Thursday, May 21, 2026

May 21,2026 Thursday

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

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Today, the skies are less gloomy. They are overcast though...but the brightness of the sun is shining through.

Soon, it will be time for the first lawn mowing of the season.

I hope I was able to grab the give-away wooden shelf for garden flowers left at the parking area of Canadian Tire in UniCity.

Mari and I chanced upon them after coming from Costco yesterday. I met a lady named Amber who parked beside us in her Ford Ranger and claimed one.

I dont have the chance to check on it today. So many things in my plate.

The lull before the whirlwind.

Last night, my youngest had her Sturgeon Heights Collegiate school band concert. I finally was able to meet her music teacher Ms Luff. I missed the chance during the MBA Manitoba Band Association Honor Band Concert last May 4,2026 at Maples Colegiate.

My Ana and another Freshman student was asked to pitch in in the percussion department of the band for the Senior years.

Her music sheet folder was taken by mistake by another student so she was left with no music sheet for the final piece which has her solo as music box on the bells.

She was so anxious. 

I was so oblivious to drama that was unfolding.

The person who took her folder by mistake returned it with all the music sheets jumbled and she learned too late that one was missing.

I just learned about it this morning.

Thank God I was spared the stress.

Perhap Ruel saw everything since he was in the bleachers .

Well...Ana is now staying home with a slight fever.

She had so many activities during the weekend with the Youth Camp she supported. So, a lot of uncomfortable sleeping in tents and thin roll out camping bed and the weather was super cold.

She is getting a lot of tender loving care from me now.

** ***

Today's reading is quite circular and full of emphasis.

Paul was boldly preaching the word and works of Jesus despite the threat of bodily harm.

Jesus emphasized that He and the Father are one.

Taken at face value, it is very clear and  specific...so, why do we doubt? Deny this claim?

** **

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u86DCnO2kuk

The gospel readings from Kerygma.

My reading of it for easy absorption and reflection.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u86DCnO2kuk

** ***

The challenge to share Jesus to a world steeped in pain, confusion and brokeness.

Holy Spirit come.

Holy Spirit do your powerful work.

Mama Mary, help us.

St Joseph, pray for us.



Saturday, May 16, 2026

Ask, Seek, Knock!

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

** ***

Weather this morning is cold. Wind chill is freezing but the digital thermometer tells me it is only 2*C.

I had to put a  fuschia pink scarf around my neck to keep me warm.

The past week, the skies were dark and grey with so much dusts.

Wind was strong and made eerie sounds.

Praise God for the occasional sun streaking down, bathing everything in golden light.

I bask in these precious moments.

** ***

I was not able to write my blog consistently this week.

Praise God for the grace to do it this morning.

** **

Kerygma family daily reading for today:

https://kerygmafamily.com/modules/dailyreadings/read.php?date=2026-05-16

The gospel reading for today reminds us of  God telling us to Ask Him anything in His most mighty name, He will grant, so that our joy will be complete.

But, why are some prayers not answered?

This week, a little girl that has grown close to me lately is asking that same question, why her dad, left them again for the 3rd time in 2 months in favor of another woman and the woman's son.

They are once again left high and dry to pick up the pieces of their selves. Stop asking the questions that remain unanswered...and to re-focus on healing and loving themselves.

The weather has definitely mimicked the gloom and doom of this situation.

I am most tempted to really be angry at this straying, lost and unfaithful husband and dad.

Lord, have mercy.

Christ, hear us.

Jesus, graciously answer our prayers.

** **

Lord, continue to make known to us Your Holy Will. Comfort us with Your loving presence...Lord Jesus, grant us your mercy and consolation. I continue to pray for straying husbands and their hurting wives and families. In  Your most mighty name Oh Lord Jesus, I cast out, I reject, I renounce  all Jezebel spirits tempting these weakened men to lose control . Mama Mary, please continue to cover these broken families in your maternal care and pray for all of us.

Ave Maria.

 

Friday, May 8, 2026

I am a Friend of God

 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.

** **

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UI0cgUKMqRs


I have been playing this song on loop for an hour now as I go about here and there and everywhere.

