weekend was divine for me.

Saturday, Oct 10 was so busy.

Sunday, October 11 was moderately calm.

Monday, October 12, was precious moments with the whole family.

Here are some photos:

Lilac bush turning burgundy,,,

Rosary Rally at Petrus Hall Grotto 

October 10,2026

Early morning chat with next door neighbor Gord and enjoying the colors of the trees around.

bro Rod and sis MaryJane picking up the image of  the Divine Mercy which was with us for two weeks.

Tiramisu and bananas on banana bread/pudding sliced like a pizza! Thanks to Ruel and Marina.

October 11 lunch.

TO BE CONTINUED TOMORROW.

Thank God it's Friday.

** ***

Kerygma Family Daily Reflection for today...

https://kerygmafamily.com/modules/dailyreadings/read.php?date=2026-10-16

What and who do you value most in life? Why?

Come, Holy Spirit, fill my mind, heart, and soul with Your presence. Fill me with Your love that I may be purified and sanctified. Amen

The Lord's Prayer and the sisters Mary and Martha

 Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and enkindle in them the fire of your love.

Lead: Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created.
Response: And you shall renew the face of the earth.

Let us pray. O God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant us in the same Spirit to be truly wise and ever to rejoice in His consolation. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

** ***

Today's gospel readings and reflections from Kerygma Family:

https://kerygmafamily.com/modules/dailyreadings/read.php?date=2026-10-06

The gospel tells about the sisters Mary and Martha, and who Jesus thinks chose the better posture.

This morning I was like a Martha to my youngest. Reminding her of her unfinished tasks and her management of time.

I hope she gets the message more than the manner of communication.

I am not proud of losing my cool.

So, to answer the question by the lay person's reflection:

Can you say that others praise God because of the transformation ongoing in your life?

I think, my daughter just hears it all noise.

Not enough to Praise God for a transformed mom who corrects with love.

I do most with a lot of angst and anxiety.

My  trip last Wednesday to St Edward Church has to be repeated asap.

** ***

Lord, I come into your presence, praying the prayer you taught us...

Our Father, who art in heaven.

Holy be Your Name. Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.

Please do not bring us to the test.

Deliver us from  evil. Amen.

Job and Mental Health

 Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and enkindle in them the fire of your love.

Lead: Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created.
Response: And you shall renew the face of the earth.

Let us pray. O God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant us in the same Spirit to be truly wise and ever to rejoice in His consolation. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

** ***

What Job went through made him a very good candidate for mental health issues.

He could have taken his own life.

He could have become despondent.

But, God in His graciousness and goodness sent Job comfort and consolation at the time of almost breaking point.

The struggle is indeed real when one looks around.

But, the best posture still is to look at God, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit and remember the many times Providence intervenes.

Also, when angels minister to us.

Today is the feast of the Holy Guardian Angels.

They always guard us and they always gaze upon the heavenly face of God.

I praise Him for sending me angels all around that light the spark, fan the flame of God's light in the darkness one has to go through, now and then.

** ***

Mental health and humility.

Lowly versus the lofty.

The menial versus the high stature.

If one thinks he is humble, he is not.

So, what is true and healthy humility?

So far, the best definition for me is the vantage of me being a creature of a mighty magnificent Creator.

A great master designer who has a plan for me.

Orienting one self toward that direction is a step towards true humility.

We are a single thread, in the quilt of humanity.

One has to know and play that part not thinking that he is the best in comparison to others...we are all best in the knowledge that we are all created wonderfully made.

Although babies are already created in petri dishes...still, no one can make or create a single cell.

** **

Oh and by the way, one should not look down on others going through mental health challenges.

All of us will go through our testing of fire to see what is genuine in us.

Are we pure gold or counterfeit?

Impurities should fall away in the painful process.

What should be left is unadulterated regard of one's nothingness in the face of God's greatness.

** ***

Today's Kerygma Family Daily Bible Reflections:

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

Reflection questions:

What attributes of a child do you need to imbibe more?

What parts of your life make you forget how much you depend on God? How can you become more humble and secure in your trust in Him?

Prayer:

Dear God, teach me to trust in You. When overwhelmed with problems, may I rely on You and lean not on my own understanding. 

Teach me to be humble and simple like You, Jesus. Amen

Christmas Carols in September

 Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and enkindle in them the fire of your love.

Lead: Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created.
Response: And you shall renew the face of the earth.

Let us pray. O God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant us in the same Spirit to be truly wise and ever to rejoice in His consolation. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

** ***

Hi there my dear reader!