I hope to be able to finish this blog/gospel reflection before anything else.

I so do love the above song. I remembered it upon reading the gospel for today.

The gospel command: Love One Another..was also the one we heard in the holy mass when I gave my first yes to Ruel many many years ago...

I praise and thank God for the grace to be able to do that...not always...but awkwardly...begrudgingly at times, or most of the time?..but for the past 24 years.

Thank You Mama Mary for the powerful intercession for this singular reason...to be committed to our vow to love and cherish till death...

Not debt.

Not to love another one....

Especially when loving Ruel was getting to be challenging...and he has become an enemy in most decision making processes.

Praise God for the grace.

He who is the author of the institution of marriage.

He who establish it...has given us the grace.

Praise God Alleluia!

Ave Maria.


Wednesday, May 6, 2026

Merry Month of Mother Mary

 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.


** **

This morning and yesterday  is what my daughters and I would call, Crash Landing on You kind of a day.

Big snow flurries.

Visions of Yun Seri and Captain Ri Jeong Hyeok walking with their thick coats while the snow was falling on them so romantically!!!!

Swoon time!

After last Sunday's noon day double digit summer heat, the snow is upon us again.

You can just imagine our dismay, seeing our garage roof covered in white!

But, again, you try to quickly recalibrate and not allow the doom and gloom get the better of you.

***

My first born celebrated a birthday yesterday.

She just pops out of her door just a second ago informing me of her phone conversation.

Yes!!!

I love her french macarons too.

She promised her 10am appointment that she would bake her those heavenly delicacy when they meet.

Mari had some friends over yesterday.

My cooking skills were put to a test again.

I prepared, lumpia shanghai, corn with malunggay soup, pork liempo, chicken adobo, salted egg salad and the star of the show, my banana turon!!!

By 4th hour of food prep, I could barely walk.

My back was giving me problems again!!!

I just finished talking to my GP's secretary about it.

Goodness gracious! Great balls of fire!!!

** ***

There are so many things to share. So many activities. So many blessings and answered prayers that the dark days and agonizing aches and pains are nothing compared to the joy of the morning filled with God's choicest blessings!!!

We were able to start our day with the Holy Mass.

There was no mass in the 5 minute away, Our Lady of  Perpetual.

We had to rush to St Emile instead for the 930am.

Father Vincent's  booming voice was a match for the technical glitches of their sound system interrupting his sermon many many times.

He switched them off and we could hear him just fine!!!

** ***

Manitoba Band Association Honor Band Concert.

I had a double treat!

I was in 7th heaven as  Lilli played so many percussion instruments for this event.

It is her 3rd exposure.

She thoroughly enjoys it as much as we get so much consolation and healing from the music they play.

I am so proud of my M&M daughters! Praise You Lord Jesus for this extra special grace after a period of struggles.

They are achieving their own milestones now.

Mari is going to start her internship with Sugar Blooms as she is on her final leg of her Professional Baking course at The Red River College.

I have to do a lot of internal work to prepare for the day that they decide to fly out of the nest.

May God grant me that grace to be ready.

** **

Today's gospel readings: 

https://kerygmafamily.com/modules/dailyreadings/read.php?date=2026-05-06

Reflection questions:

What are steps you take, or the habits you maintain, that helps you remain in God’s love?

Do you see sin as a disconnection from your relationship with God? Do you experience its devastating effect on you? Do you immediately address your disconnection from God?

Reading His word daily or as often as I can helps me hear and recognize His voice.

Yes, yes yes.

Sin separates me from God.

I  quickly reset.

Reconnect.

Reconcile.

Contrition.

Bask in God's best graces and blessings.

Final prayers and thoughts:

Recall all the answers to your prayers that God has given you and realize He is truly alive in your life.

Father, may I never forget that if I give my life to You, You will always work for my  good. God our Father, we thank You for the gift of the Lord Jesus. May we never be disconnected from You. May we always strive, through Your grace, to avoid sin. Amen. 

P.S. Happy 23rd Birthday again to my first born. Thank you for helping me become a better mom and person. You are such an amazing and beautiful young lady!


May 2, 2026 Maples Collegiate


The Clue, Sturgeon Heaights Collegiate, May 1, 2026


April 30, 2026 Pop Up Bakery, The Red River College, Main St.


Soli Deo Gloria.
Totus Tuus Maria.







Thursday, April 23, 2026

Spring is Here!

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

** **

It was thunder and lightning kind of night last night.

Today, there is still a strong wind blowing, but the sun is shinning gloriously! Hopefully, spring is here despite the notice of plummeting temperatures maybe in the early morning or late evening today and tomorrow.

A have noticed a lot of people walking pass by the front road since yesterday. So interesting to watch. Walking with their dogs and my neighbors toddler going to daycare in his cute little wagon!!

Young mom and their baby. The exact symbol of spring.

This morning, my soon to be fifteen year old, had to ask me twice how her outfit of the day looks like.

I am learning to stop and admire when it is required and to not show a look of dismay when the choice being presented is not to my liking.

For some reason, my reaction does not elicit a positive response especially when I feel I need to show my disapproval.

Teenagers!!!

And rebellious young adults!

Many times this week, my youngest has expressed her longing for our young guests aged 8,7 and 3.

She kept looking for their noise and antics.

She is glad that for a short while she has experienced how it is to have younger siblings.

My heart is full!

I am so glad that she saw the value in welcoming these little ones in our home for one week.




Praise and thank You Lord Jesus for this grace.

** ***

Today, I remember two good friends, Tita Edna and Josie, who are celebrating their birthdays today. I also remember my sibling number 5, who is celebrating her birthday tomorrow.

I prayed the complete rosary earlier for their intentions.

Thank You Lord Jesus Thank You.

** ***

Today's gospel readings:

https://kerygmafamily.com/modules/dailyreadings/read.php?date=2026-04-23


Reflection questions:

How can a person learn about faith without someone instructing him? This question prompts us to reflect on our duty and responsibility in proclaiming the Gospel. What does God ask each of us to do?

Among the many titles of Jesus, which one is the most important to you? Why?

When was the last time you shared the Gospel with someone who was far away from the Lord? Are there times when you failed to respond to the prompting of the Holy Spirit to do this?


I believe, God is asking each one of us, baptized Catholics/Christians, to continue spreading His word through our actions.

He asks us to continue ministering and praying for one another.

For me, the Jesus is the Good Shepherd. He is the Living Bread that came down from heaven. If we eat Him, we will have eternal life.

Last Sunday, by God's grace, I shared to a declared non-believer, the gospel of Christ regarding the covenant of marriage.

The virtue and grace of  forgiveness and patience and forbearance.

I remember two people now, who showed me in the past of this same example.

Their names are Ely and Nimfa.

Thank You Lord Jesus for the grace of this memory and the grace to keep on responding to the promptings of the Holy Spirit.

Praise to You Oh Lord Jesus Christ.

Ave Maria!

Totus Tuus.





Tuesday, April 21, 2026

I Surrender All

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

** **

Hi!

Welcome back to reading my thoughts and reflections.

The temperature now in Winnipeg is +14*C. Lovely to start working  in the front and back lawn and plants.

But, wait, not too fast! Forcasts say it will hit a low of +1 by Thursday.

For the budding vegetable garden enthusiast, planting outdoors will have to wait until a nice mini green house structure will be prepared. If not, I will just have to resort to sturdy, less care flowering plants like my Zinnias and Marigolds.

I eagerly await the resurgence of my Asiatic Lilies, Hydrangeas, 4th of July sunburst flowers and my Catnip mints.

Ruel has not checked on our baby Apple shrub.

My indoor lemon shrub of almost 5 years is  in Intensive Care right now.

My Ikea Ficus is history. So sad!

Today, marks  my dad’s 94th birthday.

I look out the windows right now and admire the overcast skies in the west windows, and the east, show pale blue and puffy clouds.

The 1pm sun is indeed bright.

I send kisses to dad.

I thank him for the devotion of the Divine Mercy.

I thank him for loving my mom for 41 years.