How are things going for you?

Well, I hope that by reading my thoughts and words...you will find the treasure that cannot be stolen.

God!

A three letter word.

Three divine persons in one.

God the Father, the Son Jesus Christ and God, the Holy Spirit.

** **

Today's first reading is from the book of Job.

https://kerygmafamily.com/modules/dailyreadings/read.php?date=2026-09-30

It is common knowledge for us in the Christian world to attach the name JOB to total surrender and reliance on God.

Even through very harsh testing, Job remained steadfast and faithful.

No easy feat!

God will sustain! One has just to hold on and ride the storms of life.

*** **

Yesterday, I heard Christian Christmas Carols being played.

For a moment, I had to double check, am I back in the Philippines?

Yes, as soon as the Ber months hit, people start decorating for Christmas and  Christmas music are being played in homes and radio stations.

Then, someone jolted me back to reality with a query of who was the culprit?

The person asking was clearly disturbed and offended.

** ***

Today, Canada commemorates Orange Shirt Day in memory of  "children" who were supposed to have gone missing and presumed killed in residential schools here back in the day.

The question begs to be asked, where are these mass graves?

Counter media have proven it false.

Main stream media will not air this discovery.

I do remember listening to the radio stations in 2020 and 2021 during the pandemic declare the Catholic Church as bad since it was supposed to be blamed.

Hearing it announced that way was very disturbing.

Persecution is real.

What do we do?

Hold your ground.

Remain steadfast.

Our leader was spat at and mocked and ultimately crucified.

We know the job description.

With awareness comes surrender and continued dependence on He who is our treasure...that once found....we will always value.

I continue to ask for the grace and tender mercies that He can provide.

** ***

Yesterday at my physio, I marveled at their wide and high glass windows, that even when you are laying down, You can see almost 85% view of the beautiful blue skies and white clouds.

It was so refreshing!

I remembered our apartment window in i-3 RSG Townhomes, Calbayog St. Mandaluyong , Metro Manila.

Was a fresh graduate and was starting my career in the Bank of the Philippine Islands.

I joined my siblings there.

The firewall beside our unit would block most of the sky.

Krysty, my therapist said, that their previous location did not give them much good views.

Thank God for  wonderful architecture and  building designs that give you more vantage of God's wonderful creations in nature.

** ***

Today's reflection questions:

What past memories hinder you from doing your God-given mission? How do you fight the temptation to go back to your old life?

Father Joel O. Jason assures as through these words:

Don’t be afraid to surrender to God. Even when He seems to take away, He is actually giving us more.

“Only Thy grace, Thy love on me bestow, these make me rich, all else will I forego.” Amen.

** ***

Thank You Lord  Jesus for blessing me beyond my expectation with a beautiful September!!!

Mama Mary, please continue to intercede for us.

Our Lady of the Pillar ( Oct 12 Feast) pray for us.

Ave Maria Madre de Dios!

What kind of seed are you?

 Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and enkindle in them the fire of your love.

Lead: Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created.
Response: And you shall renew the face of the earth.

Let us pray. O God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant us in the same Spirit to be truly wise and ever to rejoice in His consolation. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

** ***

As I started to do my prayer time, I suddenly remembered my cousin's daughter. I made inquiries on her.

No new updates.

Whatever her situation is right now, I pray for her. Lord Jesus, please cover my niece with Your most precious blood. Grant her healing and restore to her great health of mind and body. May her daughters have the grace to help her achieve wholeness. Mama Mary, please intercede for the intentions of this family. Ave Maria.

** ***

Mari and Lilli are in St. Malo for a weekend retreat. 

The crows had to be fed. I enjoyed doing it.

I remember a neighbor here in Bruce st. who loves black crows. Dottie paints and creates with crow as her theme.

I found it odd, but now, I am feeding them.

One crow tries to grab as many peanuts as much as it's beak can hold.

It looks funny having 2 peanuts shells in it's bite.

Anyhow, I enjoyed the small task.

Thank God for Ruel's light massage, my back feels so good this morniing.

** ***

Here is Kerygma Family Daily Reading/Reflections for today:

https://kerygmafamily.com/modules/dailyreadings/read.php?date=2026-09-19 

Jon Escoto asks and prays:

Are you writing yourself off too? Are you losing hope in yourself? Don’t. The seed is still alive. It may just be taking longer than you expected.

Father Joel Jason asks and prays:

Saint Jerome, the Catholic saint who translated the Bible from Greek to Latin, said, “Ignorance of the Scriptures is ignorance of Christ.” How well do you know the Scriptures? That will determine how much you know Christ.

Lord Jesus, You feed us with the Word and the sacraments. Rekindle our passion for .knowing You in Your Word. Amen.

** ***

May I bear the fruits of  patience, kindness, gentleness and self control as a sign of my love for my husband, my daughters and my family and friends in Jesus most mighty name.

Maturity

 Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and enkindle in them the fire of your love.

Lead: Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created.
Response: And you shall renew the face of the earth.

Let us pray. O God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant us in the same Spirit to be truly wise and ever to rejoice in His consolation. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

** ***

For some reason I pressed a wrong button on my laptop and was led to Gen. Douglas MacArthur's prayer for a his son.

I have a similar prayer framed downstairs in the basement wall.

I made it into a bookmark giveaway for Lilli's baptism.

The words of this prayer I was led curiously to seek just now are very similar to the one I have and is also attributed to the general.

But, reflecting on today's first reading, which is also called the Hymn of Love by St. Paul, is quite inspiring.

If one can move mountains and yet have no love...you are nothing.

If you are like a cymbal, creating a clashing noise, and yet without love...it is all useless.

Love indeed is the be all and end of all.

** ***

Today, I stand in another cross roads for my life.

One if I continue will have some weird and negative comments from people around just like  from someone close to me.

But, it is something I have to do, not 100% what I want to do.

I guess, that is part of being an adult...the path of self actualization is long and winding.

Before we achieve them, we have to conquer ourselves first.

*** ***

Today's Kerygma Daily Bible Reflections:

https://kerygmafamily.com/modules/dailyreadings/read.php?date=2026-09-16

The guide questions:

What are the benefits you receive from being a disciple of Jesus? How do you share these benefits with others?

Has your heart been hardened? Has your neck been stiffened? 

Is your love mature? What “childish things” do you need to put away? 

** ***

Last weekend was give away weekend here in Winnipeg.

It is done twice a year.

One in spring and the next is in fall.

When Marina announced it, I was nonchalant about it since one part of the basement is still in disarray.

I have not got to putting it back in order.

Ruel is still busy with passing a course that he is not able to remove the big dry wall panel and many other construction materials in one side of the basement.

And, he also has parroted  to me when I am protesting anymore potted plants which he is eager to bring in.

Enough stuff!

But somehow, when he picked me up from St. Ann church last Sunday, I saw someone bring out a small round table and two chairs, I said, maybe, that is the laptop table I need.

Ruel had to go to bring Mari's car to the repair shop and said, he could not drive for me.

I was about to get into a petulant childish mode.

But, when he came home an hour or so later, he said, he could drive for me.

When we returned to Ferry road, it turns out it was not for giveaway, the person was just dusting off something from the table, that is why he brought it along the sidewalk. His small round table with two chairs in stripped canvas was back in their small porch.

So instead, we went around the neighborhood and found two wonderful treasures.

So, now, as I write, my laptop is perched happily on a pedestal wine rack.

So happy!!!!

And my orchids have a new shelf with nice bamboo slats.

So happy!!!

Thank you Lord for small answered prayers.

Thank you as well for big miracles!!!

Alleluia!

Alleluia!

The plan is for me to buy a wine bottle each month in honor of my siblings!!!

Not much of a collector...but for some reason, I want to remember them this way.

Hahah...useless folly?

Meaningful remembrance?

Lord knows my heart.

*** ***

A Father Prayer by General Douglas MacArthur (May 1952)

Build me a son, O Lord, who will be strong enough to know when he is weak, and brave enough to face himself when he is afraid; one who will be proud and unbending in honest defeat, and humble and gentle in victory.

Build me a son whose wishbone will not be where his backbone should be; a son who will know Thee ?and that to know himself is the foundation stone of knowledge.

Lead him I pray, not in the path of ease and comfort, but under the stress and spur of difficulties and challenge. Here let him learn to stand up in the storm; here let him learn compassion for those who fail.

Build me a son whose heart will be clear, whose goal will be high; a son who will master himself before he seeks to master other men; one who will learn to laugh, yet never forget how to weep; one who will reach into the future, yet never forget the past.

And after all these things are his, add, I pray, enough of a sense of humor, so that he may always be serious, yet never take himself too seriously. Give him humility, so that he may always remember the simplicity of true greatness, the open mind of true wisdom, the meekness of true strength.

Then, I, his father, will dare to whisper, have not lived in vain.