I offered my  complete rosary earlier for the repose of his soul and continue to pray that our Great God’s eternal light shine upon him.

I continue to thank him for the memories of him being my father.

One of our last conversations  in  2015,  a few months before he died was he had no fear of dying.  He tells me that our faith in God, His Son Jesus, the King of Divine Mercy should assure us of that promise that we will enjoy the afterlife with Him.

We must simply trust.

We must continue to seek Him out, to know Him more deeply,  love Him enough to serve His purpose in our lives.

For His greater glory and the good of our souls.

Today also marks more than a month of journeying up close and personal a young  mom of three children ages, 8,7 and 3.

Husband of 17 years has filed divorce proceedings from her.

I surrender every prayer, every conversation, every counseling attempt to the  Sacred Heart of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

Lord, I let go and let You take over.

We did our part in trying to work for the preservation of the marriage, the healing of the hurts, the spot lighting of Your presence in their family life, the wellbeing of their children.

All may fall short.

Take over Lord.

I surrender.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j04Bx9pKwpU 


** ***

Today's Kerygma Daily Reflections link:

https://kerygmafamily.com/modules/dailyreadings/read.php?date=2026-04-21

My reflections based on the proposed reflection questions:

Do you seek the Bread of Life daily, or are you more focused on temporary rewards?

Which among Jesus’ deeds and traits is the most life-giving to you? Why?


Are you ready to get out of your comfort zone and allow the Spirit to lead you into new places and experiences? 


I try my best to seek God, The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit before I start my day and before I end my day.

Seeking Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist during the celebration of the mass is something we try to do each Sunday.

To be a daily mass goer is the target even online for now.

I wish to make good this resolve if I will claim that His Last Supper deeds and words are very important for me.

The power of His Resurrection is what I try to remember more often especially when I feel my prayers are not being answered in a timely manner since I am surely focused on a lot of distractions and temporal rewards.

As I surrender to Him, His Holy Will, His purpose in my life...it is an act of bravery and full trust just like the time I did paragliding in Gudauri, Georgia.

I try to always be ready for His Holy Spirit's workings and leadings in my life.

Praise to Your Oh Lord Jesus Christ.

Mama Mary, please continue to cover my family and I with your Guadalupe Tilma.

St. Joseph, terror of demons, pray for us.

St. Michael, by your light, enlighten us.
St. Michael, by your wings, shield us.
St. Michael, by your sword, defend us.




Tuesday, April 7, 2026

Easter Tuesday

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


** ***

April 7,2026

The skies are overcast today.

Yesterday, we enjoyed blue skies and puffy white clouds. The sun was shinning beautifully. 40% of the snow in the front and back yard thawed.

Was thinking of keeping the winter jackets, but then again, it might not still be a good idea.

Today, let us focus on Mary Magdalene and Jesus asking her not to touch Him yet.

What does that mean?

https://kerygmafamily.com/modules/dailyreadings/read.php?date=2026-04-07

Kergyma Family explains that things that distract us like jobs, toxic people, painful situations,  and everything that the world offers may compete with our sole focus on Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

I am now asking the grace from Jesus, to surrender to Him all my dreams, plans and intentions. I  place them all at the foot of His Holy Cross and ask that His love directly flow back to my heart, body and soul.

May all our Good Friday's reach Resurrection Sundays.

Reflection questions:

Do you miss out seeing Jesus in others? Make a list of these people and think of ways they manifest Jesus’ character to you.

What experience allowed you to “see” the Lord powerfully at work in your life?

In what moments of your life have you felt like Mary—grieving, disoriented, or lost? How did Jesus meet you in that darkness?

My prayer:

Lord Jesus, please touch all leaders of this world, especially the warring factions :

  U.S.A-Israel versus Iran.

Ukraine versus Russia.

Nigeria.

Taiwan.

Gaza.

China grabbing islands in the Philippine archipelago.

May your peace reign in all our hearts and may we continue to welcome YOU Oh Lord in our hearts so our sorrows will turn into Joy, our confusion to CLARITY and our despair to Hope in You and in You alone.